Online tracking is used to assemble very important information from web users. Data gathered could be used by companies that do target advertising and effective marketing approaches could surely boost revenues of these companies. It used to be that data gathering was done through surveys of readers’ preferences and applications. Online tracking was born as advanced technology developed and flourished. Today, marketing firms accumulate data simply by just keeping track of a user’s online “movements”.
In its earlier days, online data collection from users seemed harmless. Privacy issues began to emerge as more and more internet marketing companies made use of such strategies. Maintaining privacy on the web became more and more challenging. A user’s online conduct is left unguarded, making him or her “target” for internet advertising companies. Claims of unlawful intrusiveness by internet data gradually became commonplace. Users questioned whether such techniques could be considered legal. Others contend that such procedures are violations of individual privacy.
User data that goes online holds crucial information with enormous marketing potentials. As a whole, this contains not only the user’s data but also that of his or her friends, linkages, locations, and influences. With just some simple manipulations, this could disclose not only what the individual user wants but also those of his or her associates. In general, there are many possibilities of abusing this data.
User information is collected by placing cookies on the computers of users who visit the website. The use of cookies is common. In one report, it is said that out of the 100 most popular websites examined, more than 50 percent used cookies. Cookies make internet use easier, especially for those sites that are repeatedly visited by the user. Cookies help in saving individual user preferences so he or she does not have to go through a repetitive process.
In order to avoid privacy violation claims, behavioral marketing should be self-regulated. The Federal Trade Commission proposes that this self-regulation should be applied. Full disclosure of the company’s behavioral targeting procedures in a clear and conspicuous manner is now a condition for websites. Under Section 5 (a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, there were some website owners who were prosecuted due to violations.
If you are at all concerned about your online identity or your Internet privacy, you might think about using an Anonymous Proxy to protect yourself from web-based behavioral tracking. Try our PrivateProxy for free and start protecting yourself right now!