The NY Times reports about a new bill making its way through the state legislature of New York that would place restrictions on ad targeting. Although it would be technically be limited to New York state, it's practical effect would be nationwide.State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky wants to make it a crime to use personal information about consumers for advertising without their consent.
It's easy to dismiss the bill out of hand - although he has a website, Assemblyman Brodsky fits the profile of the late-to-party senior (b.1946) that you'd expect. He probably doesn't understand that the unlimited buffet of free content that Internet users enjoy is brought to you by these sponsors. Certainly MSN, Yahoo, and Google have assembled their lobbying teams in Albany and are doing their best to educate him.
Mike Zanis, vp for public policy for the Interactive Advertising Bureau, thinks the attention is unwarranted: "There has really been no harm shown by behavioral targeting or third-party advertising, so this rush to regulate the Internet is really unnecessary".
I think it's important that we get out ahead of this debate by focusing not on the harm that hasn't been done, but on the customer utility and opportunity for interaction that (at our best) this next generation of advertising can create. (Image: 24/7 Real Media)
Misha Cornes
Strategists & Planners
Comments (0)