Technical

Fingerprinting

A tracking technique that identifies users by collecting unique characteristics of their browser and device — without using cookies.

Browser fingerprinting (or device fingerprinting) is a tracking technique that collects information about a user's browser, operating system, hardware, and settings to create a unique identifier — without storing anything on the user's device.

What Data Is Collected

  • Browser type and version, installed plugins
  • Screen resolution and colour depth
  • Installed fonts, timezone, language settings
  • Canvas and WebGL rendering characteristics
  • Audio processing fingerprint

Why It's a Privacy Concern

  • Works without cookies — clearing cookies doesn't prevent it
  • Users generally cannot detect or prevent it
  • Creates a persistent identifier across sessions and sites

Fingerprinting requires consent under the ePrivacy Directive (Article 5(3) covers any access to information stored on a device). The GDPR also applies since fingerprints constitute personal data.

Related Terms

Personal DataPrivacy

Any information that can identify a living individual, directly or indirectly.

ConsentPrivacy

A freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of agreement to data processing.

CookieTechnical

A small text file stored by your browser that lets websites remember information between page visits.

Third-Party CookieTechnical

A cookie set by a domain other than the website you are visiting — commonly used for cross-site tracking and advertising.

Tracking PixelTechnical

A tiny, invisible image embedded in a web page or email to track user behaviour such as page views and email opens.

First-Party Cookie