From a personal perspective, I've found that the constant bombardment of advertisements on our mobile devices has become increasingly disruptive and irritating. Ads are not just simply annoying; they often seem pointless, detract from our user experience and, in some cases, can also negatively impact the performance of our devices.

 Almost all smartphone users, including myself, are being flooded incessantly with pop-up ads that we neither asked for nor expressed interest in. This is not just about annoyance; this is also about consent. The current advertisement landscape exploits users’ data and attention without their explicit permission, a fact that demands urgent action.

Advertisers may argue that ads are essential for providing free online services. However, it is worth noting that many of these ads consume significant data resources, potentially causing a financial burden for users on limited data plans. It is estimated that unwanted ads could use up to 50% of your data allowance (Enders Analysis, 2016), which certainly isn't free at all.

We urge legislators, and organizations responsible for the regulation and standardization of online advertising such as IAB, to establish guidelines and procedures that will respect our digital privacy and personal space. We request that they develop mechanisms that will allow us to consciously decide whether we wish to view these ads or not.

The time for change is now. Let's prioritise quality of digital life over unasked-for, abrasive advertising. Let's make our voices heard and regain control over our online experiences. Please, join us in calling for an end to unnecessary mobile ads. Sign this petition.