The Dark Side of Personalised Advertising: How Your Data is Used

The use of personalised advertising is a complex issue that raises important questions about the use of personal data. This article explores the ways in which your data is used and provides tips on how to protect it.

The Dark Side of Personalised Advertising: How Your Data is Used

The use of cookies and personal data for personalised advertising has become a ubiquitous feature of the digital landscape. But have you ever stopped to think about what this means for your personal data? In this article, we will delve into the world of personalised advertising and explore the ways in which your data is used.

What are Cookies and How are They Used?

Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including authenticating users, applying security measures, and preventing spam and abuse. However, they can also be used for more nefarious purposes, such as tracking your browsing habits and selling your personal data to third-party companies.

Cookies are used to track your browsing habits

The IAB Transparency & Consent Framework is a set of guidelines that are designed to provide transparency and control for users when it comes to the use of their personal data. However, the framework has been criticized for being overly complex and difficult to understand. Furthermore, many companies are not transparent about their use of personal data, making it difficult for users to make informed decisions.

The IAB Transparency & Consent Framework is designed to provide transparency and control for users

The Impact of Personalised Advertising on Your Data

The use of personalised advertising can have a significant impact on your data. When you click on a personalised ad, you are providing companies with valuable information about your interests and preferences. This information can be used to create detailed profiles of you, which can be sold to third-party companies.

Personalised advertising can have a significant impact on your data

What Can You Do to Protect Your Data?

There are several steps you can take to protect your data from being used for personalised advertising. Firstly, you can click on the ‘Reject all’ button when you are prompted to accept cookies. You can also use a browser extension that blocks cookies and tracking scripts. Additionally, you can use a VPN to mask your IP address and prevent companies from tracking your browsing habits.

There are several steps you can take to protect your data

Conclusion

The use of personalised advertising is a complex issue that raises important questions about the use of personal data. While it can be convenient to have ads that are tailored to your interests, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks. By understanding how your data is used and taking steps to protect it, you can ensure that you are in control of your personal data.