rtb.openx.net: OpenX’s Invasive Ad Bidding Tracker

OpenX operates rtb.openx.net to track your online behavior for real-time ad bidding. This tool profiles you for targeted advertising, stripping away your privacy. Learn its methods and how to fight back.

What Is rtb.openx.net?

This domain powers OpenX’s real-time bidding platform, monitoring user activity on sites with their ads. It builds profiles for ad auctions, a practice Privacy Auditors view as a severe privacy violation.

Data It Collects

When you visit a site with OpenX ads, it captures:

• IP Address: Pinpoints your location to city level.
• Browsing History: Tracks sites with OpenX ads.
• Cookie IDs: Uses tags for long-term tracking.
• User ID: Connects actions to a profile.
• Session ID: Logs activity in one session.
• Page URL: Records exact ad pages.
• Referrer URL: Notes your origin, like a search.
• Device Type: Identifies your hardware.
• Browser Type: Logs browser specifics.
• Operating System: Captures OS details.
• Timestamps: Marks precise times.

This data fuels invasive ad targeting.

Who Gets Your Data?

Your information is shared with:

• Advertisers: For targeted campaigns via OpenX.
• Demand-Side Platforms: In real-time bidding.
• Data Brokers: For profile enhancement.
• Legal Authorities: If required by law, per policy.

How to Protect Yourself

Privacy Auditors recommend these steps:

• Block Trackers: Stop rtb.openx.net with Privacy Auditor.
• Use a VPN: Hide your IP with Mullvad.
• Opt for Privacy Browsers: Use Firefox or Tor.
• Reject Cookies: Block tracking tags.
• Limit JavaScript: Prevent ad scripts, risking site issues.

Combine these for robust protection.

Sources

• OpenX Privacy Policy: https://www.openx.com/legal/privacy-policy/

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