AliExpress was silently running audio in your browser to fingerprint and track your device

Researchers have discovered that AliExpress, the popular online shopping platform, has been using silent audio to fingerprint and track users' devices. The practice, known as WebAudio fingerprinting, involves running audio in the background to collect unique data from users' devices. This data can then be used to track users across different websites and sessions. The revelation comes from a recent investigation by researchers, who found that Alibaba, the parent company of AliExpress, has been employing this method.

The use of WebAudio fingerprinting raises significant privacy concerns, as it allows for detailed tracking without users' explicit consent. The practice has been noted by several tech outlets, including gHacks, CyberInsider, Cybernews, UNILAD Tech, and TechSpot. The implications of this discovery are substantial. Users may be unaware that their audio systems are being leveraged for tracking purposes, leading to potential breaches of privacy.

As the news spreads, there may be increased scrutiny on AliExpress and Alibaba regarding their data collection practices. Users and privacy advocates are likely to demand more transparency and control over how their data is used.