Will Dorsey's Bluesky Overshadow Twitter?
May 3, 2023 – Since it’s launch, Twitter hasn’t had a direct competitor. No other app has worked quite the same way. Well, that’s about to change. Twitter now has a Doppelganger named Bluesky Social, co-founded by Jack Dorsey. Yes, the same guy who co-founded Twitter. Bluesky is launching the same way Clubhouse did. Users have to be invited to the platform. Those interested in receiving an invite can submit their email for the waiting list on Bluesky’s home page.
Twitter's Blue Check Mark Loses Impact
March 29, 2023 – If it’s not Elon Musk’s idea of an April Fool’s prank, we’re about to witness the end of the blue check mark as a status symbol. As of Saturday, April 1, 2023 anyone on Twitter who wants can pony up $8-$12/ mo for a subscription. Celebs aren’t happy. Star Trek actor William Shatner tweeted, “I’ve been here for 15 years giving my (clock emoji) & witty thoughts all for bupkis. Now you’re telling me that I have to pay for something you gave me for free?” Elon Musk replied by saying he just wants to be fair and treat everyone equally.
Tik Tok Dominates Social Commerce
January 25, 2023 – Today, Insider Intelligence released, Retail Trends to Watch for 2023. In it, they report that Tik Tok is testing a Shop feature with select merchants in the U.S., demonstrating a strong shift towards commerce. They say that, while other companies are ditching social commerce and ramping up advertising, “Tik Tok’s share of users who are social buyers will surpass Facebook in 2024.” This increase will be driven by Gen Z consumers who, resoundingly, favor this platform, evidenced by the recent trending #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt push that reached over 30 billion viewers.
President's Op-Ed Calls for National Data Privacy Framework
January 14, 2023 – In an op-ed in today’s Wall Street Journal, the president emphasized a need for bipartisan cooperation on legislation that protects consumer’s personal data. This will directly impact digital marketers who rely on customer data. The president also announced funding for antitrust initiatives to limit Big Tech.
Facebook Can't Profit from Kid's Data, FTC Warns
May 4, 2023 – The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has moved towards completely preventing Meta from monetizing data belonging to any user under the age of 18. In a press release issued May 3, 2023, Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated, “The company’s recklessness has put young users at risk.” Facebook responded by calling the action a political stunt and has vowed to “vigorously fight this action.”
Italy Bans ChatGPT for GDPR Violations
April 3 2023 – Italy is the first EU country to implement a nationwide ban on ChatGPT, but others may follow suit. Alleging that how Open AI collects and uses private data is a direct violation of GDPR, the EU’s privacy legislation, Italy has told the company that they have 20 days to revise their practices. If they don’t, they’ll be levied a fine of 4% of their global annual revenue, or the equivalent of $21.8 million, whichever is higher. Italy has also voiced concern about childrens’ easy access to the site.
Government Shakedown on Google and Meta Ads
April 1, 2023 – The US government is still pursuing various avenues to hold Google and Meta accountable for anti-trust violations pertaining to the way they conduct their Ads businesses. Back in 2020, the Justice Dept sued Google for setting up a, “…series of exclusionary agreements that collectively lock up the primary avenues through which users access search engines, and thus the internet…” Now, the US Senate is attempting to limit Ad monopolies with the AMERICAS Act.
FTC Cracks Down on Unauthorized Sharing of Health Data
February 1, 2023 – The FTC recently announced it will be fining Good Rx $1.5 million for violating it’s Health Breach Notification Rule stating that the company failed, “…to notify consumers and others of its unauthorized disclosures of consumers’ personal health information to Facebook, Google, and other companies….” Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection said, “Digital health companies and mobile apps should not cash in on consumers’ extremely sensitive and personally identifiable health information.”
The United States vs. Google
January 24, 2023 – An important story for digital marketers to watch is that the US government is making good on antitrust promises, tabled during the Trump Administration, in relation to BigTech. Their current target is Google’s advertising platform, alleging, “Google monopolizes key digital advertising technologies.” If they succeed, it could lead to more options and better pricing for SMEs to innovate and compete. You can bypass news stories and read the facts in the Justice Department’s press release.
