Ban behavioural data extraction for advertising

Closed 461 signatures

What the petition asks

Ban the extraction of peoples behavioural data for advertising purposes. This extraction can happen on most internet-connected devices 24/7. Data is sold through Real Time Bidding (RTB) system which is easily accessible and data may be de-anonymised. We think fines show GDPR may not be adhered to.

Behavioural metadata extraction underpins the 'surveillance business model', which we think has been shown to undermine democracy. We think it may too enable: manipulation of individual voting at scale via social media microtargeting, spreading fake news, increasing big tech power, mistrust of govs, opinion polarisation, victimisation. RTB system data can be accessed by anyone, not just advertisers (as reported by ICCL)!

Timeline

17 Mar 2025	Petition opened for signatures
17 Sep 2025	Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 461

Status Closed

Department Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Opened 17 Mar 2025

Closed 17 Sep 2025

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