The aim of the new tool is to enhance transparency in online tracking and assist individuals in better protecting their privacy on the internet.
WebXray is a search engine designed to show how websites track you. A typical user can enter a search term, such as "cancer" or "pregnancy," and then see which websites are tracking that specific query, what cookies are used, and for what purposes.
Cookies are small data pieces that websites store on your device during visits. They help sites remember your settings, preferences, and actions. For example, cookies allow you to stay logged into a site or see targeted advertisements. However, cookies can also be used to monitor your online activity, raising privacy concerns.
The creator of WebXray is Tim Libert, a former Google engineer who is deeply concerned about online privacy issues. The idea for this tool emerged during his graduate studies when he researched cookies and advertising technologies.
"Perhaps the hardest thing to explain is how extensive it is—the volume of data, the level of tracking, the details of billions of people's lives flowing through a maze of remote servers. It is very much like science fiction, and not in a good way!" Libert commented.
The purpose of WebXray is to streamline the identification of companies that engage in tracking, enabling prosecutors and other stakeholders to better understand the situation. Libert believes that existing laws protecting online privacy are in place, but regulatory bodies lack the necessary resources for effective enforcement.
"I believe business practices that the vast majority of internet users categorically reject cannot go on forever," Libert states.
He hopes that WebXray will accelerate industry changes and promote greater transparency regarding online tracking.
The business model of WebXray offers free access to 25 daily searches and basic cookie analysis. Paid users receive a more in-depth analysis of privacy violations, which can be useful for law firms or tech companies aiming to comply with regulations.
Recently, we reported on a San Francisco resident who sued Microsoft and two major sex toy retailers in the U.S., accusing them of unlawfully tracking users on websites without their consent.
Source: Gizmodo
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