Device Fingerprinting

Also known as: canvas fingerprinting, browser fingerprinting, machine fingerprinting

Device fingerprinting is a process used to identify a device or browser based on its specific and unique configuration. By collecting attributes such as screen resolution, installed fonts, browser version, timezone, and hardware characteristics, a fingerprint can distinguish one device from another without relying on stored identifiers on the user's machine.

Unlike web cookies, which are stored client-side on the user's device, device fingerprints must be stored server-side in a database. This distinction makes fingerprinting more persistent across sessions where cookies may be cleared or blocked.

Device fingerprints are commonly used for analytics, ad targeting, and attribution.