The regulation of online political micro-targeting in Europe external link

Internet Policy Review, vol. 8, num: 4, 2020

Abstract

In this paper, we examine how online political micro-targeting is regulated in Europe. While there are no specific rules on such micro-targeting, there are general rules that apply. We focus on three fields of law: data protection law, freedom of expression, and sector-specific rules for political advertising; for the latter we examine four countries. We argue that the rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are necessary, but not sufficient. We show that political advertising, including online political micro-targeting, is protected by the right to freedom of expression. That right is not absolute, however. From a European human rights perspective, it is possible for lawmakers to limit the possibilities for political advertising. Indeed, some countries ban TV advertising for political parties during elections.

Advertising, Data protection law, elections, europe, frontpage, Micro-targeting, Politics, Privacy, Regulering, Vrijheid van meningsuiting

Bibtex

Article{Dobber2020, title = {The regulation of online political micro-targeting in Europe}, author = {Dobber, T. and Fahy, R. and Zuiderveen Borgesius, F.}, url = {https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-online-political-micro-targeting-europe}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.14763/2019.4.1440}, year = {0116}, date = {2020-01-16}, journal = {Internet Policy Review}, volume = {8}, number = {4}, pages = {}, abstract = {In this paper, we examine how online political micro-targeting is regulated in Europe. While there are no specific rules on such micro-targeting, there are general rules that apply. We focus on three fields of law: data protection law, freedom of expression, and sector-specific rules for political advertising; for the latter we examine four countries. We argue that the rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are necessary, but not sufficient. We show that political advertising, including online political micro-targeting, is protected by the right to freedom of expression. That right is not absolute, however. From a European human rights perspective, it is possible for lawmakers to limit the possibilities for political advertising. Indeed, some countries ban TV advertising for political parties during elections.}, keywords = {Advertising, Data protection law, elections, europe, frontpage, Micro-targeting, Politics, Privacy, Regulering, Vrijheid van meningsuiting}, }

Platform ad archives: promises and pitfalls external link

Leerssen, P., Ausloos, J., Zarouali, B., Helberger, N. & Vreese, C.H. de
Internet Policy Review, vol. 8, num: 4, 2019

Abstract

This paper discusses the new phenomenon of platform ad archives. Over the past year, leading social media platforms have installed publicly accessible databases documenting their political advertisements, and several countries have moved to regulate them. If designed and implemented properly, ad archives can correct for structural informational asymmetries in the online advertising industry, and thereby improve accountability through litigation and through publicity. However, present implementations leave much to be desired. We discuss key criticisms, suggest several improvements and identify areas for future research and debate.

Advertising, frontpage, Micro-targeting, Platforms, Politics, Technologie en recht, Transparency

Bibtex

Article{Leerssen2019b, title = {Platform ad archives: promises and pitfalls}, author = {Leerssen, P. and Ausloos, J. and Zarouali, B. and Helberger, N. and Vreese, C.H. de}, url = {https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/platform-ad-archives-promises-and-pitfalls}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.14763/2019.4.1421}, year = {1010}, date = {2019-10-10}, journal = {Internet Policy Review}, volume = {8}, number = {4}, pages = {}, abstract = {This paper discusses the new phenomenon of platform ad archives. Over the past year, leading social media platforms have installed publicly accessible databases documenting their political advertisements, and several countries have moved to regulate them. If designed and implemented properly, ad archives can correct for structural informational asymmetries in the online advertising industry, and thereby improve accountability through litigation and through publicity. However, present implementations leave much to be desired. We discuss key criticisms, suggest several improvements and identify areas for future research and debate.}, keywords = {Advertising, frontpage, Micro-targeting, Platforms, Politics, Technologie en recht, Transparency}, }