Meet the Online Tracking Device That is Virtually Impossible to Block

Discussion in 'privacy problems' started by ronjor, Jul 21, 2014.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. noone_particular

    noone_particular Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Posts:
    3,798
    Because this is one of many tracking/fingerprinting methods in the wild. Yes, it may be something that can be blocked or possibly altered, but if one method such as this one is blocked while another is permitted, that combination is itself a fingerprint, possibly a very unique fingerprint that's easily recognized.
     
  2. mirimir

    mirimir Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2011
    Posts:
    9,252
    True enough.

    The Tor browser would be a better bet, right? By default it doesn't permit HTML5 canvas fingerprinting.
     
  3. elapsed

    elapsed Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2004
    Posts:
    7,076
    It's unlikely there will ever be anything that can't be blocked. You need scripts to execute, scripts need to be downloaded, at which point they can be blocked.

    It's borderline madness to think a fresh VM would be needed every time you launch a browser.
     
  4. mirimir

    mirimir Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2011
    Posts:
    9,252
    That's true enough.

    But the key is knowing when it is needed, and when it's far from sufficient.
     
  5. TheWindBringeth

    TheWindBringeth Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2012
    Posts:
    2,171
    I suspect it would be for some applications. I think every instance of "return pure white canvas image data" behavior would effectively have the same, currently-unique-to-Tor-Browser, canvas fingerprint.
     
  6. Rasheed187

    Rasheed187 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2004
    Posts:
    17,897
    Location:
    The Netherlands
    I was thinking the same thing. :p
     
  7. lotuseclat79

    lotuseclat79 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2005
    Posts:
    5,390
    The hidden perils of cookie syncing.

    -- Tom
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.