WebGL Fingerprint Defender

Defending against WebGL fingerprinting by reporting a fake value.
What is WebGL Fingerprint Defender?
'WebGL Fingerprint Defender' is a unique Chrome extension designed to protect your privacy. It works by reporting a random fake WebGL fingerprint, thus shielding your actual fingerprint. Instead of completely blocking the WebGL API, it merely adds slight noise to the actual fingerprint and refreshes it with each site visit or page reload. It's able to spoof two types of WebGL fingerprints simultaneously - one with WebGL constants and the other with WebGL rendered images. To disable it, simply go to your browser extensions page.

Extension stats

By: Keller
Users: 10,000+
Rating: 3.32 (28)
Version: 0.1.7 (Last updated: 2023-04-26)
Creation date: 2020-05-06
Risk impact: Moderate risk impact
Risk likelihood: Very low risk likelihood
Manifest version: 3
Permissions:
  • storage
  • contextMenus
  • notifications
Size: 42.71K

Other platforms

WebGL Fingerprint Defender (v0.1.6)
3.63 (32) 2,002+
WebGL Fingerprint Defender (v0.1.7)
5.00 (1) 3,193+
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Extension summary

WebGL Fingerprint Defender is a browser extension that let you easily hide your real WebGL fingerprint by reporting a random fake value.

According to many tech blogs, completely blocking WebGL API is not a good idea, therefore reporting a fake fingerprint could be the best solution to better protect your privacy. This add-on simply adds a small noise to the actual fingerprint and renews it every time you visit a website or reload a page.

With the browser's WebGL API, in general, two types of fingerprints can be generated. One with WebGL constants and the other with an image that is rendered with the WebGL API. This add-on can spoof both values at the same time.

To disable this add-on, please visit the extensions page in your browser and then click on the disable button. Please note that this add-on does not have any toolbar icon/button.

This extension is made in collaboration with the author of "Canvas Fingerprint Defender": https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/canvas-fingerprint-defend/lanfdkkpgfjfdikkncbnojekcppdebfp

If you have a feature request or found a bug to report, please fill out the bug report form on the add-on's homepage (https://mybrowseraddon.com/webgl-defender.html).

User reviews

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
  • Functions as advertised and effectively mitigates WebGL fingerprinting.
  • Users appreciate its specific focus on a single type of exploit, rather than being a catchall solution.
  • Tested successfully against various browser fingerprinting methods.
Cons
  • Does not work properly on Chrome 89 and versions above, impacting those unable to upgrade their browser.
  • Sites can still detect that the WebGL fingerprint is spoofed, which raises concerns about effectiveness.
  • Lacks a whitelist option, meaning it can block legitimate website features.
Most mentioned
  • Issues with notifications and intrusive sounds.
  • Need for a pause/disable button and whitelist functionality.
  • Not trusted by Enhanced Safe Browsing, leading to installation warnings.
Recent reviews
Enabling this plugin will prevent embedded flowcharts in Lark doc documents from opening.
by 芯心, 2024-08-22

Looking forward to supporting WebGPU, we are willing to pay
by Mao Code, 2024-02-05

It works perfectly for latest chrome, but can't work for Chrome 89 and above version. Since my browser can't upgrade to the new version due to some reasons, so I need this. Thanks for your nice extension !
by Error Breen, 2023-06-30
View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

WebGL Fingerprint Defender requires a few sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk likelihood

WebGL Fingerprint Defender has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.

Upgrade to see risk analysis details

Promo images

WebGL Fingerprint Defender small promo image
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