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Papa Johns Awards Dentsu’s Carat Its US Media Business, reports AdAge

General

Nov 7, 2023

Carat, part of Dentsu, has clinched the U.S. media account for Papa Johns after the pizza company reviewed its marketing business in August. Havas Media, the incumbent since 2019, is being replaced, with the creative review still in progress.

Papa Johns, yet to comment, is in the midst of reassessing its marketing strategies. Mark Shambura, the Chief Marketing Officer since May, aims to refresh partnerships for future growth. Carat is set to start on January 1st.

Despite a decrease in media spend in 2022, Papa Johns saw a 3% rise in comparable North American sales, contrasting with mixed results from competitors like Domino's and Pizza Hut.

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Performance Max Introduces Auto-Generated Text And Image Creative, reports AdExchanger

General

Nov 7, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google's Performance Max (PMax) advertising tool, known for its opaque algorithm, now automates creative content, with advertisers setting KPIs and letting Google's AI handle the rest.

PMax now auto-generates text and images, helping to alleviate creative bottlenecks in ad campaigns across Google services. It features a built-in editor for image adjustments while maintaining Google Ads policy compliance.

Despite simplifying ad processes, Google proceeds cautiously with PMax, seeking to maintain advertiser and agency trust in its largely autonomous system. Feedback remains crucial as Google expands PMax's capabilities, including machine-generated creative content.

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Google Content Writers at Accenture Vote to Join Union, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 7, 2023

Alphabet Inc.'s contractors, creating content for Google's support pages, have voted to unionize, a move contested by their employer, Accenture Plc, and Google, potentially leading to a legal showdown over joint employment status.

Despite Google's denial of being their employer, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) sided with the workers, recognizing Alphabet as a 'joint employer,' which may necessitate collective bargaining.

The victory for these workers marks progress for labor rights in tech, yet negotiations with Alphabet may stall, as seen with a separate unionized group of Alphabet contractors, indicating a prolonged legal struggle ahead.

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Thousands of people are uninstalling ad blockers after YouTube's big crackdown, reports Engadget

General

Nov 7, 2023

YouTube's tougher stance on ad blockers has led to a significant drop in ad-blocking app usage. Companies like AdGuard have seen daily uninstalls more than double since YouTube's warnings began.

AdGuard observed a one-day peak of 52,000 uninstalls, though subscriptions to their unaffected paid service have increased. Ghostery also noted a surge in both installs and uninstalls, attributing the user drop-off to the blockers' ineffectiveness on YouTube.

YouTube's ad revenue is a growing slice of Google's income, and the crackdown seems to target Chrome users. Some viewers are switching to browsers like Edge, with Ghostery reporting a 30% increase in installations for October.

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Black-owned publishers say they still suffer from discriminatory keyword blocklists and miscategorized content, reports Digiday

General

Nov 7, 2023

Diversity & Inclusion

Black-owned media executives reveal that outdated keyword blocklists are unfairly blocking up to 37% of their content, impacting revenue and client relationships. Advertisers' blocklists and third-party verification tools contribute to this issue, despite some firms’ efforts to aid publishers.

Despite new tools from verification firms to mitigate blocklisting, Black publishers struggle with systemic biases that miscategorize their content, leading to lost ad impressions and revenue. The industry's slow response to this issue has been frustrating for these companies.

Executives urge for updated blocklists and greater diversity in media buying to address the long-standing issues in advertising that disproportionately affect Black-owned media.

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Sixty percent of major brands plan to increase their ad budgets in 2024, new research shows, reports Insider

General

Nov 7, 2023

Marketers are eyeing an increase in ad budgets for 2024, with 60% of those surveyed indicating plans to boost spending. This outlook from the World Federation of Advertisers and Ebiquity suggests a rebound from the recent advertising slump.

A cautious optimism prevails despite potential economic uncertainties. A significant portion, 33%, will maintain their 2023 budgets, and only a few forecast substantial cuts. These intentions reflect broader confidence in market recovery and consumer spending resilience.

Video advertising is set to benefit most from budget increases, signalling a strategic shift to long-term brand building over immediate performance marketing. However, the complexity and fraud risks in emerging channels like connected-TV are noted concerns among marketers.

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Ad Tech Companies Are Getting Graded On Log-File Transparency, reports AdExchanger

General

Nov 6, 2023

TAG TrustNet is tackling the disarray in log-file data transparency, crucial for advertisers to detect inefficiency or fraud. They've introduced a register categorising ad tech firms based on their data sharing practices.

Even as TAG TrustNet strives for clarity, the struggle to unify data sharing among ad tech companies persists. Despite initial interest, few advertisers fully engage due to access and contractual issues, underscoring the challenges in log-file data reconciliation.

Kenvue's participation in TrustNet has streamlined its ad supply chain, revealing the power of log-file data for efficiency and reduced costs, yet the industry still faces hurdles in establishing uniform data transparency standards.

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Netflix Charging $2M To Advertise With Live Sports Event, reports Front Office Sports

General

Nov 6, 2023

Netflix enters the live sports arena with its first event, the Netflix Cup, charging $2 million for sponsorship. This cost also requires an equal investment in Netflix's ad-supported tier, which recently surpassed 15 million users.

The event, airing on November 14, combines golf and Formula 1, featuring stars from Netflix series "Full Swing" and "Drive to Survive". It mimics Warner Bros. Discovery’s "The Match" format, focusing on brand visibility rather than traditional ads.

This venture into live sports, potentially including an exclusive Jake Paul boxing match, marks Netflix's strategic expansion and a new approach to content and advertising partnerships.

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Google Play’s Bribe and Block Tactic Hurt Rivals, Epic Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 6, 2023

Epic Games accuses Alphabet Inc. of using a 'bribe and block' tactic to hinder competitors and maintain dominance with its Google Play app marketplace, potentially harming developers and consumers by driving up prices.

Epic's legal challenge aims to dismantle Google Play's policies, alleging that Google's anticompetitive practices inflate profits well beyond a competitive market level, with claims of Google making deals to prevent the establishment of rival app stores.

The trial, which may see testimony from high-level executives, kicked off with Epic's CEO acknowledging the jury. Epic persists in its legal pursuit against Alphabet, despite having previously lost a similar case against Apple and after Alphabet settled with other complainants.

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Meta bars political advertisers from using generative AI ads tools, reports Reuters

General

Nov 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has restricted political campaigns and regulated industries from using its new AI ad tools to prevent misinformation. This follows industry concerns about AI's potential misuse in sensitive areas.

The company's updated policy, aiming to safeguard sensitive topics in regulated sectors, withholds AI ad features from certain campaign types. Meta is cautiously expanding AI in advertising amid broader tech industry engagement with generative AI.

Meta's move signals industry caution as AI's role in political advertising grows. Amidst the rollout of AI-driven tools, the tech giant is taking steps to ensure the integrity of content and discussions around elections.

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Chatbots May Hallucinate More Often Than Many Realize, reports NYT

General

Nov 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI's ChatGPT, among others, often "hallucinates," generating false information. This issue, emerging in various tech giants' chatbots, wasn't initially obvious to many users.

Vectara's research reveals chatbots err by inventing data in 3-27% of responses. This is critical for users relying on chatbots for accurate professional information.

Their analysis shows different AI firms have varying hallucination rates, with OpenAI's being the lowest. Vectara aims to raise awareness and promote industry-wide efforts to mitigate these inaccuracies.

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NBCUniversal and Walmart team for shoppable Bravo content on Peacock, reports StreamTV Insider

General

Nov 6, 2023

NBCUniversal and Walmart have joined forces to introduce shoppable ads on Peacock's "Below Deck Mediterranean," enabling instant purchases of featured items.

Selected episodes on November 7, December 5, and December 12 will allow viewers to use their remote to access interactive ads, using a QR code to shop on Walmart's site.

This innovation streamlines the path from viewing to shopping, merging NBCUniversal's content with Walmart's retail offerings, simplifying the consumer journey from inspiration to acquisition.

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YouTube to test generative AI features, including a comments summarizer and conversational tool, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube is introducing AI tools for Premium users: an AI conversational tool for real-time content queries and recommendations, and a comment summarizer for easier discussion tracking. Initially, these tools will be US-exclusive for Android users.

The comment summarizer organizes and distills the discussion, aiding creators and viewers in engaging with feedback. This AI-driven feature is under trial in English and tailored to simplify community interactions.

YouTube's AI experiments, part of Google's wider AI application strategy, are in the feedback phase, ensuring user-centric development of these potentially transformative features.

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Elon Musk's X restructuring curtails disinformation research, spurs legal fears, reports Reuters

General

Nov 6, 2023

Social media studies on X, after Musk's access restrictions, are hampered, stalling over 100 projects. Researchers struggle to track misinformation spread during pivotal events like the Hamas-Israel conflict.

Cancellation of free academic access to a data tool, crucial for analysing millions of tweets, has disrupted research agendas. Legal concerns arise post X's lawsuit against the CCDH for critical moderation reports.

With ad revenue plummeting under Musk, research faces financial hurdles due to costly data access. Upcoming global election analyses are particularly compromised, as researchers grapple with limited and expensive data options.

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EU's Breton tells TikTok CEO to spare no effort against disinformation, reports Reuters

General

Nov 6, 2023

EU Industry Chief Thierry Breton has urged TikTok to intensify efforts against disinformation. Breton set deadlines for TikTok to outline its crisis response and methods for protecting elections and minors.

Breton is evaluating TikTok’s recent user protection enhancements to determine compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), stressing the importance of shielding citizens from illicit content and misinformation.

TikTok's Public Policy Director, Caroline Greer, expressed gratification over the EU's acknowledgment of their efforts. The DSA mandates stricter oversight by large platforms to combat illegal content, part of the EU's wider initiative to regulate Big Tech.

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Brokers Sell Military Members’ Data for Pennies, Study Finds, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 6, 2023

Researchers at Duke University discovered data brokers selling US military personnel's sensitive data, posing national security risks, with details like addresses available for mere pennies.

The month-long study revealed the ability to purchase extensive personal information on military members and their families, including health and financial records, which NATO warns could be exploited.

While legislative efforts to restrict such sales exist, gaps remain, evidenced by researchers purchasing geofenced data and transferring it internationally, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive privacy laws to protect service members' data.

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GroupM is in the trough of the business cycle, reports Digiday

General

Nov 6, 2023

GroupM grapples with leadership changes and revenue hits amid client departures, part of wider industry challenges like economic shifts and competition.

Despite a tough Q3 with just 1.6% growth, GroupM has seen a 23% increase since 2019 and remains optimistic, citing modest year-to-date growth and future recovery.

With a downcast year-end forecast, GroupM is evolving beyond its traditional bulk buying to offer diverse, value-added services to meet modern marketing needs, signalling strategic shifts to stay relevant.

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Google’s Epic legal battle opens up on another front, reports FT

General

Nov 6, 2023

Epic Games' antitrust trial against Google begins, targeting the tech giant's alleged restrictive practices on Android's app ecosystem. This legal battle unfolds as Google also faces a major antitrust case in DC.

While Google defends its Play store policies as flexible, Epic counters with accusations of coercive contracts that cement Play's dominance. Google has settled related lawsuits, maintaining its terms are more open than Apple's.

The outcome of Epic's case, decided by a jury and including testimonies from high-profile executives, is uncertain. With potential for severe antitrust repercussions, the trial could significantly impact Google's operations.

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Musk to integrate xAI with social media platform X, reports Reuters

General

Nov 5, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, is set to be integrated into his 'X' platform, besides being available as an independent app. The first AI model released is Grok, now available to X Premium+ users.

xAI aims to develop AI that aids in understanding and knowledge, with Grok designed to respond with wit. Musk's venture challenges mainstream AI, promoting a "maximum truth-seeking" ethos.

Musk, who previously co-founded OpenAI, discussed AI's disruptive potential with UK PM Rishi Sunak, suggesting a future where traditional employment is transformed. Despite his early involvement with OpenAI, Musk left the board in 2018.

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UK secures commitments from Amazon and Meta over retail platforms, reports Reuters

General

Nov 3, 2023

The UK's Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its inquiry into Amazon and Meta, accepting their commitments to foster fair competition on their platforms.

Meta will prevent the misuse of advertisers' data, allowing competitors to opt-out of data sharing that enhances Facebook Marketplace, aligning with fair competition principles.

Amazon has pledged to fairly feature third-party sellers' offers in the "Buy Box," not exploiting marketplace data, thereby supporting a competitive environment for independent sellers. These commitments mark a significant step in regulating competitive practices in online marketplaces.

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Google AI, YouTube Exclude Topics To Deliver Ads Responsibly, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 3, 2023

Google introduces 'Excluded Themes' for advertisers to sidestep unwanted topics on YouTube and Google Display Network. This precision tool enhances brand safety, highlighted by Danielle Wolinsky at The Brand Safety Summit.

The AI-driven feature aims to eliminate inappropriate content, focusing on non-violent, authoritative sources. It's part of a broader strategy to foster a safer digital ad environment.

YouTube’s AI now identifies and filters spam and rule-breaking content, extending to comments and ads. With brand-safety accreditation, YouTube offers varied content suitability options for advertisers, balancing reach and compliance with brand values.

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Integral Ad Science Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +18.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -1892.6% YoY

+ 19% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 3, 2023

AdExchanger reports:

Despite a challenging Q3 for the wider market, Integral Ad Science (IAS) reports robust growth with a 19% revenue increase and improved annual projections.

Gains were spearheaded by its AI-driven Context Control tool, contributing to a 21% rise in optimization revenue, while measurement revenue, bolstered by social media, rose significantly, accounting for a substantial portion of Q3 earnings.

IAS continues to expand into social media measurement and verification, targeting brand safety in dynamic content environments. Investments in CTV, retail media, and AI are also key focus areas, with notable partnerships and integrations marking their strategic growth.

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TikTok Explores Selling Groceries In The US, reports AdAge

General

Nov 3, 2023

TikTok Shop in the US is considering partnerships to facilitate in-app grocery deliveries, potentially expanding its retail offerings. Westgate highlighted these plans, noting a focus on perishable goods delivery.

The platform also aims to integrate digital product purchases, broadening its in-app shopping beyond physical goods. Currently, TikTok Shop caters to brands with direct-to-consumer models, with intentions to diversify.

TikTok contemplates opening its platform to previously restricted items, like perishables, under "invite only" conditions. While specifics are undeclared, developments point towards an enhanced fulfillment system, indicating a strategic move towards a model akin to Amazon Fresh.

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TikTok CEO to meet top EU chiefs next week amid disinformation worries, reports Reuters

General

Nov 3, 2023

TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is scheduled for discussions with EU officials in Brussels next week, against the backdrop of concerns about disinformation following recent conflicts.

The meetings, set for the 6th and 7th of November, will allow Chew to present TikTok's data security efforts, including the local storage of European user data under Project Clover.

Chew's briefing will cover TikTok's adherence to the EU's Digital Services Act, addressing the company's steps to combat illegal content and detailing protections for election integrity and the safety of minors on the platform.

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X runs timeline takeover ad promoting anti-trans film, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 3, 2023

PragerU's "#DETRANS" campaign featured on X (Twitter) in a 'timeline takeover', capitalising on the platform's liberal post-Musk censorship policies.

While PragerU’s narrative suggests a regret in gender-affirming care, studies show such detransition cases are notably rare against a backdrop of increasing anti-trans legislation.

Despite user dissent, PragerU's ad remains unremovable on X, unlike Google, which rejected a similar approach. Musk's influence on X includes policy shifts, particularly those affecting LGBTQ+ community content moderation.

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Fox Corp. Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +0.5% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -31.4% YoY

+ 1% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 2, 2023

Reuters reports:

Fox Corp's first-quarter profit fell by 33% due to lower political ads and higher costs from the Women's World Cup broadcast and digital platform investments.

Post-Rupert Murdoch's departure, Fox saw profits dip to $407 million, with rising operating expenses from increased NFL contract costs.

Despite reduced ad revenue, Fox's overall quarterly revenue edged up to $3.21 billion, supported by affiliate fee increases and major sports events broadcasts.

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ANA’s Engage Responsibly Launches Ad And Education Campaign To Fight Online Hate

General

Nov 2, 2023

The ANA's 'Engage Responsibly' campaign aims to curb online hate, spurred by alarming statistics of abuse. It offers brands a toolkit to educate and mobilize against this negativity.

Educational materials, crafted with the Better Business Bureau, support ER’s mission. Initiated by Pernod Ricard and continued by the ANA, ER seeks to harness the collective influence of various sectors to address online hate.

‘Theo’s Story’, part of the ER campaign, personalizes the struggle against online hate. The initiative garners pro bono support from media partners, guiding viewers to resources that promote digital empathy and safety.

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Attention Vendors Team Up To Crack The YouTube Measurement Code, reports AdExchanger

General

Nov 2, 2023

YouTube’s viewership is shifting towards connected TV (CTV), creating a measurement challenge for marketers as 38% of YouTube content is consumed via CTV.

TVision and Playground XYZ's partnership seeks to measure viewer attention on YouTube’s CTV app, combining their data to provide comprehensive ad engagement insights.

Early findings show CTV viewers are more engaged than those on linear TV. However, ads on CTV are less watched, and standardizing metrics for YouTube’s broader ad network remains complex.

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MediaRadar Acquires Competitive Ad Tracker Vivvix From Kantar, reports MediaPost

M&A

Nov 2, 2023

Kantar Group, based in London, has sold its ad intelligence division Vivvix, including the political ad tracker CMAG, to New York's MediaRadar. The financial details remain undisclosed.

The sale sees another change of hands for services that began as LNA, BAR, and later CMR, before Kantar's rebranding to Vivvix in January. Kantar operates as a joint venture between WPP Group and Bain Capital.

The acquisition by MediaRadar is supported by investments from Thompson Street Capital Partners and Endicott Capital, indicating a strategic expansion for the advertising intelligence platform.

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IAC warns regulators generative AI could wreck the web, reports Axios

General

Nov 2, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

IAC has warned that without copyright protection for content used by generative AI, original content quality could plummet.

The firm, home to a major digital and print publisher, predicts a grim future where AI reuses content without compensating creators, undermining the internet's reliability.

IAC supports generative AI advancements but insists on stronger copyright laws to protect publishers' content and ensure the technology's sustainable use. AI companies typically counter with fair use defenses.

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FTC Says Amazon Crippled Moms-and-Kids Startup Zulily, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 2, 2023

E-commerce site Zulily challenged Amazon with a price-matching pledge, prompting Amazon to respond aggressively, limiting visibility for lower-priced merchants on its platform. The FTC's lawsuit reveals this forced some suppliers to cease selling on Zulily.

Amazon's strategies are claimed by the FTC to unfairly restrict competition, deterring suppliers from offering lower prices elsewhere. Amazon counters, stating its practices are legal and insisting on featuring only competitively priced products.

As Amazon matched Zulily's discounts, supplier pressure and subsequent price wars led to Zulily abandoning its superstore ambitions. The FTC suggests Amazon's dominance contributed to Zulily's downturn, alongside the broader challenges of converting deal-seekers into loyal customers.

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Amazon made $1 billion through secret price raising algorithm, reports Reuters

General

Nov 2, 2023

The FTC has detailed Amazon's illicit strategies for profit gain in a lawsuit, including a pricing algorithm, 'Project Nessie', that allegedly increased U.S. consumer costs by over $1 billion.

Amazon contests the FTC's portrayal of 'Nessie', which was supposedly designed to prevent unsustainable price drops, not inflate them. The algorithm, initiated in 2010, led to rival retailers matching Amazon's elevated prices, culminating in significant extra profit for Amazon.

The lawsuit further accuses Amazon of monopolistic practices, such as mandating sellers use its delivery services and stifling competition from big players like Walmart, thereby maintaining higher fees and controlling market prices.

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At UK's AI Summit developers and governments agree on testing to help manage risks, reports Reuters

General

Nov 2, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

AI leaders will partner with governments to test new AI technologies, ensuring safety and mitigating risks - a key decision from the UK's AI summit. This move comes as experts caution against unchecked AI development that could compromise privacy or pose significant dangers.

At Bletchley Park, international leaders, including the UK's PM, agreed to common risk assessment measures for AI. A global agreement ensures rigorous testing of AI models to prioritise human safety.

The summit highlighted the need for independent AI safety checks. Yoshua Bengio will contribute to a comprehensive report, moving away from developer-only assessments to a more transparent and collaborative approach.

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Paramount Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +3.1% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +27.7% YoY

+ 3% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 2, 2023

Bloomberg reports:

Paramount Global surpassed third-quarter earnings forecasts, buoyed by a reduced loss of $238 million in its streaming division, beating the anticipated $438 million. Paramount+ subscriptions climbed to over 63 million, with a 46% revenue surge.

The company saw subscriber and ad revenue growth, leading to a revision of its streaming losses, which are now expected to be lower than previously estimated. Shares increased by 8.6% after hours.

Despite the positive streaming performance, overall revenue fell slightly short of expectations at $7.13 billion, with traditional TV networks declining and Paramount Pictures posting a $49 million loss.

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CBS is virtually sold out of ad slots for Super Bowl 58, reports Marketing Brew

General

Nov 2, 2023

Super Bowl 2024's ad slots are nearly all taken, an unusual occurrence given past sales patterns, signalling a high demand for the event's commercial spots.

Prices for a 30-second ad are steep, between $6.5 and $7 million, with CBS Sports aggressively finalising their inventory and hinting at premium rates for the remaining slots.

An alternative broadcast for children on Nickelodeon presents a dual-feed strategy for advertisers, while names like Anheuser-Busch are confirmed, with other major brands like Oreo and Pepsi Zero expected to feature, yet details are still under wraps.

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Criteo Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +5.0% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +1.7% YoY

+ 5% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 2, 2023

AdExchanger reports:

Criteo's retargeting revenue fell below half its total, marking a company first, with a slight net profit increase. Shares dropped over 10% post-announcement, as growth in retail media outpaced retargeting's decline.

The company distinguishes itself in commerce advertising, boasting key partnerships and a significant identity graph. Criteo is also deeply involved in developing Chrome's Privacy Sandbox advertising APIs.

Criteo contends with shifting profits as retargeting dwindles. It's revising pricing strategies to secure large retailers' business amidst fixed-rate preferences. Investment in the evolving Privacy Sandbox carries risks due to uncertain outcomes as cookie deprecation looms.

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Apple Earnings For Q3 2023 Show -0.7% YoY Revenue Decline, Net Income Up By +10.8% YoY

-1% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 2, 2023

WSJ reports:

Apple’s sales have declined for the fourth quarter in a row, affected by economic slowdown and Huawei’s competition in China. Revenue fell slightly to $89.5 billion but net income beat expectations.

The company’s revenue in China dropped by 2.5%, with Apple facing a tough market environment and stronger local competitors. Yet, iPhone sales suggest a market share gain in urban China despite Huawei's new product launch.

Apple wrapped up a mixed earnings season for tech, with its strategy of pushing high-end iPhones possibly reaching a saturation point, amidst overall shrinking U.S. smartphone shipments.

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AdSense is updating its revenue share-structure and moving to per-impression payments for publishers.

General

Nov 2, 2023

Google AdSense, a service launched 20 years ago to monetize websites, is altering its revenue structure and payment method for publishers. AdSense, which distributes billions annually to creators, is adapting to the evolved digital advertising landscape.

The platform is updating its revenue-share model and will shift to paying by impression, aiming for consistency and transparency in fees across different ad technologies. This will allow publishers to more effectively compare earnings across various monetization methods.

These changes, expected to maintain publishers’ earnings at current levels, will come into effect early next year. They are part of Google’s ongoing investment in AdSense, supporting content creators and contributing to the open web.

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YouTube’s new teen safeguards limit repeated viewing of some video topics and more, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 2, 2023

Advertising To Children

YouTube has introduced new measures to enhance child safety by limiting repetitive recommendations of content that could affect teens' body image and expose them to social aggression.

The platform aims to prevent potential harm from repeated exposure to certain types of videos, with initial changes rolling out in the U.S. and plans to extend globally, aligning with potential new child safety laws.

Enhancements include prominent "take a break" prompts and expanded crisis resource panels, with partnerships with WHO and Common Sense Networks to support teen mental health and online safety education.

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TikTok denies pushing pro-Palestine content, report Reuters

General

Nov 2, 2023

TikTok has countered claims of bias in content related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, noting "standwithisrael" hashtag views surpassed those for "standwithpalestine" in the U.S.

The company's data shows a 17 million view difference between the hashtags, addressing concerns about content curation.

TikTok responded to violence-related content by removing over 925,000 videos in the region and deactivating 24 million fake accounts, amidst a wider issue of misinformation on social platforms.

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Amazon Boosted Junk Ads and Deleted Messages to Thwart Antitrust Probe, FTC Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 2, 2023

The FTC alleges Amazon doubled junk ads for profit and purged communications to obstruct an antitrust probe. Bezos reportedly greenlit these low-quality ads, impacting user search clarity.

Amazon's ad revenue hit $12.1 billion, despite the FTC's claim that the strategy hinders consumers and sellers. The complaint cites irrelevant ad placements as an example of the issue.

Facing a lawsuit for monopolistic practices, Amazon is accused of coercing seller dependence on its services and suppressing competition. The company refutes the allegations, particularly regarding its 'Nessie' algorithm, and plans to challenge the FTC's lawsuit.

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IP addresses may not be the post-cookie data solution adtech wanted, reports Marketing Brew

General

Nov 1, 2023

Google intends to test IP Protection in Chrome to enhance user privacy by cloaking IP addresses, following Apple's similar move in Safari.

The change, initially optional for US users, could disrupt ad tech firms reliant on IP data for ad targeting and fraud detection, as Chrome and Safari dominate US browser market share.

If IP tracking and third-party cookies are phased out, programmatic advertising may need an overhaul, potentially impacting ad bids and pricing, although previous similar changes did not affect ad revenues significantly.

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Amazon Intros More Ad Buying Options To Fire TV, reports AdExchanger

General

Nov 1, 2023

Amazon expands Fire TV advertising to all brands, allowing diverse advertisers to feature on the platform's home screen, echoing Roku's inclusive ad strategy.

New advertising units for media and entertainment sectors are launched in Fire TV's search results, capitalizing on the increased viewer engagement and substantial growth of Fire TV Channels.

The platform now offers interactive hero units and genre-targeted sponsored tiles, enabling advertisers to reach Fire TV's growing, exclusive audience. Amazon plans to enhance targeting with its extensive retail data, promising more advanced options for advertisers in the future.

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Disney to buy remaining Hulu stake from Comcast in widely expected move, reports CNBC

M&A

Nov 1, 2023

Disney has confirmed it will purchase Comcast's third of Hulu by December 1, anticipating a payment of approximately $8.61 billion. This follows a 2019 agreement valuing Hulu at a minimum of $27.5 billion, subsequent to Disney acquiring Fox's entertainment assets, thus owning two-thirds of Hulu.

The final purchase amount may increase depending on Hulu's equity value at the end of September, with the valuation process concluding next year. Comcast awaits the appraisal, anticipating a reflection of Hulu's significant worth.

The completion of Hulu's ownership, originally set for January, was expedited to September, with Disney planning to continue offering Hulu alongside Disney+ and ESPN+ in its streaming package.

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Paramount to revamp its free online television services in the UK, reports FT

General

Nov 1, 2023

US media behemoth Paramount is set to merge and reboot its complimentary online services in the UK in 2024, responding to the increasing number of viewers shifting to internet-based TV.

The merger will integrate Channel 5's My5 video-on-demand platform with the online service Pluto TV. Maria Kyriacou, president for broadcast and studios at Paramount International Markets, highlighted that this merger represents a significant technology investment. The revamped service will be ad-supported and offer both exclusive and archived content from Channel 5 and on-demand shows from Pluto TV.

The move aims to cater better to the evolving preferences of audiences and offer enhanced personalisation and data-driven advertising.

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Netflix's ad tier reaches 15 million users a year after launch, reports Reuters

General

Nov 1, 2023

Netflix reports 15 million monthly users for its ad-supported tier, launched to boost growth and revenue. Price hikes on ad-free plans aim to shift subscribers to this tier.

The streaming giant saw a substantial rise in subscriptions, surpassing forecasts after a price increase in key markets. This followed initial resistance to advertising.

Amidst competition from Disney+ and others with ad models, Netflix's ad-tier continues to grow, attracting 30% of new signups in available countries. Amazon's Prime Video plans a similar ad-inclusive model next year.

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Roku Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +19.8% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Up By +170.1% YoY

+ 20% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 1, 2023

Reuters reports:

Roku's Q4 revenue forecast beats expectations, with shares climbing 17% after strong Q3 performance. The shift from cable to streaming and original content investments boost subscriber and advertiser numbers.

A rebound in video advertising contributes to Roku's optimism for Q4, paralleling broader market trends. Expected Q4 revenue of $955 million exceeds analysts’ projections, signalling robust growth.

Q3's 20% revenue increase to $912 million outperforms estimates, amid active account growth and cost-cutting initiatives like workforce reduction. Despite layoffs, Roku's financials reflect a positive trend in user engagement and monetization.

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US, China and 26 other nations agree to co-operate over AI development, reports FT

General

Nov 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Nations including the US, UK, and China, at the AI Safety Summit, have committed to ethical AI use, encapsulated in the Bletchley Declaration. Debates on regulation depth are anticipated.

The US introduced a safety institute to oversee AI, complementing President Biden's recent executive order on AI management.

The summit highlighted global collaboration on AI risks, with China urging adherence to international law. The UK suggests fast-tracking safety measures ahead of legislation. Future AI dialogues are scheduled in South Korea and France.

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LinkedIn hits 1 billion members, adds AI features for job seekers, reports Reuters

General

Nov 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

LinkedIn has announced surpassing 1 billion members, introducing AI enhancements for paid subscribers, placing it among the elite social networks.

The majority of new users are from outside the US, and those on the premium $39.99 tier can now access AI tools evaluating their fit for job listings and suggesting profile improvements.

The platform's latest feature condenses lengthy posts into personalised bullet points, aiding users in swiftly assimilating relevant information.

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Existential Harm From A.I. Is Already Here, Says Harris, reports NYT

General

Nov 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

VP Kamala Harris addressed AI's immediate harms and future risks at the U.S. Embassy in London, coinciding with a global AI safety summit and a declaration by 28 nations on AI's potential dangers.

Harris outlined new U.S. strategies to regulate AI, including federal guidelines and international military AI norms, emphasizing the urgency of addressing AI’s existential threats to individuals.

Her visit, which includes attending the UK's AI Safety Summit, underscores her diplomatic role and America's commitment to shaping AI advancements responsibly, with a focus on public interest and consumer protection.

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Google Didn’t Rush Bard Chatbot to Beat Microsoft, Executive Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 1, 2023

Google VP Elizabeth Reid refuted claims that their AI chatbot, Bard, was hastily released to pre-empt Microsoft's AI integration into Bing, despite Bard's public demo error.

The U.S. Justice Department is using Google's hesitancy to advance AI features as evidence of its alleged efforts to stifle competition. Reid outlined her role in Google's search innovations and AI initiatives.

Despite Bard's misstep in inaccurately describing the James Webb Space Telescope's capabilities, Reid emphasised the complexity of ensuring AI-generated content's accuracy, highlighting the nuanced challenges of fact-checking AI.

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Facebook owner Meta faces EU ban on targeted advertising, reports Reuters

General

Nov 1, 2023

The European Data Protection Board has endorsed Norway's ban on "behavioural advertising" on Facebook and Instagram, applying it across the EU and EEA. This presents a challenge for Meta Platforms, which could face fines up to 4% of its global turnover.

Meta's European headquarters in Ireland has been directed to enforce the ban on behavioural advertising, which uses personal data for targeted ads. Meta plans to seek user consent and introduce a subscription model in response.

Norway has already been fining Meta for privacy breaches and with the EU-wide ban now permanent, non-compliance could lead to substantial penalties under the GDPR. The ruling impacts around 250 million users in Europe.

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Britain brings together political and tech leaders to talk AI, reports Reuters

General

Nov 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Britain is spearheading the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, targeting the challenges of artificial intelligence. Initiated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the summit aspires to position the UK as a bridge between the US, China, and the EU, drawing attendees like US Vice President Kamala Harris and Elon Musk.

Despite some questioning the UK's influence, the participation of global AI leaders underscores the summit's significance.

Key discussions will centre on the potential misuse of AI in terror activities and the risks of unregulated AI development.

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Mozilla’s Failed Bet on Yahoo Takes Spotlight in Google Trial, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 1, 2023

Mozilla's CEO Mitchell Baker called the switch from Google to Yahoo for Firefox's default search engine in 2014 a failure, citing Yahoo's deteriorating search quality.

The Justice Department highlights Mozilla's experience in its antitrust trial against Google, where Google's massive payments to be the default search engine are scrutinised. Mozilla, having returned to Google in 2017, finds most of its revenue from this partnership.

Despite options to switch search engines within Firefox, the user base declined during Yahoo's tenure. Google's dominance on mobile also hinders competition, with Mozilla looking towards more market options to benefit users and innovation.

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Google launches generative AI tools for product imagery to US advertisers and merchants, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google launches an AI-powered tool for U.S. advertisers to create and edit product images using text descriptions. This free service simplifies tasks such as altering image backgrounds or setting scenes.

The AI improves image quality and removes distractions, helping firms avoid expensive photo shoots. It's designed to enhance existing photographs for diverse marketing campaigns.

Google also introduces a "small business" attribute for better visibility on Search and Maps, alongside a more informative knowledge panel for merchants. These features aim to facilitate customer engagement with businesses.

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AI Doomers Take Center Stage at the UK’s AI Summit, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The UK’s AI Safety Summit began with a divide between attendees on whether to focus on immediate AI risks or longer-term existential threats to humanity. Elon Musk's appearance, shortly after warning of AI's potential dangers, intensified the debate.

Contentions arose, with tech leaders like Yann LeCun and Demis Hassabis exchanging barbs over the portrayal of AI's risks. Meanwhile, discussions at the summit considered halting the development of advanced AI models over concerns about their impact on society.

By day's end, a consensus seemed to emerge, recognising the need to address both immediate and future risks, suggesting a path to unite efforts for establishing AI safety standards.

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Google’s 2019 Code Yellow Blurred Line Between Search and Ads, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 31, 2023

At the antitrust trial against Google, evidence showed that the company's former head of search, Ben Gomes, expressed concerns in 2019 about Google's search team becoming too involved with advertising, potentially compromising product quality.

These revelations challenge Google's claim of maintaining a clear division between its search and advertising teams. Internal communications highlighted a "Code Yellow" emergency, where engineers were reallocated to address slowing user queries, which could impact advertising revenues.

Gomes's correspondence revealed tensions between product-focused goals and revenue-driven priorities. While Google defends its dominant market position as merit-based, these insights suggest some internal beliefs about growth potentially overshadowing innovation

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X Banned the Account of a Major Critic, Now He’s Taking It to Court, reports Wired

General

Oct 31, 2023

A developer, Travis Brown, has been banned from Twitter following his claims that the platform favoured far-right accounts post-Musk's acquisition.

Brown's findings, which influenced reports in major news outlets, showed a resurgence of banned far-right accounts. He's now legally contesting his Twitter suspension in Berlin, citing arbitrary censorship.

Amidst legal battles, the wider implications for social media research and freedom of expression are at stake. The outcome could influence how platforms manage data and user rights, with the European Commission's Digital Services Act as a potential regulatory backdrop.

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News Group Says A.I. Chatbots Heavily Rely on News Content, reports NYT

General

Oct 31, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

News publishers assert that AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, disproportionately use copyrighted news articles. The News Media Alliance's recent research suggests that AI developers prioritise news content for training, potentially violating copyright laws.

Danielle Coffey, of the News Media Alliance, highlights this as an amplification of tech giants underestimating the value of news content. The group has shared its findings with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Amid these concerns, there's growing apprehension within the media sector about reduced website traffic from search engines and the rise of AI potentially sidelining human journalists.

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UN AI report to close gaps in government responses, reports Reuters

General

Oct 31, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The United Nations has established a 39-member advisory body focused on AI governance. Led by tech envoy Amandeep Singh Gill, it aims to understand and address governance gaps across borders, with preliminary findings expected this year.

Internationally, the regulation of AI is gaining momentum. The G7 has set an AI conduct code, Europe is finalising its AI rules, and the UK is initiating a global AI safety summit.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres backs creating an international AI watchdog. The advisory group's insights will be a central topic at a U.N. summit in September next year.

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Canada optimistic about digital services tax agreement with US, reports Reuters

General

Oct 31, 2023

Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed cautious optimism regarding the resolution of a dispute with the U.S. over Canada's proposed digital services tax (DST) targeting tech giants like Alphabet and Amazon.

The U.S. opposes the tax, arguing it discriminates against American companies and has requested its termination. Freeland, after recent discussions in Washington, believes a mutual understanding with the U.S. might be attainable.

While a global tax agreement has seen delays, Canada is keen to implement its DST, fearing a competitive disadvantage if it waits like other countries who've postponed their digital tax rollouts.

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US Supreme Court weighs if public officials can block critics on social media, reports Reuters

General

Oct 31, 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court is examining cases from California and Michigan where public officials blocked social media critics. The key question is whether such actions breach the First Amendment's freedom of speech protections, given lower courts' differing verdicts on the matter.

The cases involve officials blocking individuals on personal social media accounts. Justices are determining if these officials were making personal decisions or acting as state representatives when blocking users.

The wider implications touch on public figures, like former President Donald Trump, using social media for official pronouncements. A decision from the Supreme Court is expected by June.

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Bid Duplication Gets Fresh Attention, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 31, 2023

The programmatic advertising sector aims to refine its ecosystem, but bid duplication issues persist. Recently, Comcast-owned supply-side platform (SSP) FreeWheel was accused of promoting such duplication through its "Smart Bidding" initiative.

FreeWheel claims Smart Bidding, still under testing, aims to optimise TV ad inventory, rather than dishonestly inflating requests. Critics argue this muddies demand assessment for the same publisher's slot.

This duplication can mislead platforms about actual inventory, potentially skewing market prices and reducing buying transparency, thus posing a challenge that needs industry attention.

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Apple’s App Charges Violate EU Antitrust Law, Dutch Agency Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 31, 2023

Apple faces potential reduction in its App Store fees as the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets deems its commissions violate EU antitrust rules.

The Dutch regulator believes Apple unfairly targets subscription-based apps, like Tinder, by imposing higher fees. This comes after Apple proposed a fee reduction from 30% to 27% in the Netherlands, but was deemed insufficient.

The decision may set a precedent for broader EU scrutiny on Apple's fee system. Brussels is already examining Apple's restriction practices for in-app subscriptions. Since 2021, Apple has been in a dispute with the Dutch body, resulting in a €50 million fine previously.

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Ad Industry Opposes Financial Regulator's Proposed Rules For Data Brokers, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 31, 2023

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposal to limit the sale of certain consumer financial data for advertising has alarmed the ad industry. The revised Fair Credit Reporting Act could stop data brokers from using financial and criminal records for marketing purposes. Industry group Privacy for America argues this would hinder small businesses and elevate costs.

They also challenge the proposed constraints on aggregated or anonymised data, suggesting it supports existing privacy practices.

On the other hand, the Electronic Privacy Information Center backs the proposal, emphasising the risks of targeted advertising using detailed personal data, noting even 'anonymised' data can be linked to individuals.

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Alphabet and Match settle Google Play antitrust claims before US trial, reports Reuters

General

Oct 31, 2023

Google has settled antitrust allegations with dating app developer Match Group concerning the monopolisation of Android app distribution via its Play Store. This outcome leaves Epic Games as the lone party contesting in an antitrust trial against Google, scheduled for Nov. 6.

While details remain undisclosed, Match announced a partnership with Google, aiming for a mutual value exchange across their extensive relationship.

Epic Games, however, persists in its accusations against Google for maintaining an unlawful monopoly in Android app distribution, stifling innovation and choice. Google rebuts these claims, citing competition with Apple in the app sales domain.

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YouTube is getting serious about blocking ad blockers, reports The Verge

General

Oct 31, 2023

YouTube is intensifying its action against ad blockers, urging users globally to enable ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium, according to communications manager Christopher Lawton. Users are now occasionally presented with messages stating that video playback is halted unless ad blockers are turned off or YouTube is whitelisted.

This strategy, piloted in June, has recently expanded. Lawton emphasises that using ad blockers contravenes YouTube's terms, pointing out that ads support a vast array of creators worldwide.

As part of its strategy to promote YouTube Premium, the platform introduced longer, unskippable ads. However, recent pricing adjustments might hinder subscription uptake.

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The Guardian rips Microsoft for distasteful generative AI poll about death, reports Axios

General

Oct 31, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The Guardian Media Group is urging Microsoft to publicly admit its mistake in placing an AI-generated poll alongside a sensitive Guardian article about a woman's death in Australia. The poll appeared on Microsoft's Microsoft Start platform, leading readers to wrongly blame The Guardian.

Anna Bateson, the Guardian's CEO, criticised Microsoft's misuse of AI on delicate subjects. She has earlier cautioned against applying untested AI technologies to their content.

As news outlets navigate AI integration, they aim to preserve editorial authenticity. Bateson emphasised the importance of transparency, requesting Microsoft to clearly indicate AI involvement, especially when tied to reputable sources like The Guardian.

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Kirk McDonald, North America CEO of WPP's GroupM, will leave the company, reports Insider

General

Oct 30, 2023

Leadership Transitions

Kirk McDonald, the North America CEO of GroupM, a subsidiary of WPP, is set to depart by year's end.

GroupM, handling over $63 billion in global media investment, has seen several key accounts lost to competitors recently, intensifying speculations about McDonald's imminent departure. Following his 2020 entry into GroupM, McDonald, a former executive at tech firms like Xandr, initiated a "responsible investment strategy," committing to spending on diverse media outlets and launching a data ethics compass for advertising.

Adam Gerhart, Mindshare's Global CEO, will assume interim duties as GroupM North America's CEO, with the firm seeking a permanent successor.

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TikTok, Snapchat and others sign pledge to tackle AI-generated child sex abuse images, reports Reuters

General

Oct 30, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Leading tech companies, including TikTok, Snapchat, and Stability AI, have united in a commitment to combat artificial intelligence-generated child abuse imagery.

This pledge, supported by 27 signatories such as the UK, US, Germany, and Australia, was announced by Britain ahead of a global AI safety summit. The joint statement emphasised the signatories' intention to harness responsible AI against child exploitation, vowing continuous collaboration to manage AI-related risks.

The urgency of the commitment is underscored by data from the Internet Watch Foundation, which found almost 3,000 AI-created child abuse images on a single dark web platform. IWF's Susie Hargreaves emphasised the need to preemptively address this growing concern.

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Omnicom Buys E-Commerce Shop Flywheel Digital for $835 Million, reports WSJ

M&A

Oct 30, 2023

Omnicom is set to acquire Flywheel Digital for $835 million, its largest acquisition. Flywheel, part of UK's Ascential, supports brands in selling on platforms like Amazon and Alibaba. This move aims to bolster Omnicom's digital commerce and retail media capabilities.

CEO John Wren highlighted that while Omnicom usually develops in-house, replicating Flywheel's offering would be both expensive and lengthy. The acquisition positions Omnicom more competitively in digital commerce.

Flywheel will operate within Omnicom, guided by Duncan Painter, Ascential’s present CEO. The deal, including the transition of 2,000 Flywheel employees to Omnicom, is anticipated to conclude in early 2024.

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Antitrust Watchdog's Privacy Sandbox Guidance Spurs Questions on Buy-Side Involvement, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 30, 2023

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has directed ad-tech firms and publishers to trial Google's Privacy Sandbox tools. Tests are set for Q4 2023, with results due by Q2 2024. Google's compliance from July-September means third-party cookie deprecation in 2024 remains likely, pending unbiased solution testing.

October's demands on the advertising industry make this testing's timing challenging. Industry insiders suggest the holiday season and current profit focus might deter participation.

Concerns grow over Google's increasing influence in auction dynamics. Critics, including the nonprofit Movement for an Open Web, fear this could sideline publishers and restrict their choices.

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Biden administration aims to cut AI risks with executive order, reports Reuters

General

Oct 30, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

US President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to address risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI).

The mandate requires AI developers to share safety test outcomes with the government if their systems could affect national security or public safety.

The decision has garnered mixed reactions. Some industry insiders support the move, while others, like trade association NetChoice, view it as a potential impediment to innovation. Meanwhile, the G7 countries are set to introduce a code of conduct for AI system development.

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X Says It Is Worth $19 Billion, Down From $44 Billion Last Year, reports NYT

General

Oct 30, 2023

X, formerly Twitter, has seen its valuation plummet to $19 billion from Elon Musk's purchase price of $44 billion a year ago. Although Musk admitted overvaluation, calling it "an inverse start-up", new employee stock grants are priced at $45 a share, contrasting with Musk's $54.20 purchase price.

Under Musk, significant alterations have rocked the company: a large portion of the workforce left, US advertising revenue dropped by 60%, and the company accumulated considerable acquisition debt.

Nevertheless, Musk remains optimistic, envisioning X as a versatile platform, encompassing services from dating to job recruitment. X's CEO, Linda Yaccarino, championed this forward-looking vision.

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Meta to Offer Ad-Free Facebook and Instagram Subscriptions in Europe, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 30, 2023

Meta Platforms Inc. is launching ad-free Facebook and Instagram in Europe through subscription models. Starting in November, users in selected European countries can subscribe for €9.99 on the web or €12.99 on mobile devices monthly.

The decision follows the EU Court of Justice's recommendation for alternatives to data-driven advertising. Meta remains committed to the ad-supported model, but seeks to comply with European regulations.

Meta continues to adjust to increased European regulatory scrutiny, notably in data protection and competition. Additionally, they've opted not to launch Threads in the EU due to the region's Digital Markets Act.

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Instagram Reminder Ads launch new features to boost reach, reports Search Engine Land

General

Oct 30, 2023

Instagram is enhancing its Reminder Ads feature. Advertisers can now incorporate their ads within Instagram Stories, increasing their reach and visibility.

Furthermore, with the updated system, the creation of Reminder Ads is simplified, allowing them to be set up directly through the Ads Manager, eliminating the previous need to use organic posts.

These changes, slated for rollout by the end of October, aim to bolster brand recognition and streamline the advertisement creation process. Reminder Ads, initially launched earlier this year, are designed to generate anticipation for upcoming events and occasions by providing notifications to interested users.

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Expedia’s Barry Diller Threatened Revolt Over Ads on Google Search, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 30, 2023

Barry Diller, Chair of IAC Inc. and Expedia, voiced frustration to Google over the increased ads on its results page, overshadowing organic listings. Highlighting a $6.5 billion annual spend on media, Diller criticised Google's impact on firms like Expedia and IAC.

Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, responded in a recent antitrust trial, attributing the dispute to Google's new travel listings, which he deemed highly successful.

An ex-Expedia executive further noted that despite a significant rise in their Google advertising expenditure over five years, traffic did not increase as Google started promoting its own travel information.

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Pinterest Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +11.5% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +110.3% YoY

+ 12% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 30, 2023

Reuters reports:

Pinterest reported a third-quarter revenue boost, resulting in a 13% aftermarket share price surge. This success was amplified by a revitalised digital ad market and the company's forecast of a 600 basis point core earnings expansion in 2023, surpassing previous estimates.

The company's collaboration with partners like Amazon has enhanced in-app shopping, with brokerages suggesting this could bolster Q4 revenue. The third quarter saw an 11.5% rise in revenue to $763.2 million.

Despite a brief advertising downturn due to Middle East tensions, global monthly active users grew by 8% to 482 million. CEO Bill Ready highlighted the quick recovery in advertiser involvement.

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Instagram Expands Marketing API To Facilitate Product Tagging via Third Party Apps, reports SocialMediaToday

General

Oct 30, 2023

Meta has enhanced the capabilities of its Instagram Marketing API, permitting third-party posting platforms to incorporate product tags in promotional activities.

The updated API lets advertisers smoothly produce and promote posts with Product Tags on Instagram, applicable to feed photos, carousels, and feed videos. The move aims to simplify content creation via Instagram management tools.

dditionally, features such as Search Ads placement were integrated in March, followed by Stories scheduling in May. These upgrades provide businesses with more flexibility in managing both their Instagram advertisements and organic content across multiple platforms.

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McKinsey Research Finds Divide Between CMOs and CEOs Is Growing, reports WSJ

General

Oct 30, 2023

There's a growing disconnect between CEOs and CMOs concerning their understanding and expectations of the marketing role.

A McKinsey survey revealed that while 90% of CEOs believe their companies have a clear definition of the marketing role, only 22% of CMOs feel their roles are clearly understood by other top executives. This discrepancy is evident in other areas too; 97% of CEOs believe their companies meet customer needs, but only 75% of CMOs concur.

Communication issues contribute to this divide, with many CMOs feeling that they need to demystify their roles and strategies for fellow C-suite members to ensure alignment and understanding.

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Meta Pauses Ads for Users Under 18 in Europe as It Rolls Out Subscriptions, reports WSJ

General

Oct 30, 2023

Advertising To Children

Meta Platforms has revealed plans to halt displaying adverts to European teenagers in a move aligned with the region's regulations.

This suspension will affect users under 18 in the European Union and nearby areas adhering to EU guidelines. Beginning on 6th November, ads will be temporarily stopped for this age group.

Meanwhile, adults will face a decision: either consent to targeted ads based on their online behaviour or pay a subscription fee to access Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms.

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Paramount Launches CTV Solution for Programmatic Scalability and Efficiency, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 30, 2023

Paramount Advertising has launched Conduit, a pioneering solution that directly links with programmatic platforms in Connected TV (CTV) to enhance scalability and interoperability for advertisers.

Touted as the industry's inaugural global direct integration layer for the programmatic realm, Conduit works with major entities like Magnite, Google Ad Manager, and Amazon Publisher Services. It acts as a nimble, real-time interface for EyeQ, Paramount's digital advertising platform, offering ad frequency management and precise planning.

Additionally, Paramount has recently collaborated with cross-platform TV measurement firm iSpot, enabling the measurement and execution of national TV ad campaigns using iSpot's currency across Paramount's diverse platforms.

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Sundar Pichai acknowledges Google search default deals were very valuable, reports FT

General

Oct 30, 2023

Sundar Pichai, Alphabet's CEO, testified in a pivotal antitrust trial, accepting the significant value of making Google the default search engine on devices. He asserted that such deals, which cost billions, are mutually beneficial when executed well. The US government accuses Google of preserving a monopoly through these agreements, with the company reportedly spending $26.3bn on them in 2021.

Microsoft's Satya Nadella, in earlier testimony, criticised Google's dominant approach, drawing parallels to Microsoft's past practices. The trial scrutinises Google's competition tactics and the company's default agreements.

Prosecutors allege Google concealed and destroyed evidence, though Google disputes this, highlighting the extensive documentation provided during the case.

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As news aggregator referral traffic slips, publishers turn their attention inward, reports Digiday

General

Oct 30, 2023

News Publishing

News aggregator traffic to publishers has declined from 18-20% in 2020 to about 13.6-15% in 2023, as per Chartbeat. This dip has led publishers to reassess content distribution and revenue collaborations with these platforms, particularly in light of decreased referrals from major social media outlets.

Factors like shifting news focus and the evolving news cycle are cited as reasons for fluctuating traffic. The importance of first-party data, with Google ending third-party cookies, further complicates partnerships with aggregators.

To adapt, publishers are channeling resources into their own platforms, such as newsletters and apps, aiming for consistent engagement and revenue.

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G7 to agree AI code of conduct for companies, reports Reuters

General

Oct 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

The Group of Seven (G7) industrial nations are set to approve a code of conduct for firms developing advanced AI technologies, according to a G7 document. This move aims to address the potential risks and misuse associated with AI, setting a precedent for how leading countries manage the technology.

The 11-point voluntary code will provide guidance for the development of advanced AI systems, encouraging companies to assess and mitigate risks throughout the AI lifecycle and report on the capabilities and limitations of their AI technologies.

European Commission digital chief, Vera Jourova, highlighted the code's importance in ensuring safety until further regulation is established.

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Posts with misinformation on X become ineligible for revenue share says Musk, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 29, 2023

Elon Musk announced that posts amended by Community Notes, the platform's crowd-sourced fact-checking system, will not be eligible for revenue sharing, aiming to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism.

Musk emphasised the system's transparency, noting that it's open source, deterring misuse. Community Notes allows users to offer context or corrections to posts, which are then evaluated by the community for their usefulness. This initiative is part of the platform's effort to combat misinformation, particularly in light of events like the Israel-Hamas conflict.

However, some see these measures as temporary solutions, potentially insufficient for the vast amount of misinformation on significant global events.

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Peltz’s Push for Disney Board Seats Boosted by Perlmutter’s Shares, reports WSJ

General

Oct 29, 2023

Billionaire Isaac “Ike” Perlmutter, former Marvel executive, is supporting Nelson Peltz's campaign for changes at Disney by entrusting his significant stake to Peltz's Trian Fund Management. Together, they control a holding worth over $2.5 billion, strengthening Peltz's bid for influential board seats.

Perlmutter, who gained his Disney shares after selling Marvel in 2009, plans to advocate for Trian’s nominees on the board. He's voiced concerns over Disney's underperformance.

The partnership underscores a long-standing tension between Perlmutter and Disney's CEO Bob Iger, with Perlmutter believing the company isn't maximising its potential.

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Microsoft launches pubCenter, a Google competitor for small publishers, reports PPC Land

General

Oct 28, 2023

Microsoft has launched pubCenter, a new ad platform targeting small publishers as a direct competitor to Google AdSense.

Designed to be user-friendly, pubCenter requires a single code snippet for integration, offering flexible ad mediation, control over ad placement, and high-quality, relevant ads without sign-up costs or revenue minimums.

With its pilot release in the U.S. and plans for global expansion, Microsoft aims to provide a simpler alternative for small publishers, addressing common challenges faced when attempting to join AdSense, and enhancing programmatic advertising accessibility.

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Musk Tells X Staff New Products Will Challenge YouTube and LinkedIn, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 27, 2023

X, formerly Twitter, is eyeing competition with YouTube and LinkedIn in video and recruitment. At an all-company meeting, Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino also unveiled plans for XWire, a news wire service rivaling Cision's PR Newswire.

Since Musk's takeover of Twitter a year ago, drastic changes occurred, including significant staff reshuffles and product shifts towards premium subscriptions and crowd-sourced fact-checking through "Community Notes".

An internal memo indicated rapid innovation on the platform and hinted at introducing financial tools to enhance opportunities for users and businesses.

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Google Mulled Building Private Search in Wake of Tech Scandal, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 27, 2023

In 2019, amidst the Cambridge Analytica scandal's fallout, Google contemplated a more privacy-focused search method that wouldn't track users' site visits. This revelation came during a senior vice president's testimony in the antitrust case against Google.

The company, however, decided against the proposal, partly due to potential detrimental impacts on advertising revenue. Furthermore, Google found it challenging to differentiate between the proposed Incognito search and the existing Incognito mode in Chrome, which doesn't track site visits.

This situation underscores the continuous tension between user privacy and the business interests of major tech companies, with data being vital for their operations and revenue streams.

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Ad Companies Suffer as Tech Firms Clip Spending, reports WSJ

General

Oct 27, 2023

Major advertising firms, including Interpublic Group, Omnicom Group, WPP, and Publicis Groupe, report reduced tech client spending. WPP adjusted its annual revenue forecasts due to these tech pressures, but anticipates future growth through business streamlining.

Interpublic Group noted a decline from tech and telecom, with CEO Philippe Krakowsky stressing the need for growth. Omnicom observed a dip in tech revenue but remains optimistic about brand investments.

Publicis Groupe surpassed expectations, raising its 2023 growth projection. They benefit from a favourable client mix and resilience against market fluctuations.

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Google Paid $26 Billion to Be Default Search Engine in 2021, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 27, 2023

Google paid out $26.3 billion to ensure its search engine was the default on browsers and mobiles, an executive confirmed during the Justice Department's antitrust trial.

This payment, made to companies like Apple for preferred placement on devices, has surged over threefold since 2014. Prabhakar Raghavan, the senior executive for search and advertising, mentioned the figure.

In 2021, Google's search advertising generated a revenue of $146.4 billion, with default placements forming their largest expenditure. Despite Google's reluctance to disclose these figures, fearing future negotiation complications, Judge Amit Mehta decided that the information should be made public.

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Firefox To Roll Out Simplified Global Privacy Control, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 27, 2023

The forthcoming Mozilla Firefox browser will incorporate the Global Privacy Control (GPC) - a universal "do-not-share-my-data" feature - accessible directly from its privacy settings. Developed by privacy proponents, GPC allows users to decline targeted ads across the web, eliminating the need to opt out on a per-company basis. Several US states now mandate that companies respect such universal opt-out tools.

Although Firefox has featured a version of GPC since 2021, its activation process was not straightforward. Firefox 120, releasing next month, will have GPC deactivated by default in regular browsing but enabled in private mode.

Ad industry representatives have expressed concerns about the tool's implications for commercial speech.

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Ad Targeting And Measurement On Disney+ Gets An Upgrade, reports AdExchanger

General

Oct 27, 2023

Disney marks the first year of ad-supported Disney+ with new advertising tools. From November, ad inventory becomes biddable via private marketplaces, and first-party data is available for targeted ads. This change follows a growth in subscribers, with half opting for the ad-supported version and a 35% rise in viewing time since spring.

Aligning with Hulu's capabilities, Disney enhances targeting on Disney+. As the platform's audience expands, Disney integrates its extensive first-party data, enabling advertisers to reach specific audience segments.

To complement precise targeting, Disney is bolstering its measurement tools, partnering with multiple analytics providers. They anticipate increased advertiser demand due to these upgrades.

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Dentsu picks Swayne to run global media, reports The Media Leader

General

Oct 27, 2023

Leadership Transitions

Will Swayne, a long-standing member of Dentsu since 2000, has been promoted to the position of Global Practice President Media, as part of a larger executive reshuffle within the agency group.

This comes alongside other organisational changes, including the forthcoming appointment of a successor for the departing Dentsu UK's chief executive of media, Hamish Nicklin. Swayne's new responsibilities involve charting a path for the agency's media capabilities and driving "implementation excellence" through Dentsu's Amplifi platform.

Additional leadership adjustments see Jean Lin, Yasuharu Sasaki, and Pete Stein stepping into significant global roles within the company.

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Sweeping new Biden order aims to alter the AI landscape, reports Politico

General

Oct 27, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

President Joe Biden is poised to release an executive order directing federal agencies to monitor and harness artificial intelligence (AI) applications, ensuring safeguards and worker rights, based on a draft accessed by POLITICO.

The order aims to embed AI across sectors like healthcare, education, and housing while introducing protocols for data privacy, cybersecurity, and industry fairness.

This extensive draft touches on multiple sectors, from cybersecurity, health, and competition, to privacy, education, and labour, emphasising both the potential advantages of AI and the need for strict governance and protective measures in its implementation.

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Elon Musk's X launches two new premium subscription plans, reports Reuters

General

Oct 27, 2023

Elon Musk's social media platform, X (previously Twitter), unveiled two subscription plans, introducing a Premium+ tier offering an ad-free experience.

Priced at approximately $16 monthly, the Premium+ option provides all platform features without advertisements, but will be initially available only to users on web browsers. In contrast, the basic subscription costs $3 per month and includes ads.

Musk, having acquired the platform for $44 billion in October 2022, is ambitiously looking to monetise it further, even considering incorporating video and audio calling to make X an all-encompassing app.

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WPP’s Mark Read says it will rival ad tech buyers, reports Digiday

General

Oct 27, 2023

WPP's CEO, Mark Read, aims to strengthen the firm's foothold in the programmatic advertising sector following the establishment of the Nexus unit, consolidating specialist teams. This move hopes to present a unified tech platform for clients, competing with external technology providers.

The Trade Desk's earlier success with a similar approach has been noted, with WPP aspiring to enhance its programmatic offerings, reflecting a trend seen with other major agencies like IPG and Publicis.

Analysts observe these strategies as preparatory, anticipating market challenges. Despite previous mixed results in programmatic, industry leaders are optimistic about refining their tactics and learning from past missteps.

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Google Commits $2 Billion in Funding to AI Startup Anthropic, reports WSJ

General

Oct 27, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google plans to invest $2 billion in AI company Anthropic, deepening its stake in the firm. This follows Amazon's recent $4 billion investment pledge. Anthropic, launched by former OpenAI engineers, secured a $3 billion Google Cloud contract earlier.

Anthropic and OpenAI are considered AI industry frontrunners. Anthropic, co-founded by the Amodei siblings after parting ways with OpenAI, has introduced its AI assistant, Claude, as a contender to ChatGPT. The company amassed almost $7 billion in investments within the last year.

Google, aiming to rival Amazon and Microsoft in cloud computing, is aggressively backing AI innovations, both externally and through in-house projects like the Gemini algorithm.

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Meta Will Ignore Ethics Board’s Advice on Restricting Drug Posts, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 26, 2023

Meta Platforms, overseeing Facebook and Instagram, has opted not to tighten its control over drug-related posts as suggested by its Oversight Board. This follows a controversial 2022 post promoting ketamine treatment.

While Meta agreed to clarify rules on "paid partnerships", it bypassed the board's advice on user posts about drugs with both therapeutic and recreational uses. The company also refrained from committing to an audit until potentially 2024.

The decision has implications for companies like Mindbloom, advocating for broader discussions on drugs like ketamine. As social platforms navigate this space, they juggle free speech, medical perspectives, and misuse concerns.

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