The Irish data protection authority, the Data Protection Commission (DPC), notified on 2 May that it has started an inquiry in respect of a major adtech company, Quantcast International Limited. DPC writes:

Since the application of the GDPR significant concerns have been raised by individuals and privacy advocates concerning the conduct of technology companies operating in the online advertising sector and their compliance with the GDPR. Arising from a submission to the Data Protection Commission by Privacy International, a statutory inquiry pursuant to section 110 of the Data Protection Action 2018 has been commenced in respect of Quantcast International Limited. The purpose of the inquiry is to establish whether the company’s processing and aggregating of personal data for the purposes of profiling and utilising the profiles generated for targeted advertising is in compliance with the relevant provisions of the GDPR. The GDPR principle of transparency and retention practices will also be examined.

Privacy International filed a complaint against Quantcast. Read their article of 2 May, where they explain their objections against the adtech company that is systematically collecting and exploiting people’s data in ways people are unaware of.