Online Behavioral Ads Fuel the Surveillance Industry—Here’s How

Oh wow, I knew how these ads work but never heard that you can actually harvest all this data without even making a bid. Idk how to solve it tbh, banning all these ads seem very unlikely.

Yes, same here, that’s why I curated it. You think you know until you know ;) The article suggests a ban: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/03/ban-online-behavioral-advertising

I saw, but it seemed... not realistic. These behavioral ads generate billions of dollars - both for those selling ads as well as those buying them to promote their products. So banning such a giant industry is highly unlikely. Maybe there's a way to solve this problem with some encryption magic?

That might be interesting idea! I’m also wondering how effective blocking locally is. I’m using a Proton VPN + Orion privacy browser. I must admit I almost never see an ad. But wondering if (part of) my data and surfing behavior is somehow still tracked and getting out. Like your browser and computer also have a certain fingerprint. If feel it’s impossible to really protect yourself from being surveilled. (But still happy I don’t see any ads.)

The RTB scene evolved quite a bit since I last was in contact with them.

As for non-browser data you could also look into something simple and effective as pi-hole to block data outflow (for more targeting) and ad inflow. My TV and other entertainment devices are seemingly quite chatty.

Actually great tip. I'm going to try the pi-hole out.