205
AliExpress Was Found Using Silent WebAudio for Device Fingerprinting (lemmy.nz)
submitted 1 week ago by Digitalescapetools@sh.itjust.works to c/digitalescapetooks@sh.itjust.works
17 comments fedilink hide all child comments

A recent investigation found AliExpress running hidden WebAudio code that processes audio even when no sound is playing.

The behavior appears related to audio fingerprinting, using how a device processes audio to help distinguish it from others.

Interestingly, it was discovered when a user noticed AliExpress interfered with their Bluetooth multipoint headphones. Closing the AliExpress tab fixed the issue.

The audio was set to zero gain, so nothing was audible, but the browser was still processing the audio graph.

Why it matters: WebAudio can potentially be used for fingerprinting without an obvious indication to the user, raising privacy and transparency concerns.

Source: https://blog.laserphile.com/2026/08/aliexpress-webpage-keeping-multipoint.html

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 week ago

Audio Fingerprinting

An AudioContext node runs a silent waveform through the browser's audio stack. Differences in float precision and DAC handling produce different outputs across devices. Most antidetect browsers spoof canvas and WebGL but skip audio, which is part of why some "stealth" setups still get linked.

https://voidmob.com/blog/best-antidetect-browser-device-fingerprinting-2026

Also check your browser here:

https://coveryourtracks.eff.org/

[-] Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 week ago

Our tests indicate that you have strong protection against Web tracking.

IS YOUR BROWSER:

Blocking tracking ads? Yes

Blocking invisible trackers? Yes

Protecting you from fingerprinting? ◕ your browser has a randomized fingerprint

Yay!

[-] fake@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago

Paradoxically your unusual resistance to fingerprinting is also a fingerprint

[-] yermaw@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 week ago

There really is an xkcd for everything

[-] schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago

Damn, son, what's your browser? I tried Waterfox today and turned on strict privacy and still had a unique fingerprint.

[-] Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 1 week ago

Safari on iOS, not sure how Firefox on my Linux desktop compares because I am unmotivated to get up and check it right now. Maybe later if I remember!

[-] hirihit640@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

Apple browsers tend to all have the same few fingerprints (which is a good thing), since the hardware between most Apple devices are so similar. Your vanilla Firefox on the other hand will likely have a unique fingerprint.

this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2026
205 points (99.0% liked)

digitalescapetools

208 readers
3 users here now

A hub for discovering and sharing privacy-respecting, open-source, and self-hosted digital tools that improve productivity, creativity, and digital independence.

founded 4 months ago
MODERATORS
Digitalescapetools@sh.itjust.works