Whenever users go online, many feel some fear that they are being watched. This is because of their sad experiences with unwanted ads. They feel that they are making themselves vulnerable to advertising companies that they do not even know. Continuous consumer education has helped to effectively raise users’ consciousness. An increasing number of users become aware that there are tools that could protect them. All they need to know more about is how to take advantage of these tools.
Some laws and regulations were proposed and implemented for the sake of online safety. In addition, some companies admitted that they have to protect their consumers. As a result, users are now given the option whether to allow tracking of their activities. In the end, they can still continue to enjoy the benefits of being connected to the internet.
Let us take a look at the basics of how online tracking is done. Advertising networks are the ones that usually do this. Their purpose is to get a picture of which sites users visit frequently and which ads they usually respond to. Once they have enough of the data that they need, they will send customized advertisements to a particular user.
Behind these tracking activities are tracking cookies. These simple codes keep a record of every site that the user visits, especially those that they visit frequently. Advertising networks are capable of finding out the user’s preferences based on their online track. There is no wonder why advertisers, in due time, will seem to “personally know” the user.
One good thing about browsers is that they have do-not-track settings that you can use to your advantage. By using your browser’s Opt-Out page, you can get around many of the major ad networks. Many marketing networks respect users’ settings so you no longer have to worry about being watched. You have just to make sure that you visit the opt-out setting for every browser that you use.
Your browser’s private browsing settings can give you added protection. A little amount of patience in choosing your settings can help you a lot. Still, there are plug-ins that can do the same work for you, although they can work only against specific problems. Finally, using a privacy tool can augment your protection. You can choose between a freeware and a paid one. However, all of these cannot guarantee total protection.
Ample time is required for laws that mandate the implementation of do-not-track registries to acquire some muscle. Users can expect total protection only after all these are in place. While waiting for this to come about, you can protect yourself by using these abovementioned available protective tools.
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