Well, if you thought that it was creepy how much third-party companies were tracking your movements on the Internet, you might want to read today's article in the WSJ "On the Web, Children Face Intensive Tracking." Link: http://tiny.cc/435p9
Similar to the first article on Web tracking, the reporters visited 50 of the most popular websites for teens and children. The sites placed 4,123 cookies, beacons and other tracking software—30 percent more than they found in the earlier report (i.e., 50 most popular sites).
So, if the earlier pieces didn't pique Congress's interest, I can almost guarantee you this piece will. I predict further hearings later this fall complete with an appearance by this lady: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh2sWSVRrmo
One interesting thing from the article that I don't remember reading in the previous articles was a discussion of Google ad preferences, which help determine what online ads you are exposed to. To see what Google thinks interests you (i.e., the terms that are associated with your computer and/or account), Google "ad preferences" from the computer you normally use, and you'll see the broad search terms associated with your computer.
Edited to add:
Here is another link that is worth checking out...
The link is to a step-by-step analysis of the privacy policy of the online social media site "Blippy." The analysis was performed by lawyer Francoise Gilbert, and it's fairly easy to understand.
Link here: http://bit.ly/dtb9f6
I feel like this is taking tracking to an extreme. These children are minors and should not be tracked. It makes me mad to see companies doing this. They are called minors for a reason and I feel companies need to respect that and stop trying to take advantage. It’s one thing to track an adult, but it’s taking it too far when you’re tracking a child.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Cravens
I agree with Jessica. After reading the Wall Street Journal's article, given through the posted link, I find it pretty disturbing that kid's gaming sites and others like Nick.com are collecting this information. Also, the material explained about the website y8.com just seems strange. They verify that this kid's gaming site is no longer a porno site, but email addresses to y8.com and their new website are the same in some countries...? I'm not saying that kids would come across anything inappropriate; I just think if I were a parent, this situation, as many of the others discussed in this article, would make me uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI think that online tracking on these sites geared towards children should not be allowed at all! The fact that they are placing around 30% more beacons and cookies on these children sites than on the top fifty adult sites makes me wonder if there is any hope at all. If someone doesn't put a stop to this sooner or later there is no telling how far these online trackers will go. This could end up becoming a very serious issue in coming years and will be something that i closely keep my eye on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments. I think that tracking is creepy in the first place, but tracking children is crossing the line. I think that advertisers are becoming too engrossed in earning money and have forgotten about what is right and wrong. Tracking children is definitely wrong in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everyones comments but from a PR professional perspective it would seem logical. Although the kids are young a lot of information could influence or help target parent audiences. Mothers make up a huge customer base in a variety of markets.
ReplyDelete