Critique of Google and Meta’s Deal to Target Minor Users with Ads

The recent report claiming that Google and Meta struck a deal to target minor users with ads on Instagram through YouTube is deeply concerning. This deal directly contradicts Google’s Ad-serving Protections for Teens policy, which explicitly states that ad personalization and sensitive ad categories are disabled for users under the age of 18. By bypassing this policy and using the “unknown” target demographic, Google effectively violated its own guidelines.

The report revealed that Google had thousands of data points on the “unknown” category of users, including location, app downloads, and online activity. This level of detailed information on minors raises serious ethical concerns about the exploitation of user data for targeted advertising purposes. It is clear that Google prioritized profit over user privacy and safeguarded guidelines.

Unnamed sources mentioned in the report suggested that Google manipulated its internal system by turning off other age groups and focusing solely on the “unknown” demographic, which had a higher proportion of minors. This manipulation demonstrates a blatant disregard for user protection and raises questions about the integrity of Google’s advertising practices.

While Google denied specifically targeting users under 18 with personalized ads, it admitted to using the “unknown” category as a loophole. This lack of accountability and transparency is troubling, especially considering the potential impact on vulnerable minor users. Google’s response, while claiming to abide by strict policies, falls short of addressing the underlying issues raised in the report.

Meta’s response to the report, stating that Google’s unknown targeting option is available to all advertisers, raises concerns about the company’s complicity in the unethical practices outlined in the report. By tacitly condoning Google’s actions, Meta is also implicated in the exploitation of minor users for targeted advertising purposes.

The revelation of Google and Meta’s deal to target minor users with ads raises serious ethical questions about user privacy, data protection, and corporate accountability. It is imperative that both companies conduct thorough investigations into these allegations and take concrete steps to address any violations of their own policies. The well-being and safety of minor users should always be prioritized over profit-driven advertising practices.