Inaudible sounds used to fingerprint browsers catch AliExpress red-handed
Researcher Matthew Callaghan discovered that the retailer AliExpress uses inaudible audio signals to fingerprint browser users. This technique, which interferes with Bluetooth headphone connections, allows the site to track visitors across sessions.
Why it matters
It highlights the ongoing privacy risks associated with stealthy browser fingerprinting techniques used by major e-commerce platforms.
SNOOPS GONNA SNOOP Inaudible sounds used to fingerprint browsers catch AliExpress red-handed Is the technique outdated? Yes. Is it still creepy? Also yes.
17 Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Chinese retailer AliExpress has been caught fingerprinting visitors after one of the metrics—an outdated technique that measures inaudible sounds it sends to browsers—impeded a researcher’s ability to use his bluetooth headphones.
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