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Google's widespread tracking across the web

simpleanalytics.com

21–30 of 108 posts

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#21
post #2

This title is highly misleading, implying that Google tracks DuckDuckGo searches directly, which isn’t true. It also reinforces a conspiracy theory that we’re owned by Google, which also of course isn’t true. Kindly please change it to be more accurate about Google analytics and other Google trackers on websites you may visit. We’ve been sounding the alarm about Google analytics, tag manager, and other Google tracker…

Any chance of a Linux version of your browser?

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#22
post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

To me just posting this long list is spreading FUD. It mixes voluntary user actions, like submitting forms and “query parameters”, with things like “WebGL fingerprint” which we agree is evil sneaky fingerprinting. I agree tracking is a serious problem, but this list isn’t contributing to any discussion.

What I would like is effective solutions against most fingerprinting.

Tor Browser?

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#23
post #6

Let's face reality: as soon as you browse the internet, you will be tracked and identified. Here are just a few data points used for fingerprinting: IP address, User-Agent string, Referrer URL, Requested URL, Language, Locale, Screen resolution, Time zone, System time, Installed fonts, Installed plugins, Cookie data, Browser fingerprint, Canvas fingerprint, WebGL fingerprint, AudioContext fingerprint, Mouse movements…

How is the MAC collected?

It isn't, parent is making stuff up. Browsers do not offer an interface that is exposing that information.

And remote servers are outside of your local network and thus cannot see these values, either.

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#26
> Even in countries with strict laws like the GDPR, Google's trackers are still everywhere. That raises questions about how effective these regulations really are in practice.

This is basically it. GDPR is a stupid unenforceable law, and should be wiped from the books. Try again with something new.

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#27
post #2

This title is highly misleading, implying that Google tracks DuckDuckGo searches directly, which isn’t true. It also reinforces a conspiracy theory that we’re owned by Google, which also of course isn’t true. Kindly please change it to be more accurate about Google analytics and other Google trackers on websites you may visit. We’ve been sounding the alarm about Google analytics, tag manager, and other Google tracker…

Yeah. This is simple fear mongering to sell its own analytics product.

Hopefully you won’t mind me using their own arguments to promote this OSS web analytics project instead:

https://counterscale.dev/

Unlike Simple Analytics (the post authors), you deploy Counterscale to your own Cloudflare account and control the code + data end-to-end. It also uses no cookies, has no browser fingerprinting, and has no monetized SaaS offering.

It only has 90 days retention though, which could be viewed positively.

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#28
post #16

Let's face reality: as soon as you browse the internet, you will be tracked and identified. Here are just a few data points used for fingerprinting: IP address, User-Agent string, Referrer URL, Requested URL, Language, Locale, Screen resolution, Time zone, System time, Installed fonts, Installed plugins, Cookie data, Browser fingerprint, Canvas fingerprint, WebGL fingerprint, AudioContext fingerprint, Mouse movements…

To me just posting this long list is spreading FUD. It mixes voluntary user actions, like submitting forms and “query parameters”, with things like “WebGL fingerprint” which we agree is evil sneaky fingerprinting. I agree tracking is a serious problem, but this list isn’t contributing to any discussion.

People complain about google logging their search queries when they are in "incognito mode" and logged into their google account - we need a lot more education.

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#29
post #2

This title is highly misleading, implying that Google tracks DuckDuckGo searches directly, which isn’t true. It also reinforces a conspiracy theory that we’re owned by Google, which also of course isn’t true. Kindly please change it to be more accurate about Google analytics and other Google trackers on websites you may visit. We’ve been sounding the alarm about Google analytics, tag manager, and other Google tracker…

DDG is only one piece in the privacy puzzle. I think the article doesn't make it clear enough that other pieces are necessary.

Re: Google's widespread tracking across the web

#30

> Even in countries with strict laws like the GDPR, Google's trackers are still everywhere. That raises questions about how effective these regulations really are in practice. This is basically it. GDPR is a stupid unenforceable law, and should be wiped from the books. Try again with something new.

It is enforcable but EU has been quite cautious and conservative with its enforcement approach.

China has a ton of laws aimed to suppress political dissent, and a good chunk of their laws/regulations would be even more unenforceable if they adopted an EU style approach. Of course, China means business, so they just go ahead and deploy the sledgehammer: you are banned from China unless you comply with the law. You typically can't even read the letter of the law and implement what it says verbatim; if you violate the spirit of the law (that is, don't disseminate anti-CCP content) you will still get the banhammer.

It's all about what political capital you're willing to give up to enforce the law.

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