What is browser fingerprinting? How Indian websites identify you without cookies.
Browser fingerprinting explained simply: device signals, identity resolution, tracking without cookies and privacy risk.
The simple answer
Browser fingerprinting means using signals from your browser and device to recognize you or your device. This can include screen size, fonts, language, device type, browser version and other technical details.
Even when cookies are blocked, fingerprint-like signals can help websites or vendors connect visits.
What to check
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
Tracking does not stop at cookies.
State of Privacy tracks identity and advertising tools because modern tracking can use many signals at once. Cookie banners are only one small part of the story.
What to do next
Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.
Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.
Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.
People also ask
Is fingerprinting the same as cookies?
No. Cookies are stored identifiers. Fingerprinting uses device and browser characteristics.
Can I stop fingerprinting completely?
It is hard to stop completely, but privacy browsers and blockers can reduce exposure.
Why do websites fingerprint users?
Reasons include fraud prevention, analytics, advertising and identity resolution.
How many trackers run on your pages? Does your privacy policy name them? Can you answer a data-rights email? If you don't know, we can help you find out.
Talk to Meridian Bridge Strategy →Your personal data belongs to you. Under DPDP, every company must tell you what they have and delete it if you ask. One email is all it takes.
Get the template email →We investigated 107 Indian company websites. The public report shows what we found.