NSA tracks Google ads to find Tor users
The NSA tracks Tor users by purchasing ads on networks like Google, embedding cookies to identify them despite IP changes, raising concerns about privacy and national security balance.
Read original article
The National Security Agency (NSA) has developed methods to track users of the Tor network, which is designed to provide anonymity online. According to reports based on documents leaked by Edward Snowden, the NSA utilizes ad networks, particularly Google’s, to identify Tor users. The agency buys ads that are placed around Tor's entry and exit nodes, embedding cookies that can track users even when their IP addresses change. Experts note that while Tor aims to protect user privacy, the inherent design of web advertising allows for this type of tracking. The NSA's approach is not considered a sophisticated hack but rather a manipulation of existing web technologies. Although the NSA has not been able to track every Tor user, the method highlights vulnerabilities in online anonymity. Security specialists recommend using the standard Tor Browser Bundle and running Tor on a virtual machine to enhance privacy. The NSA's activities raise concerns about the balance between national security and individual privacy rights.
- The NSA tracks Tor users by buying ads on networks like Google.
- Cookies embedded in ads can identify users despite IP address changes.
- Experts suggest using the standard Tor Browser and virtual machines for better privacy.
- The NSA's tracking method exploits existing web advertising technologies.
- Not all Tor installations offer the same level of security against tracking.
Related
Mac users served info-stealer malware through Google ads
Mac users targeted by info-stealer malware via Google ads promoting fake Arc browser for Mac. Malware sends data to Poseidon info stealer control panel, extracting wallets and passwords. Google disclaims responsibility. Users urged caution.
Safari already contains ad tracking technology, in Private Browsing mode too
Safari integrates ad tracking tech in Private Browsing, diverging from privacy norms. WebKit adds Web AdAttributionKit for privacy-preserving ad measurement. Apple's ad partnerships signal a shift towards online advertising, sparking privacy debates.
Why Privacy Badger Opts You Out of Google's "Privacy Sandbox"
The latest Privacy Badger update allows users to opt out of Google's Privacy Sandbox, raising privacy concerns despite being less invasive than third-party cookies. Privacy Badger aims to protect user privacy online.
Google drops plan to remove ad-tracking cookies on Chrome
Google has decided to keep ad-tracking cookies on Chrome, allowing users to choose whether to block or allow them. This change aims to address concerns from the advertising industry.
Apple critique of Google's Topics API based on bad code
Apple criticized Google's Topics API for enabling digital fingerprinting and user tracking, referencing a study that suggests risks remain despite Google's claims of reduced re-identification rates after methodological corrections.
8 commentsIn other words, just using tails will solve this issue because every session gives you a clean environment.
“The NSA buys ads from ad display companies like Google and seeds them around Tor's access points.”
"On the off chance that [the spam recipient] renders the HTML or clicks a link, [the NSA] can connect your e-mail address to your browser," he explained, which the NSA would have already connected to an IP address. "Using Tor or any proxy wouldn't prevent it."
Everytime I log into a site that I want to buy something from, I always clear cache, cookies, logins before and after using that site.
Yes it can be a PITA, but I think that stops other sites from looking to see what WEB sites you really care about.
I'm honestly just waiting for people to realise that online ads are the root cause of most of the things people complain about.
Fake news? Check
Surveillance state? Check
Screen addiction? Check
Lack of nuance in any debate? Check
Unsavoury geopolitical influence? Check
The advertising industry somehow manage to stay relevant, despite the fact that their business is literally the same as the dictionary definition of brain washing.
Ah well, old man yells at clouds...
Related
Mac users served info-stealer malware through Google ads
Mac users targeted by info-stealer malware via Google ads promoting fake Arc browser for Mac. Malware sends data to Poseidon info stealer control panel, extracting wallets and passwords. Google disclaims responsibility. Users urged caution.
Safari already contains ad tracking technology, in Private Browsing mode too
Safari integrates ad tracking tech in Private Browsing, diverging from privacy norms. WebKit adds Web AdAttributionKit for privacy-preserving ad measurement. Apple's ad partnerships signal a shift towards online advertising, sparking privacy debates.
Why Privacy Badger Opts You Out of Google's "Privacy Sandbox"
The latest Privacy Badger update allows users to opt out of Google's Privacy Sandbox, raising privacy concerns despite being less invasive than third-party cookies. Privacy Badger aims to protect user privacy online.
Google drops plan to remove ad-tracking cookies on Chrome
Google has decided to keep ad-tracking cookies on Chrome, allowing users to choose whether to block or allow them. This change aims to address concerns from the advertising industry.
Apple critique of Google's Topics API based on bad code
Apple criticized Google's Topics API for enabling digital fingerprinting and user tracking, referencing a study that suggests risks remain despite Google's claims of reduced re-identification rates after methodological corrections.