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Roblox is leaning into advertising and just made a big hire from Meta to get closer to marketers, reports Insider

General

Oct 2, 2023

Gaming / Metaverse

Roblox is set to expand its advertising network in 2024. The company has welcomed Stephanie Latham, formerly of Meta, as its new Vice President of Global Partnerships, who will work closely with Christina Wootton, the newly promoted Chief Partnerships Officer.

Earlier this year, Roblox introduced "Immersive Ads", with brands like NARS Cosmetics trialling them. This advertising format will soon be accessible to a broader range of advertisers.

Alongside advertising, Roblox is focusing on creating custom virtual brand experiences. The platform's effectiveness is evident, with users spending an average of nearly 12 minutes on branded content, prompting many brands to form dedicated Roblox-focused teams.

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Ad Groups Launch New Push For Federal Privacy Law, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 2, 2023

The Association of National Advertisers and 4A's have launched an initiative advocating for a federal data law to supersede varying state privacy regulations. Marla Kaplowitz, CEO of the 4A’s, stressed the urgent need for nationwide legislation.

The initiative intends to revise an industry self-regulatory code by 2024. This update will likely align with Privacy for America's 2019 proposal, focusing on stricter data utilisation and emphasising user consent.

Earlier this year, seven US states introduced comprehensive online advertising privacy laws, adding to the regulations of five other states. The move towards federal legislation indicates the advertising sector's wish for consistent rules.

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Microsoft Was Willing to Drop Bing Name to Nab Apple Search Deal, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 2, 2023

At Google's antitrust trial, Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, revealed they considered hiding the "Bing" brand on Apple devices to challenge Google's dominant position.

This is part of a Department of Justice case against Google, which pays billions annually to Apple to remain the default search engine, a spot Microsoft has unsuccessfully tried to clinch.

From 2013-2017, Apple used Bing for Siri and Spotlight but reverted to Google. In 2018, Microsoft discussed rebranding Bing for Safari. By 2020, they even contemplated selling Bing to Apple, an offer Apple declined.

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Meta Floats Charging $14 a Month for Ad-Free Instagram or Facebook, reports WSJ

General

Oct 2, 2023

Meta Platforms proposes charging Europeans a monthly subscription for ad-free Facebook and Instagram access, a bid to navigate around EU rules limiting ad personalisation without explicit user consent.

The plan indicates charges of roughly €10 for desktop and €13 for mobile access. This pivot deviates from CEO Mark Zuckerberg's earlier commitment to keeping core services free, highlighting the industry's shifting monetisation strategies.

It's uncertain whether this proposal will gain EU regulatory approval, with concerns about its alignment with privacy regulations and potential financial implications for users.

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Microsoft CEO says tech giants battling for content to build AI, reports Reuters

General

Oct 2, 2023

Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, has voiced concerns over tech giants, especially Google, signing exclusive content deals crucial for artificial intelligence training, likening this to early distribution deals.

Amidst a U.S. antitrust trial against Google, accusations centre on the tech giant's alleged misuse of its dominant search position, bolstered by significant payments to companies like Apple to remain their default search engine.

Nadella also disclosed Microsoft's unsuccessful bid to establish Bing as Apple's default search engine and underscored Bing's struggle to capture market share, even when pre-set on various devices.

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Walgreens Test of Ad-Enabled Cooler Doors Ends Up in Court, reports WSJ

General

Oct 2, 2023

Walgreens has halted its initiative to replace cooler doors with digital advertising screens after facing technological issues. The tech provider, Cooler Screens, is pursuing legal action against Walgreens, claiming that the pharmacy chain hindered the national deployment of the screens.

In contrast, Walgreens contends that Cooler Screens' technology was flawed and terminated their contract due to non-fulfilment of obligations. The smart cooler screens, designed to showcase ads and product information, faced technical glitches, including freezing, showing incorrect data, and even catching fire.

Cooler Screens attributes these issues to Walgreens' outdated infrastructure and inaccurate stock data, while Walgreens blames the tech company's lack of maintenance.

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ANA Opposes FTC Proposal To Crack Down On Fake Reviews, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 2, 2023

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has challenged the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) proposed regulations on fake online reviews, fearing they may infringe on genuine commercial speech. They advocate for clear guidance over broad rules.

One debated proposal would prevent companies from incentivising positive feedback. The ANA believes that if these reviews are transparently solicited, they aren't necessarily misleading. They suggest transparency through disclaimers could strike a balance.

While the ANA downplays the prevalence of fake reviews, others, including Mozilla, argue the opposite. Mozilla stresses that deceptive reviews have long distorted e-commerce, adversely affecting consumers.

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Spotify boss urges UK to enact tougher regulation of tech gatekeepers, reports FT

General

Oct 2, 2023

Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, has called on the UK government to implement new rules to counter the dominance of major tech companies, taking advantage of the nation's post-Brexit regulatory autonomy.

During his visit to the UK, Ek discussed the forthcoming Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill, aimed at regulating digital market competition and ensuring a level playing field between tech giants and start-ups. He voiced concerns about the overarching control Apple and Google have, likening their dominance to gatekeepers of internet access.

Ek further commented on the EU's antitrust case against Apple, initiated after Spotify's 2019 complaint, emphasising the broader implications for developers.

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European telecom groups ask Brussels to make Big Tech pay more for networks, reports FT

General

Oct 2, 2023

Leading European telecom companies, including BT and Deutsche Telekom, have called on the EU to ensure Big Tech firms, such as Google and Netflix, contribute more for using their networks.

The CEOs, in an open letter, highlighted their vast investments in 5G and fibre networks and stressed the need for tech giants to share the costs, given the traffic they generate.

Despite the push for this 'fair share' initiative in Brussels, tech companies argue they already invest substantially in internet infrastructure and oppose additional charges.

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ChatGPT’s latest update fuels publishers’ concerns about AI chatbots siphoning traffic, reports Digiday

General

Oct 2, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI's ChatGPT has been updated to access real-time internet data, intensifying publishers' concerns over potential reductions in referral traffic. Previously, ChatGPT’s information cutoff in September 2021 had shielded publishers from significant traffic dips.

Although the real-time feature is initially for paying users, it will soon roll out to all. Some publishers appreciate ChatGPT's new source citation, but the overall impact remains uncertain.

Separately, a publishing executive expressed heightened concerns about Google's experiments in AI-generated summaries in search results. Such a feature could lead to significant traffic losses for publishers, affecting their revenues.

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On TikTok, videos promoting steroids are exploding and at times targeting teens, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 29, 2023

The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) has highlighted a concerning rise in TikTok content promoting steroid use to young males, perpetuating unrealistic body expectations.

The study recorded videos amassing over 580 million views, mainly from US males aged 18-24, promoting "steroid-like drugs" known for significant health risks. Despite regulatory warnings, these substances are often marketed as "research chemicals" on TikTok.

Many influencers, with ties to illegal drug-selling sites, profit from promoting these drugs, prompting CCDH to criticise TikTok's governance and call for stricter platform regulation.

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TikTok launches AI-powered creative assistant to streamline ad creation process, reports Search Engine Land

General

Sep 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

TikTok has introduced "Creative Assistant", an AI-driven tool within its Creative Center, aimed at enhancing content creation for advertisers. The virtual assistant offers data-led advice, highlighting best practices, showcasing top-performing ads, and assisting in brainstorming and script refinement based on user queries.

Using the tool, advertisers can obtain insights tailored to their brand, industry, and target audience, streamlining the content creation process and addressing challenges like writer's block.

While a TikTok spokesperson praised the tool's ability to facilitate ideation, they emphasised that users retain full control, using the assistant's suggestions as a creative launchpad.

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Walmart experiments with generative AI to help people shop, reports Axios

General

Sep 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Walmart recently unveiled the potential applications of its generative AI tool for enhancing the shopping experience. Demonstrated in San Francisco, the technology assists customers in visualising products in their homes or on themselves.

One feature is a shopping assistant, set for testing soon, which aids in tasks such as planning events or making product choices. Another use of the AI is generating 3D objects from still images, reducing both costs and creation time compared to traditional methods.

Although tight-lipped about the specific AI technologies they're deploying, Walmart emphasises flexibility in choosing the most efficient tech options, with a history of utilising chatbots from giants like Google and Apple.

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Pentagon Urges AI Companies to Share More About Their Technology, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Craig Martell, the Pentagon's top AI officer, has called for increased transparency in artificial intelligence, specifically regarding large language models (LLMs). He voiced concerns about the "black box" nature of such models, which are fundamental in powering AI tools.

Comparing LLMs to “alien technology", Martell noted that only a few entities, like Microsoft and Google, are currently capable of building them. He emphasised the importance of understanding their construction and potential biases.

In response, a Pentagon symposium is scheduled for February to address these concerns, ensuring that AI's deployment in defence contexts remains accurate and risk-averse.

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UK pushes for greater access to AI’s inner workings to assess risks, reports FT

General

Sep 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The UK government is lobbying AI giants like OpenAI and Google’s DeepMind for deeper access to their technology ahead of an upcoming global AI summit at Bletchley Park. Companies are wary, citing potential risks in revealing proprietary information.

Although firms like DeepMind and Anthropic have shown willingness to share model details, the depth of this access remains uncertain. Central to discussions are "model weights", essential for understanding AI operations but presenting security concerns.

The summit, set in a historical WWII codebreaker base, intends to address pressing AI risks. With the rapid growth of AI, there's a pressing need for regulations and safety protocols.

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Dentsu Brings Keyword Buying To Connected TV To Improve Brand Safety And Targeting, reports AdAge

General

Sep 29, 2023

Dentsu has partnered with ad tech firms to introduce keyword-based contextual targeting to programmatic connected TV (CTV). Their "Contextual Intelligence for CTV", using GumGum’s Verity and Iris.tv, eschews cookies, offering precise keyword targeting at the video level, enhancing traditional methods.

This approach aims to improve brand safety controls in programmatic CTV buying. It prevents potential mismatches, like Procter & Gamble ads appearing alongside unsuitable content.

Akash Jairath of Dentsu Media U.S. emphasises the precision this system offers. Aligning with Global Alliance for Responsible Media standards, it assures advertisers of safety and transparency in CTV ad placements.

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US Supreme Court to weigh state laws constraining social media companies, reports Reuters

General

Sep 29, 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court will review 2021 laws from Texas and Florida, which limit social media platforms' content moderation abilities. Industry groups, including NetChoice, argue these laws infringe on the First Amendment's freedom of speech. Previous rulings varied, with Florida's law largely rejected and Texas's upheld.

Supporters of the laws claim social media platforms suppress especially conservative voices. Conversely, those in favour of moderation highlight its role in stopping misinformation and extremist content.

The central debate questions if the First Amendment shields the editorial choices of these platforms, given their role in managing spam, hate speech, and other harmful content.

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Microsoft executive says Google deals kept Bing small, reports Reuters

General

Sep 28, 2023

At a recent trial concerning the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust case against Google, a Microsoft executive, Jonathan Tinter, disclosed that smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, rejected revenue sharing offers that would have boosted Microsoft's Bing search engine, reinforcing Google's dominant default position on their devices.

The Justice Department alleges Google spends $10 billion annually to ensure its search engine remains the default on various devices, thus exploiting its monopoly on search and specific search advertising sectors.

Tinter highlighted Bing's ongoing struggle to become the default search engine on U.S. smartphones, leading to an inferior search experience due to its limited scale.

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Microsoft-Google Peace Deal Broke Down Over Search on Duo, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 28, 2023

The five-year truce between tech giants Alphabet Inc. and Microsoft Corp. was disrupted in 2020 over conflicts related to their web-search businesses, as revealed during the US government’s antitrust trial against Google.

Despite their non-aggression pact in 2016, tensions arose when Alphabet demanded Microsoft to feature a Google search widget on its Surface Duo smartphone. Microsoft's vice president of business development, Jonathan Tinter, stated that Google prevented Microsoft from guiding users to change the default search engine to Bing.

Although a compromise was reached where both search engines were featured on the Surface Duo device, Tinter highlighted underlying tensions between the companies. The formal peace deal between Microsoft and Google eventually expired in 2021.

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YouTube is generating music videos for white supremacist groups, reports the Washington Post

General

Sep 28, 2023

A recent report highlighted YouTube Music's display of extremist content, including a song with Nazi references, which was preceded by a McDonald's advertisement. The study, by the Anti-Defamation League and Tech Transparency Project, identified YouTube as the leading platform running ads alongside hateful material, with Elon Musk's X in second place, and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram least involved.

Tech companies highlight the challenge of monitoring vast user-generated content. However, Meta demonstrates the feasibility of moderating such content effectively.

Public figures, including Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, have pressed Musk to denounce antisemitism. Google reiterated its stance against promoting hateful content, while X remained non-responsive.

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Small and Midsize Agencies Find Landing New Business Increasingly Difficult, reports AdWeek

General

Sep 28, 2023

RSW/US's survey indicates that agencies, especially smaller ones, face increasing challenges in attracting new business in 2023. Nearly 58% of agencies found it tougher than the previous year, a sharp rise from 28% two years ago.

After the pandemic, agencies saw a temporary surge in opportunities. However, 61% of small to midsize agencies reported reduced business chances in 2023, often resorting to client referrals as a primary growth strategy.

Hiring remains a pressing issue. Only 36% of agencies hired new business directors in the past three years, with many such hires not lasting a full year in their role.

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$84 billion of ad spend lost due to ad fraud in 2023, reports Search Engine Land

General

Sep 28, 2023

Juniper Research predicts ad fraud will cost marketers $84 billion in 2023, which is 22% of online ad expenditure. This figure is set to jump to $170 billion by 2028. Highlighted findings include 30% of mobile ad spend falling victim to fraud in 2023.

Fraud detection technologies, like Fraud Blocker, can discern and combat deceptive ad traffic and impressions, preserving campaign investments.

Elisha Sudlow-Poole from Juniper Research remarked that platforms like Facebook and Google often present an overly positive view of ad campaign outcomes, failing to separate genuine interactions from fraudulent activities.

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Musk ousts X team curbing election disinformation, reports Politico

General

Sep 28, 2023

Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), disbanded a team focused on election disinformation, just days after the EU highlighted X's high false information rate. Musk controversially stated the "Election Integrity" team was actually undermining electoral trust.

Several employees from X's threat-disruption team in Ireland, including senior manager Aaron Rodericks, were reportedly dismissed. Rodericks has since acquired a court injunction against potential punitive measures for supposedly endorsing company-critical tweets.

EU Vice President Vera Jourová warned of significant election interference risks, particularly from Russia. X is obliged to adhere to the EU's Digital Services Act, with breaches potentially resulting in penalties of up to 6% of global annual revenue.

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Mirakl & Havas Announce Global Partnership to Accelerate eCommerce and Retail Media Growth

General

Sep 28, 2023

Mirakl, a leading SaaS platform for digital transformation, has partnered with global communications giant Havas to boost eCommerce and retail media expansion. Utilising Mirakl's AI-backed advertising tech and Havas' expertise, they aim to form a formidable independent retail media network for global brands and retailers.

Retail media's potential lies in monetising the vast majority of site visitors who don't purchase. Mirakl and Havas clients will harness this, especially with Mirakl Ads, optimised for online marketplaces, attracting 1.3 billion monthly visits from top clients.

This collaboration will produce a brand-agnostic platform, allowing retailers to monetise their audiences and brands to refine digital ad strategies on global marketplaces.

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Meta's New Chatbots Could Fuel Manipulative Advertising, Lawmaker Warns, reports MediaPost

General

Sep 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Senator Ed Markey warned Meta about its new chatbots, voicing concerns over increased data collection and blurred lines between ads and content for younger users. He emphasised potential risks, including heightened privacy breaches and the misleading nature of chatbots for the youth.

Markey underscored the negative implications of algorithms, pointing to issues like personal data storage and fostering discrimination. He also highlighted chatbots' potential addictiveness, which could prolong user engagement on platforms.

In response, Meta indicated they are collaborating with the government to set up "responsible guardrails" and are focusing on chatbot safety training.

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Google Advertisers Withdraw Lawsuit Over TrueView Metrics, reports MediaPost

General

Sep 28, 2023

Two advertisers who had earlier accused Google of exaggerating video ad metrics, unexpectedly withdrew their class-action lawsuit against the tech giant. Their decision, taken without prejudice, allows for the possibility of revisiting the issue in another court or at a future date.

The litigation focused on Google's "TrueView" skippable video ads, following a contentious Adalytics report which suggested that up to 80% of TrueView ads on Google's video network violated company standards, with many being auto-played silently or obscured.

Google refuted the report's claims, emphasising that not every served ad results in a charge to advertisers and underscoring their robust monitoring systems to ensure validity.

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States fill the AI legislation void left by Congress, reports Axios

General

Sep 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

In 2023, US state legislatures saw a four-fold increase in AI-related bills compared to 2022, with 191 introduced across 31 states. However, only 14 have been enacted, highlighting states' proactive stance compared to Washington DC. BSA expects a surge in AI laws by 2024.

California often pioneers such legislations, influencing other states. A significant trend sees legislators drawing from European or Californian tech regulations, with deepfakes being a primary concern among the bills.

As state-level AI legislation increases, AI lobbying intensifies, with the aim to set precise guidelines at the state level, rather than waiting for federal direction.

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Reddit will no longer let you opt out of personalized ads, reports The Verge

General

Sep 28, 2023

Reddit is updating its ad personalisation settings, preventing some users from opting out based on their activity. Jutta Williams, Reddit’s head of privacy, says this allows for more relevant ad targeting, given the minimal personal data the platform holds. Most users won't see ad changes and no third-party advertising will occur outside Reddit.

Certain countries might be exempt, possibly to avoid conflicts with the EU's GDPR. Meanwhile, Meta made similar concessions for its European users earlier this year.

Additionally, Reddit is introducing features to limit ads from categories like gambling or dating. The system, combining manual tagging with machine learning, aims to refine its accuracy over time.

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Your website can now opt out of training Google’s Bard and future AIs, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google now offers an option for users to prevent their content from being used to train its Bard AI. By adjusting a setting in their site's robots.txt, they can control web crawler access. This move raises questions about Google's claims of ethical AI development.

Google's VP of Trust, Danielle Romain, suggests this decision aids in improving AI models, portraying it as a cooperative effort. Critics argue this is a belated gesture, as vast data has already been harvested without consent.

In response to such concerns, Medium, among others, has started blocking these crawlers, seeking a more detailed solution.

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Kimberly-Clark Appoints Publicis To Handle US Media, reports AdAge

General

Sep 28, 2023

Kimberly-Clark, the company behind brands such as Kleenex and Huggies, has chosen an integrated team from Publicis for its U.S. media planning and buying from 2024, following a competitive review. The new bespoke solution, named K-C One, will consist of Epsilon, Spark Foundry, and Profitero. Luke Kigel, Kimberly-Clark's North American VP of marketing capabilities, cited shifts in media and consumer behaviour as reasons for the change.

Previously, the account was overseen by WPP’s Mindshare. Kimberly-Clark's 2022 global advertising expenses reached $901 million, with the U.S. contributing significantly, investing $284 million.

Future changes to Kimberly-Clark's global partnerships remain uncertain.

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IAB Tech Lab Announces the Formation of Two New Working Groups: The Privacy Sandbox Task Force and The Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee

General

Sep 28, 2023

IAB Tech Lab has initiated two key working groups: the Privacy Sandbox Task Force and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Subcommittee.

The Privacy Sandbox Task Force will delve into Google Chrome's forthcoming Privacy Sandbox changes, aiming for a comprehensive technical and operational analysis to guide the digital advertising sector. Anthony Katsur, CEO of IAB Tech Lab, highlighted Chrome's market dominance as a driving factor.

Meanwhile, the AI Subcommittee will explore AI's growing influence on digital media, focusing on roadmap development, ethical considerations, and trend analysis, emphasizing AI's transformative potential in content creation, distribution, and consumption.

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Amazon puts media buying business up for review, reports Marketing Brew

General

Sep 28, 2023

Amazon is reviewing its media buying business, as revealed by Marketing Brew. The retail giant invested approximately $20 billion in advertising and promotions in 2022, setting an industry benchmark. This will likely generate significant interest from agencies eager to secure its business.

IPG Mediabrands has been responsible for Amazon's global media buying since 2017. However, when approached for a statement, IPG directed queries to an Amazon representative.

Brad Glasser, an Amazon spokesperson, stated that they regularly assess their collaborations with third-party vendors and might request proposals from interested vendors. Amazon anticipates the forthcoming proposal process and will decide on future actions after evaluating the received proposals.

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Norway seeks to extend ban on Meta’s consentless tracking ads across the EU, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 28, 2023

Norway's data protection agency has petitioned the European Union's European Data Protection Board (EDPB) to determine the legitimacy of Facebook and Instagram's ad targeting without user consent. This could instigate an EU-wide ban on Meta's (formerly Facebook) tracking ads sans consent.

Despite facing daily fines, Meta has resisted the Norwegian directive, unsuccessfully trying to counteract it in an Oslo court. The EDPB is set to make a decision on the issue.

Meta expressed surprise at Norway's stance, highlighting plans to introduce user consent for EU ad targeting. However, no clear timeline for this transition was offered.

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Apple Asks Supreme Court to Reverse App Store Ruling Won by Epic, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 28, 2023

Apple has appealed to the US Supreme Court over a previous decision that could cut its App Store revenues by allowing developers to suggest alternative payment methods. This is a continuation of Apple's long-standing dispute with Epic Games about App Store operations and the 30% commission charged to developers.

Epic Games also recently requested the Supreme Court to review a part of the ruling that deemed the App Store's policies compliant with antitrust laws. Decisions on both appeals could emerge by early next year.

While a 2021 ruling mostly sided with Apple, it did find that Apple contravened California law by not letting developers highlight other payment options.

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Amazon wins court backing for now against EU tech rules' ad clause, reports Reuters

General

Sep 28, 2023

Amazon has secured a temporary victory in its dispute against EU tech regulations that classify it as a 'Very Large Online Platform' (VLOP), which mandates giving researchers and authorities access to its ad repositories for insight into ad targeting.

The company approached the Luxembourg-based General Court in July after EU antitrust regulators in April designated it, along with 18 others, as a VLOP. Amazon sought an interim suspension of the Digital Services Act (DSA) obligations until the Court's final verdict on its VLOP status. The Court's recent decision preserves the existing situation for a set duration.

However, Amazon's secondary application request was rejected by the Court.

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Spotify Is Growing Its Connected TV Ad Business, reports AdAge

General

Sep 28, 2023

Spotify is launching video ads on its connected TV (CTV) apps, starting with a partnership with Roku, aiming to expand its advertising reach on diverse TV platforms. This initiative is part of the newly unveiled Spotify CTV Partner Network, emphasising the increasing significance of CTV in the advertising realm.

Roku and Spotify will jointly sell the video content for Spotify's Roku application. Regina Breslin of Roku highlights this collaboration as a testament to Roku's adaptability and commitment to partner growth.

Spotify will first roll out its 'Video Takeover' product, offering traditional ad breaks and interactive banners. This strategy supports advertiser retargeting across devices, with future expansions hinted.

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US FTC Revives Microsoft-Activision Deal Challenge, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 27, 2023

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continues to challenge Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, despite indications the deal will finalise by 18 October. This comes after a US appeals court upheld the acquisition, set to become the US's largest gaming transaction, with the UK recently signalling approval.

The FTC's reservations arise from concerns that Microsoft might limit access to Activision’s leading games on other platforms. A San Francisco judge has previously ruled in favour of the deal.

Both companies anticipate a successful closure. Analysts believe the FTC's endeavours are unlikely to deter the transaction's completion.

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Ad Trade Orgs Push For Privacy From Different Directions, reports AdExchanger

General

Sep 27, 2023

Top advertising trade bodies, IAB, ANA, and 4A's, converged at AdExchanger’s Programmatic I/O in New York, signalling a united front for a federal privacy law. This follows a previous discord when IAB's CEO, David Cohen, made contentious remarks about industry "extremists."

Each organisation, however, champions its distinct lobbying approach. Cohen favours a confrontational stance, while ANA and 4A’s prefer diplomacy.

The US currently juggles multiple state privacy laws, potentially muddling consumer understanding and increasing business compliance costs. The introduction of a federal law is uncertain, with estimations suggesting a wait of at least four more years.

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Disney’s password-sharing crackdown has begun, reports the Verge

General

Sep 27, 2023

From 1st November, Disney Plus intends to curb password sharing among its Canadian subscribers. The announcement, sent via email, ambiguously mentioned restrictions on sharing account details outside one's household, hinting at a firmer stance rather than an explicit guideline.

The revamped subscriber agreement suggests the company might monitor account usage, and breaches could trigger limitations or even termination. This decision aligns with CEO Bob Iger's previous comments on managing shared accounts and Disney's ability to track sign-ins.

This strategy mirrors Netflix's approach to restrict password sharing. On a brighter note, Canadian subscribers can now avail of a more affordable, ad-supported Disney Plus version.

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Uber Awards OMG The Majority Of Its Global Media Business, reports AdAge

General

Sep 27, 2023

Uber has shifted the majority of its media business to Omnicom Media Group, a transition covering North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. This account involves both Uber's rideshare and delivery sectors. Previously, the account was under GroupM’s Mediacom before its merger with Essence; EssenceMediacom will continue overseeing Uber’s operations in Asia Pacific.

Uber's VP, Marketing, David Mogensen, praised Omnicom for their efficiency, talent, and technological prowess. The ridesharing giant invested $1.7 billion in worldwide advertising in 2022.

This win is a notable achievement for Omnicom, complementing recent partnerships with brands like Beiersdorf, Vans, and Under Armour.

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Apple is ordered to face Apple Pay antitrust lawsuit, reports Reuters

General

Sep 27, 2023

Apple has been directed to face a private antitrust lawsuit over its Apple Pay mobile wallet, with plaintiffs alleging the tech giant enforced a monopolistic hold over tap-and-pay wallets on its devices. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, based in Oakland, California, did, however, dismiss a claim that Apple forced iOS device buyers to exclusively use or forgo Apple Pay.

The class action, led by several credit unions, argues that Apple's restrictive practices result in excessive fees for banks and diminish the drive to enhance Apple Pay's user experience.

Apple countered by highlighting its "nominal" fees and the existence of alternative payment methods.

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Small search firm: Google created hurdles to protect smartphone foothold, reports Reuters

General

Sep 27, 2023

Branch Metrics' founder testified at a U.S. antitrust trial about challenges his company faced due to alleged restrictive actions by Google. This comes amid the ongoing case where the U.S. Justice Department alleges Google (a unit of Alphabet) misused its search monopoly.

Alexander Austin, previously at Branch Metrics' helm, shared how during a 2019 product launch, Samsung expressed concerns over potential conflicts with Google, stemming from Branch's tools. Consequently, Branch had to ensure its in-app searches did not redirect to the web.

The prosecution questioned Google's Anna Kartasheva about emails hinting at Google's apprehensions over Branch Metrics software on smartphones.

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Epic Games asks US Supreme Court to review Apple antitrust case, reports Reuters

General

Sep 27, 2023

Epic Games has approached the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its antitrust case against Apple, aiming to challenge prior judgements favouring the iPhone manufacturer. The contention centres around Apple's App Store policies and its commission fees.

A 2021 trial ruled that Apple's App Store did not contravene antitrust laws. Yet, it identified a rule preventing developers from suggesting alternate payment methods as violating California's unfair competition law.

Despite earlier court decisions being upheld on appeal, Epic is now urging the Supreme Court to shed light on nuanced aspects of antitrust law, while disputing the initial trial's assessment approach.

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Meta is putting AI chatbots everywhere, reports The Verge

General

Sep 27, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has unveiled an AI assistant and AI characters for platforms including WhatsApp and Instagram. The AI, similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT, collaborates with Microsoft's Bing for up-to-date web results and has unique image generation capabilities.

Ahmad Al-Dahle, Meta’s VP of generative AI, based the assistant on the Llama 2 model, enhancing it for deeper, conversational interaction and concise responses.

Alongside the assistant, Meta is releasing 28 animated AI characters, some resembling celebrities. Leveraging its extensive user base, Meta's AI could potentially overshadow other chatbots in popularity.

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Microsoft Says Apple Used Bing Offer as Google Bargaining Chip, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 27, 2023

Microsoft has long attempted to replace Google as the primary search engine on iPhones, but Apple used the prospect of a switch to Bing as a mere "bargaining chip" against Google, claimed Microsoft executive Mikhail Parakhin during the US antitrust trial against Google. Despite discussions as recent as 2021, Microsoft found no success in persuading Apple.

Apple has set Google as Safari's default since 2003, benefitting from a portion of advertising revenue. The US Justice Department suggests this agreement lets Google unlawfully sustain its online search monopoly, which Google disputes.

The revenue Apple derives from this deal is estimated between $4 billion and $7 billion annually.

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Amazon Punishes Seller for Five-Cent Price Cut, Echoing FTC Case, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 27, 2023

Online seller Bernie Thompson frequently receives Amazon's "take action" emails, prompting price adjustments if found cheaper elsewhere. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued Amazon, alleging such practices stifle competitors and inflate consumer prices.

Amazon challenges the lawsuit, asserting their policies are legitimate. Nonetheless, merchants feel pressured to adapt their pricing strategies and logistics decisions due to Amazon's policies, fearing reduced product visibility.

The FTC aims to curtail Amazon's alleged illicit practices. Sellers hope this might enhance competition, allowing alternative platforms to offer discounts. Thompson suggests Amazon's pricing strategy effectively monopolises the market.

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Snap to close AR division for enterprises months after launch, reports Reuters

General

Sep 27, 2023

Snap Inc is closing its recently launched division dedicated to augmented reality (AR) services for businesses amid economic challenges. The decision will lead to approximately 170 job losses.

Launched in March, the AR Enterprise Services (ARES) aimed to expand Snap's revenue sources beyond its primary digital advertising stream. CEO Evan Spiegel highlighted the difficulty in differentiating Snap's AR offerings due to the rise of generative AI, and the significant investment needed to grow the enterprise segment.

Last year, Snap announced plans to cut 20% of its workforce and prioritise refining its sales by discontinuing certain projects, including mobile games.

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Amazon Prime Video Is Pitching Its New Ad Tier To Brands, reports AdAge

General

Sep 27, 2023

Amazon is launching a commercial tier for its Prime Video platform, presenting an expansive streaming ad inventory for brands. According to a pitch deck sent to major advertising companies, Amazon projects that Prime Video ads will engage 115 million monthly U.S. viewers. Advertisers are offered the opportunity to reserve ad slots through premium sponsorships, guaranteed buys, and preferred deals.

Commercials will permeate the platform, even in Amazon Originals. Yet, subscribers can bypass ads by paying an extra fee.

This strategy auto-enrolls Prime members into the ad-tier, intensifying Amazon's position in the streaming landscape by essentially making ads the default, pushing users to opt out.

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TikTok Employees Say Executive Moves to U.S. Show China Parent’s Influence, reports WSJ

General

Sep 27, 2023

TikTok has been striving to confirm its independence from its China-based parent, ByteDance, to U.S. officials. However, recent transfers of high-ranking ByteDance executives to pivotal roles within TikTok have alarmed U.S.-based employees, sparking internal concerns about ByteDance's increasing influence.

Historically, TikTok faced U.S. scrutiny over potential Chinese government data access. The firm has countered with moves like U.S. regional offices and partnerships like Oracle to store user data, bolstering its independent image.

Recent departures of key U.S. TikTok figures and emerging cultural issues, such as extended working hours and language barriers, further complicate the company's dynamics.

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Snapchat is using a custom video game to get closer to its agency partners, reports Digiday

General

Sep 27, 2023

Snapchat has launched "Snapchat Agency Adventure", a custom video game, to bolster ties with the advertising sector. Previously relying on in-person events for agency outreach, the pandemic saw Snapchat pivot to online seminars. They've now resumed in-person showcases, highlighting the game at Horizon Media's Manhattan office.

Designed for ad professionals, the game is web-accessible, mimicking agency operations with mini-games like "Brief Sprint". It incorporates lighthearted agency banter and resources detailing Snapchat’s advertising potential.

The initiative aims to educate agency partners in a novel way. Amid struggles to attract advertising funds in 2023, this move showcases Snapchat's relevance and insight into the gaming scene.

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Microsoft Advertising Network for retail launches in the US, reports Search Engine Land

General

Sep 26, 2023

Microsoft has unveiled its Advertising Network for retail in the US, aiming to streamline retail media campaign creation. The platform offers brands a faster way to launch retail media programs by linking them with relevant demand and expanding offsite reach through co-branded ads.

This move aims to simplify the traditionally intricate process of initiating retail media programs, and introduces an alternative buying path, making the entire process more efficient for retailers.

Paul Longo, Global Head of Retail Media Sales at Microsoft, highlighted their deep understanding of retailer experiences. He stated the new network allows immediate revenue generation and onsite sales enhancement for retailers of all sizes.

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Leading Trade Groups Define Made For Advertising Websites

General

Sep 26, 2023

Made For Advertising

Leading advertising trade bodies, including the ANA, 4A’s, WFA, and ISBA, have defined "Made for Advertising" (MFA) websites, which represent 21% of ad impressions and 15% of ad spend. These sites, designed for buying and selling ad inventory, use clickbait and prioritise ad revenue over content quality.

MFA site features include a high ad-to-content ratio, frequent auto-refreshing ads, autoplay videos, multi-page content slide shows, and a reliance on paid traffic from clickbait sources. Such content is often generic, with templated designs.

The ANA emphasises advertisers' need for discernment, suggesting they assess if MFA sites match their brand standards and campaign suitability.

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Resist Russian disinformation as elections loom, EU tells Big Tech, reports Reuters

General

Sep 26, 2023

European Commission Vice President, Vera Jourova, has pressed tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and TikTok to counter Russia's "weapon of mass manipulation" ahead of European elections. She particularly highlighted Elon Musk's X social platform for its high ratio of fake news content.

Recent disinformation campaigns have targeted elections such as Slovakia's and Poland's parliamentary votes. Companies have reported on their anti-disinformation actions as part of the EU's code of practice.

Jourova emphasised that platforms, including X, are bound by the Digital Services Act's content regulations. Concurrently, Russia has intensified its clampdown on Western social media, branding Meta as "extremist" in March 2022.

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Getty Images gets into the generative AI race with its own image platform, reports Digiday

General

Sep 26, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Getty Images has partnered with Nvidia to launch an AI image generator, leveraging its vast licensed content to produce AI-created images. This move reduces intellectual property risks and offers an edge over competitors.

Distinguishing itself, Getty's AI focuses on its creative portfolio, excluding editorial content. This approach avoids recognising and misusing images of public figures, thus sidestepping potential pitfalls.

Entering the generative AI space, Getty joins peers like Shutterstock and Adobe. With previous content usage disputes in the AI realm, Getty's current direction emphasises rights-respected, reliable AI image generation.

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FTC Sues Amazon for Illegally Maintaining Monopoly Power

General

Sep 26, 2023

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 state attorneys general have sued Amazon, alleging it uses anticompetitive tactics to maintain its monopoly. They argue that Amazon's actions stifle competitors and impact billions in annual sales, affecting millions of shoppers.

FTC Chair Lina M. Khan emphasised that Amazon's practices increase prices and diminish services for both consumers and businesses on its platform. The lawsuit seeks to ensure fair competition.

Key complaints include Amazon punishing sellers for offering lower prices elsewhere and favouring its products in search results. The FTC's goal is a permanent injunction to curb Amazon's anticompetitive behaviour.

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Biggest streaming companies join first official trade group, reports Axios

General

Sep 26, 2023

Leading streaming firms have collaborated to initiate the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA), the sector's inaugural unified coalition, to address growing regulatory challenges as TV consumption transitions digitally.

Headed by past policymakers including Republican Rep. Fred Upton and Democratic FCC acting chair Mignon Clyburn, SIA's board boasts prominent streaming giants like Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The coalition, which aims to differentiate curated streaming content from user-generated platforms in regulatory contexts, notably lacks members like Apple, Amazon, and Roku.

Historically, streamers lacked a collective voice in Washington, with giants like Netflix previously part of now-dissolved associations.

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YouTube relaxes advertiser-friendly guidelines around controversial topics, like abortion, abuse and eating disorders, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 26, 2023

YouTube has updated its advertiser guidelines, allowing content on sensitive topics like abuse and eating disorders to be monetised, if presented non-graphically.

The revised policies particularly target eating disorder content, aligning with YouTube's community standards. These videos can't share triggering details but can have educational intent.

Conor Kavanagh, YouTube's monetisation lead, highlighted that these changes stem from creator feedback and the platform’s commitment to clearer communication regarding policy amendments.

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Google Judge Rules Trial Documents Can Be Posted by US Online, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 26, 2023

US District Judge Amit Mehta has decreed that trial documents in the US Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Google be published online daily.

Google and other involved parties have until 9 p.m. every evening to raise objections about releasing any exhibit from that day's proceedings. The intention is for any concerns to be settled by the following business day.

This high-stakes trial, touted as the most significant against a tech giant since the 1990s Microsoft case, provides a rare insight into Google's operations. Both sides must ensure that public documents don't disclose individuals' personal details.

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Top Apple Executive Defends Favoring Google on iPhones, reports NYT

General

Sep 26, 2023

Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president, defended the choice of Google as iPhone's default search option, citing quality over financial motives.

The US Justice Department claims Google used such deals to block rivals and fortify its search market hold. The Apple-Google partnership, worth $10 billion annually to Apple, is central to this.

This landmark trial unveils influential tech business deals, with Apple and Google's search alliance starting in 2002. Cue played a key role in 2016 renegotiations, but much of the trial details remain concealed.

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Musk's X disabled feature for reporting electoral misinformation, reports Reuters

General

Sep 26, 2023

Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter, has removed a feature allowing users to report political misinformation, states Reset.Tech Australia. This move raises alarm, especially with upcoming major U.S. and Australian votes.

Since its privatisation in 2022, X has been criticised for enabling the spread of hate and misinformation. Musk advocates the "Community Notes" feature as an alternative to fact-checking.

The rise in platform misinformation has been noted by Australian regulatory bodies, pressing X for responsible measures ahead of crucial elections.

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Comscore’s Proximic Launches AI-Powered Contextual Audiences for Programmatic, reports NextTV

General

Sep 26, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Comscore’s Proximic has launched new contextual tools to enhance programmatic campaign targeting across multiple platforms. Utilising Comscore's vast data resources, these tools enable precise demographic and specific show viewing targeting without relying on IDs.

Leveraging Comscore's digital panels, Proximic offers detailed insights into users' content consumption, allowing advertisers to target specific streaming show audiences programmatically.

With the expected end of third-party cookies in 2024, Proximic’s ID-free approach provides a future-proof solution, meeting growing privacy concerns while remaining competitively priced in a saturated market.

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Nielsen Pulls Its Gracenote Data From Rival VideoAmp, Others Mull Alternatives, reports AdAge

General

Sep 26, 2023

Nielsen has withdrawn its Gracenote metadata from rival VideoAmp, a move seen by some as an attempt to hinder competitors and prompting industry reevaluation of data sources.

Vizio's Inscape, a significant provider of smart TV data, plans to transition from Gracenote to TiVo's metadata system, irrespective of ongoing negotiations with Nielsen.

The decision has sparked debate in the industry, raising antitrust concerns. As competitors like VideoAmp adapt to alternatives, the wider impact on the metadata landscape remains to be seen.

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Apple Podcasts adds original programming from Apple Music, Apple News+ and other apps, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 26, 2023

Audio Advertising

Apple has revamped its Podcasts app with the iOS 17 release, introducing a refreshed design and features like full-screen artwork, streamlined queues, and support for iPhone's new StandBy mode. Additionally, subscribers to services like Apple Music and Apple News+ will have access to over 60 original podcasts within the app.

The tech giant introduced a new API, allowing third-party apps with subscriptions to integrate their premium audio content directly into Apple Podcasts. This will centralise various audio content forms, from podcasts to guided meditations.

Early adopters of this integration feature include renowned names such as Bloomberg, The Economist, and The Washington Post, facilitating a more cohesive listening experience for users.

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iSpot Gets MRC Accreditation For Its Ad Catalog, In Possible Step Toward Broader Audit, reports AdAge

General

Sep 26, 2023

ISpot.tv has achieved accreditation from the Media Rating Council (MRC) for its ad occurrence catalog, potentially positioning it closer to Nielsen's status in the ad metrics industry. Launched in 2012, this tool assists marketers in monitoring ad activities.

Though current MRC accreditation doesn't extend to iSpot's audience measurement service, it may suggest future inclusion. iSpot CEO, Sean Muller, emphasised the value of third-party data validation and expressed hopes for broader audits.

Several networks use iSpot's metrics without MRC endorsement. Additionally, iSpot, Comscore, and VideoAmp recently secured conditional certification from the U.S. Joint Industry Committee, distinct from MRC's process.

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Ad Association forms AI Taskforce, reports The Media Leader

General

Sep 26, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The UK's Advertising Association (AA) has initiated a new AI Taskforce, aiming to align policy on artificial intelligence within advertising. Google's Yves Schwarzbart and VCCP's Alex Dalman will co-chair the group, both representing organisations within the AA's Front Foot network.

Their mission revolves around establishing ethical guidelines for AI usage in advertising, ensuring it remains transparent, lawful, and truthful. The Taskforce seeks to work alongside the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Meeting quarterly for at least a year, the initiative underscores the global significance of ethical AI use in advertising, drawing from a diverse pool of industry experts.

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Spotify will not ban AI-made music, says boss, reports BBC

General

Sep 26, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, stated he won't ban AI-generated content on the platform. However, using AI to mimic artists without consent is unacceptable. An AI-cloned track featuring Drake and The Weeknd was removed earlier this year, highlighting the platform's stance.

The use of AI in music has sparked debate. Irish musician Hozier questioned if AI-produced content qualifies as genuine "art". Many artists are expressing reservations about AI's role in creative processes.

Ek also touched on Spotify's podcast investments, revealing mixed outcomes with high-profile figures. He further discussed challenges faced with Apple and Google's app store policies and their effect on Spotify's operations.

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YouTube is axing its ad-free Premium Lite subscription plan, reports The Verge

General

Sep 26, 2023

YouTube is discontinuing its Premium Lite subscription, previously offered in selected European countries for €6.99 a month since 2021. This tier allowed ad-free viewing without the full benefits of the Premium package.

From 25th October 2023, Premium Lite users must decide between the ad-supported YouTube or the costlier YouTube Premium. YouTube is offering them a free one-month trial of Premium.

The termination of Premium Lite has left many European subscribers disappointed, as it was an ideal option for those wanting ad-free viewing without additional Premium perks.

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TikTok Shopping Ambitions Face Blow as Indonesia Plans Curbs, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 26, 2023

TikTok faces challenges in Indonesia as new regulations hinder its e-commerce ambitions. Indonesia's decision bans direct e-commerce payments on social media, directly impacting TikTok, the only platform facilitating such transactions.

This legislation aims to shield Indonesia's vast number of smaller businesses from overshadowing by large social commerce platforms. It sets a crucial precedent in Southeast Asia for TikTok's global expansion.

While TikTok argues these rules hamper innovation, traditional online retailers, like Sea Ltd.'s Shopee, could benefit from these constraints, indicating a shifting e-commerce landscape.

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IPG Mediabrands Consolidates Tech Shops Reprise and Matterkind Into the Kinesso Brand, reports AdWeek

General

Sep 25, 2023

Agency Management

IPG Mediabrands has merged its subsidiaries, Matterkind and Reprise, into Kinesso to streamline operations. Previously, these brands each had distinct roles, leading to workflow inefficiencies among their three media agencies: UM, Initiative, and Mediahub.

By centralising its technology under Kinesso, Mediabrands intends to simplify its structure and provide consistent tech solutions for its clients, eliminating past redundancies and inconsistencies.

This restructuring mirrors industry trends, as holding companies like WPP undergo similar consolidations to adapt to changing media landscapes. The move aims to help agencies focus on strategic value-add tasks and better compete against specialist firms.

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Former Googler: Google is using clicks in rankings, reports Search Engine Land

General

Sep 25, 2023

Eric Lehman, a former Google employee, testified in the U.S. vs. Google antitrust trial about Google's use of clicks in search rankings. He emphasised the growing importance of Google's machine learning systems, BERT and MUM, over user data.

Lehman clarified a distinction between "training data", which is crucial for BERT, and regular user search data. He pointed out that Google's edge comes from inventing BERT, not just its vast user data.

Though Google tracks user clicks in Search, it's not necessarily a direct ranking factor. Instead, clicks might be used to refine search results and improve ranking systems.

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Facebook can be sued over biased ad algorithm, says court, reports the Verge

General

Sep 25, 2023

Diversity & Inclusion

A California appeals court has ruled that Facebook can face lawsuits over its allegedly discriminatory advertising algorithm. This decision originates from a 2020 lawsuit accusing Facebook of withholding insurance ads from women and older users, breaching civil rights.

The case spotlighted Samantha Liapes, 48, who believed Facebook's algorithm concealed insurance ads due to her age and gender. The court compared Facebook’s advertising tools to Roommates.com, suggesting Facebook shapes, rather than just shares, content.

Facebook's ad system has been previously criticised; a 2018 claim accused them of housing discrimination, leading to a 2022 settlement with the US government.

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Shopify Audiences Adds Criteo, Its First Open Web Ads Partner, reports AdExchanger

General

Sep 25, 2023

Shopify Audiences has broadened its partnerships to include platforms like TikTok, Snap, and Criteo. Initially paired with Google and Meta, this expansion hints at greater collaboration with ad tech partners.

The platform serves as a data modelling hub, presenting custom audiences without user-specific data, reducing privacy risks. Its value for Shopify lies in boosting merchant sales and encouraging upgrades to their 'Plus' subscription tier.

Criteo's integration offers mutual advantages. While Shopify doesn't provide closed-loop attribution, partners can utilise its robust first-party datasets. For Criteo, this means potential growth and an enhanced platform for data-driven campaigns.

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Marketers Maintain Focus on Diversity Despite Outside Pressures, reports WSJ

General

Sep 25, 2023

Diversity & Inclusion

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's decision against affirmative action, companies like Procter & Gamble and Microsoft are upholding their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Both major and smaller firms are emphasising diverse collaborations and seeking external DEI expertise for business decisions.

However, this stance on DEI has sparked legal challenges, with opponents suggesting some practices might be unconstitutional. Companies, including Amazon and Starbucks, are facing lawsuits challenging their DEI initiatives.

Many marketers view DEI as vital for engaging diverse consumers. Retracting from these practices could risk ignoring significant societal shifts in consumer demographics.

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Snap partners with Microsoft on ads in its My AI chatbot feature, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 25, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Snapchat is teaming up with Microsoft to embed adverts in its AI chatbot, My AI. Users conversing with My AI might encounter Sponsored Links, which provide recommendations in line with their discussions.

These ads are powered by Microsoft Advertising's Ads for Chat API, allowing for timely and relevant user engagement. The API also grants third-party partners like Snapchat the ability to customise their ad experiences.

As Microsoft's ad endeavours grow, it emerges as a formidable rival to Google in the advertisement sector. This collaboration might prompt younger users to use AI chats over conventional search engines for product and service queries.

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Yelp wants Google's lawyers tossed from US antitrust case, reports Reuters

General

Sep 25, 2023

Yelp and the News/Media Alliance have urged a U.S. judge to disallow law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison from representing Google in a Justice Department ad tech lawsuit. They contend the firm has a conflict, having previously advocated for them on related issues.

The dispute highlights concerns over ethics in antitrust litigation against Google. Yelp engaged Paul Weiss in 2016 for antitrust counsel, with the Justice Department's current antitrust head, Jonathan Kanter, part of their team.

This legal tug-of-war comes as Google faces multiple U.S. antitrust cases. The ad tech case trial is set to start next year.

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Spotify will use AI to replicate podcasters' voices and translate them to other languages, reports CNBC

General

Sep 25, 2023

Audio Advertising

Spotify introduced an AI feature, powered by OpenAI, translating podcasts into other languages while preserving the host's voice. The aim is an authentic listening experience.

Initial collaborations involve podcasters like Dax Shepard, with episodes translated into Spanish, French, and German. Spanish leads the rollout, with other languages following.

Cost details are undisclosed, but Spotify aims to expand this globally, hinting at broader plans for the technology.

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Media.Monks applies AI to generate highlights, new media content for Gen Z, reports Digiday

General

Sep 25, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

S4 Capital's Media.Monks is crafting an AI tool for custom Gen Z content. By analysing live broadcasts, the technology produces personalised short-form media, responding to a surge in demand for tailored content among younger viewers.

Backed by networking and software from tech giants such as Nvidia and Amazon Web Services, Media.Monks extends its innovative reach. Their versatile system, already utilised in NBA VR projects, addresses diverse content needs, spanning from sports to film trailers.

The industry recognises AI’s potential for content creation, expediting processes such as video editing to meet a growing demand for concise, tailored content.

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Amazon to invest up to $4bn in AI start-up Anthropic, reports FT

General

Sep 25, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon plans to invest an initial $1.25bn in AI start-up Anthropic, with an option to increase it to $4bn. The move aims to challenge tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia in the AI space. Anthropic will use Amazon's cloud computing and AI chips for its models.

The deal marks a shift for Anthropic away from Google, its previous investor. The start-up, last valued at nearly $5bn, is a significant competitor to OpenAI.

Amazon's investment underscores its ambition to be a key player in generative AI. The deal also positions Amazon's AI chips as alternatives to Nvidia's for training generative AI models.

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UK press slams axing of Facebook News as urgent threat to democracy, reports FT

General

Sep 23, 2023

News Publishing

British newspaper groups, represented by the News Media Association (NMA), have criticised Meta for discontinuing Facebook News and ending funding for UK local journalism. The NMA warned the decision is an "urgent threat to democracy" and financially harmful for newspapers.

Meta said the move aligns with efforts to focus on "products and services people value the most," stating that news content comprises less than 3% of global Facebook feeds.

The NMA, which oversees a £4bn news media sector, has called for a meeting with Meta to discuss how the social media giant can continue to support credible news distribution.

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Microsoft heralds a new age of AI copilots across hardware, software and advertising, reports Digiday

General

Sep 22, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft has introduced Microsoft Copilot, a unified AI assistant, at its recent New York event. Copilot aims to assist users across apps and platforms and is set to debut in the next Windows 11 update.

The event also showcased AI advancements in Bing Chat and Microsoft 365, including new ad formats to aid advertisers in guiding consumer choices.

Industry experts note that these AI features will enable Microsoft to create targeted user profiles for advertising, helping it to compete more effectively with tech giants like Google and Amazon.

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Google denies manipulating ad auctions in resurfaced SMX Advanced clip, reports Search Engine Land

General

Sep 22, 2023

In 2015, Google's Jerry Dischler denied manipulating ad auctions. However, in a 2023 antitrust trial, he admitted that Google often altered its ad auction strategies, sometimes hiking prices by up to 10% without notifying advertisers.

Tinuiti’s VP, Andy Taylor, who had previously suspected such practices, underscored the importance of Google's transparency in ad pricing. Dischler later linked these auction adjustments to pressures of meeting revenue targets set by Google's CFO.

In response, Google emphasised that ad costs arise from real-time auctions and that their continuous tweaks aim to better the experience for advertisers and users alike.

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US Supreme Court extends pause on order curbing Biden social media contacts, reports Reuters

General

Sep 22, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has extended a temporary block on an order limiting the Biden administration's efforts to have social media companies remove COVID-19 misinformation. The extension allows the court more time, until 27 September, to consider whether the government's actions violate free speech protections.

The original lawsuit came from the Republican attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana. They claim the administration has been unlawfully suppressing conservative voices on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.

The Biden administration argues it is merely aiming to mitigate the spread of misinformation, stating that its actions are in line with the platforms' own policies.

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Amazon Plans Commercial Breaks for Prime Video, reports Variety

General

Sep 22, 2023

Amazon Prime Video will introduce TV commercials in early 2024, starting with the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Canada. Users can opt for an ad-free version at an extra monthly cost.

The move aligns with a trend among streaming services to adopt traditional TV revenue models. It allows Amazon to fund investments like its MGM Studios acquisition.

Experts caution that the introduction of ads to streaming platforms must be handled carefully to avoid alienating subscribers used to ad-free experiences.

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UK regulator provisionally approves Microsoft’s $75bn Activision deal, reports FT

M&A

Sep 22, 2023

Microsoft's $75bn bid to acquire Activision Blizzard has won provisional approval from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The approval comes after Microsoft amended the deal to address antitrust concerns, notably by agreeing to sell Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft.

The CMA stated that the revisions should allay its remaining concerns. Its consultation on the matter will continue until October 6, with a final decision expected by October 18.

The provisional nod is significant, as other regulatory bodies like the EU and the US had already cleared the deal, making the CMA's decision a key remaining hurdle.

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UK bolts US data bridge deal onto EU-US Data Privacy Framework, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 21, 2023

The UK government has confirmed the "U.K.-U.S. data bridge," a data transfer extension built on an existing EU-U.S. deal. The move aims to ease digital commerce and assures data protection in line with UK GDPR, effective from 12 October.

The arrangement stems from Brexit, ironically relying on an EU framework in which the UK had no input.

The deal's longevity is questioned due to potential legal challenges facing the EU's data framework. If the EU deal collapses, the fate of the UK's extension would be uncertain.

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Rupert Murdoch steps down as Fox and News Corp. chairman, sending shockwaves through media and politics, reports CNN

General

Sep 21, 2023

Leadership Transitions

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corporation, a move with potential ripple effects in both the media industry and politics. Murdoch, 92, will be succeeded by his eldest son, Lachlan, who is currently the CEO of Fox Corporation.

The decision comes at a critical time for the media sector, which is grappling with the transition from traditional platforms to streaming services. It also coincides with ongoing legal challenges for Fox News relating to its coverage of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Lachlan Murdoch's appointment is seen as a continuation of the companies' right-wing editorial stance. This comes ahead of the U.S. 2024 presidential race, putting the spotlight on the media empire's influence on American politics.

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Magnite Introduces New CTV DSP Integrations with The Trade Desk and Yahoo

General

Sep 21, 2023

Magnite is improving supply path optimisation by integrating its video ad server, SpringServe, with The Trade Desk's OpenPath and Yahoo Backstage. The update aims to create scalable connections between digital advertisers and publishers.

Publishers can now access demand via these demand-side platforms (DSPs) without compromising their business rules. This streamlines the programmatic buying process while offering publishers more flexibility.

The integrations will not affect Magnite's advanced features like deal management and optimisations. This move is aimed at simplifying the digital advertising ecosystem for publishers.

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DuckDuckGo says market share constrained by rival Google's huge wallet, reports Reuters

General

Sep 21, 2023

DuckDuckGo's CEO Gabriel Weinberg testified in a U.S. antitrust trial that Google's large-scale contracts have stifled his search engine's market growth. Weinberg aimed to support claims that Google uses its financial strength to suppress smaller rivals.

Despite interest from companies, Weinberg said efforts to make DuckDuckGo the default search engine were thwarted by Google's contracts. He deemed entering Google's market—a firm spending $10 billion annually on default positions—a "quixotic exercise."

The trial forms part of a broader U.S. scrutiny into Google's alleged abuse of its dominant position in search to corner the lucrative advertising market.

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TikTok is testing a partnership with Google as it looks to beef up its search features, reports Insider

General

Sep 21, 2023

TikTok is testing a feature that allows users to search Google.com within its app. The move is not an advertising scheme but an integration effort, according to TikTok.

This partnership has the potential to drive significant traffic and ad revenue for both Google and TikTok, particularly among younger audiences. Financial details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed.

The trial comes as Google faces competition from platforms like TikTok in the search advertising market. For TikTok, the Google integration could enhance user retention and provide valuable data as it expands its e-commerce capabilities.

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Top GOP senator teams up with key Dem on light-touch AI bill, reports Politico

General

Sep 21, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

U.S. Senators John Thune and Amy Klobuchar are drafting a bill to require companies to assess the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The proposed legislation aims for a "light-touch" approach to AI governance, in contrast to what Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to endorse.

IBM's AI policy executive, Ryan Hagemann, has already expressed support for the bill, citing its balanced approach between leniency and regulation.

The legislation is seen as urgently needed by some senators, especially for governing AI in sectors like credit rating. Official introduction of the bill is expected soon.

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UN deadlocked over regulating AI, reports Axios

General

Sep 21, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The UN General Assembly has shown little promise for global AI regulation, with Secretary-General António Guterres suggesting that the UN lacks the power to spearhead such efforts.

In the absence of UN leadership, the UK has invited China to an upcoming AI safety summit, marking a departure from forums like the G-7 and OECD, which traditionally exclude China.

Experts stress the need for universally "safe and transparent" AI systems. In lieu of UN action, it's likely that a mix of national governments, organisations, and academics will take the lead in AI governance.

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Apple's Steve Jobs Disciple and Google Defector to Get Spotlight at Search Trial, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 21, 2023

Two high-ranking Apple executives, Eddy Cue and John Giannandrea, are set to testify in the US Department of Justice's antitrust trial against Google. The focus is on a search agreement between Google and Apple, which could potentially stifle competition.

The Justice Department highlights that Google pays Apple $4-7 billion annually to remain the default search engine on Apple devices. This deal aligns the interests of both tech giants, raising questions about market competition.

Eddy Cue's prior experience in antitrust cases adds another layer to the trial. His and Giannandrea's testimonies could be pivotal in determining Google's market influence.

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TikTok’s Strict Data Rules Are Keeping Researchers From Studying the App, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 21, 2023

TikTok is offering its API to researchers but the strict terms of service are causing hesitancy in academia. Rules include advance research notice and pre-publication review by TikTok, stricter than similar platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

Despite these terms, TikTok claims a commitment to supporting independent research. The platform also requires frequent data refreshing and deletion after study, which may hamper ongoing research.

The uneasy relationship between researchers and social media isn't new, but TikTok's increasing influence makes scrutiny crucial. Researchers urge more flexible terms for meaningful studies, particularly given the platform's societal impact.

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Paramount To Help Brands Create Influencer Content Around Super Bowl And Other Sporting Events, reports AdAge

General

Sep 21, 2023

Influencer Marketing

Paramount is introducing CBS Sports Creator Studio to offer brands custom social advertising featuring athletes during events like the Super Bowl. The studio provides three options: influencer content for major events, behind-the-scenes content with CBS Sports talent, and sport-specific content with independent influencers.

The move follows Paramount's increased focus on social media, including its acquisition of influencer agency WhoSay in 2018. With significant social engagement figures, Paramount aims to capitalise on its large influencer network.

The initiative caters to various budget scales, aiming to expand Paramount's advertiser base from big brands to smaller businesses.

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Google Emails, Memos Hidden From Web as DOJ Caves to Pressure, reports Bloomberg

General

Sep 21, 2023

The US Department of Justice has removed public access to internal Google documents used in its ongoing antitrust lawsuit. The decision followed Google's objections, making it harder for the public to track the case.

Judge Amit Mehta, overseeing the trial, has not yet decided whether to make these exhibits publicly available again. Google had expressed concerns about revealing employees' personal information.

This move marks a departure from the transparency seen in past tech antitrust cases, such as Microsoft's in the 1990s. Neither party has clarified when or if the documents will be re-released.

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Google To Let Advertisers Converse With AI-undefinedd Ad Platform, reports MediaPost

General

Sep 20, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google is testing a new "conversational experience" for advertisers, aiming to simplify ad campaign creation. The pilot has received positive feedback for time-saving and inspiring new campaign ideas. The feature will soon enter beta testing in the U.S. and the U.K.

Other firms like Merkle have developed similar text-based conversational platforms that integrate varied data types to inform advertising strategies.

Alongside this, Google has launched an opt-in feature that uses AI to automatically create assets for Search Ads. This allows for customised, context-based headlines and descriptions, enhancing campaign performance with minimal effort.

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Biden’s campaign set to counterpunch on misinformation, reports Politico

General

Sep 20, 2023

Joe Biden's 2024 campaign is ramping up efforts to tackle social media misinformation. Led by former White House digital strategist Rob Flaherty, the campaign is recruiting staff and volunteers to monitor false claims and push back with accurate information.

The initiative comes amid concerns that social media platforms are less willing to police political content. The campaign will focus on misinformation about Biden's past, voter suppression efforts, and the Covid-19 vaccine push.

The move highlights the changing strategy for political campaigns in an evolving digital landscape, with less reliance on social media platforms to regulate content.

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ID5 Collaborates with Microsoft Advertising to Empower Publishers to Embrace the Cookieless Era

General

Sep 20, 2023

User Identifiers

ID5 and Microsoft Advertising have partnered to distribute the ID5 ID via Microsoft Monetise, enhancing publishers' ability to monetise audiences in a cookieless environment. The collaboration aims to support publishers in delivering personalised ads without compromising on user privacy, especially as third-party cookies phase out.

ID5’s Universal ID is designed in compliance with GDPR, safeguarding both user data and publishers' data through encryption mechanisms. This enables publishers using Microsoft Monetise to make their cookieless inventory more attractive to potential buyers.

The partnership signifies a strategic move to innovate within the digital advertising landscape, helping publishers adapt to the cookieless future while respecting user privacy.

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Google rolls out automatically created assets to all advertisers, reports Search Engine Land

General

Sep 20, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google has extended its Automatically Created Assets (ACA) feature to include seven new languages, after initially being available only in English. The feature enhances search ads by auto-generating custom headlines and descriptions.

Advertisers can enable ACAs via their campaign settings or through the Recommendations page. However, using ACAs means relinquishing some control to Google's AI, which could be problematic for regulated industries.

According to Google, the next development will incorporate generative AI into ACAs for English-language assets in the US and UK, aiming to better tailor ads to user queries.

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Microsoft Advertising launches new video ad product, reports Search Engine Land

General

Sep 20, 2023

Microsoft Advertising has launched Video and Connected TV (CTV) ads, a feature for creating video campaigns directly on its platform. The service uses machine learning and first-party data to target specific audiences.

The new offering simplifies the advertising process by removing set-up fees and long onboarding. Advertisers can quickly upload video assets and set their target demographics.

Ads will be displayed across multiple platforms like Microsoft Start, MSN, and CNN. The service is initially available in the U.S., with plans for a broader rollout.

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