Online tracking through digital fingerprinting allows advertisers and potentially unethical entities to monitor individuals across the internet, surpassing the capabilities of basic cookies by identifying unique user profiles. In response, Mozilla, the developer behind Firefox, has introduced intensified defenses against this practice in its most recent browser release.
The organization has launched an upgraded iteration of its Enhanced Tracking Protection feature, further strengthening its defenses. As detailed on Mozilla's Distilled blog, these modifications lower the rate of successful individual user identification from more than 60% to under 20%.
These improvements employ multiple strategies to confuse tracking algorithms that rely on device and software configurations for user recognition. Methods include preventing certain scripts from running, adding randomized information to canvas rendering, restricting access to installed fonts on the device, and deliberately providing false details about screen size or processor threads.
Starting with Firefox version 145, these safeguards activate automatically only during Private Browsing sessions. Mozilla indicates plans to extend them to regular browsing for all users soon. This development is likely to be welcomed by those focused on data privacy. It provides a positive step for Mozilla amid recent challenges; as reported by PCGamer, the firm faced criticism this year over revisions to Firefox's service agreement, which some interpreted as permitting the sale of user information. This occurred alongside the rollout of novel artificial intelligence capabilities.
Mozilla described the situation as a misinterpretation, asserting the updates were required for the new functionalities, though a clear commitment against data sales remains absent from the Firefox FAQ section.