What Information is your browser tracking?

Companies that develop web browsers want them to be easy to use. They also want their users to feel that they are safe when they are using them. They also need to remain a viable company that can continue to pay their employees and their bills. That means the companies that create web browsers need to do things that help them stay in business.

Websites track your activity through small bits of computer code called cookies. Cookies are stored on your computer. Cookies can make it easier to navigate some websites. They can identify you through your web browser. They track your past visits and can make it easier to login to websites and complete tasks like shopping. Some cookies are more obtrusive, though- like the ones that pop up when you've searched for a new pair of jeans. Suddenly, you see jeans ads everywhere!.

Most web browsers track at least some data without users knowing it. Some of that data is sold to advertisers. You're probably familiar with this. Consider the last time you went online shopping, maybe looking for shoes or a game, and suddenly most of the ads on other websites are about shoes or games. Selling advertising helps the companies that provide browsers make money and stay in business.

This chart contains general information about what browsers track when you search. Your participants may not need to know this information. Its' to help you explain to them, but it may help if they see why it's important to be safe online. This will help you, help them.