Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complexities and challenges within the internet advertising ecosystem, particularly focusing on the role of aggregation advertising platforms and the emerging gray market practices that exploit these systems for profit [2][3][10]. Group 1: Internet Advertising Ecosystem - The internet advertising industry is characterized by a significant disparity between user experience and advertising practices, with many apps employing aggressive advertising techniques that can frustrate users [1][2]. - Aggregation advertising platforms, such as Tencent's Youlianghui and Baidu's Baiqingting, control the advertising resources and push ads through SDKs integrated into apps, often leading to collusion between app developers and these platforms [2][6][10]. - The SDKs used by these platforms can manipulate app behavior to increase ad exposure, such as delaying the appearance of close buttons or triggering ads through minor device movements [2][6][11]. Group 2: Gray Market Practices - A gray market has emerged around the aggregation advertising ecosystem, where individuals create shell apps to exploit advertising revenue through deceptive practices, claiming high returns on minimal investment [2][12][16]. - These gray market operators often promise quick profits by leveraging low-cost user acquisition strategies, targeting demographics such as students and retirees to generate ad views [15][16]. - The business model of these gray market apps relies on a cycle of creating short-lived applications that continuously recycle user bases to maintain ad revenue [17][18]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - Regulatory bodies have attempted to address the issues of misleading ad practices, but the effectiveness of these measures is limited, as many guidelines lack enforceability [11][12]. - The focus of regulation is shifting from just the apps to the underlying technology of the SDKs that control ad behavior, indicating a deeper scrutiny of the advertising ecosystem [11][12]. - Despite regulatory efforts, the gray market continues to thrive due to the high profitability of the advertising industry, with operators constantly adapting to circumvent restrictions [18].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the complexities and challenges within the internet advertising ecosystem, particularly focusing on the collusion between app developers and aggregation advertising platforms, which distorts market rules and creates an advertising bubble [3][4][11]. Group 1: Internet Advertising Ecosystem - The internet advertising industry is characterized by a significant disparity between user experience and revenue generation, with many apps relying heavily on aggregation advertising platforms for income [9][11]. - Aggregation advertising platforms, such as Tencent's Youlianghui and Baidu's Baiqingting, consolidate various advertising resources and control the ad push within apps through SDKs, leading to potential collusion with app developers [3][11][12]. - The SDKs used by these platforms can manipulate user interactions, such as triggering ads through device sensors, which raises concerns about user experience and regulatory compliance [6][12][13]. Group 2: Developer and Platform Dynamics - App developers often face pressure to maximize ad revenue, leading to a compromise in user experience, which can negatively impact long-term user retention [9][11]. - The relationship between app developers and aggregation platforms is dynamic, with larger apps having more negotiating power compared to smaller ones [10][11]. - Developers may adjust parameters to increase ad click-through rates, often in collaboration with SDK providers, which can lead to regulatory scrutiny [12][19]. Group 3: Gray Market Operations - A gray market has emerged around the aggregation advertising ecosystem, where entities exploit SDK rules to create shell apps that generate revenue through ad placements [3][14][15]. - These gray market operations often promise high returns with minimal investment, attracting individuals to participate in potentially unethical practices [2][17]. - The gray market leverages low-cost labor, such as students and retirees, to consume ads, thus sustaining a cycle of revenue generation for both the gray market operators and the aggregation platforms [17][18].