February 10 2025
In his quest to understand how personal data is used in mobile advertising, Tim Sherratt, a digital historian based in Canberra, Australia, embarked on a personal journey. Through the use of a tracking app, he was able to uncover a variety of information about himself that he wasn't previously aware of.
Sherratt's journey started with his curiosity about the information advertisers glean from his online activities. He decided to use an app called Privacy Pro, which allowed him to monitor and control the data that apps on his devices were sharing. He discovered that his data was being shared with multiple third-party platforms, even when he wasn't using the apps.
With Privacy Pro, Sherratt was also able to identify the types of data being collected, such as his location and IP address. He was surprised to find out how much of his personal information was actually being shared. He also discovered that the third-party platforms receiving his data were not just advertisers but also included analytics and marketing companies.
Further into his investigation, Sherratt discovered that his data was being used in real-time bidding, a process where advertisers bid for the opportunity to display their ads to him. He also found out that his data was being combined with other information to create a detailed profile about him.
The experience was enlightening for Sherratt as it revealed how complex and invasive the data gathering process is in the realm of digital advertising. It also made him more conscious about the importance of privacy and the measures that can be taken to control the flow of personal data.
Sherratt's journey underscores the importance of being aware of the data we share online and how it's used. It serves as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting their own privacy.
