Say Goodbye to Your Privacy: Google’s Terrifying Move Will Track Your Devices Like Never Before
Say goodbye to your privacy. You will be tracked whether you like it or not. This has huge privacy issues and national security issues as well. Because if our service members have devices they can be tracked. And that tracking data can be used by bad guys if it's readily available for purchase. Get ready folks.
Google‘s ad-tracking approach will now revolve around digital fingerprinting, moving beyond browser-based cookies to an ecosystem-wide tracking mechanism. Starting February 16, 2024, this update allows Google to track users across virtually all smart devices, from browsers to smart TVs, streaming platforms, and gaming consoles. This shift, touted as a response to technological advancements, has sparked fierce regulatory criticism and raised privacy alarms globally.
What Is Digital Fingerprinting, and Why Is It Controversial?
Unlike cookies—which rely on stored files that users can delete—digital fingerprinting gathers subtle clues from a device’s hardware, software, and browsing activity. These clues include:
Device attributes: screen resolution, operating system, browser type, and even font libraries.
Network identifiers: IP address, connected Wi-Fi networks, and geolocation data.
Behavioral patterns: app usage, browsing habits, and engagement metrics.
When combined, this data creates a unique identifier that tracks individuals across devices and platforms. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has openly criticized this approach, stating, “Fingerprinting involves the collection of pieces of information about a device’s software or hardware, which, when combined, can uniquely identify a particular device and user.”