Private Browsing, Better Browsing Bane of Affiliates (XBIZ)

Read the full article by Stephen Yagielowicz at XBIZ.com

LOS ANGELES — For adult website operators, “privacy” is one of today’s hottest topics, with lingering questions over the recently enacted General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other initiatives aimed at protecting consumer’s data — but the notion of privacy also poses a direct threat to operator’s pocketbooks — not just to their legal status.

The use of browser-based privacy features is on the upswing, going beyond AdBlock-style add-ons that require user education and effort to implement, to now feature effective, integrated ad- and cookie blocking, often activated by default. In 2016, reports revealed half of all surfers used private browsing — a percentage that has doubtlessly climbed as the process has become easier and more accessible.

One example comes from a recent ad push encouraging surfers to adopt Firefox Focus as a way to prevent others from following their digital tracks — a perfect privacy feature for porn fans, but a horrible abomination if you make your living as an affiliate — where being credited for a sale is typically dependent on the data these privacy-oriented tools block.

2018 is a challenging year for adult affiliates, but even as the playing field continues to evolve, it brings substantial opportunity and rewards to those who can master it.