Artificial intelligence (AI) has been all over the news recently. If you don’t think it’s influencing your life yet, think again.
The rollout of AI continues to gather pace across various industries. Businesses use it to streamline operations and gain the upper hand in their markets. But you have the right to know how it’s used, particularly when it relates to you. So, we’ve tried to shed some light on the matter.
What Is AI?
Whether you’ve realised it or not, AI is all around us. Applications like Gmail and Google Docs use it to predict what you’re typing. Smart assistants like Siri and Alexa use AI to process voice commands. Companies have come to rely on it for everything from live chats to content creation.
Research from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that one in six UK businesses already adopt AI. This proportion is even greater for larger companies. Uptake will only increase as the technology and its uses continue to develop.
Some business uses for AI won’t impact you. You may even get benefits such as better service and cheaper prices. But there are applications where you have the right to understand what’s happening. Targeted advertising is one of them.
How Is AI Used for Advertising?
Targeted advertising is one of the most powerful uses of AI in the business world. Gone are the days of generic ads shown to a broad audience. Many organisations now leverage AI to deliver personalised content that you’re more likely to interact with.
Online cookies collect your personal information and track your browsing and buying behaviour. AI analyses these large data sets to predict what products you’re interested in and show you more relevant ads. While this increases the likelihood of making a sale for businesses, it can get overwhelming for you.
Are You Sick of Seeing Targeted Ads?
When something you’ve searched for starts showing up everywhere online, that’s targeted advertising. It doesn’t always make for a pleasant experience. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it from happening.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt all the data you send and receive, including your browsing activity. This means your internet service provider (ISP) and advertisers can’t harvest your data for their benefit. Using a VPN is certainly beneficial if you value your online privacy and want to encounter fewer targeted ads.
Moreover, some premium VPN providers have extra features to help. For example, they may offer an ad blocker that can stop ads from showing up entirely. This way you will be both secure online and undisturbed by unwanted advertising.
Use a VPN to Stop Businesses Targeting You
Businesses use AI in a variety of ways for their benefit. When it comes to targeted advertising, your browsing history gives them a way to target you with more relevant content. But there is a way to stop it. Consider a VPN for your devices today.
