AliExpress tracks users via inaudible audio fingerprinting
cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/10925160
If you shop on AliExpress and your Bluetooth headphones stop switching between devices, this is caused by hidden tracking scripts on the site, not broken hardware. Install uBlock Origin and add filter rules to block
collina.jsandfireyejs.json aliexpress.com, then close all open AliExpress tabs and reload the site for the fix to take effect....
AliExpress users report a privacy-invasive tracking mechanism on the company's homepage that interferes with Bluetooth hardware. The site runs hidden audio processes that prevent multipoint headphones from switching between devices. This behavior occurs even when the tab is idle and no media is visible to the user. The issue is caused by Alibaba's security scripts designed for device identification and anti-fraud detection.
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https://beyondmachines.net/event_details/aliexpress-silent-webaudio-fingerprinting-uses-bluetooth-hardware-9-o-c-m-i/gD2P6Ple2LOpen linkView original on scribe.disroot.org
6 replies
That would be a problem if my PC had speakers or a mic
And if it had, it would be a problem if my OS/browser allowed such unrestricted access in the first place.
This is fucking diabolical and so far from ok
May I introduce you to Alexa, Siri, and their little sisters on your smartphone? I think you'll hate them.
This should be pretty easily noticeable. Their website will now constantly show the playing audio symbol. Even more noticeable than multi point pairing is probably that your headphones don't go to sleep anymore.
WHAT