March 2019 Summaries

As privacy technology such as ad-blockers and privacy filters becomes more prevalent, businesses reliant on data collection face challenges due to reduced data quality and quantity, particularly when technologies suppress tracking. The text explores different privacy technologies, like the "do-not-track" feature in browsers and client-side tracking suppression, which inhibit data collection efforts by blocking JavaScript trackers or preventing analytics requests. While ad-blockers primarily target adware, some extend their functionality to allow users greater privacy control, impacting analytics data collection. To address these challenges, the text suggests quantifying the impact of blocked data through methods like using Snowplow's pixel tracker or server-side tracking, which can help mitigate data gaps and enhance data reliability. Although privacy concerns are rising, the legitimate use of analytics for internal insights remains important, and businesses can adopt innovative tracking solutions that respect user privacy and comply with regulations like GDPR.