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Times Internet Bolsters User Data Collection with New Scripts
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New Delhi, India – 2024/08/30 – Times Internet, the digital arm of the times Group, has implemented updated JavaScript code across its network of websites, including The Times of India, to refine user data collection practices. The changes, deployed on 2024/08/29, aim to improve the targeting of advertising campaigns and personalize user experiences, according to internal documentation.
This move impacts millions of users accessing Times Internet properties daily. The updated scripts integrate with platforms like Google Tag Manager, Facebook, and Survicate, enabling more granular tracking of user behavior and preferences. The initiative is designed to optimize advertising revenue and enhance content delivery, but also raises questions about user privacy and data security. The collected data will be used to tailor advertisements, analyze content performance, and potentially inform future product growth.
Implementation Details and Script Functionality
The core of the update involves a JavaScript snippet designed to dynamically load additional tracking scripts based on site-specific configurations.The script, hosted at “6ae9845d14a7c8ff08a7a00bd9b21/web_surveys.js”, operates asynchronously to minimize impact on page load times. It first checks for pre-existing configuration data within a global object named ‘f’, specifically looking for settings related to Facebook and Google campaign activity, as well as allowed sections for Survicate surveys.
If the initial configuration is unavailable, the script retrieves settings from a Jarvis API endpoint (“https://jarvis.indiatimes.com/v1/feeds/toi_plus/site_settings/643526e21443833f0c454615?db_env=published”). This API call uses a function called ‘getFromClient’ to fetch the configuration data. The retrieved data dictates which tracking scripts are loaded, including those for Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and Survicate. A conditional check determines whether to use ‘allowedSurvicatePrimeSections’ or ‘allowedSurvicateSections’ based on a ’isPrimeUserLayout’ flag.
Key Components and Integrations
- Google tag Manager (Gtag): Activated based on the ‘isGoogleCampaignActive’ flag, enabling Google’s advertising and analytics tools.
- Facebook Pixel: Enabled via the ‘isFBCampaignActive’ flag, facilitating Facebook’s advertising tracking and retargeting capabilities.
- Survicate: Loads surveys targeting specific website sections, determined by the ‘allowedSurvicateSections’ or ‘allowedSurvicatePrimeSections’ configuration.
Data Usage and Privacy Considerations
Times Internet intends to leverage the collected data for a variety of purposes, including:
- Targeted Advertising: Delivering advertisements relevant to individual user interests and demographics.
- Content personalization: Tailoring content recommendations and website layouts based on user behavior.
- Performance Analytics: Measuring the effectiveness of content and advertising campaigns.
- product Development: informing the development of new features and products.
While Times Internet has not publicly released a detailed privacy policy update specifically addressing these changes, the company is expected to comply with relevant data privacy regulations, including the Digital personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Users concerned about their data privacy can typically manage their preferences through browser settings and ad tracking opt-out mechanisms.
Timeline and Technical Details
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Script Deployment | 2024/08/29 |
| Jarvis API Endpoint | https://jarvis.indiatimes.com/v1/feeds/toi_plus/site_
|