This is the URL that shows up in my address bar when I click on your link. Is it you or Overgrow.com that is tracking me externally?
I’m thinking that I will likely be leaving this site, as this seems extremely shady. I’ll look for a response, but I can’t imagine it will be acceptable to me.
Don’t be paranoid…
Yes, this site tracks practically all activity on the site and displays it for the good of the community (including click on the link in post)… Our Privacy Policy is here including reasons why we gather information.
For example cannaloop can get badge “Popular Link” for that link if enough visitors click it… Topics can be sorted by number of views, etc. We are putting every single bit of information to good use!
But that is limited to the activity on the site… I don’t see anything shady and every single forum I know about has similar features.
We cannot track your activity outside the site (or externally).
Nope, not an acceptable reason. Nor is the condescending dismissal of my concern, ie “don’t be paranoid”, acceptable to me.
For a place with the history of this one, you think you would have a little empathy for users with privacy concerns, but apparently not.
Please delete my account and any associated information, effective immediately.
You threw a fairly serious accusation his way and he reacted, so he’s human, so what, i’d have done the same.
btw good choice of name.
If you don’t trust the site just don’t log back on. All your concerns will be fixed on your end by you.
I find it funny…
if you realized that “clicks/track?” only put the little grey box that is a number counter for url clicks o that link, I dont think you’d feel as paranoid
Im much more afraid of the government then weed, but they clain it’s weed that makes me paranoid?
I really think it’s much more about the stigmata, fear of getting caught and fucked over for trying to be free.
It is not paranoia in my book, when you have shit to fear! 
Nobody ever forced anyone to register here…
Online privacy is long gone for average users that doesn’t use tor or equivalent.
Good luck using a Android/iOS device if you are so concerned about your privacy…
And as for history… Old OG forum software wasnt really fort Knox as for security…and we wanna talk about ICM original admin and software developer POM ?? Better known as Variety Jones and countless aliases more? You really think that your data were safe in his hands seeing him screw up GN as he did ?
Reality check needed there…
DS
@LemonadeJoe Works tirelessly to keep the site as safe as possible.
Ramble Alert
@anon82664705 Using a VPN to access the site your end will help your concerns all meta data is removed from photos but I’m sure with some research or probably an app these days you could remove that data yourself if you don’t think it’s being done. Which I do.
The site protects itself it is your responsibility to take steps to ensure your not being watched when being on the site.
Paranoia over? Rationality returned?
No offense but we are all responsible for our own online safety and expecting Joe to explain the inner workings in more detail than has already been outlined could comprise the site.
Peace
Bonged
@Dee.S73 See there is someone who gets it.
I appear in a different location every day. Apparently i was in Dundee the other day but i’ve never been there in my life 
In this era your personal privacy is every bit as secure as a soap bubble in a storm 
Opsec is the new unicorn. Simply no longer exists. All your actions are tracked vpn works as an inconvenience at best…
Feeling so good to be old enough to have lived & played before:
I’m almost certain the OP did not understand the subject functionally.
But I could be wrong. 
There are some tips to make online browsing more secure… at least it can serve to raise awareness…
Practically all sites are using cookies and tracking user behavior nowadays to “improve user experience” (no matter how questionable it can be). Our site is no different… This is pretty much standard in 2018. I’m surprised that anybody is questioning it… I can guarantee that all these clicks and statistics are used for good purpose and serve the community. They are used to sort and promote quality content to provide you - members - with information you need and also to give us - Team Overgrow - tools to prevent misbehavior and spam.
The site would not be safer without tracking for example clicks to external sites. It is exactly the opposite. We are responsible for content that users put on our site and for that we need to understand how members are using the site through statistics like the one in question.
And of course our site is compatible with tactics recommended in article above, so we explicitly invite you to use whatever means you find appropriate to secure your online browsing via 3rd party tools (TOR, VPN, etc).
Better go live in a cave then. With a dark sat phone.
Have fun
You’re implication that I’m worried about anything is completely unfounded AND the antithesis to everything I believe
Your the one that made a thread asking about security. Then followed with none of it mattered anyway…
So it seemed your paranoid about security which is a valid point and we all should be but if it’s all to no avail. Then as I said we may as well all get spec ops black phones and live in caves underground.
Not trying to be a dick. People including myself were trying to help with suggestions on how to minimize your exposure.
@Bongedtobits if I could interject real quick. The issue was started by oscarthegrouch who freaked out and ran for the door before anyone knew what was happening.
I’m more of the opinion that the “issue” started with the first post:
My natural response? Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Have a nice life!