LOCAL DIGITAL MARKETING ETHICS: WHERE PERSONALISATION HELPS AND WHERE IT CROSSES THE LINE
Abstract
The rapid development of artificial intelligence and data analytics has significantly transformed digital marketing practices, enabling businesses to deliver highly personalized consumer experiences. However, the growing use of AI-driven personalization raises important ethical concerns related to privacy, transparency, consumer autonomy, and potential manipulation. This study examines the ethical boundaries of personalization in local digital marketing and identifies situations in which personalized marketing practices create value for consumers and when they become intrusive or ethically problematic. The research is based on an interdisciplinary methodological approach combining a review of academic and professional literature, comparative analysis of ethical marketing practices, and conceptual modelling. As a result, the study proposes the Ethical AI Personalization Framework for local digital marketing, which outlines key principles for responsible data use, algorithmic transparency, and consumer trust. The findings highlight that ethical personalization can enhance customer experience and marketing effectiveness, while excessive data use and manipulative techniques may undermine consumer trust and reputational sustainability. The proposed framework may support businesses in developing more responsible and transparent digital marketing strategies.
Author affiliations
- Ihor Lavrenenko: SEO manager; ORCID
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