How Google is using FONTS to track what you do online and sell data to advertisers – and what YOU can do about it

Google is using a technique to harvest data that could be overlooked by even the most tech-savvy.

The search giant uses special fonts that track users’ IP addresses and browser history, such as Roboto, Open Sans, Lato, Montserrat and Merriweather.

Web designers use these free fonts so their sites look great whether the user is on a phone, tablet, laptop, TV or desktop computer.

Google also gathers information like the user’s IP address and the website visited, which is, in turn, cross-referenced with other data the tech giant has about the user.

The company gives away special fonts to website owners, with at least 60 million sites using them.

Google claims its free tracking fonts help websites load quickly and look the same across your iPhone, Android, Windows PC, Mac and tablet — but it comes at the price of privacy.

When you visit a site that uses Google Fonts, you automatically hand it over to Google.

Read more: How Google is using FONTS to track what you do online and sell data to advertisers – and what YOU can do about it