Good, as software engineers, machine learning researchers, etc. we have the real power here. Just stop working for these companies. There are jobs and good incomes to be had in other industries. Tell recruiters you are not interested in ad industry.
Somebody else will work for them though. While I'm not saying "so it might as well be you" (unless you're going undercover), "not doing it" might not be enough. Actively undermining their efforts may be necessary.
Actively undermining is good! Specifically fighting for new regulations and laws around this issue.
I think people in tech have an obligation around this. We understand it better than most people. It's our responsibility to explain it in ordinary terms and champion reigning it in.
