At least one media group gathers info from conversations and uses it for targeted ads. Plus, a new sextortion scam tactic, Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” tech hits more NFL stadiums, and police are towing Teslas from crime scenes.
Hidden trackers invade your browser – How to delete them
Internet cookies have been around for the last 30 years. Blame them on a programmer at Netscape who figured out a way for websites to “remember” users. Today, there are a few different types of cookies.
A first-party cookie is stored in your browser when you visit a website. It keeps things like your account or login info and shopping cart so you don’t have to fill them in each time. We like those kinds of cookies.
But what about cookies companies use to track where you go and what you do online? Some track you on websites other than the one you’re visiting. These are called third-party cookies. (I’d rather have a snickerdoodle, thanks.)
Blocking third-party cookies and tracking is one thing, but how about not being subjected to tracking methods to begin with? That’s where AdChoices and WebChoices come in. You’re gonna love this!
Secret to blocking tracking cookies
AdChoices is from the Digital Advertising Alliance, a group of advertising and marketing companies that self-regulates their targeted advertising. They do this so no one else like the government steps in to do it, of course.
The next time you see an ad online, look for the small AdChoices icon. It’s a blue triangle with a lowercase “i” in the middle. Click that to get details about the ad and block it.
AdChoices offers a nifty but virtually unknown tool called WebChoices. You can use this sweet thing to opt out of receiving ads from many companies in one step.
I kicked out 106 different cookies
- Go to https://optout.aboutads.info. WebChoices will scan your browser settings and computer to find out whether first-party and third-party cookies are enabled, along with a list of companies creating targeted ads for you.
- Click Continue. At the bottom of the page, you’ll see an option to Opt out of All. Click that.
- After the site processes your selection, click View Updated Results to see how it turned out.
The WebChoices tool works in whatever browser you have open at the time, so be sure to run it for each browser you use. Wow, where else can you get these practical, useful tech tips for free?
🍪 Speaking of … One time, I ate too much cookie dough and got sick. I guess you could call it an overdoughs. (I had to, sorry.)
A deleted blog post proves it: Advertisers are listening to you
Nope, you’re not paranoid. If you feel like your smartphone and speakers are listening to your private chats, it’s because they are.
In a now-deleted blog post, Cox Media Group revealed it can (and does) gather information from conversations and use it for targeted ads. They thought they were slick by removing the evidence, but we caught all the details. Don’t they know the internet is forever?
Too much power: Advertisers can now use Walmart’s shopping data for targeted ads on Disney+ and Hulu. Disney Advertising and Walmart Connect’s partnership gives marketers access to 145 million customers. They say they’ll match users’ data “without violating their privacy,” but they always say that.
Is social media really starting to charge fees for privacy? Check the facts
Rumors have been swirling for years that Facebook will start charging. Before, it was fiction. Now? Well, it’s looking more like fact.
You can thank the latest European Union (EU) privacy regulations — and I mean that. These new regulations do a lot to protect the sensitive data of consumers like you and me.
Safe Search: 3 ways Incognito mode can save you
We willingly give our most personal data so often to advertisers, Big Tech, scammers and everyone looking to make a dime off us. Want to take control back? Start with changing a few settings that make it easier for strangers and companies to pinpoint who you are in your Chrome browser.
Privacy tip: How to delete cookies from your phone
Make no mistake: You’re being tracked. Want to be shocked? Look at the secret map on your smartphone that watches your every move. Tap or click here to see the map tracking you and wipe it clean.
What about advertisements that follow you across the web? Facebook is one of the biggest data hogs. Tap or click for ways to stop or limit targeted ads on Facebook.
5 Android phone settings that drastically improve your privacy
Privacy is everything. In a world where data breaches have become commonplace, we must protect our information and privacy in every way possible.
Your Android phone doesn’t come with perfect privacy. No product does. You have to tweak your settings and adjust how your information is shared.
Yes, your smart TV is spying on you - Here's how to stop it
Smart TVs are big money savers compared to other tech on the market. They include built-in apps that can save you from buying streaming devices like a Roku or Fire TV Stick.
As with any smart technology, there’s a price to be paid for the convenience. In return for an always-connected experience, smart TVs collect data on users — a lot of it. Tap or click here to listen to Kim’s Daily Tech Update about the smart TV dilemma.
Privacy tip: How to clear all the places you've been from Apple Maps
Nearly everything you do online is tracked or recorded and used to learn more about you. Most companies claim they need this data to serve you with targeted ads. This is the case whether you’re on your computer or phone.
15 things you didn’t know you can get for free
Internet advertisers are master manipulators, and they want you to feel excited about their products when you browse the web.
They want you to feel dazzled when you look at targeted ads. These emotions inspire you to whip out your credit card and buy the cool tech gadgets and services lighting up your screen. Tap or click here for a few ways to avoid personalized ads on social media.
Suspect someone is spying on your texts and apps? Do this now
Pretty much everything you do online is tracked or recorded and used to create a database on you. Most companies claim they need this information to serve you with targeted ads, while others sell it.
Your iPhone has built-in privacy and security settings you should look at. You can browse privately, stop third-party tracking, filter messages from strangers and more. Tap or click here for five iPhone security settings you need to change now.
Here's how much Amazon will pay to collect more of your data
Do you know that your personal information is more valuable to cybercriminals than your credit card info? It can be. Tap or click here to see 10 accounts more valuable to cybercriminals than your credit card.
Knowing that, would you allow Amazon to track your online activity for a small fee? The company started a new program designed to learn your habits to provide more specific targeted ads.
One tool to keep your online activity PRIVATE and opt out of intrusive cookies
It’s a given that people are watching your online activity. Various entities collect your data when you’re on a phone, tablet or PC. Aside from hackers and scammers seeking to steal personal and financial information, companies learn about you and use this data to hit you with targeted ads. Even worse, they can sell this data to others.
Tax prep software was sending info back to Meta
It’s no secret that Meta’s Facebook actively wants to collect as much information on you as possible. The more it knows about your habits and hobbies, the better it can serve targeted ads and buying suggestions. Tap or click here for 10 Facebook privacy and security settings to change right now.
Creepy: Ads might be playing on your TV - even when it’s off
We’re constantly bombarded with ads. Just look at your phone, your computer and even your streaming devices.
The good news? There’s a lot you can do to limit what info you share with advertisers. Tap or click here to shut down targeted ads on your smartphone.
Opt-out Tuesday: How to remove yourself from PeopleFinders
Your personal information floats around the internet like shark bait. Anyone can find your email address, phone number or home address. That’s why you should remove yourself from people search websites like PeopleFinders.
Twitter shares your location when you tweet - Take this step now
Social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Thanks to privacy settings, you can easily share stories and photos only with people you know. Even with the latest privacy tools, people still tend to overshare.
Online forms are grabbing your data - even if you don’t hit enter
An effective way to get someone’s opinion on a product or service is to create an online form or survey. Other times, online forms are the preferred way to sign up for newsletters, register an account or buy tickets. Tap or click here for a list of apps that collect the most private data from you.
It's come to this - a charger that keeps your phone from listening
If you’re not sure if your devices are always listening, we’ll help you out. They are. Your smartphone, smart assistants/speakers, smart home devices and smart TVs listen for wake words or other vocal cues. Big Tech companies also listen to you through your devices.