Google 'colluded' with Facebook to bypass Apple privacy (theregister.com)

Article summary

Google and Facebook allegedly colluded to bypass Apple's privacy protections, with Google's 'Jedi Blue' project aiming to identify users on Apple products and set quotas for Facebook's ad wins. The claims are part of an amended complaint in a Texas antitrust case against Google. The complaint also alleges that Google secretly made its own ad exchange win, even when another exchange submitted a higher bid. This behavior is seen as a threat to fair competition in the online ad market.

Main themes

• online advertising
• privacy protections
• antitrust case
• corporate accountability
• regulation
• free speech
• manipulation
• fraud and punishment

What commenters say

• Google's alleged behavior is a clear example of fraud and should be punished severely.
• The issue at hand is not just Google's actions, but the entire online advertising industry, which prioritizes profits over user privacy and experience.
• Regulating online advertising is necessary to prevent companies from exploiting users for profit.
• The concept of advertising as a form of mind hacking or manipulation is a concern, and some argue that it should be eradicated or heavily regulated.
• The line between free speech and corporate-sponsored manipulation is blurred, and companies should be held accountable for their actions.
• Some argue that advertising is not inherently fraudulent, but rather a form of persuasion that can be beneficial when done honestly.
• The role of incentives and profit motives in driving companies' behavior is a key factor in understanding the issue.
• Punishing companies for their actions, such as through fines or clawing back executive compensation, is necessary to prevent similar behavior in the future.