Controlled Proxy Analysis of Web Page Tracking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web browsers lack the capability to detect and document tracking elements on web pages, particularly those operated by third-party companies, leading to privacy violations and lack of transparency for users.
Innovation Solution
A server device configured to control a proxy server intercepts and analyzes network traffic to identify and deactivate tracking tags, then activates them one by one to detect and report tracking elements, including cookies and other technologies, providing transparency to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tracking tags are deactivated by default for privacy protection, then user privacy is improved, but tracking functionality and third-party service integration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the web page response to identify tracking tags before they are executed. By detecting and analyzing the HTML response content in advance, the system can present tracking information to users before any tracking activity occurs, allowing informed consent decisions to be made prior to activation of tracking tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where tracking tag activity is monitored and reported back to users in real-time. The analysis unit continuously monitors the web page response and provides feedback about detected tracking elements, enabling users to see what tracking activities are attempted and make informed decisions about permitting or blocking them.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If all tracking tags are deactivated to prevent privacy violations, then user privacy control is improved, but web page functionality and content loading deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying a uniform deactivation policy to all tracking tags, the system analyzes each tracking tag individually and allows selective activation. The determination unit evaluates each detected tracking element separately and can permit specific tags while blocking others, enabling fine-grained control that preserves necessary web page functionality while preventing unwanted tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes a partial action approach by deactivating only the tracking tags that are determined to be unnecessary or harmful, rather than blocking all tracking tags. This selective approach ensures that essential web page functionality is maintained while still preventing privacy-violating tracking activities.
3Speed
If asynchronous content injection is used for fast web page loading, then web page loading speed is improved, but the ability to detect and measure tracking activity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the web page response content before asynchronous injection occurs. By analyzing the HTML response in advance and identifying tracking tags within the response body, the system can prepare a list of tracking elements to be monitored, maintaining fast loading speeds while enabling subsequent detection of tracking activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary analysis unit that sits between the web server response and the browser rendering process. This intermediary component intercepts and analyzes the web page response content, identifying tracking tags before they are injected into the DOM, thereby enabling detection without interfering with the asynchronous loading process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If third-party tracking tags are allowed to execute, then web page functionality and external content integration are improved, but transparency and user awareness of tracking deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to users about third-party tracking tag activity. By monitoring and analyzing the web page response, the system identifies external tracking elements and reports them to users, maintaining transparency about what third parties are accessing while still allowing necessary external content integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of third-party tracking tags within the web page response before execution. By analyzing the response content in advance and identifying external domain references, the system can prepare information about third-party access that will be presented to users, ensuring transparency before tracking activity begins.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed, performed at a server device, for detecting tracking elements of a web page, wherein the server device is configured to control a proxy server. The method comprises obtaining a web page address configured to connect to a web server. The method comprises establishing a controlled communication interface between the server device and the web server via the proxy server. The method comprises transmitting, via the controlled communication interface, a web page request based on the web page address. The method comprises receiving, via the controlled communication interface, a web page response. The method comprises identifying, based on the web page response, a set of tracking tags including a first tracking tag and a second tracking tag and deactivating all tracking tags of the set; and activating the first tracking tag.