This will become more of a problem with the invasion of IoT and other cross platform internet enabled devices. I found out recently that target uses the gps on your phone to see what products you are interested in then promotes them to you via web retargeting.

Great information again, thanks. Now, I want to try the test provided by FOOTPRINT, I really wonder the extent of the anonymity... All for one and one for all!   Namaste   :)

Yep. The question is, how will you use this information?

I have known that monitoring of my online and financial habits has long been possible, thus I took steps previously to limit my footprint. That is still a viable strategy, however one needs to decide for themselves what level of self-imposed restrictions they are willing to implement.

My attitude about such restrictions has changed in the last 3 years. I am no longer willing to be silent and hide myself away. So although I have "surfaced" so to speak and am online much more now, I still am cautious about what and where I put content out there.

No doubt about it, the more visible you are, the bigger your following, the more truth you speak - will attract more scrutiny by the "controllers". Count the costs, do your research and make a rational decision on how you proceed. Don't neglect to consider the costs for yourself, your loved ones and very importantly, for their future and that of humanity. 

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

I was sure about it!

Well this has been known for quite some time now, but its good to see the research behind it.  Thanks.

http://orig12.deviantart.net/c351/f/2016/065/e/f/crash_bandicoot__the_wrath_of_cortex___steam_grid_by_massimomoretti-d9u7i1k.png

Even your browser and operating system metadata is usually enough to uniquely identify you. Even the size of your screen and your fonts installed contribute.

[Panopticlick](https://panopticlick.eff.org/) lets you see this in action. One way to combat it is by using TOR browser.

Another thoroughly insightful piece.  Thank You K. Can't say I'm too worried about being Anonymous while on a news site.  Might as well admit it, I'm a mark for pro wrestling and twitter is my jam. 
https://twitter.com/jacobts/status/823912847084285952

a good idea might be using your own url shortener for everythign you share so when you want you can just delete those

The same is true for *Bitcoin* where you can also link your personal identity to your transactions in the blockchain history. The problem is that if you transfer money to someone you actually (or the other way around) you are revealing already one tiny part of your spending behavior. Then researchers used behavior clustering methods and they were able to find out the personal identity of 40% of all Bitcoin users (in an experimental setting). Even if you use multiple Bitcoin addresses you still cannot hide 100% your real identity. This was also very surprising (and shocking?) for me.

I hadn't seen this particular research on it but I've been aware of the practice for some time now. This kind of thing needs to be resisted! 😱

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