Browser Fingerprinting and the Importance of Digital Privacy

Abstract

Browser fingerprinting is a type of internet tracking where the attributes of a user’s computer and browser accessing a web page are remotely recorded and then used for profiling, tracking, and advertising purposes. This paper focuses on defining browser fingerprinting and enumerating ways in which the user can combat fingerprinting. Browser finger-printing can be thwarted by changing attributes within the user’s browser or machine, using a browser designed to combat fingerprinting, or with security and anti-fingerprinting focused browser extensions. All of these methods are capable of increasing the security of the user.