Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

That doesn't really answer the question, because most of the factors you listed should be irrelevant for _audio_ fingerprinting.



It does.

> They wouldn't.


That's a pretty short answer, and it sounds wrong to me. Are you implying that browser version, OS type and version, and system architecture are all factors that matter for audio fingerprinting? If so, what would be the point of audio fingerprinting when you can just look at the user agent string?


Sorry, it seems I misunderstood your intention/question.

The `AudioContext` API exposes several details about the host which may depend on the hardware (sound card, sound chip), software stack (OS, on Linux e.g. PulseAudio vs. ALSA), sound driver and its versions, and connected periphery (speakers? headphones?).

Additionally, the audio API is used to generate a sound (which is muted before being played, but still generated before). Sound is hard, and so the browser vendors don't necessarily generate the "sound bits" themselves but ask the OS to so. Which might in fact ask its sound system to do so. Which might ask its sound driver...

Some of these properties are fairly common or likely to change often. But chances are that combined they give you more bits of information then say the simple user agent string (which is shared by thousands - if not more! - other browsers).




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: