DiscoverTech linked to Starlink ad bidding in 100-plus countries

DiscoverTech, an Israeli advertising technology company, was identified by people familiar with TrendAI’s findings as the leading bidder for ads aimed at Starlink traffic in more than 100 countries, raising concerns that the bidding could support efforts to locate or monitor users. The research does not establish that the company identified or tracked specific Starlink subscribers. Six people familiar with TrendAI’s work said its October 15 report used the codename ShadowEarth79 for DiscoverTech. The report described the bidding pattern as consistent with targeting and tracking infrastructure rather than a commercial advertising operation. That is the researchers’ assessment, not proof of surveillance. TrendAI, the research arm of cybersecurity company Trend Micro, examined data from digital advertising auctions. Advertisers bid in real time for space in websites and apps, and bid requests can contain information about the person or device that may receive an ad. Researchers say that information, if collected over time and combined with other data, could help identify users or follow their online activity. TrendAI’s report ranked ShadowEarth79 as the largest ad buyer in Syria,...