images.outbrain.com: Tracking Your Content Interests

Run by Outbrain, images.outbrain.com serves images for content recommendations while tracking user clicks. This intrusive profiling builds detailed interest maps, eroding your privacy. Here’s what it does and how to stop it.

What Is images.outbrain.com?

Outbrain uses this domain to deliver images for recommended articles and ads, but it also monitors your interactions. This tracking creates profiles of your content preferences for targeted advertising.

Data It Collects

This tracker gathers:

• IP Address: Reveals your internet location.
• User Behavior: Logs clicks on recommended content.
• Device ID: Identifies your specific device.
• Browser Fingerprint: Records unique browser traits.
• Page URL: Captures the page hosting the content.

This data forms a detailed profile of your reading habits.

Who Gets Your Data?

Your information is shared with:

• Publisher: Uses Outbrain for content monetization.
• Third-Party Advertiser: Targets ads based on your interests.
• Analytics Provider: Processes click data.

How to Protect Yourself

Secure your privacy with these steps:

• Block Trackers: Use Privacy Auditor to stop images.outbrain.com scripts.
• Clear Cookies: Delete tracking IDs regularly.
• Use a VPN: Mask your IP with a service like Mullvad.
• Opt Out: Visit Outbrain’s privacy page for opt-out options, though results vary.

Layer these defenses for better protection.

Sources

• Outbrain Privacy Policy: https://www.outbrain.com/privacy/

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