you could just say yes to every offer.
Posted on 01/31/2022 2:50:09 PM PST by BenLurkin
In a recent paper, the researchers—who hail from universities in Israel, Australia, and France—unveiled a unique device “fingerprinting” strategy that uses the properties of each user’s GPU stack to create distinct, trackable profiles.
For those who don’t know, fingerprinting is a form of web tracking—the ubiquitous practice whereby companies and third-parties monitor consumers in an effort to mitigate fraud, improve “customer experience,” and, oh yeah, sell you stuff.
Historically speaking, most companies have used cookies—which are tiny, identifying text files stored in your browser. But cookies have fallen on hard times lately, as recent privacy regulations—such as California’s CCPA or Europe’s GDPR—have forced them to be consensual rather than mandatory.
As a result, companies have sought alternative tracking methods, including browser and device fingerprinting, which uses data collected from a users’ browser, phone, or PC—such as browser configurations or device specifications—to create a trackable imprint.
Yet fingerprinting has one functional drawback, which is that it doesn’t work for very long.
The specifics of how all this works are a little complicated but, basically, the strategy involves collecting information on how long it takes for a device’s GPU to resolve certain visual elements using WebGL, a graphics rendering API that is present in all modern web browsers. Researchers say there are slight manufacturing differences between identical GPUs, the likes of which can be observed by watching how it interacts with WebGL. Researchers ultimately feed this GPU information and other device data into an algorithm, which then allows them to create a “reliable and robust device signature,” which they say can be used to track the device’s user around the web.
(Excerpt) Read more at gizmodo.com ...
I search things just to laugh at the spies when the ads come up.
That’s it, I’m goin’ off the grid.
Even setting aside graphics cards you leave a trail of breadcrumbs. People who never clear their history make it even easier.
I would claim that I searched...but...I didn’t.
I hear I can run fully modern Deneba Linux on my G5 PPC Mac….
A graphics card? I’ve heard tales of such things once being available for purchase before the time of the covid.
I installed windows on some all in one mac thing.
But seriously i wonder how much different the signatures of mass market identical laptops would be.
But then many (google designed) browsers are really leaky
Depends should build and market a very secure mobile device. Their ad line could be “You may leak but it won’t.”
Very easy to change your device signature.
Different source
you could just say yes to every offer.
For your ping lists.
What ads:
.
Your ISP has all your history. They can sell to anyone or give it to gov’t people for blackmail.
Oh, for Pete’s sake! So can your network adapter.
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