Browsing & Search

You look at shoes once, then see shoe ads everywhere. Here’s how it works.

Cookies:

Ad companies drop tracking files on millions of websites. When you visit Site A then Site B, they see both visits and build a profile.

It gets worse:

• Fingerprinting — Identifies you by browser details even without cookies
• Cross-device tracking — Connects your phone, laptop, and tablet
• Data brokers — Buy and sell your information

How to stop it:

• Use a browser that blocks trackers
• Install an ad blocker
• Reject non-essential cookies

See: Privacy browsers

No. Incognito doesn’t make you private.

What it does:

• Doesn’t save history on YOUR device
• Deletes cookies when you close

What it does NOT do:

• Hide activity from your ISP (they see everything)
• Hide your IP from websites
• Stop tracking while browsing
• Make you anonymous

Incognito is like closing blinds — your roommate can’t see, but your ISP is already inside watching.

For real privacy:

• Privacy-focused browser (not Chrome incognito)
• VPN to hide from ISP
• Tracker blocking

See: Privacy browsers

Every website tries to track you. Here’s how to block most of it.

Step 1: Switch browser. Chrome is made by an ad company. Use a privacy-focused one instead.

Step 2: Use a private search engine. Google saves every search. Alternatives don’t.

Step 3: Block trackers. An ad blocker stops them from loading (and speeds up pages).

Step 4: Manage cookies. Reject non-essential ones, or use a browser that blocks them.

That’s it. These four steps block most tracking.

See: Privacy browsers

Yes. Google logs every search you make and ties it to your profile.

What they track:

• Every search query
• Which results you click
• How long you spend on each
• Your location when searching
• Connected to your Gmail, YouTube, etc.

Why it matters:

This data builds a detailed profile used for ads and “personalization.” It’s stored indefinitely and can be subpoenaed.

The fix:

Use a private search engine. Results are good enough for everyday use, and your searches stay private.

Most can be set as your default search in any browser.

See: Privacy browsers (many include private search by default)

Not Chrome. It’s made by Google, an advertising company.

What privacy browsers do:

• Block trackers automatically
• Stop fingerprinting
• Handle cookie consent for you
• Don’t send browsing data to the company

Choosing one:

• For everyday use: Look for convenience + privacy balance
• For maximum privacy: Some route through special networks (slower)
• For mobile: Make sure your phone browser is private too

Switching is easy:

Privacy browsers import bookmarks and settings. You’ll barely notice the difference — except no more tracking.

See: Browser recommendations