UK based but see American adverts

[Whatdoiknowanyway]

Just that really. Most of the ads that pop up on the site, from top banner to the side ads are American. I'm based in the UK and, apart from a holiday, have nothing to do with the US.

Any idea why this is happening?

Hmm that's odd. It sounds as though you're talking about the ads that are generated by Google - is it possible that Google has your location down as being in the US?

Have you been googling anything US based? Google monitors what your 'interests' are and then displays what it thinks is relevant adverts just for you. The are called 'interest based' adverts. If you go to GOOGLE ad preferences you can opt out of interest based adverts onGoogle AND across the web.

I have done this. I have to opt out again, when I delete my cookies.

If you use an ipad with ios7 you can also turn off ad tracking. Go to settings>>>privacy>>>advertising. Then toggle off ad tracking.

Don't know why. Yes I google American sites but many more uk sites. My Google account definitely knows I am UK based.
Thanks for the suggestions Josephine,I'll try them out.

AGGHHHHHHHH!! Sorry, I made a mistake in my last post.

If you have an IPad you should TURN ON Limit Ad Tracking.

Settings>>Privacy>>>>Advertising>>. Toggle Limit Ad Tracking On

serves me right for trying to give advice by memory

ALSO, before doing anything I would suggest you delete all your cookies.

One more thing I'm over invested aren't I

If you are using an IPad running ios7

Settings>>>>safari>>>>Privacy and security>>>> toggle ON 'Do not Track'

Josephine, you are a star, thank you so much for your advice.

This type of issue comes up quite regularly on Mumsnet.

I've posted the following advice before under different names

Have you been googling anything vaguely related or might you have anything in your browsing history related to pregnancy. It's not just based on things you have searched for. Google monitors what your 'interests' are and then displays what it thinks are relevant adverts just for you. The are called 'interest based' adverts.

To stop it happening again I would firstly clear out my cookies and search history. (I'm not actually sure this is necessary but it doesn't do any harm )

If you go to GOOGLE ad preferences you can opt out of interest based adverts on Google AND across the web.

I have done this. It means I just get generic ads instead. I have to opt out again, when I delete my cookies.

If you use an ipad or iphone with ios7 you can also TURN ON 'Limit Ad Tracking'

Settings>>Privacy>>>>Advertising>>. Toggle Limit Ad Tracking On

You can also turn off location based ad's if you use ios7 (this will stop Apple tracking where you are and using the info to send you spammy ads ad's from nearby businesses.

Settings>>>>Privacy>>>>location services >>>>(scroll right down to the bottom of the page)) system services >>> then TOGGLE OFF 'Location-based iAds.

HERE is more info about how to opt out of interest based advertising on other search engines, Facebook and twitter etc.

Pops sorry I just posted that in the wrong thread
Please ignore ....