Microsoft MSFT -0.13% , Google GOOG -0.20% and Facebook FB -0.34% are working on systems that could mean the end of, or at least a vast reduction in, cookies — those tiny files that marketers use to record consumers’ online behaviors, like which articles you’ve read, ads you’ve clicked on and items you’ve purchased.
On its face, this sounds like it should be a relief to many consumers: less tracking, more privacy. But in reality, the opposite may be true, says tech writer Bob Sullivan, author of the book “Gotcha Capitalism.” “You’ll still be getting tracked, and now you’ll be getting tracked more effectively,” says Anthony Mullen, a senior analyst at Forrester Research. It should be noted Google isn’t the only one snooping on Google searches: The NSA has reportedly hacked Google so it can spy on searches.
In fact, the tech giants would use their new systems to harness that tracking data themselves, the Wall Street Journal reports. Facebook’s new ad service places Facebook code on retailers’ sites so that the retailer can put an ad on Facebook’s mobile app. MSFT.
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