Investigation: Google Lets Advertisers Break Rules by Targeting Ads by Sensitive Private Information

[BeatMan]

A Wired investigation has uncovered that Google’s Display & Video 360 ad platform allows marketers to target users based on sensitive personal information like chronic illnesses and employment in national security roles, going against the company’s own policies.

A recent investigation by Wired has revealed alarming privacy and security issues within Google’s vast digital advertising ecosystem. The investigation found that Google’s Display & Video 360 (DV360) platform, used by some of the world’s largest brands, provides advertisers with the ability to target users based on highly sensitive personal data, including health conditions, financial status, and even employment in critical national security roles. This practice directly violates Google’s own stated policies prohibiting ad targeting based on such information.

https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025...rgeting-ads-by-sensitive-private-information/

 

[RobDownSouth]

Paywall free version of Wired article HERE

What an absolute trainwreck.

Hey, you want to target an audience of people googling illness symptoms suggesting opioid withdrawal? We got 'em!
How about folks in dire financial stress researching bankruptcy options? We got 'em!
Chronic pain and fibromyalgia sufferers? You betcha

Google seemed very pleased to make the case for how well they weed out the "bad actors" who want to prey on the weak and infirm, but when confronted with specific instances of leaks in their system, they clammed up.