Sadly, yes.

Criminals, Hackers, Bad Guys, Ne'er do wells

To steal. Your identity, your money, your passwords, whatever.

This is a security issue, plain and simple. Be careful what information you give to sites you don't expressly trust. Install a good antivirus and a password manager that lets you create secure, unique passwords.

Who

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ts it

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Is it

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hat c

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it?

How

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use

d?Today's world is fueled by data. Almost everything we encounter - from smart cars and voting booths to fitness trackers and music players - they all collect data in an effort to better understand how and why we do the things we do. This data can be used for many purposes, from the outright nefarious in the case of criminal hackers to the (we think) virtuous use of supporting Ghostery. We created this break-down so you can be more informed about who wants your data and how they might use it. After all, Knowledge + Control = Privacy.

PRIVACYDAY

PRESENTED BY GHOSTERY

Is it

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sona

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hat c

an y

ou

do a

bout

it?

How

is it

use

d?

Write your representatives. Seriously. Technically, this is tough to stop. Governments can employ very deep-dive methods of collection, and compel private companies to cooperate. You can afford some protection by using services like Tor and Ghostery, but even these won't stop information gathered via subpeonas served to ISPs, email services, etc. So seriously, write your government officials and express your displeasure.

You bet.

To create detailed profiles in order to prevent crimes.

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hat c

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it?

How

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d?

Maybe. Most of this data doesn't involve your specfic information, but a lot can be inferred from robust profiles.

To create a profile of what you like (and specifically, what you might want to buy) based on the sites you visit.

Lots of these guys provide opt-outs via AdChoices icons or some other program. You can also limit collection by deleting cookies and browsing in incognito or private mode. But your best bet is to use Ghostery, which can block communication with any companies you don't trust.

Who

wan

ts it

?

Governments. Notably the US NSA, but it happens all over the world, by just about every government, to one degree or another.

Who

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ts it

?

3rd party, data-driven marketers.

Who

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ts it

?

Is it

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sona

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hat c

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ou

do a

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it?

How

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use

d?

Ghostery, via Ghostrank™

Nope. We take lots of steps to anonymize what we collect.

We use Ghostrank to better understand how and where data is collected across the web. We support Ghostery by selling information about that tracking activity to companies to help them better understand themselves and each other.

Is it

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sona

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hat c

an y

ou

do a

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it?

How

is it

use

d?

The sites you visit and the apps you use

Not really. Usually non-specific location and activity info is as deep as it gets.

To create an overview of a site's audience.

Who

wan

ts it

?

We won't take any data you don't tell us we can take - so just don't opt-in. (But please opt-in)

Though this stuff is mostly harmless and can probably help the sites you like get better, if it bugs you, block and/or opt-out. Ghostery helps a lot here.