Anti-tracking FAQ: short answers with sources
Short answers on fingerprinting, tracking links, Global Privacy Control, private windows and browser settings, each tied to a Mozilla, EFF or regulator page.
Official source: EFF, What Is Fingerprinting?. Verified on
Questions
Can a site recognise me without cookies? Yes. Sites combine details such as screen resolution, time zone and operating system version (EFF). See what is fingerprinting.
Can I delete a fingerprint? No, it is not stored on your device like a cookie. You can only make your details less distinctive.
Does a private window hide me? Not entirely. Safari's Private Browsing adds fingerprinting noise, link cleaning and tracker blocking (WebKit); Chrome's Incognito blocks third-party cookies (Google). Neither makes you anonymous.
What is fbclid in a link? A tracking parameter on Mozilla's strip list. See tracking parameters.
Does Global Privacy Control block trackers? No. It asks sites not to sell or share your data (Mozilla). California, Colorado and Connecticut have checked whether businesses honor it (CPPA).
Which browser is best? We do not rank them. See the comparison, which gives each maker's own statements and dates.
Is fingerprinting legal in the EU? The EDPB guidelines say fingerprinting falls within Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive, but exemptions from consent need a case-by-case look (EDPB). See EU rules.
Does the browser check send my details anywhere? No. It reads what your browser offers and shows it to you; nothing is sent or stored.
Why does my browser look unique? See how unique is your browser.
Outside this page: Mobile app tracking, advertising IDs and network-level tracking.
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