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Leaked numbers show YouTube TV is the fastest-growing Google product as the company makes big bets in streaming, reports Insider

General

Nov 8, 2023

YouTube TV, Google's fastest-growing product, saw a 48% surge in users within a year, largely thanks to streaming NFL Sunday Ticket games. It also boasts the highest user engagement and retention rates among Google products.

The streaming service's revenue impact was spotlighted in Alphabet's Q3 earnings call, with ad revenue increasing notably year-over-year. YouTube TV's success is a significant contributor to this growth.

Google's internal research indicates that TV is the preferred medium for YouTube content, leading to targeted TV ad strategies. Tablets also emerged as key devices for increasing YouTube watch time, influencing Google's product direction, including the development of the Pixel Tablet.

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LiveRamp Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +8.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +116.0% YoY

+ 9% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 8, 2023

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EU to ask YouTube and TikTok for details on measures protecting minors, reports Reuters

General

Nov 8, 2023

Advertising To Children

EU's Thierry Breton is set to request information from YouTube and TikTok on their compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly on child protection measures.

The inquiry, due on Friday, aligns with the DSA's mandate for Big Tech to actively combat harmful online content aimed at minors.

The DSA also demands greater transparency from tech companies on algorithms, bot usage, targeted advertising, and their handling of illegal or unsafe products on their platforms.

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Apple says it expects to make App Store policy changes due to EU DMA, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 8, 2023

Apple is preparing for EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) compliance, indicating App Store policy revisions are imminent in their fiscal reporting.

The DMA's introduction may alter how Apple charges developers and manages app distribution and in-App Store communications. Aimed at regulating Big Tech, the DMA enforces proactive rules for fair competition.

Designated as a 'gatekeeper', Apple must align with the DMA by March 2024 or face substantial fines. This reflects the DMA's significant impact on Apple's European operations.

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Google’s AI-powered search experience expands globally to 120+ countries and territories, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 8, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google's SGE, an AI-based conversational search tool, is going global, now supporting additional languages including Spanish and Portuguese. It offers comprehensive, conversational answers and has been enhanced since its debut.

The platform, competing with Microsoft's Bing Chat, now facilitates in-depth interactions and has been updated with new educational features. It's also been made available to U.S. teens.

Google is testing new search functionalities to allow seamless follow-up questions, first rolling out in the U.S. Translation and word definition features are also being improved, with a focus on maintaining the integration of search ads.

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Amazon Eliminates Jobs in Music Division in New Round of Cuts, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 8, 2023

Amazon is reducing roles within its music division, impacting the editorial and audio content team. The specifics, including the number of jobs cut, remain undisclosed.

The decision aligns with the company's strategy to prioritise customer needs and long-term business health. Despite the job cuts, Amazon asserts it will keep investing in its music services, focusing on aspects most valued by customers, creators, and artists.

These reductions come on top of Amazon's most significant corporate job cuts to date, affecting 27,000 roles. This move suggests a possible strategic pivot towards enhancing Prime Video, which is gaining traction with exclusive content like NFL games.

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EU digital chief urges TikTok and X to increase clean-up efforts, reports Reuters

General

Nov 8, 2023

Vera Jourova, the EU's digital economy chief, urged TikTok and social media platform X to intensify their fight against illegal hate speech following her meetings with company executives.

In the wake of increased harmful content post-Hamas's attack on Israel, Jourova highlighted the necessity for these platforms to adhere to the EU's Digital Services Act requirements to mitigate illegal and harmful content.

Jourova recognised TikTok's efforts in removing extremist content but voiced concerns over X's language support and readiness for the 2024 EU elections, stressing the importance of robust content moderation ahead of significant political events.

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Taboola Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +8.3% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -11.1% YoY

+ 8% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 8, 2023

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Roblox Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +37.8% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -7.6% YoY

+ 38% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 8, 2023

Bloomberg reports:

Roblox Corp. experienced a significant share price increase after third-quarter financial results surpassed analysts' expectations, with bookings rising to $839.5 million and adjusted EBITDA hitting $81.1 million.

The gaming platform's stock rebounded from a previous slump, buoyed by its appeal to young adults and promising expansions into advertising, music, and shopping, alongside leveraging artificial intelligence for content generation.

Daily active users stood at 70.2 million, and engagement hours rose by 20%, signalling strong growth in Europe and Asia. Roblox anticipates a moderation of expenses, aligning future operating costs with or below bookings growth rates.

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Meta to Require Disclosure for Political Ads Using AI, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 8, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Starting in 2024, Meta will require advertisers to clearly indicate the use of AI in political and social issue ads. This was announced by Nick Clegg, Meta's VP of Global Affairs, to enhance transparency and combat misinformation.

The policy mandates disclosure for AI-manipulated content depicting people or events unrealistically. Non-compliance could lead to ad rejection and potential penalties, though minor edits are exempt.

Amidst escalating AI-generated misinformation, Meta joins other tech giants in tightening ad rules, with a focus on the integrity of information, especially before the 2024 US and global elections. Fact-checking will remain pivotal, prohibiting ads with misleading AI alterations.

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Amazon previews FTC defense at companywide meeting, reports Reuters

General

Nov 8, 2023

Amazon's chief lawyer, David Zapolsky, outlined potential defence strategies in a staff meeting against the FTC's antitrust lawsuit, expressing confidence in the legitimacy of Amazon's business practices.

At the private event, Zapolsky quoted Taylor Swift to buoy staff morale amidst scrutiny, while the FTC lawsuit suggests Amazon may have to divest assets due to alleged monopolistic practices.

The FTC's lawsuit, joined by 17 state attorneys general, targets Amazon's pricing strategies and marketplace control. Zapolsky rebuts the monopoly claims, affirming Amazon's commitment to customer trust and competitive pricing, and remains unfazed by the legal challenge.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Earnings For Q3 2023 Show +1.6% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -82.2% YoY

+ 2% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Nov 8, 2023

AdExchanger reports:

Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service Max, merging HBO Max and Discovery+ content, lost 700,000 subscribers, dipping to 95.1 million due to a content lull from the Hollywood actors' strike.

Despite the subscriber drop, WBD reports a 29% year-over-year rise in streaming ad revenue, credited to increased live program viewership and new sports and news content aimed at attracting younger audiences and reducing churn.

WBD's financial strategy includes reducing debt, which has decreased by $2.4 billion, and expanding reach through licensing deals and planned launches in Latin America and Europe. Additionally, WBD is considering leveraging traditional pay TV bundles to boost subscriber numbers.

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Google is bringing generative AI to advertisers, reports The Verge

General

Nov 8, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Google is launching AI tools to craft adverts, aiding both agencies and businesses with no creative teams. These tools assist in generating unique text and images for ads, with users refining outputs via prompts.

The company ensures uniqueness, eliminating the chance of identical images for competitors. This innovation is integrated into Google’s Performance Max for creating diverse ads suitable for various Google platforms.

Further, the AI offers advanced editing for visuals, enabling festive updates or contextual changes. All AI-made ads will carry a SynthID watermark to identify their AI origin.

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Malaysia Studying Regulations for TikTok Shop, Says Minister, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 8, 2023

Malaysia is considering regulation of TikTok, particularly its e-commerce operations, potentially impacting the platform's growth in Southeast Asia.

The Communications Minister plans discussions with TikTok representatives to scrutinise regulatory aspects and evaluate the performance of TikTok Shop.

This scrutiny reflects the region's increasing concerns over TikTok's operations, including the direct sale of goods on its platform, amidst wider regulatory measures in neighbouring countries.

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Microsoft Is Offering to Help US Politicians Crack Down on Deepfakes, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 8, 2023

Ahead of the 2024 US election, Microsoft introduces a tool to counter deepfakes, enabling political entities to authenticate media with watermark credentials.

The tool uses cryptography to track if content has been altered, addressing the growing fear of AI in disrupting elections. It will initially be free for political candidates, with plans to expand post-election.

While Microsoft positions itself as a defender against misinformation, it simultaneously invests in generative AI. The company's commitment to combating election interference via deepfakes is part of a broader effort that includes a focus on potential cyber threats from foreign actors.

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Google’s Project Hug Cast by Epic as App Market Power Crusade, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 8, 2023

Activision Blizzard received a $360 million incentive in 2020 to prioritize the Google Play store, a move scrutinized in an antitrust trial against Google's Android app dominance.

Epic Games accuses Google Play of anti-competitive conduct, presenting deals to retain developers and combat the standard 30% commission. Google's "Project Hug" sought to maintain developer loyalty amidst rising discontent.

While Epic frames Google's tactics as coercive, Google contends its actions were fair competition, offering perks without barring developers from creating alternative app markets. The trial progresses with Google's business strategies under examination.

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Big Tech to face tougher rules on targeted political ads in EU, reports Reuters

General

Nov 7, 2023

EU's new rules mandate Big Tech to label political ads, disclose funding, and highlight targeted elections, bolstering transparency before 2024's vital votes.

Social media giants like Google and Meta face up to 6% fines in annual turnover for rule breaches, while restrictions on foreign ad sponsorship safeguard against meddling.

The deal, finalised by EU states and lawmakers, ensures online ad repositories and fair transnational campaigning, with the regulation taking effect possibly in 2025, post the European Parliament elections.

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Indian digital ads surge in world’s fastest growing online economy, reports FT

General

Nov 7, 2023

India's digital ad industry is surging, with online advertising expected to grow at an annual rate of 12.7% by 2027, as per Omdia.

Digital media is now India's leading ad medium, with platforms like YouTube and Meta set to see strong video ad revenue growth. Traditional TV is being outpaced as digital's share of the ad market grows.

E-commerce and streaming services are capitalizing on India's cost-sensitive market, using free content and ads. Marketers are engaging with 'nano influencers' for localized outreach, ensuring digital advertising's continued expansion.

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X CEO Linda Yaccarino Leans on TV Roots to Bring Back Jittery Advertisers, reports WSJ

General

Nov 7, 2023

Linda Yaccarino, X Corp CEO, aims to attract advertisers to the social platform, pitching TV-like safe content zones such as NFL highlights. Amid platform risks, this strategy targets a secure environment for ad spending.

Yaccarino is seeking content deals with sports leagues and celebrities, including a potential renewal with the NFL and NBA, and discussions with Major League Soccer. These deals aim to reassure and retain advertisers.

Despite controversies, Yaccarino's strategy is to present X as a safe space for advertisers using brand-safety tools, while promising profitability by early 2024. She emphasizes premium content partnerships to bolster advertiser confidence.

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Amazon dedicates team to train ambitious AI model codenamed Olympus, reports Reuters

General

Nov 7, 2023

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon is developing "Olympus," a large language model with potentially double the parameters of OpenAI's GPT-4, aiming to compete with tech giants. Details are under wraps, with Amazon remaining silent on the project.

The project is guided by Rohit Prasad, who unifies Amazon’s AI research towards advanced AI capabilities. Smaller models and partnerships with AI startups currently bolster Amazon Web Services' (AWS) appeal.

Investment in "Olympus" reflects a strategic shift towards generative AI, even as Amazon scales back other operations like retail logistics, signaling a significant pivot in the company's resource allocation.

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Sony’s PlayStation Consoles Are Cutting Off Access to X, reports Variety

General

Nov 7, 2023

Gaming / Metaverse

Sony is set to withdraw support for X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, from its PlayStation consoles, citing the discontinuation of all related functionalities starting November 13, 2023.

The decision may be influenced by Elon Musk's move to monetise X's API, a key service for third-party integrations, prompting speculation as Sony remains silent on the specific reasons for the change.

This follows similar actions by Microsoft's Xbox and Blizzard's "World of Warcraft", aligning with Musk's pricing strategy for API access, which has been contentious amongst developers and companies since its announcement.

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FTC Seeks To Block IAB From Weighing In On Dark Patterns Battle, reports MediaPost

General

Nov 7, 2023

The FTC has urged a U.S. judge to dismiss submissions by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and others supporting Amazon, in a case alleging Amazon's use of deceptive 'dark patterns'.

The IAB's brief claims the FTC is overreaching by targeting regular advertising practices, but the FTC refutes this, highlighting the IAB's repetition of Amazon's defence and their misrepresentation of the allegations.

The FTC is also seeking to exclude other amicus briefs that support Amazon's case, arguing that these contributions, including those from major tech associations, do not add valuable expertise or context to the proceedings.

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WhatsApp head confirms in-app ads are still in the works, reports The Verge

General

Nov 7, 2023

WhatsApp is considering introducing ads, potentially in the 'Status' feature and the new 'Channels' option, according to the head Will Cathcart, although specifics on timing weren't disclosed.

Will Cathcart assured that WhatsApp will remain free and ads won't intrude on the messaging experience, suggesting possible ad placement in Channels and allowing for subscription fees.

Despite privacy concerns delaying ad integration since 2018, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, continues to explore advertising options within the app, signalling a persistent interest in monetising its features.

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YouTube’s ad blocking crackdown is facing a new challenge: privacy laws, reports The Verge

General

Nov 7, 2023

EU privacy activists contest YouTube’s stricter ad blocker limits, alleging they breach privacy laws. YouTube counters, citing the importance of ad revenue for creators.

As YouTube intensifies ad blocker suppression, users scramble for workarounds, but YouTube insists on adherence to its terms, affecting video access.

Discrepancies in the European Commission’s stance on user consent for data storage are highlighted as advocates urge action against YouTube’s practices, emphasizing privacy rights. The Irish DPC's engagement suggests the debate continues.

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Google Reduced Revenue Share Payments to Verizon, Executive Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Nov 7, 2023

Google reduced its payment to Verizon for being the default search engine on US Android phones from 20% to 10% in 2020, as disclosed in the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Google.

The renegotiation of the agreement by Google's Adrienne McCallister was confirmed, although the total monetary value remains undisclosed. Google allocates a share of its mobile search advertising revenue to partners like carriers and device makers.

This move is central to the Justice Department's accusation of Google illegitimately sustaining its search monopoly. Verizon did not seek alternative bids, reinforcing Google's position in the market.

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TikTok is shutting down its Creator Fund in favor of its newer Creativity Program, reports TechCrunch

General

Nov 7, 2023

Influencer Marketing

TikTok is replacing its $1 billion Creator Fund with the Creativity Program in the US, UK, France, and Germany from December 16, citing the fund's low payouts as a reason for change.

The Creativity Program promises higher earnings, rewarding longer videos over one minute, a shift from the Creator Fund’s model. Creators need 10,000 followers and 100,000 recent views to join.

TikTok aims to enhance its ecosystem, focusing on diverse monetization tools like LIVE subscriptions and TikTok Pulse, with the Creativity Program drawing on feedback to better support creators’ earnings and platform experience.

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Former Meta employee tells Senate company failed to protect teens' safety, reports Reuters

General

Nov 7, 2023

Advertising To Children

A former Meta employee, Arturo Bejar, testified before a U.S. Senate subcommittee, claiming the company neglected teen harassment issues on its platforms.

Bejar, who focused on Instagram user well-being and was an engineering director at Facebook, is advocating for better protection of young social media users' mental health.

Meta asserts its commitment to young users' safety, despite Bejar's allegations that executives, including Zuckerberg, consistently overlooked the issue, evidenced by internal data and personal experiences shared with company leaders.

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UK antitrust regulator to take on Big Tech with new legal power, reports Reuters

General

Nov 7, 2023

The UK's competition watchdog is poised to receive new powers to enforce fair practice amongst tech giants like Meta and Amazon, as outlined in the King's Speech detailing government plans.

The CMA's specialised Digital Markets Unit, established over two years prior, will scrutinise the dynamic tech sector, particularly social media platforms.

Under forthcoming legislation, this unit will gain enforcement authority, with significant penalties for non-compliance, potentially levying fines of up to 10% of a firm's global turnover.

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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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Expert Opinions

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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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Michelle Morgado

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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