🕒 Last updated on July 14, 2025

Online ads are something we all see every day. They show up while watching videos, playing games, or using apps. Usually, they talk about things like shopping, new games, or special offers. But in recent weeks, some users in Iran have noticed something strange. The ads on their phones and computers are no longer what they used to be.

Ads That Seem Normal May Be Something Else

Instead of fun or helpful content, users are now seeing political messages, videos against Iran, and even creepy ads that ask them to “cooperate” or send information. These are not regular ads—they seem to have a hidden goal. What looks like normal digital advertising could actually be a secret tool for spying.

This sudden shift has raised alarm not only among users but also among business owners. Several Iranian companies are saying they can no longer control what kinds of ads show up to their customers. Many are calling it a “loss of control over the domestic digital space.” It’s no longer just about selling products—it may be something much bigger.

How Ads Know So Much About You

Many people believe that they are safe from targeted ads if they are not logged into a Google account. But this is not true. Google’s ad system is much smarter and more powerful than most people think.

Even without signing in, Google can still track a lot about each person through something called an “Advertising ID.” This ID is a special number linked to every phone or device. It helps Google follow what you do online and inside apps, even if you aren’t using a Google account.

The tracking doesn’t stop there. Google also gathers your exact location using GPS. It knows what apps you have installed on your phone and how often you use them. It can also see what websites you visit and what types of videos you watch. All this information helps build a detailed picture of your behavior, your interests, and even your daily routine allowing ads to follow you almost everywhere.

This helps Google understand what type of person you are, what you like, where you are, and even what mood you might be in. Then, the system picks the perfect ad to show you
at just the right time and place.

This works great for businesses trying to sell things. But in the wrong hands, this same system can be used for more dangerous purposes. Ads can be used to change how you think or feel about something without you even noticing it. This is where things start to look like psychological tricks.

When Ads Turn Into Invisible Weapons

Experts in media and security are beginning to study how these ad systems are being used in modern-day conflicts. The scary part is that advertising can now be used as a form of “hybrid warfare.” This means it’s not a normal war with weapons but a silent fight using technology and information.

Google Stuns OpenAI by Snatching Windsurf CEO and AI Tech in $2.4 Billion Move

In this kind of warfare, ads are not just for selling—they are tools to control what people think. These ads can push certain ideas, stir up anger, or cause fear, especially in countries going through political stress. In places like Iran, where information is tightly controlled, these ads can have a big impact.

The worst part? Most people don’t even realize they are being targeted. It feels like just another ad, but it’s actually working to change opinions and gather private data. This is why many are now questioning the safety of digital platforms. It’s hard to know who is really behind an ad, or what it is trying to do.

While it may seem small, the shift in online ads is sending a strong signal. It shows that the online world is not just about fun or business anymore—it’s also a place where invisible battles are taking place every day.