Google and Meta struck secret ads deal to target teenagers (ft.com)

Article summary

Google and Meta allegedly struck a secret deal to target teenagers with ads, despite Google's rules prohibiting personalized and targeted ads to under-18s. The deal involved using an 'unknown' category to disguise the true intent of the campaign. This category skewed towards under-18s, allowing the companies to target this age group without explicitly violating Google's policies. The exact details of the deal and its implications are still unclear.

Main themes

• Targeted advertising
• Teenager privacy
• Corporate ethics
• Social media addiction
• Capitalism and exploitation

What commenters say

• The practice of targeting teenagers with ads is problematic and potentially harmful, as it can contribute to addiction and exploitation.
• The use of an 'unknown' category to disguise the true intent of the campaign is a loophole that allows companies to circumvent Google's rules and target under-18s.
• The pursuit of profit and revenue can lead companies to prioritize their interests over the well-being and privacy of their users, particularly vulnerable groups like teenagers.
• The normalization of social media and targeted advertising can have profound effects on human behavior and society, including the erosion of humane values and the promotion of 'status games'.
• The laws and regulations surrounding targeted advertising and teenager privacy are insufficient or poorly enforced, allowing companies to exploit loopholes and prioritize profits over ethics.
• The criticism of capitalism and venture capitalism is not necessarily relevant to the discussion, as it is a broader societal issue that cannot be avoided or escaped.
• The exploitation of teenagers and other vulnerable groups is a symptom of a larger problem with the way companies prioritize profits over people, and requires a more nuanced and multifaceted solution.