Will Meta’s ad-free subscription tier satisfy lawmakers?

Meta has announced that it will offer many European users the choice to ‘pay a monthly subscription to use Facebook and Instagram without any ads’. Users who pay the fee will no longer see any ads across Meta’s products, and Meta will no longer be able to use their data for marketing purposes. People using […]
Meta announces launch of broadcast channels on Facebook and Messenger

Facebook and Messenger are set to introduce broadcast channels, a new feature aimed at enhancing engagement between Page managers and followers. Broadcast channels will serve as a one-to-many messaging tool, offering Page administrators, such as creators and public figures, an additional means to connect with their communities. Broadcast channels are designed to enable Page administrators […]
Temu’s growth has been meteoric, but is its marketing spend sustainable?

Over the last year, Temu has gone from an unknown but cheap shopping app to a chart-topping powerhouse. The latest figures show why: the company is investing nearly US$500m every quarter into marketing and promotions. This level of spend is eye watering and leaves one simple question: if the company’s products are so cheap and […]
YouTube announces new AI features within the platform

YouTube is unveiling a range of new products and features aimed at empowering creators of all backgrounds and experience levels to push the boundaries of creative expression. The platform has always been a hub for creativity, and it continues to evolve with innovative tools and technologies to support creators. Here are the key takeaways from […]
Meta’s latest announcements show the company is pivoting to AI

Over the past couple of years, much of the discussion around Meta’s plans for the future have centred on the metaverse, a hypothetical iteration of the Internet as an immersive and collaborative virtual world that users can access via VR and AR headsets. Prior to the creation of ChatGPT, the metaverse was the talk of […]
Meta to expand Meta Verified program to Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

Meta is expanding its Meta Verified program to include businesses on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Testing is due to commence for Instagram and Facebook businesses in select countries, with WhatsApp businesses to follow later. The Meta Verified business subscription is aimed at providing several security and technical benefits, including business authentication with a verified badge, […]
TikTok Shop UK launches ‘refurbished technology’ platform

TikTok Shop UK has launched a new ‘refurbished technology’ category, allowing its users to purchase second-hand mobile phones and tablets directly through the platform. This expansion is a response to the increasing popularity of users seeking money-saving tips and looking for affordable electronic devices on TikTok. The new category features products from established merchants like […]
Microsoft launches ‘your everyday AI companion’ and a host of other features

Hot on the heels of Google and Salesforce expanding their partnership into AI services, Microsoft has announced that it is releasing lots of new features for its Copilot system and bringing upgrades to Bing AI. Much like other tech giants, Microsoft believes that AI is now starting to fundamentally change how people are relating to […]
Amazon invests $4bn in AI start-up Anthropic

Amazon and Anthropic have announced a new $4billion collaboration aimed at harnessing their collective expertise in generative artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic alliance seeks to expedite the development and accessibility of Anthropic’s forthcoming foundation models to Amazon Web Services (AWS) customers. Here’s what this groundbreaking partnership entails: AI-Powered Future: Anthropic, renowned for its innovative foundation […]
Google and Salesforce expand their partnership into AI services

Google and Salesforce expand their partnership to improve AI service offerings – what are the wider implications for CRMs and workflows? Google and Salesforce have announced that the two businesses are expanding their current partnership with the aim of delivering a new era of business productivity that will be powered by generative AI. The move, […]
Google appears to raise ad prices by up to 10% without consultation

Google has recently come under scrutiny for quietly adjusting its advertising auctions to meet revenue targets, a revelation made during a federal antitrust trial. According to Jerry Dischler, a Google Ad executive, the company frequently modifies the auctions used to sell search ads, resulting in cost increases of up to 5% for the average advertiser. […]
TikTok handed huge €345m fine by Irish Data Protection Commission

TikTok has been hit with a substantial €345 million fine by the Irish data watchdog for violating EU data laws, particularly regarding children’s accounts. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), responsible for regulating TikTok across the EU, found that the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform had committed multiple breaches of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rules. The […]