Big Tech is Following You

Ads popping up on your computer? Getting strange emails?

We’re being tracked. It’s a fact of life that we can’t avoid unless we want to learn to live off the grid. And that’s not an option for most of us.

Money drives the tracking. Selling this data or perfecting their marketing programs has made Big Tech companies and their executives rich and powerful. Think Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.

Cookies are saved in your web browser – the software program you use for web access. The websites can recognize your device, keep track of your visits, customize your browsing or target ads and emails to you.

First-party cookies are placed by sites you visit, capturing log-in info and activity.

Websites may partner with companies to deliver ads, to study how the site’s used, or to monitor your behavior. These 3rd party cookies hold a lot of information.

Here are a few of my tips and recommendations:

For now, we can minimize their tracking by using a virtual private network, a VPN, avoid Google or Facebook, and apps with built-in analytics and trackers.

Little Snitch or Micro Snitch, are two security apps that monitor microphones and cameras. If you do a lot of business online, you may want to use these to be sure you are not being recorded or monitored.

I use Duck Duck Go when searching the web because of their pledge to protect my privacy. I don’t search for bad things, but I also don’t want my preferences being sold to marketers.

Be discerning on what you share online…My kids use the phrase TMI – too much information – limit what you share – even pictures of your travel destinations are collected and sold to companies offering travel products or trips to places you frequent.

Protect your passwords, and stay informed.   

Matthew 16:26 “For what benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?  Try to filter out all those ads you are bombarded with. More stuff will not make for a better life.

If you need help with your finances, just call us at 800 722-1976 or visit Crown.org