Observed Signal · Apr 13, 2018 · Market Research & Intelligence · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
After Cambridge Analytica: Were Facebook Trackers Removed?
Cliqz data scientists compared the five largest German news sites (by IVW Feb 2018) before (KW 11, 2018) and after (KW 13, 2018) the Cambridge Analytica scandal to see if Facebook trackers were removed. None of the outlets stopped Facebook tracking on their pages. On n-tv.de, Facebook scripts appeared on 95.57% of pageviews; on spiegel.de, only 2.60% of pageviews included Facebook tracking scripts. The piece notes Facebook is the second-largest tracker operator after Google and lists at least 10 tracking scripts (e.g., Atlas, Facebook Pixel, Facebook Beacon, Facebook Connect, Facebook Custom Audience) responsible for monitoring about 27.1% of global pageviews. Marc-Al-Hames of Cliqz is quoted about the industry-wide dependence on Silicon Valley platforms. The article also highlights tools to inspect or block trackers, including WhoTracks.me, the Cliqz Browser, and the Ghostery extension, and references the collaboration between Cliqz and Ghostery.
Moderate industry relevance: study highlights ongoing Facebook tracking on major outlets; no immediate changes observed.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Cliqz researchers compared five largest German news sites before (KW 11, 2018) and after (KW 13, 2018) the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
- None of the five sites removed Facebook trackers after the scandal.
- n-tv.de had Facebook trackers on 95.57% of pageviews; spiegel.de had Facebook trackers on 2.60% of pageviews.
- Facebook operates at least 10 tracking scripts (Atlas, Facebook Pixel, Beacon, Connect, Custom Audience) accounting for 27.1% of global pageviews.
- WhoTracks.me is a Cliqz-Ghostery site that visualizes tracker statistics; tools exist to reveal or block trackers via the Cliqz Browser and Ghostery extension.
Connected Companies & Entities
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