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Google’s own tracking software used routinely by porn sites

Adult sites are using Google and Facebook’s tracking software to log users’ sexual preferences – even if they use Incognito mode

A recent study into porn sites’ use of tracking software has found that a whopping 93% of them leak data to third parties. Researchers from Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pennsylvania warn of the risks associated with the use of tracking software by such sites, as it could – most worryingly – compromise user privacy.

The study analysed 22,484 porn websites and discovered that tracking software is routinely deployed on these sites by a “concentrated” selection of major companies. Trackers made by Google appeared on 74% of the websites analysed, while Facebook’s trackers appeared on 10% of sites and Oracle’s on 24%.

Tracking pixels differ to cookies, which are used to store session information but can be cleared from users’ browsers at any point. Trackers, on the other hand, are used to find out how often and from which location a page has been loaded. Clearing cookies does not delete the tracking data from users’ browser, which remains intact.

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As for what is happening with the data that’s being tracked, that’s less clear. Often, tracking pixels are employed for relatively innocuous purposes. A classic example is of them being used to coordinate embedded third-party content, often in the format of advertising campaigns across different sites. However, tracking data can be sold on to third parties for targeted advertising and it’s also vulnerable to hackers.

All this becomes particularly troubling in context as the study reveals that nearly half of porn sites’ URLs contain information about the thematic nature of the content. This could, in turn, disclose information about the user’s sexuality or sexual preferences. While this breach of privacy is enough to unsettle anyone, it could be seriously problematic in countries where, for example, homosexuality is illegal.

It’s also worth noting that the much-hailed “Incognito mode” isn’t a failsafe method of protection. Incognito mode only ensures a user’s browsing history is not stored on their computer; it does not protect against third-party tracking pixels.

Online porn consumers everywhere may have their sexual preferences deduced by third parties without explicit user consent, or even users taking notice, with the study denouncing porn sites for lavishing a “fundamentally misleading sense of privacy” on unsuspecting consumers.

The best way to retain your privacy at this moment in time is to make use of a VPN to mask your IP address. Remarkably enough, we have a round-up of the best VPNs for you to explore; if you can’t be bothered with the hassling of selecting one, we can tell you with total conviction that our favourite is ExpressVPN. You can read our review here, or visit their website using the link below. 

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