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Does Google track everything we do?

by karrin86
14 replies
Today I noticed something weird (at least for me). I was doing a search and in the SERP there was a site and underneath the link to the site it was written :You visited this page.
The only problem is that I wasn't logged into any Google service: Gmail, webmaster tools, etc (I checked right away). Is this normal?

Another issue:
I am working on the site in my signature (Canada site) but I'm from another (far away) country. Strangely, for some time now, on each site I visit that has Adsense on it I see the same Canadian ads. I noticed that because there are a few image ads which are easy to remember. Again, I'm not logged in when I see these ads.

My conclusion: Google tracks everything we do. Am I going crazy? Please comment!
#google #track
  • Profile picture of the author Jamie Hudson
    You're not crazy. They track absolutely everything they can without getting into trouble for tracking illegal information...

    That's why you shouldn't add your sites to Webmaster Tools or Analytics. Who wants to give Google that information?
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    • Profile picture of the author Suzimcdragger
      Originally Posted by Jamie Hudson View Post

      You're not crazy. They track absolutely everything they can without getting into trouble for tracking illegal information...

      That's why you shouldn't add your sites to Webmaster Tools or Analytics. Who wants to give Google that information?
      That's a great piece of advice!
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      • Profile picture of the author LeahRae
        I honestly cannot think of a reason why a person would not want to register their website with webmaster tools or analytics. Exactly what "info" are you sharing about your website that the spider won't find? The only thing I can think of is you are trying to hide your location vs what you say your location is on your website or trying to obfuscate something else that is a Google No No.

        Don't get me wrong, I don't like my Google searches being tracked so I don't stay logged in & always clear my cookies, but I am not paranoid enough to surf via proxy.

        @karrin86 you can either use Firefox to browse & set the options to delete all your history & cookies when you close your browser. You also can download a free product (please donate if you like it) called CCleaner that will clean your pc of cookies.

        To get back to the original question: Yes Google tracks everything. That data is valuable in knowing what their customers want and need so Google can figure out what the next new revenue stream can be.

        I use statistic software on clients websites all the time. Once I learn what visitors like and what makes them leave, I know how to create a better visitor experience therefore raising the chances my clients will get a sale. So, I guess I am as bad as Google in trying to provide a better service yet turn a profit????

        That being said, no one in this day and age of the Internet really should expect any level of privacy from any "free" website they use. You get what you paid for and if you put "IT" out there... you put it out there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tad 100
    Yes, this is why I have problems now. Some affiliates redirected to my site and webmaster tool thought that this is unnatural link building activity. Now you can't find me on Google.
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  • Profile picture of the author asiancasanova
    In fact, a very valid question is raised. Thanks to the thread starter, of course. Have you seen the related ads in Gmail? Well, I was surprised to see that Gmail is showing some ads, which are related with the subject and content of my mail. From that day, I sensed it. Google tracks everything!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    Google sees everything that you do online, and they are very grossed out because of it.

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  • Profile picture of the author eternalwarrior
    Yes Google track everything. Their business will be at stake, if they don't track and store information from users!
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  • Profile picture of the author payment proof
    When it comes to your websites and blogs, Google knows about most everything.
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  • Profile picture of the author Monitium
    Yes , in my opinion they want to track everything you do for many reasons and for that reason I never use their tools. I always do my best to ensure that I am not logged into any of my gmail accounts while surfing either and try to change my ip as often as I can that is reasonably possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tony Dean
    Because Google owns YouTube, if you put in a search for some product or other you will find for days there is a 'tracking cookie' stored on your computer and every site you subsequently visit will have an ad for that product.

    The way of course, is to delete your cookies now and then or it will drive you crazy.
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  • Profile picture of the author tour explora
    Basically, Google knows everything 'you' do. Google will always track your website everywhere and everytime
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    • Profile picture of the author RyanWasHere
      That's their business model. They track all of your online activities to further "serve" you better.
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