The problem
Targeted digital ads follow you across social media, search results, websites, and apps. They're based on your browsing history, location, app usage, and data purchased from brokers. Even after you adjust your settings, some ads keep appearing.
Ad platforms don't make it easy to see why you're seeing a specific ad, who paid for it, or how to stop it. Without documenting what you're seeing, it's hard to track whether your preference changes made a difference.
Why it happens
Ad platforms collect data about your activity — what you click, what you search, which apps you use, and where you go — to build a profile for advertisers.
Data brokers sell information about your interests, demographics, and behavior to advertisers who use it to target you across multiple platforms.
What you can do
- 1Adjust ad preferences on each platform — Facebook, Google, TikTok, X, Instagram
- 2Turn off personalized ads and remove targeted topics from your ad interests
- 3Deny tracking permissions for social and shopping apps on your phone
- 4Note the platform, advertiser, and date of ads you keep seeing
How CivicShield helps
Check. Document. Manage. Follow Up.
The four-step system for managing unwanted contact.
Check
Assess the message
Document
Record the details
Manage
Organize and opt out
Follow Up
Track and review
Frequently asked questions
Can CivicShield stop targeted ads?
No. CivicShield doesn't block ads. It helps you document what you're seeing, track whether your ad-preference changes make a difference, and keep a record of advertisers that keep targeting you. Adjust your platform settings for technical controls.
How do I turn off personalized ads?
Each platform has its own ad settings. On Facebook and Instagram, go to Settings & Privacy > Ad Preferences. On Google, go to myaccount.google.com > Data & Privacy > Ad Settings. On TikTok, go to Settings > Privacy > Personalization & Data.
Why do I still see ads after turning off personalization?
Turning off personalization limits targeting but doesn't stop ads entirely — you'll still see generic ads. Document what you're still seeing in CivicShield to track whether the same advertisers keep appearing.