This doesn't have to be a conflict of interest (as they list themselves when they appear), but rather an attempt at self-regulation. Ghostery, and Scott Meyer, has done a lot to advance the discussion of privacy in advertising; they are educating the consumer-giving them tools that make it more difficult to do their job, or at least doing it in a shady and lucrative way for the good of the consumer and the industry.
Similarly much of the opt-out discussions as well as the ad choices icons are industry-driven.
Similarly much of the opt-out discussions as well as the ad choices icons are industry-driven.