A new study shows how ad-based technology is used for surveillance

Published: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 10:03 pm

Ad-Based Surveillance: A New Report Reveals Widespread Government Tracking

A new report has revealed the extent to which advertising technology is being used for surveillance, raising concerns about privacy and government overreach. The report, titled "Uncovering Webloc," details how governments worldwide are leveraging data collected through ad-based systems to track individuals.

The system, referred to as Webloc, operates by collecting data from mobile phones and internet users as they browse the web and use applications. This data, including demographic information, device details, and location data, is broadcast to advertisers who bid on the opportunity to display ads. Surveillance vendors have recognized the potential of this data and are selling it to government agencies.

The report identifies several U.S. federal and local law enforcement agencies utilizing this technology. These include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. military, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), district attorneys in New York, and police departments in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Baltimore, Tucson, and Durham, among others.

The report highlights that this type of surveillance circumvents legal protections designed to prevent abuse of power. The core issue is not the technology itself, but its use without proper oversight or judicial authorization, potentially violating constitutional rights. While some may argue that tracking potential wrongdoers is necessary, the report emphasizes the importance of balancing security with individual privacy and the need for robust safeguards to prevent misuse of this powerful technology.

BNN's Perspective: The findings of this report are concerning. While law enforcement agencies need tools to maintain public safety, the widespread use of ad-based surveillance without proper oversight raises serious questions about the erosion of privacy. A balance must be struck between security and individual liberties, and this requires transparency, judicial oversight, and clear regulations governing the use of such technologies.

Keywords: ad-based surveillance, Webloc, government tracking, privacy, law enforcement, data collection, ICE, U.S. military, DHS, Citizen Lab, digital technology, surveillance vendors, constitutional protections, digital ecosystem, mobile phone, internet, advertising data.

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