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

General

Jun 19, 2025

Advertising To Children

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 19, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 19, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 19, 2025

Influencer Marketing

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

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

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

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

M&A

Jun 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

Leadership Transitions

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

M&A

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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Havas introduces Vermeer AI video tool, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

M&A

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

Influencer Marketing

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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Disney adds Amazon to its DRAX partnership roster, reports Digiday

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

General

Jun 17, 2025

News Publishing

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

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

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

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Ad Net Zero updates sustainability framework for emissions calculations, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 16, 2025

Carbon Emissions

Ad Net Zero has updated its Global Media Sustainability Framework to improve greenhouse gas emissions calculation and supply chain reporting across six media channels.

The new version includes operational digital data guidance, as well as completed measurement formulae for audio, print and cinema. It aims to provide a standardised approach to emissions estimates for advertisers, agencies and media owners.

The framework aligns with international standards like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and supports regulatory compliance. Ad Net Zero will offer training and resources to encourage adoption, with further updates planned by the end of 2025 to cover remaining channels and corporate overhead emissions.

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Instagram users complain of mass bans, pointing finger at AI, reports TechCrunch

General

Jun 16, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Instagram users have reported a surge in accounts wrongly banned or suspended, with many suspecting AI automation errors.

Frustrated users say appeals to Meta often go unanswered, leaving them unable to restore accounts critical for personal and business use. A Change.org petition and threats of legal action have emerged.

Meta has not publicly addressed the issue, fuelling speculation and concern. Some users say they were wrongly accused of severe offences, damaging reputations. The situation echoes a similar mass ban incident at Pinterest earlier this year, which the company blamed on an internal error, not AI moderation.

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Linda Yaccarino slams report alleging X threatened advertisers, reports Axios

General

Jun 16, 2025

X CEO Linda Yaccarino denied claims from a Wall Street Journal report that the platform threatened advertisers to force ad spending.

Speaking at Cannes, she criticised the article as “salacious clickbait” and defended X’s growth and AI developments, saying the facts were “painfully absent”.

The Wall Street Journal stood by its reporting, citing reliable sources. X has sued brands over alleged ad boycotts and is also pursuing Media Matters for defamation. Yaccarino added that Elon Musk remains involved with X, despite speculation about how he balances his time across his companies.

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Apple Risks Fresh EU Charge Sheet Over App Store Curbs, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 16, 2025

Apple faces a potential new EU charge sheet if it fails to address alleged breaches of the Digital Markets Act by 26 June.

Officials may issue an ultimatum requiring Apple to let developers inform customers of cheaper deals outside the App Store, with possible fines of up to 5% of daily global revenue for non-compliance.

Apple claims shifting regulatory demands make compliance impossible, while the EU says it has ample powers to act. The company has already faced major fines for competition breaches, including €500 million in April and €1.8 billion last year for limiting music-streaming rivals.

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Dutch court confirms Apple abused dominant position in dating apps, reports Reuters

General

Jun 16, 2025

A Dutch court has upheld a 2021 ruling by the country’s consumer watchdog that found Apple abused its market dominance.

The court agreed Apple imposed unfair conditions on dating app providers, including requiring use of its payment system and restricting external payment links.

Apple, which faces a €50 million fine for non-compliance, plans to appeal, arguing the ruling harms its technology, privacy, and security measures.

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OpenAI and Microsoft Tensions Are Reaching a Boiling Point, reports WSJ

General

Jun 16, 2025

Tensions are rising between OpenAI and Microsoft over their AI partnership. OpenAI seeks to loosen Microsoft’s control over its AI products, gain approval for its for-profit conversion, and raise funds or go public. Talks have been difficult, with OpenAI even considering accusing Microsoft of anticompetitive behaviour.

Disputes include Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s intellectual property, especially regarding Windsurf, and disagreements over ownership stakes if OpenAI converts to a public-benefit corporation.

Both companies continue to negotiate amid regulatory scrutiny and competing AI ambitions. Their partnership’s future could significantly impact the broader AI landscape and competition in the sector.

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Warner Bros. Bondholders Approve Company’s Split, reports WSJ

General

Jun 16, 2025

Warner Bros. Discovery has secured creditor backing for a debt deal supporting its plan to split into two public companies. The move will separate its HBO Max streaming service, movie studio and TV production business from its cable networks.

This split will largely reverse the 2022 merger of Warner Media and Discovery Communications. Warner Bros. has arranged a $17.5 billion bridge loan from JPMorgan Chase to help repurchase part of its debt.

Additionally, bondholders have agreed to specific restrictions in their debt covenants, enabling the company to proceed with its restructuring efforts.

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Roku Names James Kelm VP of Product, Advertising and Media, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 16, 2025

Leadership Transitions

James Kelm has been appointed Roku’s vice president of product, advertising, and media. He joins from Nextdoor, where he was chief product officer, and previously held a senior product role at Twitter.

In his new role, Kelm will focus on ad tech innovation, audience targeting, measurement, and evolving streaming ad formats to boost engagement and revenue. Roku highlighted his proven track record in adtech.

Kelm praised Roku’s integrated ecosystem, citing its ability to deliver scalable, measurable advertising experiences. He will work from Roku’s San Jose office, aiming to strengthen its media business and long-term strategy.

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WhatsApp Introduces Ads in Its App, reports NYT

General

Jun 16, 2025

WhatsApp will introduce ads for the first time, appearing in the Updates section, not in chats or personal messages. The ads will use limited data, like location and device language, but messages will stay encrypted.

Meta sees this as a new revenue stream while promising privacy protections. WhatsApp also announced paid subscriptions for creators and channel promotions. These moves align with Meta’s broader efforts to monetise its apps.

Analysts say challenges remain due to WhatsApp’s privacy focus, though the advertising potential is significant. Users can opt to link WhatsApp with other Meta apps for broader ad targeting.

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Reddit releases new community intelligence ad tools, reports Axios

General

Jun 16, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Reddit has unveiled two new ad tools, Reddit Insights and Conversation Summary Add-on, to help brands analyse and showcase platform conversations. These tools aim to highlight Reddit’s strength as a hub for authentic, human dialogue amidst growing AI-generated content online.

Reddit Insights provides marketers with social listening capabilities, offering conversation summaries, links to posts and top subreddits. The Conversation Summary Add-on enables brands to display positive user sentiment beneath their ads.

Reddit sees community marketing as key to growth, with plans for more AI-powered tools that connect brands to genuine discussions while supporting its expanding ad business.

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Meta appoints Arun Srinivas as India head, report Reuters

General

Jun 16, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Meta has appointed Arun Srinivas as managing director and head of its India operations, effective 1 July. Srinivas currently leads Meta’s ads business in India and will step into the new role during a sensitive time for the company in the country.

The appointment follows tensions between Meta and Indian authorities over alleged anti-competitive practices. In November, Meta was fined and faced restrictions on data sharing between WhatsApp and its other apps for advertising.

Meta contested the ruling and secured temporary relief when an Indian tribunal paused the five-year data sharing ban earlier this year, easing immediate business concerns.

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Advertisers Can Soon Target CVS Shoppers on Reddit, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 16, 2025

CVS and Reddit have partnered to combine data from CVS’s 90 million loyalty members with Reddit’s 108 million daily users. The collaboration, announced at Cannes Lions, uses a data clean room to help advertisers target CVS shoppers on Reddit.

Brands will be able to build custom audience segments based on subreddit activity and CVS purchases. Advertisers can track whether Reddit users who saw ads went on to buy at CVS online or in-store.

The partnership aims to link Reddit’s engaged users with CVS’s retail reach, offering a new path-to-purchase experience. A beta launch is planned for Q4 2025.

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PayPal Debuts Shoppable Ads for Publisher Sites , reports AdWeek

General

Jun 16, 2025

PayPal is launching Storefront Ads, enabling consumers to shop directly within ads on publisher sites without leaving the page. The format uses PayPal’s transaction data and payment tools to offer a seamless “Buy Now” experience.

The ads aim to help merchants extend reach and compete with AI-driven agentic commerce and embedded platforms like TikTok Shop. Partners include Business Insider, Vox Media, and Horizon Media.

Launching in the US this summer, Storefront Ads will start as IAB-standard units, later expanding to include carousels and sponsored listings, as PayPal scales its ad business across the open web and programmatic platforms.

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Amazon Advertisers Can Now Measure How Livestreamed Broadcasts Drive Sales , reports AdWeek

General

Jun 16, 2025

Amazon has introduced new insights for advertisers using its live shopping platform. Brands can now access Amazon Live signals in Amazon Marketing Cloud, including impressions, views, and clicks from livestreams. This allows marketers to analyse how creator-led content influences campaigns and build lookalike audiences for retargeting after streams.

The data, available in a limited US beta, supports Amazon’s creator-driven commerce push. Early tests, like those by GE Appliances, showed viewers of Amazon Live had significantly higher engagement and purchase rates than those exposed to standard ads. An open beta is planned for later this summer.

The update reflects Amazon’s broader aim to integrate diverse data streams, helping advertisers measure and optimise creator partnerships.

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TikTok Extends Gen AI Tools to WPP Open, Adobe Express, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 16, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

TikTok has launched new generative AI tools as part of its Symphony suite to automate creative production. These include image-to-video and text-to-video features, enabling marketers to easily create branded clips from images or short prompts. The tools aim to help brands test creative variations and scale content efficiently.

The AI offerings extend beyond TikTok, with integrations into Adobe Express and WPP Open. This allows marketers access to automated creative features through familiar platforms. Notably, content produced via Symphony will be clearly labelled as AI-generated and undergo safety reviews to ensure appropriate use of imagery and prompts.

TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, as it faces a deadline for divestiture or ban amid political scrutiny.

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Roku And Amazon’s New Deal Will Target 80% Of US CTV-Watching Households, reports AdExchanger

General

Jun 16, 2025

Roku and Amazon have announced a partnership aiming to create the largest authenticated TV footprint in the US. With both platforms requiring logged-in users, advertisers will benefit from enhanced targeting and measurement through first-party data, covering around 80% of US CTV households.

Initial tests show promising results, including a threefold improvement in return on ad spend, 42% more unique reach at the same budget, and a 27% frequency reduction. The goal is to deliver better performance for marketers, improved targeting for publishers, and a smoother ad experience for viewers.

The collaboration builds on Roku’s ongoing expansion with third-party DSPs, enriching programmatic offerings.

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Omnicom strikes partnerships at Cannes Lions with Disney and Walmart around harnessing live, reports Digiday

General

Jun 16, 2025

Omnicom has announced partnerships with Disney and Walmart at Cannes Lions, focusing on the power of live content. The Disney collaboration aims to help brands use programmatic tools to engage audiences during key live sports moments, leveraging real-time signals for greater personalisation and impact.

The Walmart partnership focuses on influencer marketing tied to purchase data. Omnicom will match Walmart’s audience data with influencer followers to identify creators who drive sales, beginning with TikTok. This approach seeks to blend influencer reach with retail media precision.

Both partnerships highlight Omnicom’s ambition to connect live content, influencers and commerce, maximising engagement and conversions.

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Magna revises adspend forecast downwards, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 15, 2025

Magna has downgraded its 2025 global ad forecast, now predicting 4.9% growth to $979bn, down from 6.1% growth previously. The UK outlook was also cut to 6% from 8.4% due to economic uncertainty and weaker advertiser sentiment.

Incoming restrictions on less healthy food advertising could reduce future TV and digital spend. Digital players are expected to see 8% growth, while traditional media is forecast to decline by 3%.

Magna anticipates a rebound in 2026, with growth of 6.3% driven by major events like the Winter Olympics, Fifa World Cup and US midterm elections.

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Influencer Marketing Gains Ground as Global Ad Budgets Tighten, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 14, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is booming as brands shift ad budgets from traditional channels to creators. Companies like Unilever and Coach are investing heavily, finding influencers more effective and authentic, especially for reaching Gen Z.

Spending on influencer marketing is projected to hit $33 billion in 2025, with content creators topping social media budgets. Publicis and other groups are acquiring influencer agencies to stay competitive as social commerce gains traction.

While influencer campaigns offer flexibility and direct consumer connection, risks remain if partnerships go wrong. AI-generated influencers may offer safer, more controlled alternatives, but human creators still dominate this rapidly expanding sector.

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Google AI Mode finally rolling out to all users in the U.S., reports Search Engine Land

General

Jun 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has started rolling out AI Mode to all US users, following its announcement at I/O three weeks ago. AI Mode now appears for longer queries, even when users are signed out or in incognito mode.

AI Mode introduces a dedicated tab in Search for AI-driven answers, offering deeper exploration and comparisons. It uses a query fan-out method to gather information across subtopics, delivering broader and more detailed results.

AI Mode supports text, voice, and image searches, plus conversational follow-ups. Google will include AI Mode data in Search Console reports, marking a major shift for search marketing and the future of Google Search.

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Stagwell rolls out PMP to support Future of News initiative, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 13, 2025

News Publishing

Stagwell has launched the Stagwell News Network, a private marketplace giving advertisers direct access to eight premium news publishers, including the Associated Press, Time, and The Washington Post.

The move supports Stagwell’s goal to increase news media adspend by 22% this year, as publishers face declining traffic due to AI-driven search changes.

New HarrisX research shows campaigns that include news perform better, particularly among “news junkies” and “exclusive news junkies,” who display higher brand trust and purchase intent. Stagwell argues these audiences offer untapped value, with exclusive news followers growing steadily in the U.S. over the past year.

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Meta Finalizes $14.3 Billion Scale Investment, Hires Its CEO, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI, taking a 49% stake as part of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing its AI capabilities. Scale’s CEO, Alexandr Wang, will join Meta’s superintelligence unit while remaining on Scale’s board.

The deal values Scale at over $29 billion and is seen as a move for Meta to compete with rivals like Google and OpenAI. Meta aims to strengthen its AI development while avoiding regulatory hurdles linked to acquisitions.

Scale will continue operating independently, offering data services and AI solutions to companies and governments, with Jason Droege named interim CEO.

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OpenAI to Continue Working With Scale After Meta Deal, CFO Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has confirmed it will continue working with Scale AI despite Meta acquiring a 49% stake in the startup, valued at over $29 billion. OpenAI’s CFO Sarah Friar said blocking partnerships after such deals would slow innovation.

Speaking at VivaTech in Paris, Friar emphasised the importance of maintaining a broad data ecosystem to advance AI development.

Scale AI provides data services and builds custom AI tools for businesses and governments. Meta’s investment means Scale’s CEO will join Meta’s AI team, but OpenAI aims to keep collaborations open across the industry to avoid harming progress.

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Google, Scale AI's largest customer, plans split after Meta deal, sources say, reports Reuters

M&A

Jun 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google plans to end its partnership with Scale AI after Meta acquired a 49% stake in the company, fearing exposure of its AI strategies. Google, which had intended to spend $200 million on Scale this year, is now seeking alternative data-labeling providers.

The move reflects broader concerns among AI firms about sharing sensitive data with a company linked to a key rival. Other clients like Microsoft and xAI are also pulling back.

Scale’s competitors, such as Labelbox and Handshake, are seizing the opportunity, with demand surging as firms prioritise neutrality and data security in their AI development operations.

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Google comes out on top as years-long Mexico antitrust case closed, reports Reuters

General

Jun 13, 2025

Mexico’s antitrust authority has closed its case against Google, finding no monopolistic practices after a four-year investigation. The probe focused on Google’s digital advertising services on its search page and third-party websites.

Cofece determined Google did not force advertisers to buy ads on third-party sites to advertise on its search engine. Google welcomed the decision, highlighting the flexibility its tools offer advertisers.

While cleared in Mexico, Google continues to face antitrust challenges globally, including in the US, where courts have ruled the company unlawfully dominates online search and advertising, raising calls for structural changes to its ad technology operations.

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The CMA Wants To Wash Its Hands Of The Privacy Sandbox, reports AdExchanger

General

Jun 13, 2025

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun the process of releasing Google from its Privacy Sandbox commitments, following Google’s decision to no longer deprecate third-party cookies in Chrome. The CMA concluded that its protections are no longer necessary, as concerns about unfair competitive advantage have been nullified.

Since 2021, the CMA had scrutinised the Privacy Sandbox for potential anti-competitive risks and secured commitments from Google to ensure fair development. These included transparency, progress reports, and third-party input.

The CMA is now consulting stakeholders until 4 July before finalising its decision, but may act again if future competition issues arise.

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Gen Z shoppers are loving Google right now. That could be bad news for Amazon, reports Insider

General

Jun 13, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

New data from Morgan Stanley reveals Google is gaining market share from Amazon among Gen Z shoppers. The shift is seen both when users start researching products and when they already know what they want to buy, with Google's share rising from 21% to 30% since September 2024.

Amazon's share dropped from 41% to 34% in the same period, as Google benefits from its generative AI tools, such as AI Overviews and Google Lens. These features appear to appeal strongly to younger users, increasing engagement and shopping-related searches.

While ChatGPT adoption grows, Google’s AI tools seem to be keeping competitors at bay for now.

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Dentsu Announces A Strategic Integration With Criteo To Incorporate Retail Audience Data, reports AdExchanger

General

Jun 13, 2025

Dentsu has named Criteo its default data partner for all retail media buys, integrating Criteo’s commerce audience data into its Dentsu Connect platform. This enables campaign planning using SKU-level insights across retailers, even for brands not directly working with Criteo.

The partnership reflects Dentsu’s strategy to align with open, interoperable vendors that support end-to-end commerce ecosystems. Criteo’s independence and broad retail reach make it a strong fit for Dentsu’s algorithmic media approach.

Criteo’s willingness to collaborate on technical challenges and its leadership connection with former Dentsu executive Michael Komasinski further solidified the strategic alignment between the two companies.

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UN special rapporteur recommends criminalising ad industry for role in climate disinformation, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 12, 2025

A UN special rapporteur has recommended states criminalise media and advertising companies that amplify fossil fuel disinformation and ban fossil fuel advertising, promotion and sponsorship. The report highlights the industry’s tactics of deception and calls for “defossilising” information systems.

Advertising companies and tech platforms are urged to reject fossil fuel promotions, disclose related funding, and support public awareness of fossil-free lifestyles. They should also back independent media offering accurate climate information.

The move follows similar calls by UN leaders and comes ahead of key climate talks in Bonn, where information integrity will be a major focus for Cop30 discussions.

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Warner Bros. Bondholders to Face Limits on Cooperation Pacts in Company’s Split, reports WSJ

General

Jun 12, 2025

Investment Rounds

Warner Bros. Discovery is set to restrict creditors from forming cooperation groups as part of a debt deal linked to its planned corporate split. The move, opposed by some bondholders, aims to block agreements where creditors pledge not to extend new financing without group consensus.

The non-boycott covenant, expected to take effect soon, would be one of the first of its kind in a corporate bond deal. While it limits group financing pacts, it may still permit cooperation on matters like loan amendments.

Experts warn the provision could harm bondholders, while cautioning against letting such aggressive terms become market norms.

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Amazon asks court to scrap EU tech label, arguing it poses no systemic risks, reports Reuters

General

Jun 12, 2025

Responsible Media

Amazon has asked Europe’s General Court to overturn its classification as a very large online platform (VLOP) under the EU’s Digital Services Act. The company argues that it poses no systemic risks to users and that the rules are not suitable for online marketplaces.

VLOP status imposes stricter obligations, including tackling illegal content, managing risks, and sharing data with authorities. Amazon claims these measures are disproportionate and ineffective for marketplaces.

Amazon maintains existing product safety laws already address any issues and says the designation is arbitrary. A court ruling is expected in the coming months amid other tech firms’ challenges.

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Digital Media M&A Slows, but Signs Point to a Late-Year Rebound , reports AdWeek

M&A

Jun 12, 2025

Digital media M&A slowed in early 2025 due to market volatility and high interest rates. Deal volumes fell 15% in the US and 33% in Europe, with buyers cautious despite pressure to consolidate fragmented sectors.

Most completed deals involved low cash and performance-based terms, with buyers targeting resilient, vertically focused firms in health, sports and commerce. Major roll-ups were absent, as firms refined portfolios and offloaded smaller, low-margin brands.

AI’s impact on valuations added complexity, with buyers seeking assets strengthened by automation. Experts remain hopeful for a rebound in dealmaking later this year if economic conditions stabilise.

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IAB Updates Centers of Excellence and Expands Leadership Team to Accelerate Industry Innovation

General

Jun 12, 2025

Leadership Transitions

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has strengthened its Centres of Excellence, appointing Cintia Gabilan as Senior Vice President to oversee key centres and AI initiatives. This move aims to help members drive innovation across AI, commerce media, streaming video, and measurement.

New leaders include Collin Colburn, focusing on commerce media standards, and Jamie Finstein, leading video, audio, and DOOH innovation. Caroline Giegerich will guide AI standards and best practices, ensuring responsible adoption across digital advertising.

The IAB also promoted Angelina Eng to coordinate operations across Centres of Excellence, while expanding roles for Zoe Soon and Matthew Renne to support creator economy and professional development.

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The Meta AI app is a privacy disaster, reports TechCrunch

General

Jun 12, 2025

Meta’s new AI app lets users share chats, audio and images publicly, but many appear unaware they are doing so. Sensitive data, including legal concerns and personal information, has surfaced without clear privacy warnings or indicators.

The sharing function, tied to public Instagram accounts, creates a serious privacy risk. Critics say Meta failed to anticipate the consequences, echoing past missteps like AOL’s search data leak in 2006.

Despite limited downloads since launch, the app has drawn attention through viral, often inappropriate posts. The lack of privacy clarity raises concerns about Meta’s judgement in blending AI tools with public social sharing.

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Senators Propose Ban on Drug Advertising to Consumers, reports WSJ

General

Jun 12, 2025

Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King have proposed a bill to ban direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising across all media, including TV, print, digital and social platforms. The aim is to reduce consumer exposure to what they describe as misleading pharmaceutical promotions.

The move follows broader political pressure, including from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to limit drug ads' influence on public health decisions and media coverage. Similar proposals from other lawmakers include removing tax deductions for such advertising.

A ban would significantly impact the U.S. advertising industry, where pharmaceutical brands remain among the biggest media spenders, especially on television.

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Marriott International Introduces MARRIOTT MEDIA, a New Media Network Shaped for the Traveler

General

Jun 12, 2025

Marriott Media is a new media network centred on the traveller, using first-party data from Marriott Bonvoy’s 237 million members to deliver targeted, relevant content across digital and physical touchpoints throughout the travel journey.

The platform enables brands to engage guests with personalised messaging via Marriott channels, in-room experiences, and post-stay reengagement, supported by robust measurement and responsible data use. Initial brand partners include Visa, Uber, and Starbucks.

With global expansion plans, Marriott Media promises localised, culturally aware campaigns, offering marketers access to high-value travellers and positioning hospitality media as a powerful, integrated advertising channel.

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Kickstarter-funded films are coming to Tubi, reports The Verge

General

Jun 12, 2025

Tubi is partnering with Kickstarter to stream over 20 crowdfunded indie films exclusively from this autumn. The platform will also invest in Kickstarter’s FilmStream Collective Fund to support emerging filmmakers and will back 10 specific projects, each debuting exclusively on Tubi for three months.

The partnership aims to boost visibility for independent creators, with both companies highlighting a shared mission to remove barriers for new talent. Tubi sees itself as a platform for the next generation of Hollywood creatives.

This move builds on Tubi’s previous Stubios programme and reflects its growing commitment to original content and creator-driven storytelling.

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Tech Giants’ New AI Ad Tools Threaten Big Agencies, reports WSJ

General

Jun 12, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Agency holding companies face mounting pressure as tech firms like Meta, Google, and Amazon develop AI tools to automate ad creation and placement. This shift threatens the traditional agency model, which relies on billing by time and labour-intensive creative services.

Meta’s AI plans triggered a temporary drop in agency share prices, highlighting investor concerns. Smaller brands may embrace automation first, but major advertisers still value strategic input and brand consistency. Agencies will need to adapt quickly to remain relevant.

While Meta has reassured agencies of their continued role, analysts believe consolidation and downsizing are likely as AI accelerates service commoditisation.

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The Trade Desk Introduces A Native App On Snowflake For Retail Conversion Data, reports AdExchanger

General

Jun 12, 2025

The Trade Desk has launched the Connector App on Snowflake, enabling brands to connect live sales and campaign data without relying on data engineering teams. The app allows ad and agency teams to work directly with data that remains securely in Snowflake.

A key feature is SKU-level insight, letting advertisers track conversions in granular detail, such as specific product preferences. This enhances retail media targeting and aligns with growing demand for detailed performance metrics.

Unlike previous onboarding tools, this native integration enables real-time feedback on campaign performance. It marks a strategic shift, expanding Snowflake’s role in retail media and advertising.

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Some WPP clients see a risk in Mark Read’s exit, others see a reset, reports Digiday

General

Jun 12, 2025

Leadership Transitions

A WPP client reconsidered its planned departure following Mark Read’s exit, seeing potential for overdue change. While frustrations remain over slow integration and outdated systems, the leadership shift offers hope for renewed urgency and accountability.

Some marketers now view the shake-up as an opportunity to test WPP’s commitment to faster, more responsive service. Others, however, see it as further instability in an already struggling agency holding company.

WPP’s future depends on whether new leadership can deliver results quickly. For clients, it’s no longer about promises—it’s about proving value fast enough to justify staying through the company’s next chapter.

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Pinterest ramps up programmatic efforts with latest Amazon hire, reports Digiday

General

Jun 12, 2025

Pinterest has hired Chip Jessopp, formerly of Amazon, as its first head of programmatic to lead a major expansion of its programmatic advertising capabilities. Jessopp will focus on building demand channels, scaling the ad tech business, and integrating programmatic with Pinterest’s direct offering.

The company aims to make programmatic a core part of its strategy, enabling broader advertiser access while maintaining a brand-safe user experience. Partnerships like the one with Magnite signal a shift from internal build-out to external scaling.

With $865 million in Q1 revenue, Pinterest is targeting cost-effective campaigns, improved targeting, and better tools for SMBs through programmatic growth.

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F.T.C. May Hit a Mega Ad Merger With an Unusual Rule: No Boycotting, reports NYT

M&A

Jun 12, 2025

The proposed merger between Omnicom and Interpublic, two of the world’s largest advertising agencies, is under review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, with regulators considering unique conditions linked to political bias concerns.

A draft consent decree may ban the merged firm from boycotting platforms based on political content, aligning with the Trump administration’s efforts to curb perceived corporate bias against conservative views.

The deal has faced scrutiny from both Republicans and Democrats. While shareholders have approved the merger, its final outcome hinges on regulatory decisions that reflect an increasingly politicised environment for the advertising industry.

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Microsoft Advertising launches reporting overhaul & Performance Max updates, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jun 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft Advertising has introduced updates including smarter reporting, enhanced campaign controls, and better cross-platform tools. The Reporting homepage has been redesigned with a new Custom Report Builder, offering faster access to metrics and full customisation through filters and templates.

Performance Max campaigns now use standard auction dynamics alongside Shopping campaigns, providing more control. New features include support for scripts, asset group copy-paste, and better conversion diagnostics.

Import tools for Google and Meta ads are improved, while Shopify integration has expanded globally. These changes aim to reduce manual work and help advertisers scale efficiently across Microsoft’s advertising ecosystem.

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Meta AI gains video editing capabilities, reports TechCrunch

General

Jun 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has introduced video editing features to Meta AI, enabling users to apply AI prompts to modify costumes, locations, and styles in short clips. The tools are available on the Meta AI app, website, and Edits app, aiming to rival Google and platforms like Captions.

Users can choose from 50 presets for editing 10-second videos, with options like vintage comic styles or space cadet outfits. Edited videos can be shared on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta plans to offer more customisation later this year, encouraging creators to use its tools instead of third-party apps for creative video production.

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After Google, Meta loses public policy head in India, reports TechCrunch

General

Jun 11, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Shivnath Thukral, Meta’s head of public policy in India, is leaving after over seven years with the company. He became policy lead for South Asia in 2022 and played a key role in building systems and stakeholder engagement.

His departure follows Meta’s legal relief over WhatsApp’s data-sharing policy, but the firm still faces regulatory challenges, including upcoming data protection rules. Meta also faces criticism over WhatsApp’s role in reducing reliance on telecom services.

Meta has yet to name Thukral’s replacement. His exit mirrors Google’s policy head stepping down earlier this year amid ongoing antitrust cases in India.

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X’s Sales Pitch: Give Us Your Ad Business or We’ll Sue, reports WSJ

General

Jun 11, 2025

X, led by Elon Musk, has pressured advertisers to return, using legal threats and aggressive tactics. Verizon and Ralph Lauren agreed ad deals after facing lawsuit warnings. At least six companies made commitments or targets as a result of this strategy.

X sued advertisers and trade groups over alleged illegal boycotts. Some firms increased spending to avoid litigation or secure better rates. Amazon, Unilever and Publicis are among those that struck deals, while WPP negotiations continue.

Musk’s X has also targeted Media Matters and ad agencies with subpoenas, sparking antitrust scrutiny. X’s ad revenue, though recovering, remains below pre-Musk levels.

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Lyft Taps DoubleVerify to Vet Ad Performance and Safety, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 11, 2025

Lyft has partnered with DoubleVerify to improve ad verification across its platforms. The deal provides tools for viewability checks, fraud prevention, location accuracy, and near real-time attention insights. It supports transparency as Lyft grows its in-app advertising.

Lyft launched its media network in 2022, adding display and video ads. The company uses partners like LiveRamp, Foursquare and Kochava for targeting and measurement.

DoubleVerify’s tech faces scrutiny after reports from Adalytics alleged failures in filtering harmful content and bot traffic. Despite legal action against Adalytics, DoubleVerify’s stock has dropped over 22% this year amid ongoing concerns.

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Kantar appoints Jeff Greenspoon as CEO, Americas

General

Jun 11, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Kantar has appointed Jeff Greenspoon as CEO for the Americas, starting 4 August 2025. He will focus on helping top brands shape creative, media, and brand strategies, reporting to Kantar’s Chief Executive, Chris Jansen, and joining the Group Executive Team.

Jeff joins from dentsu, where he was Chief Global Client Officer and Chief Business Officer for the Americas. He has led work for major brands like GM, Nestlé, and Disney, and brings experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation.

Greenspoon aims to bring fresh energy, helping clients unlock value through bold thinking, breakthrough solutions, and deeper partnerships across the region.

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Amazon Doubles Prime Video Ads to 6 Minutes Per Hour, reports AdWeek

General

Jun 11, 2025

Amazon has quietly increased Prime Video’s ad load from the promised 2–3.5 minutes per hour to 4–6 minutes, aiming to align with industry norms and boost ad inventory. This shift, not yet publicly acknowledged to consumers, allows more flexibility for advertisers without fixed CPMs.

The additional ad volume may reduce CPMs and help buyers reach niche audiences more efficiently. However, advertisers remain cautious, watching for signs of viewer fatigue and questioning measurement transparency within Amazon’s ecosystem.

Despite these concerns, the move reflects Amazon’s broader strategy to grow its media business by scaling Prime Video’s ad offering alongside tools like Marketing Cloud and private auctions.

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Large-format DOOH garners five times more attention than digital formats, study shows, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 11, 2025

Attention Economy

Premium large-format digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising captures five times more attention on average than online formats, according to Ocean Outdoor’s study with Lumen. It holds attention significantly longer than display, social and video ads.

The format also delivers 2.5 times higher brand recall than online video and drives greater brand choice when video creatives are used. Ocean’s 3D DeepScreen format boosts brand desirability by 32%.

Combining premium large-format DOOH with standard out-of-home formats yields the highest attention scores and long-term profitability. The findings call for a rethink in media planning strategies to prioritise attention-led outcomes.

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Samsung brings games to UK ad breaks, reports The Media Leader

General

Jun 11, 2025

Gaming / Metaverse

Samsung Ads has launched GameBreaks in the UK, an interactive ad format on smart TVs that turns the first ad slot of a break into a remote-controlled mini game.

The initial UK game, The Six, is a trivia quiz ending with a branded ad, and allows advertisers to customise themes and questions. If viewers opt not to play, the game will autoplay with answers shown before the ad.

Developed in-house, GameBreaks has shown a 53% uplift in unaided brand recall, offering a more engaging alternative to standard ads through interactivity and personalisation.

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Pinterest tests an AI feature that lets advertisers turn their catalogs into shoppable collages, reports TechCrunch

General

Jun 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Pinterest is testing “auto-collages,” a new AI tool that transforms product catalogues into shoppable collages, aiming to save advertisers time while boosting engagement, especially with Gen Z users.

The feature uses AI to group product images based on themes like outfit ideas and user behaviour, creating visual content that aligns with popular trends and user interests.

Pinterest says early tests show auto-collages are saved twice as often as standard product Pins. The company is also updating its “Trends” tool to give advertisers deeper insights into user shopping intent based on saved and curated content.

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Taboola launches gen AI search engine for publishers called DeeperDive, reports Axios

General

Jun 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Taboola has launched DeeperDive, a generative AI search engine for its publishing partners, starting with Gannett/USA Today and The Independent. It aims to boost user engagement by surfacing relevant articles with added context directly on publisher websites.

Designed to support publisher monetisation, DeeperDive enhances native advertising opportunities and could generate new search ad revenue streams. Gannett will trial the tool on USA Today before expanding it across 220 local news sites.

DeeperDive pulls content from Taboola’s publisher network, offering contextual answers from the same site where the search is made, setting it apart from other AI search engines.

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Disney, NBCU sue Midjourney over copyright infringement, reports Axios

General

Jun 11, 2025

Disney and NBCUniversal have filed a lawsuit against generative AI company Midjourney, accusing it of copyright infringement for using their intellectual property to train AI models and generate unauthorised images of iconic characters.

The complaint, filed in California, includes examples of AI-generated replicas from films like The Lion King and Minions. The studios claim Midjourney ignored attempts to resolve the issue and continued developing tools that produced high-quality infringing images.

This marks the first legal action by major Hollywood studios against an AI company, signalling a shift towards protecting their IP from generative platforms rather than individual users.

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Macron to push for ban on social media for under-15s after school stabbing, reports Reuters

General

Jun 11, 2025

Advertising To Children

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for EU-wide regulation to ban social media for children under 15, following a fatal school stabbing involving a 14-year-old. He warned France would act alone if the EU fails to deliver swift action.

Macron blamed social media for contributing to youth violence and urged platforms to enforce age verification. Experts have backed the proposal, which he says could be implemented within months.

His remarks follow global moves to restrict children’s social media use, including Australia’s under-16 ban. Despite existing age limits, studies show children often bypass platform restrictions with ease.

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Meta and TikTok challenge tech fees in second highest EU court, reports Reuters

General

Jun 11, 2025

Meta and TikTok have challenged an EU supervisory fee under the Digital Services Act, arguing it is unfair and based on flawed calculations. The annual fee, set at 0.05% of global net income, funds the European Commission’s oversight of major platforms.

Meta claims the fee was calculated using group revenue rather than its local subsidiary’s figures and lacks transparency. TikTok argues it was forced to pay inflated costs and penalised for user activity across multiple devices.

The Commission defended its approach, saying it used consolidated accounts appropriately. The EU General Court is expected to rule on the matter in 2025.

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Marketers set to meet with TikTok in Cannes to discuss the platform’s future plans, reports Digiday

General

Jun 11, 2025

At this year’s Cannes Lions, advertisers are seeking clarity from TikTok on its long-term strategy, including AI plans, product road map and partnership structure, amid ongoing uncertainty around its future in the U.S.

Despite recent leadership changes and legal challenges, the platform remains a key player, with high engagement keeping brands interested.

While formal discussions are often vague, Cannes offers a rare chance for agencies and CMOs to meet TikTok executives face-to-face. TikTok is using its garden space at The Carlton to host panels and meetings, aiming to rebuild relationships and shift focus away from the potential U.S. ban.

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YouTube tests 30-second non-skippable ads in standard campaigns, reports Search Engine Land

General

Jun 10, 2025

Google is testing 30-second non-skippable ads in regular YouTube auctions, previously only available through premium Reservation buys. The format joins 15-second and 6-second ads and is bundled in combo formats.

Advertisers can now access high-impact placements without reservation deals and still target audiences by keywords and demographics, offering greater control and reach.

If rolled out widely, the format could become a valuable tool for brands to secure full viewer attention, while encouraging more users to consider YouTube Premium to avoid longer ad interruptions.

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OpenAI expects subscription revenue to nearly double to $10bn, reports FT

General

Jun 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI’s annual recurring revenue has nearly doubled to $10 billion, driven by strong demand for ChatGPT, now used by over 500 million people. Its growth mirrors rivals like Cursor and Anthropic, whose revenues have also surged.

Despite this momentum, all three firms remain lossmaking, supported by heavy investment from backers like SoftBank, Google and Amazon. OpenAI is currently raising $40 billion and does not expect profitability until 2029.

Its income comes from ChatGPT subscriptions, APIs, and enterprise deals. The company is also expanding through acquisitions and working with the Trump administration on Stargate, a large-scale data centre project.

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Morgan Stanley markets $5 billion for Elon Musk-owned xAI in loans, bonds, sources say, reports Reuters

General

Jun 10, 2025

Morgan Stanley is marketing a $5 billion debt package for Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI, offering loans and bonds with high interest rates to attract investors in a cautious economic climate. Unlike past deals, the bank won’t commit its own capital, using a ‘best efforts’ approach.

The move comes as banks remain wary following their prolonged exposure to Musk’s $44 billion Twitter acquisition, now X, where they were unable to offload debt for over two years.

xAI is also seeking up to $20 billion in equity funding, with valuations discussed as high as $200 billion, despite political tensions affecting investor confidence.

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Google Extends Employee Buyout Offers in Push to Raise AI Spending, reports WSJ

General

Jun 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has extended voluntary buyout offers to U.S. employees across several divisions, including search, ads, research and engineering, as part of broader cost-cutting measures to fund AI investments.

The company is expected to spend $75 billion on capital expenditures this year, significantly up from 2024, to strengthen its AI capabilities and stay competitive against ChatGPT and similar tools.

These offers follow previous buyouts in HR, legal and devices, and come after Google's largest layoff round in 2023. The company is also integrating AI into its products, including a revamped “AI Mode” for search with chatbot-style answers.

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News Sites Are Getting Crushed by Google’s New AI Tools, reports WSJ

General

Jun 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI is reshaping how people access information online, causing sharp declines in search-driven traffic to news publishers. Platforms like Google are replacing traditional search with AI-generated summaries, reducing clicks on links and impacting outlets such as HuffPost, Business Insider and the Washington Post.

Publishers are responding by cutting staff, pivoting to direct audience engagement, and developing new revenue strategies. Many, including The Atlantic and Politico, are investing in apps, events, and subscriptions to build loyalty outside search.

Legal and licensing battles over AI training data are intensifying, as media companies seek compensation and protection for their copyrighted content used in AI models.

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Meta in Talks to Invest $14 Billion in Scale AI, Hire CEO Alexandr Wang, reports WSJ

General

Jun 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is in advanced talks to invest around $14 billion in Scale AI and bring in CEO Alexandr Wang to lead its new superintelligence initiative. This would mark one of Meta’s largest external investments as it seeks to revitalise its AI strategy after delays and setbacks with its Llama models.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taken a hands-on role, personally recruiting AI talent. Meta aims to overcome challenges in AI innovation by investing in startups rather than acquiring them due to antitrust scrutiny.

Scale AI specialises in data labelling rather than building AI models and supports firms like OpenAI and Google. The deal may grant Meta 49% nonvoting ownership.

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Disney’s Iger Plans to Hold On to Traditional Television Networks, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 10, 2025

Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed the company will retain its traditional TV assets, diverging from rivals like Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast, which are separating linear and streaming operations. Iger believes holding both makes Disney more competitive.

Although Disney previously considered selling ABC and other networks, it instead chose to integrate these with its streaming business. The company recently acquired full ownership of Hulu, aiming to improve streaming margins through synergy with its TV channels.

Iger also indicated Disney may stop reporting subscriber numbers, focusing instead on profitability, following a similar move by Netflix.

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Amazon Security Chief Urges Hands-Off Approach to AI Regulation, reports Bloomberg

General

Jun 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon’s chief security officer has joined other tech leaders in warning that government regulation of artificial intelligence could hinder innovation and limit progress. Steve Schmidt argued that industry-led standards, guided by customer needs, are preferable to external rules.

Tech executives from Microsoft, OpenAI and others have echoed similar concerns, urging for minimal regulation to remain competitive with China. Meanwhile, political debates continue in Washington over how much oversight AI development should face.

A provision to block states from enforcing AI rules has been added to a tax bill, though its legality is under review. The Senate has proposed alternative funding-related measures.

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Judge rejects class action for Google privacy lawsuit, reports Reuters

General

Jun 10, 2025

A U.S. judge has ruled that Google cannot face a class action lawsuit from users who claim it collected personal data without consent when Chrome’s sync feature was disabled. The judge said consent must be evaluated individually, not as a group.

The proposed damages class action was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again. Users also cannot collectively seek policy changes.

The ruling follows a previous appeal requiring the court to consider whether users reasonably understood Google’s data practices. It comes amid broader legal scrutiny of Google’s privacy policies, including past settlements over Incognito mode tracking.

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