Internet Tracking: Why It’s Bad and How to Avoid It

We’ve noticed a problem on the internet, and if you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed too. The majority of the websites you visit are tracking you. They are collecting information about where you are, who you are, and what you’re doing on their websites.

What is Internet Tracking?

Generally, tracking involves collecting information about your use of or interaction with a particular web page. Web trackers can collect more information than just your browsing of a website. Websites also use them to collect your personal information: your IP address, where you came from, your geographic location and your browser characteristics.

How Does Tracking Work?

The websites that track you use three main methods: cookies, fingerprinting, and beacons.

What are tracking cookies?

Cookies are small files stored in your browser that help websites you visit often identify you. Websites use cookies to store your custom settings and preferences or log-in information. Cookies can add convenience to the sites you visit often, but unfortunately websites also use them to store your data.

You can think of cookies a bit like an event wristband…