Facebook's Workarounds for Data Conversion

Facebook has implemented various workarounds for missing conversion data, such as the Conversion API (CAPI), which links user databases with Facebook's extensive database to anonymously attribute conversions. However, this method raises concerns regarding the accuracy of attributions, as many users may have more than one email address, often designating one for spam. This impedes effective data matching and suggests that Facebook might primarily match spam-related emails. Additionally, the use of phone numbers for two-factor authentication (2FA) has become a dual-purpose tool for security verification and data harvesting, as obtaining a phone number often requires government-issued ID. Forthcoming Australian digital ID initiatives aim to replace phone numbers with more secure identification methods, thereby enhancing privacy. Overall, these developments indicate a trend toward more rigorous data management and privacy concerns in digital advertising environments, along with potential worsening of existing challenges.