Modus operandi
Digital footprints are tracked and used through various methods and technologies that collect, analyze, and interpret data about your online activities.
The modus operandi of tracking digital footprints involves several key steps:
1- Data Collection: User data is collected in many ways when they are online
- Websites, apps, and online services collect data about user interactions and behaviors.
- Technologies like cookies, web beacons, pixels, scripts that are embedded in websites and online content are used to monitor user interactions.
- Social media platforms track your interactions, likes, shares, comments, and content you create.
- Creating accounts/profiles on websites, forums and other online platforms or services, contributes to your digital footprint, which includes details like your interests, preferences etc.,
- Search engines record your search queries, clicked search results, and browsing history to personalize search results and ads
- Apps and devices with location services track your movements and store location data, which can be used for location-based services and advertisements.
- E-commerce and transactions leaves a trail of data, including items bought, payment methods used, and shipping addresses.
- Third-party Data Sharing Many websites and apps share user data with third-party advertisers, analytics firms, and other service providers.
2- Data analysis and tracking
- Analytics Services like Google Analytics are used by websites and apps to gather detailed insights about user behavior for providing targeted content and advertisements.
- Machine Learning and Algorithms are used to analyze patterns, behaviors, and preferences.
3- Personalization and Targeting:
The information gathered and analyzed from your digital footprint is used to personalize individual online experience. So that they see tailored content, ads, and recommendations based on individual interests, preferences and behaviors.
4 - Data Monetization:
Companies may sell or share your data with advertisers and marketers, contributing to their revenue streams.