Browser Fingerprinting

Almost every website today uses javascript to run smoothly. HTML is used to structure a website, CSS is used to make the fonts and colors look nice, and javascript is used for browser actions, like what happens when you click a button, or the way animations work on a webpage.

Javascript has the capability to run in the background of a webpage without you even knowing.

Javascript has the capability to determine your:

• Web browser
• Operating System
• Device type
• Screen resolution
• Time zone
• Plugins
• Apps on your computer
• Activity status on the browser

The unique features collected by javascript from your browser can then be sold to advertisers to send you targeted ads.

The only real way to prevent browser fingerprinting is by disabling javascript in your browsers settings. But this, in turn would most likely break the functionality of most websites, and can be a major inconvenience.

Browser fingerprinting continues to work even when using a VPN, or a private window that deletes your cookies. This is because the code is directly implemented in the website you visit.

To reduce browser fingerprinting as much as possible, try not to be such a unique user. Remove unique plugins, and use common browsers. This will put you in a bigger user pool with a less distinct identifier. Try using Mozilla Firefox or the Tor browser that has features that prevent browser fingerprinting.