Apple to Target Ads Based on Consumer’s Credit Report

Apple to Target Ads Based on Consumer’s Credit Report

LOS ANGELES — Today’s online advertising ecosystem is predicated on many consumer demographic and psychographic factors, a process that Apple is taking a step further via financial health analysis.

Media buyers know that the more closely you target your audience, the more money you can make — with factors such as the prospect’s age, location, sex, user platform and more, all coming into play — even time of day and day of week are all selectable parameters on modern digital advertising networks.

Now Apple is adding perhaps the most basic market question to the equation: can the ad’s viewer even afford the product or service being offered?

Apple recently filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a “method and system for targeted advertising of goods and services to users of mobile terminals, based for example on the users’ profile.”

“Goods and services are marketed to particular target groups of users sharing a common profile which may be selected to increase the likelihood of the users responding to the advertisements and purchasing the advertised goods and services. The common profile of users may be based on the amount of pre-paid credit available to each user,” the Apple filing explains. “An advantage of such targeted advertising is that only advertisements for goods and services which particular users can afford, are delivered to these users.”

Critics of the process argue that Apple is invading their privacy by running credit reports on consumers as part of the ad serving process — and potentially putting your personal information at serious risk.

“They’re gobbling up everything they can learn about you and trying to monetize it,” Theo Priestley wrote for Forbes.com. “Apple is absolutely targeting your wallet and how you spend your money.”

Traditional print advertisers have long targeted consumers based on perceived financial level through their choices of ad venues, but Apple is taking it to a troubling new level, where the determination is not based on the probability that, for example, the reader of a high-brow magazine is well-to-do; but where the decision is made based on access to a person’s most sensitive personal information.

While there are few adult entertainment applications where basic affordability comes into play, Apple’s move illustrates the granular level of as targeting to which modern advertisers, adult or otherwise, are striving to achieve, providing inspiration and revenue to marketers.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Fleshy to Launch Interactive Cam Site 'Eromote'

Male pleasure brand Fleshy has announced that it will launch an interactive, bidirectional cam site next month called Eromote.

XBIZ LA Show Introduces New 'Crib Crawl' Feature

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of its flagship conference, the XBIZ Show, will debut a brand-new feature: Crib Crawl, offering attendees the chance to meet and greet representatives from leading brands and organizations in dedicated suites at the host venue.

Show More