Time zone and browser fingerprint
Besides the IP, websites also look at your time zone, language, OS, screen, fonts and more — together a "browser fingerprint".
Think of it like this
The IP is the address you give; the fingerprint is your accent and clothes. If you say you are in the US but sound and live like somewhere else, people ask more questions.
In this setup
If you use the same server long-term, you can set your computer's time zone to the server's location (for example Los Angeles) and avoid hopping between nodes in different countries. Turn off location permissions you do not need.
Common misconceptions
- "A fingerprint can be completely disguised": unnecessary and impossible. Consistency matters most.
Related: IP reputation and risk control