Google updated its Ad Settings page with new controls that allow users to see how it targets them with ads -- and to turn off adverts from some companies.
The revamped Ad Settings page[1] offers more transparency about the source of information used for targeted advertising. The move is designed to counter growing angst over personalized ads that Google and Facebook like to position as "more relevant" ads.
The Ad Settings page now contains a single view of all the factors that Google uses to target ads from its advertising customers, with the option to switch off any of the factors.
Clicking on a button for one of its ad customers will explain where Google got your information from, such as information you provided to the advertiser, which they then gave to Google in order to show you tailored ads.
So long as you're signed in to a Google Account, you can now click a "turn off [advertiser]", which will stop tailored ads from that particular advertiser for at least 90 days. You need to click one more time to confirm this decision, which will prevent those ads appearing via Google's ad network.
The page also contains all the factors Google thinks are your interests, such as boating, auto, computers, and so on that are "based on your activity on non-Google websites and apps while you were signed in."
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Other interests may be have been sourced from activity on Google sites such as YouTube or search when signed in.
"Turning off a factor means you'll no longer receive