[user34283]

Users can opt-out by not using the service or buying an ad-free version if available.

One would think that developers should not be forced to offer for free a version monetized with 60% less effective ads. And I understand currently this is indeed not the case for small developers, they can offer paid ad-free or free but with personalized ads. Large platforms apparently cannot.

[sdoering]

If you want to do business in the EU, just follow the law.

You are not allowed to sell Heroin to anyone in Germany. I don't see you making the argument, that we should - in the same fashion as with digital spyware using companies - not target drug dealers. Becase hey, people can just decide to not buy drugs.

[Edit]: Typo

[moi2388]

That’s not how the GDPR and cookie laws work at all

[hk__2]

That’s how most news websites work in Europe: accept the cookies, or pay.

[moi2388]

Yes, but opt-out tracking data which is not necessary for the operation of the primary use case of the app is not allowed.

It must be opt-in, truly a free choice, and informed consent, and declining must be as easy as accepting.

[user34283]

My search told me that unless you are a gatekeeper, offering a reasonably priced ad-free tier allows to make the ad-monetized version personalized only.

I think it makes sense. Either pay, or consent to effective ads. There's no free lunch

[moi2388]

You are allowed to serve ads, but not use data to serve personalised ads without free choice opt-in.

In theory of course, in practice nothing is being governed or fined for smaller companies.