arc.msn.com: How MSN Tracks Your Content Engagement

Microsoft’s tracker, arc.msn.com, watches what content you consume on MSN, collecting data on articles and ads to profile your interests for their ad network. This invasive tracking jeopardizes your privacy. Here’s what it does and how to resist.

What Is arc.msn.com?

This domain supports MSN, Microsoft’s news and content portal, tracking user interactions for analytics and ads. Privacy Auditors are alarmed by its extensive data collection.

Data It Collects

When you browse MSN, it captures:

• IP Address: Links your actions to a location.
• Geolocation: Approximates position via IP.
• Content Interactions: Tracks articles and videos viewed.
• Ad Interactions: Logs clicks and ad views.
• User ID: Follows you across sessions.
• Device Info: Notes browser and OS details.
• Session ID: Monitors activity in one visit.
• Cookie IDs: Tags for ongoing tracking.

This data builds a detailed profile of your content preferences.

Who Gets Your Data?

Microsoft shares your information with:

• Internal Teams: For content and ad analytics.
• Advertisers: Via Microsoft Advertising.
• Cloud Providers: Hosting your data.
• Government Entities: Per 2024 report, sharing IP in 70% of U.S. requests.

How to Protect Yourself

Privacy Auditors Institute recommends these steps:

• Block Trackers: Stop arc.msn.com with Privacy Auditor tools.
• Use a VPN: Hide your IP with Mullvad.
• Switch to Privacy Browsers: Firefox or Tor for safety.
• Disable JavaScript: Stops scripts, though sites may fail.
• Clear Cookies: Wipe tags frequently.

Combine these for a strong privacy defense.

Sources

• Microsoft Privacy Statement: https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement

This is a legal disclaimer. All information is provided for educational purposes only.