Tag

Online Tracking

All articles tagged with #online tracking

technology8 months ago•4 min saved

Browser Fingerprinting: The Hidden Trackers Behind Your Online Privacy

New research reveals that websites can track users through browser fingerprinting, a method that leaves a unique digital signature even when cookies are cleared or users are in incognito mode. This passive tracking can influence ad targeting and is often unregulated, raising privacy concerns. The study introduces FPTrace, a tool that demonstrates real-time fingerprinting use, highlighting the need for better legislation and user awareness.

via ZME Science|

#ad-targeting #browser-fingerprinting #cookies

technology1 year ago•6 min saved

"DuckDuckGo Introduces $10 Privacy Pro Plan with VPN and Data Protection"

DuckDuckGo, known for its privacy-focused web search and browser, is launching a new tool that automatically scans data broker websites for personal information and requests its removal without users having to submit their details. This tool is part of DuckDuckGo's first subscription service, Privacy Pro, which also includes a VPN and an identity-theft-restoration service. The company's CEO, Gabriel Weinberg, emphasizes the need to address the data broker industry, a $200-plus billion market that collects and sells personal information. Additionally, DuckDuckGo's VPN, built in-house and using the WireGuard protocol, does not store any logs of users' activities and is undergoing a third-party audit for transparency.

via WIRED|

#data-brokers #duckduckgo #online-tracking

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"The Truth About Google Incognito Mode: What You Need to Know"

A TikTok creator's video explaining that Google Incognito mode doesn't truly protect privacy has gone viral, following a recent $5 billion privacy lawsuit settlement against Google for allegedly tracking users' internet activities despite their use of private browsing. The creator warns that both Apple and Google can still track online activity, even with a VPN, and suggests using tools like Wireshark to monitor network activity. Viewers shared their thoughts, with some suggesting alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo or browsers like Brave, while others questioned the need for privacy if nothing "weird" is being searched.

via The Daily Dot|

#google #incognito-mode #lawsuit

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"FTC Proposes Stricter Rules to Safeguard Children's Online Privacy"

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking public comments on proposed rules to update the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and shift the responsibility of protecting children's data from parents to service providers. The proposed rules include turning off targeted advertising by default, limiting push notifications, restricting surveillance in schools, strengthening data security measures, and prohibiting companies from retaining children's data indefinitely. The FTC also aims to expand COPPA's definition of "personal information" to include biometric identifiers. The proposed changes are intended to address the evolving ways personal information is collected and used to monetize children's data. The public has 60 days to submit comments once the notice of proposed rulemaking is published.

via Ars Technica|

#childrens-privacy #coppa #data-protection

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

Google's Cookie Crackdown: Tracking Feature Eliminated, Websites Blocked, and Millions Affected

Google plans to eliminate third-party cookies, which track users' online activity, starting from January 4. While this move aims to improve user privacy, advertising companies are concerned about their ability to collect information for personalized ads.

via The Jerusalem Post|

#advertising #cookies #google

technology2 years ago•4 min saved

Google's Privacy Sandbox Aims to Protect 3 Billion Chrome Users from Ad Abuse

Google Chrome users will start seeing a pop-up in July when updating their browser to version 115, marking the first phase of Google's Privacy Sandbox project. The prompt, titled "Enhanced ad privacy in Chrome," is part of Google's plan to eliminate third-party cookies. The pop-up will roll out gradually over the coming weeks and offers users more control over the ads they see. Privacy Sandbox introduces new tracking methods, such as Ad Topics, which categorizes users based on their browsing history without revealing personal information. Users can opt out of these features and fine-tune their privacy settings. However, critics argue that while Privacy Sandbox offers more privacy than before, users concerned about tracking should consider using alternative browsers.

via Gizmodo|

#ad-privacy #google-chrome #online-tracking

technology2 years ago•8 min saved

Uncovering the Insidious Practice of Digital Fingerprinting for Online Tracking

Digital fingerprinting is a complex method of tracking users on the internet that can get past even blocked cookies or an IP address masked with a VPN. It is a wide and varied set of information variables collected from devices as users use the internet. A digital fingerprint can pinpoint specific users by combining a huge variety of data types, including the type of web browser, operating system, browser extensions, installed programs or apps, language, and even specific fonts. While it is difficult to completely stop sites and advertisers from tracking users with digital fingerprints, using privacy-focused browsers like Tor, Brave, Mullvad, and DuckDuckGo can help limit the amount of data accessible for fingerprinting.

via PCWorld|

#advertising #digital-fingerprinting #online-tracking

technology2 years ago•5 min saved

"Privacy First: The Lowdown on DuckDuckGo Search Engine"

DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that promises to keep your search activity anonymous and not track you online. It offers a mobile browser app and a desktop extension, both aimed at allowing you to browse the internet without companies gobbling up your personal data. DuckDuckGo essentially takes the opposite approach compared to other big tech companies like Google and Facebook, which have traditionally made money by targeting ads based on your browsing history and personal data. DuckDuckGo still makes money from advertising -- it just doesn't use targeted ads.

via CNET|

#advertising #duckduckgo #online-tracking

healthcare-technology2 years ago•4 min saved

Hospital Websites Leak Patient Data to Third Parties, Study Shows.

A new study found that 99% of US hospitals employed online data trackers in 2021 that transmitted visitors’ information to a broad network of outside parties, including major technology companies, data brokers, and private equity firms. The data captured included visits to pages on specific conditions such as depression, breast cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. The ubiquitous use of the tracking tools may clash with the privacy expectations — if not the legal protections — that consumers take for granted as they browse online in search of medical care and information.

via STAT|

#data-privacy #healthcare-technology #hipaa