New surveillance level

The authoritative argument of the American side in its crusade against Huawei was that it was threatening the safety of users. Meanwhile, Google LLC – an American IT company, is already introducing open, full surveillance.

In 8 weeks, he'll start tracking all our devices. Google plans to make crucial changes to the way users are tracked on the net from February next year, introducing technology to replace existing third-party cookies. This amendment introduces a ‘digital fingerprint’, a method that collects information about devices and user habits in an almost impossible way to control or stop.

Regulatory authorities inform that this technology "risks the privacy of users" and that Google has already stated that specified tracking is "bad and unacceptable". Google explains that the corporate decision stems from "progress in privacy technologies" (PET), which let the company to facilitate advertising while, as it claims, "preserving the expected level of protection of users' privacy".

Experts point out that this is simply a decision that makes it hard for users to realize how their data is being utilized and what risks arise. Unlike cookies that can be blocked or deleted with browser settings, the "digital fingerprint" uses information specified as IP address, device settings, utilized apps, and even browsing habits to make a unique user profile. This technology is resistant to conventional methods of privacy control, which makes it peculiarly problematic.
Regulatory authorities warn: privacy limits are removed.

British Commissioner for Information Stephen Almond pointed out that the fresh rules possibly violate the principles of transparency and control of private data. "The fingerprints are based on signals that the user cannot easy remove, even if it cleans all the site data". This is not transparent and makes it hard for users to keep control of their privacy," Almond warns.

What can users expect?

The changes follow the pressures of the U.S. Department of Justice, which considers possible regulations, including possible Chrome browser sales. Although Google claims it will “responsibly usage data and supply privacy”, many experts have doubts as to whether fresh technology will be useful to users.
Regulatory authorities have besides made it clear that companies will not have a "free hand" in utilizing technologies specified as fingerprinting and that any applications must be legal and transparent. Otherwise, regulatory agencies are ready to react.
For an average user, this is simply a reminder to consider alternatives specified as privacy browsers and additional safety measures on different devices.

The fresh government introduced in February marks the beginning of a new, more complex phase in the fight for the protection of digital privacy.

Jacek Mędrzycki