Have you ever noticed that the ads you see online seem to be tailored specifically to your interests? It's not just a coincidence – it's likely that a company has created a shadow profile about you.
What is a shadow profile
A shadow profile is a detailed, behind-the-scenes profile that companies build about you using data they've collected from a variety of sources, including your online activity, social media accounts, and even your interactions with other people. This information is then analyzed and used to create a comprehensive picture of who you are and what you do. Shadow profiles have a history dating back to 2012, when a data breach of over six million Facebook users' personal information revealed the existence of shadow profiles. These profiles are created using data collected from various sources, such as online activity, social media accounts, and interactions with other people. The data is analyzed and used to create a comprehensive picture of the individual, including their interests, preferences, habits, and relationships.
How do big companies create shadow profiles?
Big companies create shadow profiles by collecting data about you from a variety of sources. This can include data that you actively provide, such as when you create an account or make a purchase. It can also include data that is passively collected, such as your browsing history or location data. Once this data is collected, it is combined and analyzed to create a shadow profile. This profile can include information about your interests, preferences, and habits, as well as your relationships and connections with other people.
How do these companies use your shadow profile?
Big companies use shadow profiles for a variety of purposes. One common use is for targeted advertising. By analyzing your shadow profile, companies can create ads that are tailored specifically to your interests and preferences. This can make the ads more effective and increase the chances that you will click on them. Shadow profiles can also be used for research and development. By understanding your preferences and habits, companies can create products and services that are more likely to appeal to you. Finally, shadow profiles can be used for security purposes. By analyzing your online activity, companies can detect patterns that may indicate suspicious behavior or potential threats.
What can you do to protect yourself?
While it is not possible to completely opt out of having a shadow profile, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy. One option is to use privacy-focused browsers such as brave browser and search engines such as searX that do not track your activity. You can also use privacy-enhancing tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs) to encrypt your internet connection and prevent your data from being collected. Another option is to be selective about the information you share online. Consider whether you really need to provide certain pieces of information, such as your phone number or home address, when signing up for accounts or making purchases. You can also use privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your activity and what information is visible to others.
Conclusion
Shadow profiles are a powerful tool that big companies use to gather information about you and your habits. While it is not possible to completely opt out of having a shadow profile, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy and limit the amount of data that is collected about you. By understanding how shadow profiles are created and used, you can make informed decisions about the information you share and take control of your online privacy.
