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Google Seeks to Undo Epic Games’ Antitrust Win Over Play Store, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 27, 2024

Google is appealing a US District Court ruling in an antitrust case filed by Epic Games, which requires significant changes to its Google Play app store. The company argues the ruling, issued by Judge James Donato, is flawed, contending he ignored competition with Apple and improperly held a jury trial.

A jury had previously found Google violated antitrust laws by blocking rival app stores and ordered it to allow developers to offer alternative billing options. Google claims the ruling could harm its ability to compete with Apple.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in February.

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Microsoft Faces Broad Antitrust Investigation From US FTC, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 27, 2024

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, scrutinising its cloud computing, software licensing, cybersecurity, and AI businesses.

After informal interviews with competitors and partners, the FTC issued a detailed information request. The inquiry focuses on Microsoft's bundling of productivity and security software with its cloud services, licensing terms, and alleged anticompetitive practices affecting rivals like Slack and Zoom. Concerns include cybersecurity issues and the economic impact of Microsoft's dominance as a government contractor.

The investigation marks a renewed challenge to Microsoft, echoing its antitrust battles over two decades ago. Both Microsoft and the FTC declined to comment.

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Australia nears social media ban for children after heated debate, reports Reuters

General

Nov 27, 2024

Advertising To Children

Australia’s lower house has passed a bill to ban social media use for children under 16, marking one of the world's toughest social media regulations. The law, supported by bipartisan agreement, requires platforms to implement age-verification systems, with fines of up to A$49.5 million for breaches.

A Senate debate is ongoing, with provisions added to protect users’ privacy and ensure youth engagement in shaping the policy.

Critics, including tech firms like Google and Meta, argue for a delay until age-verification trials finish in 2025. Public support is high, with 77% of Australians backing the bill amid concerns about online safety.

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EU threatens TikTok with probe over role in Romanian elections, reports FT

General

Nov 27, 2024

The European Commission may investigate TikTok over allegations it failed to prevent disinformation and unauthorised campaigning during Romania’s recent presidential election. The country’s media regulator claims TikTok’s algorithms amplified far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who unexpectedly led the first round.

As a "very large online platform" under the EU's Digital Services Act, TikTok must mitigate systemic electoral risks. Brussels could impose fines of up to 6% of TikTok's global turnover if breaches are confirmed. TikTok denies wrongdoing, citing proactive efforts to combat misinformation.

Romanian authorities are probing campaign spending and foreign funding concerns ahead of the December 8 run-off election.

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Reddit targets international users for ad growth, teases bolstered search feature, reports CNBC

General

Nov 27, 2024

Reddit is expanding internationally, targeting markets like India and Brazil to boost user growth and advertising revenue, according to COO Jen Wong. Currently, 50% of Reddit’s users are outside the U.S., but only 17% of its revenue comes from these markets.

Reddit is leveraging AI translations to support its global push, aiming to offer 20–30 languages by year-end. Fast-growing markets include India, where topics like cricket and Bollywood drive engagement. Reddit is also improving its search tools to help users navigate content.

Once Reddit reaches 10% of a country’s internet users, it plans to focus on localised advertising strategies.

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Google uses search remedies trial to subpoena OpenAI, Perplexity and Microsoft over their generative AI efforts, reports Digiday

General

Nov 27, 2024

Google has subpoenaed rivals OpenAI, Perplexity AI, and Microsoft in its search antitrust trial to counter allegations of monopolising search and ad markets. The subpoenas request details on competitors’ AI-powered search and advertising efforts, including agreements, usage data, and monetisation strategies. OpenAI and Microsoft have partially complied, while Perplexity plans to respond by January.

The legal filings highlight Google's argument that AI search tools, like ChatGPT, redefine the competitive landscape. Analysts believe new AI entrants face significant challenges in competing with Google’s dominance.

The trial's remedy phase, which may force Google to divest Chrome, remains uncertain and critical for the industry.

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Google faces GBP 7 Billion UK class action over search monopoly, reports Search Engine Land

General

Nov 26, 2024

Google faces a £7 billion class action lawsuit in the UK, led by consumer advocate Nikki Stopford, accusing the company of abusing its search dominance to harm competition and inflate consumer prices. The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed the case to proceed.

Allegations include Google forcing Android manufacturers to preinstall its apps, paying Apple billions for Safari default status, and driving up advertising costs that affect consumer prices. Google denies the claims, arguing its dominance reflects consumer choice.

This lawsuit adds to global antitrust scrutiny, including US and EU cases, potentially reshaping Google’s operations in major markets.

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Google and Meta urge Australia to delay bill on social media ban for children, reports Reuters

General

Nov 26, 2024

Advertising To Children

Google and Meta have urged the Australian government to delay its proposed law banning social media for children under 16, citing the need for more time to assess its impact. The bill, among the world's strictest, mandates social media platforms to enforce age-verification systems, potentially using biometrics or government IDs, with fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.

Critics, including TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), argue the rushed legislation lacks consultation with experts and may infringe on children’s rights to free expression.

Despite opposition concerns, the government aims to pass the bill before the parliamentary year ends on Thursday.

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Japan competition authorities raid Amazon Japan, source says, reports Reuters

General

Nov 26, 2024

Japan's Fair Trade Commission conducted an on-site inspection of Amazon Japan on suspicion of anti-monopoly violations. The company allegedly pressured sellers to lower prices in exchange for favourable product placement on its platform. Amazon Japan has not commented on the raid.

The investigation follows similar scrutiny in 2018 when Amazon Japan was accused of forcing suppliers to cover discount costs. Globally, Amazon faces increasing regulatory challenges, including a potential EU investigation into whether it unfairly favours its own products on its marketplace under new antitrust rules.

Japan’s regulator aims to ensure compliance with fair business practices.

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Google Proposes Further Changes to Search Results in Europe, reports WSJ

General

Nov 26, 2024

Google has proposed further changes to its European search results to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, addressing concerns over favouring its own services.

Changes include increasing the prominence of comparison sites for flights, hotels, and shopping. However, smaller businesses, such as airlines and hotel operators, have reported traffic losses, with some seeing a 30% drop in direct bookings.

Google’s new proposals aim to let users choose between comparison sites and supplier websites, offer more detailed information in results, and introduce new ad formats. Additionally, it will test removing mapping features for hotels in some countries to assess user impact.

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US judge will not delay Google search trial for DOJ switch to Trump administration, reports Reuters

General

Nov 26, 2024

The U.S. Department of Justice's trial on proposed penalties against Google for its dominance in online search will proceed as scheduled in April, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled on Tuesday.

Prosecutors seek remedies including the sale of Google’s Chrome browser, data sharing with rivals, and potentially divesting the Android operating system. Google criticised the proposals, calling them "staggering" and harmful to American competitiveness. Judge Mehta stated that any re-evaluation of the requested remedies must be done promptly to avoid delays.

The trial aims to address antitrust concerns in the online search market.

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Amazon Presses Judge To Toss Prime Video Ads Suit, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 26, 2024

Amazon is urging a federal judge to dismiss a class-action lawsuit filed by seven Prime users over its introduction of ads in Prime Video, arguing it hasn’t breached any contracts. The plaintiffs claim Amazon violated their $139 annual subscription agreement by introducing a $2.99 monthly fee for ad-free viewing.

Amazon contends Prime subscribers still receive the full suite of benefits, including access to Prime Video, and that the plaintiffs have not been harmed. Amazon argues the Prime Video terms, which apply only to standalone subscriptions, never guaranteed an ad-free service.

The judge has yet to decide on the case.

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NBCU and Walmart Make Thanksgiving Shoppable, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 26, 2024

NBCUniversal and Walmart are expanding their "shoppable" advertising partnership with a new initiative tied to live sports programming across linear and streaming platforms. Launching on Thanksgiving night, the campaign includes interactive features such as QR codes and text-to-shop functionality, enabling viewers to shop exclusive Walmart holiday deals. A two-minute "Deals of Desire" segment will showcase top offers.

Participating advertisers will benefit from closed-loop sales attribution. Building on their 2023 partnership, which introduced shoppable ads on Peacock, this collaboration highlights Walmart’s customer engagement, with 86% of its shoppers watching NFL games.

The effort promises significant gains for advertisers and consumers alike.

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Ad tech deals soar on upbeat forecasts, reports Axios

M&A

Nov 26, 2024

Mergers and acquisitions in ad tech, martech, and digital content are surging, reaching their highest levels since early 2022 due to a rebound in digital ad spend. Recent deals include Brightcove's $233 million acquisition by Italy's Bending Spoons, alongside major Q3 transactions like Equativ-Kamino Retail and Zeta-LiveIntent.

M&A activity in ad tech rose 118% year-over-year in Q3 2024. Companies are targeting acquisitions to enhance tools, data, and AI capabilities, particularly in connected TV and retail media.

Private equity firms are expected to pursue further deals or exits as the ad market stabilises, with Integral Ad Science and Criteo potential targets.

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Facebook’s new views metric has little impact on social strategy, publishers say, reports Digiday

General

Nov 26, 2024

Facebook has introduced "views" as the primary metric to measure content performance, combining metrics like "plays" and "impressions." Publishers view this as a rebranding of impressions, with minimal impact on their strategies. The metric reflects Meta's focus on in-platform engagement over external traffic. Some publishers report slight increases in views due to duplicate counts but note no significant data changes.

The move aligns Facebook with Instagram, simplifying performance measurement across Meta platforms.

While publishers like BDG acknowledge the shift, they see it as reinforcing existing strategies rather than altering them, focusing on content reach over driving traffic to external sites.

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Brazil antitrust body rules Apple must lift restrictions on in-app payments, reports Reuters

General

Nov 26, 2024

Brazilian antitrust regulator Cade has ordered Apple to lift restrictions on in-app payment methods following a complaint by e-commerce giant MercadoLibre. The 2022 complaint accused Apple of forcing developers to use its payment system and banning third-party digital goods distribution.

Cade has ruled that app developers must be allowed to add tools for external purchases, including hyperlinks, and offer alternative in-app payment options. Apple has 20 days to comply, facing a daily fine of 250,000 real (around $43,000) for non-compliance.

Apple declined to comment, and MercadoLibre has yet to respond to the ruling.

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Plan tabled for Barb to join Origin in hybrid reporting model, reports The Media Leader

General

Nov 25, 2024

Barb is in discussions to join Isba's cross-media measurement platform, Origin, under a plan to produce two reports with differing viewability standards.

One report would use Barb's audience data, adhering to stringent Media Rating Council (MRC) standards, while the other would use Origin’s data with less stringent requirements. The proposal aims to address industry concerns about the lack of comparability between TV and online video measurements.

While Barb and broadcasters value strict standards to ensure credibility, advertisers like L’Oréal and Direct Line Group have expressed strong support for Origin, with hopes that Barb data can ultimately be integrated for greater accuracy.

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TikTok decision coming soon as Jan. 19 divestment deadline looms, reports Reuters

General

Nov 25, 2024

A U.S. federal appeals court will rule by 6 December on whether Chinese-owned ByteDance must divest TikTok’s U.S. assets by January or face a ban, as mandated by law. President-elect Donald Trump opposes banning TikTok, which has 170 million U.S. users. Possible outcomes include upholding the law, compelling TikTok to appeal to the Supreme Court; upholding it but criticising it for singling out TikTok, potentially delaying enforcement; or declaring the law unconstitutional, as ByteDance argues it violates free speech.

The Justice Department cites national security risks from Chinese access to U.S. user data.

Further appeals may follow any decision.

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Meta faces April trial in FTC case seeking to unwind Instagram merger, reports Reuters

M&A

Nov 25, 2024

Meta Platforms will face a trial in April over allegations by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were intended to eliminate competition and maintain its social media monopoly. The FTC, which sued in 2020, claims Meta overpaid for the platforms to suppress emerging rivals.

Judge James Boasberg rejected Meta’s request to dismiss the case, though he acknowledged challenges in defining the social media market amid evolving competition from TikTok, YouTube, and others.

The trial is set for April 14, with the FTC facing significant hurdles in proving its claims under current antitrust laws.

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TikTok quietly tests product links in posts as it looks to boost its reputation for shopping, reports Digiday

General

Nov 25, 2024

TikTok is testing a feature allowing creators to add third-party affiliate product links from platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target directly to their posts, aiming to enhance its shopping ecosystem. The integration simplifies the purchasing process by placing links at the top of the comment section, boosting conversions and brand sales.

While distinct from TikTok Shop, it strengthens TikTok’s reputation as a shopping destination. The move aligns with TikTok’s efforts to grow beyond advertising revenue despite facing a potential U.S. ban.

Marketing experts view it as beneficial for creators, brands, and TikTok, potentially opening new revenue streams through affiliate sales.

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Google's US antitrust trial over online ad empire draws to a close, reports Reuters

General

Nov 25, 2024

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has concluded its arguments in an antitrust case accusing Google of illegally dominating online advertising technology. Prosecutors allege Google monopolised markets for publisher ad servers, advertiser ad networks, and ad exchanges, comparing the case to A Tale of Two Cities. DOJ lawyers urged Judge Leonie Brinkema to hold Google accountable, citing its monopolistic practices.

Google denies wrongdoing, arguing the government ignored market competition and misrepresented its business decisions. If found guilty, the DOJ seeks to force Google to sell its Ad Manager platform.

Analysts consider this case a smaller risk compared to Google’s search monopoly trial.

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Publishers Grapple With A Lack Of Control Over Deal Curation, reports AdExchanger

General

Nov 25, 2024

The rise of sell-side curation in programmatic advertising is creating challenges for publishers, who are often added to curated private marketplaces (PMPs) without consent.

While SSPs partner with DMPs to promote curation as a tool to monetise first-party data, publishers like The New York Post voice concerns over transparency in data usage, advertiser overlap, and pricing controls. Fears include curation deals undermining direct sales, renegotiations increasing costs, and programmatic bidding reducing CPMs.

Publishers demand clearer reporting and effective pricing mechanisms but face operational hurdles, such as limitations in Google Ad Manager's Unified Pricing Rules, raising doubts over promised benefits.

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Roku is building its content into Google TVs, reports The Verge

General

Nov 25, 2024

Roku is enhancing accessibility to its free streaming app, The Roku Channel, on Google TV.

Users will soon be able to search and access Roku’s library of over 80,000 movies and TV shows directly through Google TV, without switching apps. The integration adds category tabs on the Google TV home screen for personalised recommendations and quick access to unfinished content. Over 500 Roku free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, covering news, sports, and more, will also feature in Google TV’s “live” tab.

These updates, rolling out in the coming weeks, aim to strengthen Roku’s presence in the competitive streaming market.

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NBC Ready to Pay Triple to Gobble Up Thanksgiving Parade Broadcast Rights, reports WSJ

General

Nov 25, 2024

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved American tradition since 1924, remains a major TV draw, with nearly 30 million viewers last year. NBC, which has broadcast the event since 1953, is negotiating a new deal with Macy’s, potentially paying over $60 million annually—up from $20 million—to retain rights for the next decade. Rising costs include production and celebrity fees, impacting NBC’s profits, though the parade’s value as a lead-in for holiday programming is undeniable.

NBC also airs the profitable “National Dog Show” after the parade.

Negotiations include other Macy’s events, like July 4th fireworks, underlining live TV’s enduring appeal.

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TikTok CEO Seeks Musk’s Counsel on Incoming Trump Administration, reports WSJ

General

Nov 23, 2024

TikTok CEO Shou Chew has reached out to Elon Musk for insights on the incoming US administration under President-elect Trump, amid fears of a TikTok ban over national security concerns. Chew, alongside ByteDance executives, views Musk, a close Trump confidant, as a potential intermediary. Discussions have centred on tech policy but not specific solutions for TikTok's US operations.

A law signed earlier this year could force ByteDance to divest TikTok by mid-January. ByteDance, opposing the sale, is pursuing legal action, arguing the law infringes users' free speech rights.

A federal appeals court ruling is expected in December.

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US judge rejects SEC bid to sanction Elon Musk, reports Reuters

M&A

Nov 23, 2024

A U.S. federal judge rejected the SEC's request to sanction Elon Musk for missing court-ordered testimony related to its investigation into his $44 billion Twitter takeover

Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley ruled sanctions were unnecessary as Musk testified on October 3 and agreed to cover the SEC's $2,923 travel costs. The SEC had alleged Musk violated a May 31 order and argued that repaying travel costs alone wouldn’t deter similar behaviour.

The SEC is probing whether Musk delayed disclosing his Twitter stock purchases in 2022, potentially violating securities laws. Musk previously acknowledged misunderstanding disclosure rules.

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Meta Must Face Investor Suit After Supreme Court Drops Case, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 22, 2024

The US Supreme Court has dismissed Meta Platforms Inc.'s appeal, allowing a lawsuit accusing the company of misleading shareholders over the Cambridge Analytica data-harvesting scandal to proceed.

Shareholders allege Meta, then Facebook, inflated share prices by downplaying the misuse of user data, leading to significant stock drops in 2018 that wiped $200 billion in market value. Meta had sought to overturn a lower court ruling permitting the lawsuit. The court provided no explanation for its decision.

The case highlights concerns about risk-disclosure allegations triggering securities fraud suits, with a similar case involving Nvidia also under Supreme Court consideration.

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Rumor: DoubleVerify Is Interested In Acquiring Lumen Research, reports AdExchanger

M&A

Nov 22, 2024

Attention Economy

The attention measurement market is intensifying, with DoubleVerify (DV) reportedly exploring an acquisition of eye-tracking leader Lumen Research, according to multiple sources. DV, which acquired custom algorithm company Scibids last year, has been enhancing its attention-based solutions but lacks eye-tracking capabilities.

Lumen CEO Mike Follett denied acquisition rumours, confirming only a partnership with DV. Such a deal could strengthen DV's position in the attention space and impact its competitor Integral Ad Science (IAS), which uses Lumen’s eye-tracking data for its attention measurement solutions.

While unconfirmed, the potential acquisition highlights growing demand for advanced attention metrics.

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UK should use new powers to probe Apple-Google mobile browser duopoly, report says, reports Reuters

General

Nov 22, 2024

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found that Apple and Google’s dominance in mobile ecosystems is hindering innovation in smartphone browsers. The report highlights Apple’s restrictions on progressive web apps and rules limiting competitors from delivering new features on iPhones. A revenue-sharing deal between the two tech giants further reduces competition.

Apple disagreed, arguing that the proposed interventions could compromise user privacy and security. The CMA's Digital Markets Unit, gaining new powers in January, will assess these concerns, with a final decision expected in March.

No further action is recommended on cloud gaming, as earlier issues were resolved.

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Texas AG Investigates WFA Over Ad Boycott, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 22, 2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and its now-defunct Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) for allegedly organising an ad boycott that violated Texas antitrust laws. Paxton claims the boycott harmed competition and targeted platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which faced a loss in ad revenue after loosening content moderation under Elon Musk.

The WFA denies the allegations, asserting that GARM was voluntary and pro-competitive, promoting transparency and brand safety.

The investigation follows a Republican House report accusing GARM of colluding against "disfavoured" voices, such as Joe Rogan and right-wing outlets.

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Amazon Invests an Additional $4 Billion in AI Firm Anthropic, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 22, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon.com Inc. has invested an additional $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic, following an earlier $4 billion investment this year. The deal solidifies Amazon Web Services (AWS) as Anthropic’s primary cloud and training partner, with Anthropic set to use Amazon’s AI chips to develop advanced models. Founded by former OpenAI staff, Anthropic is a key competitor with its Claude chatbot series.

The funding boosts Amazon’s AI credentials by offering Claude models on AWS. Regulators have scrutinised such deals, with the UK recently approving Amazon and Google’s investments, though the US Justice Department is challenging Google’s stake.

Amazon's shares remained stable.

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Amazon likely to face investigation under EU tech rules next year, sources say, reports Reuters

General

Nov 21, 2024

Amazon may face a European Union investigation next year over allegations that it favours its own brand products on its online marketplace, potentially breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA). If found guilty, Amazon could be fined up to 10% of its global annual turnover.

The EU Commission has been gathering information since March, with new antitrust chief Terera Ribera set to decide on further action. Amazon claims compliance with the DMA, asserting that its ranking models do not favour its own products.

Other Big Tech firms, including Apple, Google, and Meta, are also under DMA scrutiny.

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Max Launches Contextual Targeting And Shoppable Ad Formats, reports AdAge

General

Nov 21, 2024

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has launched AI-powered shoppable and contextual targeting ad formats on its streaming platform, Max, allowing advertisers to align ads with emotionally relevant scenes. The contextual targeting tool, Moments, uses AI to categorise thematic content, enabling tailored ad placement across genres. Shoppable ads, branded "Shop with Max," feature QR codes to connect viewers with curated products from scenes, enhancing interactivity.

Partnering with Kerv, WBD aims to monetise streaming content further, offering brand-friendly ad placements even in R-rated content.

Launch partner Wayfair integrates these features across streaming and linear TV, highlighting opportunities for immersive, commerce-driven viewer experiences.

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IAB Tech Lab Has New Guidance On ID-Less Solutions And It Wants Your Feedback, reports AdExchanger

General

Nov 21, 2024

The IAB Tech Lab has released draft guidance on ID-less solutions, addressing the rising demand for privacy-focused advertising methods amidst regulatory scrutiny and identity signal loss. ID-less solutions aim to preserve user anonymity while supporting ad targeting and measurement, using techniques like cohort-based targeting, contextual ads, media mix modelling, and on-device auctions.

Each method has advantages, such as privacy protection, but also challenges, including limited precision or adoption hurdles. The guidance seeks to clarify definitions and use cases, encouraging companies to test these methods.

Industry resistance remains due to entrenched ID-based practices, but the shift is inevitable, driven by initiatives like Chrome’s Privacy Sandbox.

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US Justice Department Seeks to Unwind Google’s Anthropic Deal, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 21, 2024

The US Justice Department has proposed that Google unwind its partnership with AI startup Anthropic as part of remedies in an antitrust case over its search monopoly. The filing suggests banning Google from investments or collaborations with firms that control query-based AI or search products, including Anthropic, in which Google pledged $2 billion. The proposal also calls for Google to divest its Chrome browser, deemed critical to its dominance.

Google criticised the plan, warning it could hinder AI innovation.

The UK recently declined to review Google’s Anthropic deal further, despite concerns over Big Tech’s influence in the AI sector.

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Justice Department Seeks Google Chrome Sale to Curb Monopoly, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 21, 2024

The US Justice Department and several states have proposed measures to address Google's illegal online search monopoly, including forcing the sale of its Chrome web browser and potentially the Android operating system. The government argues that divesting Chrome would end Google’s dominance of a key internet gateway, promoting competition. Additional remedies include licensing Google’s search data and results to rivals, allowing websites to opt out of Google’s AI products, and giving advertisers more control over ad placement.

Google criticised the proposal as harmful to consumers and businesses.

The court will review the remedies in hearings scheduled for April 2024.

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Australia launches landmark bill to ban social media for children under 16, reports Reuters

General

Nov 21, 2024

Advertising To Children

Australia's government has proposed a bill to ban social media for children under 16, imposing fines of up to A$49.5 million for breaches. The law mandates platforms, not parents, to enforce age verification using biometrics or government IDs, with no exemptions for parental consent or existing accounts. Children will still access essential services like messaging and educational tools.

The bill aims to address social media's impact on children’s mental and physical health, citing harmful content exposure. Privacy protections will require platforms to delete collected data.

If passed, this would establish some of the world's strictest social media regulations for minors.

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Mediaocean Buying Adtech Company Innovid for $500 Million, reports WSJ

M&A

Nov 21, 2024

Mediaocean is acquiring ad tech company Innovid for $500 million, with plans to merge it with Flashtalking, another company it acquired in 2021. Mediaocean provides widely used software for managing ad deals, while Innovid specialises in connected TV and ad measurement, having acquired TVSquared in 2022.

The deal, expected to close in early 2024, aims to enhance Mediaocean's ability to offer brands greater control over data and ad spending, challenging "walled gardens" like Google. Mediaocean's CEO Bill Wise emphasised the need for independent, neutral ad tech.

Analysts regard Mediaocean as an essential system in the advertising industry.

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Bluesky Is Having a Moment, But Most Brands Aren't Ready to Jump In Yet, reports AdWeek

General

Nov 21, 2024

Bluesky, a decentralised social media platform, has gained popularity as a controlled alternative to X (formerly Twitter), but it lacks advertising options and scale to attract brands significantly.

Although user numbers have surged to over 21 million, Bluesky remains dwarfed by rivals like Meta's Threads and X. Brands like Duolingo and Netflix are reserving handles but are hesitant to invest further.

Bluesky's ad-free ethos, supported by its customisable algorithms, challenges traditional advertising models. The platform's growth depends on creators and quality content to draw more users, potentially offering brands indirect opportunities via creator collaborations in the future.

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Publicis Sapient, Google Cloud Unveil Global Partnership, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 21, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Publicis Sapient has partnered with Google Cloud to advance generative AI adoption and scale AI solutions for enterprise clients. A dedicated Google Cloud business unit will focus on planning, deploying, and managing AI projects.

The collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and innovation through joint sales efforts, marketing solutions, and AI talent development. Publicis Sapient will leverage Google’s Gemini models to modernise client operations, with one banking client already seeing efficiency improvements of up to 40%.

This partnership builds on Publicis Groupe's broader transformation into an "intelligent system company" with AI integrated across its operations.

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Google faces call from DuckDuckGo for new EU probes into tech rule compliance, reports Reuters

General

Nov 20, 2024

DuckDuckGo has urged the European Commission to launch further investigations into Google's compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA requires major tech companies, including Google, to make it easier for users to switch to rival services and prohibits favouritism towards their own products.

DuckDuckGo claims Google is circumventing its obligations by offering anonymised search data that excludes most queries and making it difficult for users to switch search engines.

Google, already under investigation for its app store rules and alleged discrimination in search results, insists it complies with the DMA while protecting user data.

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News Corp Shareholders Reject Activist Bid to End Dual-Class Share Structure, reports WSJ

General

Nov 20, 2024

Leadership Transitions

News Corp shareholders voted to retain the company's dual-class share structure, rejecting activist investor Starboard Value's proposal to equalise voting power across all shares. Currently, Class B shares, largely owned by the Murdoch family, hold greater voting rights.

Starboard argued the structure posed governance risks and cited legal disputes involving the Murdoch family. Proxy-advisory firms supported the proposal, advocating equal voting rights, but News Corp maintained that the dual-class structure ensured stability.

Following the annual meeting, News Corp expressed satisfaction with the shareholder decision, which also confirmed the election of the company’s full slate of directors.

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Elon Musk’s xAI Startup Is Valued at $50 Billion in New Funding Round, reports WSJ

General

Nov 20, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI has raised $5 billion, increasing its valuation to $50 billion. Key investors include Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Sequoia Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz.

xAI plans to use the funds to expand its Memphis data centre and acquire 100,000 additional Nvidia chips to develop its AI models.

The company’s Grok chatbot, launched in late 2023, is available to premium subscribers of Musk’s X platform and business clients. Musk aims to compete with OpenAI, which he has sued for alleged fraud. xAI will launch its third Grok language model in December, claiming it will be the most powerful AI.

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40% of an Ecommerce Brand’s Pmax Buys Were Served on AI-spun MFA Sites and Dead Domains, reports AdWeek

General

Nov 20, 2024

Made For Advertising

Advertisers using Google’s Performance Max (Pmax) campaigns are facing challenges with ads being served on low-quality, AI-generated "Made for Advertising" (MFA) sites, according to industry reports. Third-party analyses revealed that up to 40% of Pmax ad placements occur on questionable sites, some of which don’t even exist.

While Google offers tools like dynamic exclusion lists, blocking MFA sites is a reactive and labor-intensive process. Transparency issues persist, with vague placement reports and unaccounted ad spend, particularly within Google’s Video Partner inventory.

Critics argue that Google’s lack of robust inventory control undermines performance and trust in its advertising ecosystem.

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Google workers to DOJ: we need protections to make your breakup effective, reports The Verge

General

Nov 20, 2024

Google employees from the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU-CWA) met with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division to advocate for worker protections ahead of potential remedies to end Google’s search monopoly. They emphasised the need for safeguards against retaliation and encouraged empowering workers to voice compliance concerns.

The DOJ is considering remedies, including breaking up Google’s Chrome browser and Android OS, or implementing less drastic measures. The AWU-CWA criticised Google for discouraging discussions about the case.

Workers stressed that remedies must involve employee input, expressing concerns about potential job changes and a lack of transparency from Google management.

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Media Matters Urges Appellate Court To Block Texas AG's Investigation, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 20, 2024

Media Matters urged a U.S. appellate court to uphold an injunction preventing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing a subpoena against the watchdog group. The subpoena followed Media Matters' report alleging ads from brands like Apple and IBM appeared next to pro-Nazi posts on X (formerly Twitter).

Media Matters argued the subpoena violated its First Amendment rights, chilling its journalism. In April, a judge ruled in its favour, citing retaliation concerns. Texas countered that the subpoena hadn’t yet been enforced, questioning its prematurity.

The court questioned Texas’ justification and the broader implications of issuing subpoenas to news outlets.

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The Trade Desk is building a CTV operating system called Ventura, reports Axios

General

Nov 20, 2024

The Trade Desk is developing Ventura, a connected TV operating system (OS) set to launch in 2025, aiming to improve transparency in the CTV advertising ecosystem. CEO Jeff Green argues that current OS providers like Roku, Amazon, and Google have conflicts of interest due to their content ownership. Ventura will partner with hardware companies, avoiding direct competition with these platforms.

The Trade Desk’s privacy tool, Unified ID 2.0, will be integrated.

While not aiming for direct OS revenue, Ventura seeks to drive pricing transparency and stronger ad measurement. CTV is a growing ad channel, forecasted to reach $38.3 billion in 2024.

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Google prosecutors to propose cure for search monopoly, reports Reuters

General

Nov 20, 2024

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will outline remedies for Google’s illegal search monopoly, as ruled in August. Proposals include ending exclusive agreements with companies like Apple and potentially divesting businesses such as its Chrome browser or Android operating system. Google argues these measures would harm consumers and U.S. competitiveness in AI.

The case’s trajectory could shift with Donald Trump’s return to office, as he has expressed conflicting views on breaking up the company.

Google plans to appeal the final ruling, expected by August 2025, and will submit its own proposals in December ahead of a trial in April.

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Disney+ joins AudienceProject ad measurement platform in Europe, reports The Media Leader

General

Nov 20, 2024

Disney+ has partnered with AudienceProject to provide advertisers with independent audience measurement in Europe.

Starting in the UK, Germany, and the Nordics, the service will expand to other markets later. AudienceProject’s cross-media measurement platform allows Disney+ ad campaigns to be evaluated alongside linear TV, connected TV, online video, social media, and web campaigns. This collaboration supports advertisers in optimising investments across streaming and traditional channels.

AudienceProject, which also measures YouTube, has noted growing demand for Disney+ ad insights. Disney+’s ad-supported tier and strong user growth, surpassing 122 million subscribers, have boosted its profitability and advertiser interest.

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Apple to urge judge to end US smartphone monopoly case, reports Reuters

General

Nov 20, 2024

Apple is seeking to dismiss a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust case accusing it of dominating the smartphone market by restricting third-party app and device interoperability. Apple argues its practices are reasonable and foster innovation.

The lawsuit, filed under President Biden, targets Apple’s restrictions on app developers and barriers to competing devices and services. Apple cites similar failed claims in cases against Meta and Google as precedents.

U.S. District Judge Julien Neals will decide if the claims are plausible, allowing the case to proceed, in the latest antitrust push against Big Tech.

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UK open to social media ban for kids as gov’t kicks off feasibility study, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 20, 2024

The UK government is considering stricter online safety rules, including a potential social media ban for under-16s, following concerns about its influence on minors. The Online Safety Act (OSA), prioritising child safety, targets harms like cyberbullying and disinformation. Enforcement will begin next spring, with fines of up to 10% of global turnover for non-compliance.

A new feasibility study will assess social media’s impact on children’s mental health. Recent updates include making intimate image abuse a “priority offence,” requiring platforms to proactively block such content.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised evidence-based decisions and strong enforcement to protect vulnerable users.

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Amid a chaotic year, Paramount is scaling its ads business, reports MarketingBrew

General

Nov 20, 2024

Paramount Advertising hosted an event in New York, highlighting collaborations with partners like Amazon, iSpot, and Shopsense AI to merge content and commerce, focusing on trends like shoppable streaming.

Amazon showcased its data capabilities, enabling ad impact tracking from initial exposure to eventual purchase. iSpot emphasised growing demand for attribution tools for smaller advertisers and integrating first-party data from buyers and sellers. Shopsense AI demonstrated consumer targeting through media-driven shopping experiences, such as QR codes during live events.

E-commerce expert Rachel Tipograph noted that native checkout remains niche, primarily benefiting limited-edition product launches rather than everyday consumer goods.

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Comcast Confirms Plan to Spin Off Cable Channels MSNBC, USA, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 20, 2024

Comcast is spinning off cable-TV channels, including MSNBC, CNBC, and USA, into a new publicly traded entity, separating them from its NBC broadcast network and Peacock streaming business. The spin-off, which includes digital assets like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, is expected to generate $7 billion in revenue.

This move reduces Comcast's exposure to declining traditional TV markets while positioning the new company for growth and potential mergers. Mark Lazarus will lead the new entity, and Comcast shareholders will receive stakes.

The spin-off, planned for completion within a year, aims to adapt to the shifting media landscape and bolster growth.

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Meta forms product group to build AI tools for businesses, reports Axios

General

Nov 19, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is launching a new business AI product unit, led by Clara Shih, former CEO of Salesforce AI, to develop AI tools for the 200 million businesses using its apps. The unit will create and monetise tools like business-specific AI chatbots for customer interactions and transactions on WhatsApp and Messenger.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted a 7% increase in conversions for businesses using its AI ad tools.

The initiative aims to simplify AI adoption for businesses and expand beyond ad-focused solutions to strengthen customer relationships. Meta’s AI chatbot, powered by its Llama language model, already has 500 million active users.

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Apple is selling Apple News ads directly for the first time, reports Axios

General

Nov 19, 2024

Apple has begun selling its own advertising inventory for Apple News, marking a significant step in its ad business expansion. It is introducing premium ad units, including sponsorships for events like the Met Gala, and banner and video ads in various formats. Publishers will receive 70% of ad revenue from Apple-sold ads in their articles and variable revenue for feed ads based on engagement.

Apple is ending its partnership with NBCUniversal for ad sales, shifting to in-house efforts supported by a growing ad sales team.

With advertising estimated to contribute $10 billion to its $100 billion annual services revenue, Apple aims to boost publisher participation by increasing ad revenue potential.

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Walmart Earnings For Q3 2024 Show +5.5% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +633.1% YoY

+ 6% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 19, 2024

Reuters reports:

Walmart has raised its annual sales and profit forecast for the third time this year, driven by strong growth in grocery and e-commerce sales, particularly among higher-income households. For Q3, U.S. comparable sales rose 5.3%, surpassing analyst expectations, while total e-commerce sales increased 27%.

Walmart has benefited from inflation easing, capturing market share ahead of the holiday season. The company has invested heavily in automation to improve delivery and reduce costs. Walmart has also slashed Walmart Plus membership fees to boost its appeal.

Concerns remain over potential tariffs under Donald Trump's presidency, which could raise consumer prices.

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Roblox taps former Roku executive Parampath to aid advertising push, reports Reuters

General

Nov 19, 2024

Leadership Transitions

Roblox has appointed Louqman Parampath, a former Roku executive, to lead its advertising and commerce product development as it diversifies revenue streams. The platform, with over 89 million daily active users—primarily Gen Z—has seen a 49% increase in brand activity year-over-year. Roblox offers advertising formats like video ads, digital billboards, and search ads, attracting marketers from platforms like TikTok.

Notable campaigns include Warner Bros Discovery's "Beetlejuice" game, which garnered 25 million visits.

Roblox aims for advertising to become a significant revenue driver by 2025–2026, benefiting both the platform and developers through new monetisation opportunities.

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Adtech Firm Criteo Lays Out Its Plan to Win In Retail Media, reports AdWeek

General

Nov 19, 2024

Criteo is solidifying its position in retail media, targeting a $50 billion market outside Amazon and China by 2027. Retail media currently accounts for 22% of Criteo’s business, generating nearly $250 million annually.

The adtech firm powers retail media for 225 retailers, including Target and Walgreens, and handles $1.5 billion in ad spend. Criteo is leveraging its neutrality, technology, and partnerships, such as a recent deal with Microsoft, to stand out in a competitive market.

With 63% of brands shifting national ad budgets into retail media, Criteo aims to capture growing demand for scalable, high-performing advertising solutions.

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X Corp. Amends Ad Boycott Suit, Adds Twitch, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 19, 2024

X Corp., formerly Twitter, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon's Twitch, alleging it participated in a boycott to reduce X's advertising revenue following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform. This amended complaint adds Twitch to an earlier suit against the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and the now-defunct Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), claiming they orchestrated a “massive advertiser boycott,” causing significant financial losses.

X had previously dropped claims against Unilever after reaching an agreement.

The lawsuit follows a Republican-led House report accusing GARM of colluding with companies to demonetise platforms like X deemed unfavourable.

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Senator says Trump cannot ignore law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok by next year, reports Reuters

General

Nov 19, 2024

Senator Richard Blumenthal has warned President-elect Donald Trump he cannot ignore a law mandating ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to divest the app by 19 January or face a U.S. ban. Passed in April over security concerns, the law aims to prevent Chinese access to American user data.

Trump, who opposes the ban, could attempt to amend the law, but Blumenthal stressed strong bipartisan support for it. He also raised concerns over U.S. tech firms' ties to China, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Apple, citing national security risks.

TikTok and ByteDance are legally challenging the divestiture requirement.

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Meta disagrees with India antitrust ruling on WhatsApp, to mount legal challenge, reports Reuters

General

Nov 19, 2024

Meta Platforms plans to legally challenge an order from India’s Competition Commission (CCI) restricting data-sharing between WhatsApp and other Meta-owned apps. The CCI fined Meta $25.4 million for antitrust violations linked to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy, which allowed data sharing and sparked global criticism. The CCI ruled that data sharing for purposes beyond WhatsApp’s service cannot be mandatory for access in India.

Meta disputes the ruling, asserting the 2021 update did not compromise personal message privacy or user account functionality.

The investigation began in March 2021, following backlash over the policy’s implications for user data privacy.

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Dentsu Uses Microsoft AI For Campaign Posts, Reduces Analysis Time 80%, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 19, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted AI advancements at the Ignite conference, noting over 85% of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft AI, with 70% adopting Microsoft 365 Copilot. Generative AI usage rose from 55% in 2023 to 75% in 2024, with ROI reaching $3.7 per $1 invested.

Companies like Dentsu and Toyota leverage Microsoft AI tools, such as Azure OpenAI, for tasks including media optimisation and knowledge retention. Dentsu reduced analysis time by 80%.

Microsoft aims to enhance AI’s role across industries, despite criticism from competitors.

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Microsoft Signs AI-Learning Deal With News Corp.’s HarperCollins, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 19, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft has partnered with HarperCollins to use select nonfiction titles to train its AI models, while ensuring authors retain rights and royalties. The deal allows limited use of HarperCollins’ backlist, with authors given the choice to participate. HarperCollins emphasised the agreement includes strict guardrails to protect intellectual property.

Microsoft seeks high-quality licensed text to improve AI accuracy and expertise. The arrangement follows similar AI content licensing deals between publishers and companies like OpenAI and Microsoft. However, the practice has drawn criticism, with The New York Times suing OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged copyright infringement.

Microsoft declined to comment further.

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Google’s Anthropic AI Investment Cleared by UK Antitrust Agency, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 19, 2024

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has determined that Google's $2 billion investment in AI startup Anthropic does not warrant a full investigation under merger rules.

The CMA concluded that Google has not acquired "material influence" over Anthropic.

The deal, which also includes a significant cloud services agreement, had prompted initial scrutiny earlier this year but will not face further regulatory action.

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Elon Musk's X has signed up a new adtech partner as it looks to boost advertising revenue, reports Insider

General

Nov 19, 2024

X has partnered with adtech firm PubMatic to boost ad revenue by expanding its reach beyond traditional social media budgets. PubMatic, a supply-side platform, allows X to tap into the $26 billion open internet native display and video ad market.

Historically, X (formerly Twitter) only brokered direct deals with advertisers, but it now permits third-party vendors to sell its ads, potentially increasing its advertiser pool at lower prices. Despite an 800% post-election revenue spike from top advertisers, ad spending remains 64% lower than in 2022.

X faces challenges, including advertiser concerns over platform safety and ongoing lawsuits against alleged boycotts.

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From strategy to CEO: Ruben Schreurs to lead Ebiquity through industry change, reports Digiday

General

Nov 19, 2024

Leadership Transitions

Ruben Schreurs has been promoted to CEO of media management firm Ebiquity, succeeding Nick Waters. Schreurs takes over as the company transitions to offering always-on solutions for media management and analytics.

While revenue dropped 6.7% in the first half of the year due to reduced client budgets, Schreurs remains optimistic, focusing on growth in the US, Asia-Pacific, and retail media. His mandate centres on “Effective and Responsible Advertising” (ERA), ensuring ad spend drives business impact and aligns with ethical principles.

Schreurs aims to strengthen Ebiquity’s role as a trusted advisor, combining effectiveness with responsibility for CMOs navigating complex challenges.

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Meta Loses German Court Fight Over Global Data Leak in 2021, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 18, 2024

Meta Platforms faces potential compensation claims from thousands of German users after Germany’s top civil court ruled over the 2021 data leak affecting 533 million Facebook users. The Federal Court of Justice determined users need only prove their data was leaked, not specific harm, to seek compensation, typically around €100.

This overturns a prior ruling favouring Meta, and a Cologne court will retry the case under these guidelines. The 2021 leak involved scraped personal data, leading to a €265 million EU fine.

Meta disputes the ruling, asserting its systems weren’t breached and expects to succeed in further litigation.

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Perplexity Rolls Out Its AI-Powered Ecommerce Experience in the US, reports AdWeek

General

Nov 18, 2024

Perplexity has launched its AI-powered ecommerce feature, Buy with Pro, allowing U.S. Pro users to purchase products directly through its app. Integrated with Shopify’s API, the platform offers free shipping and estimates taxes, acting as an intermediary for transactions. Complementing this is Snap to Shop, a visual search tool enabling users to upload photos to find similar items.

While not currently monetising the shopping feature, Perplexity aims to drive search queries and grow its ads business. Merchants can join the Perplexity Merchant programme to improve product visibility.

However, the platform faces legal challenges from publishers over copyright infringement claims.

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Google’s Chrome Worth Up to $20 Billion If Judge Orders Sale, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 18, 2024

The U.S. Justice Department is urging a judge to consider breaking up Google’s Chrome browser, valuing it at up to $20 billion, following a ruling that Google illegally monopolised the search market. Chrome, used by over 3 billion users, is pivotal to Google’s ad revenue and AI strategy.

The government proposes licensing search data, unbundling Android from other Google products, and offering advertisers greater control. Critics argue such measures could harm innovation, with Google planning to appeal.

A final decision on remedies is expected by August 2025, with broader implications for competition and AI development in the tech sector.

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Young Americans Rely on Social Media Influencers for News, Pew Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 18, 2024

News Publishing

A Pew Research Center study reveals nearly 40% of Americans under 30 rely on social media “news influencers,” most lacking traditional journalism training, for updates on current events and politics. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube host influencers who monetise content through merchandise, tips, and subscriptions.

Unlike journalists, they face no editorial checks, blending opinions with facts. Despite concerns over bias, 65% of users find influencers’ insights helpful.

As traditional media faces declining relevance, outlets like Yahoo News are experimenting with influencer collaborations to boost engagement, reflecting the growing shift towards non-traditional news sources in a changing media landscape.

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Early Adopters Are Snapping Up Attention-Based Inventory Before Everyone Else Drives Up The Costs, reports AdExchanger

General

Nov 18, 2024

At Adelaide's Business of Attention event, industry stakeholders explored whether attention metrics could become a programmatic currency. Publishers like The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian are leveraging attention guarantees to attract hesitant buyers, while advertisers such as LinkedIn are using custom bidding to capitalise on high-attention, low-cost inventory.

However, challenges remain, including inconsistent pricing, lack of standardised metrics, and limited DSP capabilities to integrate attention signals. While some advocate for standardisation, others argue it may lead to market manipulation.

Despite these hurdles, attention-based strategies show promise, with opportunities for arbitrage and innovative targeting approaches through private marketplaces.

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Warner Bros. Discovery, NBA Settle Legal Battle Over TV Rights, reports WSJ

General

Nov 16, 2024

Warner Bros. Discovery has settled its lawsuit with the NBA, securing rights to develop NBA content in the U.S. and abroad for the next decade, despite losing live game rights on TNT.

The deal grants international rights in Northern Europe and Latin America and includes $350 million in revenue for digital partnerships via Bleacher Report and House of Highlights.

Warner Bros. Discovery will license its popular show Inside the NBA to ESPN and ABC. The company also secured sublicensed Big 12 college sports content and a Nascar deal to offset the NBA’s departure, maintaining its TNT subscriber fees.

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TikTok Parent ByteDance’s Valuation Rises to About $300 Billion, reports WSJ

General

Nov 16, 2024

Investment Rounds

ByteDance, parent company of TikTok, is valuing itself at approximately $300 billion in a recent share buyback, despite the threat of a U.S. ban unless TikTok is divested by mid-January under a law signed by President Biden.

ByteDance's valuation has steadily increased, up from $225 billion in October 2023, as its global growth continues.

President-elect Trump’s return is seen as a potential positive for TikTok’s U.S. prospects, despite prior support for a ban. ByteDance, which owns other Chinese internet services, remains committed to retaining TikTok, disputing claims of national security risks and challenging the law in federal court.

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Facebook is changing its primary metric to views, reports The Verge

General

Nov 15, 2024

Facebook is adopting "views" as its primary performance metric for all content, aligning with Instagram's approach. Views will count how many times content appears on a user’s screen, including photos, text posts, and videos, with repeat views by the same user also included.

Meta has extended this metric to Threads, aiming to provide creators with greater transparency. While brands may find the data useful, its relevance to individual users is less clear.

The shift mirrors Elon Musk’s focus on "views" for X (formerly Twitter) and highlights how platforms often prioritise metrics that drive user engagement and benefit their business strategies.

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Google tests removing news articles from search in EU, but it’s already backfiring, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 15, 2024

News Publishing

Google is conducting a test in eight EU countries to evaluate the impact of paying for news reuse under EU law. The experiment involves removing article previews from EU-based news publishers for 1% of users in Google Search and Google News.

However, the Paris Commercial Court ruled that the test violated Google’s agreement with the French Competition Authority, threatening fines of €900,000 per day unless France was excluded. Google complied, removing France from the trial.

The experiment, now scaled back to eight countries, aims to assess the actual effect on traffic and the potential payment obligations to publishers.

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Elon Musk Ramps Up Legal Fight With OpenAI, Microsoft, reports WSJ

General

Nov 15, 2024

Elon Musk has expanded his lawsuit against OpenAI, Microsoft, and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman, alleging anticompetitive behaviour and collusion to dominate artificial intelligence development.

Musk accuses OpenAI CEO Sam Altman of self-dealing and facilitating a "de facto merger" with Microsoft, which holds a significant stake in OpenAI. He claims OpenAI misled donors and violated its original nonprofit mission. Musk also alleges OpenAI and Microsoft discouraged investors from funding competitors like his own AI venture, xAI.

OpenAI dismissed Musk’s claims as baseless, linking them to his regret over leaving the company. The lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions in the competitive AI sector.

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TikTok pushes to attract SMBs and its latest advertising tool might just do the trick, reports Digiday

General

Nov 15, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

TikTok has globally launched Symphony Creative Studio, an AI-powered tool within its Symphony AI suite, to streamline ad creation for small and medium businesses (SMBs). The tool generates videos using brand inputs like website URLs or assets, enables translation into 10 languages, and refreshes content with the latest trends. It aims to lower barriers for SMBs lacking video production resources.

Case studies show increased return on ad spend and reduced costs per acquisition.

The tool integrates copyright-compliant assets from Getty Images and others, offering marketers creative flexibility while competing with platforms like Meta and Google to capture advertisers focused on ROI.

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Amazon was questioned by House China committee over dangerous and unwise TikTok partnership, reports CNBC

General

Nov 14, 2024

Amazon representatives met with the House China Committee in September to address concerns about its partnership with TikTok. The deal, announced in August, allows TikTok users to make Amazon purchases directly within the app.

Lawmakers expressed concerns over the national security risks posed by TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance. Under U.S. law, ByteDance must divest TikTok by January 19, or the app could face a ban.

President-elect Donald Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok, has since promised to "save" the platform. TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain as the deadline approaches.

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Brands Are Planning to Shake Up How They Pay Media Agencies, reports AdWeek

General

Nov 14, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

A study by the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and MediaSense reveals that only 27% of global advertisers consider their current media agency pay structures future-proof, with 75% planning changes within three years. Hybrid payment models dominate, but transparency concerns and the rise of AI are driving calls for reform.

Aligning compensation with business performance (74%) and improving talent access (42%) are key motivators, while cost-cutting is less significant (15%). Challenges include agency resistance to transparency and a lack of data for aligning media with KPIs.

AI is viewed as both cost-saving and requiring investment in specialised talent.

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Disney Earnings For Q3 2024 Show +6.3% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -18.7% YoY

+ 6% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 14, 2024

FT reports:

Disney's earnings rose in the fourth quarter, driven by the box office success of Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2, as well as a $321 million profit from its streaming services, including Disney+ and Hulu.

Despite strong film and streaming results, theme park profits declined due to weaker performance at Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disney, though U.S. parks and cruises rebounded. Disney plans to invest $60 billion in its parks and cruise lines over the next decade.

Quarterly revenue rose 6% to $22.6 billion, beating expectations. The company announced share buybacks and dividend growth in 2025.

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Amazon Questioned by Congress Over Growing TikTok Relationship, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 14, 2024

Amazon faced scrutiny from the US House Select Committee on China over its recent partnership with TikTok, a Chinese-owned app facing a potential US ban due to national security concerns. The partnership enables TikTok users to purchase Amazon products directly within the app, linking accounts for future transactions.

Critics argue the collaboration undermines US security efforts and bolsters TikTok's US presence ahead of a January deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban.

Despite bipartisan concerns, other US organisations, including the NFL and UnitedMasters, have also partnered with TikTok, reflecting doubts about the likelihood of the ban proceeding.

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Bluesky attracts millions as users leave Musk's X after Trump win, reports Reuters

General

Nov 14, 2024

Bluesky has gained 2.5 million new users in a week, reaching 16 million total users, as discontent grows over Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) following Donald Trump's U.S. presidential election win and upcoming terms-of-service changes. Bluesky’s growth coincides with a surge in controversial content and dissatisfaction with X's handling of misinformation. Notable figures and organisations, including The Guardian and Don Lemon, have left X, while over 115,000 users deactivated accounts.

X's new terms require legal disputes to be filed in Texas courts, raising concerns about biased rulings.

Despite this, X retains 317 million monthly active users, outpacing Bluesky and Threads.

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Meta Fined €798 Million by EU Over Abusing Classified Ads Dominance, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 14, 2024

Meta Platforms Inc. has been fined €798 million by the European Union for antitrust violations, its first penalty of this kind in the bloc. The EU found Meta unlawfully tied its Facebook Marketplace service to its social network and imposed unfair conditions on rivals.

Meta, which plans to appeal, argued the penalty disregards market realities and favours larger incumbents.

The case marks a significant move under Margrethe Vestager, a leading critic of Silicon Valley. The EU is ramping up oversight with its Digital Markets Act, investigating compliance by Meta, Google, and Apple, and exploring structural remedies for antitrust issues.

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Disney-Reliance Indian media giant says TV is not dead following $8.5bn merger, reports FT

General

Nov 14, 2024

Uday Shankar, vice-chair of Jio Star, the newly merged $8.5bn Disney-Reliance Indian entertainment venture, plans to revitalise television in India despite global trends favouring streaming. He believes traditional TV in India is far from dead, predicting double-digit revenue growth driven by innovative content and rising middle-class adoption of TVs.

Jio Star dominates Indian media with over 100 TV stations and 50 million streaming subscribers, aiming for profitability within five years.

While critics highlight its sports-focused strategy, Shankar downplays its dominance, noting short-term sports rights. Rival Zee Entertainment sees limited competition due to Jio Star’s emphasis on sports over entertainment.

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Google says it will stop serving political ads in the EU, reports The Verge

General

Nov 14, 2024

Google plans to halt political advertising in the European Union next year, citing challenges with complying with the bloc’s new Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) regulations, set to take effect in October 2025.

Google argues that the TTPA’s broad definitions create legal uncertainties and operational difficulties in identifying restricted content across EU regions. The rules require clear labelling of political ads, disclosure of funding details, and user consent for targeted ads, while banning the use of minors’ data. Similar concerns have previously led Google to suspend political ads in France, Canada, and Brazil.

Further updates are expected.

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Comcast, Disney, and IBM Are Among Advertisers Returning to X After Ad Freeze, reports AdWeek

General

Nov 14, 2024

Major brands, including Comcast, IBM, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery, have resumed advertising on X (formerly Twitter) in 2024, but their combined spend dropped 98% year-over-year, from $170 million to $3.3 million, following concerns over hate speech and antisemitic content. Challenger brands like Karma Shopping and Canles Shoes are emerging as top advertisers, capitalising on reduced competition.

X’s ad revenue fell 29% to $1.8 billion through Q3 2024. Trust in X for brand safety remains low, with only 4% of marketers expressing confidence.

The platform faces declining user numbers but high election-related traffic, attracting advertisers targeting politically engaged audiences.

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Google is getting ready to unveil how Chrome’s cookie opt-in model will work, sources say, reports Digiday

General

Nov 14, 2024

Google’s decision in July to retain third-party cookies in Chrome has disrupted the digital media industry, leaving advertisers and tech firms in a holding pattern. Instead of removing cookies, Chrome will provide users with adjustable cookie consent options, while Google continues developing Privacy Sandbox APIs.

The industry awaits clarity on Google’s cookie consent prompts, which are under regulatory review and expected in 2025.

Publishers and ad tech firms express concern over the absence of viable alternatives and regulatory uncertainty. Many stakeholders stress the need for active Privacy Sandbox tools to justify further investment and adapt to the evolving ad landscape.

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YouTube unveils new tools to help brands tap into creator content and Shorts ads, reports Search Engine Land

General

Nov 13, 2024

Influencer Marketing

YouTube is introducing new features to enhance its advertiser appeal, focusing on its growing Shorts format. Updates include customisable format buying controls, interactive ad formats like stickers and animated images, improved viewer data for better targeting, and streamlined tools for brand-creator collaborations.

Shorts now attract 40% of YouTube viewers who don’t use TikTok or Instagram Reels, with creator-led ads driving up to 20% higher conversions.

These initiatives aim to maximise engagement and reach through short-form and creator-driven content, solidifying YouTube’s position in the competitive digital video advertising landscape.

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Perplexity AI Is Testing Ads In Search With Brands Indeed and Whole Foods Market, reports AdWeek

General

Nov 13, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Perplexity AI has begun testing ads in its AI-driven search results, partnering with brands like Indeed and Whole Foods Market. Ads, including sponsored follow-up questions, will be labelled and generated by AI, ensuring user queries remain unbiased.

The company aims to establish a sustainable revenue model through advertising rather than subscriptions. With 230 million monthly queries, it targets key categories like finance and technology, offering a CPM model with rates over $50.

Despite criticisms from publishers over content usage, Perplexity prioritises transparency and plans to introduce "Pro Shop," a feature enabling direct product purchases through its platform.

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Integral Ad Science Earnings For Q3 2024 Show +11.0% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +217.0% YoY

+ 11% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 13, 2024

AdExchanger reports:

Integral Ad Science (IAS) reported an 11% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3 2024 to $133.5 million, with a $16 million net profit. However, lower-than-expected ad spend in September and October, particularly from CPG and retail clients, led to softened Q4 guidance, causing a 10% drop in IAS shares.

While retail media and CTV performance lagged, IAS highlighted growth in social media partnerships, including Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Google Ads Manager. Social media now accounts for 22% of IAS’s revenue, growing 21% year-over-year.

CEO Lisa Utzschneider emphasised social media optimisation as a key focus alongside retail media and gaming opportunities.

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Meta to introduce ads on Threads in early 2025, the Information reports, reports Reuters

General

Nov 13, 2024

Meta plans to introduce advertisements on its Threads app in early 2024, allowing select advertisers to create and publish ads, according to reports.

Threads, launched in July 2023 as a competitor to X (formerly Twitter), has rapidly grown to 275 million monthly active users. Meta’s Instagram advertising team is leading the initiative, but the company does not expect Threads to significantly impact revenue by 2025.

Meta prioritises building consumer value and currently lacks monetisation features on the app. Threads could appeal to advertisers dissatisfied with X, where ad revenue has declined due to concerns over brand safety under Elon Musk’s ownership.

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X Names New CFO as Musk Shifts Focus to Trump Administration, reports WSJ

General

Nov 13, 2024

Leadership Transitions

X Corp. has appointed Mahmoud Reza Banki as its first chief financial officer under Elon Musk’s ownership.

Banki, formerly CFO at Tubi, joins during a challenging financial period for the company, including declining ad revenue and a $13 billion debt from Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022. Banks involved in the deal face losses, with debt stuck on their balance sheets due to X's weak financial performance.

Banki, who was pardoned by Donald Trump in 2021 after serving prison time related to overturned sanctions charges, is part of a broader effort to stabilise X's leadership and financial operations.

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Meta Wins Limits to FTC Instagram, WhatsApp Antitrust Suit, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 13, 2024

A US federal judge has narrowed the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust case against Meta Platforms Inc., dismissing some allegations while allowing others to proceed. The FTC accused Meta of illegally dominating the US social networking market through acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.

Meta argued that its actions had legitimate business justifications and that the FTC could not prove consumers would benefit without these acquisitions.

The lawsuit, filed in 2020, will now move forward with a reduced scope. A trial date will be scheduled during a hearing later this month.

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Paramount-Nielsen Standoff Escalates With Media Buyers Split Over VideoAmp Shift, reports AdAge

General

Nov 13, 2024

Paramount's decision to drop Nielsen in favour of VideoAmp for TV and streaming ad measurement has created industry tension. Paramount claims Nielsen's fees are too high, while Nielsen defends its pricing as fair for its accredited services.

Media buyers face challenges adapting to VideoAmp's data, citing inconsistencies and additional workloads. While VideoAmp shows promise, its lack of historical data and accreditation for key metrics raises concerns. Paramount argues the shift aligns with streaming's growth and cost-cutting priorities, but advertisers worry about accuracy and transparency.

The dispute highlights broader challenges in transitioning from traditional measurement to emerging data-driven models.

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Guardian will no longer post on Elon Musk’s X from its official accounts, reports The Guardian

General

Nov 13, 2024

The Guardian has stopped posting on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, citing a rise in “disturbing content” such as far-right conspiracy theories and racism, as well as concerns over the platform's handling of the US presidential election. The Guardian will still allow article sharing on X and permit reporters to use it for newsgathering, though readers are encouraged to visit its website directly.

Musk dismissed the Guardian as “irrelevant.”

Other organisations, including NPR, PBS, the Berlin film festival, and North Wales police, have also recently left X, citing similar concerns over the platform's content standards and values.

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French newspapers seek legal action against social media platform X, reports Reuters

General

Nov 12, 2024

News Publishing

Several major French newspapers, including Le Monde and Le Figaro, have filed a lawsuit against X (formerly Twitter), alleging the platform used their content without compensating them under French ancillary rights, which require digital platforms to pay for news distribution.

Unlike Google and Meta, X has refused to negotiate with French publishers and has not complied with a court order to release financial information needed to calculate payments. The newspapers argue these payments are essential to support media independence, plurality, and quality.

A court hearing is set for May 15, 2025.

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Spotify Earnings For Q3 2024 Show +18.8% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +361.5% YoY

+ 19% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 12, 2024

Audio Advertising

Reuters reports:

Spotify forecasts strong fourth-quarter profits, exceeding Wall Street estimates, driven by cost-cutting measures, price increases, and subscriber growth.

The company expects operating income of €481 million, surpassing the forecasted €445.7 million, with monthly active users (MAUs) anticipated to reach 665 million and premium subscribers increasing by 8 million to 260 million. Third-quarter MAUs rose 11% to 640 million, and premium subscribers grew 12% to 252 million.

Despite revenue missing expectations at €3.99 billion due to a weak digital advertising market and a strong dollar, gross profit surged 40% to €1.24 billion, with margins improving to 31.1%.

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PubMatic Earnings For Q3 2024 Show +12.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -151.4% YoY

+ 13% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 12, 2024

AdExchanger reports:

PubMatic reported 13% year-over-year revenue growth in Q3 2024, reaching $71.8 million, driven by strong performance in omnichannel video (+25%) and political advertising on connected TV. However, a significant revenue dip linked to a change in Google’s DV360 bidding logic, which shifted to a first-price auction, remains a challenge.

CFO Steve Pantelick assured investors that the impact has stabilised and is expected to resolve by mid-2025. Political ad demand surged, with PubMatic’s AI tools enabling over 250 publishers to monetise political ads programmatically.

Excluding the DV360 impact and political ads, PubMatic’s revenue grew 17% in the quarter.

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Freevee To Shut Down As Amazon Consolidates Subscription & Free Content Under Prime Video, reports Deadline

General

Nov 12, 2024

Amazon has announced the phase-out of its free, ad-supported streaming service, Freevee, over the coming weeks. Its content, including originals like Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy, will remain on Prime Video, available for free to non-Prime users under a "Watch for Free" label.

This move aligns with Amazon's strategy to consolidate Freevee into Prime Video, which already offers hybrid access for Prime and non-Prime members. Freevee's content team had already integrated into Amazon MGM Studios.

Launched in 2019 as Freedive, Freevee helped Amazon enter the ad-supported streaming market but saw reduced prominence following Prime Video’s shift to an ad-supported model.

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Growing number of advertisers plan to shift focus to performance marketing in 2025, reports MarketingWeek

General

Nov 12, 2024

Half of global advertisers plan to increase 2025 media budgets, prioritising performance marketing, especially in retail media and connected TV, according to a survey by Ebiquity and the WFA.

The survey shows 42% of brands will boost performance marketing, while only 24% will increase branding efforts. There’s strong focus on addressable TV (78%) and retail media (75%), while linear TV and digital display are expected to decline.

AI is anticipated to drive change, with 70% expecting shifts in campaign optimisation. Meanwhile, sustainability and transparency will grow in importance.

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