ello ello o/
ever wondered what data gets collected when you visit a website, are online, use wearables, do non-cash payments etc.?
I thought it'd be interesting to know what tracking tools actually are able to collect.
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There are two basic types of data:
Content data, e.g. Text and attachments of an email, and
Metadata - in this case e.g. B. Sender, recipient, subject, date and time, mail program and language used. Photos also contain a lot of metadata: the so-called EXIF data provide precise information about when, where and with which camera a picture was taken - but it can be removed quite easily.
The main data sources in the digital world are obviously the following:
profiles in social networks: This is where the lion's share of personal data comes together - in addition to postings and uploaded images, it also includes information about the emotional state, relationships, political attitudes, liked pages or groups etc. But information about the devices or networks used is also collected . Facebook details in its data policy which information about users is collected.
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Visited websites and online shops: By default, the date, time, IP address, approximate location of the Internet connection, operating system used, browser type, language and version of the browser software and the website from which the access comes (e.g. search engine) are recorded. In some cases, much more precise data is "logged", such as how far the website has been scrolled down or which links have been clicked on
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Digital communication: No matter whether we send e-mails, SMS or messages via WhatsApp or in Facebook Messenger - at least it is tracked who communicates when and with whom (metadata). The content itself is e.g. B. encrypted on WhatsApp - but not in all messengers.
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Search engines: The search engine giant Google not only knows which questions are burning people's nails, but also knows a lot more details from users with a Google account, e.g. B. often visited locations or favorite videos on YouTube.
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Special tools make it clear what data is collected about your own online activities. These include e.g. ClickClickClick, panopticlick or Lightbeam. Google's "My Activity" page lists all interaction and activities; In the Google Maps Timeline everyone can see where he or she has been hanging around in recent years. In the activity settings, this data can be deleted or another data collection deactivated.
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On the smartphone: Anyone walking through the city with a mobile phone permanently leaves traces of data. Smartphones are constantly trying to connect, for example with WiFi networks or with other devices via Bluetooth. If location location is activated, a detailed movement profile is created during the day.
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Apps: The small programs are true data vacuum cleaners and often require more access rights than necessary, e.g. B. on the location data, browser history, device ID, contacts in the address book or mobile phone camera.
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Payment: Even if we use credit cards, ATM cards or customer cards to pay, there is a lot of information that provides information about our buying behavior and solvency.
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Internet of Things (IoT): Household appliances, heating systems or electricity meters ("Smart Home") are increasingly networked or connected to the Internet. A prime example here are digital assistants such as Alexa from Amazon or Home from Google. More and more children's toys ("smart toys") can be operated via an app - and collect a lot of usage data. "Wearables" - smart wristwatches, pedometers or fitness trackers. Networked vehicles also generate large amounts of data.
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Biometric data: Techniques such as fingerprints, iris scan or face recognition are increasingly being used to “easily” unlock devices. Unlike a password, biometric data cannot be changed in the event of theft and is therefore particularly sensitive.
It's mind staggering what amounts of data can be collected and evaluated.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk
My morning coffee just kicked in I read an article and had to share because it was an interesting read.
I have a pretty small list I think
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Added to read later for reference, as I plan to start with a new browser on new PC, something other than Chrome.
Firefox I don't feel is ready for that. Their latest update is all about aesthetics, really going the wrong route I feel.
I never had a good experience with that performance-wise, so would likely be something Chromium based.
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