Browser privacy guide · sources checked 2026-11-03
Check what your browser fingerprint can reveal
Learn how to use EFF Cover Your Tracks, what its browser fingerprint report means, and why a VPN does not hide browser signals.
Does a VPN hide my browser fingerprint?
No. A VPN can change the public IP address seen for covered traffic, but a site can still collect browser and device characteristics, recognize sign-ins, and use cookies. See the guide's EFF test walkthrough for a separate browser check.
Does a low uniqueness result mean I cannot be tracked?
No. The result describes the tested browser within the test's comparison data. It does not establish what another site collects, whether a tracker linked activity to you, or whether cookies and accounts identify you.
Should I change settings until every fingerprint field looks common?
No. Fingerprint signals interact, and a combination of unusual settings may itself stand out. Use the report to understand tradeoffs; do not target an individual metric as a guarantee.
Sources
- Electronic Frontier Foundation: Cover Your Tracks — Learn about fingerprinting (accessed 2026-11-03)
- Electronic Frontier Foundation: Cover Your Tracks browser test (accessed 2026-11-03)
- Electronic Frontier Foundation: About Cover Your Tracks (accessed 2026-11-03)
- Electronic Frontier Foundation: Cover Your Tracks privacy policy (accessed 2026-11-03)