Whenever you are online, internet trackers constantly observe, record, and analyze your online behavior. Behind the scene, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are at work capturing what you click or tap on, how long you stop to view at a particular content, what you liked or shared, etc.
You can say almost all major websites employ a variety of tracking technologies. Analysis of your data allows trackers to create a detailed profile about your preferences, which can be used for advertising, personalization, and website security.
Henceforth, you should gain more knowledge about the capabilities of tracking technologies. That way, you can then make more informed decisions about your online presence.
Common Internet Trackers
Cookies
These are perhaps the most well-known Internet trackers which come in the form of small text files. Your computer device stores these text files, which help websites to remember your preferences. This can include your login information or browsing activities across sessions. There are two main types of cookies— first-party cookies and third-party cookies. The website you’re visiting usually sets first-party cookies, and website administrators generally use it to improve user experience. Domains other than the one you’re visiting set third-party cookies, and it is usually online advertisers that place this cookie. Bear in mind that third-party cookies can track your activities across multiple sites to build a profile of your interests.
Web Beacons (Pixel Tags)
These are tiny, often invisible, graphics embedded in websites or emails that track whether a user has accessed content. They work in conjunction with cookies to monitor your online behavior and are frequently used in email marketing.
Browser Fingerprinting
This technique gathers information about your browser and device. It might include details about your operating system, screen resolution, or your time zone. Browser fingerprints are difficult to avoid but privacy centric browsers such as Brave, usually comes with built-in fingerprinting blockers.
IP Address Internet Trackers
Your IP address, assigned by your Internet Service Provider, reveals your approximate geographic location. Websites can use this information to tailor content to your region or track your activity across the web.
Session Replay Scripts
These scripts record your actions on a webpage. This might include your mouse movements, clicks, scrolling behavior and keystrokes. Companies use this data to analyze user experience and preferences, which may potentially expose sensitive information.
Super Cookies (Flash Cookies)
Super cookies are more difficult to delete but there may be some free tools around that will help you to delete them from your computer. This type of cookie typically track your online behavior across sessions.
Social Media Plugins
Buttons and widgets from social media platforms (like the “Like” button) do more than just indicate your behavior. They can track your activities, whether you interact with them or not. These plugins send data back to the social media platform, which are then used to build a comprehensive profile of your interests and behaviors.
Referrer Headers
When you click a link to go from one website to another, your browser sends a referrer header that tells the new site where you came from. This information tracks the sources of web traffic and understand your browsing habits.
Local Storage and IndexedDB
Modern web applications can store offline data in your browser using Local Storage or IndexedDB. These technologies can hold more data than cookies and are more difficult to track or block.
What Data Do The Internet Trackers Collect?
The scope of data collected by Internet trackers is vast and cannot be fully detailed in this short article. Thus, the list below will only give you a broad idea of their functions:
- Browsing History:
A record of the websites you visit, the pages you view, and the time you spend on each website. - Search Queries:
The keywords you type into search engines, revealing your interests and questions. - User Behavior:
How you interact with a site e.g. what you click on, how you scroll, where your mouse hovers. - Personal Information:
Your name, email address, phone number, and other personal details if you provide them to a website. - Location Data:
Your geographical location based on your IP address or GPS if you’re using a mobile device. - Device Information:
Details about the device you’re using, including your browser, operating system, screen resolution, and installed plugins. - Purchase History:
If you shop online, trackers record and analyze the items you look at, what you add to your cart.
Tech Tip: Protect your online privacy.
A lot of what you do online is tracked. There is no way to completely block or avoid all Internet trackers, but you can at least use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Use my affiliate link below to get your VPN offer and I may get a commission if you make an online purchase at Namecheap’s website.
