4 ms·

I thought it would be obvious that eBay is doing this to identify bots (usually on servers) vs. real users (on client-only devices).

• meowface 6y ago
  That is one of the main purposes, yes. I have no problem with it, personally. Many HN users are very privacy-conscious and consider it not acceptable for any purpose, though; including that one. I think both positions are fine.
  • lazyjones 6y ago
    > Many HN users are very privacy-conscious and consider it not acceptable for any purpose, though; including that one It's an opinion, I suppose, but it doesn't seem to be based on reasonable expectations. Anyone can portscan anyone else, lots of security researchers have published their findings from portscanning large IP address ranges etc. ... If I don't want other people to see or access open ports on my system, I can firewall them.
    • detaro 6y ago
      External portscans are quite different from using your own machine to portscan itself/the local network.