This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Wall Street Journal on September 16, 2021. 

Before seeking to “ban targeted advertising,” Mr. Masters should consider the effect on citizens’ ability to organize and challenge entrenched power. Thanks to online targeting tools, grass-roots movements and upstart political campaigns can reach like-minded citizens and potential supporters on a scale that was previously unattainable to them.

Incumbents, public figures and well-established institutions already have large followings and the attention of the media. Access to cost-effective advertising techniques is most essential to unknown newcomers and those who challenge the status quo. A ban would not only prevent tech companies from selling the ads, but also take a means of civic engagement and association away from U.S. citizens. As with any restriction on speech, those who already have power stand to benefit the most from a ban on targeted advertising.

Alex Baiocco

Institute for Free Speech

Washington