"Target's privacy practices pose severe risks due to aggressive collection of 100+ data types including biometric, location, and financial information, combined with broad sharing to advertising networks, data brokers, and social media platforms. Cross-device tracking, cross-context behavioral advertising, and automated ALPR technology are enabled by default with opt-outs that are device and browser-specific, requiring repeated action. Vague retention policies and the practice of continuing to share partner data even after account unlinking further compound privacy exposure."
Take Action
5 Privacy Improvements Available
target Privacy Concerns & Scorecard
Opt-outs are device and browser-specific, requiring repeated actions
Cross-context behavioral advertising with data sharing specifically for this purpose
Comprehensive collection of sensitive biometric, location, and financial data at scale
Extensive sharing with ad tech vendors places user data outside Target's direct control
Data retained indefinitely for investigative or legal purposes with no clear limits
Roundel ad opt out
- 1Visit roundel.com/guest-privacy to access the Roundel opt-out page.
- 2Follow the on-page instructions to opt out of sale or sharing of your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
- 3Alternatively, call 1-800-831-6880 to opt out by phone.
- 4You may also enable the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal in your browser; Roundel will process this signal as a frictionless opt-out, though it may be limited to the specific browser or device used.
Data deletion request
- 1Email your deletion request to privacy.request@target.com, clearly stating you are requesting deletion of your personal information.
- 2Alternatively, call Target's privacy information line at 1-800-831-6880 to submit your deletion request by phone.
- 3Be prepared to provide specific identifying information so Target can verify your identity before processing the request.
- 4If acting as an authorized agent on behalf of someone else, fill out the required certification form confirming your authority to make the request.
Ad personalization opt out
- 1Go to Target's Interest-Based Advertising page at target.com/c/interest-based-advertising.
- 2To opt out of cross-device ad linking vendors, visit the Digital Advertising Alliance's Choices page at www.aboutads.info/choices.
- 3Alternatively, call Target's privacy information line at 1-800-831-6880 to opt out by phone.
Automate your privacy
Connect your accounts to TrueTerms to automate these privacy actions and monitor policy changes.
Data Collection & Tracking
Personal Information Collected
Account creation, order fulfillment, identity verification, loyalty program enrollment
Payment processing, fraud detection, Target Circle Card account management
Order fulfillment, personalization, targeted advertising, loyalty program management, product recommendations
Personalization, targeted advertising, analytics, product recommendations, A/B testing
Store locator functionality, targeted offers, in-store analytics, fraud prevention, parking lot monitoring
Website/app functionality, analytics, personalization, cross-device tracking, fraud detection
Virtual try-on features, voice search, customer service monitoring, security
Targeted advertising, campaign tracking, performance measurement, A/B testing
Targeting, personalization, analytics, compliance with age-restricted purchases
Product recommendations, targeted offers, personalization
Parking lot monitoring, fraud prevention, security, in-store analytics
Authentication, social login, cross-platform advertising, partner account linking
Customer service, communication preferences management
Product recommendations, personalized beauty offers, targeted advertising
Site optimization, user experience improvement, behavioral tracking
Cross-Platform Tracking
Tracking Methods:
Persistent Cookies
Cookies stored on browser tracking visitor IDs, preferences, and behavior across sessions; enables cross-device tracking when linked to account
Tracking Pixels
Invisible pixels placed on web pages and emails (Google DoubleClick, Medallia, DoubleVerify) that report user activity to ad networks and analytics platforms
Google Publisher Tags (GPT)
Ad-serving technology loaded from Google Ad Manager (gpt.js) that tracks ad impressions and user interactions with ads across Target and third-party sites
Web Beacons
Transparent tracking elements embedded in web pages and emails that collect viewing and interaction data
Third-Party Analytics Tags
Adobe Site Catalyst (Analytics) and Google Analytics tags that collect detailed user behavior data; data shared for advertising purposes
Device Fingerprinting
Unique device identifiers (device_id) that persist across sessions and enable tracking even without cookies; persists after app uninstallation
Cross-Device Linking
Technology that connects data across multiple devices (phone, tablet, computer) when users log into their Target account or link accounts with partners
First-Party Login Tracking
Account login links browsing activity to individual users; enables merging of online and offline purchase data
In-Store Location Tracking
Bluetooth and LED light chip technology in stores detect mobile device proximity; enables precise in-store location tracking and traffic pattern analysis
ALPR (License Plate Recognition)
Cameras at store entrances/parking lots automatically capture license plate numbers; data retained ~30 days for fraud prevention and security
Mobile App Installation Tracking
Unique identifiers assigned to mobile app installations; persists even after app uninstallation enabling data re-association upon reinstall
In-Store Camera Surveillance
Video cameras throughout stores for security, traffic monitoring, and inventory tracking; may enable facial recognition in future
URL Parameter Tracking
Campaign tracking IDs and other identifiers embedded in URLs (TCID parameter) that track which ads/links users clicked to reach Target
Bot Detection Scripts
PixelBox security/bot detection script that monitors behavioral patterns and may collect additional tracking data for fraud detection
AI & Data Training
target uses your content to train AI
Below is what's used and how (if at all) you can object.
What Content Is Used
Purchase History and Browsing Behavior
Policy states 'AI model training and development using customer data' without limiting to aggregated or anonymized data only
Product Reviews and Ratings
Policy collects 'product reviews and ratings' and 'user-generated content' which may be used for model training
Health and Wellness Inferences
Policy creates and uses 'inferences drawn from personal information' including health-related inferences from product purchases
How to Object
No opt-out available
This service does not currently provide a public way to opt out of AI training.
Why We Analyzed target
TrueTerms automatically audits privacy policies and data practices using advanced machine learning to keep you informed and protected. This scorecard is based on the latest available public terms of service and privacy policies as of 2026.