Inevitably, when you enter a key word in a search engine online, you’ll find plenty of ads that match your results. Now, InventHelp’s Invention Girl has learned that sometime soon this kind of behavioral targeting could be influenced by your web browser searches.

Some internet search providers (ISPs) are tossing around the idea of installing software on their internet lines that scrutinizes their customers’ surfing habits. This method, sometimes called deep-packet inspection, utilizes packets of data (including what you search for, the length of time you spend on a website, and what you click on) to track your online movements.

By pairing with online advertising companies like NebuAd, ISPs can inspect these packets of data and target advertising based on your profile. Their argument is that consumers benefit from more relevant ads, while privacy advocates claim that more lucrative advertising is the ISP’s real motivation.

Privacy advocates are asking Congress to make all behavioral targeting opt-in—Google, your ISP, or any other company wouldn’t be able to track on your online actions without asking for your permission first. ISPs and web companies, by contrast, are preparing a huge lobbying effort to stop any legislation barring their behavioral targeting plan.

InventHelp’s Invention Girl values her privacy, but my web searches are no secret. In fact, you can read about most everything I search for on the web here on the InventHelp blog!

Related InventHelp posts:

1. InventHelp’s Invention Girl Uncovers Great Deals through Bad Grammar
2. InventHelp Says: Go Google, It’s Your Birthday!
3. Coming to a Store Near You: Press H For Help
4. Slow Internet? How about Satellite Service?
5. InventHelp Asks: Where Do You Get Your News?