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Google Tag Manager, the new anti-adblock weapon (2020) (chromium.woolyss.com)

1384 points by thyrox · 1669 days ago · 867 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses Google Tag Manager as a potential anti-adblock tool, allowing websites to track users even with adblockers enabled. It mentions that the info can be transmitted by any JavaScript library, making it harder to block. The article's details are not available, but the discussion reveals concerns about tracking and adblocking. The conversation focuses on the cat-and-mouse game between adblockers and trackers.

Main themes

  • adblocking
  • tracking
  • Google Tag Manager
  • JavaScript
  • online privacy
  • anti-adblock measures

What commenters say

  • Turning off JavaScript can prevent tracking, but may limit access to some websites.
  • Ad blockers like uBlock Origin may not be effective against Google Tag Manager's new capabilities.
  • Server-side tracking can still identify devices even with adblockers and JavaScript disabled.
  • Some argue that blocking Google Tag Manager is trivial, while others claim it's not possible without knowing which script to block.
  • The use of VPNs, changing user agents, and disabling JavaScript can help prevent tracking, but may not be foolproof.
  • The Do Not Track header is seen as ineffective in preventing tracking, and may even be used as a datapoint for fingerprinting.
  • The cat-and-mouse game between adblockers and trackers is ongoing, with each side trying to outmaneuver the other.
  • Some commenters suggest using alternative browsers like Brave or tools like Pi-hole to block tracking.