Too little too late: can we control browser fingerprinting?
Journal of Intellectual Capital
ISSN: 1469-1930
Article publication date: 24 January 2020
Issue publication date: 28 May 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Browser 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/approach
This paper provides the first comprehensive and structured discussion of measures to limit or control browser fingerprinting, covering both user-based and browser-based techniques.
Findings
This 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/value
This 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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the anonymous referees for their helpful comments and suggestions.
Citation
Al-Fannah, N.M. and Mitchell, C. (2020), "Too little too late: can we control browser fingerprinting?", Journal of Intellectual Capital, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 165-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-04-2019-0067
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited