How to Avoid Post-Tracking Targeted Ads After Shopping Online

1. Use a privacy-focused browser

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Since your web browser is the portal we use to browse and shop, it automatically becomes a major contributor to ad targeting. This is because your web browser stores important data points, such as your browsing history, time spent on a site, where and how you click, etc. With this information, companies can build a profile of you and deliver targeted ads.

For this reason, a privacy-focused browser should be at the top of your list to prevent companies from collecting your data. You have a few options here, including popular options like Firefox and Brave. With Firefox, you can enable strict protection mode to block tracking cookies from being stored on your computer.

2. Clear your browser's cookies and cache

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Even if you use a privacy-focused browser, some cookies may still be saved, so it's best to delete them yourself. To delete cookies, you can go to your browser's settings and then privacy to clear browsing data like cookies and cache.

3. Use a VPN

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VPNs are essential for privacy because they route your Internet traffic through a secure server and hide your IP address. By hiding your IP address and encrypting your data, VPNs reduce the ability of websites and advertisers to track your browsing activity and link your Internet activity to you.

While a VPN adds a layer of privacy, it won't completely block ads if you're still logged into your account or have tracking cookies installed. Combining a VPN with private browsing is key here.

4. Use an ad blocking extension

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While browsers like Firefox and Brave block trackers, ad-blocking extensions add another layer of protection. Ad blockers block ads, trackers, and pop-ups that open automatically when you visit websites. There are a number of ad-blocking extensions you can choose from. To install an extension, just visit the Firefox or Chrome extensions page.

5. Opt out of online advertising networks

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Companies like Google and Facebook constantly track your internet activity. However, they also provide options to opt out of targeted advertising. With Google, you can opt out of targeted advertising by following these steps:

1. .
2. You'll see the toggle for Ad Personalization in the upper right.
3. Turn off the toggle. A confirmation dialog will appear; click Turn off .

With this in mind, it's important to note that opting out doesn't remove all ads, it only removes ads that are targeted based on your interests. So you'll be served ads, but you won't be targeted based on your shopping history or activity.

6. Log out of your account while shopping

The methods discussed above include installing extensions and adjusting settings. But if you separate from your account, you ensure that at least some data about your past purchases is saved and associated with you.

When you sign in to accounts like Google, Amazon, or Facebook, they can track your browsing and shopping habits to target ads. Signing out can limit the information these platforms collect and make it harder for them to link your browsing activity to your profile, reducing personalized advertising.

7. Use disposable email addresses

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Some sites will require you to register before you can make purchases. For this, you can use a disposable email address or a temporary payment method (e.g. a virtual credit card), which will limit the number of transactions you can link to your primary email account.

Some services offer disposable email addresses, such as SimpleLogin, Yahoo Mail, and Proton Mail. The idea is to avoid using your primary email account for online shopping. Even if you are forced to log in, use a temporary email account.

While completely avoiding targeted ads can be difficult, by combining private browsing, opting out of ad networks, and using disposable email addresses, you can take more control of your online privacy and prevent advertisers from tracking your every move.

Samuel Daniel

Update 10 December 2024