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Wacom drawing tablets track the name of every application you open

a year ago
  • #privacy
  • #data-collection
  • #wacom
  • Wacom drawing tablets track and send data about every application opened by the user to Google Analytics.
  • The author discovered this tracking while installing Wacom drivers and reading the privacy policy, which vaguely mentions data collection.
  • Using tools like Wireshark and Burp Suite, the author intercepted and analyzed the data being sent, revealing intrusive tracking of application usage.
  • Wacom's privacy policy does not explicitly state the extent of data collection, raising concerns about transparency and user consent.
  • The author argues that such tracking is unnecessary for a device like a drawing tablet and highlights potential privacy risks.
  • A method to disable tracking was found by opting out of the 'Wacom Experience Program' in the Wacom Desktop Center.
  • The tracking was temporarily disabled by Wacom, possibly due to a server error, but later resumed, confirming the ongoing data collection.