>> if it isn’t there, it’s probably for a good reason. > which isn’t really true anymore. For most websites, the majority — not just the plurality, but the majority — of visitors arrive by following a link inside an email or an app
I don't think the statement is factually backed up. At least I hate native apps.
> Even so, my custom query string is, in my calculation, an expression of digital etiquette: rather than dump a load of anonymous traffic on your doorstep, I reveal who’s linking, so a website or online shop operator can trace it back and get in touch, if wanted or needed
Anonymity considered harmful these days?
> a wave of new subscriptions and weren’t sure if they were legitimate; a brief email correspondence assured them that yes,
It's not legitimate unless it's signed (and if anybody gives a shit to verify it).
> Note that a handful of sites do choke on unexpected query strings, including YouTube (!),
This is a good habit IMHO.
Anyway, I'm thankful to the original post because it was a good reminder to re-review my browser settings.
Honestly I don't understand why the EU focused on the stupid cookie law instead of referers which are clearly privacy-violating.
If you use Firefox I recommend you make sure `network.http.referer.XOriginPolicy` set to 1.