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Just learned most websites have a '404' page that secretly tracks you, wild stuff
I was poking around the developer tools on my own blog last night and found out that even dumb error pages load tracking scripts. I always thought 404 pages were just dead ends, but there was a whole pixel and a Google Analytics call hiding in the source. It blew my mind that literally every page, even the broken ones, sends data somewhere. Has anyone else snooped around their site and found something weird like that?
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skyler_craig1mo ago
Right? My own site had a secret Pinterest tracker on the 404 page. Made me feel like a clown for thinking I was safe.
Found a whole Facebook pixel just chilling there too, not even doing anything. Just collecting data.
Now I imagine every broken link is a tiny little spycam. Feels ridiculous in a funny way.
At least my error pages are more honest now. Still loads scripts though. Some habits are hard to kill.
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Man, that tracks. It feels almost scammy when you realize even the nowhere pages are quietly feeding the machine. Like you built this little corner of the internet and there's still a hidden clipboard taking notes in the back. I get the whole "honest 404" thing, but honestly, half the time I just disable scripts on my test pages now. Feels a bit like locking the door after the burglar already left, but it's something.
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