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EU sticks with timeline for AI rules, reports Reuters

General

Jul 4, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

The European Commission has confirmed it will proceed with the AI Act as scheduled, rejecting industry calls to delay implementation.

Key obligations for general-purpose AI models begin in August 2025, with high-risk model rules set for August 2026, following provisions that took effect in February.

Despite concerns from firms like Alphabet, Meta and Mistral over compliance costs, the Commission insists there will be no pause. It plans to simplify digital rules later this year, particularly for small businesses, while maintaining strict standards to regulate AI’s growing role across sectors.

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Google's AI Overviews hit by EU antitrust complaint from independent publishers, reports Reuters

General

Jul 4, 2025

Google faces an EU antitrust complaint from a group of independent publishers over its AI Overviews, which summarise web content and appear above traditional search results.

The complaint claims Google’s summaries rely on publishers’ material without permission, reducing traffic and revenue, and leaving no opt-out without disappearing from search altogether.

Filed with the European Commission and the UK’s competition authority, the group seeks interim measures to prevent harm. Google defends its AI features as creating discovery opportunities, while critics argue independent journalism is at risk and demand greater fairness in how AI-generated content uses publishers’ work.

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Podcast companies turn to live events to capture growing advertiser spend, reports Digiday

General

Jul 4, 2025

Audio Advertising

Podcast companies are increasingly hosting live events to meet rising advertiser demand, with SiriusXM holding 18 so far in 2025 and aiming to triple that by year-end. These events, though small in audience size, are becoming a growing revenue stream through sponsorships.

Brands benefit from both in-room activations and exposure in distributed audio and video content. SiriusXM and Vox Media have seen success with branded experiences like coffee bars and increased sponsorship interest.

The trend reflects podcasts’ evolution into a broader creator economy channel, with advertisers viewing hosts as influencers and valuing the deeper engagement live formats can deliver.

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Google rolls out its new Veo 3 video-generation model globally, reports TechCrunch

General

Jul 3, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has started rolling out its Veo 3 video-generation model to Gemini users in over 159 countries.

The tool allows paying AI Pro plan subscribers to create up to three videos per day, each up to eight seconds long, using text prompts.

Google plans to expand functionality by adding image-to-video generation.

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Meta’s AI climate tool raised false hope of CO2 removal, scientists say, reports FT

General

Jul 3, 2025

Carbon Emissions

Meta has been criticised for using flawed data to train an AI tool aimed at identifying carbon-capturing materials. Scientists found that none of the suggested 135 materials could effectively bind CO₂, with some not even existing.

Meta defended its dataset as valid for machine learning training and said the research aimed to explore screening techniques, not confirm usable materials. Critics argue it overestimated the materials’ capabilities.

Despite the errors, some scientists praised Meta for open-sourcing its work, allowing broader scrutiny. The controversy highlights challenges in AI-driven climate tech and growing scepticism over the viability of direct air capture solutions.

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Amazon Is Asking Some Advertisers to Double Their Spend During Prime Day, reports AdWeek

General

Jul 3, 2025

Amazon is extending Prime Day to four days this year, prompting brands to boost ad budgets while remaining cautious due to economic uncertainty and tariff concerns.

Amazon is urging advertisers to allocate up to 25% of their monthly budget each day during the event, aiming to drive awareness and sales. Some brands follow this guidance, while others diversify ad spend due to increased competition from rival retailers.

Although advertisers see Prime Day as a key sales moment, they remain wary of deal fatigue and uncertain consumer behaviour, focusing on efficiency and long-term brand positioning ahead of the holiday season.

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WPP Communications Chief Chris Wade Departs After 13 Years, reports AdWeek

General

Jul 3, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Chris Wade is stepping down as WPP’s Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs after 13 years. He described the decision as voluntary and aligned with wider company changes, reflecting on crises and milestones during his tenure.

WPP is facing turbulence, having lost major accounts and seen layoffs across its media agencies. Wade’s departure follows disruptions tied to the GroupM rebrand and office return mandates.

Michael Frohlich, formerly of Weber Shandwick, will succeed Wade. CEO Mark Read praised Wade’s contribution in shaping WPP’s identity and communications, especially during challenging periods, and wished him well for the future.

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Agencies create specialist units to help marketers’ solve for AI search gatekeepers, reports Digiday

General

Jul 3, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Agencies are launching specialist AI search units to help brands understand how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT represent them. Haleon and others are testing how their products appear in AI-generated results.

Tools like Chorus aim to measure the impact of social and creator marketing on AI perceptions. Agencies are adjusting strategies, briefs, and influencer activity based on early findings from tools like Chorus and Profound.

Efforts also include SEO updates and metadata files like llms.txt to improve brand visibility to LLMs. Marketers are adapting to a new reality where AI models act as gatekeepers in the customer journey.

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Amazon is shutting down its Freevee app in August, reports TechCrunch

General

Jul 2, 2025

Amazon will shut down its Freevee app in August 2025, directing users to access its free, ad-supported content on Prime Video instead. No subscription is required, and Free Originals and live TV will remain available.

This move follows Amazon’s 2024 announcement to phase out Freevee branding, aiming to simplify streaming offerings by consolidating everything under Prime Video. The content shift includes popular titles like Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy.

Originally launched as IMDb TV in 2019 and rebranded in 2022, Freevee’s closure aligns with broader trends, as free streaming platforms continue to gain popularity and surpass traditional TV in U.S. viewership.

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ChatGPT referrals to news sites are growing, but not enough to offset search declines, reports TechCrunch

General

Jul 2, 2025

News Publishing

Referrals from ChatGPT to news publishers have surged, growing 25-fold from early 2024 to mid-2025. However, this growth isn’t enough to offset a steep decline in organic traffic caused by AI-powered search results.

Since Google’s AI Overviews launched, nearly 69% of news searches result in no website clicks, and total news site visits have dropped by over 600 million. Publishers relying on SEO are seeing diminished returns.

While some outlets like Reuters and NY Post benefit more from ChatGPT referrals, overall industry solutions remain limited, with Google’s Offerwall and paywalls offering partial responses to the ongoing traffic and revenue crisis.

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TikTok Cuts More Workers From US E-Commerce Division, reports Bloomberg

General

Jul 2, 2025

TikTok is conducting a third round of layoffs in its US e-commerce division, TikTok Shop, as it reshapes the team to match strategic priorities. The company has not disclosed how many roles are affected.

Previous job cuts occurred in April and May, following missed sales targets. The team has also seen shifts in leadership, replacing US hires with China-linked managers to emulate ByteDance’s success in Asia.

Despite challenges and a looming US ban unless ByteDance divests the app, TikTok Shop remains its fastest-growing business, recently expanding into five European countries, including Germany and Spain.

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IPA urges agencies to rethink billing structure amid limited progress toward outcome-based pricing, reports The Media Leader

General

Jul 2, 2025

Agency Management

Many agencies agree commercial models must evolve beyond time-based pricing, yet real progress remains slow, the IPA’s new report finds. Entrenched FTE models and internal disincentives are key obstacles.

The report highlights that most agencies feel underpaid, while advertisers plan compensation reforms. Both sides acknowledge the need for outcome-based pricing, but fear of risk and procurement rigidity hold change back.

The IPA proposes solutions such as modernising FTEs, adopting flexible pricing portfolios, and educating clients. It plans to launch a commercial model playbook, training, and procurement engagement to help shift agency pricing strategies.

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Netflix Explores Music Shows and Celebrity Interviews in Unscripted TV Push, reports WSJ

General

Jul 2, 2025

Netflix is expanding beyond scripted content, exploring live events, music competitions and news-adjacent programming to appeal to broader audiences. It is partnering with Spotify on possible projects and developing quick-turnaround documentaries and celebrity interviews.

A reboot of “Star Search” and a new talent show, “Building the Band”, mark Netflix’s music-focused push. The latter premieres next week, hosted by AJ McLean, with a format blending elements of “Love Is Blind” and “The Voice”.

Netflix is also testing live formats, considering a live finale for “Building the Band” and viewer voting for “Star Search”. It remains cautious about fully entering the news space.

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Paramount Agrees to Pay $16 Million to Settle Lawsuit by Trump, reports WSJ

M&A

Jul 2, 2025

Paramount Global has agreed in principle to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit with Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, without issuing an apology.

The settlement includes a donation to Trump’s presidential library and legal fees, and CBS will now release full interview transcripts after broadcasts. The lawsuit, which alleged misleading editing, had sought $20 billion in damages.

The case complicated Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media, prompting internal debate over legal risks. Trump has recently settled other lawsuits with major media and tech firms, including Disney, Meta, and X, for similar claims.

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Scale AI CEO Stresses Startup’s Independence After Meta Deal, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jul 2, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Scale AI’s interim CEO Jason Droege confirmed the company remains independent despite Meta’s recent 49% stake and $14.3 billion investment. He emphasised Meta will receive no preferential treatment and customer data remains protected.

Former CEO Alexandr Wang now leads Meta’s superintelligence unit but retains a Scale board seat. Only a few staff joined him, and Meta won’t gain further board access or data privileges.

Scale continues to expand beyond data labelling into AI application services, working with various sectors and AI models. Some clients, like OpenAI and Google, have left over concerns about Meta’s involvement, but Scale sees strong future potential.

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Google makes new proposal to stave off EU antitrust fine, document shows, reports Reuters

General

Jul 2, 2025

Google has proposed new changes to its search results to address EU antitrust concerns, aiming to avoid potential fines under the Digital Markets Act. The move follows charges of favouring its own services over rivals.

Ahead of a key meeting on 7–8 July, Google introduced “Option B”, offering a new search results layout with a vertical search service box and a separate box for free supplier links. This aims to benefit specialised providers without being seen as biased.

Google maintains it has made extensive adjustments to comply but warns the DMA may negatively affect user experience across Europe.

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Microsoft laying off about 9,000 employees in latest round of cuts, reports CNBC

General

Jul 2, 2025

Microsoft will cut around 9,000 jobs, under 4% of its global workforce, as part of wider organisational changes at the start of its 2026 fiscal year. The layoffs span various teams, regions, and seniority levels.

This follows earlier cuts in January, May, and June, and reflects efforts to streamline management layers, particularly within the Gaming division. Microsoft aims to boost agility and focus on strategic growth.

Despite the layoffs, Microsoft remains highly profitable, posting $26 billion in net income last quarter. Its shares recently hit a record high, supported by strong performance in cloud and productivity software services.

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Web giant Cloudflare to block AI bots from scraping content by default, reports CNBC

General

Jul 1, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Cloudflare will now block AI crawlers by default, giving website owners control over whether bots can scrape their content. A new “pay per crawl” option also allows publishers to charge for access.

The move aims to protect creators’ rights and ad revenue, which Cloudflare says are undermined by AI models that reuse content without driving traffic to original sources.

Cloudflare handles 16% of global internet traffic, so the impact could be significant. AI firms like OpenAI have raised concerns, but Cloudflare insists the change empowers creators while supporting responsible AI innovation.

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Hollywood Confronts AI Copyright Chaos in Washington, Courts, reports WSJ

General

Jul 1, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Natasha Lyonne rallied over 400 Hollywood figures to oppose AI training on creative work without consent, fearing damage to artists’ livelihoods. She backs AI models using only authorised data, like at her studio Asteria.

Legal battles are intensifying, with Disney and Universal suing over copyright misuse. While judges have allowed some AI use under “fair use”, other rulings favour rights holders, leaving compensation unresolved.

The White House must balance copyright protection with fears of falling behind China in AI. Internal divisions remain, and ongoing lawsuits and policy discussions will shape the future of AI, copyright, and the creative industries.

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Google hit with $314 million US verdict in cellular data class action, reports Reuters

General

Jul 1, 2025

A California jury has ordered Google to pay over $314 million to Android users for collecting phone data without consent while devices were idle. The class action, representing 14 million Californians, claimed this imposed unavoidable costs on users.

Google plans to appeal, arguing the ruling misinterprets essential Android services and that users had agreed to data collection in its policies. The company maintains no harm was done.

A separate federal case covering Android users in the other 49 US states is set for trial in April 2026, raising further legal pressure on Google over its data practices.

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X, India spar over lawyer's Tom, Dick, and Harry remark for government officials, reports Reuters

General

Jul 1, 2025

Elon Musk’s X clashed again with India’s government over content takedown orders, calling a state-run portal a “censorship” tool during a court hearing in Karnataka. X’s lawyer criticised the wide authority given to officials.

The Indian government defended the portal as a notification system for due diligence, with its solicitor general rebuking X’s remarks as disrespectful to statutory officials. He argued that social media platforms must operate within regulations.

India remains a key market for Musk’s ventures, including Starlink and Tesla. X continues to challenge earlier government orders in court after previous compliance under protest in 2021.

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AI Chatbots Can Now Write Community Notes on X, reports AdWeek

General

Jul 1, 2025

X will allow AI chatbots to generate Community Notes, starting 1 July, aiming to expand the scale of user-added context on posts. These AI-generated notes must follow existing rules and will be rated by human users for helpfulness and accuracy.

Users can build their own bots using tools like Grok or ChatGPT and connect them via an API. AI notes will not replace human input but complement it, with feedback helping improve both systems.

The rollout follows a decline in Community Notes submissions and forms part of X’s efforts to enhance engagement and trust on the platform through AI-human collaboration.

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AMC now warns moviegoers to expect 25-30 minutes of ads and trailers, reports The Verge

General

Jul 1, 2025

AMC Theatres is now informing customers that films begin 25–30 minutes after the listed showtime, helping viewers avoid lengthy ads and trailers.

This notice appears during ticket purchases on AMC’s website, offering greater clarity for those who prefer to skip the preshow content.

The update reflects AMC’s existing preshow duration and aligns with reports that the cinema chain plans to improve how it communicates start times across its platforms.

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Musk's xAI raises $5 billion each in fresh debt and equity, Morgan Stanley says, reports Reuters

General

Jul 1, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s xAI has secured $5 billion in debt financing and an additional $5 billion in strategic equity investment, according to Morgan Stanley. The debt funding includes secured notes and term loans, backed by major global investors.

The capital will support expansion of xAI’s data centre infrastructure and development of its Grok AI platform, as the company seeks to strengthen its competitive position in the AI sector.

xAI is also in discussions to raise a further $20 billion in equity funding, which could push its valuation beyond $120 billion, with some investors suggesting figures as high as $200 billion.

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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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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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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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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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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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