AliExpress Audio Fingerprinting Controversy
AliExpress is accused of using silent audio fingerprinting to track users and mute developers' headphones without consent.
August 2026
AliExpress accused of using silent audio trick for shopper fingerprinting
AliExpress was accused of employing a silent audio trick to fingerprint shoppers. This method reportedly caused audio issues for developers who encountered it.
Source ↗Researchers found silent audio fingerprinting code on AliExpress
Researchers discovered code on the AliExpress homepage that ran silent audio processes in the browser. These scripts tapped a device's audio hardware to generate a signal for device fingerprinting.
Source ↗Developer reported Bluetooth headphone switching issues on AliExpress
A developer experienced an issue where multipoint Bluetooth headphones would not switch properly between a computer and a phone while an AliExpress tab was open. The problem ceased after the tab was closed.
Source ↗Developer identified Web Audio API use for zero-volume processing
Code analysis revealed AliExpress used the Web Audio API to build audio-processing graphs. These graphs were set to zero volume but remained active in the background, connecting to the system's audio output.
Source ↗AliExpress tracking interferes with Bluetooth multipoint functionality
The hidden audio processes on the AliExpress homepage prevent Bluetooth headphones from switching between devices. This interference occurs even when the user's tab is idle and no media is visible.
Source ↗Alibaba's security scripts enable AliExpress device tracking
The privacy-invasive tracking mechanism on AliExpress is attributed to security scripts implemented by Alibaba. These scripts are intended for device identification and anti-fraud detection purposes.
Source ↗AliExpress tracking scripts interfere with Bluetooth hardware
Hidden tracking scripts on AliExpress were reported to interfere with Bluetooth headphones' ability to switch between devices. This behavior was observed even when the browser tab was idle.
Source ↗Alibaba security scripts used for device identification
The issue causing the Bluetooth interference was attributed to security scripts implemented by Alibaba. These scripts were designed for device identification and anti-fraud detection purposes.
Source ↗Silent audio trick used by AliExpress muted developer's headphones
The silent audio trick employed by AliExpress also resulted in the muting of a developer's headphones. This incident was reported in the technology community.
Source ↗AliExpress uses hidden audio fingerprinting via security scripts
AliExpress utilizes hidden tracking scripts, specifically mentioning collina.js and fireyejs.js, to track users. This mechanism interferes with Bluetooth hardware, preventing multipoint headphones from switching devices.
Source ↗Alibaba implements device identification and anti-fraud detection scripts
The tracking behavior on AliExpress is attributed to security scripts implemented by Alibaba. These scripts are designed for device identification and anti-fraud detection purposes.
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