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Google Opens Up Meridian Marketing Mix Model, Helping Marketers Measure Across Channels, reports AdWeek

General

Jan 29, 2025

Google’s open-source marketing mix model, Meridian, is now globally available to marketers and data scientists. Designed to address declining cookie use and measurement challenges, Meridian offers a Bayesian approach to improve budget allocation accuracy.

It integrates Google’s MMM Data Platform, providing insights on media performance, clicks, costs, and impressions. Customisable for specific needs, it supports key performance indicators like conversions, profit, and sales. Google has tested it with hundreds of brands and 20 measurement partners, with further enhancements planned.

Meridian aims to modernise marketing measurement by incorporating real-world data for more precise campaign analysis and optimisation.

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Google’s latest Chrome update leaves third-party cookie phase-out as unclear as ever, reports Digiday

General

Jan 29, 2025

Cookie Deprecation

Google’s latest cookie update offers a “one-time global prompt” for Chrome users to opt in or out of third-party tracking but lacks clarity on how users will be informed. Industry reactions range from frustration to scepticism, with concerns that unclear choices will push users to opt out, benefiting Google’s own data dominance.

Additionally, Chrome will introduce an option to hide IP addresses in incognito mode.

Ad executives fear the slow rollout and lack of industry collaboration mirror Apple’s mobile ID crackdown, leaving businesses uncertain. Many see Google’s approach as more of a power play than genuine privacy reform.

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Google reverses stance on Performance Max campaign controls, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jan 28, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has admitted that Performance Max (PMax) campaigns can be controlled via API placement exclusions, contradicting its previous documentation and support claims, according to ad tech firm Optmyzr.

An experiment showed that API exclusions effectively prevented ad spend on blocked placements, offering advertisers greater control than Google had stated. This discovery underscores the importance of testing platform capabilities rather than relying solely on official guidance.

Advertisers should review their PMax settings, implement API-based exclusions for efficiency, and question platform limitations, as other undocumented capabilities may exist across Google Ads.

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European JICs launch Audience Measurement Coalition, reports The Media Leader

General

Jan 28, 2025

The newly launched Audience Measurement Coalition (AMC) aims to establish and uphold professional measurement standards across Europe. Formed by JICs, MOCs, and research firms, it will represent industry interests to EU and national regulators. Founding members include Médiamétrie, ARMA, MMS, Nielsen, Kantar Media, and GfK, with Médiamétrie’s Yannick Carriou as president.

Its creation follows the European Media Freedom Act, which enforces transparency in audience measurement from August 2024.

The AMC builds on a 2017 ad-hoc coalition, responding to concerns over inconsistent measurement standards, which Dentsu Media UK CEO Jenny Bullis recently criticised as a “hot mess.”

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Apple finds little sympathy from German judges in antitrust appeal, reports Reuters

General

Jan 28, 2025

Germany’s Federal Court of Justice signalled it may side with the country’s antitrust regulator in a case against Apple, which challenges its designation as a company of “paramount cross-market significance for competition.” This status would subject Apple to additional regulatory controls, similar to Google and Meta. Judges acknowledged Apple’s potential market dominance but delayed a final ruling.

Apple’s legal team urged the court to consult the European Court of Justice, arguing that German law may conflict with EU regulations. However, presiding judge Wolfgang Kirchhoff saw no grounds for such a referral.

A final decision is still pending.

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Senators revive bill to ban kids under 13 from social media, reports The Washington Post

General

Jan 28, 2025

Advertising To Children

Senators Brian Schatz and Ted Cruz are reintroducing the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), aiming to ban children under 13 from social media and restrict personalised recommendations for teens. The bill is gaining momentum under Republican control, with Cruz prioritising child safety in the Senate Commerce Committee. While bipartisan support exists, concerns remain over free speech, data collection, and enforcement.

The bill would also require schools to block social media access to qualify for federal internet subsidies.

Critics argue it could increase data collection and surveillance, but supporters insist it is necessary to protect children from online harms.

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Marketers are rewriting the brand safety playbook for content creators in 2025, reports Digiday

General

Jan 28, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Brands are becoming more flexible with content creators, allowing them greater creative control despite potentially controversial material.

AMP, a creator collective, has secured major sponsorships without brand safety concerns, reflecting a broader industry shift. Marketers now trust influencers to engage audiences authentically, moving away from scripted endorsements. Audience perceptions have also evolved, recognising sponsorships as transactions rather than endorsements of values. This shift is evident in partnerships with edgier groups like FaZe Clan.

Marketers increasingly see controversy as part of a creator’s appeal, embracing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of online entertainment to connect with younger audiences.

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Record EU fine punished Google's innovation, it tells court as it seeks to annul decision, reports Reuters

General

Jan 28, 2025

Google has appealed to the EU's top court to overturn a €4.1 billion antitrust fine, initially €4.3 billion, imposed for allegedly using its Android operating system to stifle competition.

The European Commission had ruled that Google’s agreements requiring pre-installation of its apps on Android devices hindered rival systems. Google’s lawyer argued the agreements were pro-competitive, fostering innovation and market growth, while criticising the Commission for legal errors and misjudging Google's business model. A final ruling is expected in the coming months.

Google also faces ongoing EU scrutiny over its ad tech business, with a decision anticipated this year.

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OpenAI’s Sam Altman vows better models as China’s DeepSeek disrupts global race, reports FT

General

Jan 28, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman pledged faster advancements after Chinese start-up DeepSeek's chatbot R1 challenged Silicon Valley's dominance in AI. Despite using fewer resources, DeepSeek matched capabilities of leading US AI models, raising questions about the vast spending by firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta.

The R1 model’s success, attributed to cost-efficient methods, triggered tech market volatility and criticism of the US's AI competitiveness. DeepSeek’s approach highlights risks for US investors pouring billions into AI ventures.

While some praise DeepSeek’s innovation, critics warn the AGI race risks severe consequences, likening it to a “race towards the edge of a cliff.”

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Trump Says Microsoft Eyeing TikTok Bid With App’s Future Unclear, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jan 28, 2025

President Donald Trump confirmed Microsoft is in talks to acquire the US operations of ByteDance-owned TikTok. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged significant interest in the app, highlighting its popularity and potential job preservation in the US. He emphasised the need to remove Chinese involvement from TikTok’s operations.

Trump had initially supported a ban on national security grounds but shifted his stance, partly due to the success of pro-Trump content on the platform. He is pressuring ByteDance to sell its US stake, warning of a ban if no agreement is reached.

Further developments on the deal are awaited.

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OpenAI seeks to block Indian media groups from copyright lawsuit, reports Reuters

General

Jan 28, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, is seeking to block major Indian media organisations, including those owned by billionaires Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, from joining a copyright lawsuit concerning its AI tools. Initiated by news agency ANI, the case accuses OpenAI’s ChatGPT of using copyrighted material without permission.

Book publishers and media groups argue ChatGPT disseminates summaries and extracts from unlicensed sources, harming their business, which OpenAI denies, citing fair use and public data usage. OpenAI also claims Indian courts lack jurisdiction as its servers are abroad.

The case, central to India's AI copyright framework, will be heard again in February.

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IAB Tech Lab Has A Fix For Mislabeled Instream Video, But Ad Tech Isn’t Ready To Change, reports AdExchanger

General

Jan 28, 2025

Adoption of the IAB Tech Lab’s updated video.plcmt specification for targeting instream video ads remains inconsistent, with major DSPs like Google DV360 using both the new and outdated video.placement specs. This dual approach creates confusion, as some inventory misclassified under the old spec ends up labelled as "instream" despite failing new criteria (e.g., sound-on, primary video focus).

The IAB Tech Lab considers the old spec deprecated since 2023 and urges immediate discontinuation. Google, however, continues using the legacy field to avoid inventory mislabelling

Until the outdated spec is fully phased out, transparency and buyer trust in programmatic video ad buying remain compromised.

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Yahoo Is The First DSP To Finally Adopt The IAB Tech Lab’s Data Transparency Labels, reports AdExchanger

General

Jan 28, 2025

Yahoo DSP has become the first demand-side platform to adopt the IAB Tech Lab’s Data Transparency Labels, which aim to improve transparency in programmatic advertising by detailing how audience segments are built.

These labels provide critical insights, such as data sources, lookback windows, and refresh frequencies, allowing advertisers to make informed decisions. Adoption of the labels has been slow since their 2019 launch, but Yahoo’s move could encourage broader adoption across the ecosystem, including data brokers and supply-side platforms.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny on data governance, the labels help ensure compliance and enhance audience targeting precision, benefiting advertisers and publishers alike.

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Microsoft Performance Max testing LinkedIn targeting, measurement tools, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jan 27, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft Ads is introducing four major updates to Performance Max, enhancing targeting, measurement, and optimisation.

Advertisers will gain LinkedIn integration, allowing targeting based on company, industry, and job function in key markets. Granular reporting will provide insights into audience segments and asset performance. Smart conversion tracking will adjust values in real time based on location and device usage. A new customer focus feature will enable bid adjustments to prioritise new customers.

These updates, currently in pilot, aim to make Performance Max a stronger competitor by leveraging LinkedIn’s professional data, particularly benefiting B2B marketers.

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Yahoo testing new AI Search features, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jan 27, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Yahoo is testing AI-powered features in its search platform, including AI chat and AI-generated answers. Some users have seen a banner on Yahoo’s homepage announcing changes to make content more personalised.

The AI chat function is embedded in Yahoo Search, providing conversational responses, while AI-generated answers, seemingly powered by OpenAI, appear directly in search results. Users must log in to access these features.

It remains unclear whether this signals Yahoo’s full return to search or a limited AI integration, but it marks a significant step in Yahoo’s evolving search strategy as it seeks differentiation in the AI-driven search landscape.

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Meta AI can now use your Facebook and Instagram data to personalize its responses, reports TechCrunch

General

Jan 27, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is enhancing its chatbot, Meta AI, with a memory feature and personalised recommendations. The bot, available on Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp in the US and Canada, can now remember user-provided details, such as dietary preferences, to deliver tailored responses.

It will also draw on account information from Meta’s platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, for personalised suggestions. However, the feature doesn’t apply to group chats, and users can delete stored memories.

Critics have raised concerns about Meta’s history of data privacy issues, as there’s no option to opt out of personalised recommendations, potentially challenging user trust in these updates.

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Amazon taps Whole Foods CEO to oversee grocery business, reports CNBC

General

Jan 27, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Amazon has appointed Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel to lead its global grocery business, including Whole Foods, Fresh supermarkets, Go cashierless stores, and online groceries. Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods since 2022, will succeed Tony Hoggett, who left Amazon last October.

Amazon aims to simplify and integrate its grocery operations, enhancing affordability and accessibility. Recent changes include closing some Fresh and Go stores, refocusing its Just Walk Out technology for third-party use, and piloting automated warehouses at Whole Foods.

Buechel will report to Doug Herrington, Amazon's worldwide retail chief, as the company strengthens its position in the grocery market.

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The Trade Desk CEO: Google should exit open web, reports Axios

General

Jan 27, 2025

The Trade Desk CEO Jeff Green suggested that Google exiting the open internet could address antitrust concerns and align with its business strategy, focusing on platforms like YouTube.

Speaking at the IAB leadership meeting, Green argued Google’s dominance has harmed competition, particularly for publishers and supply-side platforms. He predicted Google might retreat from the open web to reduce privacy and antitrust risks, which generate less revenue.

Green emphasised that a fairer business environment would benefit the open internet, enabling better yield management for publishers. His remarks contrasted with IAB CEO David Cohen’s view that Big Tech growth can support the industry.

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Ad lobby calls on advertisers to save the open web, reports Axios

General

Jan 27, 2025

News Publishing

IAB CEO David Cohen urged the advertising industry to invest in the open web and support quality journalism, warning of the growing dominance of Big Tech and challenges from generative AI. Speaking at the IAB’s annual meeting, Cohen emphasised fostering interoperable, transparent, ad-supported technologies while acknowledging AI’s transformative impact on business models and ad tracking.

The IAB, with over 700 members including Meta and Google, anticipates AI companies like OpenAI joining its ranks.

Cohen highlighted the importance of adaptability in the evolving $1 trillion advertising industry, noting commerce media networks as a key growth area for new members.

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X Debt Shopped With $6 Billion Sweetener From Elon Musk’s AI Bet, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 27, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

A group of banks led by Morgan Stanley is preparing to sell up to $3 billion in senior secured debt tied to Elon Musk's 2022 acquisition of X (formerly Twitter). The valuation of X is boosted by its approximately $6 billion stake in Musk’s AI startup, xAI, which recently achieved a $50 billion valuation. Investors are being offered the debt at 90–95 cents on the dollar, a significant improvement from its 2022 valuation of 60 cents.

Musk’s acquisition saddled X with $13 billion in debt, increasing annual interest expenses to over $1 billion.

xAI’s chatbot, Grok, is available to X users.

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Amazon launches AI ad product for brand campaigns on connected TV, reports AdAge

General

Jan 27, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon has introduced Brand+, a new AI-powered campaign type in its demand-side platform (DSP) designed for connected TV advertisers. Brand+ targets audiences most likely to convert, blending brand awareness with conversion strategies. It operates across Amazon properties like Twitch and third-party sites, using machine learning to optimise campaigns based on first-party data. This development builds on Amazon's Performance+, launched last year, and competes with similar AI solutions from Google, Meta, and TikTok.

While reducing manual workload for advertisers, concerns remain over transparency in AI-driven ad markets.

Brand+ aims to maximise impact without relying on third-party cookies, emphasising early engagement and relevance.

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Buyers Say CTV’s Transparency Problem Remains A Roadblock To Investment, reports AdExchanger

General

Jan 27, 2025

A lack of transparency in Connected TV (CTV) advertising is frustrating media buyers, particularly with Paramount and NBCUniversal. Buyers complain about bundled deal IDs that obscure where ads run across apps like Paramount+ and Pluto TV. While bundling helps publishers maximise revenue, it limits buyer control and risks repetitive ads.

Publishers justify limited transparency with concerns over privacy, cherry-picking of premium inventory, and competitive advantages. Efforts to improve transparency, like genre details in bid requests, have been limited.

Buyers fear this could hinder CTV growth, with some favouring alternatives like retail media and social video. Greater advertiser pressure may drive change.

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Perplexity AI revises Tiktok merger proposal that could give the U.S. government a 50% stake, reports CNBC

M&A

Jan 26, 2025

Perplexity AI has revised its proposal to merge with ByteDance's TikTok U.S., suggesting a new entity, "NewCo," that would allow the U.S. government to own up to 50% upon a future IPO.

The plan involves ByteDance contributing TikTok U.S., excluding its recommendation algorithm, while Perplexity’s investors would gain equity in the new company. Funding would come from third-party capital providers to pay ByteDance investors and support growth.

Perplexity, valued at $9 billion, sees this as a merger, not a sale, aligning with ByteDance’s reluctance to sell TikTok U.S. President Trump is expected to decide on TikTok's U.S. future soon.

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Universal Music Group and Spotify strike new agreement, reports Reuters

General

Jan 26, 2025

Audio Advertising

Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify have announced a new multi-year agreement covering recorded music and publishing rights across multiple markets, including the US. The deal introduces features like new subscription tiers, bundled music and non-music content, and an expanded audio-visual catalogue to benefit artists, songwriters, and consumers.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek emphasised the partnership’s focus on innovation to enhance global music subscription appeal.

Spotify has recently implemented cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, reduced marketing, and higher US subscription prices, to boost profitability while meeting demand for its premium services.

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Paramount Brings Live Shoppable Ads to the NFL Playoffs, reports AdWeek

General

Jan 26, 2025

Paramount is introducing live shoppable ads during the AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, leveraging its CBS Sports HQ digital storefront. Fans can shop NFL-related products like snacks and entertainment using Shopsense technology via phones or tablets.

This activation aims to create a seamless shopping experience and drive immediate fulfilment for participating brands, including Pepsi.

Paramount has a strong track record with interactive ads, achieving notable success during events like the 2024 Thanksgiving NFL game and Super Bowl 58, where its interactive campaigns exceeded performance benchmarks by 6%, showcasing the potential of this innovative approach.

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Some US TikTok users say app feels different after ban lifted, reports Reuters

General

Jan 25, 2025

U.S. TikTok users report increased censorship following the app’s revival under a new law requiring its sale to a U.S. buyer due to national security concerns. Users have noted reduced livestreams, stricter content moderation, and flagged or removed posts, including comments like "Free Palestine" and satirical content. Some creators, such as Pat Loller and Danisha Carter, have faced sharing restrictions or permanent account bans without clear explanations.

TikTok claims temporary instability as services are restored.

Critics view these changes as politically motivated, raising concerns over free speech and bias, particularly with Trump’s ties to potential buyers like Elon Musk.

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Meta’s Free-Speech Shift Made It Clear to Advertisers: Brand Safety Is Out of Vogue, reports WSJ

General

Jan 25, 2025

Meta has loosened its content moderation policies, replacing fact-checkers with a crowdsourced “Community Notes” system and adjusting filters to remove only high-severity offences like racial slurs. The changes have sparked concerns among advertisers over potential ad placements near offensive or misleading content.

Meta executives reassured advertisers of brand safety tools but shifted responsibility to users and brands to navigate content.

While some companies fear a rise in harmful posts could tarnish Meta's ad environment, most remain reliant on its vast reach and targeting capabilities.

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White House in talks to have Oracle and U.S. investors take over TikTok, reports NPR

M&A

Jan 25, 2025

The Trump administration is negotiating a plan to prevent a nationwide TikTok ban by enabling Oracle and other US investors to take majority control of the app while ByteDance retains a minority stake. Oracle would oversee TikTok's algorithm, data, and updates to address national security concerns.

The deal faces legal and political hurdles, including compliance with a law requiring ByteDance to divest its US operations by January 19, a deadline extended by Trump’s executive order. Chinese regulators appear open to the sale, potentially leveraging it for tariff relief.

Meanwhile, Apple and Google have yet to restore TikTok to their app stores.

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Nielsen to End Panel-Only Ratings That Have Measured TV for Decades, reports WSJ

General

Jan 24, 2025

Nielsen will discontinue its traditional panel-only TV ratings product this year, transitioning to its Big Data + Panel system, which combines panel data with third-party data sources like smart TVs. The new system, now endorsed by the Media Rating Council, aims to address digital measurement competition from rivals like VideoAmp and Comscore.

While Nielsen remains the dominant player in ad measurement, its move signals a major shift for the TV industry. Some advertisers are sceptical, citing the logistical challenges of adopting the new system, particularly during the upfronts.

Paramount's recent deal with VideoAmp highlights increasing competition for Nielsen.

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The calls for a Meta boycott don't seem to be having much of an impact, data finds, reports Insider

General

Jan 24, 2025

Responsible Media

Meta’s engagement and in-app revenue have remained stable despite eliminating fact-checking and scaling back diversity programs. Initial user backlash caused slight declines in downloads and daily active users (DAUs), but engagement rebounded following speculation about a TikTok ban. Instagram saw stronger recovery than Facebook, with rising DAUs and global downloads.

Surveys show 36% of Americans support Meta’s move to replace fact-checking with community notes, particularly Gen Z users.

In-app purchases for Facebook and Instagram increased by 5% and 3% in the US, respectively, after the policy changes. Overall, Meta's platforms continue to perform well, with over 3 billion users globally.

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Study Reveals Similar Ad Loads For FAST Channels Vs. AVOD, reports MediaPost

General

Jan 24, 2025

A study by VideoElephant and Hub Entertainment Research found that consumers view ad loads on Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) as comparable to limited-advertising video-on-demand (AVOD) platforms. While 22% of respondents deemed FAST ad loads "unreasonable," 24% said the same of AVOD platforms. Industry estimates show FAST averages 8–10 minutes of ads per hour, higher than AVOD’s 4–8 minutes but lower than traditional TV’s 15–18 minutes.

Regarding ad quality, 57% said FAST ads were similar to others, and 39% found them better.

Additionally, 41% of respondents felt program discovery on FAST was easier than on other platforms.

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Oracle, Apple and Google Diverge on Whether to Keep Serving TikTok, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 24, 2025

Oracle has kept TikTok operational in the US, leveraging its close ties with President Trump, while Apple and Google have withheld the app from their stores, citing potential legal risks under the new divest-or-ban law. Oracle, which provides TikTok’s cloud services, sees financial benefits from its partnership, with TikTok generating substantial revenue for its cloud business.

Trump’s executive order has temporarily paused enforcement of the law, giving ByteDance 75 days to resolve the situation. However, ByteDance shows little indication of selling TikTok, creating uncertainty over its future.

Apple and Google remain cautious due to potential legal liabilities.

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Meta Spending to Soar on AI, Massive Data Center, reports WSJ

General

Jan 24, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta’s plan to increase capital spending to $60–65 billion in 2025, a 70% rise driven by AI investments and a massive new data centre in Louisiana. This follows similar moves by tech rivals, including OpenAI's $500 billion Stargate initiative.

Meta’s AI strategy includes expanding infrastructure, developing AI products, and implementing an AI engineer capable of writing code.

Analysts anticipate Meta’s 2024 spending at $38 billion, already a significant increase from previous years. While investors may question profitability, Meta’s expected 17% revenue growth and AI focus are being embraced as part of its ambitious long-term vision.

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Wall Street Banks Prepare to Sell Billions of Dollars of X Loans, reports WSJ

General

Jan 24, 2025

Banks, including Morgan Stanley, plan to sell up to $3 billion of debt tied to Elon Musk's 2022 purchase of X (formerly Twitter), aiming to offload senior debt at 90–95 cents on the dollar while retaining junior holdings. The $13 billion financing deal, considered one of Wall Street’s riskiest since 2008, has burdened banks amid X’s turbulent financial performance.

While advertisers are returning and finances are improving, X still struggles with stagnant user growth and low revenue. Investors, encouraged by recent stabilisation, are showing interest in the debt sale.

Musk, however, denied reports of a staff email discussing X’s finances.

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Amazon Prime Video shifts focus to live sports to boost profits, The Information reports, reports Reuters

General

Jan 24, 2025

Amazon’s Prime Video is shifting its focus from original films and TV shows to live sports to achieve profitability by 2025, according to The Information.

The move aligns with CEO Andy Jassy’s strategy, leveraging live sports’ real-time viewership for targeted ad revenue. Amazon spends approximately $3 billion annually on broadcasting rights for leagues like the NBA and NFL and recently joined an 11-year, $77 billion NBA rights deal with Disney and Comcast.

While Netflix also invests in live sports, Amazon has reduced its commissioning of new film and TV projects, allocating a $7 billion annual budget for content in 2024.

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EU to test Facebook, X and others on disinformation ahead of German election, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 24, 2025

The EU will conduct its first “stress test” on social media platforms, including X, Meta, Google, TikTok, and Microsoft, to assess their readiness to combat disinformation during Germany’s snap election on 23 February. At a meeting in Bonn on 31 January, officials will evaluate their compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) by simulating scenarios like AI-generated fakes and cyberattacks.

Platforms violating the DSA could face fines up to 6% of global revenue. The scrutiny follows concerns over election interference, such as Romania’s annulled presidential election.

US platforms face criticism for scaling back moderation amid increased EU regulation.

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EU Commission completes probe into X, to decide fine, reports Reuters

General

Jan 24, 2025

Responsible Media

The European Commission has concluded its initial investigation into the social media platform X and is expected to decide on imposing a fine amounting to millions of euros, according to Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper.

The report cites three high-ranking EU officials but provides no further details.

The European Commission has not yet commented on the matter.

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Meta’s Threads to Show Ads for the First Time in US, Japan, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 24, 2025

Meta Platforms has begun testing advertisements on Threads, its social network, starting with a limited rollout in the US and Japan. The ads, from a small group of brands, aim to blend seamlessly with organic content, according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri.

Meta launched Threads in mid-2023 as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), prioritising user growth before introducing ads. Threads had 300 million monthly users and over 100 million daily users as of December, per CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The move signals Meta’s effort to monetise Threads and increase competition with X. Further expansion of ads is planned.

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Marketers cautiously resume TikTok spending after shutdown, while some continue enacting ban measures, reports Digiday

General

Jan 24, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Marketers are cautiously resuming TikTok campaigns following the app's brief U.S. shutdown amid ongoing uncertainty. Some brands are diversifying investments towards platforms like Instagram and YouTube due to TikTok's unstable future.

Agencies had prepared contingency plans in advance, reallocating budgets if needed. While some brands are fully re-engaging with TikTok to leverage high engagement rates, others are adopting short-term strategies and avoiding long-term commitments. Contracts now emphasise flexibility, allowing campaigns to pivot across platforms.

Agencies are supporting creators impacted by disruptions, highlighting the need for adaptable workflows to navigate challenges like outages, algorithm changes, or potential platform bans.

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Dentsu Hires IAB’s Jeffrey Bustos to Build Out Retail Media Measurement, reports AdWeek

General

Jan 23, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Dentsu has hired Jeffrey Bustos as SVP of retail media analytics within Merkle to enhance its retail media capabilities. Bustos, formerly at the IAB, aims to address industry challenges around ad measurement and improve analytics using data, identity, and AI.

Dentsu's retail media efforts, led by Brian Monahan, focus on building retailer and advertiser collaboration. Recent hires include Sara Holcomb from Google and Will Margaritis from Kinesso.

Dentsu’s New Stream Media has helped retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods generate over $2 billion in ad revenue. The company aims to drive retail sales and compete with major platforms like Amazon and Meta.

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DOJ Lawyer From Google Advertising Case Picked for Key FTC Job, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 23, 2025

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to appoint Daniel Guarnera, a leading antitrust lawyer, as Director of the Bureau of Competition. Guarnera, known for his role in antitrust lawsuits against Google and Apple, currently leads the Justice Department’s civil conduct taskforce.

Chris Mufarrige, currently acting director, will officially head the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

These appointments, requiring commissioner approval, signal the FTC’s commitment to aggressive enforcement against major tech firms. Both Guarnera and Mufarrige bring extensive legal and regulatory experience, positioning the FTC for continued scrutiny of companies like Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft.

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Non-TikTok Users Seek To Revive Battle Over Pixel Tracking, reports MediaPost

General

Jan 23, 2025

A group of non-TikTok users is appealing a dismissed lawsuit claiming TikTok violated their privacy by tracking them via a pixel on third-party websites like Hulu and Etsy.

A California court had ruled there was no evidence TikTok collected sensitive or identifying information, agreeing with the company's argument that it did not breach users' reasonable privacy expectations. The plaintiffs allege TikTok's pixel enabled data collection, even bypassing cookie blocks.

They are now seeking to revive the case in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals but have yet to present detailed arguments.

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Snapchat and OMG Study Pushes Creator Ad Performance, reports MediaPost

General

Jan 23, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Snapchat has released findings from an Omnicom Media Group study highlighting the effectiveness of creator partnerships in boosting brand reputation and driving results across the marketing funnel.

Conducted with 12,000 users aged 13–49 across five markets, the study revealed that creator ads on Snapchat held attention 12% longer and increased ad recall and brand awareness when paired with standard brand ads. Creator recommendations were found to significantly impact both consideration and purchase phases, enhancing trust and likability.

Snapchat creators were perceived as more relatable and "friend-like" compared to those on rival platforms, strengthening their influence on consumer behaviour.

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LinkedIn Updates Attribution Model, Provides New Ad Response Insights, reports MediaPost

General

Jan 23, 2025

LinkedIn has introduced a new hybrid advertising attribution methodology to provide B2B marketers with a more accurate understanding of customer journeys.

The system combines multi-touch attribution (MTA), which tracks individual touchpoints, and marketing-mix modeling (MMM), which accounts for macroeconomic factors. LinkedIn’s approach uses a neural network to analyse sequential touchpoint data, improving campaign performance tracking. Initial testing showed significant improvements, with a 150x increase in credit attribution compared to traditional last-click models.

The new methodology is now being rolled out on LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, offering advertisers enhanced insights into ad effectiveness across various channels.

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Publicis Media Shakes Things Up, Acquires Dysrupt, reports MediaPost

M&A

Jan 23, 2025

Publicis Media U.S. has acquired Dysrupt, a digital marketing agency specialising in paid media, creative, and measurement. Dysrupt's proprietary Impact Advertising System (IAS) enhances ad management, improving media quality, effectiveness, and cookieless measurement.

Founded in 2019, Dysrupt has driven performance in sectors such as ecommerce, entertainment, and health. CEO Peter Muzzonigro, CRO Jarod Haness, and COO Nate Lorenzen will join Publicis Media under U.S. CEO Chris Boothe. Dysrupt’s leadership highlighted the acquisition's potential to advance their mission of "making the impossible profitable," while Boothe praised Dysrupt’s innovative approach to achieving outstanding client results.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

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OpenAI struggles to price Microsoft stake in deal to become for-profit company, reports FT

General

Jan 23, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI is negotiating a transition to a for-profit structure, creating a public benefit corporation (PBC) while retaining a charitable arm valued at $30 billion.

This shift aims to raise billions for AI development but faces challenges, including determining Microsoft’s equity share without triggering antitrust concerns. Microsoft recently adjusted its partnership, allowing OpenAI to use other cloud services while maintaining key terms until 2030.

he transition, controversial in Silicon Valley, has sparked lawsuits from Elon Musk, who claims donors were misled. OpenAI’s board, tasked with prioritising humanity over investors, faces scrutiny for ensuring the deal aligns with public benefit obligations.

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Trump Blasts EU Regulators for Targeting Apple, Google and Meta, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 23, 2025

US President Donald Trump criticised the European Union’s regulation of American tech giants, labelling it “a form of taxation.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum, he condemned EU actions against companies like Apple, Google, and Meta, referencing Apple’s €13 billion Irish tax bill and ongoing investigations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which imposes hefty fines for rule violations.

Trump’s remarks signal tensions between his administration and the EU over its tech crackdown.

While Trump has had complex relationships with tech leaders, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Tim Cook were notably present at his recent inauguration, highlighting their political influence.

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TikTok Weighs Non-Sale Options, ByteDance’s Ford Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 23, 2025

General Atlantic CEO Bill Ford expressed optimism about resolving TikTok's challenges in the US, potentially involving a local change of control to comply with national security legislation, short of selling the company. Speaking at Davos, Ford highlighted ongoing discussions between President Trump and President Xi as promising for a constructive resolution.

TikTok faced a temporary US shutdown after a court ruling enforced compliance with a new law.

Ford also noted the broader optimism in the technology sector, driven by advancements in AI, and predicted a resurgence in IPO activity following a challenging three-year period for public offerings.

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India Presses Apple And Google to Open Up to State-Backed App Store, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 23, 2025

India is pressuring Apple and Google to integrate its state-backed GOV.in app store into their marketplaces and pre-install it on smartphones, aiming to enhance access to public welfare services. Both companies are resisting, citing strict app store policies that ensure user safety and profitability.

India is considering legal measures to enforce compliance, echoing prior regulatory actions against Big Tech, such as banning TikTok and demanding WhatsApp message access.

While India remains a critical growth market for Apple and Google, this push highlights ongoing tensions between the government’s regulatory ambitions and the companies’ control over their app ecosystems.

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Trump orders AI action plan and more work erasing Biden's AI efforts, reports Reuters

General

Jan 23, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to establish the U.S. as the global leader in artificial intelligence. The order mandates the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan within 180 days to boost AI dominance for economic, security, and societal benefits.

Trump also rescinded a 2023 executive order by former President Joe Biden, which required developers of high-risk AI systems to share safety test results with the government before public release.

The move reflects Trump’s focus on deregulation and fostering AI development, contrasting Biden’s emphasis on mitigating AI-related risks to national security and public safety.

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Meta’s Revised Pay-Or-Consent Model Criticized by European Consumer Group, reports WSJ

General

Jan 23, 2025

A European consumer advocacy group has urged EU regulators to investigate Meta’s "pay-or-consent" data-tracking policy, alleging it violates consumer, data protection, and competition laws. Under the policy, users can pay to avoid personalised ads or view less personalised content without subscribing.

Critics argue the policy coerces users into accepting behavioural ads and degrades services for those protecting their data. Meta introduced the model in November 2024 to comply with EU regulations, claiming it exceeds legal requirements.

EU regulators began investigating Meta in March 2024 under the Digital Markets Act, which allows fines of up to 10% of annual global turnover.

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Apple and Google’s massive mobile empires face dual UK antitrust probes, reports CNBC

General

Jan 23, 2025

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into Apple and Google to assess whether their mobile ecosystems, including operating systems, app stores, and browsers, breach the UK’s new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The law grants the CMA enhanced powers to prevent anti-competitive behaviour by firms with “strategic market status.”

The investigation will evaluate competition between Apple and Google, their influence on other markets, and potential exploitation of market power. Apple and Google defended their platforms as supporting innovation and consumer choice.

The CMA aims to foster competition and boost UK economic growth through fairer practices.

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CNN to cut 200 jobs amid restructuring, new digital investments, reports Axios

General

Jan 23, 2025

CNN CEO Mark Thompson announced job cuts affecting 6% of the workforce as part of a broader digital transformation plan. Supported by a $70 million investment from Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN aims to achieve $1 billion in digital revenue by 2030. Plans include enhancing its digital platforms, introducing a lifestyle-oriented product, and prioritising premium advertising experiences.

Despite the cuts, the company will add hundreds of new roles, starting in 2025. Thompson also outlined updates to CNN’s linear television lineup to maintain relevance.

The changes come amid years of staff reductions and leadership shifts, with Thompson focused on boosting employee morale.

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Meta Denies Users’ Claims That It's Forcing Them to Follow POTUS Account, reports AdWeek

General

Jan 23, 2025

Responsible Media

Users on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have raised concerns over alleged forced follows, blocked hashtags, and changes to TikTok’s algorithm following the new U.S. administration.

High-profile users, including singers Gracie Abrams and Demi Lovato, reported being forced to follow President Trump and VP J.D. Vance’s accounts, despite Meta denying such claims, stating the process mirrors past transitions. Instagram users also noted issues with hashtags, which Meta attributed to technical glitches. TikTok creators speculated on algorithm changes after a brief outage, though the company denied alterations.

Both Meta and TikTok CEOs have been accused of aligning with the Trump administration.

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TikTok Ad Performance Dips Following 14-Hour Shut Down, reports AdWeek

General

Jan 23, 2025

TikTok’s 14-hour U.S. shutdown disrupted advertiser campaigns, causing a decline in engagement and campaign performance. Metrics like likes and paid media spend plummeted, with some brands shifting budgets to platforms like Google and Pinterest.

Although ad delivery paused, TikTok assured advertisers that campaigns won’t re-enter the “learning phase” if resumed within seven days. CPMs dropped by 29% post-outage, reflecting algorithm performance issues and reduced user conversion. While TikTok promised refunds for reserved inventory, industry scepticism remains about compensation for disruptions.

The platform’s instability continues to pose challenges for advertisers navigating the evolving landscape. TikTok did not comment on the issue.

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OpenAI’s Operator Agent Can Buy Groceries and File Expense Reports, reports WSJ

General

Jan 23, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has launched "Operator," an AI agent that can automate tasks like booking reservations and filing expense reports. Available in research preview to ChatGPT Pro users in the US, Operator uses the "Computer-Using Agent" model to interact with webpages and perform tasks efficiently. OpenAI has partnered with companies like Uber, Instacart, and Etsy to enhance webpage accessibility without financial agreements.

While promising, Operator faces challenges, including privacy concerns and usability issues. It incorporates features like “takeover mode” for sensitive tasks and safeguards against misuse.

This marks OpenAI’s entry into the competitive AI agent market alongside Microsoft, Google, and others.

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The TikTok outage caused TikTok Shop sales to spike, not sink, reports Digiday

General

Jan 23, 2025

TikTok Shop sales surged despite a temporary shutdown on January 18–19, with pre-ban consumer activity and post-outage purchases driving spikes. On January 19, TikTok Shop achieved $32 million in sales, up from $31.4 million the day before and significantly higher than earlier weekly averages. Creators like Daniel Gossard saw sales increase by over 50% in the weeks preceding the ban.

The threat of TikTok’s closure prompted sellers to explore alternative platforms like Facebook and Instagram, but no clear substitute for TikTok Shop’s unique creator-community connection has emerged.

Creators remain uncertain about replacing TikTok-driven revenue in the event of a permanent ban.

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Havas acquires sports marketing agency in first deal following stock exchange debut, reports Digiday

M&A

Jan 23, 2025

Havas Media Network has acquired Spanish sponsorship agency CA Sports, integrating it into its Havas Play unit to expand its sports marketing expertise. This marks the first of 10 acquisitions planned for 2025, targeting talent and services in data analytics, retail, AI, and entertainment globally.

The move reflects Havas' strategy to diversify revenue beyond media buying, aiming for 50% of income from non-core activities within four years. The acquisition aligns with rising investments in sports sponsorship, valued at $109 billion by 2030.

Havas plans further acquisitions in the U.S., UAE, India, and Europe, focusing on emerging specialist agencies.

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Netflix Earnings For CY2024 Show +15.6% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +61.1% YoY

+ 16% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Jan 22, 2025

WSJ reports:

Netflix added a record 18.9 million subscribers in Q4 2024, nearly double Wall Street’s expectations, buoyed by popular content and live events. This marks the last time Netflix will report subscriber numbers, shifting its focus to revenue and earnings growth.

The company raised U.S. subscription prices by an average of 13%, including a hike for its ad-supported plan. Netflix shares surged 14%, pushing its market value beyond rivals Disney, Comcast, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount combined.

With over 300 million subscribers globally, sustaining high growth is challenging, but Netflix has increased its 2025 revenue forecast and projected record operating margins of 29%.

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Comscore Appoints Industry Change-Maker Frank Friedman to Lead Next Era of Measurement Transformation

General

Jan 22, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Comscore has appointed Frank Friedman as Chief Data and Analytics Officer and Head of Measurement. With extensive experience across agency, research, publishing, and client leadership, Friedman will oversee data governance, drive currency adoption, and develop customised measurement strategies.

Previously, he led measurement initiatives at The E.W. Scripps Company and Publicis Groupe, advocating for innovative data consolidation practices. Friedman has also held leadership roles with industry bodies like the Media Rating Council and Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement.

This appointment, alongside the recent hiring of Jackelyn Keller as Chief Marketing Officer, signals Comscore’s focus on advancing omnichannel measurement and digital innovation.

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Retail chain WHSmith brings first airport ad network into the specialty retail media race, reports Digiday

General

Jan 22, 2025

WHSmith has launched a retail media network targeting airport shoppers across its 250 U.S. airport stores, combining in-store and digital advertising with audience data. Advertisers such as Frito-Lay and Bose have already signed up, leveraging the high-spending, captive audience of 2.3 million daily airport travellers.

Partnerships with the TSA, Meta, and The Trade Desk enable data-driven targeting, linking digital ads with in-store promotions. This follows a broader industry trend as retail media networks expand into niche sectors like airports.

While speciality networks appeal to brands seeking targeted audiences, they remain a lower priority for advertisers focused on larger-scale campaigns.

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Hundreds of Subreddits Are Considering Banning All Links to X, reports 404 Media

General

Jan 22, 2025

Hundreds of Reddit communities are considering banning links to X.com, formerly Twitter, following Elon Musk’s alleged Nazi salute at a Donald Trump inauguration rally.

Subreddits like r/baseball and r/ComicBookMovies have implemented or are voting on bans, often allowing screenshots instead of direct links. The r/formula1 subreddit has introduced a trial ban with exceptions for exclusive content. Some subreddits are also banning Meta and Chinese platforms like TikTok, citing concerns over hate speech and foreign influence.

his action highlights Reddit's volunteer-driven moderation model, contrasting it with centralised platforms like X and Meta, offering more community-focused rule enforcement despite challenges.

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Google Search ad spend climbs 10% YoY, despite AI disruptions, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jan 22, 2025

Advertisers are adapting to Google’s AI-driven changes, including Performance Max (PMax) and AI Overviews, as click costs rise. Google search spending increased by 10% year-over-year in Q4 2024, with click growth steady at 3% and cost-per-click up 7%. PMax dominates the shopping ad landscape, adopted by over 95% of retailers and generating 67% of Google shopping ad revenue. Initially, AI Overviews lowered text ad click-through rates but recovered in Q4.

Amazon remains strong in Google shopping auctions, while Temu reduced its presence.

Advertisers must balance higher costs with improved performance as Google continues prioritising automated ad solutions.

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Youth boosts public trust in advertising, reports The Media Leader

General

Jan 22, 2025

Public trust in advertising rose from 36% to 39% in 2024, driven largely by younger audiences, with trust among 18-34s increasing 16 percentage points compared to just three points for over-55s.

This generational divide reflects greater acceptance of digital media among younger people. Traditional channels like TV and cinema remain the most trusted (43%), while trust in online and influencer advertising continues to grow among younger cohorts.

Factors contributing to increased trust include a strong festive ad season, humorous content, and the Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) awareness campaign. The ASA campaign notably boosted trust levels and will be expanded in 2025.

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Google's VP Of Ads Takes On Commerce, reports MediaPost

General

Jan 22, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Vidhya Srinivasan has been promoted to lead Google’s Ads & Commerce teams, overseeing shopping and payments services. Known for driving AI innovation, she succeeds Maria Renz, who is leaving the company.

Srinivasan has spearheaded key developments, including AI-powered tools like Performance Max, Demand Gen, and advanced ad formats in Google Search. Her leadership transformed Google Analytics and introduced features like pixel-less YouTube measurement and Virtual Try-on for shopping ads.

With a strong background at Amazon and IBM, Srinivasan is expected to enhance Google’s commerce and AI capabilities, reinforcing its mission to create seamless shopping experiences for consumers and businesses.

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Google wins UK injunction over YouTube block on Russian broadcasters, reports Reuters

General

Jan 22, 2025

Google secured an injunction from London's High Court to block enforcement of Russian judgments against the company over its closure of Google and YouTube accounts. Judge Andrew Henshaw ruled that disputes should be resolved in England, as per Google’s terms. Russian judgments, including astronomical fines, were deemed unenforceable. These included lawsuits from Tsargrad TV and RT, which imposed penalties increasing daily.

Since March 2022, Google ceased serving ads in Russia and blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels and 5.5 million videos for promoting or dismissing Russia's war in Ukraine.

Attempts to enforce the judgments have been made in various countries.

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Trump Says He’s Open to Elon Musk or Larry Ellison Purchasing TikTok, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jan 22, 2025

President Donald Trump expressed openness to Elon Musk or Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison purchasing TikTok as part of a joint venture with the US government, suggesting the buyer could retain half the company while granting the US a stake in exchange for a permit.

Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s sale by 75 days, though ByteDance has refused to sell. Potential bidders include billionaire Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, and a group led by tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley.

Trump hinted TikTok’s value hinges on US approval, while praising the platform for helping him secure young voters.

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UK replaces competition watchdog’s chair with ex-Amazon boss after anti-growth criticism, reports CNBC

General

Jan 22, 2025

Leadership Transitions

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has appointed Doug Gurr, a former Amazon executive, as interim chair, replacing Marcus Bokkerink.

The move follows government pressure, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for regulators to prioritise economic growth. Critics have accused the CMA of hindering growth, citing its interventions in high-profile deals such as Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition.

Gurr’s commercial background contrasts with his predecessor’s consulting expertise. His appointment coincides with new CMA powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, enabling stricter regulation of large tech firms with significant market influence to curb anti-competitive behaviour.

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Musk Says FTC Concern Over Microsoft Backs His OpenAI Claims, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 22, 2025

Elon Musk has urged a US court to block OpenAI's conversion from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity, citing the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) concerns over Microsoft's $13 billion investment in OpenAI as evidence of anticompetitive practices.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but left in 2018, claims the startup abandoned its charitable mission after accepting significant Microsoft backing. The FTC and Biden administration’s Justice Department have supported Musk’s stance, highlighting potential harm to competition. OpenAI has denied the allegations and is in discussions with California’s attorney general about its corporate restructuring.

A court hearing is scheduled for February 4.

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Spain’s Prime Minister Pushes for EU Plan to Rein In Social Media, reports WSJ

General

Jan 22, 2025

Responsible Media

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has proposed measures to address social media's impact on democracy, including ending user anonymity through an “EU digital identity wallet,” making platform CEOs personally accountable for regulatory breaches, and enhancing algorithm transparency.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Sánchez criticised the political influence of tech billionaires and the amplification of disinformation for profit. He urged full enforcement and tougher penalties under the EU Digital Economy Act, with expanded powers for the European Centre for Algorithm Transparency.

His proposals follow criticism of X (formerly Twitter) for promoting far-right views, prompting some EU politicians to leave the platform.

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Berlin urges tech firms to do more to stop disinformation ahead of vote, reports Reuters

General

Jan 22, 2025

Germany's interior minister has urged social media platforms, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, X, and TikTok, to combat disinformation ahead of the country’s February election. The minister called for clear labelling of political ads, AI-manipulated videos, and faster reporting of criminal content to authorities. Platforms were reminded of their legal obligations under European law and asked to improve transparency in algorithms to prevent radicalisation. Concerns about potential Russian disinformation campaigns were highlighted.

The push follows criticism of Meta’s removal of fact-checking programs and Elon Musk's support of far-right political groups.

Spain’s Prime Minister also urged accountability for harmful algorithms.

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Microsoft's LinkedIn sued for disclosing customer information to train AI models, reports Reuters

General

Jan 22, 2025

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, faces a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging it disclosed Premium customers' private messages to third parties to train AI models without permission. The suit claims LinkedIn introduced a privacy setting in August 2024 and updated its privacy policy in September, stating data could be used for AI training. Plaintiffs argue LinkedIn violated its promise to use personal data solely for platform improvements.

Filed in California, the lawsuit seeks damages for privacy breaches, breach of contract, and $1,000 per person under the Stored Communications Act.

Microsoft has not commented on the case.

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Indonesia fines Google $12 million for unfair business practices, reports Reuters

General

Jan 22, 2025

Indonesia’s antitrust agency fined Google 202 billion rupiah ($12.37 million) for unfair business practices involving its Google Play Store payment system. Google required Indonesian app developers to use Google Pay Billing, charging up to 30% in fees, or face removal from the platform, reducing developers’ earnings and user access. The agency deemed this a violation of Indonesia’s anti-monopoly laws, highlighting Google’s 93% market dominance in the country.

Google previously introduced an alternative billing option but did not immediately comment.

This follows over €8 billion in fines imposed by the EU on Google for anti-competitive practices in the past decade.

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OpenAI tells India court ChatGPT data removal will breach US legal obligations, reports Reuters

General

Jan 22, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has told an Indian court it cannot delete ANI’s data used to train ChatGPT due to US legal obligations requiring preservation during ongoing litigation. ANI sued OpenAI in Delhi, alleging unauthorised use of its content for training ChatGPT and seeking data deletion. OpenAI, lacking a presence in India, claims the Indian court lacks jurisdiction.

ANI argues its works remain stored in ChatGPT’s memory, raising concerns about unfair competition due to OpenAI’s commercial media partnerships. OpenAI denies the allegations, asserting its use of publicly available data is lawful.

The Delhi High Court will hear the case on 28 January.

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TikTok owner ByteDance plans to spend $12bn on AI chips in 2025, reports FT

General

Jan 22, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, plans to spend over $12 billion on AI infrastructure in 2025, including $5.5 billion for AI chips in China and $6.8 billion for overseas AI model training. The company faces challenges from tightened US export controls, requiring reliance on domestic suppliers like Huawei and rental agreements for Nvidia chips.

ByteDance is expanding AI capabilities globally, particularly in Southeast Asia, while competing with rivals such as Baidu and Alibaba. It recently launched the AI chatbot Doubao, now China’s most popular AI app.

These investments come amid US pressures to divest TikTok’s US operations over national security concerns.

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Google invests further $1bn in OpenAI rival Anthropic, reports FT

General

Jan 22, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google is investing over $1 billion into AI start-up Anthropic, boosting its total investment in the company to approximately $3 billion.

Anthropic, known for its Claude AI models, competes with OpenAI and other major players like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon in the generative AI sector. The funding is part of Google’s effort to advance its AI offerings and challenge competitors. Anthropic is also close to securing $2 billion in additional funding, potentially tripling its valuation to $60 billion.

Despite rapid revenue growth, AI start-ups like Anthropic face high development costs, with profitability not expected in the near term.

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Nielsen Touts New MRC Accreditation Ahead Of Upfronts, reports AdExchanger

General

Jan 22, 2025

Nielsen is working to restore its reputation as a trusted TV measurement service, earning Media Rating Council accreditation for its Big Data + Panel solution, part of its Nielsen ONE cross-platform measurement system. This combines legacy panels with data from 75 million smart TVs and 45 million homes, addressing past criticism for undercounting audiences.

While competitors like Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp are gaining traction, Nielsen remains dominant due to its established relationships and data advancements.

Despite challenges, such as lacking local TV ratings accreditation, Nielsen continues to innovate, with its Big Data + Panel tool as its flagship currency for upfronts.

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As Trump returns to the White House, media buyers clamp down on brand safety, reports Digiday

General

Jan 22, 2025

On Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump signed an order dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, signalling a cultural shift impacting marketers and advertisers.

Media buyers are prioritising brand safety by frequently updating inclusion and exclusion lists to avoid unsuitable placements during a volatile news cycle. While some advertisers remain cautious about political content, others worry that overly restrictive inclusion lists may limit reach.

The rollback of content moderation policies by platforms like Meta and heightened political scrutiny, including lawsuits targeting advertising alliances, have raised concerns about brand safety. However, clients are not yet reallocating budgets to conservative or right-wing media.

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Google Ads revealing low-volume search terms as Private, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jan 21, 2025

Google Ads has introduced "private search term" reporting in Performance Max campaigns, labelling search queries with fewer than 50 unique searches over 90 days as "private." This update provides insights into long-tail search traffic, aiding advertisers targeting niche markets or specialised campaigns. It addresses previous concerns about limited visibility into search term performance but stops short of revealing specific queries.

The move aligns with Google’s privacy-first approach, favouring automated, aggregate-level optimisation over keyword-level management.

While this change offers some clarity, it presents challenges for advertisers reliant on granular data to refine strategies and understand user intent.

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Trump executive order leaves TikTok in legal limbo, for now, reports Reuters

General

Jan 21, 2025

TikTok remains unavailable for download in the US after President Donald Trump issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of a Congressional law requiring ByteDance to divest the app.

The order, pausing the ban for 75 days, raises legal questions as executive orders cannot override laws. Experts suggest lawsuits from Congress or shareholders of Apple and Google may challenge the order.

ByteDance’s future ownership of TikTok remains uncertain, with Congress requiring complete separation from China, including control over algorithms and data. ByteDance is 60% owned by institutional investors, with founders and employees holding 20% each.

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Instagram users encounter blocked political hashtags in search results, reports Axios

General

Jan 21, 2025

Several Instagram users reported that hashtags like "#democrat," "#republicans," and "#jan6th" were blocked with a message stating, "We've hidden these results."

Meta explained this was due to a broader glitch affecting various hashtags, not just politically charged ones, and is working to resolve the issue.

The changes coincide with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reversing prior content moderation policies, including reinstating political content recommendations and replacing fact-checkers with community notes. President Trump, who previously accused Facebook of censoring conservatives, claimed credit for influencing these changes, despite evidence showing conservative voices dominate the platform.

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Netflix Raising Prices in U.S. Again, Including First Hike on Ad-Supported Tier, reports Variety

General

Jan 21, 2025

Netflix has announced subscription price increases in the US and other markets, including its ad-supported plan, following a record quarterly gain of 18.9 million subscribers in Q4 2024. In the US, the Standard plan rises to $17.99, Premium to $24.99, and the ad-supported tier to $7.99.

Netflix justified the increases as necessary to invest in programming and enhance value. The company forecasts 2025 revenue of up to $44.5 billion and aims to expand its ad-supported plans, which accounted for 55% of Q4 sign-ups in ad-plan regions.

Netflix continues to lead the streaming market, driven by a strong content slate.

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When Google Altered Its Ad Rules, Charities Paid the Price, reports NYT

General

Jan 21, 2025

In July 2023, Google changed its advertising policies, allowing third-party advertisers, including smaller search engines like Ask.com and Info.com, to use trademarks in ads, leading to higher ad costs for nonprofits like Samaritan’s Purse and St. Jude. These nonprofits had to outbid competitors to maintain visibility in search results, diverting funds from critical causes.

Critics argue the policy benefits Google financially while disadvantaging charities reliant on donations. While Google claims compliance with EU regulations and offers free ads to nonprofits, organisations report increased costs and lost revenue.

Misleading ads also redirected donors to unrelated search pages, impacting fundraising efforts.

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Meta will pay some TikTok creators to post on Instagram and Facebook, reports Insider

General

Jan 21, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Meta has introduced the "Breakthrough Bonus" program, offering TikTok creators up to $5,000 over 90 days to post Reels on Instagram and Facebook. Eligible US-based creators must have professional accounts, a presence on third-party apps like TikTok, and meet monthly posting requirements.

The initiative also grants access to Meta’s content monetisation program. Additionally, Meta plans to sign content deals with select TikTok creators to grow their presence on its platforms.

This follows earlier efforts, such as paying TikTok creators in 2021, and aligns with Meta’s launch of a standalone video editing app, Edits, aimed at competing with ByteDance’s CapCut.

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GroupM CEO Brian Lesser Revamps Global Leadership Structure, reports AdWeek

General

Jan 21, 2025

Leadership Transitions

GroupM CEO Brian Lesser announced a new global leadership structure aimed at transforming the WPP media investment arm into a unified company.

Emily Del Greco will join as global COO, overseeing strategy and partnerships, while Adam Gerhart becomes global chief client officer, focusing on major accounts. Toby Jenner, now global chief business officer, will lead growth and marketing initiatives. Mark Patterson, promoted to global president of markets and business operations, will oversee Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Existing executives, including CFO Stuart Diamond and North America CEO Sharb Farjami, will remain in their roles.

The changes aim to streamline operations and integrate services.

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Biden's US FTC chair to resign commission in coming weeks, memo says, reports Reuters

General

Jan 21, 2025

Lina Khan, former head of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under Joe Biden, will resign in the coming weeks. Khan aggressively pursued antitrust enforcement, challenging mergers such as Kroger-Albertsons and Tapestry-Capri, and suing tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft.

Known for her 2017 critique of Amazon's monopolistic practices, Khan's tenure sparked increased scrutiny of Big Tech. Her departure leaves the FTC temporarily balanced, but Trump's nominee, Mark Meador, is expected to shift the commission to a Republican majority.

Some of Khan’s initiatives, including a noncompete ban and subscription cancellation rule, faced legal challenges and opposition from Republican commissioners.

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Facebook, X and YouTube to do more against online hate speech, EU says, reports Reuters

General

Jan 21, 2025

Meta, X, YouTube, and other tech companies have strengthened their commitment to tackling online hate speech under an updated EU Code of Conduct, now aligned with the Digital Services Act (DSA). Signatories include Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitch.

Companies will allow non-profits and public entities to monitor hate speech reviews and assess at least two-thirds of notices within 24 hours. Measures include using automated tools, providing data on recommendation systems and content reach, and presenting country-specific statistics by hate speech categories such as race and gender.

Compliance with the code will influence enforcement of the DSA by EU regulators.

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Trump signs executive order that he says will protect free speech, reports Reuters

General

Jan 21, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to "restore freedom of speech and end federal censorship," criticising the previous Biden administration for pressuring social media companies to suppress content. Republicans claim Biden's policies curtailed free speech, while Democrats argue they aimed to combat misinformation on issues like vaccines and elections.

Trump’s order comes after his own social media restrictions following the Capitol attack in 2021.

Meanwhile, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta have reduced content moderation under new leadership, sparking debates about free speech and government influence under the First Amendment.

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Trump revokes Biden executive order on addressing AI risks, reports Reuters

General

Jan 21, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked a 2023 executive order by Joe Biden that aimed to mitigate risks posed by artificial intelligence to consumers, workers, and national security.

Biden's order mandated developers of high-risk AI systems to share safety test results with the U.S. government, under the Defence Production Act, prior to public release.

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TikTok gets reprieve with Trump order but with twist, reports Reuters

General

Jan 21, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying the TikTok ban by 75 days, suggesting the U.S. government take a 50% ownership stake in its U.S. business. The app, briefly offline, resumed service, thanking Trump for assurances to partners.

The legality of the order is unclear, as the law mandating TikTok’s sale was upheld by Congress and the Supreme Court. Trump hinted at imposing tariffs on China if a deal isn't reached, while China expressed openness to a transaction.

The situation highlights tensions in U.S.-China relations and uncertainty over TikTok's future in the U.S. app stores.

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Meta Will Use Fact Checkers Outside the US for Now, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 20, 2025

Meta will replace third-party fact checkers in the U.S. with a community notes system, aiming to address mistakes and perceived unfair censorship. CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributed the decision to the system's complexity and pledged to collaborate with Donald Trump’s administration to counter restrictions on free expression.

For now, Meta will continue using fact checkers outside the U.S., where stricter laws like the EU’s Digital Services Act demand active removal of misinformation.

Trump, previously banned from Facebook, praised Meta’s shift as a positive development, reflecting a significant change in the platform’s approach to content moderation.

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Instagram and Musk’s X Tout New Video Tools on TikTok Ban Day, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 19, 2025

Instagram announced "Edits," a new video editing app launching in February, featuring creative tools like green screens and overlays. The announcement came as TikTok briefly went offline in the U.S. due to a federal ban requiring its Chinese parent, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations.

Although TikTok has resumed service following a reprieve from President-elect Donald Trump, its future remains uncertain. Instagram, seen as a major beneficiary of TikTok’s challenges, aims to attract creators with Edits, alongside its existing Reels platform.

Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) launched a new video tab, expanding into video content and live streaming.

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TikTok Tells Advertisers US Campaigns Will Resume on Sunday After Temporary Pause, reports AdWeek

General

Jan 19, 2025

TikTok has resumed operations in the U.S. after a brief shutdown, with ad campaigns targeting U.S. audiences set to restart on Sunday, albeit with some limitations on live campaigns. In a memo to advertisers, TikTok acknowledged potential temporary service instability but assured them that infrastructure has been reinforced to minimise disruptions.

The platform's return follows President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of an executive order to delay the federal ban.

TikTok thanked Trump for providing clarity to service providers and reassured advertisers of its commitment to supporting over 170 million U.S. users and seven million small businesses.

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TikTok is restoring service, thanks Trump, reports Reuters

General

Jan 19, 2025

TikTok has begun restoring its U.S. services after President-elect Donald Trump pledged to extend the app’s access upon taking office. TikTok had gone offline due to a new law banning Chinese-owned apps over national security concerns. Trump indicated he might grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve to facilitate a deal, potentially involving a 50% U.S. ownership stake.

Rival platforms like Meta and Snap have benefited from the uncertainty, while marketing firms reliant on TikTok rushed to adapt. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is reportedly exploring potential buyers, including Elon Musk and Perplexity AI, to meet divestiture requirements.

The ban has sparked U.S.-China tensions.

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TikTok Goes Dark for US Users, Disappears From App Stores, reports Bloomberg

General

Jan 19, 2025

TikTok suspended its services for US users as Apple and Google removed the app from their stores under a new law citing national security concerns. The law mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell its US operations or face a shutdown.

President-elect Donald Trump hinted at a possible 90-day reprieve to find a solution, which TikTok is counting on. ByteDance also disabled other apps it operates in the US. By preemptively taking TikTok offline, the company aims to galvanise user protests.

Trump, now supportive of TikTok, is expected to announce his decision post-inauguration, following pressure from creators and users.

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Google Must Face Search Users' Antitrust Claims, Judge Rules, reports MediaPost

General

Jan 18, 2025

A U.S. judge has ruled that Google must face an antitrust lawsuit claiming its search deals with Apple and others hindered competition and limited privacy-focused alternatives like DuckDuckGo. The plaintiffs argue Google’s dominance, facilitated by its default search engine agreements, deprived users of higher-quality, ad-free, and privacy-protective options.

The complaint cites findings from a similar 2020 Justice Department lawsuit, which concluded Google’s distribution deals stifled competitors. While some claims were dismissed, the judge allowed the plaintiffs to pursue allegations that Google’s practices precluded the emergence of viable alternatives.

Google has declined to comment on the ruling.

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Perplexity Said to Submit Bid to Merge With TikTok’s US Unit, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Jan 18, 2025

Perplexity AI has reportedly submitted a bid to merge with TikTok’s US operations, allowing ByteDance’s current investors to retain stakes.

The AI startup, valued at $9 billion by the end of 2024, is among potential buyers seeking to prevent TikTok’s shutdown in the US under a new national security law. ByteDance must sell its US operations or face closure, with President-elect Donald Trump suggesting he may grant a 90-day extension.

The app’s estimated $50 billion valuation poses challenges for buyers, with figures like Elon Musk and investor teams also being considered as potential acquirers.

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Kantar Media Is Being Sold to H.I.G. Capital for About $1 Billion, reports WSJ

M&A

Jan 17, 2025

Kantar Group has sold its media measurement and analytics unit, Kantar Media, to private equity firm H.I.G. Capital for approximately $1 billion. Operating in over 60 markets with 4,500 employees, Kantar Media provides audience measurement, TV ratings, and audience profiling.

The sale allows Kantar Media to focus on delivering actionable data for advertisers and content creators. CEO Patrick Béhar, who will remain in his role, highlighted the demand for cost-effective, cross-channel comparable data. H.I.G. plans to invest in improving services.

The deal, primarily cash-based, is expected to close later this year, making H.I.G. the sole owner of Kantar Media.

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CBS Owner Discusses Settling Trump Suit, With Merger Review on Tap, reports WSJ

M&A

Jan 17, 2025

Paramount Global is considering settling a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump over a CBS News interview with Kamala Harris, amid efforts to secure approval for its merger with Skydance Media. Trump alleges CBS edited the interview unfairly, favouring Harris.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has flagged potential bias at CBS News as part of its merger review, increasing pressure on Paramount. Skydance's ties to China’s Tencent, a blacklisted company, add further scrutiny.

Paramount faces challenges balancing government demands and maintaining credibility with Hollywood talent, as concerns over CBS’s editorial objectivity have prompted internal reviews and leadership changes.

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Lawyer urges White House, DOJ to clarify app stores may continue to offer TikTok, reports Reuters

General

Jan 17, 2025

A lawyer representing TikTok creators has urged the White House and Justice Department to clarify that Apple and Google can continue offering TikTok in app stores after the legal ban takes effect on Sunday.

Jeffrey Fisher, who represented users in the Supreme Court case, requested Attorney General Merrick Garland and President Joe Biden to pause enforcement of the ban.

Fisher also asked for assurance that app stores and other providers, including those hosting TikTok and ByteDance's CapCut, would not face penalties while awaiting further guidance from the administration.

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