DATA SECURITY : Understanding the Power and Risks of Targeted Advertising

 

For simplicity, I would classify data into two different categories: actual data and metadata. The distinction between these two is subtle, and their interpretation and classification are relative to their usage. However, in this blog, I will draw a clear line to aid your understanding.

Let's say your name, age, email ID, and phone number are actual data, while everything that helps provide extra clarity about you and your preferences can be called metadata.

In the past, before the rise of data science, metadata simply referred to things like your interests in games or food, which could be gathered from forms you filled out.

Nowadays, most apps you use collect your data. This means they track information such as the videos you watch, the websites you visit, and the geographical locations you frequently go to. This data is then used to create a virtual persona of you. The app builds a behavioural profile and shares it with advertising agencies. There are many advertising-based platforms, such as Taboola, Google Ads, etc. These platforms compare your data with others' behavioural patterns. Once they find similar patterns, they start grouping people. With this group of like-minded individuals, they begin suggesting products or services from one group member to another. Like-minded people tend to have similar preferences, from the choices they make to the products they buy. This makes targeted advertising more effective.

Is this good?

Yes, it can be beneficial. Ads accessing your data can be helpful because they are likely to suggest products or services that match your buying capacity. It's like having a knowledgeable salesman as your shopping assistant.

My opinion:

I have used various ad platforms, such as Meta Ads, Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, etc., for different advertising projects. If you're a business owner looking for an affordable and effective way to advertise, using digital ad platforms is an excellent choice. They offer a personalized approach by showing your ads to the people most likely to make a purchase.

Additionally, these platforms suggest useful products at a cost-effective price. Without them, you might need to conduct extensive market research to find similar suggestions.

Warning:

Not all ad agencies are good. Some bad agencies scam people by showing random, too-good-to-be-true ads designed to lure victims into their schemes. Beware of mainstream ad companies, which have advanced technology to prevent scammers from using their networks. If you come across a very tempting offer, like a free iPhone or a message saying, "The girl next door is waiting for you," it’s most likely a scam orchestrated by a fraudulent ad agency.