Dyson: Advertisers to Blame for Spyware Problem

When researching my piece on Ben Edelman's recent paper taking TRUSTe to task, I requested an interview with Esther Dyson, who was involved with TRUSTe's creation

Esther_Dyson.jpgWhen researching my piece on Ben Edelman’s recent paper taking TRUSTe to task, I requested an interview with Esther Dyson, who was involved with TRUSTe’s creation. Though we failed to connect in time for the story, we were able to chat this morning.

Though acknowledging that TRUSTe is more “establishment” than the likes of other privacy crusaders like Edelman, Dyson had nothing but good things to say about the organization. “It’s not a profit making organization….They’re not perfect, but nobody is, and they’re definitely a force for good.”

Dyson was not shy about who she thinks is to blame for spyware-related privacy infringement: advertisers. “The key to all of this is where the money comes from, and it comes from the advertisers,” she said.

I wondered, though, don’t advertisers see some benefit from distributing their ads via adware and spyware? They wouldn’t use these outlets if they didn’t, right?

Dyson agreed, noting, “It’s incumbent on many of us to make [advertisers] see some negative results.”

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Whitepapers

US Mobile Streaming Behavior
Whitepaper | Mobile

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

5y

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

Streaming has become a staple of US media-viewing habits. Streaming video, however, still comes with a variety of pesky frustrations that viewers are ...

View resource
Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups
Whitepaper | Analyzing Customer Data

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups

5y

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics f...

Data is the lifeblood of so many companies today. You need more of it, all of which at higher quality, and all the meanwhile being compliant with data...

View resource
Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its people
Whitepaper | Digital Marketing

Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its peopl...

2y

Learning to win the talent war: how digital market...

This report documents the findings of a Fireside chat held by ClickZ in the first quarter of 2022. It provides expert insight on how companies can ret...

View resource
Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy
Report | Digital Transformation

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

1m

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource