ProHipHop collects information about visitors but does not keep track of individuals. All information is used in the aggregate to better understand our visitors' interests. We do not share information with others, such as email addresses and other information received in the course of doing business.
However, we do use services that track and store an array of information and, if you are truly concerned about your privacy, you should become aware of the following information and conduct yourself with that in mind.
ProHipHop uses both Google Analytics and Quantcast to get a sense of where our visitors come from and what they do on the site. Many of the advertising networks to which ProHipHop belongs also use Quantcast. In addition, any ad served on ProHipHop may have additional means of monitoring your behavior online.
Between Google, Quantcast and our advertisers, cookies are being placed on your computer, IP addresses are being recorded and your web travels may be followed by such technology after leaving ProHipHop. With the current rise of Behavioral Targeting, you are being followed more closely than ever in a legal manner based on current U.S. legislation.
In addition, many ad networks with which ProHipHop is associated, serve ads via third parties that may be tracking you as well. Burst Media's Privacy Statement offers a great explanation of how ad networks operate include information about ads served by Burst, by their adConductor system and for third parties which such networks facilitate.
A full list of advertising networks with which ProHipHop is associated is included at the end of this post along with links to their privacy policies.
Here's what the folks at Burst have to say:
The Cookie Principle
Burst Network Publishers:
Burst may use cookies to improve your Web browsing experience. When you are first served a Burst ad, Burst may assign a unique random number to your computer browser - commonly known as a "cookie." We do this to understand the way a user responds to the ads we deliver. For example, this number lets us keep track of how many times you view an ad we distribute. Likewise, the cookie can help make sure you do not see the same ad over and over - thus enhancing your online Web viewing experience. We do not link the information we store in cookies to any personally identifiable information you submit while on our site. Most Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually change your browser to prevent that use if you desire.
adConductor Publishers:
adConductor may use cookies to improve your Web browsing experience. When you are first served an adConductor ad, adConductor may assign a unique random number to your computer browser - commonly known as a "cookie." We do this to understand the way a user responds to the ads we deliver. For example, this number lets us keep track of how many times you view an ad we distribute. Likewise, the cookie can help make sure you do not see the same ad over and over - thus enhancing your online Web viewing experience. We do not link the information we store in cookies to any personally identifiable information you submit while on our site. Most Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually change your browser to prevent that use if you desire.
Third-Party Measurement Services
Often, advertisers will employ a third-party service provider other than Burst for serving the advertisements and for tracking the performance of an ad program. These companies may employ cookie and 1x1 pixel technology to measure and improve the effectiveness of ads for their client. These companies may collect and use anonymous information about your visits to our member web sites and other web sites. The information collected can include:
1. Date/time of your visit
2. The banner ad that was shown
3. Their cookie
4. Your IP address
5. The URLs of sites you visit
This information can also be used for online preference marketing ("profiling") purposes.
In these instances, Burst has no control over the information collected by the third-party, and may not be held responsible for the actions of the third-party measurement service where collected information is concerned.
Catch that last sentence? That's what's known as an "Industry Standard."
If you wish to opt-out of such surveillance, the following resources will help in that endeavor:
Opt-out of Quantcast Advertising Delivery
Opt Out of Behavioral Advertising
ProHipHop will add additional relevant resources as discovered.
In addition, you may consider clearing your browser's web history, cookies and other information that may be revealed by these surveillance processes on a regular basis. For example, the Firefox browser allows you to have such information cleared automatically everytime the browser is closed. Many other such tools exist if you have an interest in real privacy on the web but they require your active involvement to be of use.
Ad Networks with which ProHipHop is associated and their privacy policies:
Burst Media:
Privacy Statement
adConductor is a division of Burst Media and appears to have the same Privacy Statement.
The MTV Networks Digital Tribes is powered by adConductor and one might assume that they go by the above Privacy Statement but I cannot currently verify that information and have been told that they do not have a publicly posted privacy policy.
The BET Ad Network is also powered by adConductor but they currently have what appears to be an outdated Privacy Policy linked from their home page that directs one to 24/7 Real Media for additional privacy information.
MOG Music Network:
Privacy Policy
Blogads:
Privacy Policy
Google AdSense:
Google Privacy Center: Advertising and Privacy
I think that covers it!
Bottom Line: If you're concerned about your privacy on the web, you should take matters into your own hands and educate yourself.
If you have any questions about what ProHipHop's up to or about anything related to this Privacy Policy, please email Clyde Smith at:
hiphoppress(at)netweed(dot)com
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