OpenAI has begun testing ads for ChatGPT users on its Free and Go subscription tiers in the US. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the company said that ads do not influence ChatGPT’s answers and are clearly labelled as sponsored, with visual separation from responses. OpenAI said the goal of introducing ads is to keep ChatGPT free for a wider audience with fewer usage limits. The change applies only to lower-cost plans, while paid tiers such as Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education will remain ad-free.


OpenAI To Introduce ADs on ChatGPT as New Revenue Stream

OpenAI Tests ADs & Go Users in US; Paid ChatGPT Plans Stay AD-Free

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google, alleging that the tech giant engaged in anti-competitive behaviour in the online advertising sector.

The application filed by the Bureau before the Competition Tribunal is seeking a court order compelling Google to divest two of its key ad technology tools. The watchdog is also seeking a penalty to ensure Google complies with Canada's competition laws.

Google responded to this claim, saying that the suit "overlooks the incredibly competitive nature of the ad-buying market, with a large number of willing buyers and sellers."

According to Google, "our ad tech tools help websites and apps pay for their content, and help businesses of all sizes connect with new customers." Google VP of Global Ads Dan Taylor said in response to the complaint that he and the company look forward to the opportunity to explain its position in court.

The Competition Bureau initiated investigations into Google in 2020. The agency of competition probed whether or not the company had ever indulged in anti-competitive practices in the advertisement business line online.

The research expanded early this year as it went beyond Google's merely search business to its advertisement technology services. The agency stated that Google has controlled the majority share of the nation's ad tech market with the aid of its allegedly anticompetitive methods, said the Bureau.

This lawsuit comes in tandem with similar antitrust initiatives launched by the US Department of Justice that alleged Google is monopolising the market for publisher ad servers and advertiser ad networks.

Google defended its activities and said the US case was selective as it focused only on one portion of the online advertisement business while ignoring competition in other sectors.

It said the decisions made for its business are legitimate, and that there is competition in the marketplace.

Reuters earlier this year reported Google trying to end an antitrust investigation in the European Union by offering to sell an ad exchange platform. It said European publishers rejected this offer as insufficient to remedy the issues raised by a competition probe.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google, alleging that the tech giant engaged in anti-competitive behaviour in the online advertising sector.

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google, alleging that the tech giant engaged in anti-competitive behaviour in the online advertising sector. The application filed by the Bureau before the Competition Tribunal is seeking a court order compelling Google to divest two of its key ad technology tools. The watchdog is also seeking a penalty to ensure Google complies with Canada's competition laws. Google responded to this claim, saying that the suit "overlooks the incredibly competitive nature of the ad-buying market, with a large number of willing buyers and sellers." According to Google, "our ad tech tools help websites and apps pay for their content, and help businesses of all sizes connect with new customers." Google VP of Global Ads Dan Taylor said in response to the complaint that he and the company look forward to the opportunity to explain its position in court. The Competition Bureau initiated investigations into Google in 2020. The agency of competition probed whether or not the company had ever indulged in anti-competitive practices in the advertisement business line online. The research expanded early this year as it went beyond Google's merely search business to its advertisement technology services. The agency stated that Google has controlled the majority share of the nation's ad tech market with the aid of its allegedly anticompetitive methods, said the Bureau. This lawsuit comes in tandem with similar antitrust initiatives launched by the US Department of Justice that alleged Google is monopolising the market for publisher ad servers and advertiser ad networks. Google defended its activities and said the US case was selective as it focused only on one portion of the online advertisement business while ignoring competition in other sectors. It said the decisions made for its business are legitimate, and that there is competition in the marketplace. Reuters earlier this year reported Google trying to end an antitrust investigation in the European Union by offering to sell an ad exchange platform. It said European publishers rejected this offer as insufficient to remedy the issues raised by a competition probe. (With inputs from Reuters)

Canada sues Google over alleged anti-competitive practices in ads

Political ad spending in the United States is expected to skyrocket 30 per cent this year compared to the 2020 presidential election, driven largely by a surge in digital advertising, according to research firm Insider Intelligence.

According to a Reuters report, several factors are contributing to the spending spree. 

"Political candidates have bigger advertising budgets now," Peter Newman, the forecasting director at Insider Intelligence told Reuters.

He attributed this to "more polarised voters donating more to their preferred candidates" and easier fundraising platforms that allow for contributions to multiple campaigns.

While traditional television will remain the dominant platform, capturing the majority of the estimated $12.3 billion spent on political ads in 2024, digital platforms are poised for the most significant growth.

Insider Intelligence predicts a 156 per cent increase in digital ad revenue from 2020, reaching $3.46 billion this year.

Connected TV, which allows viewers to access streaming services like YouTube and Hulu on their television sets, is spearheading the digital surge. 

"Connected TV offers more precise ad targeting and can be cheaper than broadcast TV ads," Newman elaborated, making it an attractive option for campaigns with smaller budgets.

This opens the door for a wider range of candidates to compete for voter attention on the same screens as well-funded campaigns.

The increased spending is already evident on the airwaves, with supporters of Republican presidential hopefuls Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley launching attack ads against each other ahead of their recent head-to-head debate in Iowa.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Political ad spending in the United States is expected to skyrocket 30 per cent this year compared to the 2020 presidential election, driven largely by a surge in digital advertising, according to research firm Insider Intelligence.

Political ad spending in the United States is expected to skyrocket 30 per cent this year compared to the 2020 presidential election, driven largely by a surge in digital advertising, according to research firm Insider Intelligence. According to a Reuters report, several factors are contributing to the spending spree. "Political candidates have bigger advertising budgets now," Peter Newman, the forecasting director at Insider Intelligence told Reuters. He attributed this to "more polarised voters donating more to their preferred candidates" and easier fundraising platforms that allow for contributions to multiple campaigns. While traditional television will remain the dominant platform, capturing the majority of the estimated $12.3 billion spent on political ads in 2024, digital platforms are poised for the most significant growth. Insider Intelligence predicts a 156 per cent increase in digital ad revenue from 2020, reaching $3.46 billion this year. Connected TV, which allows viewers to access streaming services like YouTube and Hulu on their television sets, is spearheading the digital surge. "Connected TV offers more precise ad targeting and can be cheaper than broadcast TV ads," Newman elaborated, making it an attractive option for campaigns with smaller budgets. This opens the door for a wider range of candidates to compete for voter attention on the same screens as well-funded campaigns. The increased spending is already evident on the airwaves, with supporters of Republican presidential hopefuls Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley launching attack ads against each other ahead of their recent head-to-head debate in Iowa. (With inputs from Reuters)

US political ad spending set to surge 30 per cent in 2024, fuelled by digital boom

According to report, some super spreaders of misinformation who are verified 'X' premium users are sharing Elon Musk's ad revenue. The study was conducted by Newsguard.

'X' allowing misinformation super-spreaders on its platform, as per report

In the era of cancel culture, the audience continues to get offended at everything based on 'religious sentiments'. Whether it's Diwali or Holi - we have seen how the brands' creativity stir controversies. Watch this video to know how some brands invited outrage from the audience.

Brands that stirred controversies for their ads on festivals

The W.H.O. made an alarming observation. They say that the Milk Formula industry has started targeting women with ads on social media even before they get pregnant. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Milk formula ads unethical?

Balenciaga's latest ad campaign has created an uproar on social media as many felt the ads sexualised children. The ads that were removed later after backlash featured little girls holding teddy bears in bondage gear. This is not the first time that Balenciaga has hit headlines for its bizarre fashion choices. Here have a look at the number of times that Balenciaga created headlines for its bizarre fashion products. This is not the first time that Balenciaga has hit headlines for its bizarre fashion choices. Here have a look at the number of times that Balenciaga created headlines for its bizarre fashion products.

Five times  grabbed headlines for their products

Google is helping big oil firms to greenwash their reputations by selling them adverts attached to environmental search terms, a new study claims.

WION Climate Tracker: Oil firms pour millions into 'greenwashing' google ads?

Amid the competition of OTT platform, Netflix sought to fight with a resolute anti-ad stance. The platform guaranteed an ad-free movie experience. But now, the streaming giant has decided to introduce a streaming plan with ads. The company said on Thursday (October 13), that the plan will cost USD 7 per month and will be introduced in November. The company hopes to attract new customers after it lost subscribers in the first half of the year.

The USD 6.99 cost for the "Basic with Ads" plan is $3 less than Netflix's lowest-priced tier without commercials. The new option will roll out in 12 countries including the United States, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Korea, over 10 days.

Netflix said that subscribers of this plan with see roughly four to five minutes of ads per hours Newly released films will have limited advertising to preserve the cinematic experience.

About 5% to 10% of Netflix's programming will not be available on the ad-supported alternative because of licensing restrictions, Netflix Chief Operating Officer Greg Peters told reporters.

Shares of Netflix were up 5.4% at &nbsp;USD 232.86 in late afternoon trading. The company's stock had fallen 62 per cent this year before Thursday's announcement.

For years, Netflix executives have adamantly opposed adding advertising. They announced a change of heart in April when the company stunned Wall Street by shedding subscribers in the first quarter and predicting additional defections.

"We at Netflix have a huge opportunity ahead to grow our unit and to attract more subscribers. And part of that is having a wide range of pricing plans," Peters said on Thursday.

Peters declined to estimate how many customers would sign up for the ad-supported plan or how much additional revenue Netflix might generate. The company will provide forecasts for the fourth quarter when it releases earnings on Tuesday.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Amid the competition of OTT platform, Netflix sought to fight with a resolute anti-ad stance. The platform guaranteed an ad-free movie experience. But now, the streaming giant has decided to introduce a streaming plan with ads.

Amid the competition of OTT platform, Netflix sought to fight with a resolute anti-ad stance. The platform guaranteed an ad-free movie experience. But now, the streaming giant has decided to introduce a streaming plan with ads. The company said on Thursday (October 13), that the plan will cost USD 7 per month and will be introduced in November. The company hopes to attract new customers after it lost subscribers in the first half of the year. The USD 6.99 cost for the "Basic with Ads" plan is $3 less than Netflix's lowest-priced tier without commercials. The new option will roll out in 12 countries including the United States, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Korea, over 10 days. Netflix said that subscribers of this plan with see roughly four to five minutes of ads per hours Newly released films will have limited advertising to preserve the cinematic experience. About 5% to 10% of Netflix's programming will not be available on the ad-supported alternative because of licensing restrictions, Netflix Chief Operating Officer Greg Peters told reporters. Shares of Netflix were up 5.4% at USD 232.86 in late afternoon trading. The company's stock had fallen 62 per cent this year before Thursday's announcement. For years, Netflix executives have adamantly opposed adding advertising. They announced a change of heart in April when the company stunned Wall Street by shedding subscribers in the first quarter and predicting additional defections. "We at Netflix have a huge opportunity ahead to grow our unit and to attract more subscribers. And part of that is having a wide range of pricing plans," Peters said on Thursday. Peters declined to estimate how many customers would sign up for the ad-supported plan or how much additional revenue Netflix might generate. The company will provide forecasts for the fourth quarter when it releases earnings on Tuesday. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Netflix bites the bullet, announces ad-supported streaming plan

YouTube, the video sharing and streaming platform, has irked users with its recently concluded test that showed users up to 10 unskippable ads in one break. Reportedly, the company did this so&nbsp;more people would&nbsp;join its ‘Youtube Premium’ programme which is ad-free&nbsp;by paying as opposed to opting for the non-premium, regular version of the app.

The platform was in the midst of testing a feature which showed users up to 5 unskippable advertisements at the beginning of a video. While YouTube has claimed that these ads will be bumper ads which are essentially about 6 seconds long or so, people have been seeing ads longer than 10 seconds.&nbsp;

Ad breaks on the streaming app typically appear before a video starts as well as during the video if the creator decides to do so. However, longer ads are usually skippable after a few seconds while smaller ads that last a couple of seconds are usually unskippable. Over the past month or so, users have noticed that they are getting longer unskippable ads and the advertisements on the platform, in general, have expanded greatly both in length and quantity.&nbsp;

Reportedly, this is not happening with all users or even all the videos on YouTube but the longer breaks have become more common lately. The phenomenon made headlines when several users took Twitter and Reddit to voice their concerns about the uptick in the number and duration of advertisements on the streaming platform, with one user saying they saw 11 ads instead of 5.&nbsp; 
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My buddy has had up to 11 unskippable… <a href="https://t.co/xFoGQQHYgy">pic.twitter.com/xFoGQQHYgy</a>
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YouTube also took to Twitter to clarify that “this may happen with a certain type of ad format called bumper ads since they are only up to 6 seconds long.” However, they have not acknowledged the increased number of ads on the platform.&nbsp;

A YouTube spokesperson told 9to5Google, that these ads were a part of a small global experiment which served “multiple ads in an ad pod” when the users were watching longer videos on their televisions. They also indicated that the goal was to enhance the user experience by “reducing ad breaks” and that they have concluded the small experiment.&nbsp;

Reportedly, they also said that ad pods were first introduced in 2018, but in small numbers to test the number of ads required without interrupting the user between long videos. The streaming platform also reiterated that user experience is its top priority, and reducing ads was a part of the goal. Notably, not all users were dealing with the 5 unskippable ads; some were still receiving only 2 unskippable ads like before, while some received at least 10 unskippable ads or more.&nbsp; 
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YouTube, the video sharing and streaming platform, has irked users with its recently concluded test that showed users up to 10 unskippable ads in one break. Reportedly, the company did this so more people would join its ‘Youtube Premium’ programme which is ad-free by paying as opposed to opting for the non-premium, regular version of the app.

YouTube, the video sharing and streaming platform, has irked users with its recently concluded test that showed users up to 10 unskippable ads in one break. Reportedly, the company did this so more people would join its ‘Youtube Premium’ programme which is ad-free by paying as opposed to opting for the non-premium, regular version of the app. The platform was in the midst of testing a feature which showed users up to 5 unskippable advertisements at the beginning of a video. While YouTube has claimed that these ads will be bumper ads which are essentially about 6 seconds long or so, people have been seeing ads longer than 10 seconds. Ad breaks on the streaming app typically appear before a video starts as well as during the video if the creator decides to do so. However, longer ads are usually skippable after a few seconds while smaller ads that last a couple of seconds are usually unskippable. Over the past month or so, users have noticed that they are getting longer unskippable ads and the advertisements on the platform, in general, have expanded greatly both in length and quantity. Reportedly, this is not happening with all users or even all the videos on YouTube but the longer breaks have become more common lately. The phenomenon made headlines when several users took Twitter and Reddit to voice their concerns about the uptick in the number and duration of advertisements on the streaming platform, with one user saying they saw 11 ads instead of 5. My buddy has had up to 11 unskippable… pic.twitter.com/xFoGQQHYgy — Austin (@H720Gaming) September 13, 2022 × YouTube also took to Twitter to clarify that “this may happen with a certain type of ad format called bumper ads since they are only up to 6 seconds long.” However, they have not acknowledged the increased number of ads on the platform. A YouTube spokesperson told 9to5Google, that these ads were a part of a small global experiment which served “multiple ads in an ad pod” when the users were watching longer videos on their televisions. They also indicated that the goal was to enhance the user experience by “reducing ad breaks” and that they have concluded the small experiment. Reportedly, they also said that ad pods were first introduced in 2018, but in small numbers to test the number of ads required without interrupting the user between long videos. The streaming platform also reiterated that user experience is its top priority, and reducing ads was a part of the goal. Notably, not all users were dealing with the 5 unskippable ads; some were still receiving only 2 unskippable ads like before, while some received at least 10 unskippable ads or more.

Report: YouTube has ‘concluded’ a test that showed some users up to 10 unskippable ads

Facebook Inc will start banning ads that explicitly discourage people from getting vaccinated, the world's largest social media company said on Tuesday, as it also announced a new flu vaccine information campaign.

Ads advocating for or against legislation or government policies around vaccines, including a COVID-19 vaccine, will still be allowed, the company said in a blog post. It will begin to enforce the new global policy in the next few days.

Facebook, with 2.7 billion monthly active users, has been under pressure from lawmakers and public health groups to crack down on anti-vaccine content and misinformation on its platform. The company said that although a COVID-19 vaccine would not be available for some time, the pandemic had highlighted the importance of preventative health behaviors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/facebook-censors-wion-after-interview-with-chinese-virologist-dr-li-meng-yan-who-claimed-covid-19-is-lab-manufactured-334832" hreflang="en">Facebook censors WION after interview with Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan, who claimed COVID-19 is lab manufactured</a>

Facebook's previous rules prohibited ads containing vaccine misinformation or hoaxes identified by leading health organizations, but allowed ads opposing vaccines if they did not contain false claims.

This summer, Facebook Public Policy Manager Jason Hirsch told Reuters the company believed users should be able to express personal anti-vaccine views and that more aggressive censorship could push people hesitant about vaccines towards the anti-vaccine camp.

Facebook will also start directing U.S. users this week to information about the flu vaccine and how to get it, according to the company's Head of Health Kang-Xing Jin and Director of Product Management Rob Leathern in the blog post.

Facebook is working with public health partners like the World Health Organization and UNICEF on messaging campaigns to increase immunization rates, they added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/facebook-to-ban-content-which-denies-and-distorts-the-holocaust-334797" hreflang="en">Facebook to ban content which denies and distorts the Holocaust</a>

Anti-vaccine content and misinformation about the new COVID-19 vaccines have flourished on social media platforms including Facebook during the coronavirus pandemic, researchers told Reuters earlier this year.

In September, the company also said it would stop recommending health-related Facebook groups, saying it was crucial that people get health information from "authoritative sources."

Facebook Inc will start banning ads that explicitly discourage people from getting vaccinated, the world's largest social media company said on Tuesday, as it also announced a new flu vaccine information campaign.

Facebook Inc will start banning ads that explicitly discourage people from getting vaccinated, the world's largest social media company said on Tuesday, as it also announced a new flu vaccine information campaign. Ads advocating for or against legislation or government policies around vaccines, including a COVID-19 vaccine, will still be allowed, the company said in a blog post. It will begin to enforce the new global policy in the next few days. Facebook, with 2.7 billion monthly active users, has been under pressure from lawmakers and public health groups to crack down on anti-vaccine content and misinformation on its platform. The company said that although a COVID-19 vaccine would not be available for some time, the pandemic had highlighted the importance of preventative health behaviors. Also read: Facebook censors WION after interview with Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan, who claimed COVID-19 is lab manufactured Facebook's previous rules prohibited ads containing vaccine misinformation or hoaxes identified by leading health organizations, but allowed ads opposing vaccines if they did not contain false claims. This summer, Facebook Public Policy Manager Jason Hirsch told Reuters the company believed users should be able to express personal anti-vaccine views and that more aggressive censorship could push people hesitant about vaccines towards the anti-vaccine camp. Facebook will also start directing U.S. users this week to information about the flu vaccine and how to get it, according to the company's Head of Health Kang-Xing Jin and Director of Product Management Rob Leathern in the blog post. Facebook is working with public health partners like the World Health Organization and UNICEF on messaging campaigns to increase immunization rates, they added. Also read: Facebook to ban content which denies and distorts the Holocaust Anti-vaccine content and misinformation about the new COVID-19 vaccines have flourished on social media platforms including Facebook during the coronavirus pandemic, researchers told Reuters earlier this year. In September, the company also said it would stop recommending health-related Facebook groups, saying it was crucial that people get health information from "authoritative sources."

Facebook will ban ads discouraging people from getting vaccines

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-american-brands-join-boycott-facebook-ads-campaign-309428">Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!</a>

"My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said.

The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content.

Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response.

"We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview.

He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough".

The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott.

Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week.

After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign! "My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said. The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content. Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response. "We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview. He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough". The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures." On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott. Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week. After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Advertisers' boycott of Facebook to end 'soon enough' says CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!

Apple and Google are two of the world's most powerful tech companies. Both giants have decided to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps. They made this announcement together and this is a major decision.

Apple and Google are two of the world's most powerful tech companies. Both giants have decided to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps. They made this announcement together and this is a major decision. One that affects almost 99 per cent of smartphone users in the world. Also read: Tweet once again gets Elon Musk into trouble as Tesla loses $14 billion Apple and Google say they are protecting user privacy. This grandstanding is a little hard to digest. Considering the fact that major tech companies are responsible for some of the biggest privacy debacles? Also read: Twitter swings to loss as pandemic hits advertising Google says it cares about user privacy. But, it runs is business on an advertising model that depends on the collection of personal information. It was around 20 years ago that Google introduced a privacy statement. But, the company hardly stays on the right side of it. Several privacy controversies have plagued the country in the past. Personal information has been leaked. Google themselves has been caught storing user location data. The search engine giant has been unable to shake off the privacy concerns. What about Apple? A couple of years back, Apple CEO Tim Cook had defined privacy as a fundamental right. Apple wants the user to believe that it is the only tech company it can trust. The company has positioned itself as a protector of users. To give credit where its due, Apple's own platform has not been caught in any major privacy scandal. But, it can't say the same about apple's business partners. This is where the app store comes it. Apple has one of the biggest app directories. It is highly profitable too. But, Apple has allowed privacy violators to freely operate on it. Even the kids were not spared. A journalist from the Wall Street Journal put out a story. She wrote about curious George. Sounds like a harmless game. But, it was collecting her son's age, name -- and data of whatever he tapped. The journalist ended up testing 80 apps. Most of them were promoted in the app stores "apps we love" section. She found that 79 apps used third party trackers for marketing, ads or analytics. On average --- there were at least four trackers in every app. So, its a bit rich when apple and google ban GPS tracking on contract tracing apps in the name of privacy. Contact tracing is common now. Experts consider it a crucial tool in the fight against the coronavirus. Yes, there are legitimate concerns over how certain contract tracing apps operate and collect data. But --- when tech companies try to draw the line between right and wrong.

Apple and Google decide to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-to-tweak-proposed-content-regulations-to- ease-burden-on-some-sources-272997">Facebook</a>&nbsp;Inc said on Thursday it was making&nbsp;some&nbsp;changes to its approach to&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads, including allowing&nbsp;users&nbsp;to turn off certain ad-targeting tools, but the updates stop far short of critics' demands and what rival companies have pledged to do.

The world's biggest social network has vowed to curb&nbsp;political&nbsp;manipulation of its platform, after failing to counter alleged Russian interference and the misuse of user data by defunct&nbsp;political&nbsp;consulting firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../brazil-fines-facebook-16-million-for-improper- sharing-of-user-data-271120">Cambridge Analytica</a> in 2016.

But&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../three-swing-district-democrats-back-joe-bidens- presidential-bid-272511">US&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;election</a>&nbsp;in November 2020,&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;is struggling to quell criticism of its relatively hands-off&nbsp;ads&nbsp;policies. In particular, it has come under fire after it exempted politicians'&nbsp;ads&nbsp;from fact-checking standards applied to other content on its network.

Facebook&nbsp;said that in addition to rolling out a tool enabling individual&nbsp;users&nbsp;to choose to&nbsp;see&nbsp;fewer&nbsp;political&nbsp;and social issue&nbsp;ads&nbsp;on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and its photo-sharing app Instagram, it will also make more ad audience data publicly available.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-executive-says-it-helped-put-trump-in-white-house-272838">Facebook executive says it helped put Trump in White House</a>

In contrast, Twitter Inc banned&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads&nbsp;in October, while Alphabet Inc's Google said it would stop letting advertisers target&nbsp;election&nbsp;ads&nbsp;using data such as public voter records and general&nbsp;political&nbsp;affiliations.

Other online platforms like Spotify, Pinterest and TikTok have also issued bans.

In a blog post,&nbsp;Facebook's director of product management Rob Leathern said the company considered imposing limits like Google's but decided against them as internal data indicated most&nbsp;ads&nbsp;run by&nbsp;US&nbsp;presidential candidates are broadly targeted, at audiences larger than 250,000 people.

"We have based (our policies) on the principle that people should be able to hear from those who wish to lead them, warts and all," Leathern wrote.

The expanded ad audience data features will be rolled out in the first quarter of this year and&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;plans to deploy the&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads&nbsp;control&nbsp;starting in the United States early this summer, eventually expanding this preference to more locations.

Another change will be to allow&nbsp;users&nbsp;to choose to stop&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;ads&nbsp;based on an advertiser's "Custom Audience" and that will apply to all types of advertising, not only&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads.

The "Custom Audiences" feature lets advertisers upload lists of personal data they maintain, like email addresses and phone numbers.&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;then matches that information to user accounts and shows the advertiser's content to those people.

However,&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;will not give&nbsp;users&nbsp;a blanket option to turn off the feature, meaning they will have to opt-out of&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;ads&nbsp;for each advertiser one by one, a spokesman told Reuters.

The change will also not affect ad targeting via&nbsp;Facebook's Lookalike Audiences tool, which uses the same uploads&nbsp;of personal data to direct&nbsp;ads&nbsp;at people with similar characteristics to those on the lists, the spokesman said.

Leathern said in the post the company would make new information publicly available about the audience size of&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads&nbsp;in the company's Ad Library, showing approximately&nbsp;how&nbsp;many people the advertisers aimed to reach.

The changes follow a New York Times report this week of an internal memo by senior&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;executive Andrew Bosworth, who told employees the company had a duty not to tilt the scales against&nbsp;US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../could-iran-us-tensions-mean-troubled-waters- ahead-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-273207">Donald Trump</a>'s re-election&nbsp;campaign.

Bosworth, a close confidant of Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg who subsequently made his post public, wrote that he believed&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;was responsible for Trump's&nbsp;election&nbsp;in 2016, but not because of misinformation or Trump's work with Cambridge Analytica.

Rather, he said, the Trump campaign used&nbsp;Facebook's advertising tools most effectively.

&nbsp;

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it was making some changes to its approach to political ads, including allowing users to turn off certain ad-targeting tools, but the updates stop far short of critics' demands and what rival companies have pledged to do.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it was making some changes to its approach to political ads, including allowing users to turn off certain ad-targeting tools, but the updates stop far short of critics' demands and what rival companies have pledged to do. The world's biggest social network has vowed to curb political manipulation of its platform, after failing to counter alleged Russian interference and the misuse of user data by defunct political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica in 2016. But ahead of the US presidential election in November 2020, Facebook is struggling to quell criticism of its relatively hands-off ads policies. In particular, it has come under fire after it exempted politicians' ads from fact-checking standards applied to other content on its network. Facebook said that in addition to rolling out a tool enabling individual users to choose to see fewer political and social issue ads on Facebook and its photo-sharing app Instagram, it will also make more ad audience data publicly available. Also Read: Facebook executive says it helped put Trump in White House In contrast, Twitter Inc banned political ads in October, while Alphabet Inc's Google said it would stop letting advertisers target election ads using data such as public voter records and general political affiliations. Other online platforms like Spotify, Pinterest and TikTok have also issued bans. In a blog post, Facebook's director of product management Rob Leathern said the company considered imposing limits like Google's but decided against them as internal data indicated most ads run by US presidential candidates are broadly targeted, at audiences larger than 250,000 people. "We have based (our policies) on the principle that people should be able to hear from those who wish to lead them, warts and all," Leathern wrote. The expanded ad audience data features will be rolled out in the first quarter of this year and Facebook plans to deploy the political ads control starting in the United States early this summer, eventually expanding this preference to more locations. Another change will be to allow users to choose to stop seeing ads based on an advertiser's "Custom Audience" and that will apply to all types of advertising, not only political ads. The "Custom Audiences" feature lets advertisers upload lists of personal data they maintain, like email addresses and phone numbers. Facebook then matches that information to user accounts and shows the advertiser's content to those people. However, Facebook will not give users a blanket option to turn off the feature, meaning they will have to opt-out of seeing ads for each advertiser one by one, a spokesman told Reuters. The change will also not affect ad targeting via Facebook's Lookalike Audiences tool, which uses the same uploads of personal data to direct ads at people with similar characteristics to those on the lists, the spokesman said. Leathern said in the post the company would make new information publicly available about the audience size of political ads in the company's Ad Library, showing approximately how many people the advertisers aimed to reach. The changes follow a New York Times report this week of an internal memo by senior Facebook executive Andrew Bosworth, who told employees the company had a duty not to tilt the scales against US President Donald Trump's re-election campaign. Bosworth, a close confidant of Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg who subsequently made his post public, wrote that he believed Facebook was responsible for Trump's election in 2016, but not because of misinformation or Trump's work with Cambridge Analytica. Rather, he said, the Trump campaign used Facebook's advertising tools most effectively.

Ahead of US election, Facebook gives users some control over how they see political ads

Alphabet Inc shares rose about 8 per cent&nbsp;after the company reported quarterly results that eased investors' concerns about growth challenges facing its <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-lift-veil-on-facebook-google-algorithms-to-protect-privacy-238610&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi795iK0NLjAhVdnI8KHd4yA3EQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0DjuqZIq45MxG5qQMQLYOz">Google</a> advertising business.

Driven by ad sales, second-quarter revenue and earnings beat analysts' expectations. Also, the world's largest online search and ads firm, unlike No. 2 online ad player <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-create-privacy-panel-pay-5-billion-to-us-to-settle-data-breach-allegations-238141&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin3vee0NLjAhUJuY8KHX4XCmoQFjAJegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oWENcDFaT7j5nwu9RI2L3">Facebook Inc</a> a day earlier, offered no worrisome guidance about increasing regulatory scrutiny.

The results helped Alphabet dismiss as a rare blip a $1 billion revenue miss in the first quarter, which had prompted an outburst of investor questions and the biggest one-day sell-off in its shares in about seven years.

In after-hours trade on Thursday, the shares rose to $1,226.60, on track for their biggest single-day increase in four years though still down about 4% from their highs before the April slide.

Alphabet's shares have lagged peers on Wall Street this year, rising about 9 per cent through Thursday's close, compared to a roughly 20% gain for the S&amp;P 500 broadly.

Questions linger about whether privacy, content moderation and antitrust rules proposed or already passed in the United States and other high-revenue countries will slash ad prices. Google also faces an industrywide slowdown in ad sales in the United States and Europe, with revenue from emerging markets not yet picking up the slack.

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai told analysts on Thursday that advances in ad targeting and new services for consumers worldwide would spur growth. He said the company had survived calls for regulation before.

"We understand there will be scrutiny," and "we will engage constructively," he said.

WEAKENING CONCERNS

Alphabet, which generates about 85 per cent of its revenue from sales of ad space and ad technology, reported total second-quarter revenue of $38.9 billion. That was up 19% over last year and compared with 17% growth in the first quarter. Analysts on average estimated 16.8% growth and $38.2 billion in revenue, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

The last time that Alphabet had two consecutive quarters of revenue growth below 20% was three years ago.

Executives said the latest results backed their contention that the performance recently has been affected by currency exchange rates and one-off fluctuations rather than advertiser flight or some deeper challenge to its business.

Alphabet's chief financial officer, Ruth Porat, appeared to dispel other analyst concerns, saying the company has seen "virtually no impact" to revenue from efforts to stop running ads on YouTube videos that some have characterized as extremist or hateful.

Alphabet authorized up to $25 billion in new stock buybacks, aiming to make use of its $121 billion in cash.

Pichai said quarterly revenue from licensing cloud computing services and workplace software jumped to about $2 billion, from its last disclosure of $1 billion at the end of 2017. He said the cloud unit would triple its sales staff over the next few years.

Atlantic Equities analyst James Cordwell told Reuters in an email that the buyback and cloud updates "suggests that management cares about stock performance, which will be a relief to shareholders!"

Net income for the second quarter rose to $9.95 billion, or $14.21 per share, compared with analysts' estimates of $8.02 billion, or $11.32 per share.

Alphabet’s quarterly costs at $29.76 billion were about flat with the same period a year ago. The operating margin was 24%, up from 18% in the first quarter.

Alphabet in its earnings release on Thursday did not mention any government investigations.

Facebook Inc, along with the release of its earnings on Wednesday, said the FTC had informed it last month that it was under antitrust investigation. The social media giant also acknowledged a broad US&nbsp;Department of Justice's antitrust review of large internet companies.

Reuters reported last month that the US&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission was gearing up to investigate Google over complaints of anti-competitive behaviour.

Accusations lodged against Google by rivals and other critics span its advertising, app store, search and other businesses.

On Thursday, the Texas attorney general's office announced that a bipartisan group of state attorneys general is weighing a range of antitrust actions against big tech companies.

Alphabet Inc shares rose about 8 per cent after the company reported quarterly results that eased investors' concerns about growth challenges facing its Google advertising business.

Alphabet Inc shares rose about 8 per cent after the company reported quarterly results that eased investors' concerns about growth challenges facing its Google advertising business. Driven by ad sales, second-quarter revenue and earnings beat analysts' expectations. Also, the world's largest online search and ads firm, unlike No. 2 online ad player Facebook Inc a day earlier, offered no worrisome guidance about increasing regulatory scrutiny. The results helped Alphabet dismiss as a rare blip a $1 billion revenue miss in the first quarter, which had prompted an outburst of investor questions and the biggest one-day sell-off in its shares in about seven years. In after-hours trade on Thursday, the shares rose to $1,226.60, on track for their biggest single-day increase in four years though still down about 4% from their highs before the April slide. Alphabet's shares have lagged peers on Wall Street this year, rising about 9 per cent through Thursday's close, compared to a roughly 20% gain for the S&P 500 broadly. Questions linger about whether privacy, content moderation and antitrust rules proposed or already passed in the United States and other high-revenue countries will slash ad prices. Google also faces an industrywide slowdown in ad sales in the United States and Europe, with revenue from emerging markets not yet picking up the slack. Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai told analysts on Thursday that advances in ad targeting and new services for consumers worldwide would spur growth. He said the company had survived calls for regulation before. "We understand there will be scrutiny," and "we will engage constructively," he said. WEAKENING CONCERNS Alphabet, which generates about 85 per cent of its revenue from sales of ad space and ad technology, reported total second-quarter revenue of $38.9 billion. That was up 19% over last year and compared with 17% growth in the first quarter. Analysts on average estimated 16.8% growth and $38.2 billion in revenue, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. The last time that Alphabet had two consecutive quarters of revenue growth below 20% was three years ago. Executives said the latest results backed their contention that the performance recently has been affected by currency exchange rates and one-off fluctuations rather than advertiser flight or some deeper challenge to its business. Alphabet's chief financial officer, Ruth Porat, appeared to dispel other analyst concerns, saying the company has seen "virtually no impact" to revenue from efforts to stop running ads on YouTube videos that some have characterized as extremist or hateful. Alphabet authorized up to $25 billion in new stock buybacks, aiming to make use of its $121 billion in cash. Pichai said quarterly revenue from licensing cloud computing services and workplace software jumped to about $2 billion, from its last disclosure of $1 billion at the end of 2017. He said the cloud unit would triple its sales staff over the next few years. Atlantic Equities analyst James Cordwell told Reuters in an email that the buyback and cloud updates "suggests that management cares about stock performance, which will be a relief to shareholders!" Net income for the second quarter rose to $9.95 billion, or $14.21 per share, compared with analysts' estimates of $8.02 billion, or $11.32 per share. Alphabet’s quarterly costs at $29.76 billion were about flat with the same period a year ago. The operating margin was 24%, up from 18% in the first quarter. Alphabet in its earnings release on Thursday did not mention any government investigations. Facebook Inc, along with the release of its earnings on Wednesday, said the FTC had informed it last month that it was under antitrust investigation. The social media giant also acknowledged a broad US Department of Justice's antitrust review of large internet companies. Reuters reported last month that the US Federal Trade Commission was gearing up to investigate Google over complaints of anti-competitive behaviour. Accusations lodged against Google by rivals and other critics span its advertising, app store, search and other businesses. On Thursday, the Texas attorney general's office announced that a bipartisan group of state attorneys general is weighing a range of antitrust actions against big tech companies.

Alphabet's revenue rebounds easing doubts on growth

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-sees-progress-for-facebook-after-tumultuous-year-187126">Advertisements on Facebook</a> and other popular social media platforms can encourage people to get a cancer screening, which would help patients spot the disease early enough to get timely treatment, scientists say.

According to researchers, even with the recommendation of a primary care physician, people tend to procrastinate or simply forget to schedule an appointment for cancer screening — a simple step that could save many lives.

"The idea was to start a text messaging campaign for cancer prevention," said Andrea Dwyer, of the University of Colorado in the US.

Advertising including radio slots, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/washington-sues-facebook-over-cambridge-analytica-row-185389">Facebook </a>promotions and even locally-posted flyers encouraged people in the community to text a given number to opt into information and reminders about cancer screening.

Radio and flyers were largely unsuccessful in driving enrollment. However, Facebook advertising resulted in 22,600 Facebook users exposed to ads.

"Facebook was a good mechanism. The engagement was high with Facebook ads, and those who viewed ads clicked through to the sign-up page, an indication of intent to enrol," said Dwyer.

Once people signed up, they stayed enrolled. A full 96 per cent of participants who texted to sign up stayed enrolled to receive all planned information/reminders, researchers said.

The group sees social media, and specifically Facebook, as a way to reach people living in areas where information about cancer prevention might otherwise be lacking, for example in rural areas of Colorado.

Dwyer said that in a future iteration of the project, the group may explore opt-out rather than opt-in strategies, potentially including enrollment through consent at primary care locations or bundling the delivery of information via text with existing health management apps.

Technically, the answer to whether Facebook advertising can prevent cancer remains unanswered — it is impossible to tell how many patients who otherwise would have developed cancer were caught early due to the group's text-based information program.

However, the study did confirm that new strategies of communication, can be an effective way to reach hard-to-reach populations with information and strategies for cancer prevention.

Advertisements on Facebook and other popular social media platforms can encourage people to get a cancer screening, which would help patients spot the disease early enough to get timely treatment, scientists say.

Advertisements on Facebook and other popular social media platforms can encourage people to get a cancer screening, which would help patients spot the disease early enough to get timely treatment, scientists say. According to researchers, even with the recommendation of a primary care physician, people tend to procrastinate or simply forget to schedule an appointment for cancer screening — a simple step that could save many lives. "The idea was to start a text messaging campaign for cancer prevention," said Andrea Dwyer, of the University of Colorado in the US. Advertising including radio slots, Facebook promotions and even locally-posted flyers encouraged people in the community to text a given number to opt into information and reminders about cancer screening. Radio and flyers were largely unsuccessful in driving enrollment. However, Facebook advertising resulted in 22,600 Facebook users exposed to ads. "Facebook was a good mechanism. The engagement was high with Facebook ads, and those who viewed ads clicked through to the sign-up page, an indication of intent to enrol," said Dwyer. Once people signed up, they stayed enrolled. A full 96 per cent of participants who texted to sign up stayed enrolled to receive all planned information/reminders, researchers said. The group sees social media, and specifically Facebook, as a way to reach people living in areas where information about cancer prevention might otherwise be lacking, for example in rural areas of Colorado. Dwyer said that in a future iteration of the project, the group may explore opt-out rather than opt-in strategies, potentially including enrollment through consent at primary care locations or bundling the delivery of information via text with existing health management apps. Technically, the answer to whether Facebook advertising can prevent cancer remains unanswered — it is impossible to tell how many patients who otherwise would have developed cancer were caught early due to the group's text-based information program. However, the study did confirm that new strategies of communication, can be an effective way to reach hard-to-reach populations with information and strategies for cancer prevention.

Facebook ads may help reduce cancer deaths: Study

The Narendra Modi government has spent a whopping Rs 4,300 crore on publicity since it came to power from May 2014, an agency under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said in reply to an Right to Information (RTI) query.

The Bureau of Outreach Communication under the Ministry said the government spent ₹4,343.26 crore on advertising its programmes across media platforms.

This included ₹1732.15 crore on advertisements in the print media (from June 1, 2014, to December 7, 2017) and ₹2079.87 crore in the electronic media (from June 1, 2014, to March 31, 2018). A sum of ₹531.24 crore was spent on outdoor publicity (June 2014 to January 2018), it said.

Mumbai-based RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought details from the centre's Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC) on all spend on advertisement and publicity in all media since the present government assumed office.

The RTI replies also said that between April-December 2017 (nine-month period), the government spent Rs. 333.23 crore on the print medium alone, with the total figure of last fiscal (April 2017-March 2018) coming to Rs. 955.46 crore.

However, as per reports, the total spending of last financial year is still significantly higher than the present government's first year in office when it spent Rs. 953.54 crore in just nine months in office.

Tapan Sutradhar, Financial Advisor, Bureau of Outreach Communication, provided expenditure details on publicity campaigns from June 2014.

“Print media included newspapers, magazines, while electronic media covered TV, Internet, radio, digital cinema, SMSs etc. Outdoor publicity included posters, banners, digital panels, hoardings, railway tickets etc,” the reply stated.

The bureau was formed after merging three media units of the I&B Ministry to ensure “credible, consistent and clear communication” by various wings of the government across media platforms.

The RTI replies also said that between April-December 2017 (nine-month period), the government spent Rs. 333.23 crore on the print medium alone, with the total figure of last fiscal (April 2017-March 2018) coming to Rs. 955.46 crore

The Narendra Modi government has spent a whopping Rs 4,300 crore on publicity since it came to power from May 2014, an agency under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said in reply to an Right to Information (RTI) query. The Bureau of Outreach Communication under the Ministry said the government spent ₹4,343.26 crore on advertising its programmes across media platforms. This included ₹1732.15 crore on advertisements in the print media (from June 1, 2014, to December 7, 2017) and ₹2079.87 crore in the electronic media (from June 1, 2014, to March 31, 2018). A sum of ₹531.24 crore was spent on outdoor publicity (June 2014 to January 2018), it said. Mumbai-based RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought details from the centre's Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC) on all spend on advertisement and publicity in all media since the present government assumed office. The RTI replies also said that between April-December 2017 (nine-month period), the government spent Rs. 333.23 crore on the print medium alone, with the total figure of last fiscal (April 2017-March 2018) coming to Rs. 955.46 crore. However, as per reports, the total spending of last financial year is still significantly higher than the present government's first year in office when it spent Rs. 953.54 crore in just nine months in office. Tapan Sutradhar, Financial Advisor, Bureau of Outreach Communication, provided expenditure details on publicity campaigns from June 2014. “Print media included newspapers, magazines, while electronic media covered TV, Internet, radio, digital cinema, SMSs etc. Outdoor publicity included posters, banners, digital panels, hoardings, railway tickets etc,” the reply stated. The bureau was formed after merging three media units of the I&B Ministry to ensure “credible, consistent and clear communication” by various wings of the government across media platforms.

Modi government has spent Rs 4,300 crore on advertising, publicity: RTI query

YouTube has come under scrutiny again after ads from over 300 companies were shown on channels which promoted and included content about white nationalists, Nazis pedophilia, conspiracy theories and North Korean propaganda, as per a report by CNN.&nbsp

Companies like Adidas, Under Armour, Facebook, Hilton, LinkedIn, Amazon etc have possibly&nbspunknowingly financed a few of these channels through these advertisements they paid for on YouTube. Ads from five US government agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and Centers for Disease Control, appeared on the channels.

According to the reports, the companies had no idea that their ads were being shown before videos which promoted extremist content and are now investigating the matter in more detail.&nbsp

However, this is not the first time YouTube has been in trouble. Previously, the company had come under fire for putting extremist content and for letting those channels make money for the videos. This is why many companies had removed themselves from YouTube's ad program while many others reduced the number of ads shared.

For example, a number of ads ran on Brian Ruhe's Nazi channel. YouTube subsequently deleted the channel for violating its community guidelines against spreading hate speech. But before its deletion, ads ran frequently on the channel.

The incidents have raised questions about whether YouTube can adequately safeguard ads and brands' integrity, or whether its automated systems mean that advertisers will always be at risk of such ad placements.

YouTube has made no comment over the reason behind the issue which have been continuing for a while.&nbsp

This is how YouTubers make money:&nbsp

YouTubers link their accounts with Google's AdSense program which delivers ads in exchange for a cut of ad revenue. However, a channel can only apply for monetisation if it reaches 4000 watch hours in the previous 12 months and 1000 subscribers so as to prevent spammers, impersonators and other bad actors from exploiting the ecosystem.&nbsp

One thing to note here is that there is no clarity as to how much a Youtuber is paid. There is fixed revenue model but it is believed that Youtube keeps about 40% of the revenue for itself.&nbsp

A lot of YouTubers remain totally clueless about how they are paid.&nbsp

Companies like Adidas, Under Armour, Facebook, Hilton, LinkedIn, Amazon etc have possible unknowingly financed a few of these channels through these advertisements they paid for on YouTube

YouTube has come under scrutiny again after ads from over 300 companies were shown on channels which promoted and included content about white nationalists, Nazis pedophilia, conspiracy theories and North Korean propaganda, as per a report by CNN. Companies like Adidas, Under Armour, Facebook, Hilton, LinkedIn, Amazon etc have possibly&nbspunknowingly financed a few of these channels through these advertisements they paid for on YouTube. Ads from five US government agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and Centers for Disease Control, appeared on the channels. According to the reports, the companies had no idea that their ads were being shown before videos which promoted extremist content and are now investigating the matter in more detail. However, this is not the first time YouTube has been in trouble. Previously, the company had come under fire for putting extremist content and for letting those channels make money for the videos. This is why many companies had removed themselves from YouTube's ad program while many others reduced the number of ads shared. For example, a number of ads ran on Brian Ruhe's Nazi channel. YouTube subsequently deleted the channel for violating its community guidelines against spreading hate speech. But before its deletion, ads ran frequently on the channel. The incidents have raised questions about whether YouTube can adequately safeguard ads and brands' integrity, or whether its automated systems mean that advertisers will always be at risk of such ad placements. YouTube has made no comment over the reason behind the issue which have been continuing for a while. This is how YouTubers make money: YouTubers link their accounts with Google's AdSense program which delivers ads in exchange for a cut of ad revenue. However, a channel can only apply for monetisation if it reaches 4000 watch hours in the previous 12 months and 1000 subscribers so as to prevent spammers, impersonators and other bad actors from exploiting the ecosystem. One thing to note here is that there is no clarity as to how much a Youtuber is paid. There is fixed revenue model but it is believed that Youtube keeps about 40% of the revenue for itself. A lot of YouTubers remain totally clueless about how they are paid.

YouTube under scanner for showing ads on extremist channels: Report

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would continue requiring people to accept targeted ads as a condition of using its service, a stance that may help keep its business model largely intact despite a new European Union privacy law.&nbsp

The EU law, which takes effect next month, promises the biggest shakeup in online privacy since the birth of the internet. Companies face fines if they collect or use personal information without permission.

Facebook Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman said the social network would begin seeking Europeans` permission this week for a variety of ways Facebook uses their data, but he said that opting out of targeted marketing altogether would not be possible.&nbsp

"Facebook is an advertising-supported service," Sherman said in a briefing with reporters at Facebook`s headquarters.&nbsp

Facebook users will be able to limit the kinds of data that advertisers use to target their pitches, he added, but "all ads on Facebook are targeted to some extent, and that`s true for offline advertising, as well."&nbsp

Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, will use what are known as "permission screens" - pages filled with text that require pressing a button to advance - to notify and obtain approval.&nbsp

The screens will show up on the Facebook website and smartphone app in Europe this week and globally in the coming months, Sherman said.&nbsp

The screens will not give Facebook users the option to hit "decline." Instead, they will guide users to either "accept and continue" or "manage data setting," according to copies the company showed reporters on Tuesday.

"People can choose to not be on Facebook if they want," Sherman said.

Regulators, investors and privacy advocates are closely watching how Facebook plans to comply with the EU law, not only because Facebook has been embroiled in a privacy scandal but also because other companies may follow its lead in trying to limit the impact of opt-outs.&nbsp

Last month, Facebook disclosed that the personal information of millions of users, mostly in the United States, had wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, leading to U.S. congressional hearings and worldwide scrutiny of Facebook`s commitment to privacy.&nbsp

Facebook Chief Financial Officer David Wehner warned in February the company could see a drop-off in usage due to the EU law, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).&nbsp

The EU law, which takes effect next month, promises the biggest shakeup in online privacy since the birth of the internet. Companies face fines if they collect or use personal information without permission

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would continue requiring people to accept targeted ads as a condition of using its service, a stance that may help keep its business model largely intact despite a new European Union privacy law. The EU law, which takes effect next month, promises the biggest shakeup in online privacy since the birth of the internet. Companies face fines if they collect or use personal information without permission. Facebook Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman said the social network would begin seeking Europeans` permission this week for a variety of ways Facebook uses their data, but he said that opting out of targeted marketing altogether would not be possible. "Facebook is an advertising-supported service," Sherman said in a briefing with reporters at Facebook`s headquarters. Facebook users will be able to limit the kinds of data that advertisers use to target their pitches, he added, but "all ads on Facebook are targeted to some extent, and that`s true for offline advertising, as well." Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, will use what are known as "permission screens" - pages filled with text that require pressing a button to advance - to notify and obtain approval. The screens will show up on the Facebook website and smartphone app in Europe this week and globally in the coming months, Sherman said. The screens will not give Facebook users the option to hit "decline." Instead, they will guide users to either "accept and continue" or "manage data setting," according to copies the company showed reporters on Tuesday. "People can choose to not be on Facebook if they want," Sherman said. Regulators, investors and privacy advocates are closely watching how Facebook plans to comply with the EU law, not only because Facebook has been embroiled in a privacy scandal but also because other companies may follow its lead in trying to limit the impact of opt-outs. Last month, Facebook disclosed that the personal information of millions of users, mostly in the United States, had wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, leading to U.S. congressional hearings and worldwide scrutiny of Facebook`s commitment to privacy. Facebook Chief Financial Officer David Wehner warned in February the company could see a drop-off in usage due to the EU law, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Facebook says users must accept targeted ads even under new EU law

Consumer and activist groups called Monday for an investigation into Google-owned YouTube for allowing advertising to be targeted at children in apparent violation of US law.

The organizations said that although YouTube claims that the site is only for users 13 and up, Google generates significant profits from kid-targeted advertising on the video-sharing service.

Twenty-three organizations signed a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), arguing that YouTube is among the most popular online platforms for children and offers many programs designed and promoted for children.

According to the complaint, Google collects personal information about minors on YouTube, including location, unique device identifiers and mobile telephone numbers, and uses that to target advertisements to kids across the internet, apparently without their parents' consent.

It noted that YouTube contains child-oriented channels such as ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs, with millions of subscribers, and that advertisers pay Google a premium to place their ads on a "parenting and family" lineup including channels aimed at children.

"For years, Google has abdicated its responsibility to kids and families by disingenuously claiming YouTube -- a site rife with popular cartoons, nursery rhymes and toy ads -- is not for children under 13," said Josh Golin of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, one of the groups filing the complaint.

Golin added: "Google profits immensely by delivering ads to kids and must comply with COPPA," the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

Jeff Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy, another group signing the complaint, said that Google "has acted duplicitously by falsely claiming in its terms of service that YouTube is only for those who are age 13 or older, while it deliberately lured young people into an ad-filled digital playground."

Contacted by AFP, a Google spokesman said the company had not seen the complaint but that "protecting kids and families has always been a top priority for us."

The spokesman added in a statement, "Because YouTube is not for children, we've invested significantly in the creation of the YouTube Kids app to offer an alternative specifically designed for children."

Other groups signing the FTC complaint included Common Sense, Consumer Action, the Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

COPPA, passed by Congress in 1998, restricts websites' handling of data and advertising for children.&nbsp;

Several website operators have faced fines for violations, including Yelp and a unit of the Walt Disney Co.

The organizations said that although YouTube claims that the site is only for users 13 and up, Google generates significant profits from kid-targeted advertising on the video-sharing service

Consumer and activist groups called Monday for an investigation into Google-owned YouTube for allowing advertising to be targeted at children in apparent violation of US law. The organizations said that although YouTube claims that the site is only for users 13 and up, Google generates significant profits from kid-targeted advertising on the video-sharing service. Twenty-three organizations signed a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), arguing that YouTube is among the most popular online platforms for children and offers many programs designed and promoted for children. According to the complaint, Google collects personal information about minors on YouTube, including location, unique device identifiers and mobile telephone numbers, and uses that to target advertisements to kids across the internet, apparently without their parents' consent. It noted that YouTube contains child-oriented channels such as ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs, with millions of subscribers, and that advertisers pay Google a premium to place their ads on a "parenting and family" lineup including channels aimed at children. "For years, Google has abdicated its responsibility to kids and families by disingenuously claiming YouTube -- a site rife with popular cartoons, nursery rhymes and toy ads -- is not for children under 13," said Josh Golin of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, one of the groups filing the complaint. Golin added: "Google profits immensely by delivering ads to kids and must comply with COPPA," the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Jeff Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy, another group signing the complaint, said that Google "has acted duplicitously by falsely claiming in its terms of service that YouTube is only for those who are age 13 or older, while it deliberately lured young people into an ad-filled digital playground." Contacted by AFP, a Google spokesman said the company had not seen the complaint but that "protecting kids and families has always been a top priority for us." The spokesman added in a statement, "Because YouTube is not for children, we've invested significantly in the creation of the YouTube Kids app to offer an alternative specifically designed for children." Other groups signing the FTC complaint included Common Sense, Consumer Action, the Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and the Electronic Privacy Information Center. COPPA, passed by Congress in 1998, restricts websites' handling of data and advertising for children. Several website operators have faced fines for violations, including Yelp and a unit of the Walt Disney Co.

Consumer groups seek probe of YouTube over ads for kids

Facebook on Monday said it will hire more than 1,000 people to thwart deceptive ads crafted to knock elections off course.

The announcement came as the leading social network turned over to Congress some 3,000 Russia-linked ads that appeared to use hot-button issues to turn people against one another ahead of last year&#39;s US election.

&quot;Today we are delivering those ads to congressional investigators,&quot; Facebook vice president of global policy Joel Kaplan said in an online post.

&quot;Many appear to amplify racial and social divisions.&quot;

The ads appeared to be linked to a Russian entity known as the Internet Research Agency, and violated Facebook policies because they came from inauthentic accounts, according to Kaplan.

&quot;Aggressive steps&quot; by Facebook will include hiring more than 1,000 people to bolster its global ads review teams in the coming year, Kaplan said.

Facebook also planned to ramp up investment in machine learning to identify and take down ads violating the social network&#39;s policies.

&quot;Enforcement is never perfect, but we will get better at finding and removing improper ads,&quot; Kaplan said.

Facebook will require those interested in running ads related to US elections to confirm businesses or organizations they represent.

- Asking forgiveness -

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg last month announced a crackdown on efforts to use the leading social network to meddle with elections.

Zuckerberg outlined a series of steps that would help prevent the manipulation of the social network, including more transparency on political ads appearing on Facebook.

Facebook last month agreed to hand over information about the ads from the Internet Research Agency to special counsel Robert Mueller&#39;s investigation of the 2016 election.

An internal Facebook review showed that Russia-linked fake accounts were used to buy ads aimed at exacerbating political clashes ahead of and following the 2016 US presidential election.

Some 470 accounts spent a total of approximately $100,000 between June 2015 to May 2017 on ads that touted fake or misleading news or drove traffic to pages with such messages, a Facebook official said.

While the amount of money involved was relatively small, enough to buy roughly 3,000 ads, the accounts or pages violated Facebook policies and were shut down, according to Facebook chief security officer Alex Stamos.

Zuckerberg over the weekend posted a message marking the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, or day of atonement, asking forgiveness &quot;for the ways my work was used to divide people rather than bring us together.&quot;

- Free speech vs abuse -

Facebook vice president of communications Elliot Schrage on Monday posted answers to &quot;hard questions&quot; prompted by the Russia ads.

The social network estimated that 10 million people in the US saw the ads, some 44 percent of those views happening before the November election and the rest afterwards.

Many of the ads did not violate Facebook rules regarding banned content but instead broke a policy barring accounts from hiding who is really running them, according to the social network.

&quot;That means that for most of (the ads) if they had been run by authentic individuals, anywhere, they could have remained on the platform,&quot; Schrage said.

&quot;This is an issue we have debated a great deal.&quot;

Facebook has become an important platform for debate on political and social issues and faces the challenge of protecting free speech while guarding against malicious interference in elections.

&quot;We are dedicated to being an open platform for all ideas, and that may sometimes mean allowing people to express views we &mdash; or others &mdash; find objectionable,&quot; Schrage said.

&quot;This has been the longstanding challenge for all democracies: how to foster honest and authentic political speech while protecting civic discourse from manipulation and abuse.&quot;

The announcement came as the leading social network turned over to Congress some 3,000 Russia-linked ads that appeared to use hot-button issues to turn people against one another ahead of last year's US election

Facebook on Monday said it will hire more than 1,000 people to thwart deceptive ads crafted to knock elections off course. The announcement came as the leading social network turned over to Congress some 3,000 Russia-linked ads that appeared to use hot-button issues to turn people against one another ahead of last year's US election. "Today we are delivering those ads to congressional investigators," Facebook vice president of global policy Joel Kaplan said in an online post. "Many appear to amplify racial and social divisions." The ads appeared to be linked to a Russian entity known as the Internet Research Agency, and violated Facebook policies because they came from inauthentic accounts, according to Kaplan. "Aggressive steps" by Facebook will include hiring more than 1,000 people to bolster its global ads review teams in the coming year, Kaplan said. Facebook also planned to ramp up investment in machine learning to identify and take down ads violating the social network's policies. "Enforcement is never perfect, but we will get better at finding and removing improper ads," Kaplan said. Facebook will require those interested in running ads related to US elections to confirm businesses or organizations they represent. - Asking forgiveness - Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg last month announced a crackdown on efforts to use the leading social network to meddle with elections. Zuckerberg outlined a series of steps that would help prevent the manipulation of the social network, including more transparency on political ads appearing on Facebook. Facebook last month agreed to hand over information about the ads from the Internet Research Agency to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of the 2016 election. An internal Facebook review showed that Russia-linked fake accounts were used to buy ads aimed at exacerbating political clashes ahead of and following the 2016 US presidential election. Some 470 accounts spent a total of approximately $100,000 between June 2015 to May 2017 on ads that touted fake or misleading news or drove traffic to pages with such messages, a Facebook official said. While the amount of money involved was relatively small, enough to buy roughly 3,000 ads, the accounts or pages violated Facebook policies and were shut down, according to Facebook chief security officer Alex Stamos. Zuckerberg over the weekend posted a message marking the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, or day of atonement, asking forgiveness "for the ways my work was used to divide people rather than bring us together." - Free speech vs abuse - Facebook vice president of communications Elliot Schrage on Monday posted answers to "hard questions" prompted by the Russia ads. The social network estimated that 10 million people in the US saw the ads, some 44 percent of those views happening before the November election and the rest afterwards. Many of the ads did not violate Facebook rules regarding banned content but instead broke a policy barring accounts from hiding who is really running them, according to the social network. "That means that for most of (the ads) if they had been run by authentic individuals, anywhere, they could have remained on the platform," Schrage said. "This is an issue we have debated a great deal." Facebook has become an important platform for debate on political and social issues and faces the challenge of protecting free speech while guarding against malicious interference in elections. "We are dedicated to being an open platform for all ideas, and that may sometimes mean allowing people to express views we — or others — find objectionable," Schrage said. "This has been the longstanding challenge for all democracies: how to foster honest and authentic political speech while protecting civic discourse from manipulation and abuse."

Facebook beefing up team to thwart election manipulation

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