GoKawiilBrowser fingerprinting emerges as tracking method that survives cookie deletion and VPNs
A demonstration described in the piece shows how websites can assign visitors a persistent 'fingerprint' based on device and browser characteristics, a tracking identifier that remains consistent even after clearing cookies or using a VPN, though it changes across different devices or browsers. The technique relies on JavaScript-based scripts run via ad networks, and the author notes that disabling JavaScript blocks this specific method, though network-level tracking can still occur. The piece frames this as a successor to third-party cookies, which became harder to use after EU-driven consent banner regulations.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This suggests that as regulatory and technical pressure curbs cookie-based tracking, companies may be shifting toward fingerprinting as a harder-to-block alternative, since it doesn't require storing data on a user's device. The author argues the resulting data isn't just used for advertising but could be aggregated into broader behavioral or societal profiles and sold to any buyer, including governments, though this framing reflects the author's own interpretation rather than confirmed industry practice. It raises questions about whether existing privacy regulations like cookie-consent rules adequately address non-cookie tracking methods.
- Browser fingerprinting can identify users consistently across sessions even when cookies are cleared or a VPN is used.
- Disabling JavaScript can block this particular fingerprinting technique, though other network-based tracking may still apply.
- The author suggests fingerprinting is becoming a workaround for advertisers as cookie-based tracking faces more regulatory scrutiny, such as EU consent-banner rules.
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Published there as: “Fingerprints are the new cookies”
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