Help find out how facebook targets users with advertising.
Join the Ad Observatory

To join the project simply download the plugin below.
For desktops using Chrome, Firefox or Edge browsers. We are currently developing the research tool for mobile phones.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Australian Ad Observatory uncovering the hidden world of targeted advertising

The Australian Ad Observatory project is enabling independent research into the role that algorithmically targeted advertising plays in society.

Online Casinos (ABC)

The ABC recently partnered with the Australian Ad Observatory to find gambling ads that were illegally targeting Australians on Facebook.

“Greenwashing” Advertising (CPRC)

Through the Australian Ad Observatory, the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) has undercovered online advertisements that use vague and misleading environmental and sustainability claims in their messaging to consumers. Findings from this research will be used to inform regulators and policy makers about addressing unsubstantiated green claims.

Computer screen with "Create an Ad screen on Facebook" prompt

Alcohol Advertising (FARE)
The Ad Observatory project will be working with the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE) to provide further analysis on the content of alcohol advertisements on social media.

Read more 

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Thank you to our citizen scientist community

Since October 2021, we have

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participants who have donated a total of
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unique ads via
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observations

Your participation will help us find out how social media advertising is targeting you and if targeted advertising is discriminatory. 

The outcomes of the research, will benefit our understanding of platform-based advertising and enable independent research into the role that this algorithmically targeted advertising plays in society.

FURTHER INFORMATION

See below for media coverage of the project, how to’s, frequently asked questions and further project information.

RESEARCH ENABLED BY THE AD OBSERVATORY

Browse the following projects to see how we are using data from the Australian Ad Observatory to make online advertising more transparent and accountable.

Centre for Global Indigenous Logo

Working in collaboration with the Centre for Global Indigenous Futures at Macquarie University, this project is interested in knowing more about how advertisers target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are using social media. This is important because of the use of racist stereotyping and predatory practices by advertisers.

CONTACT US

If you need help installing the plugin or have a question contact us datadonation@admscentre.org.au