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Why do I "have" to see ads? When I watch live theater, do the performers segue into a paid endorsement? The online ad industry as it currently exists, is too intrusive and the data it collects about us, are too much and permanent. It is past time for a change.

Because unfortunately other ways of widespread monetising the internet haven't gained traction. I like what Brave browser is doing and I think in the future this could be a really nice way of opting out of adverts via a "paid" internet route.

> Apple does exactly the same but because it doesn't have it's own ad platform this gets sent to their "Approved Partners" who do it on their behalf.

Apple sends my location information to third parties? Citation needed.

Specifically: (highlights via are mine)

To provide location-based services on Apple products, Apple and our partners and licensees[1], such as maps data providers, may collect, use, and share[2] precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device. Where available, location-based services may use GPS, Bluetooth, and your IP Address, along with crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspot and cell tower locations, and other technologies to determine your devices’ approximate location. Unless you provide consent, this location data is collected anonymously in a form that does not personally identify you and is used by Apple and our partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based products and services[3]. For example, your device may share its geographic location with application providers when you opt in to their location services.

Some location-based services offered by Apple, such as the “Find My” feature, require your personal information for the feature to work.

[1] is basically discussing how Apple and its partners (advertising partners, business alignment partners etc) and importantly licensees (e.g. people they licence this data to for things like advertising) can use your data

[2] Collect, Use and Share - basically carte blanche

[3] Location based products and services - advertising is included in this - again via licensees!

I just looked. They do, but they share it anonymously unless you consent otherwise.

https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/en-ww/

See "Location-Based Services" near the bottom.

I'm assuming this is for Maps/address resolution data and such, and not real time location information that can be used to identify a single user.

No one identifies a "User" (in a personal sense), everything goes via the IDFA or AAID, this is a unique identifier that represents your device. Real time location is used - it specifies it there, I am really not sure why people think Apple is more altruistic with this data than Google.

>Like anyone - I despise adverts, but if I HAVE to see them I at least want them to be relevant products that I am interested in.

I don't think it's fair to say all people despise ads. I've seen oddballs in the industry critique ads in the same way an arts major might critique contemporary art.

If you despise ads in general what motivates you to work in the industry?

I don't work in the advertising industry - I work in the data industry that just happens to provide most of it towards advertising. We have done some other "good" stuff as well surrounding footfall data for various purposes, but the primary income for most in this industry is consumer intelligence!