Clickstream data - As usual big brother is watching 👁👁
What is clickstream data?
This is the process where information is logged, either on the web server, web browser, proxy server, ad server or client side. The information that is logged includes the parts of the screen a user clicks on while on the internet.
This data is then used for market research, activity analysis and a range of other activities.
As with all technologies, the issue of privacy is raised when it comes to collecting this data.
Worryingly there are some internet service providers who sell users clickstream data onto third parties.
The average price they pay is reportedly $0.40 a month per user. Whilst your name is not supposed to be attached to this information, therefore making it anonymous it has recently been shown that connecting the dots, from clickstream data to the actual user is relatively simple to do.
As reported by the BBC this week Two German researchers have claimed to have uncovered the porn browsing habits of a judge and the drug preferences of a politician.
They were able to gather clickstream data of up to 3 million German citizens.
This information was uncovered at the recent DEF CON hacking conference that took place in Las Vegas. According to the BBC, Svea Eckert and Andreas Dewes, said the following regarding clickstream data:
"What these companies are doing is illegal in Europe but they do not care," said Ms Eckert, adding that the research had kicked off a debate in Germany about how to curb the data gathering habits of the firms.
Before the data is used to customise the range of adverts which people see, any information that could be used to identify exactly who generated the clicks is supposed to be removed.
However, said Mr Dewes, it was "trivial" to tie the information directly to people and reveal exactly where they went online, the terms they searched for and the things they bought"
Then went onto say:
"The public information included links people shared via Twitter, YouTube videos they reported watching, news articles they passed on via social media or when they posted online photos of items they bought or places they visited"
It seems from the second you interact with any electronic device in todays world, whatever you do or say, you need to be aware that you are being monitored.
What are your thoughts? Is this just part of modern life or once again a step too far?
BBC article regarding clickstream - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-40770393
As usual thanks for listening
Happy Steeming Steemers and Steemettes.
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privacy is almost becoming obsolete..take a look at this article that i recently read
(thehackernews.com/2017/05/ultrasonic-tracking-signals-apps.html)
this is too much
I just read that article. Proper crazy stuff. I've just written an article on the Amazon Echo and privacy (https://steemit.com/technology/@somecoolname/amazon-echo-the-spy-in-the-room) but the article you linked is next level crazy.
This post has received a 3.34 % upvote from @booster thanks to: @somecoolname.
Isp's keeping tabs on peoples browsing habbits will only get more intrusive imho. Big brother has always been watching but as the amount of tech people own increases and the amount of time we spend on that tech also increases it just makes it easier for Big Brother I think.
I agree. Scary future in the world of tech.