Google and other advertisers can then deploy targeted ads based on this profile. Trackers can identify your device IP address, which allows Big Tech to build a profile of your online habits.

Your IP address is one among many personal data points online advertisers and other Big Tech can collect it helps them identify who you are and what you do online. How does Big Tech use my IP address to track me? Even in incognito, Google and others can still track you. Basically, Incognito mode hides your browsing activity from other users on your device.īut Incognito mode doesn’t hide your info from websites, advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), or Big Tech companies. For example, if you share a home computer with your partner, and you’re shopping online for a birthday present for them, doing so in an incognito window would be a good way to ensure the present stays a surprise. What’s “Incognito mode,” and does it hide my IP address?īrowsing in Incognito (or “private”) mode simply means that any pages you visit in that window are erased (or forgotten) when the window is closed. If you want online privacy, hiding your IP address is a good place to start. This IP address is generally visible to the apps and services you use online, but can also be useful to advertisers, Big Tech, and others to identify you online.

To connect to the Internet, each device needs a unique address (sort of like a home address). What’s an IP address?Īny device that connects to the internet-desktop computer or laptop, mobile phone or tablet-uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate online. In this short article, we’ll discuss incognito windows, IP address, and more.

But are these really more private than regular browser windows? Do they hide IP address or other identifying information? Many popular browsers offer a variation of Incognito windows (also sometimes called “Private” windows).

Ip address on google chrome laptop