Google Consumer Survey - Frequently Asked Question

Trinity Mirror has been testing Google Consumer Surveys on all its sites. This new service by Google allows businesses to gather market data while generating revenue for publishers. Here are some of the most common questions we’ve been getting from our users:

1. What is Google Consumer Surveys?

Google Consumer Surveys is a market research tool that helps businesses collect data from users online. Surveys are put together by different companies and served by Google on publishers sites. Surveys are presented on article pages and are anonymous to the user and to the publisher. Users are invited to complete the surveys in order to access content.

2. Why are you doing this?

Google charges businesses for this service. Every time a survey is completed Google shares a percentage of that revenue with us. This helps us keep our content free-of charge to you.

3. How often will I see a survey?

You should only see a survey once every two weeks, but you need to answer one or two questions or share that page using one of the sharing tools below the questionnaire. If you don’t you may see it again on another article or on your next visit to the site. You may ‘buy’ yourself an additional 15 days of survey-free access if you chose to answer all the questions in the survey.

4. I see a survey every time I come to the site? What’s happening?

The frequency cap used by Google is controlled by a third-party cookie - a small text file stored on your computer. If you delete cookies after a browsing session you may see the a survey again when you visit the site. Ignoring a survey also means you may see it again on another visit (see question 3). If you want to know more about how to accept third-party cookies please visit:

• If you use Chrome - https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en-GB

• If you use Internet Explorer - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-vista/block-or-allow-cookies

• If you use Safari - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1677

• If you use Firefox - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-and-disable-cookies-website-preferences

5. Can I skip a survey?

Not at the moment - but we are looking at enabling that in the future.

6. How are surveys delivered?

Surveys are served to all users through a few basic targeting criteria. Whether or not you see one will largely depend on your gender, age and location. In all cases we will never know your actual identity.

7. Can I use this service to gather data for my business?

Yes, you can. You can read more about how to do that by visiting this site: https://www.google.com/insights/consumersurveys/home.

8. I still have questions. What can I do?

You can learn more about this service on Google’s site: https://www.google.com/insights/consumersurveys/home. Alternatively, please visit http://www.trinitymirror.com/howtocomplain.