How Your Favorite Retailer Is Spying on You

Reader Comments
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I use GMail from Google and I have never seen an ad?

Steve P of ME 9:38AM September 17, 2010

I use MS Internet browser and I do online browsing. I also customize my privacy setting to prompt me before accepting 3rd party cookies. This blocks a lot of the inofo that the advertising and data mining companies are trying to get. It is a very small nuisance in the beginning since there are so very, very many of these people out there; but as time goes by there are fewer and fewer that are left un-blocked. And I'm more confortable with my online privacy.

Dragon T. Saurus of CA 3:26PM September 07, 2010

When you use a credit card to make a purchase at most major retail stores the information regarding your purchase when scaned at the cash register is recorded and then sold for marketing purposes.
What you purchase is valuable marketing data used to plan future sales and advertising campaigns.
Plus, it is another profit source for the retail outlet!
Google the term: Data Mining

William Woodburn of CO 3:14PM September 01, 2010

Corporates - are just as bad as the
Poilitictions in our Country, They will say any thing
to get you there and then when they are there, They
do nothing that benefits - any one but them selfs
You should know that by now !!!!
Liars, crooks, and thiefs - all three.
See what happens - Its, like Voteing
which Item or Person is the lesser of two Eviels.

Norm of VT 1:38PM September 01, 2010

Retargeting shows relevant ads to users. It's by no means spying or stalking anyone - there is no transfer of personally identifiable data!

Samir of NY 9:11PM August 23, 2010

hi Kimberly - thanks for another good article.
I actually find these ads kind of useful for a change. For example when I was thinking about buying a spotting scope the other day, I visited a site and ended up not buying anything because I was still looking around. But I got distracted and then a few days later I saw the exact scope I was looking for and the ad offered me an extra 10% off, which was all I needed to buy it right there. Ads don't have to be all bad -- especially if they offer you something!

starsshining32 of GA 12:53AM August 23, 2010

and then accept this---hook, line and sinker. Remember, you already signed that corporate nonsense about "agreeing" to be fired at any time for any reason or no reason. That was a biggie. This is a nothing issue by comparison.
Corporations run your country.

Muser of NM 10:50PM August 21, 2010

Thanks for these great comments! Makes me feel better that it's not just me!
- Kim

Kimberly Palmer of DC 10:50PM August 21, 2010

You have to install some add in programs to your browser to prevent them from snooping and displaying the ads. Try AdBlock Plus and Ghostery. They are both free and highly rated by computer reviews and users.

Marty of FL 11:32AM August 21, 2010

I was mildly creeped out the first time I encountered this, but now it just amuses me and I pretty much ignore it. It won't make me spend any more than I might otherwise.

Susan V. of DC 12:20AM August 21, 2010