Hello,

I’ve been using GNU/Linux as my primary operating system for several years. Every year, various websites release statistical reports on their users, detailing the operating systems they use.

I’ve noticed that many privacy add-ons spoof the User Agent to make the browser appear as if it’s on Windows. Despite using GNU/Linux, my browser presents itself as if it were on Windows 10.

My dilemma is whether I should switch the User Agent to Linux. By spoofing, I’m potentially decreasing the statistics for Linux in these regular reports, which might lead to Linux not being taken seriously due to a falsely low userbase.

However, on the flip side, pretending to be on Windows helps reduce my web fingerprint. What are your thoughts on this?

  • LWD@lemm.ee
    5·
    8 months ago

    There’s also the chance that spoofing your user agent is somehow detectable because the browser reports something else that is unique to Linux machines – something graphical, font-based, etc.