AdTech Unlocked: Practical Reality, Policy and Responsible Personalization

This panel dissects the ad technology ecosystem, moving beyond common misconceptions like the myth that phones are eavesdropping on conversations to reveal the practical reality of data processing and targeted advertising. We will explain how adtech really works in practice, detailing mechanisms like real-time bidding and the role of cookies. We will also examine how new legal requirements - such as the push for privacy by default in Quebec - apply to ad business models, pulling in learnings from recent regulatory investigations. Finally, we will share practical examples and responsible use practices necessary for building trustworthiness and integrity guardrails in advertising.

What you will learn:

• How the mechanics of adtech, including real-time bidding and cookie usage, function in practice today.

• The concrete difference between common consumer myths and the actual trail of cookie crumbs and data used for ad targeting.

• Privacy and integrity guardrails and meeting new regulatory demands.