Facebook updates ad tools to give users more detail on how they are targeted by brands

Facebook has implemented a series of updates to its suite of ad tools designed to improve the transparency behind targeted of content.

The changes include providing people with the reasoning behind why they are being shown specific ads beyond a simple demographic match or internet history. Now more detailed targeting information will be supplied including the specific interests and categories which led to a match being made.

The social network has also taken the opportunity to update its ad preferences to carry more information from businesses which upload a list with a person’s personal data, such as an email address or phone number.

Users will now be presented with a tab with two sections; one detailing advertisers who uploaded a list with a user’s information and advertised to it and another with a list of businesses who uploaded and shared a list with a user’s information.

In a blog post product manager, Sreethu Thulasi wrote: “In the past, ‘Why am I seeing this ad?’ highlighted one or two of the most relevant reasons, such as demographic information or that you may have visited a website. Now, you’ll see more detailed targeting, including the interests or categories that matched you with a specific ad. It will also be clearer where that information came from (e.g. the website you may have visited or Page you may have liked), and we’ll highlight controls you can use to easily adjust your experience.”

Facebook has previously vowed to ‘clearly explain’ how it uses consumer data after coming under pressure to dosofrom the EU.

Source: The Drum

  Advertising, Brands, Digital, Facebook, Marketing, Social Media, Targeted Content, transparency, Users