Online privacy in the mobile environment has been in headlines lately. For that reason, an ad network detector app by Lookout Labs is likely to gain significant traction. The case for the Android app—which alerts the user to what information the ad networks within the apps on the phone can access—is clear. "On Android, you have to accept the permissions of an app before it’s installed on your phone, but at times, it can be difficult to discern what you've accepted unless you thoroughly read the terms," the company said in its blog.
The company noted that it has seen some mobile ad networks adopt increasingly aggressive methods of ad delivery. "We've been particularly watchful of ad networks that are capable of pushing out-of-app ads to the default Android notification bar, placing generically designed icons on the mobile desktop, and changing browser settings, like bookmarks or homepage."
Another Variant of Ad Blockers
The app is another variant of software, such as ad blockers, that caters to consumers tired of aggressive marketing. Increasingly these applications are getting more creative. Last year OverApps launched a beta ad blocker browser add-on that allows consumers to not only block online advertising, but also replace it with apps of their choice.
Facebook, as another example, is testing a feedback option that gives users more options in to block specific advertisers from reaching them, according to Inside Facebook. It enhances existing strategies used by Facebook, Inside Facebook noted, namely the way it lets users provide feedback ads, providing them with such choices as “uninteresting”, “misleading”, “sexually explicit”, or “repetitive”.
35 Mobile Ad Networks
The ad networks that Lookout Labs detects in its apps include AdFonic, AdKnowledge, Admia, AdMob, AdWhirl, Aduru, Airpush, Appenda, Burstly, BuzzCity, Cauly, GreyStripe, JumpTap, InMobi, IZP, LeadBolt, Letang, LogiaAd, MDotM, Medialets, Millenial, MobClix, MobFox, MOcean, Moolah Media, MoPub, Pontiflex, Smaato, StartApp, TapJoy, Tapit, Vdopia, Vserv and ZestAd.
