The NAI, IAB File Join Amicus Letter in Haynie v. Google, Defend Demographic Ad Targeting

On August 18, the IAB and NAI submitted an amicus letter under California Rule of Court 8.500(g) backing the writ of mandate petition from Google and YouTube in Haynie v. Google Inc. The underlying litigation claims that Google breached the Unruh Act’s ban on unreasonable or arbitrary discrimination simply by providing tools for age-based ad targeting. On June 11, 2026, the Superior Court allowed the case to move forward, rejecting Google’s demurrer and finding that utilizing age demographics for targeting could plausibly constitute invidious discrimination. In the letter, we argue this ruling ignores extensive research showing that demographic targeting, age included, actually improves the consumer experience. These findings suggest that targeting based on age alone does not meet the threshold for invidious discrimination, and Google’s demurrer should have been upheld. If allowed to stand, the decision threatens to disrupt beneficial industry standards and decrease consumer welfare in a manner at odds with the Unruh Act’s intent. Immediate judicial review is necessary to prevent these consequences and reinforce appropriate pleading standards for such claims.

Read the full letter here: