Why am I seeing ads in Instagram for searches in Safari? App tracking is turned off

Hi


I've recently noticed a couple of ads pop up in Instagram that have related to Google searches in Safari and other activity. This morning, I installed a new app from the App Store, and shortly afterwards I see an ad in Instagram for that vendor. I have 'Allow Apps to request to track' turned off in Privacy, and 'Allow Tracking' is also turned off in Instagram settings. iOS is version 15.6


So how is Instagram tracking me across apps? I thought iPhone privacy settings are meant to prevent this.


Thanks!

iPhone 12

Posted on Aug 11, 2022 6:39 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 12, 2022 5:00 AM

While denying tracking requests in your settings is a good start, there are unfortunately many different ways to track people, several of which are not affected by such settings. Also of note, app tracking restrictions specifically mention sharing with "other companies". Since Facebook (now Meta) is a very large company, they can collect your information and use it for in-house advertising services, without technically having to involve any "other companies" at all.


If you would still like to restrict Instagram's tracking ability, I would recommend checking out their privacy center, specifically the section on exercising your rights. Here's a direct link.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 12, 2022 5:00 AM in response to duncaninoz

While denying tracking requests in your settings is a good start, there are unfortunately many different ways to track people, several of which are not affected by such settings. Also of note, app tracking restrictions specifically mention sharing with "other companies". Since Facebook (now Meta) is a very large company, they can collect your information and use it for in-house advertising services, without technically having to involve any "other companies" at all.


If you would still like to restrict Instagram's tracking ability, I would recommend checking out their privacy center, specifically the section on exercising your rights. Here's a direct link.

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Why am I seeing ads in Instagram for searches in Safari? App tracking is turned off

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