Device Fingerprinting Under Scrutiny: EU Data Watchdog Warns of Privacy Risks
The Article 29 group has raised concerns about device fingerprinting, highlighting its potential threat to individual internet users' data protection. In Germany, websites processing personal data, including those using device marking methods, must be transparent about their data protection practices. This includes informing users of their right to object.
Device fingerprinting identifies users by analyzing browser characteristics like installed fonts and plugins. With just four features, 87% of website visitors can be recognized again. This method can create user movement profiles across multiple websites without users' knowledge or consent. The EU's cookie directive requires user consent for accessing data stored on a user's device, including device fingerprinting. In Germany, websites must include device fingerprinting in their privacy policy and inform users of their right to object. The Article 29 group concludes that device fingerprinting is subject to the cookie directive's requirements.
German websites processing personal data, including those using device fingerprinting, must clearly state their data processing activities and users' rights in their privacy policies. This includes informing users of their right to object to certain data processing activities.
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