The creepiest Internet tracking tool yet is ‘virtually impossible’ to block

[Archean]

The creepiest Internet tracking tool yet is ‘virtually impossible’ to block

Internet users who are actively trying to make sure their online activity isn’t tracked by websites or government agencies should know there’s an even creepier tracking tool out there used by a variety of websites, “from WhiteHouse.gov to YouPorn,” as ProPublica puts it, that’s almost impossible to block.


Called “canvas fingerprinting,” the tool built by AddThis instructs web browsers to create a hidden, unique image that can be used to track the user’s movements from site to site – much like a fingerprint – in order to deliver better targeted ads. The technology began testing earlier this year as a way to replace website cookies.
Source: Link
Link 2 with some remedies


I am not feeling smug of anything , but luckily I've always relied on No Script to keep unwanted stuff at bay.

 

[davislane1]

Who needs the NSA when you've got data firms doing such a superior job?

 

[captaincranky]

Well, the NSA needs to know your buying habits also. For example, suppose you bought a backpack? Another tracking system should know that you're no longer in the the market for a backpack, and beg off trying to target you with ads for more backpacks. (Like that's really gonna happen. The more likely scenario is, "here are a dozen backpacks, better than the one you just bought, so buy them too").

The NSA however, has a much more altruistic need to know who's buying backpacks, such as those who would undermine our great American way of life and bring terror to our shores.

So, why wouldn't the NSA have a need to track every purchase of a backpack that was ever made?

And why shouldn't the NSA declare every retailer that deals in school supplies or camping gear a, "possible terrorist hub"?

Good lookin' out you guys! Now I can sit on my toilet in comfort and security, knowing that I'm not gonna get blowed off the can by Al Queda....