Too little too late: can we control browser fingerprinting?
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Published:2020-01-07
Issue:2
Volume:21
Page:165-180
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ISSN:1469-1930
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Container-title:Journal of Intellectual Capital
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language:en
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Short-container-title:JIC
Author:
Al-Fannah Nasser MohammedORCID, Mitchell ChrisORCID
Abstract
PurposeBrowser fingerprinting is increasingly being used for online tracking of users, and, unlike the use of cookies, is almost impossible for users to control. This has a major negative impact on online privacy. Despite the availability of a range of fingerprinting countermeasures as well as some limited attempts by browser vendors to curb its effectiveness, it remains largely uncontrolled. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides the first comprehensive and structured discussion of measures to limit or control browser fingerprinting, covering both user-based and browser-based techniques.FindingsThis study discusses the limitations of counter browser fingerprinting measures and the need for browser vendor support in controlling fingerprinting. Further, a somewhat counterintuitive possible new browser identifier is proposed which could make cookies and fingerprint-based tracking redundant; the need for, and possible effect of, this feature is discussed.Originality/valueThis study provides the first comprehensive and structured discussion of measures to limit or control browser fingerprinting. Also, it proposes a new browser identifier that could make cookies and fingerprint-based tracking redundant.
Subject
General Business, Management and Accounting,Education
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