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USA Today reported this week that Google is looking to replace how they do ad tracking, i.e. currently using cookies, with something they are calling AdID.
USA Today explained that the AdID would be "transmitted to advertisers and ad networks that have agreed to basic guidelines, giving consumers more privacy and control over how they browse the Web." It seems like it works a lot like cookies and browsers can give users more control over how privacy works there, although it isn't easy for novice users.
That being said, I am sure Google is coming up with ways to make privacy and control of ads "easier" for consumers and web users. But not without something in return.
This will likely lead to Google controlling more of the online ad space by trying to change the industry standard, i.e. cookies and come out with something they build from the ground up.
Would it potentially lead to monopolistic practices? Not for me to decide. Nor am I am able to without seeing what they are building.
"Technological enhancements can improve users' security while ensuring the Web remains economically viable. We and others have a number of concepts in this area, but they're all at very early stages," Google spokesman Rob Shilkin said.
WebmasterWorld administrator, engine said:
Interesting idea, however, a worrying trend as it continues to bring more control into its own ecosystem. imho.
Are you worried?
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
This post was written earlier this week and scheduled to be posted today.
Image credit to BigStockPhoto for binders
Comments:
ethalon
09/20/2013 01:01 pm
Gun meet bullet. Bullet meet foot.
RyanMJones
09/20/2013 01:01 pm
If people are worried about google having too much control, they shouldn't have fought so hard to kill third party cookies - which users could have deleted any time they wanted.
ethalon
09/20/2013 01:01 pm
Why? It's called business smart. They see the future for cookies (first and third) written on the wall and they want to use their position, notoriety, deep pockets, and business infrastructure to jump on the opportunity that is waiting to be exploited by the technologically capable. They can sell the information to more people instead of having people implement their own cookies and get that information for themselves. As cookies are blocked by default by more and more people, online advertisers are probably willing to pay through the nose for reliable data and Google knows that. Cookies aren't dead (yet), but Google isn't stupid enough to not attempt a new way that leads to the movement of an even greater numbers of little pieces of green paper.
Jitendra Vaswani
09/20/2013 06:02 pm
Hey Ryan I think u r ri8 :P cookies r worst
Yo Mamma
09/20/2013 08:03 pm
I disagree with one thing you wrote "Google isn't stupid". Google is very, very stupid. Have a great weekend
ethalon
09/20/2013 08:41 pm
Google may be a lot of things... ...stupid isn't one of them.
Yo Mamma
09/20/2013 09:53 pm
Those websites that are actively pro-Google will likely feel the wrath of a diminishing audience.
guy
09/20/2013 10:19 pm
they already have hidden toolbar in chrome, mozilla and opera. This hidden toolbar send your unique computer hardware id to their servers with every request (so even proxy or vpn not will protect you). Only way to disable it - put some strings to hosts file or install official toolbar and in settings disable it. It not new thing, i hear about it may be more than 1 year ago. no any privacy with google.
guy
09/20/2013 10:21 pm
in this case it madness. because money they get today, they will lost in nearest future.
lucaho
09/21/2013 06:46 am
qqq
Durant Imboden
09/22/2013 08:03 pm
Advertising is the lifeblood of most information sites, and if cookies are going the way of frames and font tags, it makes sense to replace them with something better.
Soni Sharma
09/23/2013 05:53 am
I am little concerned about future of ads. Innovation is the key of success. It will be interesting to see what will be next generation Google ads.