How do I control what information I give out?
I want to control EVERYTHING my browser gives out.
In the past, I've experienced having my ID stolen and used to make bank accounts. + Other unpleasant experiences.
I want to be in control of EACH and EVERYTHING I give out when I browse somewhere. No, I don't just want to block, I want to control and and change ANYTHING that is given out.
I've done a lot of reading. 'They' can collect tiny pieces of data and make a jigsaw that pinpoints YOU.
Simple things like:
- your screen resolution. - browser size. - addosn installed. - fonts installed!! - and MANY other things!
EVEN without your IP, 'they' secretly collect your information and can pinpoint you.
One thing I have learned, if you BLOCK *everything* - then that has the a worse effect - since it brings the spotlight onto you! You stick out like a sore thumb!
Where and how can I be in FULL control of what is given out? I want to be able to edit. If I want to give out that I use a specific screen resolution or ANYTHING else, I want to be able to do this.
Thanks.
All Replies (3)
Hi enginestar,
If you discover a way, let everyone else know about it.
A lot of what you're saying here is known as "fingerprinting'. It's not a new concept. Microsoft puts together pieces of information about you, without ever opening your browser. Things like App History in Task Manager, data downloaded (in Mb) per month in Disk Cleanup, Sleep Study tells them about your habits and they put Appraisers and Assessors on your computer in the middle of the night which collect info about installed programs and apps - what they are, when they were installed, how much you use them, etc. and that info is sent back to them under the guise of Compatibility Telemetry to assess whether or not you are ready for an update. The most requests for this information are from governments. And guess again, you agreed to it!
In short, if you're using anything more advanced than an abacus and an etch-a-sketch, You're Being Watched.
There's only so much that you can do to battle 'fingerprinting'. The answers that you got in your post from 11 months ago covers much of it, https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1229219 (see, you left a footprint) but, just like hackers and creators of malicious content, those methods are circumvented. If you've noticed lately, people have been intensely focused on Privacy. This has given the 'mean' ones out there the opportunity to work on more aggressive avenues to steal data and wreak havoc on our computers, e.g. 'fileless threats'. Personally, I incorporate Privacy measures, sure, but I stay more focused on Security. I think, and this only my opinion, that more people need to stand their ground on adblocking. When a site asks you to disable your adblocker or whitelist them - Don't Do It! When they feel the pinch then they are a victim of malvertising. Not me. When they feel the pinch, so does the Tax Man. When those revenues go down, maybe, just maybe, someone will wake up, shut up and get something done.
Guys, thanks for the replies - very helpful and educational. I forgot to reply and say thanks.