Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

As far as I understand, to track users, website use : IP, Cookie/LocalStorage, Fingerprinting.

I wonder if youtube-dl really helps ? It doesn't change the IP, you can refuse/clear cookies in your browser, and for fingerprinting, isn't scraping via youtube-dl make you even more unique among other regular browser users ?



Good question.

A) IP - use a VPN. youtube-dl == browser

B) Cookies - youtube-dl doesn't retain cookies, I presume. youtube-dl >= browser

C) Fingerprinting - good question. I'd hope youtube-dl doesn't offer as many avenues. Can it identify you from one visit to the next? Beats me!




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: