Most online ads are not targeted to you as an individual but rather to data categories such as your probable demographics (age, gender), interests (automobiles, travel, shoes), location, websites visited and apps used.
AdChoices represents a company’s promise that you can control your ad targeting experience with them. Click or tap on the icon to discover more.
Over time, this information gathered by companies informs them how to show more relevant ads. For example, people who visit automotive websites might receive more ads for a particular model of car that interest them.
AdChoices is not an advertising company itself, it is simply a notice that dozens of companies use to let you know that you can control the interest-based data flow companies use for ads by clicking or tapping on the blue icon to learn more or to opt-out.
The AdChoices program is consistent with the requirements set out in Canadian privacy laws.
Advertising fuels the internet's economy. In order to use the services we have come to expect from the web such as social media, free email accounts, websites we visit, apps we use and more, these services need to be funded.
Advertising, like many other forms of media, funds these platforms. When ad targeting is done right, it's relevant and timely.
Companies engaging in any type of interest-based advertising practices online should be respecting your data privacy rights in Canada by providing you with notice about the collection of data for advertising purposes and the use of interest-based advertising when it’s happening. Companies must also give you the ability to opt-out.
In Canada, complaints are accepted and addressed through the independent enforcement body, Ad Standards.
