Did you know that nearly half of all websites (42.9%) use some form of tracker to monitor your browsing habits? Companies use hidden trackers embedded in websites and apps to constantly collect information about your online activity.
Every click, search, and purchase you make paints a detailed picture of your interests, habits, and even your location – which is why you need a tracker blocker.
According to Pew Research Center, the majority of Americans (72%) believe their online and offline activities are being tracked and monitored by companies and the government. Another study has shown that a whopping 72.6% of iOS apps also track private user data. That means even the seemingly harmless apps you use every day might be collecting information about you in the background.
This pervasive tracking isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a threat to your online privacy and security. The data collected can be used for targeted advertising, but it can also be sold to third-party companies or even accessed by hackers in a data breach.
Understanding this issue is crucial, but the good news is that there are solutions available in the market. However, the primary concern lies not in the availability of solutions but in determining whom to trust amidst today’s digital insecurity.
This is why PureVPN has launched its new Tracker Blocker feature, which acts as a shield, actively identifying and blocking hidden web trackers before they can snatch your data.
Let’s take a closer look at how different social media platforms gather information about you through trackers, shedding light on the types of data collected, and how it’s used.
Social media platforms: Ground zero for data tracking
Social media platforms are like virtual strip malls, following you around and collecting information on everything you do. Here’s how they track you:
- Your browsing habits: They track the links you click on and the pages you visit within their platform, building a profile of your interests.
- Your social connections: They track who you follow, like, and interact with, allowing them to create a social graph of your relationships.
- Your device information: Social media apps can collect data about your device type, operating system, and location.
- Your personal information: The information you willingly provide in your profile, like your birthday and hometown, is also collected and used for targeted advertising.
Social media platforms then use your data to create a detailed profile of you, allowing advertisers to target you with ads that are more likely to resonate with you. Ever notice how ads for shoes seem to follow you around after you browse online shoe stores? That’s social media using your data.
That’s not all – social channels may also sell your data to third-party companies for marketing or research purposes. This data can be used for anything from political targeting to identity theft, and you often have no control over who buys it.
A deep look at global tracking giants
While you might expect Facebook and Google to be the main culprits, there’s a whole ecosystem of companies tracking your online activity. Here’s a breakdown of some of the biggest players:
Their tentacles reach far and wide, with Google Marketing Platform (ex-DoubleClick), Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and Youtube Analytics all being some of the most prevalent trackers globally.
According to recent research, Google Analytics received its largest share of detections in South Asia (18.04%), Latin America (17.97%), Africa (16.56%), and the Middle East (16.44%).
These services track everything from what websites you visit to what videos you watch.
Meta (formerly Facebook)
While not quite as dominant as Google, Facebook Custom Audiences is another major force in online tracking. Services like these collect various types of user data, analyze them, and segment the audience to ensure better ad targeting. An advertiser who uses a targeting service from Meta wins by having their products shown to the people who are the likeliest to be interested.
According to a report, Meta is second to Google in terms of presence in all regions of the world. The share of DNT detections triggered by Facebook Custom Audiences trackers in each region from August 2021 to August 2022 was most prevalent in Latin America.
Read more: The ultimate handbook to outsmarting Facebook tracking in 2024
Criteo
This French advertising company may not be a household name, but its trackers are used extensively in Europe, East Asia, and Latin America. According to a report, Criteo trackers were most frequently detected in Europe (7.07%), East Asia (6.09%), and Latin America (5.24%), and least frequently, in South Asia (just 1.59%).
These are just a few examples, and there are many other companies involved in online tracking. The bottom line is that your online activity is constantly being monitored by a web of data-hungry advertisers.
Why should you be concerned about online privacy?
The digital age offers undeniable convenience, but it comes at a cost: our privacy. Web trackers pose a significant threat to your privacy by silently collecting your browsing data without your knowledge or consent.
Here’s a compelling look at why online privacy should be a top concern for everyone:
- Less than one-quarter of American smartphone users feel in control of their personal data online.
- 51% of users believe social media companies are not doing enough to protect user data.
- Only 18% of US social media users feel that Facebook protects their data and privacy.
- Social media platforms can sell your data to third-party companies for marketing or research purposes.
- The number of data breach victims increased by almost 41.5% to more than 422.1 million in 2022.
- 44% of data breaches include customer names, email addresses, and passwords, putting you at risk for identity theft.
By understanding how social media platforms track your data, you can take steps to protect your privacy. In the following sections, we’ll explore solutions like PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature to help you take back control of your online experience.
How PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker protects you
PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker acts as your digital bodyguard, constantly scanning websites for hidden trackers. These trackers can be disguised as scripts, images, or other seemingly harmless content.
Moreover, Tracker Blocker works in the background and can see through the camouflage and identify hidden trackers. Once a tracker is detected, Tracker Blocker restricts it, preventing it from collecting your data. As a result, you aren’t able to receive hyper-personalized ads on all social media platforms and websites.
Here’s how Tracker Blocker benefits you:
Stops data collection
PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature stops trackers from gathering your browsing history, location, online behavior, and other sensitive details. This keeps your personal information safe and out of the hands of third parties.
Enhances online security
By dismantling the tracking infrastructure, Tracker Blocker reduces the risk of targeted advertising and malware attacks that often rely on tracker data.
Boosts browsing speed
With fewer trackers weighing down your connection, you can experience faster loading times and a smoother browsing experience.
Prevents targeted ads
Say goodbye to those creepy ads that seem to follow you around the internet. Tracker Blocker disrupts the tracking process, preventing advertisers from building a profile of your interests and bombarding you with targeted ads.
In a nutshell, PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature empowers you to break free from this cycle of online invasion. You can browse the web with confidence, knowing that your personal information and online activity are private.
Read more: Is Your ISP Tracking You?
Activating Tracker Blocker feature – A simple and secure process
PureVPN understands that security shouldn’t come at the cost of convenience. That’s why activating Tracker Blocker is a breeze. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Launch the PureVPN App
Open the PureVPN app on your preferred device, whether it’s your Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet. The interface may vary slightly depending on your device, but the core functionalities remain consistent.
Step 2: Enable Tracker Blocker
Once the app is open, click on the settings menu and enable Tracker Blocker with a single tap. This one-time action ensures continuous protection against trackers for as long as the user remains connected to the VPN.
Step 3: Connect to PureVPN
In order to enjoy the Tracker Blocker feature, it’s important that PureVPN is connected at all times. Click the connect button to stay connected to PureVPN and enjoy military-grade encryption along with access to international content.
Congratulations! You’re now protected
By following these simple steps, you can activate PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker and take back control of your online privacy in no time. Now Tracker Blocker will run in the background, continuously scanning websites for trackers and automatically restricting it. Rest assured, you can browse with the peace of mind that your online activity and personal information are shielded from unwanted prying eyes.
The PureVPN advantage
PureVPN has a long-standing reputation for being a champion of online privacy. As the highest-rated VPN on Trustpilot, we go beyond just offering features like Tracker Blocker. PureVPN is committed to creating holistic cybersecurity solutions that keep your digital footprint private and secure at all times by:
Global accessibility: With over 6,000 secure VPN servers strategically located in 65+ countries worldwide, PureVPN enables you to access global content with ease.
Strict no-logs policy: Your privacy is our top priority. PureVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not track or store any user data. Hence, your online activities remain confidential at all times.
Military-grade encryption: PureVPN employs strict AES 256-bit military-grade encryption for supreme confidentiality of users’ information.
Secure connection protocols: PureVPN offers a variety of secure connection protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, to ensure the integrity and privacy of your online activities.
Complete solution: PureVPN understands the importance of protecting your entire family which is why it offers family plans that allow you to extend the power of our complete cybersecurity solutions to all your loved ones. Keep everyone in your household safe and secure with a single PureVPN subscription.
Act now for complete peace of mind
PureVPN recognized that online safety requires a comprehensive approach. That’s why we’ve moved beyond just being a VPN service provider. We are now dedicated to creating holistic cybersecurity solutions that keep our users’ digital footprint private and secure.
In today’s digital world, prevention is truly better than cure. That’s exactly why you need to act now and take proactive steps to secure your online privacy before a security breach or data leak disrupts your life.
Many of us share information online, often under the assumption of privacy. However, hackers and malicious actors can exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your data. With PureVPN’s complete cybersecurity solutions, you can take control of your online safety and browse the web with confidence.
Think of PureVPN as your one-stop shop for comprehensive online security. We offer a powerful suite of features designed to safeguard your digital life. With PureVPN, you get more than just a VPN service; you gain a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to empower you to navigate the digital world with confidence.
Take control of your online experience today – Get PureVPN
Don’t let online trackers dictate your online experience. Take back control of your privacy with PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature. Enjoy a browsing experience free from intrusive tracking and targeted ads.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – Act Now and secure your digital life with PureVPN.
Don’t forget to stay connected to the PureVPN Blog to learn more about the latest PureVPN deals and features, and discover how PureVPN can empower you to navigate the digital world with security, freedom, and peace of mind.
Read more: What is a Tracking Cookie and How Do I Remove Them? [Detailed Guide]
FAQs – PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature
How to stop websites from tracking me?
You can stop websites from tracking you by using tools like PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature. Once you enable the feature and connect with PureVPN, it automatically works in the background to prevent tracking and data profiling, hence, safeguarding your online privacy.
How to block a third-party tracker on Android?
With PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature, you can easily block third-party trackers on your Android device. Simply activate the feature within the PureVPN app, and it’ll handle the rest, keeping your online activities private.
How do hidden web trackers put my privacy at risk?
Hidden web trackers compromise your privacy by collecting your browsing data without consent. PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature identifies and restricts these trackers, preventing your personal details from being used for targeted profiling and ensuring your online activities remain secure.
What are some good anti-tracking apps for Android?
PureVPN offers a comprehensive solution with its Tracker Blocker feature, effectively serving as an anti-tracking app for Android as well as iPhone users. It’s a reliable choice to protect your privacy from intrusive trackers.
How to prevent a website from browser activity tracking?
By using PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker, you can effectively prevent websites from tracking your browser activity. It actively blocks tracking scripts and cookies, ensuring your browsing remains private.
How to stop websites from tracking you on Google Chrome?
PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker feature is compatible with Google Chrome and can stop websites from tracking you effectively. Simply install PureVPN and enable the Tracker Blocker feature for enhanced privacy.
