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| Q How can I stop the ads? A Thus far, the traditional methods have been to change your browser settings to block cookies (which can make the web deeply frustrating to use) or to install ad-blocking software (which doesn't stop cookies being set). However, the IAB has set up a website at Youronlinechoices.com where you can stop some behavioural advertising. Click on your country, then the "Your Ad Choices" button; it will scan your cookies and allow you to turn off some or all OBA from companies who have signed up. Google offers more control if you fancy digging deeper; by visiting bit.ly/google-oba you can edit the "interests and inferred demographics" that Google has associated with your browsing behaviour. But be clear – if you turn off any OBA, you'll still be shown online ads in abundance; they are just less likely to be of interest to you. Whether you deem that to be a triumph of privacy enforcement or an even more annoying irritant is another question entirely. |