We’re in the digital age where consumers have become products. There’s a well-coordinated, multi-billion-dollar ad tracking business unknown to most internet users.
These systems are put in place to ensure that each search, click, and swipe people perform generates valuable data. The data generated, yes, your data and that of many others, helps advertisers understand the online behavior of potential consumers.
Unfortunately, most internet users are unaware of the established ad tracking systems that harvest, analyze, and sell their data to advertisers. They are unaware that there are companies out there generating massive revenue by monetizing their online behaviors.
Here, we will discuss how the ad tracking ecosystem works, how your privacy is being invaded, and how to stay protected while surfing the internet. Keep reading to gain more key insight into this topic.
Understanding Ad Tracking Ecosystems
What is ad tracking? It involves collecting users’ data to deliver targeted advertisements or customized services. In this case, companies harvest users’ data to deliver targeted ads.
How do companies get hold of your data? The process begins with cookies. You probably have visited websites that claim they have cookies turned on.
Most of these websites or platforms will even assure you that cookies are harmless, whereas they are harvesting your personal information. Their definition of harmless is that you won’t be hurt physically. They forget the mental damage they cause when they harvest and sell your data to advertisers.
When stored on your device, cookies can track your online behavior. They record your browsing habits, generating valuable data that advertisers desperately need.
Can Clearing Browsing History Prevent Ad Tracking?
You wish! Unfortunately, companies involved in ad tracking are smarter than you think. They understand that clearing browsing history is one way users can combat ad tracking and have devised means to remain in business.
The point is that clearing your browsing history won’t prevent ad tracking companies from harvesting your data or tracking you online. With improvements such as cross-platform tracking and fingerprinting technology, these ad tracking companies can create highly valuable user profiles effortlessly.
The implication is that even if you clear the browsing history on your device or switch to another device, ad tracking companies can still track you online.
Your online behavior is a priceless commodity for ad tracking companies. Advertisers and tech heavyweights will pay a premium to obtain accurate user data. By analyzing your online behavior, they can determine your preferred product or what you are likely to purchase next. This helps them deliver targeted ads, ensuring high click-through and conversion rates on their ads.
In essence, you’re now the product. Yes, you! Your data has become a valuable commodity for advertisers and tech heavyweights.
What Makes Your Data A Highly Priced Commodity?
Accuracy is crucial to advertisers. Serving accurate ads increases their chances of getting high returns on investment. Why? There is a high chance that such ads will convert.
You may be more likely to purchase a product you like when you come across an ad displaying it. Even an alternative with a competitive price or discount can pique your interest.
Advertisers know this. That’s why they are willing to pay a premium for accurate and precise data. They want data that provides information about users’ preferences, demographics, age, and online behavior. They want to know your browsing patterns, shopping patterns, and even your online interactions.
Platforms like Facebook and Google generate billions of dollars yearly via user data generated on their platforms. They can develop personalized marketing strategies by collecting your data, including online communications, shopping, and browsing patterns.
Facebook, Google, and other social media platforms aren’t alone in the ad tracking business. They aren’t the only ones harvesting user data. Several third-party platforms are doing the same thing. They place trackers on various websites to track users’ online activities.
In a nutshell, you aren’t safe the moment you access the internet. From the second you get online, there are dozens of ad tracking platforms waiting to harvest your data. Unfortunately, your privacy doesn’t matter to them.
Why Ad Tracking Is Dangerous To You
While companies tracking users want them to believe it’s a harmless process, there’s a significant privacy concern that should unsettle everyone. Why is ad tracking a considerable risk to you? Why should you take bold steps to prevent companies from tracking you online?
Here is a simple reason. When these companies harvest your data, they share it with multiple parties. Unfortunately, most of these companies engage in questionable practices and could misuse your data.
It’s devastating to know that multiple companies have access to your data without your consent. They won’t even seek your consent before using your data.
How To Prevent Ad Trackers From Trailing You Online
The days of ad tracking companies harvesting users’ data with their hands tied behind their backs are over. Now, anyone can prevent advertisers and tracking companies from stealing their data.
The process is simple. By using a VPN provider, you can prevent advertisers and ad tracking companies from tracking your online activity. In addition to encrypting your traffic, the VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address, making it difficult for tracking firms to monitor your online activity.
Conclusion
Now you know why you are the product. There is are multi-billion-dollar ad-tracking ecosystems out there harvesting people’s data. These ad trackers harvest your data and follow you around as you surf the internet.
Clearing your browser history won’t prevent ad trackers and advertisers from tracking you online. An effective way to prevent online tracking is to use a VPN. Download a VPN and install it on your device. Then turn on the VPN before you start surfing the internet. That way, ad trackers and advertisers won’t be able to monitor your online activities.
