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Comcast and Disney Move Up Hulu Sale Talks Date to Sept. 30, Roberts Claims Hulu Worth Well More Than $30 Billion, reports Variety

M&A

Sep 6, 2023

Comcast and Disney have accelerated the timeline for discussing the sale of Comcast's one-third stake in Hulu. Initially scheduled for January 2024, the talks will now take place on 30th September this year. Disney owns the remaining two-thirds of Hulu.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts suggests that the "synergies" around Hulu could make it worth $30 billion, up from a previous estimate of $27.5 billion. He described the lower figure as "hypothetical," stating that the platform has gained significantly in value.

Roberts also indicated that proceeds from the sale would be returned to Comcast shareholders.

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Norway court rules against Facebook owner Meta in privacy case, reports Reuters

General

Sep 6, 2023

A Norwegian court has ruled that Meta Platforms, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, can be fined for breaching user privacy. The company has been fined one million crowns ($93,200) per day for using user data in targeted advertising.

The decision could set a precedent in Europe if Norway's data regulator, Datatilsynet, refers the case to the European Data Protection Board. This could make the fine permanent and EU-wide.

Meta had argued that the regulator's actions were disproportionate, but the court rejected these claims. The company is now considering its next steps.

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4A’s Urges Agencies To Stand Against Long Payment Terms, reports AdAge

General

Sep 6, 2023

Agency Management

The 4A's, a U.S. ad agency trade group, warns against extended payment terms of 120-180 days pushed by marketers. The group argues that such terms are unsustainable and warns against supply chain financing, which places the interest burden on agencies.

The report states the pandemic has normalised long payment terms, adding cash-flow stress to agencies. About 75% of an agency's costs are fixed, like salaries, making it hard to mitigate the impact of delayed payments.

4A's CEO Marla Kaplowitz insists agencies shouldn't act as banks for clients and cautions that such terms could be particularly harmful to small agencies.

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Roku Laying Off 10% of Employees, Will Take up to $65 Million Charge to Remove Streaming Content, reports Variety

General

Sep 6, 2023

Roku is laying off 10% of its workforce, over 300 employees, in its third round of cuts in less than a year. The streaming company also plans to limit new hires.

As part of a "strategic review," Roku will remove selected content, incurring a $65 million impairment charge this quarter. The firm is also consolidating office space and reducing other expenses.

Despite the cuts, Roku's Q3 net revenue is expected to be between $835 million and $875 million. The adjustments aim to better control operational costs amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

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Google reaches tentative settlement in US Play Store lawsuit, reports Reuters

General

Sep 6, 2023

Google has tentatively settled a U.S. class-action suit claiming its Play Store overcharged customers and violated antitrust laws. The lawsuit, involving over 30 states, requested that a November trial be cancelled. Details of the settlement are undisclosed.

The settlement awaits court approval. Google is also embroiled in similar antitrust lawsuits concerning its Android apps and in-app sales.

Epic Games, involved in a comparable case, is not part of this settlement. CEO Tim Sweeney indicated Epic's stance would hinge on whether Google's in-app sales commission, often called the 'Google tax,' remains intact.

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TikTok opens Dublin data centre to ease China spying fears, reports BBC

General

Sep 5, 2023

TikTok has launched its first European data centre in Dublin to mitigate concerns over data privacy and its ties to China. The centre will store data from over 150 million European users, with plans for additional centres in Ireland and Norway.

To bolster security, TikTok has partnered with NCC Group for independent cybersecurity audits, a move aimed at exceeding European regulatory requirements.

Named "Project Clover," this initiative follows bans on TikTok by European institutions due to cybersecurity concerns. TikTok aims to engage with European policymakers to further explain the system.

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FTC Antitrust Suit Against Amazon Set for Later This Month After Meeting Fails to Resolve Impasse, reports WSJ

General

Sep 5, 2023

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to sue Amazon for antitrust violations, as the company offered no concessions to avert litigation. The lawsuit will focus on Amazon's treatment of third-party sellers and its own products.

The suit may propose "structural remedies," potentially leading to a company breakup. It aims to scrutinise practices like Amazon's logistics programme and third-party seller pricing.

This legal action will be a landmark for FTC Chair Lina Khan, known for her criticisms of Amazon's market power. The FTC did not specify what concessions might have prevented the lawsuit.

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Big Tech gears up for Digital Markets Act, reports Politico

General

Sep 5, 2023

Big Tech is bracing for the European Union's forthcoming Digital Markets Act (DMA), set for enforceability in March 2024. Insiders suggest that the European Commission has been relatively quiet as the DMA's designation deadline nears.

Major firms like Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are expected to be classified as "gatekeepers," making platforms like Google Search and Instagram subject to new rules. Samsung and Bytedance have also identified themselves as potential gatekeepers.

The DMA criteria include 45 million monthly EU users, a turnover of at least €7.5 billion in the last three years, and a market cap above €75 billion.

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Meta to drop Facebook News tab in some European countries, reports Reuters

General

Sep 5, 2023

News Publishing

Meta Platforms will axe its 'Facebook News' feature in the UK, France, and Germany later this year. Although users can still view news article links and publishers maintain account access, new commercial deals for news content will not be initiated.

The move comes amid global legislative pressure for Big Tech to share more ad revenue with news publishers. Meta notes that news forms less than 3% of global Facebook feeds, suggesting it's a minor part of the user experience.

The company has also started blocking news on its platforms in Canada, following a new law demanding payment to news publishers. Similar legislation exists in Australia.

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YouTube Data And Partner Sites Need More Scrutiny, MRC Says, reports AdAge

General

Sep 5, 2023

The Media Rating Council (MRC) is eyeing an audit of YouTube's first-party co-viewing data. This follows allegations that YouTube misdirects ad spends to low-quality sites. YouTube, although yet to agree to the audit, says it's committed to metric accreditation.

The move is partly triggered by a contentious Adalytics report, which YouTube disputes. Preliminary MRC analysis suggests low risk but indicates that Google's market size makes even small issues significant.

The scrutiny joins a wider industry debate about the efficacy of digital advertising audits, affecting not just YouTube but also platforms like Meta and Amazon.

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PHD Worldwide Names New CEO, reports AdAge

General

Sep 5, 2023

Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has named Guy Marks as the new CEO of PHD Worldwide, effective 1st October. He will report to OMG Global CEO Florian Adamski.

Marks, former CEO of OMG for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, joined the company in 2014. He notably expanded OMG's analytics and cloud consultancy services across global markets.

He succeeds Philippa Brown, who leaves after 16 years with OMG to pursue independent consulting. A successor for Marks' previous role is expected to be announced next week.

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Malaysia mulls rules for Google and Meta to pay news outlets for content, reports Reuters

General

Sep 5, 2023

News Publishing

Malaysia is considering new regulations that would require internet giants like Google and Meta Platforms to pay news outlets for their content. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is in talks with these companies to establish a framework similar to Australia's 2021 regulations.

The proposals also include elements of Canada's Bill C-11, aiming to regulate streaming platforms and mandate support for local content. The regulations are part of broader efforts to balance income between digital platforms and local media.

This move comes amid Malaysia's heightened scrutiny of online content under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who took office last November.

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Publishers’ workforce diversity reports released this summer show steady improvement in newsroom diversity, reports Digiday

General

Sep 5, 2023

Diversity & Inclusion

Gannett, Insider, and The Washington Post have reported modest gains in newsroom diversity but little overall change. The Washington Post's newsroom is now 63% white, down 3% from last year.

Gender diversity saw slight improvement. Gannett reported a 1% rise in female employees, while The Washington Post noted a 2% increase in its news and editorial departments.

BuzzFeed and The Los Angeles Times have yet to publish this year's diversity reports, both undergoing organisational changes.

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X’s brand safety efforts called into question as MRC and TAG credentials hang in the balance, reports Digiday

General

Sep 4, 2023

X, formerly Twitter, is grappling with brand safety issues, hindered by owner Elon Musk's actions and a lack of clear leadership in its brand safety team. Accreditation from regulatory bodies like the Media Rating Council (MRC) is delayed, casting doubts on the platform's credibility.

Internal chaos seems to stall progress; key roles in the brand safety department are reportedly vacant. Without these roles filled, achieving necessary accreditations appears unlikely, further undermining trust.

Despite some efforts to improve, X has not regained advertiser confidence. Marketers remain cautious, leaving the platform's advertising future uncertain.

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Apple and Microsoft fight Brussels over gatekeeper label for iMessage and Bing, reports FT

General

Sep 4, 2023

Apple and Microsoft are challenging the EU's forthcoming Digital Markets Act (DMA), which seeks to regulate major tech platforms as "gatekeepers." Both argue that certain services, like Apple's iMessage and Microsoft's Bing, aren't dominant enough to warrant such designation.

Microsoft claims Bing's 3% market share shouldn't subject it to the same rules as Google Search. Apple argues that iMessage, despite its large global user base, doesn't meet the EU's required user threshold for regulation.

The DMA aims to level the digital playing field and will fully implement next spring. Other tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta are also expected to be impacted.

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TikTok's EU Changes Set to Impact Advertiser Experience, reports AdWeek

General

Sep 4, 2023

To align with the EU's Digital Services Act, TikTok has updated its policies for its 134 million European users. Changes include an option to disable content personalisation and new ad restrictions for minors.

Experts warn these measures could sideline niche creators while benefiting major influencers. The changes aim to make the platform more advertiser-friendly but could dilute user-specific content.

Overall, the updates are seen as steps towards transparency and safety, likely to attract more risk-averse advertisers to the platform.

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EU: Tech firms fail to tackle Russian propaganda, reports BBC

General

Sep 2, 2023

The EU Commission has reported that social media platforms are failing to curb Russian disinformation, particularly highlighting an increase on X, previously Twitter, since Elon Musk took over.

The report also cited inconsistent enforcement of terms of service across languages, and claimed this was exacerbated by Musk's weakening of Twitter's safety measures.

Had the EU's recent Digital Services Act been active earlier, these platforms would have potentially faced legal breaches and fines. The Act demands more aggressive policing of content, including disinformation, from platforms with at least 45 million monthly users.

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Walmart pays $3.5 billion to increase stake in India’s Flipkart, reports TechCrunch

M&A

Sep 2, 2023

Walmart has spent $3.5 billion in H1 2023 to increase its stake in Indian firms Flipkart and PhonePe. This contrasts with Amazon's scaled-back investment plans in India.

Walmart now owns about 80% of Flipkart and continues to invest, while Amazon plans to invest less than $2.5 billion in its Indian e-commerce platform over seven years.

The aggressive investment underscores Walmart's confidence in India as a key global market, highlighted by strong growth figures for Flipkart and PhonePe in a recent earnings call.

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Beiersdorf Names OMD As Its Single Media Agency In North America And Europe, reports AdAge

General

Sep 1, 2023

Beiersdorf has selected OMD as its exclusive media agency for Europe and North America, effective January 2024, after a competitive pitch process. The revamped media model emphasises digital expertise, data, and technology, aiming for enhanced efficiency, speed, transparency, and automation.

While OMD previously managed Beiersdorf's media in the U.S., parts of Africa, Australia, and Europe, it is poised to absorb European roles formerly held by Dentsu and WPP. Beiersdorf, behind brands like Nivea and Eucerin, recorded sales of $9.6 billion last year.

This appointment marks a notable win for OMD, which also secured deals with Vans and Under Armour earlier this year.

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Meta May Allow Instagram, Facebook Users in Europe to Pay and Avoid Ads, reports NYT

General

Sep 1, 2023

Meta is contemplating offering ad-free, subscription-based versions of Facebook and Instagram for users in the European Union (EU) due to regulatory pressures, according to insiders who chose to remain anonymous.

This move would address privacy and data concerns from EU regulators by providing an alternative to the standard ad-driven model, which utilises users' data for personalised advertising. However, Meta would still offer the free ad-supported versions of these platforms.

These considerations underscore how technology companies are adapting to stringent data privacy laws, particularly in Europe, following significant penalties and legislative actions such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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Online News Act could see Google and Meta pay combined $234 million to Canadian media, reports CBC

General

Sep 1, 2023

News Publishing

Canada's federal government proposes that tech giants Google and Facebook pay $172 million and $62 million respectively to media firms for news content, under new draft regulations for the Online News Act.

The act targets firms with global revenue over $1 billion and 20 million monthly Canadian users. Non-monetary contributions like training may also count towards payment criteria.

Both Google and Meta, Facebook's parent company, have criticised the draft. The proposal is now open for a 30-day consultation.

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X’s privacy policy confirms it will use public data to train AI models, reports TechCrunch

General

Sep 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

X Corp has updated its privacy policy to include the collection of biometric data, as well as users' job and educational history. The information will be used to train the company's machine learning and AI models.

Tech analyst Alex Ivanovs speculates that Elon Musk, the owner of X Corp, may use this data to fuel his separate AI venture, xAI. This theory gains credence given Musk's known ambitions in the AI market.

In response to privacy concerns, Musk clarified that only public data will be utilised, not private messages. The change aligns with xAI's mission to collaborate with X Corp and other entities.

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Google rolls out probationary period for first-time advertisers, reports Marketing Brew

General

Sep 1, 2023

Google is introducing a new policy, Limited Ads Serving, aimed at minimising deceptive ads on its platforms. New advertisers will undergo a "get-to-know-you period", during which ad impressions will be limited. Google will assess user feedback and past policy adherence to determine the advertisers' reach.

The policy specifically targets new advertisers aiming at certain brands and aims to ensure only those with a history of policy compliance are featured. Google will notify and guide advertisers affected by this change, aiding them in becoming qualified.

This move follows recent controversies, including allegations that Google-owned YouTube served adult ads on child-friendly channels, putting the tech giant's ad practices under scrutiny.

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Canada tries to address news law concerns, Facebook not convinced, reports Reuters

General

Sep 1, 2023

News Publishing

Canada has introduced draft regulations for the Online News Act, compelling tech giants to financially support news providers. However, Meta insists on discontinuing its news services in Canada, despite the draft addressing potential concerns.

The legislation, operational from December, aims to protect Canada's media sector from tech monopolies in the online ad space. It encourages firms like Google and Meta to willingly negotiate with news publishers, drawing from their global revenues.

Should voluntary deals not materialise, mandatory negotiations overseen by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission might ensue. The provisions also advocate for the inclusion of local and Indigenous news outlets.

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With TikTok’s new search ad toggle, agency execs see marketers accelerating organic search efforts, reports Digiday

General

Sep 1, 2023

TikTok has introduced a search ads feature, tapping into the trend of younger users utilising the platform as a search engine. This allows brands to leverage both organic and paid search strategies on the platform.

The search ads toggle displays relevant ads to users based on their searches, streamlining the ad process. This user-centric, discoverability approach has been praised by industry professionals, such as Kenny Gold from Deloitte Digital.

The update exemplifies the convergence of search and social advertising. Christina Miller from VMLY&R emphasised the heightened opportunity for brands to enhance their visibility and engagement with actively searching users.

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UK publishers urge Rishi Sunak to safeguard intellectual property from AI, reports FT

General

Aug 31, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

UK publishing leaders have urged Rishi Sunak to protect creative industries' intellectual property rights from AI before a government AI summit. The Publishers Association (PA) emphasises the potential risk of AI utilising creative content without proper permissions.

The PA warns that without strong IP and copyright protections, AI might generate unoriginal content using extensive literary or journal resources. This concern aligns with the House of Commons culture committee's recommendations.

Amid growing concerns, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport aims for a balanced approach, supporting both the AI and creative sectors.

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X Plans to Collect Biometric Data, Job and School History, reports Bloomberg

General

Aug 31, 2023

X, previously known as Twitter, has revised its privacy policy to potentially collect biometric data, based on user consent. This information, which may include facial, eye, and fingerprint data, is intended for security and identification.

Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter the previous year, aims to enhance authenticity on the platform. The new biometrics feature targets premium users, allowing them to submit a government ID and photo for added verification, strengthening platform security.

Following these changes, X plans to introduce video and audio calls within the app. The platform will also gather details about users' employment and educational backgrounds for job recommendations and relevant advertising.

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Google Alleges Deep-Seated Bias by DOJ Top Antitrust Official, reports Bloomberg

General

Aug 31, 2023

Google has asked a federal court to interview the US Justice Department's top antitrust official, Jonathan Kanter, citing his alleged "deep-seated bias" against the company from prior associations with Google's rivals.

This move forms part of a broader strategy by tech giants to question the integrity of the Biden administration's antitrust officials amid intensified regulatory scrutiny.

The Justice Department has previously sued Google for alleged market monopolisation in online advertising and search. They defend the integrity of their investigations against Google's claims.

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Paramount Global Debt Cut to Just Above Junk by Moody’s, reports Bloomberg

General

Aug 31, 2023

Paramount Global, owner of CBS, Showtime, and the Paramount+ streaming service, has had its senior debt rating downgraded by Moody’s Investors Service.

The downgrade, from Baa2 to Baa3, places the company's rating just a notch above junk-bond status, due to its significant borrowing amidst challenging conditions in the film and TV sector. Media entities, like Paramount, are grappling with a shift in consumer behaviour, moving from cable TV to streaming, causing traditional revenue streams to dwindle.

With Paramount holding $15.6 billion in long-term debt, the company's outlook remains negative, reflecting concerns over its ability to reduce its debt burden.

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Judge blocks law requiring parental consent for kids to use social media, reports Politico

General

Aug 31, 2023

Advertising To Children

A US federal judge, Timothy Brooks, has blocked an Arkansas law requiring minors to seek parental consent before using social media, citing potential First Amendment violations. This followed tech lobbying group NetChoice's objections to the law.

Judge Brooks criticised the legislation for its ambiguity and potential suppression of free speech, stressing that while ensuring online safety is crucial, the law isn’t adequately refined to address children's online safety concerns.

This decision highlights a broader US trend aiming to regulate children's online activities. NetChoice's win might indicate challenges for similar laws in other states, emphasizing the balance between child safety and freedom of speech.

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Publisher Adoption for New Video Ad Specs Lags 6 Months After Introduction, Reports AdWeek

General

Aug 31, 2023

New video ad classifications introduced in March to enhance transparency are seeing slow adoption among publishers. The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Tech Lab's effort is facing reluctance, with less than 30% of major supply-side platforms (SSPs) implementing the new guidelines, primarily due to concerns about potential revenue drops.

Publishers acknowledge the transparency benefits but are hesitant due to potential financial implications. Reclassifying high-value in-stream inventory as lower-value out-stream content could lead to decreased revenues.

Enforcement poses another challenge. Inconsistencies between old and new classifications add complexity, making it difficult for SSPs and demand-side platforms (DSPs) to interpret bids accurately.

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Nielsen And TV Networks Clash Again Over Amazon Data As MRC Debates Adoption, reports AdAge

General

Aug 30, 2023

TV networks and Nielsen are in dispute over Nielsen's plan to use Amazon's first-party data for "Thursday Night Football" measurements. The Media Rating Council is weighing approval, but Video Advertising Bureau's (VAB) CEO, Sean Cunningham, cites potential bias, alleging networks haven't been granted similar chances.

In response, Nielsen, having liaised with NFL networks since February, defends its impartiality. Karthik Rao, Nielsen's CEO, refuted accusations of bias and opacity in their methods.

The disagreement highlights broader industry concerns about neutral audience measurement. With Amazon's data potentially boosting measurements significantly, key figures stress the need for consistent, unbiased metrics in live sports.

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Spotify launches SMB program, reports The Media Leader

General

Aug 30, 2023

Audio Advertising

Spotify is enhancing its efforts to secure more ad revenue from small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by launching educational content highlighting its self-serve ad tools.

The Spotify Advertising Academy and Spotify Partner Certification Program, available in countries including the UK and US, offer free courses on digital audio advertising strategies and optimising Spotify campaigns.

The move comes amid a 30% YoY increase in SMBs on Spotify, with the platform aiming to boost ad revenue to 20% of its total. The focus on SMBs follows concerns about Spotify's ad revenue growth and investment in podcast content.

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Google introduces generative AI to Search in India and Japan, reports Reuters

General

Aug 30, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Alphabet's Google has expanded its generative artificial intelligence feature in its Search tool to users in India and Japan, enabling text or visual results, including summaries. Initially launched exclusively in the US, users in these countries can now opt in. The feature will support local languages in Japan and both English and Hindi in India.

This search enhancement is designed for informational purposes, like locating items to buy. It stands apart from Google's chatbot Bard, which emulates human-like interactions and can generate software code.

Google's AI search offering is a competitor to Microsoft's Bing.

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Google's New GenAI Marketing Tools Speed Up Campaign Planning and Buying, reports AdWeek

General

Aug 30, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

At the Google Cloud Next conference, Typeface and GrowthLoop introduced a generative AI marketing tool, designed to accelerate campaign creation and distribution. This solution, integrated with Google's cloud platform, empowers BigQuery users to utilise audience data, generate AI-crafted content, and deploy it across platforms, including Google Ads.

Josh Brisco from Tinuiti emphasises the tool's ability to consolidate various marketing challenges, streamlining AI adoption. However, transparency issues, especially concerning content ownership, remain a concern.

Adam Lovallo of Thesis suggests that the next big step is AI tools crafting video content, highlighting potential advantages on platforms like YouTube when compared to Facebook and TikTok.

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NBCU Names Mark Marshall As Chairman Of Advertising And Partnerships, reports AdAge

General

Aug 30, 2023

NBCUniversal has confirmed Mark Marshall as the chairman of global advertising and partnerships, succeeding Linda Yaccarino, who transitioned to lead Twitter, now called X. Having been with NBCU for nearly a decade, Marshall recently matched the company's record 2022 upfront sales.

Marshall had stepped into the role on an interim basis following Yaccarino's departure and successfully oversaw crucial market negotiations.

Before joining NBCU, Marshall held several sales roles at Turner Broadcasting. NBCUniversal Media Group's chairman, Mark Lazarus, commended Marshall's industry relationships and strategic vision for the future.

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Buyers Struggle to Find Quality Video in the Open Auction, reports AdWeek

General

Aug 30, 2023

Open auction platforms, including YouTube's Google Video Partner network, are under scrutiny for low-quality premium video placements. Adalytics' research caused advertisers to reconsider their strategies, pointing to wider online video quality issues.

Programmatic video faces challenges like muted autoplay and sound-on placement difficulties. Many advertisers now believe a large-scale, high-quality video market is a misconception, prompting a move towards direct transactions with media owners.

Despite these challenges, demand for online video grows, with brands increasing spending substantially since 2018. Buyers are advised to be cautious, use protective measures, and engage in direct deals with publishers.

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UK Needs Tough Rules on AI Using Copyrighted Data, Lawmakers Say, reports Bloomberg

General

Aug 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

UK lawmakers from the Culture, Media and Sports Committee are pushing for stricter AI regulations to protect artists and writers' works. The proposed copyright exemptions could reduce cultural creations to mere AI inputs, reflecting a possible oversight of the creative sector's needs.

Amid global concerns, with Hollywood figures demanding more AI safeguards, the UK's aspiration to become a leading AI hub is challenged. Rishi Sunak, however, aims to host the first global AI summit this November.

The committee suggests scrapping the exemptions, encouraging licencing agreements between AI developers and the creative industry. They request a government update on AI's impact on creatives by year-end.

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X will allow political ads again and hire for safety and election teams ahead of 2024 elections, reports CNN

General

Aug 29, 2023

X, formerly Twitter, is expanding its safety and elections teams for the 2024 US elections and reintroducing political ads, paused since 2019. This follows Elon Musk's takeover and his criticisms of the platform's prior political discourse handling.

X's recent blog post emphasises its civic integrity policy, aiming to prevent manipulation in elections and promote transparent political debate. Content that breaches this policy will be publicly labelled and users notified of any imposed restrictions.

Reinstating political ads, X will implement strict content guidelines, ensuring accurate representation. Additionally, a new "global advertising transparency centre" will let users review these political adverts, complying with Europe's Digital Services Act.

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Early Numbers Show How GenAI Can Reduce Agencies' Carbon Footprint, reports AdWeek

General

Aug 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

WPP and Nvidia's partnership on generative AI for ad creation indicates a potential 93% reduction in carbon footprint versus traditional methods.

However, the growth of AI, especially Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, leads to more data centres, increasing the carbon footprint due to electricity demands.

Despite the environmental concerns, there are solutions. Training LLMs during off-peak hours and strategically selecting data centre locations can help reduce carbon emissions. Yet, a lack of transparency from tech giants about their data centres complicates eco-conscious decision-making.

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Meta says it has disrupted a massive disinformation campaign linked to Chinese law enforcement, reports CNBC

General

Aug 29, 2023

Meta, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, dismantled a vast disinformation operation linked to Chinese law enforcement. Over 7,700 Facebook accounts and 930 pages were removed, which praised China and spread negativity about the US and misleading narratives about Covid-19's origins.

The campaign, named Spamouflage, spanned multiple social platforms, yet according to Meta's cybersecurity team, proved relatively ineffective, garnering over 500,000 largely inauthentic followers from places like Bangladesh and Brazil.

In addition to global issues, the operation targeted specific figures such as billionaire Guo Wengui and ex-Trump official Steve Bannon. As the 2024 elections near, Meta remains vigilant against potential influence operations.

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US Senate's Schumer to host Musk, Zuckerberg, other tech leaders at AI forum, reports Reuters

General

Aug 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is organising a closed-door artificial intelligence forum on 13th September. High-profile tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sundar Pichai, are slated to attend.

The meeting, prompted by the growing influence of AI technologies like OpenAI's ChatGPT, aims to establish a foundational AI policy. Schumer highlighted the necessity of rapid, collective expert input in this domain.

Globally, regulators grapple with governing AI. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recognise AI's profound impact on national security and the economy.

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New Zealand plans digital services tax for multinationals from 2025, reports Reuters

General

Aug 29, 2023

New Zealand plans to launch a digital services tax on large multinationals from 2025, following stalled global consensus at the OECD. The 2021 multinational tax overhaul, targeting giants like Apple and Amazon, was postponed as most countries, excluding Canada, agreed to delay.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson stated New Zealand wouldn't indefinitely wait for a multilateral solution. He underscored the unfair tax discrepancy between regular Kiwis and major corporations.

The proposed tax targets firms profiting from New Zealand's digital users and mirrors rates in countries like France and the UK. The bill will be tabled in parliament on Thursday.

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TikTok’s U.S. Future Still in Limbo as Commerce Secretary Visits China, reports NYT

General

Aug 29, 2023

Gina Raimondo's visit to China has reignited debates about TikTok's U.S. status, amid concerns over its Beijing ties. Despite the app's controversy, no conclusive U.S. actions have been taken, and Raimondo is avoiding the topic in China, emphasising the Biden administration's dilemma.

TikTok, under scrutiny for potential security threats, has proposed 'Project Texas'. This plan transfers U.S. user data to Oracle's domestic servers, aiming to alleviate concerns about Beijing's data access.

However, previous efforts to ban TikTok faced legal challenges. The Biden administration treads carefully, wary of a potential digital trade war and its broader implications for global companies and users.

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Movies, TV Shows Available on Streaming Jumped 39% in Two Years, reports Bloomberg

General

Aug 28, 2023

Streaming platforms have witnessed a 39% surge in title offerings over the past two years, reaching 2.35 million, reveals a Nielsen report. When accounting for traditional channels, this figure rises to 2.7 million across countries like the US and UK.

Providers, including major players like Netflix and Disney+, have increased from 118 to 167 in this time. This has led to viewers spending over 10 minutes, up from seven in 2019, deciding what to watch.

The rise is partly attributed to free, ad-supported streaming services. In the US, 60% of May's streaming time was for shows initially broadcasted on regular TV.

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Google Play Judge Cancels Class-Action Status Won by Consumers, reports Blooomberg

General

Aug 28, 2023

Google may avoid paying damages to 21 million users in an antitrust suit alleging overcharging on its app store, as a US judge withdrew their class-action status.

Judge James Donato overturned the class-status due to unsubstantiated expert testimony, prompting discussions between parties before a September 7 hearing.

Despite this, Google still faces a November trial confronting antitrust allegations from Epic Games and state attorneys. The primary concern is Google's purported 30% commission on Google Play sales, which critics argue artificially inflates Android app prices.Donato's decision to exclude an economist's testimony for the consumers meant revisiting his earlier class certification order. A September hearing is scheduled to further discuss this issue, involving consumers from 12 U.S. states and five territories.

This legal battle is part of broader antitrust actions, which encompass 38 states, the District of Columbia, and companies like Epic Games and Match Group.

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Disney, The New York Times and CNN are among a dozen major media companies blocking access to ChatGPT as they wage a cold war on A.I., reports CNN

General

Aug 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Leading news outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, and Reuters, are blocking OpenAI's GPTBot from accessing their content, underscoring the perceived threat of ChatGPT to the news industry.

Danielle Coffey of the News Media Alliance highlighted the industry's concerns about AI misusing their content. The alliance believes newsrooms hold strong legal grounds concerning copyright protections.

Most media houses are currently silent about their protective measures, but an unnamed executive implied that blocking GPTBot sends a clear message for OpenAI to engage in dialogue.

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Nielsen Opens Big Data For Trading Without MRC Accreditation Or Explaining Some Of Its Figures, reports AdAge

General

Aug 28, 2023

Nielsen is set to offer its expansive data measurement to TV inventory stakeholders, a move potentially elevating Spanish-language channels and numerous other programmes. This decision precedes an official accreditation from the Media Rating Council (MRC), with discussions only slated for end-August and early September.

Nielsen’s Chief Research Officer, Pete Doe, emphasised the benefits for Spanish-language networks, with big data drastically reducing zero-audience programmes. Historically, such programmes restricted ad sales, causing significant financial setbacks for networks.

Despite its potential, Nielsen's big data journey faces challenges, with varied outcomes for different Spanish-language channels. These discrepancies remain unresolved, sparking industry debate.

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As Nielsen Incorporates Amazon’s Own Data, Networks Demand Answers, reports AdAge

General

Aug 25, 2023

Nielsen intends to incorporate Amazon Prime's streaming data for its Thursday Night Football audience metrics. This decision has rival networks and the Video Advertising Bureau alleging bias, especially due to the quick pace of the upcoming audit scheduled for 30th August.

Sean Cunningham, VAB's CEO, believes this gives Amazon an undue edge, with TV executives contending Nielsen hasn't provided clear guidelines on data integration for other platforms.

The Media Rating Council, defending the speedy audit, points to previous inconsistencies between Amazon's and Nielsen's viewership figures, suggesting that advertisers might face altered pricing based on the revised data.

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Global Ad Spend Projected To Hit $1 Trillion By Next Year, reports AdAge

General

Aug 25, 2023

Global advertising spend is set to breach $1 trillion in 2024, marking an 8.2% rise from 2023, according to analytics firm WARC.

Five tech giants - Alibaba, Alphabet, Amazon, ByteDance, and Meta - currently dominate, accounting for over half of worldwide ad revenue. Their influence underscores the tech sector's prevailing role in advertising, especially with Meta leading in social media ad revenue.

Emerging sectors, including retail media and connected TV, are also predicted to bolster ad spend growth. The U.S. remains a primary contributor, with political ad expenditure for the upcoming presidential election potentially surpassing 2020 figures.

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YouTube's Latest Ding Raises Questions Over Its Compliance With Apple’s Privacy Policies, reports AdWeek

General

Aug 25, 2023

Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework, necessitating user consent for tracking, casts doubt over YouTube's privacy compliance. Adalytics discovered that YouTube's iOS app doesn't seek user consent when using the WBraid identifier, which tracks ad engagement and brand website visits.

Thomas Petit, a mobile ad-tech consultant, questions WBraid's compatibility with ATT. This concern is heightened by wider scrutiny of YouTube's ad-tracking, particularly allegations of improper child tracking – a claim refuted by Google.

Google, however, claims that WBraid, introduced in 2021, is a privacy-compliant identifier. Yet, its alignment with ATT remains ambiguous, sparking debates in the advertising community.

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Adtech firm The Trade Desk has a plan to reduce the cost of digital ads, reports Insider

General

Aug 24, 2023

Adtech firm, The Trade Desk, is set to reduce the price advertisers pay for digital ads by bidding below the asking price. The company, which oversaw $7.8 billion in ad spend in 2022, has informed online content publishers of this new approach.

Digital ad space, typically auctioned with minimum price points known as "floors", are set by "supply-side platforms" (SSPs). These platforms also add their service fees to ad costs. The Trade Desk's strategy aims to standardise these fluctuating price floors across multiple SSPs.

While this move has sparked debate, The Trade Desk insists publishers remain free to reject their lower bids.

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Google vows more transparency on ads as new EU rules kick in, reports Reuters

General

Aug 24, 2023

Google is set to enhance transparency around its targeted ads and offer researchers increased data access to understand its products, in line with the European Union's upcoming Digital Services Act (DSA).

The DSA, effective from Friday, mandates platforms like Google, Meta, and Microsoft to heighten efforts against child abuse content, misinformation, and to improve clarity about their algorithms, bots, and targeted ads. The act also aims to remove illegal items from these platforms.

Laurie Richardson, Google's VP for trust and safety, mentioned expanding the Ads Transparency Center specifically for DSA compliance and providing detailed insights on content moderation decisions.

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Social media giants urged to tackle data-scraping privacy risks, reports TechCrunch

General

Aug 24, 2023

International privacy regulators, including bodies from the U.K., Canada, and Hong Kong, have jointly emphasised the necessity for social media platforms to shield users’ public posts from unauthorised data scraping, underscoring their legal obligations.

This collective stance comes amidst the growing prominence of generative AI models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which frequently source vast amounts of online data for training. Concerns arise from the potential misuse of scraped data, which can be utilised for cyberattacks, identity fraud, and illicit surveillance.

Major social media corporations, encompassing Alphabet, ByteDance, and Meta, have been directly apprised, highlighting the mounting global apprehension about the privacy repercussions of data scraping.

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Canada to start planning how it will make internet giants pay for news, reports Reuters

General

Aug 24, 2023

News Publishing

The Canadian regulator, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), announced plans to establish a framework this autumn for negotiations between news organisations and major tech firms.

This follows Canada's Online News Act, passed in June, which pushes tech giants such as Google and Facebook to pay for news. Both companies deem the law unviable, with Meta ceasing news sharing and Google intending to block news in Canada.

CRTC will handle the final rule-making and mediate the discussions between Canadian news publishers and online platforms. Public consultations will commence in autumn, leading to mandatory bargaining by early 2025.

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AI Chatbots Help Web Content Farms Copy Work From Top Publishers, Report Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Aug 24, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

NewsGuard has identified 37 websites using AI chatbots to replicate content from major publishers, including the New York Times and Reuters, without giving credit. This AI-driven content reproduction raises concerns over copyright infringements, with media entities contemplating legal action against AI companies like OpenAI.

A common AI indicator in such articles is an automated error message. NewsGuard, for example, found multiple articles on GlobalVillageSpace.com bearing AI-generated acknowledgements. Some websites have removed content after being highlighted, but the problem persists.

As AI tools gain popularity, such issues are anticipated to escalate, posing challenges to copyright norms and potentially affecting the media industry's integrity.

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Warner Bros. Discovery plans new 24 hour livestream called CNN Max, reports Axios

General

Aug 24, 2023

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is set to launch a 24-hour live content channel, CNN Max, on its streaming platform. This follows the shelving of CNN+, the previous streaming service under CNN's former leadership.

CNN Max will merge CNN International's North American content with four exclusive weekday hours, utilising existing CNN talent. Rahel Solomon and Jim Sciutto are being considered as potential anchors.

This shift to live news aims to bolster Max's competitiveness against rivals like Paramount+. Yet, concerns arise about possibly alienating certain Max subscribers.

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GroupM and SeenThis Team Up to Cut Carbon From Video Ads, reports AdWeek

General

Aug 24, 2023

Carbon Emissions

WPP's GroupM is partnering with Swedish firm SeenThis, targeting greener video advertising.

SeenThis's technology bypasses data-heavy processes of traditional video ads, streaming directly to viewers and adjusting to internet conditions. Kieley Taylor of GroupM highlighted SeenThis's uniqueness in the sustainable ad-tech realm, reducing energy consumption without compromising campaign efficacy.

This collaboration forms part of GroupM's wider strategy to cut media buying carbon emissions, granting agencies a real-time emissions monitoring tool.

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Snap confirms EU users will soon be able to opt out of content personalization, reports TechCrunch

General

Aug 23, 2023

Ahead of the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) deadline, Snapchat has introduced options for users to turn off tracking-based content personalisation. This act obliges large platforms to allow users the choice of opting out from content recommendations grounded on their activity, aiming to standardise responses to illicit online content reports.

Snapchat, alongside Meta and TikTok, must comply by 25th August to avoid potential penalties of up to 6% of their global revenue.

Snap's adaptations for EU users include controls on content personalisation, an ads transparency library, and revised advertising practices for users aged 13-17.

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TikTok plans to ban links to outside e-commerce sites like Amazon, new report claims, reports TechCrunch

General

Aug 23, 2023

TikTok reportedly intends to ban external e-commerce links, pushing users towards its in-house TikTok Shop, according to The Information. This is aimed at enhancing its direct sales route within the app.

TikTok Shop is projected to incur losses above $500 million in the U.S. this year. This is due to extensive investments in recruitment, infrastructure, and merchant incentives.

Although its current U.S. sales are modest, the goal is to centralise commerce within TikTok. This move could hinder creators from promoting products on platforms like Amazon, ensuring sales occur primarily through TikTok.

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Infillion is confirmed as MediaMath’s new owner as a familiar face slides back into view, reports Digiday

M&A

Aug 23, 2023

Ad tech company Infillion is set to acquire MediaMath, following revelations from an August 23 bankruptcy hearing, marking a pivotal moment in this year's ad tech narrative.

AperiamVentures, steered by former MediaMath CEO Joe Zawadzki, played an advisory role in the successful $22 million cash bid. This move might reignite ties between Zawadzki and the firm he established in 2007. Amid MediaMath's Chapter 11 backdrop, this acquisition could hint at renewed strategies and collaborations.

Industry insiders believe that AperiamVenture’s role in Infillion's purchase could lead to future partnerships with the fund’s portfolio of 15 ad tech start-ups, paving the way for MediaMath's recovery and reinvention.

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Nielsen Plans to Incorporate Amazon’s Data on Thursday Night Football Viewership, reports WSJ

General

Aug 23, 2023

Amazon could benefit as Nielsen proposes to include streaming data for live shows, potentially boosting Amazon Prime Video's “Thursday Night Football” ratings. Nielsen's adjustment to its live streaming metrics marks the first time it'll combine a company’s data with its own for public reporting.

Advertisers, who determine ad placements and values based on Nielsen's data, might notice a change: last season, Amazon's self-reported ratings for the football event were about 18% higher than Nielsen's.

Before the merger of data is official, the Media Ratings Council needs to approve the move, with a decision anticipated as early as next week.

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EU's Breton urges Big Tech to use new online content rules to restore trust, reports Reuters

General

Aug 23, 2023

EU industry chief, Thierry Breton, has urged tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft to embrace the upcoming Digital Services Act (DSA) as an opportunity to enhance trust in their platforms.

The DSA mandates large platforms, including Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, and Wikipedia, to undergo risk management, share data, and establish a specific code of conduct, especially with over 45 million users.

Breton emphasised the significance of child protection and tackling misinformation, particularly with imminent European elections. He cautioned of rigorous enforcement, noting potential fines up to 6% of a company's global revenue for violations.

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Facebook owner Meta breaks privacy rules, Norway regulator tells court, reports Reuters

General

Aug 23, 2023

Meta Platforms faces accusations from Norway's data regulator, Datatilsynet, of breaching European data privacy rules. The tech giant has been fined one million crowns (approx. $94,145) daily since 14th August for using harvested user data to target ads, a practice termed behavioural advertising.

While Meta is contesting the fines, citing their commitment to seek user consent, Datatilsynet argues that the company's intent and timeline remain unclear, continuing to infringe on users' rights.

If the European Data Protection Board supports Datatilsynet, this decision could extend across Europe, despite Norway not being an EU member.

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YouTube Improperly Used Targeted Ads on Children’s Videos, Watchdogs Say, reports NYT

General

Aug 23, 2023

Advertising To Children

Children's advocacy group Fairplay is challenging YouTube's claims about its data collection practices on children's videos, following a report by Adalytics. Fairplay conducted a $10 ad campaign targeted at specific adult consumer groups, yet the ads were displayed 1,446 times on children’s channels. This raises questions about YouTube’s compliance with federal laws that require parental consent for collecting data from users under 13 for targeted ads.

Fairplay, the Center for Digital Democracy and other nonprofits have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging an investigation into Google and YouTube's advertising practices concerning children's content. Google has defended its actions, stating that it adheres to child privacy commitments and does not allow personalised ads on children's content.

This controversy follows a previous 2019 settlement where Google and YouTube paid a $170 million fine for illegally collecting data from children. The new findings reignite concerns about whether enough is being done to protect children’s online privacy.

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Snap overhauls India organizational structure, appoints new head, reports TechCrunch

General

Aug 23, 2023

Snap has appointed Pulkit Trivedi as its new country head for India, reflecting the region's growing significance. Trivedi, previously with Google, will report to Ajit Mohan, Snap's Asia Pacific leader.

The restructure allows greater autonomy for local leadership, similar to Meta's past strategy in India. Key teams will now directly report to Trivedi, emphasising local decision-making.

India's role in Snap's growth is evident, with its user base doubling to 200 million in two years. The shift recognises India's vast potential, mirroring efforts by other tech giants to engage the country's expanding digital audience.

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Meta Offers Up To $200,000 In Ad Credits To Boost Shopping Campaigns, reports AdAge

General

Aug 22, 2023

Meta is offering ad incentives between $40,000 and $200,000 to attract advertisers. Coupled with enhanced AI capabilities, this has led to increased ad spending on its platforms.

The introduction of "Moment Maker" provides a new dimension to Meta's ad campaigns. Additionally, the emphasis on Instagram's shopping ads has streamlined in-app purchases, aiding Meta post-Apple's privacy changes.

Despite previous challenges, Meta's recent financials surpassed expectations, with products like Advantage+ shopping and the growth in Click-to-WhatsApp ads showcasing their recovery and adaptability.

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TikTok opens Search Ads to all advertisers, reports AdAge

General

Aug 22, 2023

TikTok has unveiled search ads to all advertisers. This automated system uses a toggle on TikTok's ad platform, letting marketers decide their appearance in search results. If active, existing In-Feed Ad content will be auto-generated in search results alongside relevant user queries.

Clinique UK sees this as a game-changer in search advertising, planning to embed it across their TikTok campaigns. Initial results have shown a 52% boost in their click-through rates when using these search ads.

This mirrors a broader industry trend, with platforms like Instagram exploring similar avenues. TikTok's pivot is geared towards shopping, with brands like DIBS Beauty reporting a sixfold conversion rate increase using search ads.

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IBM selling The Weather Channel and the rest of its weather business, reports CNBC

M&A

Aug 22, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

IBM is divesting its weather unit, including The Weather Channel app and Weather.com, to tech-focused private equity firm Francisco Partners. While the sale price remains undisclosed, this move follows IBM's plan since April to streamline its portfolio.

Under the deal's terms, Francisco Partners will acquire a significant portion of The Weather Company's assets, aiming to make the weather business more user-centric with health and well-being tools. However, IBM will retain rights to the weather data for its AI enterprise models.

This decision aligns with IBM's strategic pivot towards core strengths like software, cloud services, and AI, as seen with the introduction of their AI tool, Watsonx.

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Cox Media Group launches hyper-local streaming service Neighborhood TV, reports Axios

General

Aug 22, 2023

Cox Media Group (CMG) is partnering with McClatchy to launch Neighborhood TV (NTV), a hyper-local streaming service enhancing CMG's established networks. NTV, premiering on Tuesday, will spotlight specific neighbourhood content, ranging from local board issues to events.

The service aims for granular localisation, with initial tests in areas like north Atlanta deemed too expansive. CMG intends to refine and target smaller community clusters.

Revenue-wise, NTV will start by focusing on ads from local businesses. As the platform grows, it will attract national advertisers. Each new region is expected to be profitable within a year.

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Meta confirms AI off-switch incoming to Facebook, Instagram in Europe, reports TechCrunch

General

Aug 22, 2023

Meta is introducing non-personalised content feeds on Facebook and Instagram for European Union users, aligning with the upcoming Digital Services Act (DSA) compliance deadline on August 25. The DSA demands larger platforms give users an option to switch off AI-driven personalisation, addressing concerns about user autonomy and potential manipulation.

Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, outlined the forthcoming changes in a blog post, with the non-personalised feed expected to launch imminently ahead of the DSA deadline.

The DSA also encompasses transparency in AI recommendation systems, enhanced ad transparency, and restricts certain ad targeting practices based on personal data.

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Facebook owner Meta Platforms seeks to stop privacy breach fine in Norway, reports Reuters

General

Aug 22, 2023

Meta Platforms is set to challenge a daily fine imposed by Norway's data regulator, Datatilsynet, for breaching user privacy through behavioural advertising. Since 14th August, Meta has faced a daily fine of 1 million crowns (around $94,313) which will continue until 3rd November.

While Meta announced plans on 1st August to seek user consent in the EU and EEA for personalised advertising, Datatilsynet contends the lack of clarity on the implementation infringes on user rights.

The outcome in Oslo's district court could have broader implications across Europe, especially if Datatilsynet takes the issue to the European Data Protection Board.

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EU antitrust regulators to assess impact of Microsoft's UK Activision remedy, reports Reuters

M&A

Aug 22, 2023

EU antitrust regulators are set to review Microsoft's plan to sell its non-EU cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment. This move seeks UK endorsement for its Activision Blizzard acquisition.

A European Union executive spokesperson stated, "We are closely following the developments in the UK and assessing the impact this may have on the commitments accepted by the Commission."

Previously, the EU competition body approved the deal in May. This followed Microsoft's agreement to license renowned Activision games, including "Call of Duty", to competing game streaming platforms for a decade.

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Private Marketplace Deals, Billed As More Premium, Have Nearly As Much Made-for-advertising Inventory, reports AdWeek

General

Aug 22, 2023

Private marketplace (PMP) deals, intended for more direct transactions between publishers and buyers, have been found to host the same low-quality media as the open internet.

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) disclosed that 14% of PMP deal spend went to sites exclusively designed for advertising revenue, barely below the 19% observed in the open market. Despite the high cost-per-impression (CPM) of PMPs, not all guarantee quality.

Following this report, industry leaders aim to eliminate such sites. However, the challenge remains in distinguishing between legitimate publishers and fraudulent ones, especially as not all PMP deals are uniformly structured.

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Infillion emerges as buyer for bankrupt adtech company MediaMath, reports Insider

M&A

Aug 22, 2023

Adtech company Infillion plans to acquire MediaMath's assets following the latter's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in June. The decision, pending a sale hearing on August 23, sees Infillion as the top bidder, with Genius Sports coming second.

MediaMath, once a New York adtech pioneer, struggled against giants like Google and Amazon. Their rapid descent into bankruptcy led to the loss of 300+ jobs and significant debts to major firms.

Infillion, established in 2022, provides services from campaign planning to shoppable video. MediaMath's assets include a demand-side platform and an integrated data-management system.

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Microsoft submits fresh Activision deal to UK regulators, reports FT

M&A

Aug 22, 2023

Microsoft has resubmitted its $75bn purchase of Activision Blizzard to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) after the initial acquisition was halted over fears it might curb innovation in cloud gaming.

The revised proposal suggests selling Activision’s cloud streaming rights outside the European Economic Area to Ubisoft, a French gaming competitor.

CMA's chief, Sarah Cardell, stressed the new offer isn't an automatic approval, reiterating the authority's commitment to ensuring robust competition in the evolving cloud gaming sector.

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GroupM is removing MFAs from its inclusion lists, reports Digiday

General

Aug 21, 2023

Made For Advertising

GroupM, a leading media agency, is proactively addressing the issue of made-for-advertising sites (MFAs). They've aligned their inclusion lists, used to direct programmatic advertising spends, with Jounce Media's MFA criteria.

This integration of Jounce's technology signals a major shift in advertising industry priorities. MFAs, often linked to deceptive metrics, are now under increased scrutiny. GroupM's move could inspire other industry players to take similar actions.

The Association for National Advertisers' heightened focus on MFAs emphasises the need for discernment in programmatic campaign assessment. The industry is called upon to support quality and transparency, potentially reshaping the programmatic advertising landscape.

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Thailand threatens Facebook with legal action over alleged scams, reports Reuters

General

Aug 21, 2023

Thailand's digital minister, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, has warned of potential court action to shut down Meta Platforms' Facebook in Thailand due to unresolved scams affecting over 200,000 users.

Despite the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's repeated requests to Facebook to remove scam advertisements, the issue persists. The ministry plans to present evidence to the court, which could result in closing specific pages, accounts or the entire platform.

Scams reported on Facebook involve users being enticed to invest in fraudulent firms, imitation of official entities like the Securities and Exchange Commission, and digital currency trades. Chaiwut emphasised that such practices are unacceptable.

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Ad tech firm Peer39 is letting advertisers block Maui wildfire coverage, reports Digiday

General

Aug 21, 2023

Ad tech firm Peer39 has given advertisers the option to block content related to the Maui wildfires, citing concerns over brand safety. This move was communicated via an email, following requests from some clients wishing to dissociate from the tragedy.

Media agencies and news outlets, including The Guardian and The Washington Post, declined to comment on this matter. Some argue that blocking ads from major news events threatens the funding vital for journalism.

Historical data indicates significant news events like the Black Lives Matter movement have seen reduced monetisation due to such ad blocks, impacting the revenue streams of journalistic platforms.

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AI cannot hold copyright, federal judge rules, reports Politico

General

Aug 21, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

A US federal judge, Beryl A. Howell, has ruled that artificial intelligence cannot claim copyright for its creations. This decision emerged from computer scientist Stephen Thaler's attempt to copyright art produced by his AI system, the "Creativity Machine".

Judge Howell supported the U.S. Copyright Office's viewpoint that human authorship is essential for copyright. As AI-generated works don't qualify, the issue of transferring such rights is moot.

While the ruling confirms the current stance on AI and copyright, it leaves unanswered questions regarding the extent of human involvement needed for AI-created works to be considered for copyright.

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Ad Trade Bodies Campaign Against California Delete Act, reports AdWeek

General

Aug 21, 2023

Several trade bodies, including the ANA, 4 As and IAB, have voiced concerns to California legislators over the proposed Delete Act (SB 362). This bill, introduced by Sen. Josh Becker, allows Californians to request a singular data deletion from all state-registered data brokers.

Critics argue the act could weaken cybersecurity, deter smaller businesses, especially minority or women-owned entities, and disrupt the data ecosystem crucial for marketers.

However, if enacted, the bill would be a pioneering move in the US, offering universal data deletion rights. Current state laws necessitate individual requests to each data broker for data removal.

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A Draft Of TikTok’s Plan To Avoid A Ban Gives The U.S. Government Unprecedented Oversight Power, reports Forbes

General

Aug 21, 2023

TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, and the Biden Administration are negotiating to address US national security concerns. A 2022 draft suggests ByteDance may offer the US significant control, such as unrestricted access to TikTok's internal data and authority over its operations.

The draft, discussed with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS), would subject TikTok to greater scrutiny than domestic platforms like Facebook.

Critics argue this could allow US government content manipulation. The exact status of negotiations remains undisclosed, but ByteDance emphasises its dedication to US security interests.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slams Facebook for blocking Canada wildfire news, reports AP News

General

Aug 21, 2023

News Publishing

Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau, criticised Facebook for favouring profits over safety during Canada's severe wildfires. This follows Meta's decision to block Canadian news content in response to a law demanding tech firms pay for repurposed content.

As wildfires displace thousands, Trudeau highlighted the importance of local news during crises. He condemned Facebook for obstructing timely information access during emergencies.

Despite government appeals, Meta remained unyielding, asserting that Canadians can still access official information on their platforms. Other tech giants, like Google, are yet to take similar steps.

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Amazon launches a Fire TV Channels app with 400+ free ad-supported TV channels, reports TechCrunch

General

Aug 21, 2023

Amazon has launched its Fire TV Channels app, offering users over 400 free ad-supported TV channels, including ABC News and CBS Sports. The company has also partnered with new content providers such as Variety and Rolling Stone, with plans to expand the channel lineup.

The app, initially introduced in May, serves as a hub for a wide range of live and on-demand content. It's easily accessible on Fire TV interfaces and through voice commands with Alexa.

Amidst the growing popularity of free ad-supported TV among cord-cutters, Amazon's Freevee streaming service saw an 11% year-on-year growth, outshining competitors like Pluto TV and Roku Channel.

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Montana AG asks court to reject TikTok challenge to state ban, reports Reuters

General

Aug 21, 2023

Montana's attorney general, Austin Knudsen, is pushing for a U.S. judge to support the state's impending ban on TikTok, set for Jan. 1. TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, contests the ban, citing it breaches the First Amendment rights of the company and its users.

Knudsen argues Montana has the right to ban products it deems harmful without infringing on free speech, likening the TikTok issue to banning harmful radios or sports-betting apps.

TikTok, with over 150 million U.S. users, denies sharing U.S. user data with China. If breached, Montana could fine TikTok $10,000 per violation, excluding individual user penalties.

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IPG Mediabrands will use Google's generative AI models for brands, reports AdAge

General

Aug 21, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

IPG Mediabrands and Google Cloud are collaborating to harness generative AI, aiming to encapsulate the core essence of brands through AI-driven content.

The partnership will birth two main products: "BrandVoice AI", which generates content mirroring a brand's ethos, and "BrandPortrait AI", an interactive platform aiding in ad campaign planning.

This move reflects the advertising sector's trend towards integrating generative AI. IPG emphasises ensuring data security and brand-specific content, with the first phase of their programme set to conclude by September.

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YouTube will trade on its own co-viewing data, sparking agency pushback, reports AdAge

General

Aug 21, 2023

YouTube plans to use its own surveys to assess ad viewership on connected TV (CTV), departing from third-party measurements. This move, affecting YouTube Select video inventory on CTV, faces advertiser resistance.

Co-viewing, where multiple viewers watch content together, can significantly amplify audience metrics and revenue. Although advertisers can still choose data from Nielsen or Comscore, concerns arise over YouTube potentially prioritising its data in the future.

As CTV's popularity grows, the industry sees a measurement shift. Platforms like Amazon are also exploring alternative metrics, suggesting a potential move from a Nielsen-focused model to diverse measurement standards in streaming.

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UK Government invasively targeted digital users using offensive stereotypes, reports The Media Leader

General

Aug 21, 2023

The Scottish Institute for Policing Research found the UK Government using invasive digital advertising tactics targeting specific communities, including Muslims, Black communities, and vulnerable refugees.

Data from Meta's Ad Library revealed over 12,000 campaigns from 2020-2023, exposing unethical practices such as fear-based messaging and extensive proxy targeting, including deterrence campaigns for potential immigrants.

Co-authors Dr. Ben Collier and Dr. James Stewart highlight the ethical and potential legal concerns of these methods. They advocate for greater transparency and regulation in digital advertising practices.

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Meta’s Threads App to Launch Web Version as Rivalry With X Enters New Stage, reports WSJ

General

Aug 20, 2023

Meta Platforms plans to launch a web version of its Threads app to rival Elon Musk's X (previously Twitter). This move responds to user demands after the app's usage dipped following its initial mobile-only release.

Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, highlighted the web version's ongoing internal testing, aiming for a bug-free release. Threads had achieved 100 million downloads in five days but saw a decline due to limited features.

The web adaptation is viewed as a strategic step against X. Industry experts believe it will extend Meta's reach and enhance data collection. Additionally, enhanced search capabilities for Threads are on the horizon.

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America’s Tech Giants Rush to Comply With New Curbs in Europe, reports WSJ

General

Aug 20, 2023

Major tech firms, including Meta, Apple, and Google, are preparing for stringent new EU digital regulations, marking the largest digital oversight in the West. The laws aim to compel giants to better monitor online content and encourage competition, drawing comparisons to historic US financial sector controls.

Immediate changes will alter user experiences across platforms, and long-term shifts aim to address potential systemic risks. Although the rules are specific to Europe, their global impact is anticipated due to Europe's influence on worldwide regulations.

Companies are intensifying compliance initiatives, with significant penalties in place for breaches: fines could reach up to 20% of a company's global revenue for repeat offences.

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Ad giant IPG plans to use people’s data in a maneuver to sink data privacy bill, reports Politico

General

Aug 18, 2023

Interpublic Group (IPG), a global advertising giant, is mounting an opposition against California's SB 362 or the Delete Act. This act would allow individuals to request data brokers to delete their personal data, impacting the vast data reserves these companies hold.

Internal emails reveal IPG's strategy to deploy digital advertising against the bill, targeting Californian residents. Acxiom, a data broker owned by IPG, is indicated as a data provider for this campaign.

The opposition movement has given rise to NoToSB362.org, urging resistance to the bill. IPG's activities highlight a broader trend of tech firms leveraging their resources to influence legislation.

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Canada demands Meta lift news ban to allow wildfire info sharing, reports Reuters

General

Aug 18, 2023

News Publishing

Canada's government has called on Meta to lift its ban on domestic news sharing on Facebook and Instagram. The ban, a reaction to a law requiring payment for news content, hindered Canadians from exchanging vital information about ongoing wildfires in regions like Yellowknife.

Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge labelled Meta's decision "reckless", emphasising the need for more accessible news during the crisis. Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez voiced similar concerns about the ban restricting essential information access.

In response, Meta pointed to the "Safety Check" feature they've activated and reiterated that Canadians can still access official emergency and governmental content on their platforms.

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YouTube Ads May Have Led to Online Tracking of Children, reports NYT

General

Aug 17, 2023

Advertising To Children

Canadian bank BMO's recent YouTube campaign inadvertently raised concerns about children's online privacy, according to research by Adalytics.

Although BMO aimed its advertisements at Canadian adults, Google's ad-targeting system placed an ad on a children's video, potentially breaching the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which mandates parental consent for data collection from users under 13.

In 2019, YouTube and Google settled accusations of illegal data collection from children with a $170m fine. Despite YouTube's assurance of limiting data collection on children's content, Adalytics discovered over 300 brands’ ads on nearly 100 children's videos, with some linking to sites which embedded trackers on users’ browsers.

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Paramount+ makes Barb TV audience debut, reports The Media Leader

General

Aug 17, 2023

Paramount+, introduced by Channel 5's owner Paramount in the UK last summer, has been featured in Barb's quarterly TV audience survey for the first time. The service attracted 6% of UK households between April and June 2023.

In the same period, Netflix maintained a lead with 57% viewership, down from 59%. Amazon Prime Video had 44%, slightly down from 45%, while Disney+ saw a marginal rise, capturing 25%.

Barb's findings further highlighted that 66% of UK households were subscribed to a video-on-demand (SVOD) service in Q2 2023.

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Publishers see dramatic drop in Facebook referral traffic as the social platform signals exit from news business, reports CNN

General

Aug 17, 2023

News Publishing

Meta, the company behind Facebook, has significantly cut referral traffic to US media outlets, with some noting up to a 40% year-on-year drop. Especially hard-hit are publishers focusing on hard news.

This decline coincides with international legislative efforts to make tech giants pay publishers for content. Additionally, past challenges with news-related misinformation could be pushing Meta away from news content, aiming instead to control advertising and compete with platforms like TikTok.

Such a shift complicates the landscape for publishers already grappling with a changing news environment, making them rethink their dependence on platforms like Facebook for traffic.

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Walmart Earnings For Q2 2023 Show +5.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +53.3% YoY

+ 6% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Aug 17, 2023

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YouTube defeats racial bias lawsuit by Black, Hispanic content creators, reports Reuters

General

Aug 17, 2023

Diversity & Inclusion

A U.S. federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit claiming YouTube discriminated against Black and Hispanic content creators. Judge Vince Chhabria stated that, although it's plausible YouTube's algorithm could be racially biased, the plaintiffs didn’t provide sufficient evidence of such discrimination.

The lawsuit was instigated after the murder of George Floyd, with creators alleging YouTube breached its promise for race-neutral content moderation. However, Chhabria noted that some complaints referenced outdated community guidelines, and others could be explained by the content within the videos themselves.

This permanent dismissal comes after the complaint underwent five amendments. Neither party immediately commented on the outcome.

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IPG Mediabrands privacy alert says clients should consider a pause on Google ads product, reports Insider

General

Aug 17, 2023

Advertising To Children

IPG Mediabrands issued a 'privacy alert' following a report by Adalytics in The New York Times suggesting YouTube ads might lead to improper tracking of children online. The study found that over 300 brands' ads appeared on "made for kids" content, potentially deploying tracking cookies without parental consent, possibly breaching the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

While Google disputes these claims, IPG Mediabrands has recommended clients consider pausing campaigns using Google's Performance Max ad product until its safety controls are verified.

Senators Edward J. Markey and Marsha Blackburn have approached the FTC, advocating for an investigation into Google's possible COPPA violations.

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Senators Markey, Blackburn Demand FTC Investigate YouTube, Google For Suspected Violations Of Children’s Privacy

General

Aug 17, 2023

Advertising To Children

Senators Edward J. Markey and Marsha Blackburn have written to the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, urging an urgent investigation into Google and YouTube. They suspect violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), involving tracking and targeting of children without parental consent.

The reported findings imply that YouTube and Google are involved in the rampant collection and distribution of children's data through targeted advertising on child-directed content. These actions may violate both federal law and YouTube’s own established policies.

The Senators are demanding strong actions, including the cessation of data collection from users under 13, deletion of data, and examination of how collected data has been used by third parties.

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Google’s new Transparency Center outlines its product policies, reporting tools and more, reports TechCrunch

General

Aug 17, 2023

Google has unveiled its Transparency Center, a centralised platform offering users insight into its product policies. David Graff, Google’s VP of Trust and Safety, highlighted the aim to provide a tailored, safe user experience across all Google services.

Building on its longstanding practice, the Center continues Google's commitment to transparent reporting. This includes detailing the company’s policy enforcement across various products.

Key statistics reveal Google's safety efforts in 2022: over 5.2 billion harmful ads were blocked, 11 million YouTube videos violating guidelines were removed, and 437,000 URLs with Child Sexual Abuse Material were eliminated from search results.

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