Article • over 4 years ago
The Unseen World of Tracking Pixels: Understanding the Consequences
Summary
- The digital world created by the internet has made life easier and more convenient, but it has also led to extensive online tracking and compromised privacy.
- Tracking pixels, small snippets of code embedded in webpages or emails, allow third parties to monitor and record user behavior online.
- The data collected by tracking pixels is used to create detailed user profiles, which can be linked back to real-world identities.
- Advertising models heavily rely on tracking pixels, with estimated revenues of over $100 billion annually in the United States alone.
- Tracking pixels can be used for intent harvesting (responding to users' search interests) and intent generation (anticipating users' needs).
- While tracking pixels have drawbacks such as slowing down website loading speeds, they remain an integral part of the internet.
- Government regulations like the GDPR and CCPA aim to address internet privacy concerns, but the appropriate way to regulate online activity is still not settled.
- Users can take steps to opt-out of pixel tracking by choosing privacy-focused web browsers, adjusting browser settings, and utilizing additional tools and resources.
- Orchid, a decentralized VPN marketplace, provides privacy and transparency alternatives for those concerned about tracking pixels and online surveillance.
📣 Related news
Loading news...
