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This Site Is Protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service Apply

Introduction

In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the privacy policies and terms of service that govern the websites we visit. One of the most common security measures used by websites is reCAPTCHA, a service provided by Google that helps protect against spam and abuse.

When you visit a website that uses reCAPTCHA, you may be asked to complete a simple challenge, such as identifying objects in a series of images or typing in a distorted word. This challenge helps Google distinguish between humans and bots, and prevents automated programs from accessing the website.

While reCAPTCHA is an effective security measure, it’s important to be aware of the privacy implications. When you use reCAPTCHA, you are providing Google with information about your device, browser, and network. This information can be used to track your online activity and build a profile of your interests.

What Information Does reCAPTCHA Collect?

When you use reCAPTCHA, Google collects the following information:

  • Your IP address
  • Your browser type and version
  • Your operating system
  • The date and time you visited the website
  • The URL of the website you visited
  • The challenge you completed
  • Your score on the challenge

Google may also collect additional information, such as your mouse movements and keystrokes, to help improve the reCAPTCHA service.

How Does Google Use This Information?

Google uses the information collected from reCAPTCHA to:

  • Detect and prevent spam and abuse
  • Improve the reCAPTCHA service
  • Build a profile of your interests

Google may also share this information with third parties, such as website owners and law enforcement agencies.

What Are the Privacy Risks of Using reCAPTCHA?

There are several potential privacy risks associated with using reCAPTCHA:

  • Google may use the information collected from reCAPTCHA to track your online activity and build a profile of your interests.
  • This information could be used to target you with advertising or to sell to third parties.
  • Google may share this information with third parties, such as website owners and law enforcement agencies.

How Can I Protect My Privacy When Using reCAPTCHA?

There are several steps you can take to protect your privacy when using reCAPTCHA:

  • Be aware of the privacy risks associated with using reCAPTCHA.
  • Only use reCAPTCHA on websites that you trust.
  • Use a privacy-focused browser, such as Firefox or Brave.
  • Enable privacy settings in your browser, such as blocking third-party cookies.