[alanlamm]

I think they mean the research data won't be used directly to target ads or try to make sales to you (standard guideline for market research), rather than the second order effect of allowing them to improve their overall ad targeting which then affects you.

[TeMPOraL]

Sure, data won't be used directly, it'll be laundered through ML. Doesn't change the final result - the data is used to sell you stuff.

Data laundering needs to be recognized as a thing.

[alanlamm]

not necessarily - the data could be used to understand overall usage patterns and preferences in the target population as a whole - much in the same way as traditional surveys and focus groups. If indeed it is put into ML which then tries to match the data with the actual participants, then I agree that that is misrepresentation and probably criminal.