Google’s Fingerprinting Strategy: Stop Browser Fingerprinting Before It’s Too Late (February 2025 Update)

Starting in February 2025, Google will allow advertisers to track users through fingerprinting, even as third-party cookies are phased out. This decision contradicts Google’s previous stance, where the company condemned fingerprinting as “subverting user choice.”

What does this mean for users?

• No ability to delete tracking data.
• Cross-device tracking becomes seamless (from phone to laptop).
• Privacy regulations like GDPR are harder to enforce.

Why Is Stop Browser Fingerprinting More Important Than Ever?

• Users will have no control over their tracking data.
• Fingerprinting is persistent, meaning it cannot be deleted or blocked like cookies.
• Tracking extends across devices, allowing companies to follow users from their phone to their laptop.

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has already condemned this decision, calling it irresponsible, as it removes user consent from online tracking.

Google’s Contradiction: From Condemnation to Approval

Google’s stance on browser fingerprinting has shifted dramatically over the years. In 2019, Google firmly condemned fingerprinting, stating that it “subverts user choice and is incorrect.”

🔗 Official Sources:

• Google Blog: Building a More Private Web
• Google Support: What is Fingerprinting?
• TechCrunch: Google Proposes New Privacy & Anti-Fingerprinting Controls

However, in December 2024, Google reversed its position, announcing that starting February 16, 2025, it will officially allow advertisers to use fingerprinting techniques for tracking users. This decision marks a significant shift as the web transitions to a cookieless tracking model.

This policy shift has triggered strong criticism from privacy advocates and regulators. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) denounced Google’s decision as “irresponsible,” emphasizing that it “reduces user choice and control over personal data collection.”

Why Has Google Changed Its Position on Fingerprinting?

Google’s shift toward fingerprinting-based tracking is driven by:

• The Transition to a Web Without Cookies – With Chrome phasing out third-party cookies, advertisers demand alternative tracking methods to maintain ad targeting efficiency.
• The Rise of Cookieless Tracking – As users increasingly adopt VPNs, privacy-focused browsers, and ad blockers, traditional tracking methods are becoming obsolete.
• Fingerprinting as a Persistent Alternative – Unlike cookies, fingerprinting cannot be deleted or easily blocked, making it an ideal solution for advertisers in a cookieless environment.

The Privacy Illusion:

Google promotes itself as a leader in privacy protection, yet its actions suggest the opposite. By officially approving fingerprinting, it introduces a tracking method that is far more invasive and harder to block than cookies.

This shift aligns with Google’s Privacy Sandbox initiative, which aims to maintain targeted advertising in a web without cookies while minimizing transparency and user control.

🔗 Source: Google’s Official Statement on Fingerprinting

Stop Browser Fingerprinting Now: Real-World Consequences You Should Know

Beyond being a privacy risk, browser fingerprinting creates serious consequences that affect users worldwide—sometimes without their awareness. Here’s why you should be concerned

• • Algorithmic Discrimination: Websites may adjust prices based on your device. Mac users, for instance, often see higher travel fares than Windows users.
  • Mass Surveillance: Governments and corporations can track users without their consent, building highly detailed behavioral profiles.
  • Inescapable Targeted Ads: Even if you clear your history or use a VPN, advertisers can still recognize you across different devices.
  • Threats to Journalists and Activists: Whistleblowers and political dissidents can be identified, despite their best efforts to remain anonymous.

Regulations and Laws on Fingerprinting and Privacy Protection

Regulators and human rights organizations have expressed growing concerns about browser fingerprinting, highlighting its implications for digital rights, online privacy, and mass surveillance. Although some laws attempt to regulate fingerprinting, the global response remains fragmented.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• Context: The GDPR, in force across the European Union since 2018, is one of the most comprehensive data protection laws globally.
• Requirements: Websites must obtain explicit user consent before collecting fingerprinting data, as it qualifies as personally identifiable information.
• Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue, whichever is higher.
• 🔗 GDPR and Cookies – Official Guidance

Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)

The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) is a UK regulation that implements the EU ePrivacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC). It establishes specific privacy rights regarding electronic communications and online tracking.

• Context: PECR works alongside the GDPR but focuses specifically on the confidentiality of electronic communications and the use of tracking technologies like fingerprinting.
• Scope: PECR applies to any technology that stores or accesses information on a user’s device, including:
  • Cookies
  • Tracking pixels
  • Link decoration and click tracking
  • Web storage (LocalStorage, IndexedDB)
  • Fingerprinting techniques
  • Scripts and tags
• Requirements: Organizations must:
  • Provide clear and transparent information about tracking technologies.
  • Obtain valid user consent before deploying fingerprinting or similar tracking mechanisms.
  • Ensure that users can opt out of fingerprinting when required.
• 🔗 ICO Guidance on the Use of Storage and Access Technologies
• 🔗 Directive 2002/58/EC – ePrivacy Directive

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

• Context: The UK’s independent regulatory body overseeing data privacy.
• Position: In December 2024, the ICO criticized Google’s decision to permit fingerprinting, stating it is “irresponsible” and diminishes user choice and control.
• Guidance: The ICO has released draft guidance on the use of storage and access technologies, emphasizing lawful and transparent deployment of such methods.
• 🔗 ICO’s Response to Google’s Policy Change on Fingerprinting
• 🔗 ICO Consultation on Draft Updated Guidance on Storage and Access Technologies

European Data Protection Board (EDPB)

• Context: The EDPB provides guidance on the application of data protection laws across Europe.
• Guidelines: In October 2024, the EDPB adopted Guidelines 2/2023 on the Technical Scope of Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive, clarifying the applicability of consent requirements to various tracking technologies, including fingerprinting.
• 🔗 EDPB Guidelines 2/2023 on Technical Scope of Article 5(3) of ePrivacy Directive

Key Takeaway

Fingerprinting is under increasing scrutiny worldwide. While some organizations push forward with this tracking technology, regulators and human rights organizations are advocating for stricter laws to protect digital privacy and online anonymity.

Why Is Google Enforcing Fingerprinting? A Cookieless Future and Digital Tracking

Google claims to prioritize privacy, yet fingerprinting offers deeper tracking than cookies ever did. This move benefits advertisers, ensuring that:

• Users remain identifiable despite privacy tools.
• Ad targeting remains profitable.
• Companies can bypass traditional data protection regulations.

It’s about profits, not privacy.

• Safari, Firefox, and Brave block third-party cookies.
• More users rely on VPNs and ad blockers.
• Google seeks a more persistent tracking alternative that cannot be blocked.

The Privacy Illusion

Google presents third-party cookie removal as a privacy enhancement. However, by replacing cookie-based tracking with fingerprinting, it introduces an even more invasive method. This shift aligns with the transition to a cookieless web, where advertisers must adapt by using alternatives like cookieless tracking.

Google, Cookieless Tracking, and Fingerprinting

Google justifies this transition as necessary to sustain web monetization while respecting user privacy. However, unlike cookies, which users can delete or block, fingerprinting is persistent and much harder to evade.

🔗 Google’s Official Statement on Fingerprinting – Support Page

Recommended Action: Protect Yourself in a Cookieless Web

To mitigate the risks posed by Google’s new policy:

• Use privacy-focused browsers (Mullvad, Brave, or Tor)
• Install fingerprinting-blocking extensions (PassCypher HSM PGP Free, uBlock Origin, CanvasBlocker)
• Employ anti-fingerprinting authentication solutions like PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB protection

💡 As the internet moves toward a cookieless future, new tracking methods like fingerprinting will dominate digital advertising. Users must adopt privacy-enhancing tools to regain control over their online footprint.

How Browser Fingerprinting Works and Why It’s Dangerous

What is Browser Fingerprinting?

Fingerprinting collects hardware and software details to create a unique ID. Unlike cookies, it cannot be deleted or blocked easily.

What Data Is Collected?

1. Canvas & WebGL Rendering – How your browser processes graphics
2. TLS Handshake & Encryption Settings – Unique security protocols used by your device
3. Audio Fingerprinting – How your sound card interacts with software
4. User-Agent & Hardware Details – Operating system, screen resolution, installed fonts, and browser plugins

Even if a user blocks one or two tracking elements, fingerprinting compiles multiple attributes to identify them uniquely.

Cover Your Tracks – Browser Fingerprinting Protection Test

Test Your Browser’s Privacy Level

To determine how vulnerable your browser is to tracking and fingerprinting, you can use these tools:
🔹 Cover Your Tracks (EFF) – Analyzes tracker blocking, invisible tracking scripts, and fingerprint uniqueness.
🔹 Am I Unique? – Provides a detailed analysis of your digital fingerprint and its uniqueness.

💡 If these tests indicate “Your browser has a unique fingerprint,” you are still highly trackable online, even with ad-blockers enabled.

Best Solutions to Stop Fingerprinting in a Cookieless World

Since fingerprinting is difficult to block entirely, the best approach is combining multiple methods for maximum privacy.

Solution	Effectiveness 🔥	Ease of Use ✅	Cost 💰
PassCypher HSM PGP Free	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Blocks BITB + fingerprinting + prevents execution)	✅ Easy	Free
Tor Browser	🔥🔥🔥🔥 (High anonymity, standard fingerprint)	❌ Complex	Free
Mullvad Browser	🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Blocks fingerprinting effectively)	✅ Easy	Free
Brave with Advanced Protections	🔥🔥🔥 (Randomizes fingerprints)	✅ Easy	Free
Disabling JavaScript	🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Prevents tracking but breaks many sites)	❌ Complex	Free
VPN + Proxy Chains	🔥🔥🔥 (Obscures IP but does not prevent fingerprinting)	❌ Complex	Paid
uBlock Origin + CanvasBlocker Extension	🔥🔥 (Blocks some fingerprinting techniques)	✅ Easy	Free
Changing User-Agent Regularly	🔥🔥 (Limits tracking but does not fully prevent it)	❌ Technical	Free
Incognito Mode + Multiple Browsers	🔥 (Reduces but does not eliminate fingerprinting)	✅ Easy	Free

Optimal Setup for Maximum Protection

💡 Recommended: Mullvad Browser + VPN + PassCypher HSM PGP Free or PassCypher HSM PGP + uBlock Origin + JavaScript Blocking

PassCypher HSM PGP Free has been re-evaluated due to its advanced blocking of fingerprinting scripts before execution.
Tor Browser remains powerful but does not completely prevent fingerprinting (Tor users can still be identified by their unique fingerprint).
Mullvad Browser is a solid choice, but it does not block all fingerprinting scripts before execution, unlike PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB.
Brave offers basic protection but does not match PassCypher HSM PGP in blocking BITB attacks and advanced fingerprinting.

This updated ranking positions PassCypher HSM PGP Free as the most effective solution against browser fingerprinting and BITB attacks

Test Results: PassCypher HSM PGP BITB Protection

Homepage of the Test

• Explains how trackers follow users and collect fingerprinting data.
• Offers a test to verify whether a browser effectively blocks tracking scripts.

Test Without BITB Protection (PassCypher HSM PGP Disabled)

• Tracking ads are not blocked. ❌
• Invisible trackers remain active.❌
• Fingerprinting is enabled, allowing websites to uniquely identify the browser.❌ 

Beyond theoretical solutions, let’s examine real-world testing of browser fingerprinting protection using Cover Your Tracks.

Test Without BITB Protection (PassCypher HSM PGP Disabled)

Tracking ads are not blocked.
Invisible trackers remain active.
Browser fingerprinting is fully enabled, allowing websites to track and identify users uniquely.

Test With BITB Protection (PassCypher HSM PGP Enabled)

Analysis of Results With BITB Activated

• BITB Protection significantly enhances security by blocking tracking scripts and invisible trackers.
• However, fingerprinting remains an issue because unique browser characteristics are still accessible.
• Additional measures are needed for complete fingerprinting protection, including:
  • Randomizing fingerprinting data (e.g., Brave browser’s fingerprint obfuscation).
  • Using dedicated browsers like Mullvad Browser or Tor.
  • Installing extensions such as CanvasBlocker to limit data collection.

BITB Protection improves tracking security. ✅
Fingerprinting remains a concern that requires further mitigation. ❌

Test Results: PassCypher HSM PGP BITB Protection

Tracking ads are blocked.✅
nvisible trackers are disabled.✅
The browser still has a unique fingerprint, meaning it can still be identified.⚠️

Final Thoughts: How to Maximize Your Privacy

Even with BITB Protection, fingerprinting remains a challenge. To achieve maximum privacy:

• Use a dedicated anti-fingerprinting browser like Mullvad Browser or Tor. ✅
• Install CanvasBlocker to disrupt common fingerprinting techniques.✅
• Combine BITB Protection with other privacy tools like uBlock Origin.✅

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce your online footprint and enhance your digital security.

The Fingerprinting Paradox: Can It Ever Be Fully Eliminated?

Short answer: No, but advanced tools like PassCypher HSM PGP Free significantly disrupt tracking attempts.

Why Is Fingerprinting Impossible to Fully Block?

It relies on numerous factors, including:

• IP address
• Browser type & version
• Screen resolution
• Installed plugins
• Fonts used
• Hardware specs (GPU, CPU, RAM, etc.)
• Language & timezone
• WebGL & Canvas rendering

Even if you block some attributes, websites can still identify you with high accuracy based on what remains.

However, PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB disrupts this model entirely by blocking fingerprinting scripts before they run.

PassCypher HSM PGP Free: The Best Solution to Stop Browser Fingerprinting & BITB Attacks

What is a Browser-in-the-Browser (BITB) Attack?

BITB attacks simulate fake login pop-ups within a browser to steal user credentials. Victims enter their details, believing they are on a legitimate authentication page, while their login information is sent directly to attackers.

How EviBITB Works

PassCypher HSM PGP Free integrates EviBITB (Iframe Redirect Detection & Removal) to Stop Browser Fingerprinting at the source, blocking scripts before execution and eliminating BITB phishing attempts.

• Detects and removes BITB iFrames attempting to create fake login pages.
• Blocks all fingerprinting scripts embedded in iframes before execution.
• Displays redirection URLs to the user before allowing execution.
• Allows manual, semi-automatic, and automatic iframe control for maximum flexibility.
• Stores decisions in local storage for a seamless experience across sessions.

Why is this superior to traditional anti-fingerprinting methods?

Most fingerprinting protection tools (Tor, Mullvad, CanvasBlocker, etc.) work by:

1. Standardizing browser fingerprints → Making users appear identical.
2. Blocking known tracking scripts → Preventing specific fingerprinting attempts.

💡 EviBITB eliminates fingerprinting by preventing execution entirely.

Key Features:

• Automatic Removal of Malicious Redirect Iframes
• Displays Redirect URLs Before Execution
• Local Profile Storage (No Server, No Database)
• Three Activation Modes: Manual, Semi-Automatic, Fully Automated
• Prevents Tracking via Secure Authentication

🚀 Unlike Tor or Mullvad, which try to neutralize fingerprinting attempts, PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB stops them at the source.

PassCypher Product Line: Comprehensive BITB and Fingerprinting Protection

PassCypher HSM PGP offers a unique multi-layered approach to combating fingerprinting and phishing threats.

Users can configure BITB protection based on their security needs:

• Manual Mode: Users manually approve or block iframe-based elements.
• Semi-Automatic Mode: The extension alerts users and suggests actions.
• Automatic Mode: All suspicious iframes are blocked without user intervention.

In the screenshot above, users can fine-tune their security preferences within the PassCypher HSM PGP settings.
This flexibility ensures that even non-technical users can benefit from state-of-the-art anti-fingerprinting and anti-phishing protection.

PassCypher HSM PGP Free: The Best Solution to Stop Browser Fingerprinting & BITB Attacks

What is a Browser-in-the-Browser (BITB) Attack?

BITB attacks simulate fake login pop-ups to steal credentials. Victims believe they are on a real authentication page, but their data is stolen.

🔗 PassCypher HSM PGP Free Password Manager

How EviBITB Works

• BITB Protection: Detects and eliminates hidden redirection iframes used in phishing attacks.
• Anti-Fingerprinting Features: Blocks tracking scripts before they execute.
• Zero-Trust Model: Works without cloud storage, keeping data fully local.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on all Chromium-based browsers.

PassCypher HSM PGP – Premium Password Manager Passwordless with Enhanced Protection

🔗 PassCypher HSM PGP Password Manager

• All features of the Free version plus:
• PGP Encryption: Secure password storage with cryptographic authentication.
• Customizable BITB Defense: Automated, semi-automated, and manual iframe destruction modes.
• Secure Autofill & Auto-login: Prevents credential leaks via phishing.

Enhanced Protection with PassCypher NFC HSM Devices

Pairing PassCypher HSM PGP with a PassCypher NFC HSM device further strengthens its security features.

🔗 PassCypher NFC HSM Master
🔗 PassCypher NFC HSM Lite

Advantages of NFC HSM Pairing:

• Passwordless Authentication: Secure logins without typing credentials.
• Physical Security Layer: Encryption keys remain offline, reducing attack vectors.
• Automatic Decryption & Login: Credentials are decrypted only in volatile memory, ensuring no persistent storage.
• Full Offline Operation: No server, no database, no cloud exposure.

Why Choose PassCypher?

PassCypher solutions provide a defense-in-depth approach to browser security, combining advanced anti-fingerprinting techniques with strong cryptographic authentication. Whether used independently or in combination with NFC HSM, these solutions offer unparalleled protection against digital tracking, phishing, and data breaches.

Best Anti-Fingerprinting Browsers

Browser	Effectiveness	Privacy Features
Mullvad Browser	High	Blocks all fingerprinting attempts
Tor Browser	High	Masks user identity to prevent tracking
Brave Browser	Medium	Randomizes fingerprinting data
Firefox (Strict Mode)	Medium	Reduces tracking vectors
Safari	Low	Limits fingerprint exposure

For maximum protection, Mullvad Browser or Tor Browser are the most effective choices.

Best Browser Extensions to Prevent Fingerprinting

Several browser extensions offer additional protection against fingerprinting and phishing attacks.
Among them, PassCypher HSM PGP Free stands out due to its advanced BITB protection,
which blocks malicious iframes before they execute.

In the screenshot above, the extension detects a BITB phishing attempt and presents the user with several security options:

• Destroy the iframe to neutralize the attack.
• Destroy all iframes to eliminate all potential threats on the page.
• Never show warnings on this site for trusted domains.

This proactive approach makes PassCypher HSM PGP Free the most effective tool against fingerprinting and BITB phishing attacks.

PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB is the #1 Solution

Criteria	Tor Browser 🧅	Mullvad Browser 🌍	PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB 🛡️
Prevents Fingerprinting at the Source	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Removes Malicious Iframes Before Execution	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Neutralizes BITB Phishing Attacks	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Protects Against All Phishing Redirects	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
User Experience (No Slowdowns, Compatibility)	❌ Limited (Many sites block Tor)	✅ Good	✅ Excellent
Manual, Semi-Auto, and Auto Modes	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Works on Standard Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, etc.)	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Displays Redirection URLs for User Transparency	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Blocks Keystroke Loggers & Enhances Login Security	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Cost	Free	Free	Free

Final Verdict:

• PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB is the most effective fingerprinting and phishing protection available today.
• Unlike other solutions, it blocks fingerprinting attempts at the source instead of just hiding user data.
• It’s the only tool that eliminates BITB phishing, making it an essential security extension.

💡 If users combine it with a VPN, they achieve near-total anonymity and security, far beyond what Tor or Mullvad alone can provide.

Final Thoughts: Stop Browser Fingerprinting and Take Back Your Privacy

Fingerprinting is the future of online tracking, and Google’s February 2025 update will make it even harder to escape. To stay protected:

• Best Free Solution → Install PassCypher HSM PGP Free with EviBITB
• Switch Browsers → Use Mullvad Browser, Tor, or Brave
• Block Fingerprinting Scripts → Use CanvasBlocker + uBlock Origin
• Use Anti-Fingerprinting Scripts → Randomize your User-Agent & block tracking APIs

Privacy is not a luxury—it is a right. By using the right tools, you can significantly reduce your online footprint and stay ahead of tracking techniques.