Which type of tracking gives companies insight into user behavior without actively collecting data?

The type of tracking that provides companies insight into user behavior without actively collecting data is known as indirect tracking. This method typically involves analyzing information that is generated as a byproduct of user interactions, rather than explicitly gathering personal data through surveys or direct tracking methods.

Indirect tracking encompasses techniques like the analysis of aggregated data or the use of cookies that accumulate information over time on how users interact with a website. This allows companies to infer behaviors and preferences without needing to obtain explicit consent or directly monitoring each user's actions.

Understanding indirect tracking is crucial in discussions surrounding ethics and privacy concerns, as it raises questions about the boundary between user privacy and the data practices companies employ. It highlights the importance of transparency and the need for companies to develop ethical guidelines regarding data usage, even when the tracking methods appear more benign than active data collection techniques.