NSA Uses Google Cookies to Pinpoint Hacking Targets

The US National Security Agency has taken advantage of internet advertising tracking to pinpoint targets for surveillance, reports the Washington Post, based on internal documents provided by former NSA contract worker Edward Snowden. “For years, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the use of commercial tracking tools to identify and target consumers with advertisements,” reports the Post. “The online ad industry has said its practices are innocuous and benefit consumers by serving them ads that are more likely to be of interest to them.” The documents suggest that the operatives rely on a Google “PREF” cookie, which can identify a user’s browser and allow easy collection of communications. The operatives also track locations on mobile phones. Major technology companies issued an open letter demanding an end to bulk collection of user data and independent oversight of government requests. The report could revive efforts among privacy advocates to institute a system that allows consumers to opt out of tracking for advertising and other purposes. – YaleGlobal