“Reject all cookies” apparently does not work anymore.
In today’s digital world, protecting your online privacy is more important than ever. While you might be familiar with some common tracking methods, browsers have developed new techniques to monitor your online behavior like bounce tracking.
What is Bounce Tracking?
Bounce tracking is a sneaky way for websites to track you, even when you’ve blocked third-party cookies. Here’s how it works:
1. You click a link to go from Site A to Site B.
2. Instead of going straight to Site B, you briefly visit a tracking site.
3. This tracking site sets a cookie on your browser.
4. Then you’re sent to Site B, your original destination.
This quick “bounce” lets trackers follow your journey across different websites.
First-Party Cookies: Not As Innocent As They Seem
You might think first-party cookies (set by the site you’re visiting) are safe. But they’re becoming a new tool for tracking:
The upcoming decade is going to revolutionize how the world works. AI and robots will replace many idle, unskilled labor jobs, and new jobs that will either develop, manage, or operate these technologies will emerge. However, no one is sure how significant this change will be.
• Big tech companies use one domain for many services, tracking you across their platforms.
• Some trackers disguise themselves as part of the website you’re on.
• Some browsers let websites owned by the same company share your data.
These tricks make it harder for you to control who’s watching your online activity. Even if you regularly clear your cookies, you might still be tracked.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
1. Use privacy-focused browsers like Brave browser that block these tracking methods.
2. Regularly clear your browser data, including first-party cookies.
3. Try browser extensions that spot and stop bounce tracking.
4. Keep learning about new tracking methods and how to avoid them.
Say YES to privacy.