“In place of cookies, Google has introduced a new set of tools that makes the Chrome browser itself keep tabs on what you’re doing online. Essentially, that data stays on your device, and your browser sorts you into various categories, or “Ad Topics” as Google calls them. …
Make no mistake, Chrome is still tracking you, and doing it in a way that browsers like Firefox and Safari don’t.”

#Tracking #DataPrivacy #Cookies #Google #Chrome #PrivacySandbox #AdTopics
https://gizmodo.com/google-chrome-cookie-privacy-sandbox-launch-date-jan-4-1851098807

Google Will Turn Off Cookies for 30 Million People on January 4

Google’s cookie-killing “Privacy Sandbox” project is finally set to begin.

Gizmodo

https://epic.org/google-ad-topics-another-cog-in-the-surveillance-advertising-machine/

#Google under pressure to support #userprivacy & turn off 3rd-party #cookies on #Chrome, but doing so in a way that only gives them more control over #userdata. #AdTopics restricts 3rd parties from Chrome users’ data, but G itself retains control over #surveillance #advertising lifecycle—from #datacollection to #adtargeting. G has been under scrutiny for its #anticompetitive practices in Europe, and is also currently on trial in an #antitrust suit against the #usdoj.

Google Ad Topics: Another Cog in the Surveillance Advertising Machine

<p>After falling behind its competitors and facing criticism for previous plans to phase out third-party cookies, Google now touts Ad Topics for its benefits to user privacy and transparency. But Google’s new tool is far from a perfect solution to the harms of surveillance advertising.</p>

EPIC - Electronic Privacy Information Center

Google is always looking for ways to monetize your habits. That's the case with the new Ad Topics feature on Android. Here's how to disable it. #google #adtopics #android

https://tchlp.com/48wPzLP

What is Android's new Ad Topics feature and how do you disable it?

Android now has a feature that keeps tabs on your topics of interest, based on the apps you use. If you'd like to disable this new tracking option, here's how.

ZDNET

PSA: Google has now begun to roll-out the Ad Topics "feature" onto Android itself. It's not just in Chrome you have to disable the settings. Please #Boost to spread awareness.

If you didn't get the pop-up screen on your Android device (it looks like the first two screenshots), to opt-out of these settings:

  • Go to your device Settings
  • Press "Google"
  • Press "Ads"
    • While you're here, press the "Delete Advertising ID" button and delete it
  • Press "Ad Privacy"
  • Review: "Ad Topics", "App-suggested ads", and "App Measurement". Make sure all are labelled as "OFF". (This page will look like the third screenshot)
  • If you don't see "Ad Privacy" in Step 4 then it means that it hasn't been rolled out to you yet. You might need to wait and check back in a couple of days to see if/when it has been implemented to disable these settings.

    EDIT: There's another setting to review. In step 2, scroll to "Personalize using shared data". Turn everything off.

    Pt. 2 in Replies

    #Android #Google #Privacy #AdTopics

    Remember the huge outcry when Google originally announced FLoC?

    Yeah, Google simply renamed it and progressively rolls it out with the new Chrome version. You can't win.

    Use Firefox.

    #Google #Chrome #Firefox #FLoC #AdTopics

    This really doesn't look like the right way to convince the uninitiated end user who has no idea about any of this to opt in. "It wants to allow any website to see my browsing history?!"
    #Google #Chrome #AdTopics #Cookies #Privacy