Since we’re spending so much time researching and classifying the opt-out processes of the scores of tracking networks, it’s probably also up to us to keep track of those networks who do not provide opt-out capabilities for consumers. In most cases, their privacy policies explain that users can delete cookies or change browser settings, but (as far as we know) these companies offer no ability for users to download an opt-out cookie.
Thankfully, this is a decided minority among tracking networks. These are the companies still swimming against the tide by not offering consumers any meaningful choice.
As we watch for changes to the privacy policies of these companies, we will be delighted to update this list and announce when any of these folks come on board with true opt-out options. In nearly all cases we have already emailed the privacy officers at these companies to ask why they don’t have an opt-out option, and either have had their policy confirmed or not received a reply.
Here’s the list, with links to the company’s privacy policies. Think of it as a Hall of Shame for behavioral targeting.
Adotube (New Wave Media)
Amazon (associates and affiliates network)
centro.net (ad serving cookies are not explained well)
Magnify360 (could not even find a privacy policy!)
Visible Measures (no real opt-out available)
Of course, please let us know if we have missed any or if we have it wrong on any of these, particularly if any of these companies in fact do not track consumer behavior across websites using cookies.
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