Web Tracker Coverage Detection via Referrer Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting web tracker coverage during browsing sessions fail to identify how trackers extend their reach to additional websites through referrer information, compromising user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that navigate to an origin website, analyze clickable elements and tracking domains, identify webpage navigation information for destination websites, group this information by common tracking domains, and determine extended tracker coverage, providing real-time notifications to protect user data privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods check websites where trackers are embedded to detect tracker coverage, then the detection process is simple, but the detection precision is insufficient because it fails to detect referrer information that allows trackers to extend coverage to additional websites
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by intercepting and analyzing outgoing network requests before they reach destination websites. It proactively captures referrer information and navigation data from the origin website before the user completes the navigation, enabling detection of tracker extension without waiting for the full browsing session to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary detection layer between the user's browsing actions and the destination websites. By monitoring network traffic through this intermediary layer, the system can detect referrer information and tracker domains without directly interacting with the destination websites, thus capturing tracker coverage extension data that would otherwise be inaccessible.
2Measurement precision
If the system analyzes outgoing data traffic to detect referrer information and determine extended tracker coverage, then tracker coverage detection precision is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by focusing analysis only on specific portions of outgoing data traffic related to navigation requests and referrer information, rather than analyzing all network traffic. It selectively monitors only the necessary fields (referrer, destination URL, tracker domains) to detect coverage extension, reducing computational overhead while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes through the detection process by performing analysis in parallel with the browsing session rather than sequentially. It captures referrer information and tracker domain data during the navigation event itself, eliminating the need for post-navigation analysis and reducing the time delay between user action and detection completion.
3Reliability
If the system provides real-time notifications to users about extended tracker coverage, then user privacy protection is improved, but the frequency of interruptions and notifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing users with real-time information about tracker coverage extension, allowing them to understand what is happening during their browsing session. This feedback mechanism enables users to make informed decisions about their privacy settings and browser configurations based on actual tracker behavior detected during the session.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by allowing users to adjust notification sensitivity and frequency based on their preferences. It provides different levels of notification (e.g., detailed reports vs. summary alerts) and enables users to customize their experience, balancing privacy protection with user experience smoothness according to individual needs.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for protecting user data privacy by detecting the extension of tracker coverage of website browsing sessions through indirect data disclosure may include (i) navigating to an origin website during a new web browsing session, (ii) analyzing the origin website to detect clickable elements and tracking domains, (iii) identifying webpage navigation information for destination websites and resources loaded by the tracking domains, (iv) grouping the webpage navigation information for the destination websites by a common destination tracking domain, (v) determining web trackers extending a tracker coverage from the origin website to the destination websites, and (vi) performing a security action that protects against a potential invasion of user data privacy by providing a notification of the extended tracker coverage during a browsing session in the origin website. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.