Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect

Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect

Prevent HTML canvas element from generating a unique identification key to protect user's privacy

Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect promo image
What is Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect?

"Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect" is a Chrome extension designed to protect user privacy against malicious scripts that use the HTML canvas element for fingerprinting. It disrupts the creation of a unique identification key by introducing slight variations in the data produced by the canvas element. It operates in three modes; random noise, random noise per page, and fixed noise, while providing a range of features including blocking or disabling fingerprinting on specific hostnames, and alerts for detected canvas fingerprinting.

Merlin
Stats
Rating: 4.06 (32)
Version: 0.2.0 (Last updated: 2023-11-02)
Creation date: 2020-05-26
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Very low risk likelihood
Manifest version: 3
Permissions:
  • notifications
  • storage
  • contextMenus
  • scripting
Host permissions:
  • *://*/*
Size: 61.19K
Email: Click to see
URLs: Website
Stats date:

Other platforms

Not available on Firefox
Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect
Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect (v0.2.0)
5.00 (5) 4,787
Merlin
Summary

This browser extension safeguards user privacy by preventing malicious scripts from using the HTML canvas element for user fingerprinting. It introduces slight changes to the data generated by the canvas element when specific methods are invoked, rendering it unusable for fingerprinting. In comparison to similar extensions, this one is lighter and employs a more efficient method to obstruct fingerprinting across all frame elements (top and subframes). The extension operates in three modes:

  1. Random noise
  2. Random noise (per page) to maintain a consistent identity within the current page session
  3. Fixed noise to sustain a constant yet unique identity continuously

Key Features:

  1. Minimal footprint fingerprint defender
  2. Ability to block or disable fingerprinting on specific hostnames
  3. Notification when canvas fingerprinting is detected
  4. Option to disable notification for select or all hostnames
  5. Compatibility with cross-origin (CORS) and sandboxed iframes (such as Disqus and Hangouts)

Notes: This extension doesn't entirely block the canvas element. Instead, it modifies two methods to prevent the JavaScript engine from creating a unique identification key from this element.

See more
User reviews
User reviews summary
These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Lightweight extension
  • Works well for several users
  • Provides a whitelisting feature
Cons
  • The Fixed Fingerprint mode does not work as expected
  • Notifications can be annoying
  • Does not block fingerprinting on all websites
Most mentioned
  • Ineffectiveness in certain scenarios
  • Annoying notifications
  • Comparison with Firefox's CanvasBlocker
View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect is risky to use as it requires a number of sensitive permissions that can potentially harm your browser and steal your data. Exercise caution when installing this extension. Review carefully before installing. We recommend that you only install Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect if you trust the publisher.

Risk likelihood

Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.

Upgrade to see risk analysis details
Screenshots
Promo images
Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect small promo image
Small promo image
Similar extensions

Here are some Chrome extensions that are similar to Canvas Blocker - Fingerprint Protect: