Lingolol

Infoblox Threat IntelAfter three years of relentless tracking, we’ve published a [paper](<a href="https://blogs.infoblox.com/threat-intelligence/vextrios-origin-story-from-spam-to-scam-to-adtech/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://blogs.infoblox.com/threat-intelligence/vextrios-origin-story-from-spam-to-scam-to-adtech/</a>) that, for the first time, exposes the true identities behind VexTrio. This research connects real names to the various companies that form the VexTrio ecosystem. It begins with the origin story—how a group of Italians launched a successful spam and dating business. Over time, VexTrio expanded its operations into malicious adtech and online scams. For over a decade, the group employed deceptive tactics to defraud countless innocent internet users. These illegitimate gains funded the extravagant lifestyles of VexTrio’s key figures—who, despite increasing scrutiny, have yet to be fully stopped.We’re deeply grateful to all the contributors who helped us reach this research milestone, especially <a href="https://infosec.exchange/@rmceoin" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@rmceoin</a> and Tord from [Qurium](<a href="https://www.qurium.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://www.qurium.org/</a>).<a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/dns" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dns</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/threatintel" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threatintel</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/threatintelligence" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threatintelligence</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/cybercrime" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#cybercrime</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/cybersecurity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#cybersecurity</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/infosec" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#infosec</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/infoblox" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#infoblox</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/infobloxthreatintel" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#infobloxthreatintel</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/maliciousadtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#maliciousadtech</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/affiliates" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#affiliates</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/scam" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#scam</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/notifications" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#notifications</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/pushnotifications" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#pushnotifications</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/tds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#tds</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/trafficdistributionsystem" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#trafficdistributionsystem</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/spam" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#spam</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/italy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#italy</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/russia" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#russia</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/belarus" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#belarus</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/dating" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dating</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/clickallow" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#clickallow</a>

Infoblox Threat IntelLike CEOs at Coldplay concerts, we keep finding malicious adtech hiding behind well-known advertising brands. While these platforms may appear credible, they allow malicious actors access to their platform, and profit from their successes. Our posts often focus on adtech operators because they are the ones who manage the infrastructure. But they are not the only ones profiting from this business. Affiliates play a big role by driving traffic (aka visitors) to the adtech platform (TDS). Malicious affiliates do this by tricking visitors into clicking hidden links or manipulating pages to redirect them automatically. They are so good at it that they generate a profit just due to the sheer volume of traffic they drive into the platform. Legitimate affiliates do this by posting what they believe to be normal ads on their web pages, tempted by promises of big rewards. Unfortunately for them, this is rarely the reality, and there are many reports of affiliates being underpaid or not paid at all. Additionally, affiliates risk damaging their own brand image – no one wants their legitimate website redirecting to malware, right? As a user, regardless of how you find yourself diverted into a malicious TDS, if you happen to fit the profile then you face the risk of being sent to a malicious landing page. Scams, disinformation, malware…you name it. As there are many players involved in this scheme, we’ve created an infographic that highlights who they are and how they fit into the malicious adtech landscape. Have you come across any of these shady platforms or, worse, been lured into becoming part of the scheme? Let us know! <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/dns" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dns</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/threatintel" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threatintel</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/threatintelligence" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threatintelligence</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/cybercrime" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#cybercrime</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/cybersecurity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#cybersecurity</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/infosec" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#infosec</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/infoblox" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#infoblox</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/infobloxthreatintel" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#infobloxthreatintel</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/maliciousadtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#maliciousadtech</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/affiliates" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#affiliates</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/scam" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#scam</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/malware" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#malware</a> <a href="https://infosec.exchange/tags/phishing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#phishing</a>

Open RiskThe problem with that strategy is that its being crowded out by the enormous resources that <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> has dedicated to further discover and exploit human weakness, <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/tiktok" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#tiktok</a> being the prime example.The analogy is trying to free an enslaved drug addict by offering them a diet of fruits and veggies. Its clearly hopeless.What could work is an invention that is at the same time wholesome for the individual and society *and* very attractive *and* doable on a miseable budget 🤦Incredibly bad odds.

Open RiskFor the <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/fediverse" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fediverse</a> and friends this raises some pretty stark challenges: Clearly the promise of human-centricity, agency, <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/dataprivacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dataprivacy</a> etc. does not resonate with the masses. But importantly, it does not resonate with their appointed political stewards and assorted elites either: if not outright captured, they have made their Faustian bargains and are intensely relaxed about the <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> dystopia.Another potential wedge for disruption would be to offer something genuinely new...

Timo J<a href="https://mastodon.social/@arstechnica" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@arstechnica</a> Google is <a href="https://mastodon.online/tags/AdTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AdTech</a> so just wait for the Gemini-powered profiling and contextual advertising that’s coming for you and your logged in, 1st party Google ID.

Open Rights GroupBy further automating ad audience selection on Meta with GenAI, we'll have less chance of understanding why certain people are seeing which ads.It may also make it even harder to detect the use of proxy data that let advertisers dodge anti-discrimination or data processing laws.<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/surveillancecapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#surveillancecapitalism</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/AI" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AI</a>

Open Rights GroupPrivacy over profits!We're fighting back against Meta's use of personal data to sell ads.Meta should give us options for opting-out of stalker ads. Until they do, you can use our tool to make this request.Act now to <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a> ⬇️ <a href="https://action.openrightsgroup.org/meta-opt-out" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://action.openrightsgroup.org/meta-opt-out</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/surveillancecapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#surveillancecapitalism</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/AI" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AI</a>

Open Rights GroupORG's new report exposes Meta’s intrusive profiling of its users.With the introduction of Generative AI to Meta’s ad tools, existing problems with opacity will get worse.🗣️ Anna Dent, author of 'Profiling by Proxy'.Read more ➡️ <a href="https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/profiling-by-proxy-how-metas-data-driven-ads-fuel-discrimination/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/profiling-by-proxy-how-metas-data-driven-ads-fuel-discrimination/</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/surveillancecapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#surveillancecapitalism</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/AI" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AI</a>

Open Rights GroupIt's up to us if we want targeted advertising or not. It's about consent.Meta's attempt to gaslight us in the hope we'll get tired or confused is another tactic to uphold an advertising model that isn't operating lawfully.Tell Meta <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a> (UK residents) ⬇️<a href="https://action.openrightsgroup.org/meta-opt-out" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://action.openrightsgroup.org/meta-opt-out</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/zuckerberg" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#zuckerberg</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/dataprotection" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dataprotection</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/gdpr" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#gdpr</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/data" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#data</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/digitalrights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#digitalrights</a>

Open Rights GroupMeta must change how it does business away from profiteering on the back of our personal data.Instead, our report suggests other advertising models that can respect our rights, like contextual advertising or subscriptions for advertisers.<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/metas-consent-or-pay-must-not-allow-stalker-ads-report-argues/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://www.openrightsgroup.org/press-releases/metas-consent-or-pay-must-not-allow-stalker-ads-report-argues/</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/zuckerberg" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#zuckerberg</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/dataprotection" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dataprotection</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/gdpr" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#gdpr</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/data" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#data</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/digitalrights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#digitalrights</a>

Open Rights GroupYou have a legal right to object to your personal data being used for the purpose of targeted advertising.Meta even admitted they must respect this right when they settled Tanya O’Carroll's case against them.So why gaslight the rest of us?<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/21/meta-settles-u-k-right-to-object-to-ad-tracking-lawsuit-by-agreeing-not-to-track-plaintiff/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/21/meta-settles-u-k-right-to-object-to-ad-tracking-lawsuit-by-agreeing-not-to-track-plaintiff/</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/zuckerberg" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#zuckerberg</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/dataprotection" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dataprotection</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/gdpr" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#gdpr</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/data" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#data</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/digitalrights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#digitalrights</a>

Open Rights GroupMeta profits by using your personal data for advertising.By crunching your data into profiles, you become a target for advertisers and a cash cow for Meta.Their latest attempt to claim to have honoured people's opt out request while ignoring the actual issue is shady stuff.<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/zuckerberg" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#zuckerberg</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/dataprotection" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dataprotection</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/gdpr" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#gdpr</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/data" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#data</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/digitalrights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#digitalrights</a>

Open Rights GroupDon't you know that you're toxic... Meta goes from ghosting to gaslighting.After our direct action last week, Meta is now replying to 10k requests to opt out of Stalker Ads.And it's a fudge... they talk about not using personal data for some direct marketing. But don't mention targeted ads!<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/zuckerberg" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#zuckerberg</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/dataprotection" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dataprotection</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/gdpr" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#gdpr</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/data" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#data</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/digitalrights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#digitalrights</a>

Ian Brown 👨🏻‍💻"One would rightly quail if just a few foreign firms owned Europe’s roads, ports or electricity grid. Yet, for 15 years, this is precisely what we’ve allowed to happen to our tech infrastructure — the backbone of our economy and democracy." 💯 <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/DMA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DMA</a> <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/antitrust" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#antitrust</a> <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/Google" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Google</a> <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/Meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Meta</a> <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/news" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#news</a> <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/DigitalSovereignty" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DigitalSovereignty</a> <a href="https://eupolicy.social/tags/StrategicAutonomy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StrategicAutonomy</a> <a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/digital-sovereignty-us-brussels-belgium-trade-talks-tech/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://www.politico.eu/article/digital-sovereignty-us-brussels-belgium-trade-talks-tech/</a>

Open Rights GroupYour data, your choice ✊In a recent case against Meta's surveillance advertising model, they conceded that users have the right to object to their personal data being used for targeted ads.Use our tool to tell Meta <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a> ⬇️ <a href="https://action.openrightsgroup.org/meta-opt-out" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://action.openrightsgroup.org/meta-opt-out</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/discrimination" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#discrimination</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/surveillancecapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#surveillancecapitalism</a>

Open Rights GroupThe Meta Pixel makes the situation worse.The Pixel is embedded in other websites and sends data about their visitors back to Meta to be used for ad targeting.So people with problematic gambling habits could be flooded with gambling ads.Find out more ⬇️ <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/08/gambling-firms-secretly-shared-users-data-with-facebook-without-permission" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/08/gambling-firms-secretly-shared-users-data-with-facebook-without-permission</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/discrimination" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#discrimination</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/surveillancecapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#surveillancecapitalism</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/gambling" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#gambling</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a>

Open Rights GroupProxies can be created by training an algorithm with historical data about user activity.So associated characteristics can stand in for one that an advertiser wants to target.This can reveal data which is protected by anti-discrimination and data processing laws.<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/discrimination" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#discrimination</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/surveillancecapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#surveillancecapitalism</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a>

Open Rights GroupThere are many examples of discrimination and harm caused by profiling and ad targeting.They include:🔴 Gender discrimination in who sees job ads. 🔴 Racial discrimination in housing and education ads. 🔴 Predatory data collection and targeting by online gambling sites. 🔴 Inappropriate products promoted to under 18s. 🔴 Discriminatory and predatory advertising of credit.Plus more.<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/discrimination" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#discrimination</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a>

Open Rights GroupThere are some targeting restrictions on special category adverts, such as political ads and ‘Financial Products and Services’ ads.But mainstream ads, including gambling ads, have fewer restrictions. This lack of transparency on Meta's Ad Library means discriminatory practices can fly under the radar.There must be more rigorous levels of transparency so Meta and advertisers can be held to account.<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/discrimination" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#discrimination</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a>

Open Rights GroupMeta's murky ad system uses your personal data to sell adverts 💸 What we know about how ads are targeted isn't consistent. This means advertisers can use proxy data on the DL that can cause discrimination against users.Read our latest report ⬇️<a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/StopStalkerAds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StopStalkerAds</a><a href="https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/profiling-by-proxy-how-metas-data-driven-ads-fuel-discrimination/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/profiling-by-proxy-how-metas-data-driven-ads-fuel-discrimination/</a><a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/meta" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#meta</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/adtech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#adtech</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/privacy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#privacy</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/discrimination" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#discrimination</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/facebook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#facebook</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/instagram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#instagram</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/threads" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#threads</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpolitics</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/ukpol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ukpol</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/surveillancecapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#surveillancecapitalism</a> <a href="https://social.openrightsgroup.org/tags/advertising" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#advertising</a>

Recent searches

Search options

Administered by:

Server stats:

#adtech