A WIRED investigation uncovered that Google's advertising platform, Display & Video 360 (DV360), allows companies to target U.S. users based on sensitive data—such as chronic health issues and financial struggles—despite Google's policies prohibiting such practices. Experts warn that this data could potentially expose individuals to targeted exploitation. DV360 users can upload audience lists sourced from data brokers, enabling ad targeting based on health conditions, financial distress, or even government employment, raising national security concerns.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) revealed audience segments containing mobile IDs linked to conditions like diabetes and opioid use. Alarmingly, some lists specifically identify U.S. government employees in sensitive roles. Despite Google’s claims of policy enforcement, many of these segments remain active.
Privacy advocates, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), argue Google’s lax enforcement enables foreign adversaries to access sensitive U.S. data, creating a national security threat. Critics call for stricter regulation, highlighting Google’s internal hesitance to address these issues effectively. | 
