Internet and Telecom

The Surveillance Economy: Exploring the Dangers of Online Tracking and What You Can Do About It

Published

3 years ago

March 13, 2023

Sam Hopkins

Have you ever searched for something online only to be followed by ads for it everywhere you go? Or received a targeted email based on your browsing history? Welcome to the surveillance economy, where our every move online is tracked and monitored for profit. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the dangers of online tracking and explore what you can do to protect yourself from being constantly watched. So buckle up and get ready to take control of your digital privacy!

What is the Surveillance Economy?

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of companies that collect data about our online activities. This is often done without our knowledge or consent. This practice is known as “surveillance capitalism.”

Surveillance capitalism relies on surveillance to collect data about our online activities. This data is then used to target us with ads and other content. It can also be sold to third parties.

This practice raises privacy concerns and can have a chilling effect on free speech and expression. It can also lead to discrimination and other harms.

There are steps you can take to protect your privacy online. You can use privacy-enhancing technologies, such as ad blockers and anti-tracking tools. You can also limit the amount of personal information you share online. And you can support organizations that are fighting against surveillance capitalism, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Online Tracking: How Does It Work and What Are the Dangers?

When you go online, you leave a digital trail of breadcrumbs that can be followed by anyone with a vested interest. Whether it’s the government, your internet service provider, or the website you’re visiting, someone is almost always watching, and they may be collecting data about you without your knowledge or consent.

This practice is called online tracking, and it’s become increasingly prevalent in recent years as companies have learned to exploit our data for financial gain. Online trackers can collect a startling amount of information about us, including our browsing history, the searches we conduct, the videos we watch, and the purchases we make. This data is then sold to advertisers who use it to target us with ads that are specifically tailored to our interests.

While online tracking is mostly used for commercial purposes, there are also serious privacy and security concerns that come with it. For example, hackers could potentially access our data if it falls into the wrong hands; or the government could use it to monitor our activities and censor our speech.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from online tracking, such as using private browsing mode, clearing your cookies regularly, and using ad blockers. But ultimately, unless we collectively demand change from the companies that profit from our data, we will continue to be tracked every time we go online.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Online Tracking?

Online tracking is a process by which companies collect data about your online activity in order to target advertisements and sell products. This practice has become increasingly common in recent years, as more and more businesses have realized the value of customer data.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from online tracking. First, you can install browser plugins that block third-party cookies. These cookies are often used to track your online activity, so blocking them can help to reduce the amount of data that companies have about you.

You can also delete cookies that have already been placed on your computer by going into your browser’s settings and clearing your cookies. This will remove any data that companies have collected about you through online tracking.

Finally, you can use private browsing mode when surfing the web. This mode will prevent your browser from saving cookies or other data about your activity, making it more difficult for companies to track you.

Alternatives to Online Tracking

There are a number of ways to avoid online tracking, and many of them are quite simple. Here are a few alternatives to online tracking:

1. Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, making it much more difficult for anyone to track you online.

2. Use a Privacy-Focused Browser: There are a number of browsers that are designed with privacy in mind, such as Brave, Tor Browser, and DuckDuckGo Browser. These browsers will help to block third-party trackers and keep your data safe.

3. Use Ad-Blocking Extensions: Ad-blocking extensions can be added to most browsers and will help to block intrusive ads as well as preventing ad networks from tracking you across the web.

4. Use Private Search Engines: If you want to keep your searches private, there are a number of search engines that don’t track your queries, such as DuckDuckGo and StartPage.

5. Adjust Your Privacy Settings: Most social media platforms and websites have privacy settings that allow you to control how much information is shared about you. Be sure to adjust these settings to limit the amount of data that is shared with third parties.

Conclusion

The surveillance economy is an ever-growing phenomenon that can be both invasive and dangerous. With the power of a few clicks, companies can gain access to our most private information and use it for their own benefit. We must all take responsibility for protecting ourselves from this type of data tracking by learning about how it works, whom we should trust with our data, and what measures we can put in place to limit its reach. By understanding the risks associated with online tracking and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you will be on your way to living a more secure digital life.

Author

Sam Hopkins

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Computer Electronic

Webroot Pop-Ups on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Published

10 hours ago

January 26, 2026

David Cruz

Webroot is a popular cloud-based antivirus solution known for its lightweight performance and real-time protection. However, many Windows 11 users report frequent Webroot pop-ups that can interrupt work, gaming, or browsing. These alerts may include subscription warnings, scan notifications, threat detections, or promotional messages. While some pop-ups are important, excessive notifications can quickly become frustrating.

In this guide, we’ll walk through practical, safe, and effective ways to reduce or completely stop Webroot pop-ups on a Windows 11 computer—without compromising your system’s security.

Why Webroot Pop-Ups Appear So Often

Before disabling anything, it’s helpful to understand why Webroot shows pop-ups in the first place:

Real-time threat alerts when malware or suspicious behavior is detected
Subscription or license expiration warnings
Scheduled scan notifications
System integration alerts (firewall, browser protection, or identity shield updates)
Promotional or upgrade reminders

Some of these are essential for your protection, while others can be safely adjusted or silenced.

Method 1: Adjust Webroot Notification Settings

The most direct way to reduce pop-ups is through Webroot’s built-in settings.

Open Webroot SecureAnywhere from the system tray or Start menu
Click the gear icon (Settings)
Go to the General tab
Look for notification-related options such as:
- “Show alerts”
- “Show system tray notifications”
Uncheck non-critical alert options
Click Save and close the program

This method allows you to keep essential security alerts while disabling routine or promotional messages.

Method 2: Check Your Webroot Subscription Status

A very common reason for repeated pop-ups is an expired or nearly expired subscription.

Open Webroot
Check the license status on the main dashboard
If expired, you’ll continue receiving warnings until it’s renewed or removed

If you’re unsure about renewal options or licensing issues, you can contact customer support for clarification. Resolving license problems often eliminates recurring alerts instantly.

Method 3: Disable Webroot Notifications in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes a centralized notification system that lets you control alerts app by app.

Press Windows + I to open Settings
Go to System → Notifications
Scroll down to find Webroot SecureAnywhere
Toggle notifications Off

This prevents Webroot from showing pop-ups at the Windows level, even if the app itself generates alerts.

Tip: Use this method carefully, as it blocks all notifications, including critical threat warnings.

Method 4: Turn Off Scan and Scheduled Alerts

If Webroot pop-ups mainly appear during scans:

Open Webroot
Go to Settings → Scan Settings
Disable options like:

“Show scan progress”
“Notify when scan completes”

You can still keep automatic scanning enabled while removing unnecessary interruptions.

Method 5: Check Browser Extensions and Identity Protection Alerts

Webroot installs browser extensions to protect against phishing and malicious websites. These can sometimes trigger repeated pop-ups.

Open your browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox)
Go to Extensions / Add-ons
Locate Webroot SecureAnywhere
Adjust its permissions or temporarily disable it to test if pop-ups stop

If disabling the extension resolves the issue, reinstall it cleanly or adjust its notification permissions.

Method 6: Perform a Clean Reinstall of Webroot

Corrupt installations or leftover files from upgrades can cause excessive alerts.

Steps for a clean reinstall:

Uninstall Webroot from Settings → Apps → Installed Apps
Restart your computer
Download the latest version from Webroot’s official site
Reinstall and activate using your keycode

This often resolves bugs, duplicate services, or notification loops.

Method 7: Scan for Malware or Conflicting Software

Ironically, persistent pop-ups can sometimes be triggered by:

Malware imitating Webroot alerts
Conflicts with other antivirus or security tools

Ensure you:

Run a full system scan
Avoid using two real-time antivirus programs simultaneously
Remove suspicious or unknown applications

Method 8: Contact Support for Persistent Pop-Ups

If none of the above methods work, the issue may be account- or system-specific. Reaching out to trained support professionals can help identify deeper causes such as backend account errors or configuration conflicts. For personalized assistance, you can call and explain the type of pop-ups you’re receiving, how often they appear, and what steps you’ve already tried.

Best Practices to Prevent Future Webroot Alerts

Keep Windows 11 fully updated
Avoid running multiple security programs together
Review Webroot settings after major updates
Renew or deactivate licenses you no longer use
Periodically review notification preferences

Final Thoughts

Webroot pop-ups on Windows 11 are usually well-intentioned, but they don’t have to disrupt your daily workflow. By adjusting in-app settings, managing Windows notifications, checking your subscription status, and reinstalling the software if necessary, you can dramatically reduce or eliminate unwanted alerts—while still staying protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Webroot pop-ups a sign that my computer is infected?

Not always. Most Webroot pop-ups are routine notifications such as scan completions, subscription reminders, or security status updates. However, threat alerts should be reviewed carefully, as they may indicate suspicious activity.

2. Will disabling Webroot pop-ups reduce my computer’s security?

Disabling non-essential notifications does not reduce security. However, turning off all alerts at the Windows 11 notification level may cause you to miss important threat warnings. It’s best to disable only promotional or informational pop-ups.

3. Why do Webroot pop-ups appear even when I’m not using the program?

Webroot runs in the background to provide real-time protection. Notifications may appear during scheduled scans, automatic updates, or when monitoring web activity—even if the app isn’t actively open.

4. Can Windows 11 updates cause increased Webroot pop-ups?

Yes. Major Windows 11 updates can reset system permissions or notification settings, which may cause Webroot to re-enable alerts or display compatibility notifications temporarily.

5. How can I tell if a Webroot pop-up is legitimate or fake?

Legitimate Webroot pop-ups usually include the official logo and appear in the system tray. Fake alerts often redirect you to unfamiliar websites or request immediate payment. When in doubt, open the Webroot app directly instead of clicking the pop-up.

6. Is it safe to use Webroot alongside another antivirus program?

Running two real-time antivirus programs can cause conflicts, performance issues, and excessive pop-ups. It’s recommended to use only one primary antivirus solution at a time.

7. Do Webroot browser extensions cause extra pop-ups?

Yes, browser protection features can trigger alerts related to blocked sites, phishing attempts, or unsafe downloads. These can usually be adjusted or limited within the browser extension settings.

8. Will reinstalling Webroot reset my notification preferences?

Yes. A clean reinstall restores default settings, which may re-enable notifications. After reinstalling, revisit the settings to customize alerts according to your preferences.

Author

David Cruz

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Digital Development

Fixing BellSouth Email: Common Issues and Troubleshooting Steps

Published

10 hours ago

January 26, 2026

hanryleo

BellSouth Email is a widely used webmail service, recognized for its ability to facilitate global communication while prioritizing data security and user confidentiality. Despite its robust features, users occasionally encounter issues that can affect their email experience.

One of the most common problems is not receiving new emails, which can disrupt your workflow and communication. In this article, we will examine the causes of this problem and offer practical solutions.

Why Isn’t BellSouth Email Receiving New Emails?

There are several potential reasons why you might not be receiving emails in your BellSouth account. Grasping these elements is essential for pinpointing the correct answer. Here are some common issues:

Filter Settings
Email filters can sometimes inadvertently block incoming messages by redirecting them to designated folders. If you’ve set up filters, one of them may be hindering the delivery of specific emails.
Forwarding Settings
Many users set up forwarding to manage multiple email accounts. If you’ve enabled forwarding to another address and that option is misconfigured, it can prevent incoming emails from reaching your BellSouth inbox.
Blacklisting Issues
If you’ve inadvertently blacklisted a sender or their domain, their emails will not appear in your inbox. This is something to verify if you’re missing messages from specific individuals.
Incorrect Email Address
Sometimes, the sender might simply type the wrong email address. This can easily happen, so it’s worth confirming that the sender has your correct email.
Server Address Problems
If you’re trying to access your BellSouth account using a mobile app or third-party application, incorrect server addresses can lead to issues with receiving emails.

How to Resolve the “BellSouth Not Receiving Emails” Issue

If you’re unable to receive emails, there are various troubleshooting measures you can implement to fix the issue.

Step 1: Verify the Sender’s Email Address

First, confirm with the sender that they are using the correct email address. This simple step can often resolve issues stemming from typos or miscommunication. Communicating directly with the sender can save both parties time and frustration.

Step 2: Check Email Filter Settings

Log into your BellSouth Email account and review your filter settings. Ensure that none of your filters are mistakenly blocking incoming messages. If needed, modify or take away the filters and check to determine if emails are arriving now.

Step 3: Review Forwarding Settings

If you have set up email forwarding to another account, double-check that the settings are correct. Disable any forwarding options temporarily to see if this resolves the issue. This will help ensure that all emails are directed to your primary inbox.

Step 4: Correct Server Address

If you’re using a third-party application or accessing your email via mobile, ensure that you have entered the correct server address. Incorrect settings can prevent emails from being delivered. You may want to look up the correct server settings on the BellSouth help page for confirmation.

Step 5: Seek Professional Support

If after trying the above steps you are still experiencing issues, it may be time to consult technical support. The BellSouth customer support team is well-equipped to assist you with your account issues. They can offer insights and solutions customized to your unique circumstances.

Contacting BellSouth Customer Support

Should problems persist, BellSouth offers multiple channels for support. Here’s how you can get in touch:

1. Phone Support

For immediate assistance, calling is often the most effective method. Simply:

Dial the BellSouth customer service number.
Choose your language preference and follow the automated instructions.
Select the topic related to your email issue.
Wait for a representative to assist you.

This direct communication can lead to quicker resolutions and is often preferred by users who need urgent help.

2. Email Support

If you prefer written communication, you can also reach out via email:

Visit the [BellSouth website]
Send an email to support@bellsouth.com detailing your issue

This method is useful for more complicated concerns that might require documentation or a detailed explanation.

3. Live Chat Support

Live chat is another convenient option for obtaining help:

Navigate to the BellSouth support page.
Look for the live chat icon to start a conversation with a support agent.
Describe your issue to receive real-time assistance.

Chat support can be particularly useful for those who prefer not to speak on the phone.

Advantages of 24/7 Support

One of the great benefits of BellSouth customer service is that it’s available 24/7. This ensures that no matter the time of day, you can receive help for a range of issues, from technical glitches to account security questions. However, note that some specific departments may have limited hours, so check their website for the latest information.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, email is an essential tool for both personal and professional communication. Encountering issues with your BellSouth Email can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for vital correspondence. By understanding the common reasons for not receiving emails and following the provided troubleshooting steps, you can often rectify the situation swiftly.

However, if issues continue, don’t hesitate to tap into BellSouth’s user-friendly customer support resources. Whether you choose to call, email, or chat live, assistance is readily available to ensure you have a smooth email experience. Remember, a proactive approach to resolving these issues can significantly enhance your overall experience with the BellSouth platform.

Author

hanryleo

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Digital Development

Importance of Digital Development for Small Business Growth

Published

5 days ago

January 21, 2026

sophiaolivia

Digital development has become the structural backbone of modern business growth. For small businesses, it is no longer sufficient to simply exist online; they must function, perform, and scale intelligently. A well-developed digital presence enhances usability, credibility, and discoverability simultaneously. When paired with strategic optimization from an experienced seo agency nyc, digital development transforms from a technical necessity into a powerful growth engine.

What Digital Development Really Means Today

Digital development extends far beyond launching a basic website. It encompasses platforms, user journeys, backend efficiency, and long-term adaptability. Modern development is iterative, data-informed, and deeply intertwined with search visibility.

Without SEO-conscious development, even the most visually striking digital assets risk obscurity. Conversely, development aligned with seo services in new york ensures that structure and performance actively support discoverability.

Building a Search-Optimized Digital Foundation

The foundation of effective digital development lies in clean code, logical architecture, and scalable frameworks. Search engines favor websites that are easy to crawl, fast to load, and structurally coherent. Poorly written code, redundant scripts, or convoluted navigation can silently sabotage rankings.

Small businesses that integrate SEO considerations at the development stage gain a durable advantage, particularly when guided by an seo agency with technical expertise.

Mobile-First Development in a Search-First World

Mobile-first development is no longer optional. Search engines now evaluate websites primarily through their mobile versions, making responsiveness and performance critical. Fluid layouts, optimized images, and minimal load times directly affect user satisfaction and rankings.

Core Web Vitals, metrics that measure loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability, have become decisive factors. Thoughtful mobile development ensures that SEO efforts are not undermined by technical friction.

Content Management Systems and SEO Flexibility

Choosing the right content management system (CMS) is a pivotal digital development decision. A robust CMS enables easy control over metadata, URL structures, internal linking, and content expansion. Platforms that restrict customization can stifle SEO growth over time.

Small businesses benefit from CMS environments that support agility, allowing seo services to adapt strategies as algorithms and market demands evolve.

Integrating SEO into Digital Product Development

SEO should not be an afterthought appended to a finished product. It must be embedded within the development lifecycle. UX/UI decisions, such as navigation depth, page hierarchy, and internal linking, directly influence how search engines interpret relevance.

When developers and SEO strategists collaborate, digital products emerge that are not only functional but inherently discoverable. This synergy is a hallmark of high-performing teams led by an experienced seo service nyc.

Local-Focused Digital Development for Small Businesses

For small businesses, local relevance is often the most valuable currency. Digital development should facilitate geo-targeted content, location-specific landing pages, and personalized user journeys. Local schema markup, map integrations, and regionally optimized pages enhance local search performance.

With expert guidance from seo agency in New York, businesses can align development efforts with the intent of nearby customers, driving both traffic and conversions.

Security, Speed, and Trust Signals

Security and performance are silent persuaders. HTTPS encryption, secure payment gateways, and fast-loading pages cultivate user trust while signaling quality to search engines. A slow or insecure website erodes confidence and increases bounce rates, indirectly harming SEO. Digital development that prioritizes speed and security creates a stable environment where optimization efforts can flourish without resistance.

Measuring Digital Development Success

Effective digital development is measurable. Analytics tools reveal how users interact with your platform, where friction exists, and which elements drive engagement. Metrics such as session duration, conversion paths, and page performance provide actionable insights. Continuous refinement, supported by data and professional seo services in new york, ensures that digital assets remain competitive, relevant, and growth-oriented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is digital development for small businesses?

Digital development refers to building and improving digital assets such as websites, platforms, and online systems to enhance performance, usability, and scalability. For small businesses, it focuses on creating a strong technical foundation that supports growth and visibility.

2. Why is digital development important for long-term business growth?

Digital development ensures that a business can adapt to changing technologies, user behavior, and market demands. A well-developed digital presence improves efficiency, customer experience, and overall competitiveness in the online space.

3. How does digital development impact online visibility?

Search engines favor websites that are fast, secure, mobile-friendly, and well-structured. Strong digital development directly supports better indexing, smoother user journeys, and improved engagement, all of which contribute to higher visibility.

4. Is mobile-first development really necessary for small businesses?

Yes. Most users access websites through mobile devices. Mobile-first development ensures better performance, usability, and engagement, which are critical for retaining visitors and encouraging conversions.

5. What role does website speed play in digital development?

Website speed affects both user experience and trust. Slow-loading pages lead to higher bounce rates and lost opportunities. Optimized performance is a core element of effective digital development.

6. Can digital development improve customer trust?

Absolutely. Secure connections, intuitive navigation, and consistent performance signal professionalism and reliability, helping users feel confident when interacting with a business online.

7. How often should digital development be updated or improved?

Digital development is an ongoing process. Regular updates, performance audits, and usability improvements help businesses stay relevant and competitive as technology and user expectations evolve.

8. What is the biggest mistake small businesses make in digital development?

The most common mistake is treating digital development as a one-time project. Without continuous optimization and scalability planning, digital assets quickly become outdated and less effective.

Conclusion

Digital development is not a one-time project; it is an evolving strategy that underpins long-term success. For small businesses, investing in intelligent development aligned with SEO principles creates resilience in an unpredictable digital economy. By integrating performance, usability, and search optimization from the outset, and collaborating with a knowledgeable seo agency nyc, businesses can build digital ecosystems that support sustained visibility and meaningful growth.