Here’s the translation to American English:
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Researchers have revealed that Meta has implemented a new tracking technique that compromises user privacy. This technique, which is based on a technical flaw, allows the company to monitor browsing activity across apps on mobile devices, showing a concerning disregard for security measures that should protect personal information.
For over ten years, Meta has been using a code known as the “Meta pixel,” which is present on approximately 20% of the most visited websites. This code is designed to track how users interact with ads and collect sensitive information from various pages, including those related to financial and medical data. Although there are tools like Privacy Badger to block this type of tracking, researchers have discovered an additional use that makes tracking even more intrusive.
Meta pixels were able to secretly communicate with apps on Android devices, violating a security principle that prevents apps from interacting with each other. The company managed to circumvent this restriction using a feature called “localhost,” creating a hidden channel that allows for user identification, even for those attempting to protect their privacy with VPNs or incognito mode in browsers.
This technique remained secret from both users and developers. Those who integrated the pixels into their sites noticed the connection to localhost but received no adequate explanations about how it worked. After the information became public, Meta decided to pause the technique, citing misunderstandings in policy application alongside Google.
Although the finding was made on Android devices, researchers suggest that similar vulnerabilities could exist on iPhones, highlighting the serious privacy risks we face with the power held by large tech companies.
To protect themselves, users are advised to choose privacy-focused browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo and to delete unnecessary apps from their devices. It is also helpful to install extensions that block trackers, such as Privacy Badger.
In response, browsers like Chrome and Firefox are taking measures to address the flaws exploited by Meta. However, Chrome’s dominance raises concerns, particularly due to its lack of support for extensions on Android devices. This situation underscores the need for stricter laws that give users greater control over the information they share online. A ban on online behavioral advertising could be an effective solution to curb the cycle of invasive tracking techniques.
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via: MiMub in Spanish
