While I see online ads as a necessary evil if you want to keep websites in business, I\u2019m so annoyed at the way the latest ads services seem so focused on ruining everybody\u2019s Christmas surprise.<\/p>\n
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Credit to Author: Jonny Evans| Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2017 05:24:00 -0800<\/strong><\/p>\n While I see online ads as a necessary evil if you want to keep websites in business, I\u2019m so annoyed at the way the latest ads services seem so focused on ruining everybody\u2019s Christmas surprise.<\/p>\n This is what happens: Ads sites track where you go online; retailers track you too and all this information is shared. Look at an item online, see an ad for it on the next page you go to. Not only is this behavioural retargeting vastly creepy, but when it comes to Christmas these things make it impossible to keep secrets, particularly on a shared Mac. Been looking at [insert name of hot new obsessive teenage-focused product here]<\/em> with a view to buying one to gift your child? Don\u2019t be too upset if said child gets onto your computer to check their Bitcoin investment only to find themselves staring at ads for the object of their desire. Kids aren\u2019t stupid \u2013 they know how ads work online (even if we don\u2019t). What\u2019s happened? Your Christmas surprise is spoiled and your teenager won\u2019t believe in Santa Claus any more, even if they are looking for a flat Earth shadow during the next eclipse.<\/p>\n Apple doesn\u2019t think much of ads tracking tech. Earlier this year it said: \u201cAd tracking technology has become so pervasive that it is possible for ad tracking companies to recreate the majority of a person\u2019s web browsing history. This information is collected without permission and is used for ad re-targeting, which is how ads follow people around the internet.\u201d<\/p>\n Behavioural retargeting relies on a combination of sophisticated technologies, including tracking codes in the form of cookies which sites use to figure out what you\u2019ve been looking at and then summon a relevant ad on your next site. Sometimes these work for you as you may find you are offered a discount, get reminded of something you needed at a later date, that kind of thing. Much to the annoyance of some ads agencies<\/a>, Apple\u2019s Safari browser has a few tools which may help stop the ads networks taking the thrill out of your family Christmas. Most work with both iOS and macOS devices. Here are those tools and how to use them:<\/p>\n Apple is using machine learning<\/a> in Safari to tell the difference between the website cookies you want to keep, and those you would prefer to lose. Unwanted cookies are blocked from third-party use after a day and deleted after a month.<\/p>\n The first port of call you should check if you want to stop the scourge of behavioural retargeting ads are Apple\u2019s two tools that have been created specifically to help reduce cross-site tracking. You can access these on both Mac and iOS devices.<\/p>\n One way to make sure your children can\u2019t figure out what you\u2019ve been thinking about buying them this season is to do your shopping in Safari\u2019s Private mode.<\/p>\n Private mode stops you collecting website cookies.<\/p>\n The nuclear option is to use an ads blocker when you browse. Apple lets you install ads blockers in Safari, though don\u2019t forget to whitelist those websites you like to read the most as ads are what keeps those sites alive.<\/p>\n Apple now lets you choose to automatically access some websites in Safari\u2019s trimmed down Reader Mode, when using a Mac.<\/p>\n You can stop your browser accepting any cookies. The difficulty with this approach is that websites you visit frequently or use passwords to access will be more difficult to use \u2013 some won\u2019t work unless your browser accepts cookies.<\/p>\n You can also block annoying pop-up windows on websites.<\/p>\n Those are just a few suggestions to help make sure you keep your surprises to yourself this season. Got more suggestions? Let me know!<\/p>\n Google+?<\/strong>\u00a0If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not\u00a0join\u00a0AppleHolic’s Kool Aid Corner community<\/a>\u00a0and get involved with the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple?<\/p>\n Got a story? Please\u00a0<\/strong>drop me a line via Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and let me know. I’d like it if you chose to follow me there so I can let you know about new articles I publish and reports I find.<\/p>\n