The ‘unstoppable’ power of political microtargeting

European privacy rights group noyb filed complaints against several political parties in Germany. During the 2021 elections, these parties used microtargeting on Facebook to influence their voting decisions. Noyb claims that such practices violate GDPR, which protects political opinions, voters’ privacy, and democratic values.

First Aid, Text

European privacy rights group noyb filed complaints against several political parties in Germany. During the 2021 elections, the parties used microtargeting on Facebook, a strategy to use data analysis and digital tools to identify the interests of individuals in order to deliver tailored messages.

In the present cases, potential voters were identified and targeted with personalised election promises. Noyb claims that such practices violate GDPR, which protects political opinions, voters’ privacy, and democratic values.