Signal tried to run a very honest ad campaign on Instagram, but Facebook decided to ban it, according to a blog post. The ads were showing users how much information they have been sharing with Facebook and Instagram through the platforms’ targeting tools.
The purpose of the ad campaign
The idea was to show users how the two platforms share the data they have about users. In order to make sure that ads target people who are actually on the platform, Facebook and Instagram share user data.
One of the copies Signal used said: “You got this ad because you’re a GP with a Master’s in art history. Also divorced. This ad used your location to see you’re in London. Your online activity shows that you’ve been getting into boxing, and you’re probably getting there on your new motorcycle.”
Thus, companies receive a lot of information about who is on the platforms at all times. This means that advertisers can target their ads based on a person’s likes and interests. As a result, they will see more ads tailored to their specific wants and needs.
The scary details that Facebook handles
Facebook has become the main data source for a variety of companies. They use the information that the platform provides to reach customers in an incredibly targeted manner. For instance, through data from Facebook, marketers can find out what kind of home you want to live in.
Also, they know what kind of cars you like to drive, what kind of energy drinks you prefer. Moreover, they will know exactly your favourite sports teams, and more.
So, Signal created ads in which it included the targeting specifications it used. Thus, it managed to create super-targeted ads.
But it seems that Facebook likes the money it makes from ads. Still, it does not like when anyone reveals the mechanism it uses to show them. As a result, it took down the account Signal used to run this ad campaign. And it happened even before many of them reached their potential audience.
So, to protect your personal data and prevent platforms from gathering it from you, just use Ad Guardian Plus ad blocker.
