What is whenu?

WhenU was a company that pioneered behaviorally targeted advertising and contextual advertising. It was founded in 1999 and became known for its software that tracked users' browsing habits. This software, often bundled with other programs, delivered targeted pop-up ads, a practice that drew significant controversy.

Key aspects of WhenU include:

  • Behavioral Targeting: WhenU tracked users' online activity to deliver ads relevant to their interests.
  • Contextual Advertising: Ads were also served based on the content of the websites users were visiting.
  • Bundled Software: Their software was commonly distributed alongside other applications, sometimes without clear user consent.
  • Pop-Up Ads: WhenU was infamous for delivering intrusive pop-up advertisements to users.
  • Controversy and Lawsuits: The company faced numerous lawsuits and criticisms regarding its advertising practices and software distribution methods due to privacy concerns.