Surveillance marketers have evolved the way they track users online, and it is crucial to understand these new methods. The Markup and Consumer Reports have been investigating these practices, but they need the public’s help to deepen their analysis.
In the past year, it has been revealed how various organizations have sent sensitive data to platforms like Facebook through the Meta Pixel, leading to legislative investigations, data breach notifications, and class-action lawsuits. Many companies have removed this type of tracker from their websites thanks to these findings.
However, the landscape is changing, and companies may now be using a method that is completely invisible to users: so-called server-to-server tracking. Unlike traditional tracking pixels, this technique sends data directly from one server to another without the user’s browser or device being able to detect it.
To better understand this new tracking method, it is essential to analyze the information that companies share with Facebook. Users can help by providing data on events logged on Facebook and the custom audiences in which they have been included. These events include actions such as adding products to a cart or making online purchases, while custom audiences allow companies to target ads to specific users.
Contributing to this research is a simple process that takes only a few minutes. You must download a file with the data collected by Facebook and share it securely with the researchers. No personal information such as photos or messages will be requested, and the data will be handled anonymously.
At Q2BSTUDIO, as specialists in development and technology services, we understand the importance of transparency and privacy in the digital environment. Our commitment is to inform and help companies apply best practices in data protection and digital security. Improper collection of information is a critical issue that must be addressed responsibly, so we recommend users know and manage their own digital footprint.
While this research focuses on Facebook, the issue of user tracking is much broader and impacts different sectors and platforms. At Q2BSTUDIO, we promote technological solutions that prioritize user privacy, encouraging the implementation of secure and ethical strategies in data handling.
It is essential that users understand what information they are sharing and with whom. Participation in studies like this helps to unmask invasive practices and promote stricter regulations on the use of personal data.
