Apple Returns to X Platform Advertising After Year-Long Hiatus
Apple has resumed advertising on X, marking a significant shift after suspending ads in 2023. The move comes as X faces declining ad revenue but coincides with Apple's planned 2025 product launches and evolving social media advertising dynamics.
Meta Begins Testing Ads on Threads Platform in Strategic Monetization Move
Meta announces the introduction of image-based advertisements on Threads, starting with select brands in the US and Japan. The move signals Meta's commitment to monetizing the Twitter/X competitor, which has gained over 300 million monthly active users since its 2023 launch.
Google Eases Device Fingerprinting Restrictions in Quiet Policy Update
Google has quietly reversed its stance on digital fingerprinting, now permitting advertisers to track users through device identifiers. This significant policy shift enables enhanced user tracking capabilities while raising fresh privacy concerns, highlighting the ongoing tension between advertising practices and user privacy.
Disney Reveals Massive 157M Ad-Supported Streaming Users Across Its Platforms
Disney announces a milestone of 157 million users streaming content with advertisements globally across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. The entertainment giant leads transparency efforts by detailing its measurement methodology while seeing success in its ad-supported streaming strategy.
Google's Bold Privacy Shift: Cross-Device Tracking Set to Launch in February
Google announces controversial plans to enable broader digital fingerprinting across devices starting February 2024, sparking privacy concerns from regulators. The move will allow advertisers to track users across smart TVs, gaming consoles, browsers and mobile apps, despite previous stance against such practices.
Walmart's $2.3B Vizio Acquisition Sets Stage for Smart TV Advertising Battle
Retail giant Walmart makes a strategic move into connected TV advertising with its $2.3 billion acquisition of Vizio and its SmartCast platform. The deal gives Walmart access to 19 million active users and positions it to compete directly with Amazon in the smart TV advertising space.
Walmart's $2.3B Vizio Acquisition Signals Major Push into Smart TV Advertising
Walmart completes acquisition of Vizio for $2.3 billion, gaining access to 19 million SmartCast accounts and advancing its connected TV advertising capabilities. The strategic move positions Walmart to compete with advertising giants while combining retail data with viewer information for enhanced targeted marketing.
Judge Skeptical of Google's Defense in Major Ad Tech Antitrust Case
A federal judge in Virginia prepares to rule on the DOJ's antitrust case against Google over alleged monopolistic control of online advertising technology. The case could force Google to divest its Ad Manager platform if found in violation of antitrust laws.
The Hidden Cost of Free Email: Gmail's Invasive Ad Problem
As Gmail's advertising becomes increasingly aggressive, users grapple with privacy concerns and data harvesting practices. While the email service remains free, many are questioning whether the trade-off of personal data for convenience is worth it.
Opera Defies Chrome: Pledges Continued Support for uBlock Origin and MV2 Extensions
Opera announces plans to maintain support for uBlock Origin and other Manifest V2 extensions, despite Google Chrome's phase-out. This bold move positions Opera as a user-friendly alternative for those prioritizing ad-blocking and privacy features.