Fingerprinting is a technique used to identify and track devices or users based on unique characteristics such as browser settings, installed fonts, screen resolution, and hardware details. Unlike cookies, which can be deleted or blocked, fingerprinting gathers subtle information that is difficult to change or hide, allowing websites and advertisers to recognize users across sessions and even when privacy measures are taken. While it can improve security by detecting fraud, it also raises privacy concerns as it enables persistent tracking without user consent.