Mobile Display Advertising and Consumer Privacy : Mobile Ad Networks approach to Privacy, and their pointof view

Abstract: Research question: To what extent is mobile/SMS advertising privacy norms, associated with permission, relevance and control, applied to mobile display advertising contexts by mobile ad networks? How is this motivated? Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to work as an initial step in the process of establishing what privacy norms that should be applied by mobile ad networks in mobile display advertising contexts. Insights generated, regarding potential impacts of the rapid development within the mobile advertising industry on how privacy issues are handled by mobile ad networks, are desired outcomes. Such outcomes could then potentially be used as a foundation for future research within the field. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework of this study is based on previous research regarding mobile/SMS advertising. Methodology: I have applied a qualitative research strategy and an inductive research approach. Furthermore an interpretivistic epistemological position was taken and a constructionist ontological position. The research is designed as a multiple case study. The sample consists of the two mobile ad networks Ericsson and Inmobi. The companies were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Results: Based on the findings, my answer to the research question is that mobile/SMS advertising privacy norms associated with permission relevance and control is only partly applied in mobile display advertising contexts. The reasons for applying/not applying the norms are all reasonable. There is no doubt about that the ad networks acts are greatly influenced by wanting to uphold consumer privacy. Established through the findings in this study is that the change within the mobile advertising industry, associated with new forms of advertising being available for advertisers through the medium and what information that is being collected about consumers, do have an effect on what privacy norms that are being applied. I view this as the main scientific contribution of this study.