How do we fix the problems with online advertising, mainly around the spread of misinformation and illegal targeting? I think this article and the linked outline of data requirements are persuasive: create a comprehensive and trustworthy ad archive. For some reason, my mind pictures this as a blog, where we can see all ads and what the targets are. Journalists and newspapers could likely find some really interesting trends in an archive. Advertisers may also think twice about starting a new marketing campaign.
Reflecting on the campaigns that we've done in homework for these classes, I can see how targeting can be quite precise and discriminatory. My worry is that this solution wouldn't fix the root of the problem, which I think is how these companies make money: clicks. An ad archive may make big brands serve ads in a more equitable manner. But, if it gets more consumers they'll just keep doing it (and paying the platforms more money).
Ultimately, there needs to be some form of government regulation because the current system isn't. Social media and misinformation are just polarizing the country and world.
https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/16/we-need-universal-digital-ad-transparency-now/
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