Is Google's new ad tracker following you around the web?
We all know that websites and services can track your movements and behavior across websites. Recently Apple also started implementing a similar technique, where it asked for your permission to connect to other devices in your house. Tap or click here to Google like a pro: 7 tricks for expert searches.
This allows Apple to track how you browse, shop, and use other services while connected to Apple products. For the most part, any company would need to get your permission to track you online. But while you can send “do not track” requests to sites, there seems to be a new tracking system on the loose.
Google’s new ad-tracking tech has been turning heads, as millions of Chrome browsers have been roped into a trial for the controversial software. We’ve got details of everything you need to know.
Here’s the backstory
Last month Google announced that it would be banning third-party cookies from tracking you across the internet. In its place, the tech giant employed its own tracker, called Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC).
That doesn’t sound bad, but the problem is that millions of Chrome users might be part of the “origin trial” without even knowing about it. Around 0.5% of Chrome users have been selected and span as far and wide as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the U.S.
FLoC runs in your browser, and by using Chrome normally, you would never know that it is tracking your clicks and searches. Looking at your search history from the past week, it assigns you to a group with similar people worldwide. It then captures other data and compares it to the people in the group.
In simpler terms: it tracks your searches and habits and groups you with other like-minded people. This makes it easier for Google to launch targeted ads to specific people. It creates a browsing fingerprint and shares your ID with everyone you interact with.
What can you do about it?
A website has been set up by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, where you can check whether you are in the trial. Am I FLoCed? attempts to detect your FLoC ID and tells you how to stop or minimize the impact.
You can’t opt-out of the FLoC trial, but you can disable third-party cookies — which seems to be the only way around the tracking for now. That does come with a caveat, though. It will probably reset your preferences on some websites and interfere with simple login processes.
Browser extension security: Check to see if these add-ons can access your bank info
Browser extensions have transformed the way many people used the internet. Installing a small piece of software allows you to do instant translations, search for coupon codes, display exchange rates and more.
But while extensions are no doubt useful, some could be hiding a sneaky surprise. Tap or click here for five reasons to ditch Gmail for a privacy-focused email service.
Firefox has a new feature in the fight against tracking
Privacy should be foremost on your mind when browsing the web. Each click, each website you visit and each field you fill in with personal information can be tracked even when you leave a site.
Your choice of browsers directly affects your level of privacy. Some have more built-in protection than others, but which one is right for you? Tap or click here for the best browsers for privacy.
Tech how-to: Lock down Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari for maximum security
There are many web browsers out there, but these are the four most popular: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple’s Safari. They have their differences, but they also have many similarities.
Sadly, one of their similarities is they can all be hacked in various ways. This can lead to your private information getting out and cause personal or financial harm to you. Tap or click here for signs that your device has been hacked.
All the new features coming to Chrome, Edge and Firefox
Cybercriminals can attack your web browser and find ways to steal your personal information and rip you off. That’s why it’s important to take security precautions before it’s too late. Tap or click here to lock down your browser for maximum security.
Microsoft Edge just got better - Try this new feature
Google Chrome is the most popular web browser out there. Most people use Chrome because it’s convenient and easy to navigate — but it’s hardly the most secure option.
Chrome has been known to collect tons of data on you — even when it’s not supposed to. For more privacy, others choose Mozilla Firefox or options like DuckDuckGo.
Use a PC? This scary new malware can hijack your browser
Never underestimate the damage that malware can do. It’s used by cybercriminals for all sorts of sketchy, illegal reasons but often to steal your data and your money.
That’s why you’ll always find malware lurking in email downloads, links or other corners of the web. Plus, about half of the products on the market fail to stop online threats like these.
Chrome just added a handy feature to save what you're reading - here's how to use it
Web browsers are stepping up their game right now. New updates are rolling out that add cool features to the mix — making work and play on the internet more enjoyable and productive.
Just take a look at some of the nifty updates we’ve seen recently. Mozilla Firefox rolled out a new feature to protect your privacy online earlier this year, and others have followed suit. Google Chrome also added new security features to the mix this month — making it easier and safer to browse the web.
Update your browser now! Bug allows your phone to be hijacked
If you’re a fan of online privacy, you’ve probably already made the switch to Mozilla Firefox. The browser comes with a host of useful features that make your sessions less open to advertisers — like blocking third-party cookies by default.
Microsoft finally kills Internet Explorer. Should you use Edge?
When you boot up your computer, what’s the web browser you use to check Komando.com? For most of us, it’s Google Chrome — currently the most popular browser in the country. For others, it’s Mozilla Firefox — a privacy-centric browser that we recommend for savvy users. And let’s not forget our Mac users running Safari, of course.
How to tell if someone is snooping on your computer or tablet
Our devices hold our digital lives. And all those photos, videos, documents, messages, and emails contain some highly personal information.
That’s why locking down your tech the right way is essential. Have you ever wondered whether a PIN, fingerprint, or face ID is the safest way to lock your smartphone? I reveal the answer here on Komando.com.
Microsoft caught importing data before you give the OK
For years, Google Chrome has been the most popular web browser in the U.S. and across the globe. In fact, Chrome accounts for more than 60% of the internet browser market share worldwide, with Apple Safari coming in at a distant second place with roughly 18%.
Best program to clean up your browser’s cookies, tracks and more
Does it ever seem like clutter in your home takes on a life of its own? It grows, expands and claims more space. Of course, junk can’t grow on its own. Someone is adding more stuff to your closets, spare room and garage. That is until a good spring cleaning clears out the clutter.
Don't be tracked, use these Google alternatives
Think for a minute about what Google doesn’t know about you. Its search engine dominates the competition, with more than 91% of market share across the world.
It doesn’t stop there. The web giant owns — among other things — Gmail, YouTube, DoubleClick, Nest and Waze. These apps know what you’re watching, where you’re going and what you’re interested in online.
Which internet browser is best? Comparing Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge and Tor
We all have our preferred browser. Maybe you did the research to find the best option for you, or you stick with the one that came pre-installed on your computer.
Well, if you haven’t put much thought into which one you use to surf the web, now is the time. Spam and phishing attempts are hitting astronomical rates, and your browser can go a long way in keeping you safe from clever cybercriminals.
Popular browser rolls out new feature to protect your privacy
Browsing the web privately isn’t as easy as it used to be. In the past, it was possible to make due with a few software tools and by avoiding social media. But nowadays, your search engines build ad profiles about you. Meanwhile, social networks follow you around whether you’re a member or not.
If you absolutely have to keep using Windows 7, here's how to stay safe
Are you still using Windows 7? In case you haven’t heard, Microsoft recently ended support and now it’s a huge security risk that’s practically begging hackers to take advantage of it.
Since Microsoft won’t be releasing any further security updates, you’re risking hacks, malware and viruses by staying on the outdated operating system. Tap or click here for more about Windows 7 security risks.
Update your browser now to protect your computer from hackers
Browsers are used by nearly everyone with a smartphone or computer. As such, that makes them ideal targets for hackers and cybercriminals who want to hit the maximum number of victims at once. In fact, it’s such a problem that websites are now required to show whether connections are secure by default.
6 ways to stop advertisers from following you online
It starts innocently enough — you’re surfing the web, checking things out, but before long you notice every page you visit is inundated with advertisements that are so specific you look over your shoulder, knowing someone or something has to be watching your every move.
Is private browsing really private? The one trick to stay truly hidden online
Today’s technology makes life easier and more fun, but unfortunately, the companies behind it are greedy with our data. Between targeted ads and recommendation algorithms, there really aren’t too many private places left online.