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TikTok restructures trust and safety team, lays off staff in unit, sources say, reports Reuters

General

Feb 20, 2025

TikTok is laying off staff in its trust and safety unit as part of a restructuring, with cuts affecting teams in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The move follows previous layoffs in October, when TikTok shifted towards AI-driven content moderation.

The company, owned by ByteDance, faces uncertainty in the US due to a law requiring its sale or a potential ban. TikTok had pledged over $2 billion for trust and safety efforts, though the scale of the latest cuts remains unclear.

The restructuring comes amid continued scrutiny over child safety and national security concerns.

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Publicis acquisition signals that creator M&A is not slowing down in 2025, reports Digiday

M&A

Feb 20, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Publicis plans to acquire Brazil-based influencer marketing firm BR Media Group, expanding its creator network and data capabilities. The deal, expected to close in March 2025, strengthens Publicis’ presence in the fast-growing Latin American market.

The move aligns with a broader industry trend of holding companies acquiring influencer agencies, as influencer marketing is projected to reach $33 billion globally in 2025. Publicis will integrate BR Media’s data with its Epsilon platform to enhance audience targeting.

Analysts expect further consolidation, with mid-sized influencer agencies either being acquired or pivoting to specialised creator services to remain competitive.

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TikTok Expands Shopping Platform, Livestream Shopping To More Regions, reports MediaPost

General

Feb 19, 2025

TikTok is expanding its shopping platform, TikTok Shop, to new markets, including Italy, Germany, France, Japan, and Brazil, following its recent launches in the UK, Ireland, and Spain. The move comes amid uncertainty over its future in the US due to regulatory challenges.

TikTok is focusing on live-stream shopping, which has been highly successful on its Chinese counterpart, Douyin, generating over $500 billion in sales in 2023.

Social commerce is projected to reach $2.9 trillion by 2025, though brands are still cautious about allocating budgets to the sector despite increasing engagement with TikTok and Instagram Reels.

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Silicon Valley fights EU tech rules with backing from Donald Trump, reports FT

General

Feb 19, 2025

Big Tech companies, led by Meta, are pushing back against EU regulations, confident that the Trump administration’s support will help weaken enforcement.

Meta has opposed the EU’s AI Act and Digital Markets Act, arguing they stifle innovation. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have criticised EU tech regulations, increasing pressure on Brussels.

The European Commission recently withdrew its AI Liability Directive, raising concerns that tech policy could become a bargaining chip in transatlantic negotiations. While the EU insists it will enforce its rules, Big Tech is leveraging US influence to challenge regulatory fines and limit compliance requirements.

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Zuckerberg Lobbies US Senators on Artificial Intelligence, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 19, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Mark Zuckerberg visited the US Capitol to lobby senators on AI, following Meta’s recent cuts to diversity initiatives in alignment with the Trump administration’s priorities. Meta is investing heavily in AI and seeks influence over potential regulations.

The company has also urged lawmakers to oppose EU tech regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act, which Zuckerberg calls censorship. Meta’s policy chief, Joel Kaplan, stated the company would seek Trump’s support against European regulatory actions.

Zuckerberg’s visit follows his presence at Trump’s inauguration and signals closer ties with the new Republican-led government.

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Media Watchdog Asks FCC to Probe Paramount’s Diversity Programs, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 19, 2025

Diversity & Inclusion

The Center for American Rights has asked the FCC to investigate Paramount Global’s diversity initiatives as part of a broader review of such programmes.

The group’s president, Daniel Suhr, argued that quotas for people of colour in reality TV could violate legal standards and called for Paramount’s ownership to be scrutinised. The request follows the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives across industries.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr has also opened a probe into Comcast’s DEI programmes and is reviewing CBS’s 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, as well as complaints about Disney’s election coverage.

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Apple says UK regulator's remedy options on mobile browsers will hit innovation, reports Reuters

General

Feb 19, 2025

Apple has told the UK competition regulator that proposed remedies for the mobile browser market could undermine its incentive to innovate. The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating mobile browser supply and cloud gaming distribution.

Apple argued that mandating free access to WebKit or iOS features used by Safari would be inappropriate, as development requires significant time and resources. The company warned that such measures would lead to free-riding and reduced investment from third parties, ultimately discouraging innovation.

Google has also responded to the investigation, with details published on the UK government website.

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Amazon Offers Regional Sports Networks as a $20-a-Month Add-On, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 19, 2025

Amazon Prime Video is now offering 16 regional sports networks as a $20-a-month add-on through a deal with Main Street Sports Group. These networks broadcast professional baseball, hockey, and basketball games across major U.S. cities.

Previously known as Diamond Sports Group, Main Street faced financial struggles and filed for bankruptcy in 2023. As part of its restructuring, it secured a naming rights deal with FanDuel and a multi-year streaming agreement with Amazon.

The channels remain available via cable, satellite, and the FanDuel Sports Network app.

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Australian children able to bypass age limit set by social media platforms, report shows, reports Reuters

General

Feb 19, 2025

Advertising To Children

An Australian report found that children can easily bypass social media age restrictions ahead of a government ban on under-16s, set to take effect in late 2025.

The study revealed 80% of children aged 8-12 and 95% of under-16s used at least one major platform, with most relying on self-declared ages. While some services, including TikTok and YouTube, detect underage users, others do not enforce restrictions despite having the technology.

The eSafety Commissioner urged platforms to improve age verification before the legislation takes effect, highlighting gaps in enforcement and the need for stronger controls.

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Musk’s X in Talks to Raise Money at a $44 Billion Valuation, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 19, 2025

Investment Rounds

Elon Musk’s X is in talks to raise funds at a $44 billion valuation, matching the price he paid for Twitter in 2022. The funding aims to support payments, video products, and debt reduction. X is also integrating with Musk’s AI firm, xAI.

Investor confidence in Musk has surged due to his close ties to President Trump, boosting Tesla and SpaceX valuations. Recent debt sales indicate financial stabilisation, aided by election-driven ad revenue.

Backers include Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital. Fidelity had previously marked down its Twitter stake by 70%, but X’s financial outlook has since improved.

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Google Is Giving Buyers Thousands In Ad Credits to Spend On AI-Powered Demand Gen, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 19, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google is offering ad credits and free media spend to encourage adoption of its AI-powered Demand Gen tool, which automates ad placements across YouTube, Gmail, and Google Discover.

Some advertisers report receiving $20,000 in credits, though many remain sceptical, calling it a “black box” with little visibility into where ads appear. Concerns have grown as Google expands Demand Gen into the Google Display Network, known for lower-quality placements. Advertisers also worry about transparency, particularly as Demand Gen will replace Video Action Campaigns in 2025.

Despite criticism, Google claims it delivers higher return on ad spend than previous tools.

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X Hinted at Possible Deal Trouble in Talks With Ad Giant to Increase Spending, reports WSJ

General

Feb 19, 2025

Interpublic Group reportedly received pressure from X to increase client ad spending, with executives fearing that non-compliance could jeopardise its planned merger with Omnicom due to Musk’s political influence.

X has sued advertisers and trade groups for allegedly coordinating a boycott since Musk’s 2022 takeover. Agencies, including WPP and Publicis, are negotiating ad deals, while brands like Amazon and Apple are returning, partly due to new brand safety tools.

Some industry leaders believe advertisers are resuming spending on X not for strategic reasons, but to avoid legal and political consequences amid Musk’s growing influence in Washington.

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Pay-to-play pitches risk fair competition, trade body warns, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 19, 2025

VoxComm has warned that pay-to-play agency pitches, where agencies pay intermediaries to participate in reviews, threaten fair competition and agency-client relationships.

The practice, which shifts costs from advertisers to agencies, has spread internationally, putting pressure on agency fees. Some marketers may be unaware of the financial arrangements involved, potentially limiting access to the best agencies.

VoxComm urges greater transparency, ethical oversight, and the use of three-way NDAs to protect confidential information. The organisation calls for fairer selection processes to ensure agencies are chosen based on merit rather than financial contributions to intermediaries, reinforcing best practices in agency reviews.

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Advertising Association appoints Andria Vidler as president, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 18, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn UK, has been appointed president of the Advertising Association (AA), succeeding Alessandra Bellini.

She will work with chair Dame Annette King and CEO Stephen Woodford on key industry initiatives, including rebuilding public trust, talent recruitment, and climate action through Ad Net Zero. Vidler will also support policy work on AI in advertising and upcoming regulations on less healthy foods.

With over 30 years of experience in marketing and tech, she previously led Tag EMEA, Centaur Media, and EMI Music UK & Ireland. Her first major task will be launching the All In Census on 12 March.

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Musk’s xAI releases artificial intelligence model Grok 3, claims better performance than rivals in early testing, reports CNBC

General

Feb 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s xAI has launched Grok 3, claiming it outperforms OpenAI and China’s DeepSeek in reasoning, maths, and coding tests. The model, trained on synthetic data, will be available to premium X subscribers and via a separate subscription. xAI also introduced "Deep Search," a next-generation search engine. Musk emphasised continuous improvements and plans for voice assistance.

Competition in AI is intensifying, with OpenAI and DeepSeek making advancements. xAI has doubled its Nvidia GPU cluster for training.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but now opposes its leadership, recently attempted to acquire its nonprofit parent for $97.4 billion, but was rejected.

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Musk’s xAI releases artificial intelligence model Grok 3, claims better performance than rivals in early testing, reports CNBC

General

Feb 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s xAI has launched Grok 3, claiming it outperforms OpenAI and China’s DeepSeek in reasoning, maths, and coding tests. The model, trained on synthetic data, will be available to premium X subscribers and via a separate subscription. xAI also introduced "Deep Search," a next-generation search engine. Musk emphasised continuous improvements and plans for voice assistance.

Competition in AI is intensifying, with OpenAI and DeepSeek making advancements. xAI has doubled its Nvidia GPU cluster for training.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but now opposes its leadership, recently attempted to acquire its nonprofit parent for $97.4 billion, but was rejected.

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State Dept. orders cancellation of news subscriptions around the world, reports The Washington Post

General

Feb 18, 2025

News Publishing

The U.S. State Department has ordered the cancellation of all non-essential news subscriptions, affecting embassies and consulates worldwide. A memo cited cost-cutting efforts, with priority given to terminating contracts with six major news outlets, including The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Reuters.

Officials warn the move could hinder security assessments in conflict zones. Employees may request exemptions but must justify them in one sentence.

The directive follows wider government cancellations, including at the Agriculture Department, and comes amid the Trump administration’s growing hostility toward certain media organisations, including banning Associated Press reporters from White House events and Air Force One.

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China's Xi holds rare meeting with business leaders amid slowing economy, US tensions, reports Reuters

General

Feb 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with top tech executives, including Alibaba founder Jack Ma, in a rare move aimed at boosting private-sector confidence amid economic slowdown and US trade pressures.

The meeting signalled a shift from Beijing’s regulatory crackdown and reinforced China's push for self-sufficiency in AI and semiconductors. The absence of leaders from Baidu and Bytedance raised investor concerns. Tech stocks surged before the event but later dipped.

Analysts see this as a strategic attempt to align private firms with state goals while managing regulatory risks, with Ma’s presence particularly viewed as a positive sign for business sentiment.

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YouTube TV reaches new deal to keep Paramount content, reports TechCrunch

General

Feb 16, 2025

Paramount and Google reached a last-minute deal to keep Paramount content on YouTube TV, avoiding a blackout that was set for February 13.

The agreement includes an "expanded streaming relationship," allowing YouTube TV to continue offering CBS, Nickelodeon, and other Paramount channels, while also providing select users access to Paramount+. Google had sought flexible bundling options to avoid passing on costs to subscribers. Paramount’s executives criticised Google for delaying negotiations, arguing that their content is essential to a successful streaming platform.

The deal follows previous contract disputes between YouTube TV and major media companies like Disney.

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Meta Is Ready to Bring Trump Into Play in Fight Against EU Rules, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 16, 2025

Responsible Media

Meta’s global policy director, Joel Kaplan, warned that the company would challenge EU digital regulations if it believes they unfairly target its products. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Kaplan said Meta would raise concerns with the Trump administration if EU fines on US tech firms were deemed discriminatory. He criticised EU regulations for restricting free speech and harming economic competitiveness, while defending Meta’s approach to misinformation.

The company has been fined over €2 billion for antitrust and data breaches and is under scrutiny under the Digital Services Act for child protection failures.

Meta may also reject the EU’s AI code of conduct.

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Anthropic Says US Google Search Proposal Will Hurt AI Investment, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 15, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Anthropic has urged a US federal court to reject a government proposal that would block Google from investing in AI startups as part of antitrust remedies for its search monopoly. Google, which has invested $3 billion in Anthropic, could be barred from AI collaborations under the plan. Anthropic argues this would unfairly benefit larger rivals like OpenAI and Meta while harming competition.

The FTC has also raised concerns about major tech firms' AI investments.

The proposal is part of a broader case against Google, which could also see the forced sale of its Chrome browser.

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Paramount Executives Ask: Could They Be Sued for Settling Trump’s $20 Billion CBS Lawsuit, reports WSJ

General

Feb 14, 2025

Paramount Global is considering settling President Trump’s lawsuit against its CBS News unit over the editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris but is wary of legal risks, including potential shareholder litigation or bribery accusations. Some executives see settlement as a way to ease tensions with the Trump administration, especially as Paramount awaits regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media.

Trump’s lawsuit alleges CBS engaged in election interference and has increased its damages claim to $20 billion.

The FCC is also reviewing CBS’s handling of the interview as part of its broader regulatory scrutiny of the merger.

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Spotify Weighs $6 Premium for Added Features, Access to Tickets, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 14, 2025

Audio Advertising

Spotify is planning to introduce a premium Music Pro tier, charging up to $5.99 per month on top of existing subscriptions. The service will offer higher-quality audio, AI-powered remixing tools, and exclusive concert ticket access. Pricing and launch timing remain uncertain as Spotify negotiates rights with major record labels.

The move aligns with industry efforts to monetise super-fans amid slowing streaming growth in developed markets.

Competing services like Apple Music already offer higher-quality audio, but Spotify, with 675 million users, aims to differentiate by gradually adding new features to attract millions of dedicated music fans.

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OpenAI Board Rejects Musk’s $97.4 Billion Bid to Control Company, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Feb 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI’s board has unanimously rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion offer to buy the nonprofit controlling the AI company, stating OpenAI is not for sale.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI before launching a rival AI firm, led a consortium aiming to revert OpenAI to an open-source model. CEO Sam Altman dismissed the bid as a competitive tactic. Musk has also sued OpenAI over its restructuring into a for-profit entity. The bid complicates OpenAI’s ongoing talks with SoftBank for a $300 billion valuation.

Legal experts suggest Musk’s offer may impact how OpenAI values its nonprofit assets in the restructuring process.

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Musk’s xAI Discussing $10 Billion Raise at $75 Billion Valuation, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, is seeking to raise $10 billion in funding at a valuation of $75 billion. Existing investors, including Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Valor Equity Partners, are in talks to participate. xAI, a competitor to OpenAI, previously raised $6 billion in December. Its chatbot, Grok, is integrated into Musk’s social network, X. Musk claims the upcoming Grok 3 model outperforms rivals.

xAI is also negotiating a $5 billion server deal with Dell.

Investors include BlackRock, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, and Middle Eastern sovereign funds, alongside tech firms like Nvidia and AMD Ventures.

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OpenAI Board Rejects Musk’s $97.4 Billion Bid to Control Company, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Feb 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI’s board has unanimously rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion offer to buy the nonprofit controlling the AI company, stating OpenAI is not for sale.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI before launching a rival AI firm, led a consortium aiming to revert OpenAI to an open-source model. CEO Sam Altman dismissed the bid as a competitive tactic. Musk has also sued OpenAI over its restructuring into a for-profit entity. The bid complicates OpenAI’s ongoing talks with SoftBank for a $300 billion valuation.

Legal experts suggest Musk’s offer may impact how OpenAI values its nonprofit assets in the restructuring process.

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Banks sell down more X debt; just $1.3 billion now left on their books, reports Reuters

General

Feb 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Banks led by Morgan Stanley have sold $4.74 billion of secured loans linked to Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter (now X), reducing their exposure to the debt. The sale, upsized from $2.97 billion, follows earlier sales of $5.5 billion in February and $1 billion privately.

With nearly all of the $13 billion debt now offloaded, $1.3 billion in unsecured loans remains. Investors were drawn by X’s potential revenue growth following Trump’s election and its stake in Musk’s AI startup, xAI.

Banks had held the loans for two years, an unusually long period for such deals.

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Advertisers Are Losing Trust In TAG and MRC After Damning CSAM Report, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 14, 2025

Advertisers are losing confidence in accreditation bodies MRC and TAG after a report revealed MRC- and TAG-certified vendors failed to block ads on imgbb.com, a site flagged for hosting child sexual abuse material. Industry experts criticise both organisations for a lack of transparency, weak oversight, and reliance on self-reporting.

TAG CEO Mike Zaneis defended its certification process, arguing it cannot prevent all illicit content monetisation. Some advertisers demand stricter, publicly available audit criteria.

The controversy has drawn scrutiny from US lawmakers investigating the alleged monetisation of unsafe platforms, putting further pressure on accreditation firms to restore credibility.

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Elon Musk's X is winning advertisers new and old, but the comeback has a long way to go, reports Insider

General

Feb 14, 2025

X has attracted new advertisers, but its ad revenue remains below pre-Musk levels. While 46 of the top 100 US advertisers in January 2025 were new, total ad spend is still lower than in previous years. X’s 2024 US ad revenue fell 28% from 2023 to $1.4 billion, despite a 15% increase in advertisers.

Some brands, including Apple, are cautiously returning, possibly influenced by Trump’s re-election and Musk’s political role. While some agencies report rising ad spend, broader industry data suggests no mass return of major advertisers.

X has also signed new adtech deals to drive lower-cost ad sales.

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Meta Opens Facebook Marketplace to Rivals in EU Antitrust Clash, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 13, 2025

Meta is opening Facebook Marketplace to classified ad rivals in Europe to comply with an EU antitrust order that resulted in a €798 million fine. The company will now allow firms to pay for ad placements based on user clicks, following a pilot with eBay. Despite implementing changes, Meta disputes the EU’s ruling, calling the fines a "tariff regime." The European Commission is assessing compliance.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority had also investigated but accepted Meta’s concessions.

The decision marks another major regulatory challenge for Meta in Europe following previous antitrust fines against big tech firms.

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Apple and Google Restore TikTok to App Stores, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 13, 2025

TikTok has been reinstated on Apple’s App Store and Google Play after being removed under a U.S. ban that took effect on 19 January.

The app was restored following a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to Apple and an executive order from President Trump delaying enforcement until 5 April. Despite legal uncertainty, TikTok reassured advertisers about compliance, while some partners, including Oracle, continued working with the platform.

Google confirmed the app’s return but declined further comment, while TikTok and Apple have not responded to requests for statements.

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DoubleVerify Implements Brand Safety Updates in Wake of Critical Adalytics Report, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 13, 2025

DoubleVerify is introducing stricter measures to prevent ads from appearing on sites hosting child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Following an Adalytics report that exposed major brands' ads on flagged sites, the company launched a new content category, "Highly Illicit: Do Not Monetize," which blocks ads from high-risk domains identified by third-party experts. It also added an avoidance category for peer-to-peer sharing platforms.

DoubleVerify is collaborating with law enforcement and child safety groups to refine its safeguards. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, it pledged to enhance transparency and prevent the monetisation of harmful content in digital advertising.

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Half of Americans Have Felt Stereotyped by Targeted Ads, Study Finds, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 13, 2025

Nearly half of North American consumers feel unfairly stereotyped by targeted ads, according to research from contextual ad firm GumGum.

Of 1,500 surveyed, 49% reported feeling pigeonholed, while 56% found cookie-based tracking intrusive. Many object to ads using sensitive personal data, with 62% expressing discomfort. Examples include unwanted weight-loss ads and pregnancy-related targeting after a miscarriage.

Consumer frustration, alongside tightening privacy laws, is pushing advertisers away from identity-based targeting. Brands risk reputational damage if ads feel invasive, highlighting the need for better alignment between targeting, creative execution, and user experience to maintain trust and engagement.

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EU’s Disinformation Code moves closer to becoming DSA benchmark, reports TechCrunch

General

Feb 13, 2025

The EU is moving closer to integrating its voluntary Disinformation Code into the legally binding Digital Services Act (DSA). The Code, which X (formerly Twitter) withdrew from in 2023, sets guidelines for tackling disinformation, including reducing financial incentives, removing fake accounts, and supporting fact-checking.

While platforms like Meta remain signatories, concerns arise as it recently ended fact-checking commitments. The formal adoption will take effect on 1 July 2025, making compliance auditable.

Meanwhile, the EU continues its investigation into X, launched in December 2023, raising the possibility of regulatory action before the Code’s official enforcement date.

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Reddit Earnings For CY 2024 Show +61.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Up By +433.2% YoY

+ 62% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Reuters reports:

Reddit’s shares fell 13% in premarket trading after missing expectations for daily active unique visitors, impacted by a Google search algorithm change. Despite a 39% rise in daily users to 101.7 million, the figure fell short of the 103.3 million forecast.

However, Reddit’s Q4 revenue exceeded estimates, and its Q1 outlook remains positive. The company is benefiting from AI content licensing deals with Google and OpenAI.

While some analysts see the issue as temporary, Reddit’s high valuation, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 242.7, remains significantly above Snap’s 28.8 and Pinterest’s 20.7.

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Google Ads releases Performance Max usefulness indicator, reports Search Engine Land

General

Feb 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google Ads has introduced a Performance Max Usefulness Indicator to help advertisers assess the incremental traffic impact of search themes. The tool identifies whether added themes generate new traffic or overlap with existing signals, improving budget allocation and targeting decisions.

While it enhances visibility, advertisers still depend on Google’s AI-driven optimisations, limiting direct control over search queries.

Google is expected to further refine Performance Max insights, potentially expanding into more detailed reporting and budget recommendations to improve campaign effectiveness.

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Alibaba says it will be Apple’s AI partner in China, reports FT

General

Feb 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Alibaba has confirmed it will provide AI technology for Apple’s iPhone models in China, securing a key partnership amid regulatory challenges. Chair Joe Tsai stated Apple selected Alibaba after evaluating several Chinese AI firms, as local regulations require foreign companies to partner with domestic providers.

Apple’s AI rollout in China has faced hurdles, with competitors advancing rapidly. The partnership aims to boost Apple’s position in the market, where its sales have declined 11% year-on-year. Alibaba’s shares have surged over 40% in 2024, partly due to its latest AI advancements.

Apple has not commented on the deal.

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Musk Says He Will Pull Bid if OpenAI Remains a Nonprofit, reports WSJ

General

Feb 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk has offered to withdraw his $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI’s nonprofit arm if the board halts its conversion to a for-profit company. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman rejected the bid, jokingly offering to buy X instead.

Musk has accused OpenAI of prioritising profit over safety and concentrating AI power with Microsoft. The two are already in legal disputes over OpenAI’s direction, with Musk claiming he was misled about its nonprofit mission.

Musk’s bid could significantly impact OpenAI’s valuation, while his growing influence in Trump’s administration adds further complexity to the ongoing battle for control.

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German regulator charges Apple with abuse of power over app tracking tool, reports Reuters

General

Feb 13, 2025

Germany’s antitrust authority has charged Apple with abusing market power through its App Tracking Transparency tool, which restricts advertisers from tracking users across apps.

Critics, including Meta and app developers, argue it unfairly limits competition while benefiting Apple’s own services. Apple defends the tool as a privacy measure but faces potential daily fines if it does not address regulators’ concerns.

The case, triggered by complaints from publishers and advertisers, could set a precedent against Apple using privacy arguments to restrict competition. A final ruling is expected next year, with potential fines reaching 10% of Apple’s annual revenue.

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Paramount channels, including CBS and Nickelodeon, to go dark on YouTube TV, reports Reuters

General

Feb 13, 2025

Paramount Global's channels, including CBS and Nickelodeon, will be removed from YouTube TV starting Thursday after contract renewal talks failed. Paramount accused YouTube TV of making "one-sided" demands, while YouTube, owned by Alphabet, stated it is negotiating to keep the channels without impacting subscribers.

If an agreement is not reached, YouTube TV will offer subscribers an $8 credit. The dispute affects channels like BET, CBS Sports Network, MTV, and Comedy Central, along with add-on services such as Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and BET+.

Paramount said it remains committed to securing a new deal.

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Musk Says xAI’s Scary Smart Next Model Chatbot Coming in Weeks, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk has claimed his upcoming Grok 3 chatbot will surpass all existing AI models, with a release expected in weeks. Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he described it as "scary smart" and trained on synthetic data for improved logical consistency. Musk also criticised OpenAI, accusing it of prioritising profit over its original open-source mission.

As head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, he has led cost-cutting efforts, including shutting down agencies.

The UAE, aiming to be an AI leader, has distanced itself from China to align with US interests.

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Goodyear Consolidates Global Marketing With Publicis Groupe, reports AdAge

General

Feb 13, 2025

Goodyear has consolidated most of its global marketing with Publicis Groupe, replacing a roster of 60 agencies. Publicis will handle creative, media, production, and digital services through a bespoke team called "Publicis P1T Crew." BBH USA will lead creative work, particularly for the Cooper Tires brand.

The move aims to unify Goodyear’s brand voice across its portfolio, which includes Goodyear, Cooper, and Mickey Thompson. The decision follows the appointment of new marketing chief Will Roland and aligns with CEO Mark Stewart’s past work with Publicis.

Goodyear reported a net loss of $34 million in Q3 2024.

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Yahoo News Signs Up Influencers With Promise of Shared Advertising Sales, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 12, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Yahoo has recruited nearly 100 social media creators from YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to drive traffic to its website, reflecting the growing reliance on influencers for news.

The platform’s new “Stories From Creators” section curates their content, with contributors earning a share of ad revenue. While Yahoo avoids political content, it focuses on lifestyle topics like travel and design.

The move aligns with a broader trend of institutions engaging influencers for major events. However, concerns remain over misinformation, as Yahoo does not fact-check creator content but enforces guidelines against misleading or harmful material.

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Google Ads tightens brand guidelines, reports Search Engine Land

General

Feb 12, 2025

Google Ads is introducing mandatory brand guidelines, requiring advertisers to document their business names and logos by March. If advertisers fail to update their guidelines, Google will automatically select “top-performing” names and logos based on campaign data.

The move aims to standardise brand presentation across Google’s ad platforms while giving businesses greater control over their digital identity. Clear branding enhances ad performance and trust, making it crucial for businesses to act before the deadline.

Advertisers should update their brand guidelines promptly to maintain consistency and prevent automated changes to their campaigns.

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Microsoft Ads Notified About Invalid Traffic, Junk Leads, reports MediaPost

General

Feb 12, 2025

Independent ad agency Aimclear has alerted Microsoft to significant issues with invalid traffic and junk leads affecting client campaigns, potentially costing millions. The agency has identified spam bots, fake names, and non-existent businesses as part of a sophisticated click farm operation. Despite submitting extensive evidence of fraudulent activity, the issue persists.

Aimclear is requesting ad credits to compensate for wasted spend and restore trust in Microsoft Ads. The agency remains committed to working with Microsoft to resolve the problem, noting that Microsoft has historically been a strong partner for marketers.

Microsoft has yet to respond publicly.

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Comcast and NBCUniversal receive FCC inquiry on DEI initiatives, reports CNBC

General

Feb 12, 2025

Diversity & Inclusion

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into Comcast and NBCUniversal’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The inquiry follows President Trump’s executive order directing agencies to scrutinise corporate DEI policies. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr cited concerns that Comcast and NBCUniversal’s DEI efforts may not comply with regulations. Comcast confirmed it would cooperate.

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks criticised the investigation, calling it beyond the agency’s scope.

Meanwhile, Disney is adjusting its DEI programmes, and PBS is shutting down its DEI office to comply with the executive order, reflecting broader corporate shifts in response to federal scrutiny.

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Google to test using AI to determine users’ ages, reports CNBC

General

Feb 12, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google will begin using AI to estimate users' ages and ensure age-appropriate experiences across its products, including YouTube. The AI-driven age verification model will be tested in the US this year before expanding globally. This move follows increasing pressure from lawmakers to enhance child safety online. Google's Core Technology team, responsible for online safety measures, is leading the initiative.

Similar AI-based age detection tools have already been introduced by Meta.

Despite a recent reorganisation of its Core unit, Google continues to expand AI applications across its platforms to improve user protections and compliance with regulatory expectations.

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Wall Street nears sale of $3bn of debt tied to Elon Musk’s Twitter buyout, reports FT

General

Feb 12, 2025

Investment Rounds

Wall Street banks are close to selling $3 billion in loans tied to Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter (now X), further reducing a debt burden held since 2022. This follows last week’s successful $5.5 billion debt sale led by Morgan Stanley. Investor interest has surged, partly due to Musk’s ties to President Trump and X’s stake in his AI startup, xAI.

Banks initially struggled to offload the loans after market turmoil, but recent sales have cleared most of the $13 billion financing. The lenders now hold only $3 billion in junior unsecured bridge loans.

Morgan Stanley declined to comment.

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EU ditches plans to regulate tech patents, AI liability and online privacy, reports Reuters

General

Feb 12, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

The European Commission has scrapped draft rules on technology patents, AI liability, and consumer privacy in messaging apps, citing a lack of expected approval from EU lawmakers. The patent regulation aimed to resolve disputes over royalties for essential telecom technologies but faced strong opposition from firms like Nokia and Ericsson. The AI Liability Directive would have allowed consumers to sue AI providers but was abandoned.

The proposed ePrivacy regulation, which sought to impose telecom-level privacy rules on platforms like WhatsApp and Skype, was also dropped due to legislative deadlock.

The Commission may reassess and propose new alternatives in the future.

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OpenAI says it does not use Indian media groups' content to train ChatGPT, court filing shows, reports Reuters

General

Feb 12, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI is attempting to block Indian media groups, including those owned by Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, from joining a copyright lawsuit, arguing it does not use their content to train ChatGPT. The case began with Indian news agency ANI alleging OpenAI reproduced its content without permission. Other media groups, including NDTV and Hindustan Times, have since joined the legal challenge.

OpenAI denies using their material and claims its practices comply with Indian copyright law. While it has signed deals with global publishers, it has not done so in India.

Courts worldwide are addressing similar AI copyright disputes.

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OpenAI plans to simplify AI products in new road map for latest models, CEO Altman says, reports Reuters

General

Feb 12, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI will not release "o3" as a standalone AI model, instead integrating it into the upcoming GPT-5 system to simplify its offerings, CEO Sam Altman announced. The company aims to make AI more user-friendly by merging its o-series and GPT-series models. OpenAI will also launch GPT-4.5, known internally as "Orion," as its final non-chain-of-thought model, which struggles with complex reasoning tasks.

The decision comes as AI firms face scrutiny over high spending, following the release of a low-cost model by China's DeepSeek.

No timeline was provided for the new models' release.

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Apple to Bring TV+ to Android Phones in Bid to Boost Subscribers, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 12, 2025

Apple is set to launch an Android app for its TV+ streaming service, expanding beyond its own ecosystem for the first time.

The move aims to boost TV+ in competition with Netflix and Disney+. While Apple offers its Music app on Android, it typically keeps services exclusive. TV+ launched in 2019 at $4.99 per month but now costs $9.99. The expansion will also bring the MLS Season Pass to Android. Apple has not disclosed subscriber numbers but seeks to attract more viewers.

The announcement is expected as early as Wednesday, though Apple has declined to comment.

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Musk’s X Agrees to Pay About $10 Million to Settle Trump Lawsuit, reports WSJ

General

Feb 12, 2025

Elon Musk’s X has agreed to pay $10 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump over his 2021 ban from the platform, then called Twitter.

This follows Meta’s $25 million settlement for banning Trump from Facebook. Trump’s legal team had considered dropping the case due to Musk’s support but proceeded with the settlement. A similar case against Google is expected.

Twitter originally banned Trump after the Capitol riot, citing incitement concerns. Musk reinstated Trump in 2022 after acquiring the platform. The settlement marks the resolution of years-long legal disputes over Trump’s social media suspensions.

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OpenAI's Altman envisions Stargate-like programme for Europe, reports Reuters

General

Feb 12, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed interest in launching a Stargate-like AI programme in Europe, stating the company would “love” to do so. Stargate, a U.S. initiative backed by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, aims to invest up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure over five years.

Speaking in Berlin, Altman emphasised Europe’s need to embrace AI to remain competitive. OpenAI announced a new office in Munich as part of its European expansion, adding to locations in Dublin, London, Paris, and Brussels.

Altman is set to attend an AI summit in Paris alongside European leaders and government officials.

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WPP Bolsters Client Growth Team With Hires Including Slap’s Lyndsey Corona, reports AdAge

General

Feb 12, 2025

Leadership Transitions

WPP has strengthened its client growth team to meet rising demand for integrated services. Lyndsey Corona, formerly of Slap Global, joins as global growth lead, overseeing North America and WPP’s Verizon account. Other key appointments include Crystal Zerrenner, Will Fernandez, and Amy Spurgeon.

The team, led by WPP Chief Client Officer Jane Geraghty, will expand integrated solutions for major clients. WPP’s AI-powered Open platform is central to this strategy, helping drive creativity and efficiency.

Recent client wins include Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and Kimberly-Clark, reflecting the holding company’s focus on offering holistic marketing solutions at scale.

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Amid uncertainty, ad tech mavens turn to startups, reports Digiday

M&A

Feb 12, 2025

DoubleVerify has invested $1 million in FirstParty Capital, a Europe-based venture capital firm specialising in early-stage ad tech. The move signals a shift towards automation and first-party data-driven advertising, aligning with industry trends following GDPR and cookie deprecation. This follows DoubleVerify’s $125 million acquisition of AI company Scibids, as it pivots towards activation.

The investment mirrors The Trade Desk’s purchase of Sincera and funding of startups like Chalice AI.

Industry experts suggest first-party data will be key in the second half of the decade, with "super signal aggregators" emerging to optimise ad targeting through proprietary datasets.

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AppLovin Is Divesting Its Apps Business To Become A Pure Advertising Platform, reports AdExchanger

M&A

Feb 12, 2025

AppLovin’s stock surged 28% after announcing plans to sell its apps business for $900 million next quarter, solidifying its shift to becoming a pure advertising platform.

CEO Adam Foroughi stated that gaming acquisitions helped train Axon, its AI-powered ad tech, but the company is now expanding beyond gaming. A pilot for ecommerce advertisers has shown promise, positioning AppLovin as a potential alternative to Meta. The focus for 2025 is on automated self-serve ad buying to scale efficiently.

Q4 revenue grew 44% YoY to $1.37 billion, with $4.7 billion total revenue in 2024, despite recent layoffs to streamline operations.

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Disney making changes to its DEI efforts, reports Axios

General

Feb 11, 2025

Diversity & Inclusion

Disney is adjusting its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to focus more on business impact. It is replacing its "Diversity & Inclusion" performance factor with "Talent Strategy" in executive evaluations and rebranding its employee groups. The company has also removed auto-play content advisories on older films, shifting them to the details section.

CEO Bob Iger aims to prioritise entertainment over political messaging, a strategy that has improved Disney’s reputation among conservatives.

The changes reflect broader corporate shifts in response to evolving political pressures, particularly under the Trump administration.

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LVMH media unit refrains from lawsuit against Musk-owned X, reports Reuters

General

Feb 11, 2025

LVMH-owned newspaper group Les Echos-Le Parisien has withdrawn from a planned lawsuit against Elon Musk’s X, despite initially supporting legal action with other French media over unpaid content usage. Le Monde and Le Figaro have proceeded with the case, which seeks compensation under EU copyright rules.

While LVMH has not commented on its decision, the move avoids conflict between Bernard Arnault and Musk, a key Trump ally. Les Echos-Le Parisien remains involved in a separate lawsuit against Microsoft’s LinkedIn.

LVMH continues to expand its media presence, recently acquiring Paris Match and supporting reduced bureaucracy in France.

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Vance Warns U.S. Allies to Keep AI Regulation Light, reports WSJ

General

Feb 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

At the Paris AI summit, U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged allies to adopt a light-touch regulatory approach to AI, warning that excessive regulation could hinder innovation. His stance contrasted with European leaders advocating for stricter AI governance and collaboration.

The EU announced a €20 billion AI investment programme, while France is leveraging nuclear power to develop AI infrastructure.

Vance criticised European regulations targeting U.S. tech firms and warned against Chinese AI influence. The summit ended without U.S. and UK support for a joint AI declaration, highlighting global divisions on AI policy and regulation.

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EU Sets Out $200 Billion AI Spending Plan in Bid to Catch Up With U.S. and China, reports WSJ

General

Feb 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

The European Union has pledged €200 billion to boost AI development and compete with the U.S. and China.

The InvestAI initiative includes a €20 billion fund for AI gigafactories, which will use advanced chips to train large-scale models. This follows a €150 billion private investment commitment from major firms. The EU aims to build gigafactories with 100,000 AI chips, quadrupling current facilities. Funding will come from existing EU programmes and member state contributions.

The move comes as the U.S. and China accelerate AI investments, with OpenAI and Beijing-backed initiatives making significant progress in the field.

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Fox Attracts Record-High 126 Million Viewers for the Super Bowl, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 11, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs set a record Super Bowl audience, drawing 126 million viewers across Fox, Tubi, and Telemundo. Despite the high viewership, the game lacked suspense, with the Eagles dominating early.

Jalen Hurts was named MVP, and rookie Cooper DeJean scored a touchdown on his birthday. The event featured Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show and celebrity appearances, including Taylor Swift.

Super Bowl ads reached record prices of $8 million for 30 seconds. Some viewers reported streaming issues on Tubi, though it had the shortest broadcast delay among streaming services.

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Thomson Reuters Wins First Major AI Copyright Case in the US, reports Wired

General

Feb 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Thomson Reuters has won the first major AI copyright case in the US against Ross Intelligence, which was found to have infringed Westlaw’s copyright.

Judge Stephanos Bibas ruled that fair use did not apply, as Ross aimed to create a competing legal research product. The ruling is a setback for AI companies relying on copyrighted material, with legal experts warning it could complicate future fair use defences.

Ross Intelligence shut down in 2021 due to litigation costs, while larger AI firms like OpenAI and Google continue facing similar lawsuits in multiple countries over AI training data usage.

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You May See Ads on Disney+ Live Programming, Even If You Have Ad-Free Tier, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 11, 2025

Disney+ has redefined its "ad-free" subscription, now allowing ads in live sports, 24/7 channels, and linear programming, even for premium subscribers. This shift aligns with competitors like Peacock and Paramount+, which show ads during live events.

The update, effective from March 24, 2025, applies across Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. While live content has traditionally included ad breaks, the vagueness of Disney+’s updated terms raises concerns about potential future ad placements in on-demand content.

As streaming platforms expand into live programming, the concept of an entirely ad-free experience is becoming increasingly uncertain for subscribers.

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YouTube Viewing on TV Now Surpasses Mobile, Desktop in U.S., reports Variety

General

Feb 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlighted the platform’s growing role in entertainment as it marks its 20th anniversary. He emphasised the rise of creators as “Hollywood startups”, with many building professional studios.

TV has overtaken mobile as the top device for YouTube viewing in the US, capturing 11.1% of streaming watch time. YouTube is expanding AI tools, podcast support, and advertising formats while integrating second-screen experiences. It also launched an AI-powered auto-dubbing feature for creators and partnered with CAA to combat AI-generated deepfakes.

Mohan sees AI and creator-led content shaping YouTube’s future across TV, sports, and cultural moments.

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Groundbreaking BBC research shows issues with over half the answers from Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants, reports BBC

General

Feb 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

A BBC study on AI assistants’ ability to report news found significant factual errors and misrepresentations. 51% of AI-generated responses had issues, with 19% introducing factual inaccuracies and 13% fabricating or altering quotes.

The research, testing ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Perplexity, revealed errors such as incorrect political leadership and misrepresentation of NHS advice on vaping.

BBC's Pete Archer stressed the need for accurate AI-generated information and called for stronger collaboration between AI firms and media. The BBC urges greater transparency in how AI processes news to ensure trustworthy reporting for audiences.

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Publicis Sports creates dedicated women’s sports unit, reports Digiday

General

Feb 11, 2025

Publicis Media has launched Women’s Sports Connect (WSC), a dedicated women’s sports investment unit within Publicis Sports, targeting a $1.28 billion market. WSC will focus on media, content, sponsorships, influencers, and events at both collegiate and professional levels. It has already partnered with Disney Advertising, Roku’s Women’s Sports Now, and NBCUniversal Local.

The initiative follows growing audience engagement in women’s sports, particularly basketball.

Publicis aims to simplify investment for brands, addressing market fragmentation rather than focusing on spending disparities. Brands that overlook women’s sports risk being left behind, says Disney Advertising’s Rita Ferro.

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Senator Pushes Zuckerberg on Perverse Abuse of Nudify Ads After 404 Media Report, reports 404 Media

General

Feb 11, 2025

Responsible Media

Senator Dick Durbin has written to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg demanding answers on Meta’s role in directing traffic to AI-generated nonconsensual nude image apps like Crushmate. A 404 Media report found that 90% of Crushmate’s traffic comes from Meta ads, despite violating its policies.

Durbin asked Meta to explain its advertising safeguards, enforcement strategies, and public education efforts on deepfake harms.

Investigations revealed that while Meta removes explicit content from regular posts, similar images remain in paid ads. Durbin warned that such AI misuse is fueling harassment, extortion, and abuse, especially among students, with devastating consequences.

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OpenAI Has Spoken to Government Officials About DeepSeek Probe, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI is investigating whether China’s DeepSeek used its data without authorisation to develop its AI model. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s global affairs chief, confirmed discussions with government officials but provided no details.

Microsoft first alerted OpenAI to DeepSeek-linked groups extracting large amounts of data. OpenAI suspects DeepSeek trained its models using OpenAI’s proprietary outputs, a method known as distillation. Critics argue OpenAI’s own data practices are similar, but Lehane defended its approach, comparing it to borrowing from a library, whereas unauthorised replication equates to stealing and rebranding a book for profit.

The inquiry remains ongoing.

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Microsoft Hit by French Antitrust Probe Over Rivals’ Bing Access, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2025

French antitrust regulators are investigating Microsoft over concerns it is degrading search results for smaller rivals using Bing’s technology. The probe focuses on whether Microsoft has abused its position in search-engine syndication by providing inferior results to competitors like DuckDuckGo and Qwant. If wrongdoing is found, Microsoft could face charges and a substantial fine.

The investigation is part of France’s broader crackdown on Big Tech, which has already targeted Google, Nvidia, and Apple.

Microsoft, which has largely avoided European antitrust scrutiny, is also under EU investigation over its bundling of Teams with Office 365.

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Meta Starts Eliminating Jobs in Shift to Find AI Talent, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2025

Meta has begun notifying employees of job cuts, aiming to lay off 5% of its workforce, or around 3,600 people, as part of a broader effort to optimise talent and compete in AI. Affected US employees were informed via email and offered severance packages, while international layoffs will follow. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the cuts will allow Meta to hire stronger talent.

This follows previous layoffs in 2022 and 2023.

Meta is heavily investing in AI across its platforms, with plans to spend hundreds of billions on infrastructure to stay ahead of competitors like OpenAI and DeepSeek.

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Elon Musk-Led Group Makes $97.4 Billion Bid for Control of OpenAI, reports WSJ

M&A

Feb 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk and a group of investors have offered $97.4 billion to acquire OpenAI’s nonprofit arm, escalating his legal and strategic battle with CEO Sam Altman. The bid, backed by xAI and major investors, could complicate OpenAI’s planned transition into a for-profit entity.

Altman swiftly rejected the offer, mocking Musk’s proposal. OpenAI is separately negotiating a $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, which could value the company at $300 billion.

Musk has accused OpenAI of betraying its nonprofit mission, while Altman insists the company is fairly compensating stakeholders in its transformation.

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Netflix readies pan-European rollout of its in-house ad tech amid pricing competition, reports Digiday

General

Feb 10, 2025

Netflix is expanding its programmatic advertising in Europe, integrating with Google and The Trade Desk. The move follows a successful rollout in the Americas as Netflix prioritises ad growth in 2025.

Advertisers in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the UK can now buy ad time, but age-based targeting and program-level ad placements remain limited to direct buys. Pricing pressures remain a challenge, with CPM rates still higher than Amazon’s offerings.

While Netflix’s ad revenue doubled in 2024, agencies expect further cost reductions and technical improvements to make its ad inventory more competitive in the CTV advertising market.

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Did Meta just launch a CDP with Signals Gateway, reports MarTech

General

Feb 10, 2025

Meta has introduced Signals Gateway, a first-party data solution that some industry experts, including the CDP Institute, consider a customer data platform (CDP). The launch comes amid CDP market consolidation, with acquisitions like Rokt buying mParticle.

Signals Gateway, developed over two years, helps businesses collect, process, and transmit data across platforms while maintaining privacy controls. It runs on AWS and Google Cloud, with Meta claiming it has no access to the data. However, concerns over trust and data privacy persist.

Analysts are comparing its functionality to Google Tag Manager (GTM) to assess its competitive positioning.

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ITV investors back M&A talks as rivals circle, reports FT

M&A

Feb 9, 2025

ITV is exploring a potential deal for its production arm, with investors supportive of management’s efforts to unlock value. Talks have been held with RedBird IMI, which acquired All3Media last year, raising the possibility of a £3 billion merger. Private equity firms CVC and Blackstone, as well as Banijay, are also interested. ITV’s largest shareholder, Liberty Global, supports management’s strategy.

While ITV Studios provides hit shows like Love Island, some investors believe separating the business could better reflect its value.

CEO Carolyn McCall may seek a defining legacy, but any deal must ensure ITV’s broadcasting future remains secure.

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Macron signals investments of 109 billion euros in French AI by private sector, reports Reuters

General

Feb 9, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

France will announce €109 billion in private sector investments in artificial intelligence during the Paris AI summit. This includes €20 billion from Canadian firm Brookfield, primarily for data centres, and up to €50 billion from the UAE, which will help fund a 1-gigawatt data centre.

The investments aim to boost AI infrastructure as Europe struggles to meet energy demands. The announcement follows the US plan to invest $500 billion in AI to maintain its lead over China.

President Emmanuel Macron sees these investments as crucial for France’s position in the global AI race.

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TikTok quietly disappears from smart TVs, reports Axios

General

Feb 8, 2025

Major streaming TV companies, including Samsung, LG, Vizio, Amazon, Google, and Apple, have removed TikTok from their smart TV platforms, complying with the U.S. ban that took effect on 19 January. While President Trump’s executive order delayed enforcement by 75 days, most corporations have followed the law. Google and Apple also removed the app from their mobile stores.

TikTok’s expansion into smart TVs aimed to grow its audience and ad revenue, but access is now limited to users who already have the app installed.

Cloud providers like Oracle and Akamai remain among the few firms resisting the ban.

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Elon Musk says he is not interested in buying TikTok, reports Reuters

M&A

Feb 8, 2025

Elon Musk has stated he has no interest in purchasing TikTok, despite speculation following US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that he could. Musk clarified that he rarely acquires companies and is unfamiliar with TikTok’s format. The US has been pressuring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US assets due to national security concerns.

While Apple and Google have not reinstated the app, TikTok is offering Android users downloads via its website.

Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok, now expresses support for it, crediting the platform for helping him gain young voters in the 2024 election.

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SEC Confirms Game Service Roblox Part of Active Investigation, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 7, 2025

Roblox Corp. is under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), though the subject of the probe remains unclear. The SEC confirmed the ongoing enforcement proceeding in response to a Freedom of Information Act request but declined to provide further details. Roblox has previously faced scrutiny over child safety concerns and allegations of inflating user metrics. The company has implemented safety measures, including restricting social chat for under-13s.

Roblox shares fell 11% after reporting slower-than-expected user growth, with 85.3 million active users at year-end.

The company has not commented on the SEC investigation.

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Pinterest Earnings For CY2024 Show +19.3% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +5329.2% YoY

+ 19% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 7, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Reuters reports:

Pinterest's shares surged 20% after forecasting higher-than-expected first-quarter revenue, driven by AI-powered ad tools like Performance+ that improve targeting and automation. CEO Bill Ready highlighted that advertisers now need 50% fewer inputs to create campaigns.

The company reported record Q4 revenue of $1.15 billion, supported by strong ad spending in retail, tech, and financial services. Pinterest expects Q1 revenue between $837 million and $852 million, surpassing analysts’ estimates. Monthly active users reached 553 million.

Analysts remain optimistic, with 27 brokerages raising price targets. Pinterest trades at a lower earnings multiple than Meta and Snap, making it an attractive investment.

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Amazon Earnings For CY2024 Show +11.0% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +94.7% YoY

+ 11% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 7, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

WSJ reports:

Amazon is significantly increasing its capital expenditure for 2025, projecting around $105 billion, a 35% rise from last year and exceeding analyst expectations. This follows a broader trend among Big Tech firms, with Alphabet planning $75 billion, Meta up to $65 billion, and Microsoft nearly $94 billion in AI-related spending. The surge comes despite concerns over cost-cutting breakthroughs by China’s DeepSeek.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy dismissed fears of reduced AI investment, highlighting strong demand for AWS.

However, Amazon’s shares fell over 4% in after-hours trading as its revenue and earnings forecast fell short of Wall Street estimates.

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French prosecutors probe Musk's X over alleged algorithmic bias, reports Reuters

General

Feb 7, 2025

Responsible Media

French prosecutors have launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X over alleged algorithmic bias. The probe follows a complaint from lawmaker Eric Bothorel, who claims X's algorithms may have distorted automated data processing. The Paris cybercrime unit is conducting initial technical checks.

The investigation comes ahead of a major AI summit in Paris and amid global concerns over X’s influence, particularly as Musk has supported right-wing parties. X has not responded to requests for comment.

The case highlights increasing scrutiny of major tech platforms and their potential role in political interference and misinformation.

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German civil activists win victory in election case against Musk's X, reports Reuters

General

Feb 7, 2025

A German court has ruled that Elon Musk’s social media platform X must provide researchers with data to track misinformation before Germany’s national election on 23 February.

The lawsuit, filed by civil rights groups GFF and Democracy Reporting International, argued that X is legally required to grant access to post reach, shares, and likes. The court stated that further delays would undermine election research and ordered X to cover legal costs.

The ruling comes amid concerns over misinformation, particularly after Musk endorsed the far-right AfD party. X has not responded to the ruling or requests for comment.

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Roblox Earnings For CY 2024 Show +28.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -18.8% YoY

+ 29% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 6, 2025

Gaming / Metaverse

CNBC reports:

Roblox shares dropped 11.1% after missing Wall Street’s expectations for bookings and daily active users.

The company reported fourth-quarter bookings of $1.36 billion, below the $1.37 billion forecast, while daily active users grew 19% to 85.3 million, missing estimates of 88.2 million. Roblox expects 2025 bookings between $5.20 billion and $5.30 billion. CEO David Baszucki highlighted investments in AI-driven discovery and safety. The stock, which peaked in November 2021, is now down 53% from its all-time high.

The decline reflects broader industry struggles, with Electronic Arts also cutting its forecast due to slowing game sales.

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Meta Tests Streamlined Advantage+ Campaign Setup, reports AdAge

General

Feb 6, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has updated its Advantage+ AI-powered ad suite, testing a streamlined campaign setup that integrates manual and AI-driven optimisation within the same ad set. Advertisers can toggle Advantage+ on or off and receive AI-generated recommendations while maintaining control over their campaigns.

The company also introduced Advantage+ leads campaigns, aimed at improving lead quality, with test campaigns seeing lower costs per lead. Additionally, Advantage+ shopping campaigns have been renamed Advantage+ sales campaigns, and the Opportunity Score tool is expanding.

Meta’s AI-powered ad offerings grew 70% year-over-year, with an 8% improvement in ad quality since launching its Andromeda retrieval engine.

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Roblox Earnings For CY 2024 Show +28.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -18.8% YoY

+ 29% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 6, 2025

Gaming / Metaverse

Reuters reports:

Roblox forecast 2025 bookings between $5.20 billion and $5.30 billion, slightly below analyst estimates, causing its shares to drop 17%. Despite concerns about slowing growth, the company still expects 20% annual growth, outpacing the broader gaming market, which grew 2.1% in 2024. Daily active users declined to 85.3 million in Q4, partly due to tough year-over-year comparisons and a suspension in Turkey over safety concerns.

Analysts remain divided, with some calling the stock reaction overblown.

Roblox continues to expand into new genres, ads, and e-commerce to drive long-term growth.

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Dentsu Taps WPP Vet Kaminkow As NA CEO, Succeeds Komasinski, reports MediaPost

General

Feb 6, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Dentsu has appointed Beth Ann Kaminkow as CEO of Dentsu North America, effective 16 June.

She replaces Michael Komasinski, who left in January to become CEO of Criteo.

Kaminkow was previously Global Chief Commerce Officer and CEO NY at VML, where she helped expand the agency’s Commerce Practice and Enterprise Solutions. She has also served as Global CEO of VMLY&R Commerce/Geometry, Global CMO of Westfield Corp, CEO of Kantar Consulting, and was the first female CEO at TracyLocke.

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YouTube Is Buying TikTok Ads to Lure Creators Before US Ban, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 6, 2025

Influencer Marketing

YouTube is running ads on TikTok to attract creators to its platform, capitalising on TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S. The ads encourage users to join YouTube and monetise their content.mYouTube joins Instagram and X in targeting TikTok creators ahead of a potential U.S. ban in April.

Meanwhile, Google stands to benefit from TikTok’s removal, as both YouTube and YouTube Shorts could gain traffic. Google has already blocked TikTok from its Play Store, and Beijing has responded with an antitrust investigation into Google.

MrBeast is reportedly exploring investment opportunities in TikTok’s U.S. operations, despite ByteDance denying any sale plans.

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Amazon’s advertising acceleration drive includes a partnership program to reduce operational costs, reports Digiday

General

Feb 6, 2025

Amazon is expanding its ad tech capabilities, integrating third-party partners into a beta program for its Dynamic Traffic Engine.

This tool helps Amazon’s demand-side platform (DSP) optimise inventory management by signalling supply needs in real-time, reducing wasted bid requests and lowering operational costs for supply-side platforms (SSPs). Partners include Index Exchange, TripleLift, and Yieldmo.

The initiative is part of Amazon’s Performance+ program, aimed at attracting non-endemic advertisers. Amazon’s DSP is gaining traction, with two-thirds of advertisers now using it, driven by the rise of retail media and advanced measurement tools, challenging Google and The Trade Desk.

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White House says it will cancel $8 million in Politico subscriptions after a false right-wing conspiracy theory spreads, reports CNN

General

Feb 5, 2025

News Publishing

The White House announced it will cancel $8 million worth of Politico subscriptions, following a right-wing conspiracy theory falsely claiming Politico and the Associated Press received USAID funding. In reality, the payments covered federal agencies’ subscriptions to Politico Pro.

The false claim, spread by conservative commentator Kyle Becker, gained traction among far-right media figures and was amplified by Elon Musk, who called it a “waste of taxpayer money.” Politico and AP denied receiving government subsidies, stating that agencies, like corporations, purchase premium subscriptions for news access.

This mirrors Trump’s 2019 push to end federal subscriptions to major newspapers.

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Criteo Earnings For CY 2024 Show -0.8% YoY Revenue Decline, Net Income Up By +109.9% YoY

-1% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 5, 2025

Digiday reports:

Criteo’s earnings call marked the transition from outgoing CEO Megan Clarken to Michael Komasinski, highlighting a shift from ad retargeting to retail media.

Clarken stated Criteo no longer relies on third-party cookies, with retargeting now 40% of its business, down from 2020. Retail media grew 25% year-on-year, while performance media saw mixed results.

Criteo faces competition from Amazon’s expanding ad business but has a key partnership with Microsoft Advertising. Speculation continues over a potential acquisition by Microsoft, as Criteo navigates the uncertain cookieless future and deepens ties with agency holding groups.

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A Third Of Advertisers Struggle With Retail Media ROI, reports MediaPost

General

Feb 5, 2025

Skai’s State of Retail Media 2025 report, developed with the Path to Purchase Institute, highlights key industry trends, including AI adoption, social commerce, and the demand for incrementality measurement.

While 92% of advertisers prioritise retail media, 32% struggle with proving ROI, and many face challenges integrating offsite media. Omnichannel integration remains a goal, but technological and measurement limitations persist. Social commerce and connected TV (CTV) are expected to reshape retail media, with platforms like Amazon and Walmart embedding shopping functions.

Retail media networks that fail to deliver actionable insights risk losing advertiser confidence, according to the report.

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German activists sue X demanding election influence data, reports Reuters

General

Feb 5, 2025

Two activist groups, Society for Civil Rights (GFF) and Democracy Reporting International (DRI), have sued Elon Musk’s X in a Berlin court, accusing it of violating the EU’s Digital Services Act by refusing to provide data on post reach, likes, and shares. The lawsuit comes ahead of Germany’s 23 February election, amid concerns over disinformation campaigns.

Other platforms have granted access, but X has restricted researchers' data access since Musk’s takeover.

The urgency is heightened by Musk’s recent endorsement of the far-right AfD party, raising concerns about X’s role in influencing democratic elections.

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Google Kills Diversity Hiring Targets, reports WSJ

General

Feb 5, 2025

Diversity & Inclusion

Google is ending its diversity hiring targets and reviewing DEI programmes, aligning with other tech giants scaling back DEI initiatives. The company will no longer set aspirational workforce representation goals, first introduced in 2020. It is also evaluating DEI-related grants, training, and annual diversity reports, citing legal and policy changes under President Trump.

Meta and Amazon have made similar moves, while Apple faces shareholder pressure to end DEI efforts.

Despite these changes, Google says it remains committed to fair hiring and employee resource groups, while continuing office expansions in diverse cities but without specific diversity goals.

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Google introduces new class of cheap AI models as cost concerns intensify, reports Reuters

General

Feb 5, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has updated its Gemini AI models, introducing Flash-Lite, a lower-cost alternative to compete with DeepSeek. It also released Gemini 2.0 Flash to the public and began testing a new Pro version. Flash-Lite is priced at $0.019 per million tokens, cheaper than OpenAI’s model but slightly higher than DeepSeek’s.

Investor concerns over rising AI development costs have impacted Alphabet’s stock, especially after announcing a 29% higher-than-expected capital expenditure increase.

Despite DeepSeek’s low-cost AI training, major players like Google, Microsoft, and Meta continue heavy investment in AI.

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Banks Sell $5.5 Billion of X Loans After Investor Interest Surges, reports WSJ

General

Feb 5, 2025

Investment Rounds

Elon Musk’s X Corp. secured $5.5 billion in debt financing, exceeding expectations as investors bet on Musk’s influence and X’s improving finances. The company’s 2024 revenue was $2.7 billion, with $1.25 billion in adjusted earnings, buoyed by financial transfers from Musk’s AI firm, xAI, in which X holds a 10% stake.

Advertisers, including Amazon, are returning, boosting confidence in X’s turnaround. Banks, which financed Musk’s 2022 buyout, offloaded risky loans, but $6 billion in debt remains.

Despite progress, X faces high interest costs exceeding $1 billion annually, leaving limited funds for future investment.

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EU pushes ahead with enforcing AI Act despite Donald Trump warnings, reports FT

General

Feb 5, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

The EU has issued new guidance on its AI Act, clarifying banned uses such as internet scraping for facial recognition and detailing compliance expectations. The AI Act, passed in 2023, aims to regulate high-risk AI systems while balancing innovation.

Trump has criticised EU regulations, threatening action against US tech companies, as Brussels reassesses probes into Apple, Meta, and Google. Despite pressure, the EU insists the law will not change but may be applied flexibly.

Big Tech opposes transparency requirements, while negotiations on AI governance continue, with a code of practice for general-purpose AI models expected by April.

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China Weighs Probe Into Apple’s App Store Fees and Practices, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 5, 2025

China’s antitrust regulator is examining Apple’s App Store policies and fees, including its 30% commission on in-app purchases and restrictions on third-party payments and app stores.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has been in discussions with Apple and developers like Tencent and ByteDance, with a formal probe possible if Apple resists changes. The review comes amid escalating US-China trade tensions, with Trump imposing tariffs and China retaliating.

Apple, already facing competition from Huawei and declining Chinese revenue, risks further regulatory pressure as Beijing increases scrutiny on foreign and domestic tech giants like Google and Nvidia.

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Trump wants a TikTok deal. China may pull the plug, reports The Washington Post

General

Feb 5, 2025

Negotiations for TikTok’s U.S. sale are stalling as China delays approval, potentially letting the app shut down rather than agreeing to a deal. Beijing seeks broader concessions on trade and tech policy from the Trump administration.

While Trump pushes for a sale, potential buyers include Elon Musk, Microsoft, and Kevin O’Leary. However, ByteDance has little incentive to sell, as losing TikTok’s U.S. market would not severely impact its global business.

Regulatory hurdles in both countries could block a deal, and China may use export controls to prevent TikTok’s algorithm from being sold to a U.S. company.

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Alphabet Earnings For CY2024 Show +13.9% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +35.7% YoY

+ 14% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 4, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

FT reports:

Alphabet's fourth-quarter revenue rose 12% to $96.5bn, but missed analyst estimates, with net income up 28% to $26.5bn.

Google Cloud revenue grew 30% to nearly $12bn, slowing from 35% in the previous quarter and falling short of forecasts. The company’s capital expenditure surged to $14.3bn due to AI infrastructure investments, with plans to spend $75bn in 2025. Alphabet shares dropped over 6% in after-hours trading.

Rivals Microsoft and Meta also reported high AI-related spending, with Microsoft investing $22.6bn and Meta pledging to continue heavy investment in AI research and infrastructure.

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