Podcast

Trust, Privacy & Data Ownership with David Kohl

Alessandro De Zanche

Mar 4, 2025 — 1 min read

For years, the advertising industry has been trapped in a cycle, reacting to shifting regulations, privacy changes, and platform policies rather than proactively shaping its own future.

This is nothing new, and I’ve discussed it with representatives from all sides of the industry on the "not just ADZ" podcast.

In the latest episode, I welcome David Kohl, CSO of Symitri & CEO of TRUSTX. Leading two companies operating in different areas of the ecosystem, he has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

We explore why the industry keeps postponing real change, the risks of giving away first-party data, and how advertisers can reclaim control of their most valuable asset: audience insights. If half the internet (i.e., Apple’s ecosystem) has already operated for years without traditional tracking, why aren’t brands adapting faster?

David explains why, with third-party cookies on the way out and increasing scrutiny on data practices, advertisers and publishers face a critical decision: continue relying on legacy tracking methods that are slowly disappearing or invest in privacy-first strategies that protect data while driving real performance.

The stakes are high—not just for brands looking to maximise ROI, but also for media owners who need sustainable monetisation models outside of walled gardens.

David shares his perspective on why publishers have been leaking audience data for years, how advertisers can achieve walled-garden-like performance across the open web, and why the future of programmatic advertising depends on privacy-first solutions that don’t sacrifice effectiveness.

Enjoy the full video below (free registration required)!

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