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GroupM deal with Amazon to use influencer content in ads sees 300% uptick in CTRs, reports The Drum

General

Oct 16, 2023

Influencer Marketing

GroupM subsidiary, Goat, has partnered with Amazon, enabling marketers to embed creator content within Amazon's ad platform. Goat's distinctive creator ad formats will be integrated into Amazon's demand-side platform (DSP) and 'Sponsored Brands' layout, enhancing product relatability for consumers.

Gaining access to Amazon Ads' insights, Goat aims to merge creator content with sales performance, underscoring influencer content's efficacy in engaging audiences.

Preliminary tests reveal a 300% surge in click-through rates, demonstrating the potency of authentic creator content. This alliance introduces a novel perspective on social commerce, centring on consumer shopping behaviours.

Primary Source Earnings Report

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Expert Opinions

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PubMatic and FreeWheel Announce Integration of PubMatic’s Activate

General

Oct 16, 2023

PubMatic has announced a new collaboration with FreeWheel.

This partnership will allow PubMatic’s Activate direct access to premium connected television (CTV) ad slots via FreeWheel, benefitting the TV ad ecosystem in two significant ways: it grants ad buyers with PubMatic an expanded pool of premium CTV ad inventory and provides FreeWheel publishers with exclusive campaign budgets from Activate.

Both companies aim to increase efficiency, transparency, and scalability in transactions involving premium CTV ad spaces, ensuring advertisers and agencies, like Dentsu, gain deeper insights into ad placements.

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The Google antitrust trial has been frustratingly locked down, the NYT just filed a motion to open it up, reports The Verge

General

Oct 16, 2023

Google's significant antitrust trial has seen limited public access, with Judge Amit Mehta largely supporting Google's claim that its search business details are too sensitive for open discussion. As a result, many sessions are closed to the public, and trial documents are released with delays.

Compared to extensively reported tech trials like FTC v. Microsoft or Epic v. Apple, media coverage for this trial is noticeably sparse due to the restricted access.

In response, The New York Times, backed by other major publications, has filed a motion for greater transparency, highlighting the importance of public understanding and trust in the justice system.

Primary Source Earnings Report

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Expert Opinions

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Google’s Deals Lock Up 50% of US Searches, DOJ Expert Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 16, 2023

Google's exclusive contracts, making it the default search engine on PCs and mobiles, block competitors from half of all US search queries, said the US Justice Department's expert, Michael Whinston, during an antitrust trial.

The Department argues that Alphabet Inc.'s multi-billion dollar deals with companies like Apple and Samsung maintain Google's search monopoly, hindering competitors like Bing and DuckDuckGo from accessing up to 50% of US searches.

Whinston's analysis, based on internal data from search firms and user behaviour patterns, suggested that 33% of US searches always default, leaving rivals a potential market of just 17%.

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YouTube gets new AI-powered ads that let brands target special cultural moments, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 16, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube has unveiled "Spotlight Moments", utilising Google AI to identify trending videos linked to cultural events. This enables advertisers to feature ads on pertinent videos in a branded YouTube channel. Marketing firm GroupM has already adopted this feature.

Google AI underpins many consumer interfaces, determining ad exposure. YouTube's recent AI initiatives, like Video Reach and Video View campaigns, optimise user engagement and cost efficiency using Google's AI strengths.

Historically, AI has been integral in ad targeting. Google now envisions a shift, leveraging generative AI to redefine its ad strategies, introducing conversational interfaces and AI-driven asset creation for enhanced brand promotion.

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TikTok Fights Back Over €345 Million Teen Privacy Fine in EU, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 16, 2023

Advertising To Children

TikTok is challenging a €345 million data privacy penalty imposed by European regulators, accusing the platform of neglecting the private data of its young users. The ByteDance subsidiary lodged an appeal in the EU's General Court and is contesting an Irish regulator's directive to halt "deceptive or manipulative" actions threatening user privacy.

The penalty comes amidst heightened scrutiny over TikTok's child protection measures. Moreover, the firm, alongside Meta Platforms Inc. and Elon Musk's X, recently faced EU warnings regarding misinformation dissemination.

The Irish Data Protection Commission's September fine asserted TikTok breached GDPR rules, especially concerning minors aged 13 to 17, between July and December 2020.

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Brands Are Handing Out Freebies at Walmart as Online Ads Lose Appeal, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 16, 2023

Brands in the US are revisiting in-store free samples due to declining online ad effectiveness. Retail giants like Walmart and Wakefern are expanding such initiatives, valuing the tactile experience for consumers.

The move stems from tighter digital privacy laws and rising online ad costs. Michelle Razavi of Elavi nut butter found in-store sampling at Costco more impactful than online methods.

Blending in-store sampling with digital strategies, firms like Freeosk offer automated kiosks that combine physical sampling with data gathering. Many brands now realise that significant retail purchases remain in brick-and-mortar outlets.

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Netflix Deepens Videogame Push, Ripping Page From Its Hollywood Script, reports WSJ

General

Oct 16, 2023

Gaming / Metaverse

Netflix is delving deeper into the gaming industry, with plans to adapt popular series such as "Squid Game". While initially focusing on mobile games, ambitions extend to high-end PC and TV games, putting them in direct competition with giants like Sony.

Although gaming enhances subscriber value and aims to offset declining numbers, a small percentage of its 238 million subscribers engage with games daily, indicating a challenging journey ahead.

Emulating its TV strategy, Netflix will not only produce unique game titles but will also license renowned games. This balanced approach is hoped to draw and retain a broader user base amidst stiff competition.

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LinkedIn to lay off hundreds of people amid broader restructuring, reports Axios

General

Oct 16, 2023

LinkedIn is set to axe over 660 jobs, more than 3% of its global workforce. This comes after a significant round of layoffs in May and the closure of its Chinese app, InCareer, amid a wider company restructuring.

The layoffs align with LinkedIn's enhanced focus on artificial intelligence. The company recently introduced several AI-driven product features, including tools tailored for recruiters and premium subscribers.

Despite the changes, LinkedIn's growth is undeterred. Founded in 2002, the platform's annual revenue recently surpassed $15 billion, with its user base, now at 950 million, consistently growing across over 200 global regions.

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Omnicom Media Group tackles standards across the media spectrum, starting with social, reports Digiday

General

Oct 16, 2023

Omnicom Media Group (OMG) is introducing initiatives under its Council for Accountability and Standards in Advertising (CASA) during New York's Advertising Week. This move addresses challenges in media investment, particularly with the upcoming U.S. presidential election and potential AI-driven misinformation.

Established in 2020 during the Stop Hate for Profit campaigns, CASA seeks to set advertising standards and ensure brand safety. Collaborations with the Global Alliance for Responsible Media and the 4A’s have helped define these standards.

Rob Pearsall of OMG emphasised CASA's proactive strategy, providing clients with crisis management solutions. Major clients have endorsed CASA, underlining its effectiveness across platforms.

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TikTok touts its curated audiences to advertisers to drive Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, reports Digiday

General

Oct 16, 2023

TikTok is targeting Black Friday ad revenues, introducing customised "Hashtag Audiences" to lure advertisers. These packages identify users likely to purchase specific brands, urging advertisers to spend at least $1,000 daily over a week during Q4.

While some insiders view TikTok's suggested $250,000 advertising spend during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as feasible, others opine that such features should be algorithmically inbuilt without added costs.

The platform's significant influence on big sales events is evident from its impact on Amazon's Prime Day, highlighting TikTok's potential in shaping buyer behaviour during peak shopping periods.

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Australia Fines X for Not Providing Information on Child Abuse Content, reports NYT

General

Oct 15, 2023

X, formerly Twitter, told Australian officials that its auto-detection of abusive content waned after Elon Musk's acquisition. Australia fined X 610,500 Australian dollars (about $384,000) for failing to detail its anti-child exploitation measures. The detection rate for abusive material dropped from 90% to 75% post-acquisition.

Google and X both faced criticism for insufficient responses to regulator inquiries, with X's omissions deemed more significant. X asserts a "zero-tolerance policy" on child abuse content, employing both software and expert reviews.

Despite X's stance that children aren't their main audience, its CEO highlighted Generation Z as their fastest-growing user base, with millions visiting monthly.

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TikTok details disinformation steps taken after EU demand, reports Reuters

General

Oct 15, 2023

TikTok has swiftly mobilised resources to combat hate and misinformation following Hamas' attack on Israel.

The EU's industry head, Thierry Breton, provided the platform a 24-hour window to explain its countermeasures against disinformation on the Middle East conflict, alongside an inquiry into Elon Musk's X.

Although the video app did not clarify its response to Breton, TikTok stated its condemnation of terrorism and voiced distress over the crisis in Gaza. To manage the situation, the ByteDance-owned platform has introduced a command centre, refined its detection systems, increased multilingual moderators, restricted live broadcast features, and collaborated with law enforcement.

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Supreme Court Extends Pause in Biden Social Media Contact Case, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 13, 2023

The US Supreme Court has extended its temporary hold on a lower-court decision that could limit the Biden administration's engagements with social media firms.

This extension, granted by Justice Samuel Alito, allows the court additional time to determine its approach to the case, which addresses the administration's actions against online misinformation surrounding Covid-19. Several Republican states argue that urging social media platforms to counter false information breaches the First Amendment.

This temporary delay, set to end at 5 p.m. New York time on Oct. 20, maintains the current situation without indicating the court's stance on the case's fundamentals.

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U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft-Activision deal, reports Reuters

General

Oct 13, 2023

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed its ongoing focus on the appeal against Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision.

While the deal received a green light in Britain, it required the sale of streaming rights for Activision's games to Ubisoft Entertainment to appease UK competition concerns.

In the U.S., the FTC's opposition to the transaction continues, with an appeals court session scheduled for December 6. Spokeswoman Victoria Graham stated that the new agreement between Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft introduces additional complexities. The FTC maintains its stance that the merger poses a competitive threat.

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Business boomed for Publicis in Q3, reports MarketingBrew

General

Oct 13, 2023

Publicis posted a 5.3% rise in Q3 organic revenue, outdoing the predicted 3.7%. The firm witnessed growth across the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions, adjusting its yearly organic growth forecast to 5.5%-6%.

The upbeat performance is attributed to diverse revenue avenues and the success of platforms like Epsilon and Publicis Sapient. CEO Arthur Sadoun highlighted their Creative division's resilience amidst industry challenges.

Key aims for Publicis include resuming in-person work by January and bolstering AI capabilities. The agency's recent acquisitions have significantly enhanced their AI services, marking notable achievements for the quarter.

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The New York Times quietly brought open programmatic ads back to its app, reports Insider

General

Oct 13, 2023

The New York Times (NYT) is reintroducing open programmatic advertising to its mobile app, after removing it in 2019 due to user experience concerns. Previously, such ads were retained only on their website.

Following industry advancements, the NYT has partnered with selected adtech firms to sell ads on their popular News app, ensuring a balance between advertising and user experience. Though specific partners for the app remain undisclosed, several are approved for the website.

This strategic pivot reflects publishers' focus on scalable, quality programmatic ads. The move is paying off, with the NYT recently reporting a 6.5% rise in digital advertising.

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YouTube is the latest large platform to face EU scrutiny regarding the war in Israel, reports The Verge

General

Oct 13, 2023

European Commissioner Thierry Breton alerted Alphabet's CEO, Sundar Pichai, about YouTube's duty under the EU’s Digital Services Act to address illegal content, particularly during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Breton emphasised protecting EU minors from violence and the platform's need to quickly react to EU directives.

YouTube's spokesperson, Ivy Choi, confirmed the removal of numerous harmful videos, ensuring users are directed to credible news. The platform remains vigilant across all content forms.

Breton also highlighted concerns about election disinformation, urging YouTube to tackle deepfakes before European elections. He sought proactive reporting from YouTube, echoing similar communications to other tech giants.

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TikTok scores sizable Disney deal including a content hub and publisher partnership, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 13, 2023

TikTok has partnered with Disney for its Pulse Premiere ad product. This collaboration introduces a dedicated Disney "content hub" on the app, where fans can access and create Disney-themed content, marking Disney's centenary celebration.

Despite TikTok's recent controversies, Disney's decision to collaborate recognises the platform's immense reach, with Disney content garnering over 240 billion views on the app. The partnership emphasises the app's influence, with Disney's Chief Brand Officer noting TikTok's pivotal role for Disney enthusiasts.

From October 16, this initiative will activate 48 Disney account handles globally, spanning Pixar to Star Wars, bolstered by a special Disney100 Playlist, aiming to enhance user engagement.

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Kids Suing Social Media Over Addiction Find a Win Amid Losses, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 13, 2023

Minors and parents in California have secured a pivotal court ruling against tech giants like Meta Inc.’s Facebook over alleged child addiction to their platforms.

State judge Carolyn B. Kuhl has permitted lawsuits based on claims that these companies designed their platforms to be addictive, leading to detrimental mental health effects in children.

Despite many tech firms invoking Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act as a liability shield, Kuhl ruled it doesn't hinder the negligence claim in these specific California cases. While Google defended its protective measures for children, other implicated companies are yet to respond.

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Meta takes steps to remove Hamas-related disinformation, reports Reuters

General

Oct 13, 2023

Meta is removing content that supports Hamas from its platforms after the European Union criticised social media's handling of misinformation. Following Hamas's attack on Israel, Meta took down over 795,000 misleading posts in Hebrew or Arabic within three days.

The company has broadened its violence and incitement policy, erasing content about Hamas hostages, emphasising the safety and privacy of victims. They're also ramping up efforts against potential rule breaches across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Facing pressure from the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), Meta has been proactive, contrasting with platform X (previously Twitter), which is under EU investigation

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Microsoft’s $69 Billion Activision Deal Cleared by UK, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Oct 13, 2023

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Microsoft Corp's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. This follows Microsoft's decision to sell some gaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment SA, addressing the CMA's initial competition concerns.

The acquisition previously faced global scrutiny, including an initial UK veto. However, it gained momentum after Microsoft successfully challenged the Federal Trade Commission’s court stance. The European Union had already cleared the deal in May, leaving the CMA's decision as the final significant regulatory barrier.

With this deal, Microsoft aims to bolster its gaming portfolio with titles like "Call of Duty" and break into the $93 billion mobile gaming market.

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Scope3 Raises $20 Million to Expand Business Measuring Digital Ads’ Emissions, reports WSJ

General

Oct 12, 2023

Carbon Emissions

Scope3, led by Brian O’Kelley, secured $20 million in funding, valuing the firm at $100 million. This company aids marketers in gauging and reducing the carbon emissions of their digital advertisements. GV, an Alphabet-backed venture firm, took the lead in this funding round.

Online ads are believed to account for about 10% of the internet's energy use. Scope3 will utilise its funds to refine its platform, offering users detailed emissions and sustainability data to drive down carbon outputs.

After adopting Scope3’s technology, media firm Insider slashed its ad-related carbon emissions by 23% in a quarter, exemplifying the platform's potential impact on advertising choices.

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New Working Group Wants To Expedite Retail Media OpenRTB Standards, reports AdExchanger

General

Oct 12, 2023

The IAB Tech Lab's efforts to standardise retail media face competition from an independent group, including programmatic and retail media companies, led by ad tech start-up Kevel.

They are proactively developing OpenRTB standards for retail media, aimed at addressing sponsored listings in automated online advertising. Despite the IAB Tech Lab's recent unveiling of its retail media standards proposal, the Kevel-led group believes quicker action is essential.

This new consortium, comprising members like The Trade Desk, PubMatic, and Instacart, intends to embed the new ad channel within the existing OpenRTB framework, streamlining programmatic sponsored listings across various company networks.

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Google Ad Changes Leave Marketers Flying Blind, Expert Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 12, 2023

Google updated its advertising platform, reducing data visibility for advertisers, highlighted Kinshuk Jerath at a US antitrust trial. In 2020, Google's changes curtailed details on roughly 20% of text ad spends, citing user privacy.

The adjustments mean advertisers have diminished insight into ad purchases, and it's more challenging to opt out of specific ad auctions. This has resulted in increased costs and reduced transparency.

The US Justice Department alleges that Google aims to maintain an online search monopoly. Notably, search ads account for over 60% of Google's revenue, equating to over $100 billion in 2020.

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Judge questions Montana’s ban on TikTok, reports The Verge

General

Oct 12, 2023

A US federal judge in Montana expressed doubts over the state's unique ban on TikTok during a recent hearing. TikTok and its creators had sued Montana earlier, alleging the ban infringes upon free speech rights and is unconstitutional. The state defended the ban as a measure to safeguard Montanans' online privacy.

US District Judge Donald W. Molloy challenged Montana's reasoning and evidence for national security concerns, questioning whether the state should dictate user data decisions. Montana remains the only US state with such a ban, a fact Molloy highlighted.

The judge aims to make a prompt decision on a preliminary injunction.

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Comcast and Disney hire investment banks to value Hulu as sale process makes progress, reports CNBC

M&A

Oct 12, 2023

Comcast and Disney have initiated the valuation of Hulu, a major streaming service. Comcast, holding a third of Hulu, has engaged Morgan Stanley, while Disney, owning the remaining stake, has enlisted JPMorgan Chase. This action is pursuant to a 2019 agreement, permitting either party to enforce an option for Disney to buy Comcast’s 33% share.

Previously, Comcast hesitated to sell, foreseeing the rising value of streaming. They formed an arrangement, initially set for January 2024 but advanced to September 30, to determine Hulu’s valuation.

On November 1, a buyout option can be activated. The final price hinges on the banks' valuation concurrence, with a set floor of $27.5 billion.

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TikTok Gets EU Warning Over Violent Videos and Disinformation From Hamas-Israel War Reported on App, reports Variety

General

Oct 12, 2023

The EU has warned TikTok over its alleged distribution of illegal content and disinformation related to the Hamas-Israel conflict. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton highlighted in a letter to TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, that the Digital Services Act mandates strict content moderation rules, urging a rapid response within 24 hours.

This follows similar warnings issued to X/Twitter's Elon Musk and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg. TikTok emphasised its commitment to EU regulations and noted the bolstering of its moderation in Hebrew and Arabic, along with collaboration with fact-checking organisations.

Breton emphasised the app's duty to protect young users from graphic content, urging alignment with law enforcement and Europol for compliance.

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After delays, X updates Community Notes fact-checks to improve speed and distribution, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 12, 2023

X, formerly Twitter, is enhancing its fact-checking system after recent delays in countering misinformation. CEO Linda Yaccarino has promised faster updates, particularly following the surge of posts about the terrorist attack on Israel.

Updates include note previews on Android and web (soon on iOS) for quicker fact-check validations. Additionally, users who interact with fact-checked posts will receive notifications, prompting accuracy checks.

However, the vast number of posts about the attacks raises questions about the system's efficiency, despite technological advancements.

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EU opens probe into Elon Musk’s X over Israel-Hamas war misinformation, reports FT

General

Oct 12, 2023

The EU has launched an investigation into X (previously Twitter) for disseminating illegal content and misinformation following the Hamas-Israel attacks. Under the new Digital Services Act, non-compliance could result in fines based on X's daily global earnings.

The probe aims to discern X's strategies against misinformation, marking the first application of the Digital Services Act's powers, crafted to ensure Europeans' online safety.

Amid concerns about disinformation surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on X, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton challenged Elon Musk over the platform's duties. TikTok has also been flagged by the EU regarding its responsibilities.

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Google Warns the EU That It Will Fight Attempts to Break Up Ad Business, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 12, 2023

Google is gearing up for a major antitrust battle with the European Union, echoing its ongoing conflicts in the US. The tech behemoth has signalled its resistance to the EU's suggestion of divesting its advertising tech arm to boost competition.

In June, the EU raised concerns over Google's adtech practices, suggesting its own exchange, AdX, may unjustly benefit at the expense of competitors.

Anticipating prolonged legal disputes, Google plans to formally contest these EU claims by year-end, maintaining its ad practices are fair and crucial for market operation.

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Google to pay German publishers 3.2 million euros per year on interim basis, reports Reuters

General

Oct 12, 2023

News Publishing

Google has agreed to annually pay German publishers €3.2 million for showcasing news content, while awaiting a ruling from the German patent office (DPMA). This arrangement was made with Corint Media, an association representing both German and international publishers, such as Sat.1, ProSieben, and Axel Springer.

Google emphasised that these payments align with their current agreements with 470 German publications, including Spiegel and Zeit, for using headlines and excerpts.

However, Corint Media, which initially demanded €420 million for 2022 content usage, hopes the DPMA's decision will significantly increase Google's remuneration. They had earlier settled on a one-time €5.8 million payment from Google for 2021.

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Canada news industry body backs Google's concerns about online news law, reports Reuters

General

Oct 12, 2023

News Publishing

News Media Canada (NMC), which represents leading Canadian newspapers, has backed some of Google's apprehensions about a Canadian law designed to make internet giants share ad revenue with news publishers.

Alphabet-owned Google has highlighted concerns, shared by the NMC, over regulations potentially placing unlimited financial liabilities on them and restricting their capability to support the news industry.

Despite Canada's attempts to address these tech worries in a September draft, companies like Google remain sceptical. The tech firm emphasises that basing payment on news linking could endanger free press and public access to news.

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Google to defend generative AI users from copyright claims, reports Reuters

General

Oct 12, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google has pledged to defend Google Cloud and Workspace users facing intellectual property violation claims due to generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This move mirrors commitments by Microsoft and Adobe amid concerns from copyright holders about AI system infringements.

The tech giant's stance encompasses claims arising from both training AI with copyrighted material and the content these AI systems produce. Notably absent from the announcement was Google's chatbot program, Bard.

Google stipulated the protection doesn't cover deliberate infringements. Most AI-related lawsuits target companies, not users, and AI defenders argue using scraped online data for training is "fair use" under US copyright law.

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Google’s AI-powered search experience can now generate images and write drafts, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 12, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google has updated its AI-driven SGE (Search Generative Experience), introducing a feature that can generate images from user prompts, similar to Bing's OpenAI integration. Furthermore, users can tailor content length and tone using a new drafting capability within SGE.

The platform's rapid advancements also include AI summarisation and term definition. The image-generation tool will be integrated into Google Image search, enabling custom image creation from prompts.

To prevent misuse, Google restricts this feature to users over 18 and has implemented rigorous filtering policies. These updates will be initially available to selected SGE users in the U.S., with broader access in the pipeline.

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Instacart Partners With DoubleVerify, IAS on Ad Authentication, reports Progressive Grocer

General

Oct 12, 2023

Instacart, the grocery technology firm, is collaborating with digital media software platform DoubleVerify (DV) and media measurement platform Integral Ad Science (IAS) to enhance media verification and advertiser performance. This aims to ensure that Instacart's video and display ads are viewed by genuine audiences and are shielded from fraudulent activities.

San Francisco's Instacart collaborates with over 1,400 retail banners, aiding more than 5,500 brands in online advertising. Mark Zagorski, CEO of DoubleVerify, and Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS, both emphasised the significance of transparency and measurable value in advertising.

In related news, Instacart recently began trading on NASDAQ after pricing its shares at $30 for its IPO.

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Buyers Question Inventory Quality, Transparency on Google's AI-powered Performance Max, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 12, 2023

Ad buyers express reservations about Google's AI-powered tool, Performance Max (Pmax). Many report that a significant percentage of their impressions end up on less favoured open web inventory rather than Google's prime properties like Search and YouTube.

Although Pmax offers insights on ads' placements across the web, it doesn't reveal specifics about YouTube channel placements. This has raised concerns, especially following a recent report suggesting that some ads might unintentionally target children on YouTube.

Many buyers are advocating for more transparency and comprehensive reporting from Google, hoping for a clearer understanding of ad placements, spend, and performance metrics.

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NY officials announce legislation aimed at protecting kids on social media, reports CNN

General

Oct 11, 2023

Advertising To Children

New York is introducing two bills to enhance online protection for children. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, these proposals will regulate children's online content and limit data usage by companies.

The "Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act" allows youths to opt out of algorithm-driven social media feeds and introduces usage restrictions during specific hours.

The New York Child Data Protection Act aims to shield children's online data by prohibiting its collection, use, or sale for advertising without explicit consent. Breaches could lead to significant penalties, enabling parents or guardians to seek legal damages.

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India has embraced WhatsApp, but Meta now needs to make it pay, reports FT

General

Oct 11, 2023

Mark Zuckerberg emphasised India's importance to WhatsApp's future business prospects during a recent conference. Despite previous challenges in the country, WhatsApp is becoming integral for businesses, facilitating activities like grocery orders.

Collaborations like the partnership with JioMart, a part of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, indicate India's potential as a pivotal market for WhatsApp.

Nevertheless, monetising the app's widespread use in India remains a challenge. While many local businesses access its features freely, Meta aims to generate revenue from larger business transactions and integrate services across Facebook and Instagram.

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Microsoft’s Tweaks to $69 Billion Activision Deal Avoid EU Probe, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Oct 11, 2023

Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is poised to sidestep another EU scrutiny, following changes made to appease the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA initially blocked the deal due to cloud gaming competition concerns. Microsoft's revised proposal, allowing Ubisoft Entertainment SA to distribute Activision's cloud games, seems to have mitigated these issues, with CMA's approval anticipated soon.

Despite diminishing EU concerns, Microsoft still faces hurdles in the US, as the Federal Trade Commission examines the deal further.

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Southeast Asia eyes hands-off AI rules, defying EU ambitions, reports Reuters

General

Oct 11, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Southeast Asian nations are favouring a business-friendly approach to AI regulation, diverging from the European Union's drive for global rules aligned with its strict standards. A confidential draft of ASEAN's "guide to AI ethics and governance" is under review by tech giants like Meta, IBM, and Google, emphasising cultural nuances and voluntary compliance.

In contrast to the EU's prescriptive AI Act, ASEAN's guide remains adaptable to the region's diverse legal and cultural landscape. Tech leaders welcome its flexibility, citing fewer compliance constraints and fostering innovation.

The EU, while acknowledging cultural differences, remains committed to advocating foundational principles in AI regulation, promoting human rights, and ensuring AI's responsible deployment.

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Germany's anti-discrimination agency quits X over anti-minority posts, reports Reuters

General

Oct 11, 2023

Diversity & Inclusion

Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency plans to leave social platform X (formerly Twitter) due to rising intolerance towards minorities. The decision follows misinformation spread after Hamas's attacks in Israel, with the agency's commissioner, Ferda Ataman, stressing X's unsuitability for public bodies amidst hate content.

German officials, however, retain their X presence, emphasising the platform's broad public outreach. Notably, Chancellor Olaf Scholz remains active there.

In response, X aims to control inappropriate content, including removing Hamas-related accounts. Still, Ataman questions X's value, urging state bodies to reconsider their X affiliations.

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EU urges Big Tech to tackle terrorist content after Hamas attack, reports Reuters

General

Oct 11, 2023

The EU has escalated its demands for tech companies to eradicate illegal content, following increased misinformation surrounding Middle East conflicts. EU's Thierry Breton gave warnings to Elon Musk and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, requiring action plans within 24 hours.

The European Commission underscored that any Hamas-related content is illegal per the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation. Platforms, including X and Facebook, are obligated to comply.

Breaching the DSA could result in fines up to 6% of global turnover. Persistent violators might face a total ban in Europe. The breadth of Breton's outreach to other firms is uncertain.

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Google Launches Ad Measurement Tool For Brands In The Post-cookie Era, reports AdAge

General

Oct 11, 2023

Cookie Deprecation

Google unveiled its new Google Ads Data Manager, designed to integrate with marketers' first-party data in the evolving digital advertising landscape. Kamal Janardhan from Google Ads emphasised its design to accommodate "cookie deprecation" and modern data constraints.

As internet advertising rules change, prioritising first-party data due to restrictions on third-party cookies, marketers now require explicit consumer data consent. Upcoming changes, like Google Chrome phasing out third-party cookies, further underscore this shift.

Google's new tool facilitates the merging of data from different sources, targeting both large and small advertisers. It streamlines integrations, simplifying what previously took months into just a few clicks.

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California Governor Signs Delete Act, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 11, 2023

California Governor Gavin Newsom has ratified the Delete Act, allowing residents to effortlessly erase their data from all registered data brokers via a unified system managed by the California Privacy Protection Agency.

Ad industry groups oppose the act, cautioning that it might hinder the availability of free or cheap online services. They stress that such data sustains these services and that the act could impede small business marketing and essential anti-fraud measures.

Supporters, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, endorse the law for enhancing individual data control. They highlight the current impracticality of residents approaching numerous data brokers separately.

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Blackstone holds initial talks with Disney for stake in India arm, reports Reuters

M&A

Oct 11, 2023

Private equity firm Blackstone has entered initial talks with Walt Disney to acquire a stake in Disney's Indian division. Amid intense competition in India, Disney has been contemplating either a sale or a joint venture partnership for its digital and TV segment.

Blackstone-supported U.S. media entity, Candle Media, led by former Disney executives, facilitated the preliminary discussions. Both Blackstone and Disney remain tight-lipped about the ongoing discussions.

Disney aims to bolster its Indian streaming service by offering free cricket on smartphones. However, it has recently lost significant cricket streaming rights to a broadcasting unit owned by Indian billionaire, Mukesh Ambani.

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Google Ads rolls out Demand Gen to all customers globally, reports Search Engine Land

General

Oct 10, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google Ads has launched Demand Gen globally, an advanced version of Discovery campaigns. This new offering allows for a more dynamic ad creation, incorporating both images and videos, including YouTube Shorts.

Demand Gen, AI-powered, streamlines the user engagement process with visually captivating content across platforms like YouTube, Discover, and Gmail. The tool's Lookalike segments feature assists advertisers in reaching potential clients previously unfamiliar with their brands.

Google claims that Demand Gen can triple click-through rates at a 61% lower cost per action compared to other paid campaigns. The tool facilitates diverse content customisation for brands and optimally displays products by merging videos with catalogued images and text.

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Havas Agencies To Use Adobe Firefly To Boost Supply Chain, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 10, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Havas is intensifying its collaboration with Adobe to modernise content workflows and foster a more efficient content supply chain. They'll employ Adobe's Firefly and GenStudio, integrating AI capabilities for enhanced client interactions.

With Adobe GenStudio, a part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, Havas seeks to expedite the content creation process from start to finish. This offers real-time collaboration tools and audience-tailored content insights.

Adobe, known for supporting rather than replacing professionals with AI, showcased enhancements to Firefly's human rendering. Havas envisions this partnership addressing the surging demand for real-time personalised content, ensuring brand consistency and minimising waste.

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TikTok Must Face Lawsuit Over Pixel Tracking, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 10, 2023

TikTok is to face a lawsuit in the U.S. over claims of tracking users on external platforms like Hulu and Etsy. Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. suggested that if verified, these actions might contravene Californian privacy laws.

Bernadine Griffith, leading the class-action suit, alleges TikTok's tool harvested her browsing data, even bypassing attempts to block tracking.

While TikTok requested the lawsuit's dismissal, pointing out that data sharing is fundamental to the internet, Judge Blumenfeld allowed most of the lawsuit to proceed, referencing similar past suits against Meta and Google.

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Meta unveils brand suitability controls for Reels, reports Marketing Brew

General

Oct 10, 2023

Meta has launched safety and creative tools for Reels advertisers, building on its brand suitability measures for Facebook and Instagram. Using an AI-driven inventory filter, content is categorised based on the Global Alliance for Responsible Media standards, with third-party service Zefr monitoring performance.

The move forms part of Meta's broader brand safety overhaul. Samantha Stetson of Meta highlighted Reels as a natural progression due to its growing user engagement, now reaching around 200 billion views daily.

On the creative front, advertisers gain enhanced tools for Reels, including "Collection ads", multiple CTAs, and AI-powered features for tailored content creation.

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EU’s Breton Urges Musk to Rein In Israel-Hamas Disinformation on X, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 10, 2023

European Commissioner Thierry Breton has cautioned Elon Musk about his X social network disseminating illegal content and disinformation, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a message, shared on the platform formerly recognised as Twitter, Breton highlighted Musk's duty under the European Union’s Digital Services Act to enforce stringent content moderation.

Breton emphasised concerns over misleading imagery and information, including repurposed footage from video games. In response, Musk championed the open-source nature of X and sought clarity on the alleged violations.

Previously, Breton and Musk have collaborated, with the former visiting X during a Silicon Valley trip and discussing content moderation standards.

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Google’s Pichai Decried Bad Optics of Search Engine Deal With Apple, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 10, 2023

Before his CEO tenure, Sundar Pichai voiced reservations in 2007 about Google's exclusive search deal with Apple, according to emails revealed in an ongoing Washington antitrust case.

The Justice Department contends Google stifles competition through significant revenue-sharing contracts with companies like Apple, ensuring search engine dominance. Google counters, stating users can easily switch to alternative search providers.

Joan Braddi, pivotal in the Google-Apple deal, detailed the intricate partnership evolution. Notably, Apple's Safari browser currently uses non-Google search engines in Russia, China, and South Korea.

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Utah sues TikTok, claiming app has harmful impact on children, reports Reuters

General

Oct 10, 2023

Advertising To Children

Utah is suing TikTok, alleging the app intentionally keeps young users engaged excessively, detrimental to their health and well-being. This follows similar actions by Indiana and Arkansas, with California's child protection law recently halted.

The Utah Attorney General, Sean Reyes, highlights TikTok's manipulative features that hook young users. TikTok counters, emphasising safety measures like a 60-minute time limit for users under 18.

Amidst these concerns, TikTok faces further challenges regarding potential spying issues. While Congress ponders legislation addressing these allegations, TikTok denies such claims, pointing to its significant investment in data security.

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Hamas Seeds Violent Videos on Sites With Little Moderation, reports NYT

General

Oct 10, 2023

Violent content against Israelis has surged on "X" (previously Twitter) and Telegram following recent events involving Hamas. Critics argue that under Elon Musk's leadership, "X" has neglected content moderation, enabling the spread of hate speech and misinformation.

Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok are actively moderating such content. However, "X" remains inundated with disturbing posts, many of which are unverified or misleading.

The proliferation of these graphic visuals and misleading narratives on "X" has distressed many Israelis. Hamas views this unsettling trend as a strategic move, reminiscent of extremist groups like ISIS using similar tactics in the past.

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Adobe created a symbol to encourage tagging AI-generated content, reports The Verge

General

Oct 10, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Adobe and partners have introduced an "icon of transparency" to denote content's origins, including AI-produced items. Embedded in platforms like Photoshop and Microsoft's Bing Image Generator, this icon reveals content details upon hovering, an initiative backed by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), which boasts members like Microsoft and Intel.

Andy Parsons, from Adobe, likens this icon to a "nutrition label", championing transparency for AI-generated content. Uniquely, this symbol, embedded in metadata, resists removal.

Prompted by the rise of AI content, especially deepfakes, industry giants, including Google, are developing their own content markers to ensure authenticity.

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X changes its public interest policy to redefine newsworthiness of posts, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 10, 2023

X, previously known as Twitter, has revised its "Public interest expectations" policy concerning which posts are deemed newsworthy, regardless of them breaching platform guidelines.

Previously, the policy highlighted only verified accounts, but with recent changes allowing subscription-based verifications under Elon Musk, now only posts from "high-profile accounts" are seen as newsworthy, although the criteria remain unspecified. The revamped policy no longer confines exceptions solely to elected and governmental profiles.

Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, which spurred 50 million related posts, X has been tackling Hamas-affiliated accounts and misinformation, collaborating with the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism and leaning on its Community Notes moderation tool.

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Roku Is Training TV Viewers To Go From Watching To Purchasing, reports AdAge

General

Oct 10, 2023

Roku is championing the shift in TV's role, positioning streaming as the next evolutionary step from desktops to mobiles, as highlighted by Charlie Collier, president of Roku Media, at the Ad Age’s Media Summit.

The company is broadening TV's potential by emphasising platform-focused content consumption and introducing shoppable advertising, allowing viewers to purchase with ease directly through their screens.

Roku's shoppable ads are not just about sales; they've also proven effective in increasing brand awareness and purchase intent. Enhanced interactive features predict a future where viewing and purchasing become increasingly intertwined on their platform.

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Paramount Picks ISpot.TV As TV Ad Currency Alternative To Nielsen, reports AdAge

General

Oct 10, 2023

Paramount Global has partnered with iSpot.tv for linear and streaming TV currency in the U.S. The collaboration will enable the start of measurement and trading on iSpot.tv's data from the next quarter. The integration aims to streamline ad transactions within Paramount’s systems.

The partnership utilises iSpot's Unified Measurement, merging linear and streaming viewership metrics. This provides insights into ad reach, frequency, and viewer overlap across different service types.

John Halley, president of Paramount Advertising, expressed commitment to new currency providers approved by the U.S. Joint Industry Committee (JIC). The iSpot alliance aims for heightened transparency in TV transaction measurements.

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Nearly Half The Data Used For Ad Targeting Is Wrong, reports AdAge

General

Oct 10, 2023

User Identifiers

Truthset, a consumer database accuracy firm, found that data matches crucial for ad targeting are only 51% accurate. This analysis involved correlating anonymised email and postal addresses from 15 data providers. Accuracy among these providers varied significantly, ranging from 32% to 69%.

Key discrepancies arose from outdated data, and individuals owning multiple addresses or email accounts. Notably, there wasn't a strong correlation between the size of a database and its accuracy.

To improve accuracy, Truthset suggests appending metadata to each ID, indicating data collection and match dates, facilitating the removal of outdated, likely erroneous data.

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Spotify puts restrictions on its free tier in India to attract more paid users, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 9, 2023

Audio Advertising

Spotify is limiting features for free users in India, seeking to increase its number of paid subscribers. Introduced in 2019 with a liberal free tier, Spotify cites market maturity as the reason for these adjustments, bringing its offerings closer to models like in Brazil.

While India is a leading market for Spotify's monthly users, most opt for its ad-supported version. The streaming giant is also introducing 'Smart Shuffle', which suggests songs based on users' current listening habits.

Several other platforms have shifted to paid-only models in India. However, digital music piracy rates in the country remain notably higher than the global average.

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Elon Musk’s X adds to fog of war at outset of Israel-Hamas conflict, reports CNN

General

Oct 9, 2023

Misinformation surged on Elon Musk's platform, X (previously Twitter), following Hamas' attack on Israel. False claims, including a doctored White House release, spread widely, and Musk inadvertently promoted a misleading account, later urging accuracy in posts.

Separately, a fake report claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was hospitalised. Since Musk's takeover and subsequent staffing changes, X has seen a noticeable rise in misinformation, relying on often-delayed community fact-checks.

Emerson Brooking of the Atlantic Council expressed concerns about X's paid verification system, suggesting it could blur distinctions between genuine and misleading sources, further intensifying the misinformation issue.

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One in 10 brands say current agency model fits future needs, reports The Media Leader

General

Oct 9, 2023

Agency Management

Only 11% of multinational brands believe the current agency model will serve future needs, according to a World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and MediaSense report. Despite 92% valuing agility, just 31% are satisfied with their agency's performance, highlighting a 61% expectation-reality gap.

Brands seek a 'networked' agency model with global agility and talent. The study found discrepancies between desires and reality, particularly in automation (66%) and talent (50%).

Over the next three years, 53% predict more centralised agency services, while specialist agencies remain vital. Challenger agencies may soon outpace traditional media holding firms in meeting brand expectations.

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Nelson Peltz Boosts Disney Stake, Seeks Board Seats, reports WSJ

General

Oct 8, 2023

Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management, holding a stake worth over $2.5 billion, is pushing for board seats at Disney after witnessing a significant drop in its share prices. If denied, Trian may nominate directors for Disney’s next annual meeting.

Previously, Peltz withdrew from a board position bid after Disney's shares briefly surged due to a major restructuring. However, share values have since declined from above $113 to around $80.

Facing various challenges, including Hollywood strikes and internal disputes, Trian sees Disney as undervalued, urging for a board that's more aligned with stakeholders. Concurrently, Disney aims to bolster its financial position through various strategies.

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X users report unlabeled clickbait ads that you can’t block or report, reports The Verge

General

Oct 7, 2023

X, previously known as Twitter, has introduced a new ad format resembling the clickbait ads commonly found at the bottom of various websites.

Users report encountering unlabeled ads in their mobile app feeds which, when clicked, redirect to external sites without the option to block or report them. Unlike traditional ads that are labelled and associated with a specific account, these ads seamlessly blend into the feed, appearing as regular posts.

Reports suggest that while these ads aren't directly from X's ad campaign manager, they may be delivered via a third-party ad provider.

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X to Test Three Tiers of Service in Latest Musk Overhaul, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 6, 2023

Elon Musk's X Corp., formerly Twitter, is introducing a three-tier premium service with varying ad displays based on the subscription rate. Despite reduced advertising budgets since Musk's takeover, CEO Linda Yaccarino highlighted steady growth in revenue streams.

After Musk's acquisition brought $13 billion in debt, X Corp. has been working to rebuild its revenue. With Yaccarino's leadership, about 90% of their top advertisers have returned, though with conservative budgets.

Post-acquisition, significant changes include cutting 75% of staff and launching a premium subscription. Yaccarino aims to revitalise the platform by attracting celebrities and enhancing user commerce interactions.

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Google Rejects Trudeau’s Olive Branch, Threatens News Link Block Over New Law, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 6, 2023

News Publishing

Google may block Canadians from accessing news links on its platform in reaction to the impending Online News Act. This move follows Meta's decision to block news on Facebook and Instagram in Canada to circumvent the legislation.

The Online News Act proposes tech giants like Google pay a minimum of 4% of their Canadian annual revenue to local news outlets, translating to an estimated C$172 million for Google.

Google criticised the regulations as a flawed hybrid model, combining the burdens of both levy and bargaining systems. The company hinted at an imminent news content block due to these regulatory challenges.

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Streaming companies chase Spanish-language sports rights to capture growing Hispanic viewership, reports CNBC

General

Oct 6, 2023

Streaming platforms are increasingly purchasing live sports rights to tap into the expanding Hispanic audience, who predominantly watch content in Spanish. TelevisaUnivision and NBCUniversal’s Peacock are among those enhancing their Spanish content for broader viewership.

A recent Nielsen study showed Hispanics lead the cord-cutting movement, with over 50% of their TV time dedicated to streaming. Eli Velazquez of Telemundo Deportes emphasised their early adoption of technology and streaming preference.

As soccer gains traction in the US, platforms like ESPN+ are securing bilingual broadcasting rights. The 2022 FIFA World Cup's streaming viewership tripled from 2018, showcasing the growing shift towards digital viewing.

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Alphabet CEO Pichai Set to Testify in Google Play Trial, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 6, 2023

Alphabet Inc.'s CEO, Sundar Pichai, is slated to testify in an antitrust trial in San Francisco, initiated by Epic Games Inc. over Google Play's policies. The trial, starting on Nov. 6, investigates the legitimacy of these rules, following Epic's 2020 claim challenging Google's app store protocols.

This litigation is part of a wider antitrust contention, with complaints from multiple states and entities, including Match Group Inc., labelling Google as monopolistic.

Pichai is also due to appear in a Washington trial concerning Alphabet's supposed web search monopoly. A recent undisclosed settlement might narrow this extensive antitrust dispute.

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G-7 Plans to Ask AI Companies to Agree to Watermarks and Audits, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The G7 nations are formulating a proposal for tech firms, establishing guidelines to address artificial intelligence (AI) risks, aiming to bridge differences between Europe and the US. These 11 draft rules, still under discussion, encompass AI product testing before deployment, public security reports, and intellectual property protection measures.

However, the member nations are split on oversight. The US opposes monitoring, while the EU advocates for a system identifying non-compliant firms.

Post the rise of AI services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, governments worldwide are seeking to strike a balance between utilising AI advantages and imposing necessary regulations.

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Google Changed Ad Auctions, Raising Prices 15%, Witness Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 6, 2023

Google, in 2017, revised its ad auction process, potentially hiking its revenue by 15%, stated Michael Whinston, testifying in the antitrust case against the tech giant. This change, dubbed "Project Momiji", aimed to push prices against the top bidder.

Previously, winners paid slightly more than the second-highest bid. But when Google realised a consistent bid gap, they adjusted to lessen this difference. Whinston suggests this exemplifies Google's dominance in online advertising.

The US Justice Department claims Google unlawfully retains its online search monopoly. Over 60% of Google's income, surpassing $100 billion in 2020, comes from search ads.

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Disney Said to Be in Talks With Adani, Sun TV to Sell India Assets, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Oct 6, 2023

Walt Disney Co. is in initial talks to sell its Indian streaming and television business, with billionaires Gautam Adani and Kalanithi Maran among potential buyers. The discussions include various options, such as part-selling or bundling assets like the Disney+ Hotstar service.

Disney's reconsideration for its Indian arm follows the loss of the Indian Premier League cricket streaming rights to Viacom18 Media Pvt. Mukesh Ambani's conglomerate had earlier acquired these rights, shaking up the market dynamics.

To counter this, Disney has begun streaming the Cricket World Cup in India for free, aiming to attract viewers in the cricket-enthusiast nation.

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Microsoft eyes closing its giant Activision Blizzard deal next week, reports The Verge

M&A

Oct 6, 2023

Microsoft plans to complete its $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard possibly by October 13th, ending a 20-month acquisition journey.

The closing hinges on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which had previously blocked the deal but granted provisional approval last month after Microsoft made concessions.

While Microsoft and Activision initially extended their agreement to October 18th, an early conclusion seems likely. However, ongoing challenges, especially from the US's FTC, mean the acquisition might still face legal hurdles even after completion.

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Snap Gets Enforcement Notice From UK Watchdog on AI Chatbot, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Snap Inc., creators of Snapchat, received a preliminary enforcement notice from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) concerning its AI chatbot. The notice highlighted potential shortcomings in Snap's privacy risk assessments for the 'My AI' chatbot.

ICO's preliminary findings suggest Snap didn’t adequately evaluate privacy threats, particularly towards children, prior to releasing 'My AI'. Information Commissioner John Edwards voiced concerns over the issue.

Snap emphasised its commitment to user privacy, stating that 'My AI' underwent stringent legal and privacy reviews before public launch. The chatbot utilises OpenAI Inc.’s ChatGPT technology, marking a major introduction of such tech in UK messaging platforms.

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US Warns EU’s Landmark AI Policy Will Only Benefit Big Tech, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The US has cautioned the European Union that its proposed AI regulation could unfairly favour larger companies able to shoulder compliance costs, disadvantaging smaller enterprises, as per documents sourced by Bloomberg News.

This in-depth US critique of the EU's AI Act underscores concerns about the legislation's potential impact on global AI rules. America advocates a risk-centric approach to AI, focusing on its actual application, while the EU's proposed act concentrates on AI model development.

Additionally, the US suggests the EU's stance could stifle AI research, investment, and commercialisation in Europe, possibly leading to job and investment migration to alternative markets.

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South Korea warns Google and Apple of possible fines over apps marketing, reports Reuters

General

Oct 6, 2023

South Korea's Korea Communications Commission (KCC) claims Google and Apple abused their dominant app market roles, suggesting fines up to $50.5 million. Both firms allegedly forced app developers into specific payment methods and caused undue app review delays.

Google and Apple responded to the allegations; Google awaits a definitive decision, while Apple disputes the KCC's conclusions, citing App Store adjustments in compliance with the Telecommunications Business Act.

In 2021, South Korea updated this act, curbing app store operators from dictating developers' payment methods. The KCC believes Google and Apple's actions might contravene the act's competitive fairness objective.

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Media experts argue social media is no search rival in the DoJ’s antitrust tussle with Google, reports Digiday

General

Oct 6, 2023

During the legal battle between the Justice Department and Alphabet's Google, tech leaders highlighted the significance of default tech settings and influential partnerships in shaping industry competition.

This week Joshua Lowcock, a seasoned media expert from Interpublic Group, also asserted in court that search ad placements are crucial in media plans. Such ads, tailored to user intent, offer unique value to advertisers, distinguishing them from other advertising avenues on platforms like social media.

These insights underscore the critical nature of targeted search ads in the media landscape. Their directness and capability to demonstrate return on investment make them essential tools, especially when marketing budgets face increased scrutiny.

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Google changes user data practices to end German antitrust probe, reports Reuters

General

Oct 5, 2023

Google has agreed to alter its data practices, settling a German antitrust investigation concerning its extensive data-driven market dominance. The German cartel office had earlier highlighted that Google didn't provide users enough choice in how their data was used across its services.

As a result of this agreement, users will have greater agency over their data utilisation on various Google platforms. Andreas Mundt, head of the cartel office, indicated that this not only defends users' rights but also restricts Google's data-centric market power.

Despite this change affecting over 25 Google services, others like Google Search and YouTube remain under the purview of the EU's Digital Markets Act.

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Google Posed Worries for Wireless Carriers Mulling Search App, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 5, 2023

Wireless carriers resisted Samsung's proposal to equip its Galaxy S10 with a unique app search capability not available on Google. This was due to concerns it might breach their existing contracts with Google, revealed Patrick Chang, ex-director at Samsung Next Ventures, during Google’s antitrust trial.

Branch Metrics developed this search function, but Samsung limited its capabilities, possibly due to Google contract concerns. It could only search 25 apps and excluded results from apps not on the phone.

The US alleges Google retains its online search monopoly by making it a default option on devices. Google counters, citing user preference for their service.

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Broken guardrails for AI systems lead to push for new safety measures, reports FT

General

Oct 5, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI and Meta recently announced significant advancements in consumer AI, prompting heightened user interactions. Yet, there's rising concern about the AI's ability to mitigate issues like misinformation and harmful outputs.

To address this, giants like Anthropic and Google DeepMind are introducing "AI constitutions" to guide AI behaviours. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, emphasises the necessity for clear, transparent rules for AI systems.

Despite these measures, AI "guardrails" have shown vulnerabilities, with researchers bypassing top AI models' safety protocols. Experts argue that AI should be seen as an extension of human complexity, acknowledging its broad scope and challenges.

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Meta and X questioned by lawmakers over lack of rules against AI-generated political deepfakes, reports AP News

General

Oct 5, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

As concerns about AI-generated 'deepfakes' grow, especially ahead of the U.S. presidential election, Google has become the first major tech company to announce it will label deceptive AI-driven political advertisements.

Meanwhile, two Democratic Congress members have written to Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and X's CEO, Linda Yaccarino, seeking clarification on their stance regarding such misleading ads. They emphasised the importance of transparency, particularly as the 2024 elections loom.

Although Google will enforce disclaimers on AI-influenced election ads from mid-November, Meta, which oversees Facebook and Instagram, currently lacks a specific regulation concerning AI-generated political advertisements.

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UNESCO and the Netherlands launch project to prepare for AI supervision, reports Reuters

General

Oct 5, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The Netherlands, in collaboration with the U.N., has initiated a scheme to ready Europe's national bodies for AI oversight. Supported by the European Commission, this move precedes the expected adoption of the AI Act, set to regulate AI application across Europe.

The United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims to gather data on current AI supervision in European nations and draft a set of "best practices". Assisting UNESCO, the Dutch digital infrastructure agency will liaise with national working groups throughout Europe.

While the AI Act is anticipated to be approved this year, its complete implementation will span two more years.

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Google Ads, Search and Chrome bosses plotted to boost ad revenue in emails, reports Search Engine Land

General

Oct 5, 2023

Google executives from Ads, Chrome, and Search departments reportedly collaborated to enhance ad revenue, revealed by emails at the US Department of Justice's antitrust trial. These discussions centred on increasing Chrome search queries, a major contributor to Alphabet's profits.

The emails contradict Google's earlier claims, suggesting they might complicate SEO to increase ad sales. Previously, Google's John Mueller emphasised a distinct separation between paid and organic search, ensuring neutral results.

These revelations raise concerns about Google's commitment to fairness in search, potentially impacting SEO campaign strategies.

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Elon Musk’s X faces advertiser backlash after placing marketing for major brands on notorious white supremacist account, reports CNN

General

Oct 5, 2023

Elon Musk's platform, X, claims robust brand safety for advertisers. However, a Reliable Sources review found major brands, including Amazon and Samsung, had ads displayed on the profile of VDARE, a white supremacist outlet.

Other platforms like Facebook have banned VDARE. Despite prior alerts, such as from the NFL, X seems to have taken limited action to rectify the placement of these ads.

Upon discovery, several brands expressed dissatisfaction. Some halted advertising on X, highlighting the ongoing challenges brands face when advertising on platforms with potential content moderation issues.

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Magnite Unveils New Demand Manager Feature Powered by Machine Learning to Help Publishers Earn Incremental Revenue

General

Oct 5, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Magnite, the world's leading independent sell-side ad company, unveiled machine learning-driven A/B testing suggestions within its Demand Manager product. This feature, built on Prebid tech, offers automated Prebid optimisation advice derived from auction and session data, aiming to enhance revenue. Initial experiments revealed an 80% revenue boost in wrappers utilising machine-generated settings.

Matt Tengler, VP of Product at Magnite, expressed that the integration simplifies Prebid optimisation, aiding publishers in measuring revenue and performance enhancements. Meanwhile, Ben Elshaw from LADbible highlighted the notable rCPM increase post-implementation.

Lewis Lee of REA also praised the feature, confirming an immediate revenue surge and appreciating the risk-minimising A/B testing capabilities.

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X Ads Are Being Challenged by Reader Context, reports WSJ

General

Oct 5, 2023

"X", formerly known as Twitter, launched "Community Notes" in 2021, enabling volunteers to annotate posts and ads for added context. By 2022, the feature became widely accessible, though it led to a $40 million revenue drop due to advertiser apprehensions, as noted by owner Elon Musk.

Brands like Apple and Uber have faced scrutiny through these annotations. While some deleted or amended their content in response, others stood their ground, defending their promotional claims.

The introduction of Community Notes has made some advertisers wary, particularly as political campaigns ramp up for the 2024 elections. The system's fairness and accuracy continue to be debated.

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Newsrooms try AI to check for bias and error, reports Axios

General

Oct 5, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Newsrooms are utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to pinpoint bias and inaccuracies, aiming to restore eroding public trust. The Messenger has partnered with Seekr to ensure its content upholds journalistic standards via AI. Yet, critics argue AI, shaped by human data, can't be devoid of biases.

Practically, AI's assessments have raised eyebrows. A harmless Messenger story about comedians received a low rating from Seekr, likely deeming it "subjective".

Despite AI's potential in monitoring vast datasets for falsehoods, experts caution against its sole reliance. True journalism still hinges on direct interactions, a dimension AI can't emulate.

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US ad revenue at Musk's X declined each month since takeover, reports Reuters

General

Oct 4, 2023

Since Elon Musk's 2022 takeover of the then-Twitter, now "X", U.S. ad revenue has consistently dropped, with December 2022 seeing a 78% decline year-on-year, according to ad analytics firm Guideline.

Amid rapid changes under Musk, X struggled to retain advertisers. CEO Linda Yaccarino is set to discuss the company's future plans with bank lenders. Musk attributes the decline partly to groups like the Anti-Defamation League, which the ADL denies.

Despite these setbacks, Yaccarino highlighted that 90% of the top 100 advertisers have returned, and anticipates X becoming profitable by next year, aligning with Musk's broader vision for the platform.

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Smaller Canadian Publishers Suffer From Meta’s Move to Block News, reports WSJ

General

Oct 4, 2023

News Publishing

Canada legislated that Meta and Google must pay media outlets for news links shared on their platforms. In response, Meta blocked such links for Canadian users of Facebook and Instagram.

This action affected smaller online publishers significantly. Khaled Iwamura of Insauga.com mentioned that 30% of their site's traffic came from Facebook, illustrating the unintended adverse outcomes of Canada's policy.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stands by the law, asserting its significance for quality journalism. He notes that various countries are contemplating similar measures.

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Amazon planning major AI revamp that will change the search experience, reports Search Engine Land

General

Oct 4, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon is set to revamp its search experience on its platform, introducing enhanced AI capabilities in the US from January. This upgrade will provide users with a more interactive and tailored search experience, facilitating real-time product comparisons and personalised recommendations.

The initiative, dubbed 'Project Nile', is spearheaded by new VP Joseph Sirosh, a former Microsoft AI executive. This project, currently in internal testing, is endorsed by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.

Amazon's vision is for the AI to mimic an informed in-store salesperson, enhancing user experience and potentially driving higher mobile conversions.

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Taboola expects its 30-year Yahoo deal, now live, to boost annual revenue by $1B, reports Axios

General

Oct 4, 2023

Taboola has launched its 30-year exclusive native advertising deal with Yahoo. This collaboration is anticipated to boost Taboola's annual revenue by around $1 billion, making all Yahoo native ad units accessible through Taboola, while Yahoo retains its display ad sales.

Benefitting from Yahoo's vast digital reach, Taboola now counts Yahoo as its largest publishing partner. Together, they also introduce an innovative approach to ad-targeting without cookies by utilising combined anonymised consumer data.

In favouring this partnership, Yahoo shut its native ad platform, Gemini, and in return gained a 25% stake in Taboola, reflecting the substantial revenue opportunity presented.

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X stops showing headlines because Elon Musk thinks it will make posts look better, reports The Verge

General

Oct 4, 2023

X, once Twitter, has removed article headlines from its shared links, showing only the lead image and domain.

This change was previously hinted at by Fortune, with Elon Musk confirming his involvement, suggesting it would improve aesthetics. Musk has been encouraging more direct content uploads to boost engagement on X.

Yet, this removal might hinder user-friendliness, as posts are now less immediately comprehensible, potentially impacting the engagement Musk seeks to enhance.

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AI Startup Anthropic in Early Talks With Investors to Raise $2 Billion, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 4, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

AI startup Anthropic is reportedly in preliminary discussions to raise $2 billion, following Amazon.com Inc.'s commitment to invest up to $4 billion. This significant potential deal reflects the surge in interest surrounding Silicon Valley's AI sector. Though yet to be finalised, there are suggestions that Anthropic could be valued at around $30 billion.

Anthropic is among the startups developing foundation models, large-scale data-consuming bases for various AI tools. These models are costly to maintain, necessitating significant investments for companies like Anthropic and competitor OpenAI.

Founded by ex-OpenAI employees in 2021, Anthropic emphasises responsible tech. Their chatbot, Claude, offers a friendly interface for written tasks.

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US Commerce head backs legislation to address TikTok threats, reports Reuters

General

Oct 4, 2023

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has voiced her support for legislation granting the Commerce Department enhanced capabilities to handle concerns surrounding apps owned by foreign adversaries.

This follows worries about Chinese-owned TikTok's potential misuse of American data, with Congress considering powers to address or possibly ban the app.

Raimondo, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, emphasised the national security risks posed by TikTok and advocated for a holistic plan. She endorsed the Restrict Act and the upcoming Guard Act, both focusing on transactions involving foreign tech that may be security risks.

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Apple Considered, Rejected Switch to DuckDuckGo From Google, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 4, 2023

Apple considered replacing Google with DuckDuckGo for Safari's private mode but eventually decided against it. Details emerged after US District Judge Amit Mehta unsealed testimonies from DuckDuckGo CEO, Gabriel Weinberg, and Apple's John Giannandrea.

Weinberg detailed numerous discussions about the potential integration with Apple, citing past collaborations. Giannandrea, however, highlighted concerns over DuckDuckGo's reliance on Bing and potential privacy issues.

Separately, Apple assessed Bing as an alternative for Safari. Though Microsoft was eager, a 2021 study indicated Google's search results were superior to Bing's.

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Google’s New Virtual Assistant to Include Bard AI Tools, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 4, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google is introducing "Assistant with Bard", enhancing its virtual assistant with Bard AI capabilities, aimed at managing complex tasks. This move comes as Google's counter to OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The company has been aggressively incorporating AI, recently integrating Bard into platforms like Gmail and Maps.

Amidst the rise of AI's importance, Google's Assistant is competing against rivals like Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa, with these enhancements further positioning it in the market.

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EU to study mobile ecosystems to counter any Apple and Google antitrust pushback, reports Reuters

General

Oct 4, 2023

European Union regulators are initiating a study on mobile ecosystems to counteract potential resistance from Apple and Google against new tech regulations. The Digital Markets Act (DMA), effective since May, mandates both tech giants to permit third-party apps or app stores on their platforms and facilitate easier user transitions between default and rival apps.

Apple has raised concerns over the rule permitting users to install apps outside their designated stores, citing potential security threats.

The study, valued at €300,000, seeks to bolster DMA's supervision and enforcement. Companies violating DMA could face penalties of up to 10% of their global turnover.

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US in antitrust trial accuses Google of illegal methods to push up ad prices, reports Reuters

General

Oct 4, 2023

The U.S. Justice Department is probing Google's potential manipulation of online ad prices at a major antitrust trial. Adam Juda, Google's Vice President of Product Management, highlighted the company's formula determining ad auction outcomes, considering ad quality.

Justice Department's David Dahlquist highlighted a Google document for the EU, suggesting the tech giant can influence ad auction prices. Juda acknowledged their "tuning" processes can indeed impact pricing.

This line of inquiry diverges from earlier investigations centred on Google's investments to remain the default search engine on various devices.

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Omnicom Wins BMW Media Account In US, Canada And Latin America, reports AdAge

General

Oct 4, 2023

BMW has appointed Omnicom to manage media buying and planning across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, covering the BMW brand, Mini, and Motorrad. A bespoke unit within Omnicom will handle this portfolio.

Marcus Casey, BMW of North America's CMO, emphasised the need for a progressive partner in today's intricate media landscape. This move is part of BMW's broader strategy review which commenced in January.

In 2022, BMW increased its U.S. media spending to $98.9 million, up from $80.2 million in 2021, mirroring the brand's growing investment in electric vehicles and overall business expansion.

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Meta Is Rolling Out Its First Gen AI Tools For Ad Creative, reports AdExchanger

General

Oct 4, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is introducing generative AI tools into its Ads Manager to enhance ad creation. These tools, trialled in its AI Sandbox since May, include text variation, background generation, and image cropping.

Matt Steiner, Meta's VP of monetisation, emphasised the efficiency of these AI tools, with some advertisers predicting a weekly time-saving of over five hours.

Meta believes that, beyond efficiency, generative AI will allow creative teams to focus more on strategy. Alvin Bowles, VP of Meta's global business group, envisions AI liberating professionals from routine tasks, enabling more innovative and strategic work.

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Social media traffic to top news sites craters, reports Axios

General

Oct 4, 2023

News Publishing

Traffic to top global news sites from Facebook and X has significantly declined over the last year, per Similarweb data, challenging website business models reliant on social media clicks.

Regulatory pressures and freedom of speech issues have led tech giants to withdraw from promoting quality information, elevating misinformation risks before the 2024 elections. This pivot has left many news firms, despite anticipating this shift, struggling with reduced ad revenue, declining dependable traffic, and a surge in media job losses.

However, such disruptions often lead to innovation. The past over-dependency on social media has spurred publishers to develop robust consumer products and better safeguard their intellectual property in the AI landscape.

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