It isn’t possible to completely prevent the digital fingerprint of your internet browser from being found out. In the case of passive fingerprinting, the web server operator receives the characteristics automatically transferred in the HTTP header. However, you can try to keep your client’s recognition value as low as possible so that the fingerprint is not unique and can’t be used for tracking. The simplest solution is to use a browser extension that automatically blocks active content such as the JavaScript, Flash, or Silverlight applications, which aren’t able to logically deliver information to the server.
These plugins, which include NoScript for Firefox or ScriptBlock for Chrome, also provide optimal protection for the ever-increasing use of Canvas fingerprinting. This subtype of browser fingerprinting attempts to track the client through the use of canvas elements. The fact is that the rendering of texts in these elements varies greatly depending on the operating system, browser, graphics card, drivers, and fonts.
However, if you activate plugins like these, you have to expect some web services or at least some individual content to stop working. While extensions, content, or sites can be added to filter lists to suspend script blocking, this isn’t very helpful if you aren’t sure whether the provider is trustworthy or not. It should also be pointed out that using a blocker like this, in and of itself, can be directly used for finding out your digital fingerprint.
Apart from the script blocking solution, you basically only have one other option, which is to avoid individualizing systems and browsers. Choose a commonly-used browser and access the default settings, if possible. The same also applies to the operating system being used. If you forgo the additional extensions for your client, there’s a high chance that you won’t create a unique fingerprint and will be harder to track. As a smartphone user, you are still safe, especially with older models – thanks to the fact that there are currently only a few individualization options for browsers and systems for smartphones.