What Do Google, Facebook, and Email Track About You?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the extensive tracking capabilities of Google and Facebook, highlighting how they gather user data even without direct interaction. Key articles from HackerNoon and PhoneArena detail Google's tracking mechanisms and Facebook's data collection through partner apps. The conversation emphasizes the profound implications of marketing companies' data usage, suggesting they possess a deeper understanding of individuals than the individuals themselves. Concerns are raised about the erosion of privacy due to machine learning and the commodification of personal data.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of digital privacy concepts
  • Familiarity with Google’s data tracking policies
  • Knowledge of Facebook's data collection practices
  • Awareness of machine learning implications on personal data
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Google’s privacy settings and data management tools
  • Explore Facebook's data privacy policies and user controls
  • Investigate machine learning algorithms and their impact on consumer behavior
  • Learn about email tracking techniques and how to mitigate them
USEFUL FOR

Digital marketers, privacy advocates, data protection officers, and anyone concerned about online tracking and data privacy.

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jedishrfu said:
A recent HackerNoon articles provides links to GOOGLE pages that show what they track about you and how:
The truth is likely to be far bigger and deeper in scope and capability. I really do believe these data and connecting marketing companies know us better than we know ourselves. That is not just a casual saying. Those thinking their own data hasn't already been used to influence them are mistaken. Marketing and influence are not always blunt tools, but built in the subconscious over time.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
The truth is likely to be far bigger and deeper in scope and capability. I really do believe these data and connecting marketing companies know us better than we know ourselves. That is not just a casual saying. Those thinking their own data hasn't already been used to influence them are mistaken. Marketing and influence are not always blunt tools, but built in the subconscious over time.

No kidding. Years ago the credit card companies had similar aspirations where they could predict the color of the clothes you buy based on the UPC of products you bought. ML will bring us to the brink of despair and the true loss of privacy in its most intimate form unless we totally disconnect from the world.
 
When something is "free," it isn't the product. You are.
 
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gmax137 said:
When something is "free," it isn't the product. You are.

Unfortunately, that doesn't prevent vendors you spend with from selling your info. Everyone seems to be begging for phone#, email, etc...
 

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