In response to #DeleteFacebook hashtag, some people have actually deleted their account on the platform, after the personal data of millions of users fell into the hands of a political consultancy.
Facebook is still likely to be monitored by the social network, which tracks nearly 30 percent of global website traffic, though.
A recent study conducted by Cliqz Company, using its anti-tracking product Ghostery, said that Google, in various services, shadows 64 percent of all web-browsing worldwide. The study saw the participation of 200,000 German users.
Neither Facebook nor Google responded to emails asking whether they viewed the Cliqz research as representative.
A larger study of web trackers by researchers at Princeton University in 2016 produced similar results, with Google Analytics and other Google trackers taking the top five places, followed by Facebook.
German publisher Hubert Burda Media owns the biggest share of Cliqz, which is also backed by Mozilla, creator of the Firefox browser. Cliqz is one of several startups that promises to protect personal data. Major providers in Europe are also trying to differentiate themselves by stressing privacy.
Ralph Dommermuth, founder and CEO of Germany’s United Internet told Reuters: “Every time there is a scandal like this at the US companies it boosts our business.”
The company offers encrypted email services, hosted in Germany under its strict privacy laws, and does not sell users’ data.
United Internet and others recently formed a ‘Login Alliance’ offering a single, secure way for their 50 million users to give consent in compliance with new European Union privacy rules that enter into force in May.
Ben Williams, director of communications and operations at Germany-based Adblock Plus, said: “It’s the volcano that was going to erupt at some point, but we just didn’t know when.”
Most people do not mind normal search advertising, but object to intrusive third-party ads, he added.
