This timestamp records exactly when your browser fingerprint data was collected.
The collection timestamp is metadata that records the exact date and time when fingerprint data was captured. It serves multiple purposes:
Timestamps are fundamental to computer systems and databases. In fingerprinting, they transform static identity data into temporal tracking sequences that reveal behavioral patterns.
Purpose: Simple server log timestamps
Timestamps recorded when users accessed pages, primarily for debugging and traffic analysis. No sophisticated temporal correlation.
Purpose: Session management and expiration
Timestamps tracked cookie creation and last-seen times. Enabled basic return-visitor detection and session timeout.
Purpose: Behavioral profiling and pattern analysis
Timestamps became integral to fingerprinting databases, enabling:
A fingerprint alone identifies who you are. A timestamp adds when—and the combination reveals what you do:
Format: YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm:ss.sssZ
Example: 2025-11-13T14:32:18.491Z
Usage: International standard, includes timezone (Z = UTC)
Benefits: Unambiguous, sortable, widely supported
Format: Milliseconds since January 1, 1970 00:00:00 UTC
Example: 1731508338491
Usage: Database storage, calculations, system logs
Benefits: Compact, easy to calculate durations
Format: Human-readable in local timezone
Example: 11/13/2025, 2:32:18 PM EST
Usage: User interfaces, reports, logs
Benefits: Easy to read for humans
Different tracking systems use different precision:
14:32:18)14:32:18.491)14:32:18.491583)// Common ways to get current timestamp
// 1. Date object (most common)
const now = new Date();
console.log(now.toString());
// "Wed Nov 13 2025 14:32:18 GMT-0500 (Eastern Standard Time)"
// 2. ISO 8601 format
console.log(now.toISOString());
// "2025-11-13T19:32:18.491Z"
// 3. Localized string
console.log(now.toLocaleString());
// "11/13/2025, 2:32:18 PM"
// 4. Unix timestamp (milliseconds)
console.log(now.getTime());
// 1731508338491
// 5. Unix timestamp (seconds)
console.log(Math.floor(Date.now() / 1000));
// 1731508338| Source | Precision | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JavaScript Date.now() | 1 millisecond | Standard browser timer, may be rounded for fingerprinting protection |
| performance.now() | 5 microseconds | High-resolution timer, often reduced to milliseconds for security |
| Server-Side (Node.js) | 1 millisecond | More accurate, not affected by client clock manipulation |
| Database Timestamps | Varies (ms to ns) | PostgreSQL: microseconds, MySQL: seconds, MongoDB: milliseconds |
| NTP (Network Time Protocol) | 10-20 milliseconds | Used to synchronize system clocks over network |
Modern browsers intentionally reduce timestamp precision to prevent fingerprinting:
Timestamps can reveal location if they include timezone information:
GMT-0500 indicates Eastern Time (U.S. East Coast)A single timestamp reveals little. However, when combined with fingerprints and other data, timestamps enable sophisticated behavioral profiling and long-term tracking.
Your browsing schedule is surprisingly unique. Most people browse at consistent times (morning coffee, lunch break, evening). This pattern can supplement your fingerprint for identification.
User consistently visits:
This pattern is nearly as unique as a fingerprint and persists even if you change devices.
Tracking companies correlate timestamps across websites:
The timing correlation provides strong evidence that all three visits came from the same person, even if fingerprints differ slightly.
Timestamps enable tracking fingerprint changes over time:
// Example: Tracking fingerprint evolution
Database records:
{
timestamp: "2025-01-15T10:00:00Z",
fingerprintHash: "a7f3d9c8...",
userAgent: "Chrome/120.0.0.0"
}
{
timestamp: "2025-02-10T10:00:00Z",
fingerprintHash: "b8e4c1d7...", // Changed!
userAgent: "Chrome/121.0.0.0" // Browser updated
}
// Analysis: User updated Chrome on ~Feb 10
// Despite different hash, same user identified by:
// - Same timezone, screen resolution, GPU, fonts
// - Consistent browsing time (10:00 AM)
// - Gradual evolution rather than sudden complete changeCompanies retain timestamped fingerprint data indefinitely:
Employers can purchase browsing history with timestamps to see if employees job-hunt during work hours or visit competitors' websites.
Stalkers can use timestamped location/browsing data to track victims' daily routines and predict when they'll be home or away.
Timestamped browsing reveals when you're most active and receptive to messaging. Political campaigns time ads to your peak browsing hours.
Timestamps in server logs can be subpoenaed:
You cannot prevent websites from recording timestamps—it's fundamental to how the Internet works. However, you can reduce the tracking value of temporal data.
Problem: Consistent routines make you predictable and identifiable
Solution: Vary when you access sites
Limitation: Impractical for most people; work and life schedules create natural patterns
Effect: Hides temporal correlation across sites
Many services expose your activity timestamps:
// Some tools try to spoof timestamps, but this breaks many things:
// Example: Overriding Date object
Date = class extends Date {
constructor() {
super();
// Always return fixed time
return new Date('2025-01-01T00:00:00Z');
}
}
// Problems:
// 1. Breaks websites that depend on accurate time
// 2. Server timestamps still accurate (unaffected by client)
// 3. Creates additional fingerprinting vector (unusual timestamp behavior)Under privacy regulations, you can request deletion of timestamped data:
Accept that timestamps will be recorded. Focus on: