# 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.

- Canonical URL: https://antitrackingsoftware.com/faq/
- Source: [EFF, What Is Fingerprinting?](https://ssd.eff.org/module/what-fingerprinting)
- Checked: 2026-10-22

## Questions
**Can a site recognise me without cookies?** Yes. Sites combine details such as screen resolution, time zone and operating system version ([EFF](https://ssd.eff.org/module/what-fingerprinting)). See [what is fingerprinting](https://antitrackingsoftware.com/browser-fingerprinting-techniques/).

**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](https://webkit.org/blog/15697/private-browsing-2-0/)); Chrome's Incognito blocks third-party cookies ([Google](https://privacysandbox.google.com/blog/privacy-sandbox-next-steps)). Neither makes you anonymous.

**What is `fbclid` in a link?** A tracking parameter on Mozilla's strip list. See [tracking parameters](https://antitrackingsoftware.com/tracking-parameters-in-links/).

**Does Global Privacy Control block trackers?** No. It asks sites not to sell or share your data ([Mozilla](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/global-privacy-control)). California, Colorado and Connecticut have checked whether businesses honor it ([CPPA](https://cppa.ca.gov/announcements/2025/20250909.html)).

**Which browser is best?** We do not rank them. See [the comparison](https://antitrackingsoftware.com/browser-protections-compared/), 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](https://www.edpb.europa.eu/system/files/documents/2024-10/edpb_guidelines_202302_technical_scope_art_53_eprivacydirective_v2_en_0.pdf)). See [EU rules](https://antitrackingsoftware.com/eu-rules-on-tracking-and-fingerprinting/).

**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](https://antitrackingsoftware.com/how-unique-is-your-browser/).

*Outside this page:* Mobile app tracking, advertising IDs and network-level tracking.

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Anti-Tracking Guide · Contact: contact@antitrackingsoftware.com