z.cdp-dev.cnn.com: CNN’s Invasive Content Tracking

CNN’s tracker, z.cdp-dev.cnn.com, monitors your activity on their platforms, collecting data for personalized ads and analytics. This invades your privacy by profiling your content preferences. Here’s what it does and how to resist.

What Is z.cdp-dev.cnn.com?

This domain is part of CNN’s infrastructure, likely tied to their customer data platform for tracking user behavior. It feeds data into ad systems. As Privacy Auditors, we’re concerned about the depth of personal data collection this enables.

Data It Collects

When you use CNN platforms, it captures:

• IP Address: Links your activity to a physical location.
• User ID: Assigns a unique identifier for tracking.
• Browsing History: Logs articles and videos you view.
• Engagement Data: Tracks clicks and time spent on content.
• Device ID: Identifies your specific device for tracking.
• Cookie ID: Assigns a unique tracker across CNN services.
• User-Agent: Notes browser and OS, like ‘Safari 17.0’.
• Timestamps: Marks every event with precise timing.

This builds a detailed profile of your news consumption.

Who Gets Your Data?

CNN shares your information with:

• Internal Ad System: Uses your data for targeted advertising.
• Third-Party Advertiser: Delivers personalized campaigns.
• Data Broker: Enhances profiles with your content data.
• Government Entity: Complies with legal requests, per Warner Bros. policy.

How to Protect Yourself

Privacy Auditors are committed to defending your digital privacy. Here’s how to block CNN’s tracking:

• Use Tracker Blockers: Install extensions or Privacy Auditor’s service to stop scripts from this domain.
• Mask with a VPN: Hide your IP using a tool like Mullvad.
• Choose Privacy Browsers: Opt for Firefox with strict settings or Tor.
• Disable JavaScript: Block tracking scripts, though some content may not load.
• Clear Cookies: Wipe cookies regularly to disrupt tracking.

Combine these defenses to limit CNN’s data collection.

Sources

• CNN Privacy Policy: https://www.cnn.com/privacy
• Warner Bros. Discovery Privacy: https://www.wbd.com/privacy-policy

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