Why this login technique may soon replace all your passwords
Passkeys are emerging as a viable alternative to passwords and there's a good chance you're already using them.
LEARN MOREWhy companies may sell your data to third parties
Companies have a lot of information on their customers. What they do with that information can go beyond normal advertising practices.
Shutterstock
March 6, 2023
If you use the internet, there is a good chance companies are selling your data to a third party.
Oftentimes, the data is used to try to sell you products you might be interested in. Websites will collect info on which websites you visit or the items you buy online.
They'll also collect information such as your age, gender and location, according to public interest advocacy group U.S. PIRG.
They then can package all of this information to give to advertisers to target advertisements.
“Advertisers can buy your credit card transaction data and see if you're a frequent shopper at, say, liquor stores or fast food restaurants, and they can also see if you stop,” said R.J. Cross, director of the Don't Sell My Data Campaign for U.S. PIRG. “And there is a huge market for data about relapse — shoppers who advertisers view as easy targets to get you to come back and spend more money, and they will target you for ads with beer, booze and Big Macs without any regard for what your goals are. Maybe you don't want to. Maybe you want to cut back on those things for really good reasons.”
Although legitimate companies will buy data for advertising purposes, sometimes the data could be used for scams.
In other instances, U.S. PIRG said the information can be used to take advantage of people's private insecurities and weaknesses. One example U.S. PIRG gives is of diet pill companies targeting users struggling with eating disorders.
“I really hate having to tell people to go look at privacy policies, but right now, it's the best place where we can find key information like what companies are getting a hold of our data, and what exactly are they doing with it,” Cross said.
Cross recommends you read websites’ privacy policies. There, you can learn what companies do with their data.
U.S. PIRG also recommends not clicking “accept all” when cookie settings pop up.
Google urges Android phone users to switch off Wi-Fi calling
Google found multiple security flaws in Samsung Galaxy and other smartphones that could allow hackers access into the devices.
FCC now requires phone carriers to block scam text messages
The new rules require mobile carriers to block text messages that appear to come from invalid, unallocated, or unused phone numbers.
3:46
App helps first responders help people in health crises
Families can create a profile on the app for their loved ones, which includes information about their disability.
Top Stories
3:46
How are U.S. jobs reports compiled?
The data is based off estimates and not full official counts of the entire labor force, which is now over 160 million strong in the U.S.
5:26
How you can clean the air to protect yourself from COVID
People can remove harmful aerosol particles, like the virus that causes COVID, from the air on their own terms.
3:24
Lawmakers react after Nashville school shooting
After a shooter killed 6 at a Nashville school, some lawmakers promoted current gun safety legislation, with others urging an assault weapons ban.
