Data brokers can learn all about you just from what online ads you see. Here’s how to stop them.

Digital ads are a commonality across the internet. You see them in Google Search, social media feeds, and even on your favorite websites. If you spend enough time online, you might’ve grown accustomed to ignoring them.

Unfortunately, a new study reveals that what has become a necessary annoyance to the modern web might also have the power to reveal personal and private information about your interests, beliefs, and more. Even worse, these personal details about you can be gathered without clicking on a single ad, thanks to AI.

Websites can’t stop any company from collecting and using this data.

The study

In a study published by UNSW Sydney in early May, researchers revealed an alarming new trend about online ads: These seemingly innocuous bits of marketing materials on