The Digital Press

New research from Texas A&M University reveals that websites are using browser fingerprinting to track users across sessions and sites, bypassing traditional cookie-based protections. This method collects detailed browser and device information, creating a unique "fingerprint" that remains even after cookies are deleted.

Why it matters: Browser fingerprinting enables persistent tracking that users cannot easily detect or block, threatening online privacy despite cookie controls.

The big picture: This study is the first to link fingerprinting directly with ad targeting, showing real-time use of fingerprints in advertising and tracking.

The stakes: Users opting out of tracking under laws like GDPR and CCPA can still be tracked through fingerprinting, exposing gaps in privacy regulations.

Commenters say: Many acknowledge fingerprinting’s long history and difficulty to block, debate ad targeting nuances, and highlight the lack of robust open-source privacy browsers.