Privacy tip: Use this extension to say ‘no thanks’ to personalized ads
Think about the interest-based ads you see online. You search for a pair of shoes, and just like that, there they are, following you around online.
How can you stop this creepy practice? First, you need to know who’s watching and what they can see. Tap or click for ways to stop advertisers from following you online.
Opting out of interest-based ads from Google and all the companies that partner with the tech giant is no small feat. Luckily, we found a browser extension that makes it a snap.
Chrome opt-out browser extension
Rather simply named IBA Opt-out (by Google), this Chrome extension does exactly what its name implies. It can be used to opt out of Google’s targeted ads as you browse the web. Google notes the extension opts users out of the DoubleClick advertising cookie, which Google and its advertising partners use to show you interest-based ads.
As for download and setup, there really isn’t any of either: Simply add the extension to your browser and you’re all set. You will have then opted out of Google’s interest-based ads.
Here are some features you get with this extension:
- Stops interest-based ads on some of the websites that partner with Google
- One-time install on Chrome
- Opt out remains in effect, even after you clear your browser’s cookies
Looking for even more browser extensions to keep you safe online? We’ve got you covered. Tap or click here for three browser extensions that will boost your online security.
Things to keep in mind with IBA Opt-Out
It’s important to remember a few things that reviewers of the extension may have forgotten. Opting out of interest-based ads doesn’t mean you will no longer see ads on the internet.
You will still have ads served to you by Google and its advertising partners. What you won’t see are targeted ads based on Google’s marketing data.
Some people actually prefer interest-based ads over generic ones. They feel it’s better to see ads about products that they care about rather than stuff way out of left field. Either way, this browser extension helps you decide which type of ads you see. Happy shopping!
Tags: browser extension, Google, internet, online security, opt-out, personalized ads, security