I'm curious about how Pornhub manages to display content based on my past searches even though I've only accessed it through incognito mode, which I thought meant no cookies would be retained. I've noticed that after conducting a search, the homepage starts showcasing content related to my previous search, and this pattern continues into subsequent browsing sessions. Is it possible that they are using my IP address to link my searches together? I'm looking for clarification on how this tracking works without traditional cookie storage.
5 Answers
They could be using browser fingerprinting techniques to track you. This involves collecting data from your device like IP address, browser version, screen resolution, and more to create a unique profile. Even without cookies, this data can help link your searches to your device in future sessions.
Exactly! It's a gray area with lots of debate around consent and tracking.
Honestly, you could just have a really popular search history. Maybe the content they show you is based on trends rather than tracking?
Wouldn't that depend on your specific interests though?
True, but it seems like they really tailor the experience based on user data too!
In ad tech, we often collect data like operating system, language, and browser info to create user identities. Cookies are just one method; there's also server-side tracking which doesn’t rely on them, and that could be how they're personalizing your experience.
Absolutely, they should! Privacy regulations are definitely not consistent globally.
But don’t they still need consent even for that kind of tracking?
Look into browser fingerprinting; it’s quite complex. Sites can collect data like screen resolution, installed fonts, and even mouse movement to form a unique identifier. Incognito mode only prevents cookie storage but doesn’t stop these other tracking methods.
I didn’t know they could track that much info! What's the best way to protect against it?
Using privacy-focused browsers like Brave, along with a VPN, can help a lot.
You're likely correct about IP tracking playing a role, especially if your IP address is consistent. If you’re using a dynamic IP that changes frequently, they might also be relying on fingerprinting techniques to maintain that link.
Yeah, and if your IP changes often, that could explain why it resets every now and then.
I wonder how they can even track specific browser extensions.
Isn't fingerprinting a bit against privacy laws in some places like the EU?