How Does the Internet Know So Much About You?

Websites and apps connect activity using identifiers, tracking tools, accounts and prediction systems, but the result is usually a statistical profile, not a complete understanding of a person.

Sources

Every Internet Powered infographic is based on publicly available research, government publications, technical standards, and primary sources.

How Websites and Apps Collect and Use Your Information

Federal Trade Commission
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Our Approach to Explaining Ranking

Meta
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Mitigating Browser Fingerprinting in Web Specifications

World Wide Web Consortium
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Lurking Beneath the Surface: Hidden Impacts of Pixel Tracking

Federal Trade Commission, Office of Technology
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How Personalized Ads Work

Google
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Advertising Identifier

Apple
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Cross-Device Tracking: An FTC Staff Report

Federal Trade Commission staff
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A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services

Federal Trade Commission
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