Ok I have a question. I’m kinda a noob when it comes to privacy. I’ll follow the guides and do the things to try to minimize ad companies selling my data etc.
Some basic stats: I have a Samsung running stock android. My GF has an iPhone. I use brave as my standard browser (I know that’s not super popular but I haven’t made the move to Firefox yet.) I have DNS level ad blocking on my router cause I hate ads with a passion. She uses safari.
So here’s the deal. I was browsing the web looking for gift ideas for Christmas and came across some moccasins I liked. I mentioned to her that I liked them and browsed their website for a few minutes.
About 10 minutes after that, she’s checking her Instagram and sees an ad for the exact brand of moccasin I just told her about. Just for kicks, she also checks her Facebook and sees the same ad there (makes sense cause it’s the same company).
My question is basically how on earth did she get an ad for something I looked up? And how can we prevent that from happening? It’s very very disconcerting to have ads pop up on others’ phones right after looking that thing up.
One possibility: Are you on the same network (i.e. wifi) without a vpn? If yes, then both of you have the same public IP, so it’s trivial to figure out you’re likely in the same household.
Most likely this. If not, there is a host of other possibilities they could make the connection. Sone that come to mind:
- You both have instagram and have connected in a way that makes it likely you are in a close relationship (tagged in photos, DMs)
- She allows Instagram to access the contacts on her phone, and OP is saved in there as her S.O.
- They are connected through Whatsapp or some other Meta service.
- The Company targets their ads at category which they both fall into (companies can manage which groups see their ads VERY specifically)
- Coincidence
Same Wifi. If you want to not be identified to your home, use a VPN like Mullvad.
But yeah GFs with iphones, love it.
Few days ago I was talking with my wife about groceries, reminded her about buying more cat food. My daughter was sitting next to me, playing some game on her Android phone. Then she chirped “I got a cat food ad! I’ve never gotten a cat food ad before, ever! It’s like the phone heard what you just said, dad!”
Yep. VPN and Adguard are now installed to every single mobile device in my household.
I got ads for sexual assault therapy after I talked to my friend about my assault. I was livid. The audacity to try to make money off assault victims.
