Key Facts About Online Data Collection
When you visit a website, your personal data—including cookies, unique identifiers, and device information—may be processed by the site and up to 214 third-party partners. This data can be used for advertising, content personalization, analytics, and fraud prevention. Many vendors rely on legitimate interest as a legal basis, but you have the right to object.
How Your Data Is Used
Advertising and Personalization
Your activity on a service, such as forms you submit or content you view, can be combined with data from other sites to build a profile of your interests. This profile is then used to show you more relevant ads. Precise geolocation (within 500 meters) may also be used with your consent.
Content Personalization
Similar profiles are created to tailor non-advertising content—like articles or videos—to your preferences. The order of content may be adjusted based on your interests.
Measurement and Analytics
Data on how you interact with ads and content helps publishers measure campaign effectiveness and improve their services. Reports are generated to identify audience characteristics.
Your Rights and Choices
You can manage your data preferences through the consent management platform (CMP) typically found at the bottom of a webpage or in the site menu. Options include:
- Consent or Reject: Accept or decline all data processing.
- Manage Options: Choose specific purposes, such as advertising or analytics.
- Vendor Preferences: Control which third-party partners can access your data.
Your choices are saved as digital signals and shared with vendors to ensure compliance.
What You Should Know About Device Linking and Fraud Prevention
Your device may be linked to others in your household (e.g., phone and computer) based on shared login or internet connection. This allows a unified profile across devices. Data is also used to detect and prevent fraudulent activity, such as bot clicks, and to ensure systems work securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is online data privacy?
Online data privacy refers to how your personal information—such as browsing habits, location, and device data—is collected, stored, and used by websites and their partners.
How can I control my data preferences?
Most websites provide a consent management platform where you can accept or reject different data uses, such as advertising personalization or content profiling.
What are cookies and why are they used?
Cookies are small files stored on your device to recognize you and remember your preferences. They help websites function, show relevant ads, and analyze traffic.