Complaint Sparks Criteo Privacy Investigation

Paris-based ad targeting and retargeting specialist Criteo is being investigated by French data protection watchdog the CNIL, following a complaint made by campaigning group Privacy International.

Criteo uses predictive software combined with insights into consumer intent and purchasing habits, to deliver targeted ads in real time. The firm claims to capture the identity and interest data of all the shoppers connected to its platform (72% of all online shoppers globally) and have 'insights on over 1.4 billon active monthly shoppers'. Criteo also says it has 'the world's largest open shopper data set', which it uses to predict what inspires shoppers.

In November 2018, Privacy International (PI) voiced its concerns that several Criteo products and tools did not meet GDPR requirements, arguing that the way the firm processes Internet users' data has no lawful basis. Specifically, it called for investigation into Criteo's Shopper Graph, which provides granular data on shoppers - including off-line and online information as well as cross-device data for better targeting - and its Dynamic Retargeting tool, which provides a means to 're-engage shoppers throughout their path to purchase with tailored video and display ads'.

Following news of the investigation, PI said in a statement: 'CNIL's confirmation that they are investigating Criteo is important and we warmly welcome it. The adtech ecosystem is based on vast privacy infringements, exploiting people's data on a daily basis. Whether it's through deceptive consent banners or by infesting mental health web sites these companies enable a surveillance environment where all your moves online are tracked to profile and target you, with little space to contest'.

PI has also complained about a further six companies to three data protection authorities across Europe, regarding the collection, exploitation and processing of personal data. In a statement, Criteo said that it is currently collaborating with the CNIL as part of the investigation, and that it remains 'completely confident in our privacy practices'.

Web sites: www.privacyinternational.org and www.criteo.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.