Aug 16 2024 31 mins
Watch Out: Not All Cookies Are Good for Your Digital Health
In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the world of online privacy, sparked by a revealing Wired article about webXray. This tool, developed by former Google engineer Tim Libert, uncovers the hidden ways our data is tracked across the web. It’s a powerful resource that gives users– and regulators– a clearer view of how their information is being collected and used.
As they discuss the article, the conversation turns to the troubling reality of how big tech companies handle privacy– or rather, how they often don't. The hosts highlight that companies would rather pay fines than actually protect user data. They also point out how U.S. privacy laws lag behind those in Europe, leaving American users vulnerable to more invasive tracking practices, and explore the ethical implications of tracking cookies and the need for businesses to rethink their approach to data collection.
Despite the grim realities, the episode shines a light on the potential for change. Tools like webXray offer a path toward greater transparency and accountability. Jacob and Jeffrey emphasize that businesses should start embracing ethical digital marketing strategies now, before they’re forced to by regulation.
In the end, this episode isn’t just an exploration of privacy issues– it’s a call to action. It challenges listeners to think critically about how their data is used and to push for stronger protections in the digital landscape.
Wired Article:
https://www.wired.com/story/webxray-online-privacy-violations
webXray:
https://webxray.ai/
Link to our Episode on Web Analytics:
https://humanfriend.digital/an-intro-to-website-analytics-tools/
GDPR:
https://gdpr-info.eu/
CAN-SPAM Act:
https://www.fcc.gov/general/can-spam
Target Pregnancy Story:
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html
NASA and Boeing Starliner Issues:
https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/nx-s1-5067763/nasa-delays-next-crew-launch-to-buy-time-at-the-space-station-for-troubled-starliner
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To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/