Twitter Are Releasing a Tool That Lets You Change How Advertisers Target You
 |
| Simon Owens |
Ever the exemplars of equality, Twitter have now taken steps to rectify that. In an upcoming update, users will be given a new set of privacy settings which will allow them to see and alter the way that they are targeted by advertisers. Basically, you'll be able to see your demographic, interest areas and which advertisers have you placed in their tailored audience zone. You'll then be able to modify this by opting in and out of various categories, according to a blog post Twitter put out on Wednesday.
To find this feature (which is already being rolled out to users on a staggered basis), you have to go into the 'Your Twitter Data' tab under settings. Near the bottom lies the 'interests' section. It's split into two distinct categories - 'Interests from Twitter' and 'Interests from Partners'. The former shows you what Twitter thinks you want to see more of, based on your activity, and the latter shows you which companies are targeting you for personalised ads. It's here that you can switch all that off.
In order to do that, you need untick everything under the 'Personalisation and data' banner, or at least untick the categories that you want to opt out of. Even after doing this though, you'll still be on advertisers' lists, and wriggling out of that is a bit more complicated. There's a link underneath the 'Tailored audiences' subheading which will give you a list of all the companies which have your Twitter name. With that, you can then set about asking each individual company to strike you off. I did say it was a bit more complicated.
Really and truly, there's no way to completely extricate yourself from ad tracking on social media, unless you, well, quit social media, but features like these ease the pain somewhat. More to the point, they allow users more choice in how their data is used, and more transparency. Regardless of how much it actually affects your experience on the platform, it's encouraging to see Twitter being so open with their user base.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Twitter Are Releasing a Tool That Lets You Change How Advertisers Target You
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Friday, May 19, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Friday, May 19, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.