Article 18.11.2020 1 min. read Text Image Dutch Foundation The Privacy Collective has sued tech giants Oracle and Salesforce for their online advertising practices. In the Netherlands alone, these two companies are processing millions of people’s data in a manner that is not GDPR compliant. Panoptykon stands with The Privacy Collective in wanting this case to go to court so that the companies can be held accountable. It’s a yet another piece of the puzzle in the battle against the harmful practices of the ad tech industry. In 2019 Panoptykon launched complaints against Google and the Interactive Advertising Bureau, joining a coalition of European NGOs which filed similar cases in 16 other EU jurisdictions. Every time an internet user visits a website that features ‘behavioral’ advertisements, advertising technology companies like Oracle and Salesforce gather large amounts of detailed and sensitive personal data that describe each user. This data is compiled into profiles, which are being shared with advertisers, so their ads can reach very specific audiences. This process makes personal data available to large groups of organisations without protection or oversight, which conflicts with GDPR. In particular, this clashes with rules regarding obtaining valid consent, the appropriate transparency regarding data processing, the transfer of the data to the US and the general requirement of fair, necessary and proportionate processing. A growing number of organisations, including Access Now, Bits of Freedom, Privacy First and MySociety are supporting The Privacy Collective’s action in holding Oracle and Salesforce accountable. The stakes are high: the Foundation has claimed damages of EUR500 per person from each company, amounting to a total claim of EUR 10 billion. If awarded, this could result in a huge hit to the profitability of this business practice. For the case to be heard by the court in Amsterdam, The Privacy Collective needs to collect at least 10,000 supporters. By clicking on the “support” button on the organisation’s website you directly support access to the court. You can also read more via www.theprivacycollective.eu. With contribution from Janneke Slöetjes (Foundation The Privacy Collective) Fundacja Panoptykon Author Previous Next See also Article Discrimination in datafied world Data-driven technologies are not neutral. A decision to collect, analyse and process specific kind of information is structured and motivated by social, economic and political factors. Those data operations may not only violate the right to privacy but also lead to discrimination and oppression of… 10.07.2018 Text Report Algorithms of trauma: new case study shows that Facebook doesn’t give users real control over disturbing surveillance ads A case study examined by Panoptykon Foundation and showcased by the Financial Times, demonstrates how Facebook uses algorithms to deliver personalised ads that may exploit users’ mental vulnerabilities. The experiment shows that users are unable to get rid of disturbing content: disabling sensitive… 28.09.2021 Text Article Webinar: Alternative recommender systems in the DSA [recording] Facebook Files provided yet another confirmation that the company's extremely profitable recommender systems come at a high price paid by vulnerable individuals and our societies. Algorithms optimised for engagement amplify toxic content, such as hate speech or disinformation, and target humans… 23.11.2021 Text
