Data aggregators utilise the information and data that we generate in this digital age to target advertisements. Although targeted advertisements are lawful, the possibility that malicious actors could gain access to private data is a worrisome reality. Mozilla has introduced Mozilla Monitor Plus, a new service designed to tackle this concern. It purports to conduct scans of more than 190 websites and endeavour to eliminate any personal information present on the internet. Everything you need to know about it is provided below.
How does the flow of your information traverse the internet?
For things to be placed into perspective, it is necessary to comprehend the flow of information across the internet. An example of this is when Facebook is installed on a mobile device; the application gathers a multitude of confidential information, including names, friends, age groups, and preferences. Following the sale of this information to data brokers, it is subsequently supplied to advertising agencies. These agencies employ the data to customise advertisements with the objective of increasing user engagement.
Although this business model is not inherently problematic, threat actors have compromised the personal information of millions of users by repeatedly infiltrating these agencies. Furthermore, threat actors have turned to identity theft as a result of the immense quantities of personal information maintained by these organisations, using the aliases of others to apply for credit cards and loans. Limiting the amount of information that these brokers retain has therefore become essential.
Mozilla Monitor Plus eliminates users’ private information from the Internet.
While it is possible for users to erase their personal information manually from data brokers by contacting each one individually, the deletion procedure can span several months. The Monitor Plus service assumes the responsibility of conducting proactive searches across multiple data broker platforms to identify users’ information and subsequently submits erasure requests on their behalf.
In addition, Mozilla facilitates the removal of personal information from these websites, allowing users to reclaim authority over their digital privacy with minimal exertion. Furthermore, the organisation emphasises its commitment to safeguarding sensitive data during both the scanning and eradication phases.
Nevertheless, it is critical to mention that despite the fact that the Monitor Plus service can be obtained for $13.99 per month or $8.99 per month via an annual subscription, fundamental services will remain complimentary from the company. These consist of complimentary audits of data broker websites and data breach notices.