# What is Fingerprinting?

*Development · Last updated: October 29, 2026*

It is a method of tracking users without using cookies by collecting unique characteristics of web browsers and devices.

## Overview

Fingerprinting is a technique that assigns a unique identity to a device or browser by analyzing its hardware, software, and display settings. Dozens of data points such as screen resolution, installed fonts, graphics card drivers, and browser extensions are combined. This allows users to be tracked on the internet even if cookies are deleted.

***Analogy:** It is similar to recognizing a person's identity from their fingerprint or voice tone without asking for cookies or an ID card.*

## How it works

JavaScript codes placed on a website query the browser's system specifications. The obtained technical data is combined and converted into a hash string to create a device-specific identity.

## Where it is used

It is used for user tracking in internet advertising, preventing unauthorized access in fraud detection systems, and in cybersecurity analysis.

## Commonly confused with

It is confused with cookies; while cookies are temporary files saved on the device, fingerprinting reads the existing features of the device and cannot be deleted.

## Questions and answers

**Can fingerprinting be prevented?**

Privacy-focused browsers and special extensions can make this tracking difficult by displaying randomized system data.

**Is fingerprinting legal?**

When performed without the user's explicit consent, it is subject to restrictions under data privacy laws such as the GDPR.

## Related terms

- [Cookies](https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/cookies/)
- [Digital Privacy](https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/digital-privacy/)
- [Stealth Headless Browser](https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/stealth-headless-browser/)
- [Ad Tech](https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/ad-tech/)

This explanation was written in plain language for TreScout with AI and **machine-translated** from the Turkish original · the Turkish version prevails. If something looks wrong or missing, write to [hello@trescout.com](mailto:hello@trescout.com). [Read in Turkish →](https://trescout.com/dictionary/fingerprinting/)

---
Source: TreScout Dictionary · https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/fingerprinting/