How to get rid of targeted ads

When you search for something in your web browser and then see online ads for it, it's not a coincidence.

Thomas Germain, a technology editor at Consumer Reports, said they're called target ads.

“They’re directed specifically at you and they’re based on the things that companies think you may be interested in or maybe are more likely to buy,” Germain said.

According to Germain, the companies get the information by keeping track of what you search for online.

“Let’s say you’re shopping for sneakers on the internet," Germain said. "Companies keep track of the websites you visit and the things you do on digital products and, sooner or later, you’re going to see a sneaker ad.”

There are ways to get your privacy back. First, Consumer Reports recommends trying an ad blocker, a browser extension that looks for the common components of online ads. If they find them, they block them.

Some popular options include AdBlock Plus and uBlock Origin.

Many online news sites rely on digital advertising to support their operations, and a growing number of sites -- including WRAL.com -- detect when users deploy ad blocking software.

"We offer quality video and textual content that is expensive to create and distribute," said John Conway, general manager of new media for WRAL.com's parent company, Capitol Broadcasting Company. "That's why we ask users to whitelist our site or disable ad blockers when viewing our content."

WRAL.com users also have the option to pay a small monthly fee to browse the website while using ad blockers.

Are Targeted Ads Stalking You? Here’s How to Make Them Stop.

“You can also use private browsing mode on your browser -- which isn’t a foolproof method, but it will help protect you in some situations,” Germain said.

Private browsing mode works by deleting the browsing history on your computer after you close it. Browsers like Brave and Firefox have built-in ways to help stop targeted ads.

You can also reset the advertising identifier on your smartphone and opt out of personalized ad tracking using the operating system.

Always remember -- your search history and buying history are a goldmine for advertisers.