NSA uses Google PREF cookies to track targets

[Archean]

NSA uses Google PREF cookies to track targets

Google’s obsession with knowing everything about its customers has once again assisted the National Security Agency in its tracking efforts, according to a report by the Washington Post.
According the Post’s report, based on leaked documents by whistleblower Edward Snowden, the NSA uses Google’s PREF cookies — which are used to serve users advertising — to assist in picking out targets that might warrant further surveillance.

The PREF cookie gets loaded on to a user’s computer when they use any of Google’s products from Gmail to Maps and even search. Google says these cookies allow it to serve up personalized ads to consumers, which makes its AdWords service more effective.

 

[cliffordcooley]

If I had something to hide, I'd be even happier I don't use Google. And to be honest, I wouldn't be using Bing either. Although Bing is not the one caught in the radar, I bet they are just as guilty.

 

[Archean]

True enough, any site which uses some sort of tracking mechanism, may have such exploits and not just for NSA.

 

[davislane1]

I really hope someone leaks the NSA database at some point. I'm dying to find out what's in my file.

 

[Archean]

I don't see it about leaks. For me, it is more about an secretly operating 'separate government' within government(s), which is dictating the so called 'democratic' systems we live in according to their own paradigm of 'security' at the cost of all civil liberties (including privacy). A apparatus which is unaccountable, and brow beats everyone who even try to do that.