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Landmark EU tech rules holding back innovation, Google says, reports Reuters

General

Jul 1, 2025

Google will warn EU regulators that the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is harming innovation and user experience in Europe, and ask for clearer guidance on compliance.

The tech giant claims recent changes have led to worse outcomes, such as higher travel costs and reduced direct bookings for airlines and hotels, due to limited access to their sites.

Google’s lawyers will urge critics to provide concrete evidence of the DMA’s impact and request regulators clarify expectations so Google can comply effectively across the European Economic Area. A workshop to discuss these issues is scheduled for Tuesday.

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Technical body of Brazil antitrust regulator recommends ruling against Apple in iOS case, reports Reuters

General

Jul 1, 2025

Brazil’s antitrust regulator CADE has recommended action against Apple for alleged anti-competitive practices in its iOS ecosystem, following 2022 complaints from firms including MercadoLibre.

CADE’s technical body proposed a fine and demanded Apple end restrictions on digital goods distribution and mandatory use of its in-app payment system.

Apple responded that such measures could harm user experience and compromise privacy and security. The case now awaits a decision from CADE’s internal panel. Preventive measures had already been imposed last year as part of the ongoing investigation.

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NASA plans to stream rocket launches on Netflix starting this summer, reports CNBC

General

Jun 30, 2025

NASA will begin streaming its live programming on Netflix this summer, including rocket launches, spacewalks and views of Earth from space.

The move aims to reach a wider global audience, while content will remain free and ad-free on NASA’s own platforms. NASA+ launched in 2023 to improve public access to space content.

No financial details of the Netflix deal were disclosed. The announcement follows a rise in commercial launches, mainly by SpaceX, and comes as Netflix’s user base grows and its stock hits record highs.

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TikTok Buyer Cited by Trump Is Same Investor Group as Before, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jun 30, 2025

Donald Trump confirmed a buyer for TikTok’s US operations, referring to the investor group including Oracle, Blackstone, and Andreessen Horowitz.

The deal, once stalled due to trade tensions, would reduce ByteDance’s ownership below 20% and allow Oracle to provide data security. Completion depends on China dropping opposition.

Trump has extended the deadline to 17 September, hoping to finalise the deal. Talks continue between US and Chinese officials, while China maintains its official position. TikTok’s valuation varies between $20 billion and $150 billion, depending on deal terms and technology included.

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Musk’s X Hires Entrepreneur Nikita Bier as Head of Product, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 30, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Elon Musk’s X has appointed entrepreneur Nikita Bier as its new head of product, giving him a top role at the platform following his public pitch to Musk in 2022.

Bier previously sold startups to Facebook and Discord and is known for his intense use of X. His new position follows X’s merger with Musk’s AI company, xAI.

Bier is expected to focus on enhancing user experience and integrating Grok, X’s AI chatbot, to deliver more relevant timelines and improve user understanding of real-time events. It’s unclear how much of his role will directly involve xAI’s broader development.

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Apple Loses Bid to Dismiss Justice Department Antitrust Suit, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 30, 2025

Apple has failed to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by the US Justice Department and several state attorneys general, marking a win for the Biden administration's regulatory stance.

The case accuses Apple of using its control over iPhone hardware and software to block competitors and stifle innovation, making it harder for users to switch devices.

This lawsuit poses a serious risk to Apple’s profitable mobile business and could lead to significant changes in how the company operates its app and device ecosystem.

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Paramount, Trump Confirm Settlement Talks, Delay Court Case, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jun 30, 2025

Paramount Global is close to settling a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump, who claims CBS’s 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was misleadingly edited. Trump is seeking $20 billion in damages.

A mediator has proposed a $20 million settlement, and both parties have requested a delay in court proceedings until 3 July while talks continue.

The lawsuit has posed complications for Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, which is still awaiting regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission, potentially impacting its timeline and outcome.

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Apple Weighs Using Anthropic or OpenAI to Power Siri in Major Reversal, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 30, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Apple is exploring the use of third-party AI from Anthropic or OpenAI to enhance Siri, potentially moving away from its own in-house models. Discussions include custom versions of Claude or ChatGPT running on Apple’s private cloud infrastructure for privacy.

This marks a major shift in Apple’s AI strategy, as internal tools have struggled to compete with rivals. Leadership changes and delays in Siri upgrades have added pressure, while staff morale has declined amid growing interest in outside technology.

Apple’s decision could impact future AI features, with internal teams fearing third-party tools may replace more of Apple’s own models across its products.

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Zuckerberg Debuts Meta Superintelligence Group, More Hires, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 30, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a major AI restructuring, launching Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) to pursue advanced AI systems outperforming human capabilities.

The group will be led by Alexandr Wang as Chief AI Officer, alongside Nat Friedman, and include teams from Meta’s language model and fundamental AI research units. A new lab will also focus on next-generation models.

Zuckerberg committed to spending hundreds of billions on AI, recruiting top talent from OpenAI, Google and others, and pursuing acquisitions. He believes superintelligence development marks a new era and aims for Meta to lead this technological shift.

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Netflix is developing tech that personalizes trailers, TV shows, and movies to match your tastes, reports Insider

General

Jun 30, 2025

Netflix is exploring the use of AI to personalise trailers and interactive content based on user preferences, according to recent patents.

One patent outlines custom trailers that highlight favourite actors or genres, while another describes interactive stories that adjust choices shown to each viewer using machine learning.

These innovations aim to revive interactive titles, reduce content overload, and boost engagement. They also support Netflix’s advertising strategy by increasing time spent on the platform. Experts see potential in dynamic storytelling and personalised experiences to enhance user satisfaction and drive content sharing across social media platforms.

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TikTok pushes deeper into AI-powered ads amid uncertainty over U.S. ban, reports Digiday

General

Jun 30, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

TikTok is expanding its Smart+ AI ad tool to give marketers more control over bidding, targeting and creative, while maintaining automation benefits. New features include goal-based bidding, device-level and behavioural targeting, and offline event tracking to link ads with real-world sales.

The platform is also testing an audience suggestion tool that matches brand preferences with users. Like Google and Meta, TikTok is moving towards bundling search into Smart+ by default, limiting advertisers’ control over placements.

Despite looming U.S. bans, TikTok remains focused on product development, aiming to embed itself deeper into advertisers’ strategies across performance, creative and audience management.

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Trump says he has found group of wealthy people to buy TikTok, reports FT

M&A

Jun 29, 2025

Donald Trump has announced he found a group of “very wealthy people” to buy TikTok’s US operations, aiming to separate the platform from Chinese ownership.

The deal, involving investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Blackstone, would require approval from ByteDance and the Chinese government. Trump said more details will follow in two weeks.

Key issues remain, including Chinese resistance to a sale and control over TikTok’s algorithm, which is subject to export restrictions. The latest US deadline for divestment is 17 September, following multiple extensions since the original January deadline.

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California Gov. Newsom Sues Fox News for Defamation, reports WSJ

General

Jun 27, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom is suing Fox News for at least $787 million, accusing the network of defamation over claims he lied about a phone call with Donald Trump. He alleges a video was deceptively edited to misrepresent the timing and content of their conversation.

Newsom demands an on-air apology and retraction, stating the lawsuit could be dropped if Fox complies. Fox dismissed the case as a publicity stunt and vowed to fight it.

The case centres on differing accounts of a call related to National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, with Newsom denying discussing the protests or recent contact with Trump.

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Olympics have big AI plans, reports Axios

General

Jun 27, 2025

Sports Marketing

The Olympics plans to expand AI use in future games to improve operations and viewer experiences, building on limited applications seen in Paris. AI will support scheduling, environmental monitoring, and athlete training, while also reducing production time for advanced replays.

Broadcasting will benefit from faster, customised highlights and multiple-angle 3D replays, helping audiences better understand each sport’s dynamics. AI also allows broadcasters to tailor content for social and digital platforms.

Efforts are being made to ensure equitable access to AI tools across all countries. Organisers stress that technology should enhance storytelling and athlete performance, not just serve technical purposes.

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Brazil supreme court rules digital platforms are liable for users’ posts, reports FT

General

Jun 27, 2025

Responsible Media

Brazil’s supreme court has ruled that social media platforms can be held liable for user content, tightening regulations on tech firms like Facebook, TikTok and X.

Platforms must now swiftly remove harmful material, such as hate speech or anti-democratic acts, even without a court order. Critics warn this could lead to pre-emptive censorship and legal uncertainty.

The decision allows individuals to sue platforms that ignore takedown requests and follows rising concern about digital harm. While hailed as a step for democracy, it has sparked opposition from conservatives, tech firms, and may strain Brazil’s relations with the US over free speech concerns.

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Comcast Sells Sky Deutschland to RTL as Media Deals Pick Up in Europe, reports WSJ

M&A

Jun 27, 2025

Comcast is selling Sky Deutschland to RTL Group for up to $617 million, marking RTL’s largest acquisition and a major shift in the European media landscape.

The deal includes Sky’s operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and will strengthen RTL’s sports, entertainment and news offerings. The combined business is set to reach 11.5 million subscribers and €8.2 billion in annual revenue.

Bertelsmann, RTL’s parent, says the move helps compete with global streaming giants. Regulatory approval is expected by 2026, with projected annual synergies of €250 million within three years. Both companies will operate separately until the deal closes.

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Walmart-Backed Flipkart Turns to Videos and Livestream to Woo Indian Online Shoppers, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 27, 2025

Flipkart is expanding into video commerce, using livestreams and short videos to engage younger Indian consumers on smartphones and boost sales.

Around 200 million users interacted with Flipkart videos in early 2025, up from 75 million in 2024. The format appeals especially to Gen Z and smaller city shoppers, with 65% of engagement coming from non-metros.

Flipkart is investing in physical studios and showcasing real-time product demos, influencer content, and stress tests to drive sales in fashion, beauty, and home decor, with plans to expand into electronics and fitness. The approach follows successful models seen in China.

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Meta may face daily fines over pay-or-consent model, EU warns, reports Reuters

General

Jun 27, 2025

Meta may face daily fines if its revised pay-or-consent model fails to meet EU antitrust requirements under the Digital Markets Act.

The European Commission warned that Meta’s limited changes since a 200-million-euro fine in April might not be sufficient to ensure compliance.

The model offers free, ad-supported access with tracking consent or a paid, ad-free version. Regulators are reviewing its adequacy and may impose daily penalties starting 27 June 2025.

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Meta says EU antitrust regulators are discriminating against its business model, reports Reuters

General

Jun 27, 2025

Meta has criticised EU antitrust regulators for shifting expectations while it works to comply with rules targeting its pay-or-consent model.

The company claims it has engaged constructively and made significant changes to meet regulatory demands, despite feeling unfairly targeted.

Meta insists its current approach offers users in the EU more choice than required under the bloc’s regulations and remains confident in its compliance.

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Apple changes App Store rules in EU to comply with antitrust order, reports Reuters

General

Jun 27, 2025

Apple has updated its App Store rules in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act, allowing developers to direct users to external payment options with fees ranging from 5% to 15%.

The move aims to avoid further daily fines of up to €50 million, following a €500 million penalty in April. Apple maintains its disagreement with the ruling and plans to appeal.

The European Commission will now assess whether Apple’s changes meet legal requirements. Critics, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, argue the new terms still unfairly limit competition within the App Store ecosystem.

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Brand deals surge for golf creators as the sport’s popularity spikes, reports Digiday

General

Jun 27, 2025

Sports Marketing

Golf is enjoying a surge in popularity, with participation rising from 30 million in 2014 to 45 million in 2023. This growth has fuelled a boom in golf content creators, whose entertaining, accessible videos attract larger audiences than official PGA content.

Brands are capitalising on this trend by sponsoring creators like Good Good and Bob Does Sports. These partnerships offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional TV or tournament sponsorships and attract younger, more diverse fans.

YouTube remains key, with record golf video uploads and creators like Paige Spiranac leading in global followership. Brand interest continues to grow rapidly in 2025.

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Google tries to appease publishers amid AI search damage, reports AdAge

General

Jun 26, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has launched Offerwall, a monetisation tool in Ad Manager that lets publishers gate content using surveys, micro-payments, or rewarded ads.

It aims to help publishers diversify revenue amid falling traffic caused by AI search tools like Google’s AI Overviews and ChatGPT, which reduce the need for click-throughs.

Although Offerwall beta testers saw a 9% revenue increase, experts argue it won’t offset the 30% traffic drop from AI tools. Critics say the initiative doesn’t tackle the core issue of platforms using original content without sufficient compensation, calling for more control over how content is accessed and monetised.

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Isba appoints Simon Michaelides director general, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 26, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Simon Michaelides has been appointed the next director general of ISBA, succeeding Phil Smith later this year. Michaelides brings 27 years of marketing experience across Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, BBC Studios, and more, and previously served on ISBA’s Council.

He will be tasked with setting ISBA’s strategic direction and advancing its mission to represent UK advertisers. Smith, now chair of cross-media platform Origin, praised Michaelides as highly qualified and energetic.

ISBA’s nominations committee, led by outgoing Boots CMO Pete Markey, selected Michaelides for his sector experience and commitment to the industry, calling him the right person to guide ISBA forward.

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Meta in Talks to Buy AI Voice Startup PlayAI in Push for Talent, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jun 26, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is in advanced talks to acquire PlayAI, a startup specialising in AI-generated voice technology, as part of its wider AI push.

The deal would include PlayAI’s tech and staff, enhancing Meta’s AI assistant and smartglasses capabilities. It follows Meta’s recent investment in Scale AI and aggressive hiring from rivals like OpenAI and Google.

PlayAI aims to create natural, conversational voice interactions. The potential acquisition aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s strategy to strengthen Meta’s “superintelligence” team and compete in the AI space through targeted acquisitions and talent recruitment.

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Tech lobby group urges EU leaders to pause AI Act, reports Reuters

General

Jun 26, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

CCIA Europe, representing tech giants like Alphabet and Meta, has urged the EU to pause the AI Act’s implementation, warning that incomplete guidance may harm innovation.

The Act’s phased rollout began in 2023, but key provisions for general purpose AI models remain delayed, causing confusion among businesses and prompting calls for a pause from some political leaders.

A survey shows most European firms struggle to understand their obligations. While EU officials say implementation will be innovation-friendly, critics argue the current uncertainty could stall the continent’s AI progress compared to the U.S. and China’s more defined approaches.

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Retail media hits maturation curve, eyeing brand budgets with full-funnel makeover, reports Digiday

General

Jun 26, 2025

Retail media networks are evolving, with major players like Walmart, Amazon, and DoorDash expanding partnerships and technology to offer full-funnel advertising solutions. These moves aim to shift perceptions beyond lower-funnel conversions.

New initiatives include audience targeting in live sports, shoppable pins, and advanced off-site ad tech, signalling efforts to improve attribution, measurement, and creative formats across platforms.

With U.S. retail media ad spend forecasted at $62.35 billion, and off-site spend growing faster, networks are racing to meet marketer demands for transparency and performance. This maturation marks a key phase in making retail media central to brand and sales strategies.

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After third postponement, media buyers don’t believe TikTok is going to be banned, reports Digiday

General

Jun 26, 2025

Despite the looming threat of a U.S. ban, TikTok ad spend rose from $542M in April to $588M in May, with major brands like Amazon and Disney increasing investment. Media buyers report fewer client concerns compared to earlier ban deadlines.

TikTok's agency reps remain optimistic, downplaying the risk and reassuring buyers about continued platform access and data safety. Marketers see TikTok as vital for reaching Gen Z and note declining CPMs, making it cost-effective.

While long-term uncertainties remain, advertisers are staying the course for now, seeing the ban threats as political posturing rather than immediate commercial risks.

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Meta’s AI copyright win comes with a warning about fair use, reports The Verge

General

Jun 26, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta won a key legal battle against 13 authors who claimed it used their books without permission to train AI systems. A U.S. judge ruled Meta is entitled to summary judgment under fair use.

The judge clarified the ruling doesn’t confirm Meta’s actions were lawful, but that the plaintiffs failed to present strong arguments or sufficient evidence. Two of their main points were dismissed as weak.

A third argument, about market harm from AI-generated similar works, was seen as potentially valid but poorly developed. The case follows a similar fair use win for Anthropic in another AI-related copyright dispute.

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ESPN takes minority stake in Premier Lacrosse League, reports Axios

M&A

Jun 25, 2025

Sports Marketing

ESPN has renewed its media rights deal with the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and taken a minority stake, marking a shift in its strategy beyond traditional TV. This move gives ESPN more incentive to collaborate closely with the league on distribution.

The five-year deal, starting in 2026, includes all PLL and Women’s Lacrosse League games, as well as future drafts. It's ESPN’s first publicly disclosed investment in a smaller league.

Lacrosse is gaining momentum, with rising viewership and an Olympic return in 2028. ESPN sees the deal as a way to boost lacrosse, women's sports and better serve fans.

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Meta Poaches Three OpenAI Researchers, reports WSJ

General

Jun 25, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has hired three OpenAI researchers to join his push for AI superintelligence, aiming to revive Meta’s lagging AI efforts.

The hires follow a $14 billion investment in Scale AI and are part of an aggressive recruitment drive, with offers reportedly reaching $100 million. Meta’s latest AI model underwhelmed, prompting Zuckerberg’s personal involvement.

OpenAI acknowledged the departures but CEO Sam Altman downplayed concerns. As competition intensifies between tech giants for AI dominance, Meta plans to spend up to $65 billion this year to advance its AI capabilities across social, advertising and business support tools.

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OpenAI, Microsoft Rift Hinges on How Smart AI Can Get, reports WSJ

General

Jun 25, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI and Microsoft are clashing over the definition and implications of “artificial general intelligence” (AGI) in their partnership contract. If OpenAI declares AGI, it could limit Microsoft’s future access to its AI technology.

While OpenAI believes AGI is near, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella is sceptical and wants to amend the contract. Talks are part of broader renegotiations as OpenAI transitions to a for-profit model, unlocking new funding.

The deal currently restricts Microsoft from developing AGI independently, but it seeks more freedom and continued IP access. Legal disputes may arise if OpenAI claims AGI without Microsoft's agreement or participation.

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Mediator Proposes $20 Million Settlement in Trump’s CBS Suit, reports WSJ

General

Jun 25, 2025

A mediator has proposed a $20 million settlement between Donald Trump and Paramount over a “60 Minutes” interview, including $17 million to Trump’s foundation and legal fees.

Trump’s team sought an apology for alleged election interference, which Paramount is unwilling to provide. Talks remain ongoing, with legal and reputational risks influencing negotiations.

The lawsuit has complicated Paramount’s planned merger with Skydance, drawing FCC attention. Past similar settlements with Meta and Disney show a precedent. CBS News leadership is reportedly divided over the potential settlement, with internal tensions and executive departures linked to handling the case.

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Better transparency is critical for increasing CTV investment, says DoubleVerify, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 25, 2025

CTV investment is growing, but transparency and viewability remain key challenges. A DoubleVerify survey found 68% of marketers need transparency to justify CTV ad costs, with app-level clarity improving from 46% in 2022 to 64% in early 2025.

Content-level insights and fraud protection are essential to boosting trust and revenue. Issues like "TV Off" playback and poor viewability still affect performance, though improvements are being made.

DoubleVerify is expanding measurement to Smart TV home screen ads and developing tools to link media quality with outcomes, warning that lack of transparency could cost advertisers $700,000 per billion CTV impressions.

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Apple Poised to Offer App Store Changes to Dodge More EU Fines, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 25, 2025

Apple is set to offer more App Store changes to avoid further EU penalties, following a €500 million fine for breaching the Digital Markets Act.

The proposal, due by 26 June, would let developers more easily guide users to purchase software outside Apple’s ecosystem. This move aims to appease EU regulators and avoid a formal charge sheet.

Apple plans to appeal the fine, accusing the EU of unfair treatment. The bloc has previously fined other tech giants like Meta and Google and has forced platform changes from Amazon and Microsoft under its expanding antitrust enforcement.

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Microsoft sued by authors over use of books in AI training, reports Reuters

General

Jun 25, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

A group of authors has sued Microsoft, accusing it of using pirated copies of their books to train its Megatron AI model without permission.

Writers including Kai Bird and Jia Tolentino claim nearly 200,000 pirated books were used, enabling the model to mimic original authors’ styles and themes.

The lawsuit follows a related court ruling involving Anthropic and highlights the growing legal battle over AI training data. The authors seek a court order to block Microsoft’s alleged infringement and demand statutory damages of up to $150,000 per work. Microsoft has not yet commented on the case.

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Reddit is looking outside the US to further build its sports communities, reports Marketing Brew

General

Jun 24, 2025

Sports Marketing

Reddit is expanding its sports partnerships to deepen engagement with fans and advertisers. Working with leagues like the NFL, NBA and MLB, Reddit aims to grow beyond niche communities and attract a broader audience through AMAs, video content and branded campaigns.

Advertisers have seen promising results, including significant increases in favourability and purchase intent. The platform plans to explore new formats such as sponsored AMAs during offseasons to maintain year-round fan interest.

Looking ahead, Reddit will expand internationally, partnering with leagues like Serie A and naming Sachin Tendulkar as a brand ambassador to engage cricket fans and grow global sports fandom.

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Google Ads tests URL inclusions and exclusions for search, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jun 24, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google Ads is testing a feature called URL Inclusions and Exclusions in search campaigns, allowing advertisers greater control over which site pages are used for dynamic ad generation.

URL Exclusions let users block certain pages from influencing ad content, while URL Inclusions aim to prioritise specific pages, though functionality appears limited for now.

Currently, the tool works only at the campaign level and doesn’t support exclusions at the ad group level. Despite its early limitations, this feature could help advertisers avoid irrelevant ad placements, improve ad quality, and better target high-value content once fully operational.

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Reddit May Use Sam Altman’s Iris Scan Tech, But Some Are Looking Away, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 24, 2025

Reddit plans to verify users’ humanity and age by potentially adopting iris scanning technology from World ID, sparking privacy concerns.

The platform faces regulatory pressure to distinguish between bots and humans, and to restrict access to adult content for minors. World ID, founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, uses biometric scans of users’ irises.

However, the proposal has met scepticism. Many users distrust biometric data handling, fearing breaches and surveillance. Redditors expressed strong opposition, with some threatening to leave the platform if iris scans become mandatory. Uptake of such tech remains limited due to public hesitation and privacy fears.

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Paramount+ With Showtime Streaming Service Gets Renamed Paramount+ Premium, reports Variety

General

Jun 24, 2025

Paramount has renamed its top-tier streaming plan from Paramount+ With Showtime to Paramount+ Premium, though pricing and content remain unchanged.

The rebrand follows the shutdown of the stand-alone Showtime app, with Showtime content now fully integrated into Paramount+. The Premium plan still includes Showtime originals and live feeds.

Despite the name change, the cable and live TV version retains the Showtime branding. The move contrasts with Warner Bros. Discovery, which is reinstating the HBO name on its Max platform to highlight its distinctive adult and family programming focus.

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Major retailers rival Amazon Prime Day with July sales, reports Axios

General

Jun 24, 2025

Major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Kohl’s will run competing July sales to rival Amazon’s Prime Day event, which runs 8–11 July.

Retailers are extending promotions, with Walmart offering in-store and online deals, and Target focusing on back-to-school savings from 6–12 July. Best Buy and Kohl’s are also lengthening their sale periods.

These overlapping events aim to capture early back-to-school and holiday shoppers, as Amazon doubles Prime Day to four days for the first time, offering millions of deals and added perks like fuel discounts for Prime members.

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UK regulator proposes loosening Google’s control of its search engine, reports FT

General

Jun 24, 2025

The UK’s competition watchdog is proposing measures to reduce Google’s dominance in search, giving publishers more control over content use, including in AI outputs.

Google may be given “strategic market status” under new digital laws, forcing it to follow conduct rules such as fair ranking and offering choice screens for users.

Google criticised the proposals as too broad, warning they could limit access to new products. A final decision will follow a consultation ending in October, with the CMA aiming to boost competition and lower advertising costs.

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Australia regulator and YouTube spar over under-16s social media ban, reports Reuters

General

Jun 24, 2025

Advertising To Children

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has urged the government to scrap plans to exempt YouTube from its upcoming teen social media ban, citing research showing YouTube exposes children to more harmful content than other platforms.

YouTube criticised the regulator for ignoring government data suggesting parents view the platform as suitable for under-15s, accusing the commissioner of offering contradictory advice.

The law, set for December, aims to fine platforms that fail to block under-16s. The government is reviewing the regulator’s advice, with the minister stressing that protecting children remains the priority.

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Google introduces AI mode to users in India, reports TechCrunch

General

Jun 23, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has launched its experimental AI mode in India via Search Labs, offering users a Q&A-style search experience. Queries can be made in English, including complex, multi-part questions and follow-ups.

The tool supports voice and image search, reflecting local preferences, and runs on a custom version of Gemini 2.5. Indian users are helping Google understand how multilingual audiences engage with AI search.

This launch comes as Google faces rising competition from chat-based AI tools like ChatGPT. The company is also expanding AI overviews, though concerns are growing about reduced web traffic for publishers due to summarised search results.

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Leak reveals Grok might soon edit your spreadsheets, reports TechCrunch

General

Jun 23, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Leaked code reveals xAI is developing an advanced file editor for Grok with spreadsheet functionality, indicating its aim to rival OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft in AI-enhanced productivity tools.

The editor may allow users to interact with Grok while editing files, expanding on April’s Grok Studio launch, which enabled collaborative document and code creation. xAI also introduced Workspaces to manage files and conversations together.

While similar to Google’s Gemini Workspace, Grok’s tool may operate outside a single ecosystem. The development aligns with Elon Musk’s vision to transform X into an all-in-one app covering communication, documents, payments, and more.

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Alex Dao Joins EA to Build Out the Gaming Giant’s Ad Business, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 23, 2025

Gaming / Metaverse

Former Snap executive Alex Dao has joined Electronic Arts to lead creative advertising and sponsorship efforts while ensuring minimal disruption to the gaming experience.

Dao brings extensive experience from Snap, Amazon, Yahoo and Criteo, and is known for fostering strong agency partnerships. At EA, he aims to build meaningful, contextually relevant brand integrations.

His hire aligns with EA’s plans to develop an ad network using its first-party data. While monetisation is a focus, Dao stresses authentic, happiness-driven engagement. EA also recently appointed GroupM as its global media agency, parting ways with incumbent T&Pm after a strategic review.

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Apple locked in last-minute App Store negotiations to avoid Brussels fines, reports FT

General

Jun 23, 2025

Apple is in last-minute talks with Brussels regulators to amend its App Store rules and avoid escalating EU fines under the Digital Markets Act.

The company is expected to offer concessions on its “steering” provisions, which limit users from accessing external offers, to delay further penalties.

Discussions also cover Apple’s “Core Technology Fee”, with EU scrutiny ongoing. A final decision is due as tensions rise between Brussels and Washington over Big Tech regulation, with Trump criticising EU fines as “overseas extortion”.

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Meta Held Deal Talks With Startup Runway in AI Recruiting Push, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jun 23, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg held informal talks about acquiring AI video startup Runway, but discussions did not progress to a formal offer and are no longer active. The move was part of Zuckerberg’s broader AI strategy to build a superintelligence team.

Runway, valued at over $3 billion, is known for its advanced AI video tools used by studios like Lionsgate and platforms including Amazon. Meta is also investing heavily in AI to support creativity across its platforms.

Zuckerberg’s AI efforts include big investments, recruitment of top talent, and previous talks with firms like Perplexity AI alongside its Scale AI stake.

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Media Matters sues to block FTC probe over Musk's X boycott claims, reports Reuters

General

Jun 23, 2025

Media Matters has asked a court to block a U.S. Federal Trade Commission probe into alleged coordination of advertising boycotts, calling it retaliation for its criticism of Elon Musk. The group says the FTC’s demands are chilling its reporting on Musk and the agency.

The watchdog argues there is no evidence of coordinating boycotts and accuses the Trump administration of trying to punish it for unfavourable coverage. The FTC’s investigation follows lawsuits from Musk’s X platform.

Media Matters denies wrongdoing and claims X is waging a legal vendetta over reports that ads appeared next to extremist content on the platform.

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Spotify’s video podcast program draws praise from creators - and skepticism from networks, reports Digiday

General

Jun 23, 2025

Audio Advertising

Spotify’s video podcast Partner Program is gaining popularity with smaller creators, who value its direct payouts and ability to boost income compared to YouTube. Independent podcasters report higher earnings, with some tripling their income and reinvesting in content quality.

However, major podcast networks remain hesitant, concerned that video content could harm dynamic ad revenues from audio streams. Networks reliant on advertising are wary of sacrificing this key revenue source.

Spotify claims most participants earn more through the program than from dynamic ads and highlights new opportunities for creators as video consumption on its platform continues to grow.

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The FTC is putting unusual political restrictions on the merger of 2 ad giants, reports Insider

M&A

Jun 23, 2025

News Publishing

The merger between Omnicom and Interpublic Group is progressing after the FTC approved it with conditions barring political or ideological bias in ad placement. Advertisers can still choose where to advertise, but agencies cannot direct spend based on politics, raising concerns about news outlets’ ad revenue.

Industry experts warn this could further harm news media and shift power towards Big Tech. Some fear agencies will lean on algorithms, weakening their value to clients.

The order’s vague terms risk confusion over enforcement. Omnicom and IPG see the approval as a major step towards forming the world’s largest ad agency.

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News Corp Extends CEO Robert Thomson’s Contract to 2030, reports WSJ

General

Jun 22, 2025

Leadership Transitions

News Corp has extended CEO Robert Thomson’s contract to June 2030, ensuring his leadership during a period of rapid AI-driven change in the media industry. Thomson, CEO since 2013, has refocused the company on subscriptions, data services and intellectual property protection.

Under his tenure, News Corp prioritised core businesses like Dow Jones, HarperCollins and digital real estate, while reducing reliance on advertising. The company has also struck deals and launched legal action to address AI’s impact on news consumption.

The extension comes as the Murdoch family’s control of News Corp faces internal disputes, with succession plans still under legal challenge.

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Influencers Step Onto Center Stage at Cannes, reports NYT

General

Jun 21, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Dhar Mann, a top YouTube creator, attended Cannes Lions to secure long-term sponsorships, reflecting growing interest from brands in creators’ loyal audiences. He and others see creator marketing as a powerful alternative to traditional paid media.

Major advertisers and holding companies are increasing investment in creators. Brands like Unilever are shifting towards “social-first” strategies, and agencies are acquiring creator networks to expand influence and campaign reach.

Independent creators are investing in visibility, attending events at their own expense. With creators gaining massive reach and engagement, they are reshaping the advertising landscape — often without pursuing traditional fame routes.

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X hires its third public relations lead in less than a year, reports Axios

General

Jun 20, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Elon Musk’s X has appointed Rosemarie Esposito as head of U.S. public relations, its third in under a year, and hired Victoria Gillespie to lead comms for EMEA/MENA/Africa.

Despite these hires, X continues to criticise traditional media, with CEO Linda Yaccarino publicly dismissing The Wall Street Journal during Cannes Lions.

The platform has faced ongoing PR instability, but recent appointments, including ex-WSJ editor John Stoll, suggest a tentative shift towards re-engaging with the media, even as leadership questions its relevance.

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Google offers to tweak search results to promote rivals, stave off EU antitrust fine, documents show, reports Reuters

General

Jun 20, 2025

Google has offered further changes to its search results to better display rival services and avoid a potential large EU antitrust fine under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The proposal would give a chosen vertical search service its own box at the top of results, matching Google’s format and including direct links, while others would rank lower unless clicked.

Google, while disputing the EU’s preliminary findings, aims to resolve proceedings. Rivals will provide feedback on 8 July, though some believe the changes fall short of creating fair competition.

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Teen Social Media Ban Moves Closer in Australia After Tech Trial, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 20, 2025

Advertising To Children

Australia’s plan for a world-first social media ban for under-16s has advanced after a trial confirmed age checks are technologically feasible and can integrate with existing platforms.

The findings challenge firms like Meta, TikTok and Snap, which had questioned the technology’s reliability. The law could come into force by year-end and inspire similar action elsewhere.

The trial tested various methods, including facial scans and parental controls. It found no universal solution but concluded that age assurance can be private, robust and effective, supporting children’s safety online without major technical barriers.

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Meta Discussed Buying Perplexity Before Investing in Scale, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jun 20, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta held talks with Perplexity AI about a possible acquisition before investing $14.3 billion in Scale AI for a 49% stake. The deal with Perplexity did not materialise, though Meta also tried to recruit Perplexity’s CEO for its superintelligence team.

Founded in 2022, Perplexity challenges Google with AI tools that summarise search results and cite sources. Meta’s AI push includes hiring top talent from competitors like Google DeepMind and Scale AI.

Despite lucrative offers, Meta has struggled to attract some candidates, while exploring partnerships, including with Safe Superintelligence for potential use of Meta’s data centre infrastructure.

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Musk's xAi increases yield offer on $5 bln debt raise, source says, reports Reuters

General

Jun 20, 2025

Investment Rounds

Elon Musk’s xAI is raising the yield on its $5 billion debt offering, led by Morgan Stanley, to attract more investors. The company is now offering 12.5% yield on $3 billion in bonds, up from 12%, and 12.5% on a $1 billion term loan.

A $1 billion term loan B will price at 725 basis points over SOFR, discounted at 96 cents per dollar. The deadline for investor commitments was extended, with allocations set for one day after closing.

The higher yield suggests investor demand has been modest, with no guarantee from Morgan Stanley on selling or underwriting the debt.

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Apple sued by shareholders over AI disclosures, reports Reuters

General

Jun 20, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Apple has been sued by shareholders in a proposed class action, accusing the company of misleading investors about the timeline for integrating advanced AI features into Siri. The lawsuit claims this affected iPhone sales and caused the stock price to drop.

The complaint was filed in San Francisco federal court and covers shareholders who suffered losses in the year ending 9 June. It seeks unspecified damages.

Apple has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. The case highlights growing scrutiny of tech giants as they race to enhance AI capabilities amid investor expectations.

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Apple Executives Have Held Internal Talks About Buying AI Startup Perplexity, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jun 20, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Apple is considering acquiring Perplexity AI to boost its AI capabilities and reduce reliance on Google’s search deal, which faces antitrust risks. Early discussions involve senior Apple executives, though no formal offer has been made. A partnership with Perplexity is also being explored.

Perplexity, valued at $14 billion, offers AI-powered search. Acquiring it would mark Apple’s biggest-ever deal and help in AI talent recruitment. Meta and Samsung have also shown interest in the startup.

Apple is striving to catch up in generative AI, following delays to Siri upgrades. The company continues to evaluate options to strengthen its AI position.

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Creators turn to agentic AI to manage fan engagement, reports Digiday

General

Jun 20, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Creators are increasingly adopting agentic AI to handle fan interactions, using tools that autonomously respond to comments and messages in their unique tone. This approach helps creators save time, reduce burnout and maintain engagement without constant manual effort.

AI agents can mimic a creator’s personality by learning from their writing, posts and other content. While this offers fans more connection, advertisers are wary, fearing AI could misrepresent influencers or cause brand safety issues.

Some brands are adding clauses to ban AI use in influencer content, though creators argue that genuine engagement, even through AI, appeals to sponsors.

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Meta tried to buy Ilya Sutskever’s $32 billion AI startup, but is now planning to hire its CEO, reports CNBC

General

Jun 19, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Mark Zuckerberg’s AI hiring spree continues, with Meta bringing on Daniel Gross and Nat Friedman following its $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI and hiring of Alexandr Wang.

Gross and Friedman, who co-run venture firm NFDG, will join Meta and report to Wang, while Meta also gains a stake in NFDG. An earlier acquisition attempt of their startup, Safe Superintelligence, was rejected.

Zuckerberg’s moves escalate the AI talent war, as Meta, OpenAI, Google and others compete for top minds. OpenAI’s Sam Altman said Meta offered $100 million signing bonuses, but none of their best staff accepted. Meta declined to comment.

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Fox acquires sports broadcasting platform Caliente TV, reports CNBC

M&A

Jun 19, 2025

Sports Marketing

Fox Corp. has acquired Caliente TV, a Mexican sports broadcaster, to strengthen its sports programming and expand its streaming reach in Latin America.

Carlos Martinez has been appointed to lead Fox’s Latin America division, with the deal reflecting a strategic push to build a leading sports streaming platform in Mexico.

The acquisition enhances Fox’s content offering ahead of its planned launch of Fox One, adding to its portfolio alongside Tubi and rights to events such as the Premier League, FA Cup and Big Ten Conference.

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Musk’s xAI Sparks New EU Scrutiny Ahead of Potential X Penalty, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 19, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s $33 billion buyout of X by xAI has drawn fresh EU scrutiny, as regulators assess possible fines under the Digital Services Act. The EU is examining whether the new corporate structure could affect penalty size.

Fines under the Act are linked to global revenue, so X’s integration with xAI and other Musk businesses could influence calculations. A fine could be announced before August, though timing remains uncertain.

X has sought to address concerns, including updating its checkmark programme. The EU’s probe focuses on transparency, illegal content, and disinformation following X’s alleged DSA breaches.

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The world's top ad agencies aligned to fix prices in India, reports Reuters

General

Jun 19, 2025

India’s antitrust watchdog is investigating global ad agencies, including WPP, Omnicom, IPG, Publicis, Dentsu and Havas, for suspected price rigging. Evidence reveals executives coordinated ad rates through WhatsApp and meetings, breaching competition law.

The agencies allegedly agreed not to undercut each other, set minimum commissions and pressured broadcasters to deny business to non-compliant firms. Dentsu disclosed practices under a leniency programme, aiding the probe.

The investigation could result in large fines, while tensions among agencies surfaced as rival ITW Consulting pursued direct deals. The probe highlights broader scrutiny of ad industry practices worldwide.

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Australia's teen social media ban faces a new wildcard: teenagers, reports Reuters

General

Jun 19, 2025

Advertising To Children

Australia is trialling age-checking software to support a planned national social media ban for under-16s, with fines of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance from platforms like Meta and TikTok.

Teen testers found the technology surprisingly accurate but believe many will find ways to bypass it, such as using older siblings' photos. The trial showed fast, selfie-based methods were most effective, while other options proved less practical.

The findings will inform government decisions and may influence similar efforts globally. Critics warn that effectiveness, standards, and the emotional impact on teens must be carefully considered before enforcement.

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Google dealt blow at EU’s top court over record €4.12bn competition fine, reports FT

General

Jun 19, 2025

Google’s bid to overturn a €4.12bn EU competition fine suffered a setback as the European Court of Justice’s advocate-general recommended upholding the penalty. The fine relates to Google’s use of Android to restrict rivals and cement its search dominance.

The ruling, though non-binding, is usually followed by the court. It bolsters the European Commission’s push to regulate major tech firms. The Android case is one of several that have cost Google €8bn in fines over the past decade.

Google previously lost its appeal over a shopping service fine but succeeded in challenging a 2019 advertising penalty. A new ad tech probe is ongoing.

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Snap’s AI play targets the advertisers tired of Meta and Google, reports Digiday

General

Jun 19, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Snapchat has introduced Smart Campaign Solution, its AI-powered ad suite designed to help advertisers, especially SMBs, achieve better performance. The tool aims to position Snap as a credible alternative to Meta and Google.

Snap hopes to attract advertisers disillusioned with incumbent platforms, offering new reasons to shift part of their budgets. The goal isn’t to overtake rivals, but to encourage trials by demonstrating improved results.

Smaller advertisers are already increasing spend on Snap, and the company aims to re-engage larger brands. Snap believes its evolving tools can now support more meaningful diversification of ad spend.

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Omnicom wraps up its Cannes Lions presence with a YouTube livestream partnership, reports Digiday

General

Jun 19, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Omnicom has announced a new partnership with YouTube, enabling its clients to target high-traffic livestreams, including sports, entertainment and gaming, more precisely. A beta test will launch in July in the US, with expansion planned.

The collaboration uses Omnicom’s Omni platform to identify key audiences and match them to top YouTube Live channels. Clients can then deliver real-time messaging aligned with livestream content, with insights fed back to enhance future targeting.

This builds on Omnicom’s broader live strategy, helping brands fine-tune content associations and boost relevance during live, interactive experiences to drive competitive advantage.

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Microsoft prepared to walk away from high-stakes OpenAI talks, reports FT

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft may abandon talks with OpenAI over its future stake if no agreement is reached on OpenAI’s plan to become a for-profit company. Microsoft would rely on its existing contract, securing access to OpenAI’s technology until 2030.

The firms are negotiating over equity, with Microsoft seeking up to 49% in return for its $13bn investment. Discussions also cover revenue rights and infrastructure access. Talks continue in good faith, though tensions have emerged.

OpenAI needs the deal to secure funding and complete its corporate shift, while Microsoft is exploring alternative AI partnerships as competition intensifies in the AI market.

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Sports fandom in the US is increasingly communal and round-the-clock, reports Marketing Brew

General

Jun 18, 2025

Sports Marketing

Over half of US adults watch sports weekly, with team performance influencing many fans' moods. PMG's survey highlights that sports have become a cultural constant, engaging fans before, during and after games.

Loyalty is often rooted in childhood or hometown ties, while Gen Z prefers social viewing experiences. Millennials and Gen X show stronger emotional attachment to outcomes, suggesting brands tailor approaches by generation.

Marketers are advised to partner with athletes and creators who align with brand values. Interest in emerging sports like pickleball and esports is growing, offering brands new engagement opportunities beyond traditional leagues.

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NBCU Advertising Adds Walmart Data to Its Live Sports Playbook, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 18, 2025

Sports Marketing

Walmart will play a key role in NBCUniversal’s live sports advertising strategy, enabling advanced audience targeting and cross-platform attribution. The partnership will cover major events like the Winter Olympics, Premier League and NBA, launching in Q4 2025.

A successful test last year saw Walmart achieve a 4-times return on ad spend and higher ad recall and QR code scan rates. NBCU highlighted the value of live sports in delivering instant reach and measurable sales impact.

The partnership builds on existing collaborations, such as Must ShopTV, and complements other NBCU Cannes announcements, including the launch of Today Show Fan Fest.

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Google brings AI video tool Veo 3 to YouTube Shorts, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google will integrate its Veo 3 video generation model into YouTube Shorts, allowing creators to make videos from simple text prompts. This aims to democratise content creation by reducing production barriers.

While the tool unlocks new opportunities for brands and creators, it raises concerns about quality, originality and misinformation. Critics fear a rise in low-quality, AI-generated content that could overwhelm the platform.

YouTube plans protections against misuse, but traditional creators may feel threatened. Veo 3 could reshape digital storytelling, yet balancing automation with authenticity will be key to maintaining YouTube’s creative ecosystem.

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Indonesia antitrust agency gives conditional go-ahead for TikTok's Tokopedia takeover, reports Reuters

M&A

Jun 18, 2025

Indonesia’s antitrust agency has conditionally approved TikTok’s $840 million acquisition of 75.01% of Tokopedia, ending its probe into monopoly risks. The approval follows agreements by both firms to meet several requirements aimed at safeguarding competition.

The agency’s investigation had highlighted concerns over market concentration and potential price increases from market dominance. TikTok and Tokopedia must ensure open payment and logistics options and avoid predatory pricing.

TikTok welcomed the decision and pledged to uphold fair competition. The agency will monitor compliance with conditions until June 2027 and retains the power to impose sanctions if necessary.

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OpenAI Is Phasing Out Scale AI Work Following Startup’s Meta Deal, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI is ending its work with Scale AI, a data-labelling startup, after Meta bought a 49% stake in the firm and hired its CEO. OpenAI said Scale had only met a small portion of its data needs and it had already been seeking other, more specialised providers.

Meta’s $14.3 billion investment in Scale raised concerns about visibility into rivals’ AI development, prompting both OpenAI and Google to move away from Scale.

OpenAI is now focused on building advanced AI models requiring greater data expertise, increasingly turning to alternative providers such as Mercor for support with these ambitions.

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Microsoft Planning Thousands More Job Cuts Aimed at Salespeople, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 18, 2025

Microsoft plans to cut thousands of jobs, mainly in sales, as it looks to manage costs while investing heavily in artificial intelligence. The layoffs are expected to be announced after the fiscal year ends, though the timing may change.

This follows 6,000 job losses in May, which mostly affected product and engineering staff. The company recently shifted more sales work to third-party firms, particularly for small and mid-size customers.

Microsoft aims to balance AI spending with cost control. It employs 228,000 people, including 45,000 in sales and marketing, and typically reorganises at the fiscal year’s close.

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Meta in talks to hire former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman to join AI efforts, reports Reuters

General

Jun 18, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Meta is reportedly in talks to hire former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman to support its AI initiatives, according to The Information. The company is also in discussions with Daniel Gross, Friedman’s partner at NFDG, about joining its AI efforts.

Meta is considering a partial buyout of NFDG, aligning with its push to strengthen AI capabilities. This comes after Meta’s $14.8 billion investment in Scale AI and the hiring of its CEO to lead a new superintelligence unit.

Friedman already serves on Meta’s external advisory council, offering guidance on technology and product development.

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Sam Altman Says GPT-5 Coming This Summer, Open to Ads on ChatGPT - With a Catch, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Sam Altman announced that GPT-5 will launch this summer, though no exact date was given. Early testers describe it as a major improvement on GPT-4. The release aims to strengthen OpenAI’s position as competition intensifies.

Altman discussed potential ChatGPT advertising but stressed that ads must not influence the model’s output. He suggested ads could appear outside the chatbot’s response stream, provided they benefit users without eroding trust.

OpenAI also faces legal pressure, including a court order to retain ChatGPT logs for a copyright case. Altman called the demand an overreach and said OpenAI would appeal.

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OpenAI says Meta is trying to poach staff with $100mn sign-on offers, reports FT

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Sam Altman has accused Meta of trying to lure OpenAI developers with sign-on bonuses of $100mn and high salaries, as it struggles to match AI rivals. He claimed Meta views OpenAI as its main competitor but said none of his top staff accepted offers.

Meta is urgently hiring to build a superintelligence team, with Zuckerberg personally recruiting. The company has faced delays, performance criticisms and AI talent losses.

Altman criticised Meta’s focus on pay over mission and innovation. Meta salaries for engineers can reportedly reach $3.7mn, far higher than OpenAI’s top packages of about $1.34mn.

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Netflix will air traditional TV channels inside its app in France, reports The Verge

General

Jun 18, 2025

Starting in summer 2026, Netflix subscribers in France will gain access to TF1 Group’s live TV channels and on-demand TF1 Plus content as part of their existing plans. The partnership brings sports, dramas, soaps and reality shows directly onto Netflix.

Netflix CEO Greg Peters highlighted this as a unique collaboration aimed at enhancing discovery and retention. The deal may also support Netflix’s obligations to invest in French-language content.

With TF1 holding 24% of France’s TV market, the move could help traditional broadcasters reach broader audiences through streaming, as consumer habits shift from linear TV.

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Omnicom strikes partnerships with PayPal and X as its live blitz at Cannes Lions continues, reports Digiday

General

Jun 18, 2025

Omnicom has announced new partnerships with X and PayPal to strengthen its focus on live content and enhance data-driven marketing. The X partnership helps Omnicom tap into real-time trends and influencer discovery, integrating X’s API data into its Omni platform for smarter activations.

Omni’s Influencer Discovery Agent uses these insights to identify creators who best engage audiences, enhancing brand connections with cultural moments. This approach aims to improve content relevance and influencer strategies.

Meanwhile, the PayPal deal allows Omnicom to link transactional data with streaming TV inventory, enabling precise targeting based on purchase behaviours across PayPal, Venmo and Honey platforms.

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YouTube Launches Open Call to Connect Brands With Creators, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 17, 2025

Influencer Marketing

YouTube has unveiled Open Call, a new tool designed to help brands connect with creators more easily, announced during Cannes Lions. Brands can submit campaign briefs through the creator partnership hub, and eligible creators can respond with video pitches.

If a brand approves a pitch, it can promote the video as part of a partnership ad and track performance. Open Call aims to simplify large-scale creator collaboration via YouTube’s Brand Connect.

The tool is currently limited to select advertisers, with a wider rollout planned. It builds on YouTube’s strategy to strengthen brand–creator links and boost advertiser appeal.

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AI will shrink Amazon’s workforce in the coming years, CEO Jassy says, reports CNBC

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that the company’s corporate workforce will shrink over the next few years as generative AI tools become more integrated. He urged employees to embrace AI to achieve more with smaller teams and adapt to new types of roles.

This follows Amazon’s recent layoffs of over 27,000 staff since 2022 and cuts in specific units this year. Jassy highlighted how AI is enhancing operations, including inventory management and warehouse efficiency.

Other tech firms, like Shopify and Klarna, are making similar shifts. Jassy described generative AI as a transformative force, reshaping industries at unprecedented speed.

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Musk’s xAI Burns Through $1 Billion a Month as Costs Pile Up, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s xAI is spending around $1 billion a month as it builds AI models, outpacing its limited revenue. The company is seeking $9.3 billion in debt and equity to cover costs, with plans to spend over half of that in three months.

xAI expects to burn through $13 billion in 2025, aiming for profitability by 2027. Investors have valued xAI at $80 billion, encouraged by Musk’s backing and ambitious plans despite the firm’s large losses.

The company has raised $14 billion since 2023 and is finalising $4.3 billion in equity, alongside $5 billion in debt for infrastructure projects.

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Streaming surpasses broadcast and cable TV viewing in US for first time, reports Reuters

General

Jun 17, 2025

Streaming services surpassed broadcast and cable TV combined in U.S. viewership for the first time in May, according to Nielsen. Streaming captured 44.8% of total TV usage, led by YouTube at 12.5% and followed by platforms like Netflix.

Free ad-supported platforms, including PlutoTV, Roku Channel and Tubi, collectively made up 5.7% of viewership. Meanwhile, broadcast and cable accounted for 20% and 24% respectively.

This shift, accelerated by the COVID pandemic, marks a major change in media consumption habits. It is reshaping the TV industry, with significant impacts on advertisers and content creators.

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Trump to extend TikTok deadline for third time, pushing decision out another 90 days, reports CNBC

M&A

Jun 17, 2025

President Trump plans to extend the deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. business, marking the third extension since January. The new 90-day extension aims to ensure a deal is reached so Americans can continue using TikTok securely.

The extension follows a national security law upheld by the Supreme Court, requiring app stores and internet providers to stop supporting TikTok unless divestment occurs.

Several parties, including Oracle and Project Liberty, have shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations, though Chinese government approval remains uncertain for any potential deal.

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All new Facebook videos to be classified as Reels soon, Meta says, reports Reuters

General

Jun 17, 2025

Meta will soon classify all new videos on Facebook as Reels, removing length and format restrictions to simplify video publishing. The update will cover short, long and live videos, while existing uploads will stay as they are.

The platform’s Video tab will be renamed the Reels tab, and users will be asked to confirm or update their audience settings if these differ between feed posts and Reels.

Users will gain access to more creative tools as part of the change. Meta plans to roll out the update globally across profiles and pages in the coming months.

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Musk's xAI on track to raise $5 billion in fresh debt, following modest demand, reports Reuters

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s xAI is set to close a $5 billion debt raise led by Morgan Stanley, despite lukewarm investor interest. The offering includes loans and secured bonds with higher-than-average yields due to the company’s unrated debt and lack of profitability.

The debt attracted modest demand, with orders at 1.5 times the available amount, below typical levels. Unlike Musk’s Twitter financing, Morgan Stanley offered the debt on a “best efforts” basis without committing capital.

xAI is also pursuing $20 billion in equity funding, which could value the firm at over $120 billion, as it seeks further capital for expansion.

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Target CPC bidding comes to Google Ads Demand Gen, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jun 17, 2025

Google Ads has introduced Target Cost-Per-Click (tCPC) bidding to Demand Gen campaigns, offering advertisers automated control to drive clicks at a consistent average cost. This option prioritises traffic over conversions, letting Google adjust bids dynamically while aiming for the set average CPC.

tCPC is ideal for campaigns focused on generating click volume rather than post-click actions, balancing automation with cost predictability. Advertisers can set tCPC at campaign or ad group level for flexibility.

Experts have questioned the move, wondering if tCPC might replace manual CPC or expand beyond Demand Gen. Google has yet to announce a broader rollout.

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Havas introduces Vermeer AI video tool, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Havas announced progress on its Converged.AI platform and introduced Vermeer, an AI-powered video creation tool, at Cannes. Converged.AI combines tools for targeting, measurement, reporting, planning and content personalisation, blending human insight with AI precision.

Vermeer, developed by Havas’ Prose on Pixels, offers intelligent, photorealistic video production with human oversight, aiming to enhance creative quality for brands.

Havas is evolving towards an AI ecosystem run by intelligent agents operated by staff, allowing teams to build tailored solutions. This includes cross-functional tools like Persona Live, enabling natural language interaction with audiences.

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Amazon announces four-day Prime Day discount event, reports Reuters

General

Jun 17, 2025

Amazon’s Prime Day will run from 8 to 11 July, expanding to four days to give members more time to shop deals, according to the company.

The move comes as U.S. shoppers face uncertainty over tariffs, while rivals like Walmart, Target and TikTok Shop aim to capture early back-to-school spending.

Amazon hopes to attract younger shoppers by offering discounted Prime memberships for 18- to 24-year-olds, alongside other perks, to boost subscriptions.

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Elon Musk's X sues New York over content moderation law, reports Reuters

General

Jun 17, 2025

Elon Musk’s X Corp has filed a lawsuit against New York’s attorney general, contesting a state law on social media monitoring.

The company argues that the law unconstitutionally forces platforms to reveal sensitive details about their handling of hate speech, extremism, and disinformation.

X Corp claims this disclosure targets speech protected under the First Amendment and reflects state disapproval of certain views.

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Trump says he will probably extend TikTok deadline again, reports Reuters

M&A

Jun 17, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would likely extend the deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets beyond June 19. He noted the app’s role in helping him secure support from younger voters during the 2024 election.

Trump’s remarks were made to reporters on Air Force One, where he emphasised his openness to giving more time for the deal.

He added that China’s approval might be needed for the extension but expressed confidence that President Xi would ultimately agree, suggesting ongoing diplomatic discussions around the issue.

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Musk’s xAI in Talks to Raise $4.3 Billion in Equity Funding, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI is seeking to raise $4.3 billion in equity funding, alongside a $5 billion debt effort, as it looks to secure more resources for its AI ambitions. The company has spent most of the $14 billion it previously raised, leaving just $4 billion on its balance sheet as of March.

xAI may also benefit from a $650 million rebate to help reduce costs. The funds will support xAI’s operations rather than Musk’s social media firm X, despite the planned merger of the two companies.

xAI’s valuation has surged to $80 billion, reflecting investor confidence despite high spending.

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Criteo Is Going After Google With a New Way To Buy Retail Media Programmatically, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 17, 2025

Criteo is introducing programmatic buying for retail media display ads, aiming to simplify purchasing across multiple retail networks. The new auction-based system helps retailers monetise unsold inventory and benefit from peak-season demand.

Costco and Shipt are already using the product, which resembles Google’s Ad Manager in how it prioritises inventory. Criteo says its system integrates with various platforms and complements existing solutions.

This shift could reduce reliance on joint business plans, allowing advertisers to target spend based on performance. Experts suggest the move may rebalance power in favour of brands and accelerate growth in retail media, particularly beyond top-tier networks.

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Meta's Advantage+ Adds Gen AI Tools for Advertisers and Agencies, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has unveiled new generative AI tools at Cannes Lions, enhancing Advantage+ to help advertisers improve campaign performance. The updates enable consistent branding at scale, with logos, colours, and fonts, and introduce video generation that animates images with overlays and music.

Features in testing include AI-driven video highlights, voice prompts, and FAQs for ads, alongside expanded placements in Instagram Stories and Facebook Reels. Virtual Try-On and Creative Sticker CTA buttons are also being trialled.

Meta claims these tools will boost ad performance, with Advantage+ delivering 22% higher returns and Meta GEM improving conversions by up to 5%.

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Advertisers Can Buy Product Placement Ads Through The Trade Desk, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

The Trade Desk has partnered with Rembrand to bring AI-powered product placements to its Kokai platform. This integration lets advertisers run programmatic placements across video, audio and social ads, helping brands connect faster and more innovatively with consumers.

Rembrand’s tech analyses videos to find natural spots for branded items, speeding up traditional placement processes. The Trade Desk is Rembrand’s first media-buying partner for expanding into connected TV and film.

Additionally, The Trade Desk has added AI partners Nova, Spaceback and Bunny Studio to help advertisers create native ads, repurpose social posts, and produce multilingual voiceovers, as competition intensifies.

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Disney adds Amazon to its DRAX partnership roster, reports Digiday

General

Jun 17, 2025

Amazon has partnered with Disney Advertising to bring its demand-side platform (DSP) into Disney’s Real-Time Ad Exchange (DRAX), joining Google and The Trade Desk. This gives advertisers access to Disney+ and Hulu inventory via Amazon DSP.

The collaboration lets brands combine Disney’s audience data with Amazon’s browsing, streaming and purchase insights. Advertisers can also benefit from curated deals and contextual targeting using Disney’s Magic Words and Disney Select data.

Set to launch widely in Q3 2025, this follows Amazon’s exclusive DSP deal with Roku. Amazon DSP is positioning itself as a cost-effective solution compared to competitors like The Trade Desk.

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The DOJ faces growing calls to coordinate Google antitrust remedy efforts, reports Digiday

General

Jun 17, 2025

Movement for an Open Web is urging the US Justice Department to merge oversight of remedies for Google’s search and ad tech monopolies. The group argues separate technical committees risk missing interconnected issues that sustain Google’s dominance.

MOW supports DOJ proposals but calls for added steps, like giving publishers more auction control and transparency. It warns Google could still discriminate via technical means despite divestitures.

DOJ proposals include selling Chrome, ending default-search deals, and breaking up Google’s ad tech. Critics question if such measures will alter the market, suggesting damage is already done and remedies may come too late.

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Omnicom partners with Amazon and Meta to build on live content and live shopping, reports Digiday

General

Jun 17, 2025

Omnicom has announced partnerships with Amazon and Meta, aiming to enhance measurement and performance in live content, shopping and influencer marketing. With Amazon, Omnicom gains deeper insights into live sports audiences and shopper journeys using Amazon’s data tools, including Thursday Night Football and Amazon Live signals.

The partnership with Meta focuses on Facebook’s Live Partnership Ads, enabling brands to boost live creator content into paid ads. This helps map creators’ roles in conversions and refine influencer strategies.

These collaborations aim to unify fragmented data, improve campaign performance and support smarter investment decisions in live commerce and influencer marketing globally.

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Publishers refine Reddit strategies to tap into targeted referral traffic, reports Digiday

General

Jun 17, 2025

News Publishing

Reddit is becoming an increasingly valuable source of referral traffic for news publishers, though it remains small compared to search. Newsweek’s Reddit traffic grew from 200,000 pageviews a month in 2023 to 2-4 million in 2024-2025, prompting greater investment in platform engagement.

Publishers like Newsweek, Reach and The Atlantic focus on careful, community-based posting rather than high-volume sharing. Success comes from building relationships with subreddit moderators and respecting community rules, avoiding spam-like behaviour.

Reddit offers access to niche audiences not reached elsewhere. Publishers are also experimenting with Ask Me Anythings and targeted posting to deepen engagement and drive meaningful traffic increases.

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