Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026 by AI giants battling for users against a backdrop of headlines about rogue agents hacking government websites and warnings about the dangerous pace of AI advancement." 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026When the Gen AI/Tech Giants rely on cartoons to disguise their actual intent/impact, another warning sign. via@wsj: "Cartoonlike characters representing powerful algorithms mark the newest chapter in a nearly billion-dollar marketing effort 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026If the FTC is truly concerned about the skyrocketing prices the U.S. public pay, it should withdraw its policy statement and engage in legal action...to stem the massive and unauthorized use of data that is at the core of surveillance pricing-- .. bit.ly/4yRGHwxbit.lyRegulations.gov 100
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 24/09/2026"If the Trump Adm. controlled FTC does not act to seriously protect Americans from the data surveillance leviathan that manipulates what they pay—at the store, pump, and interest from credit --it will leave millions of Americans at greater financial risk." bit.ly/4yRGHwxbit.lyRegulations.gov 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026This is a deal with State AGs that ignores the market realities of the global media biz. Gen AI will eradicate jobs & skill sets across #WarnerMount's workforce & divisions. The consent degree does nothing to curtail the power of the Ellison's & their backers across vast swaths of our media. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026The Paramount takeover of Warner's is a case study. Why we need a regulatory regime to deal with the commercial surveillance media & platform networks that control our information; have growing unchecked (AI) influence on public & whose allegiances are not anchored in democratic values. 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Approving the Ellison & his allies take over Warner Discovery is major blow to having a diverse & democratic communications system in US. Underscores failures by political leaders & regulators that have enabled the tightly controlled commercial surveillance based digital media system. #Warnermount 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Here's a good example of why if we had functioning FTC & CFPB, such "interoperability" agentic payment systems would get the scrutiny required. #GenAI Ant International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification Rules www.unite.ai/ant-internat...unite.aiAnt International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification RulesAnt International, Mastercard and Visa have begun collaboration on a Know-Your-Agent (KYA) interoperability framework for agentic commerce, the companies announced on September 10, 2026, citing a proj... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Consumers and video viewers at risk, including what they pay for streaming & what happens to their data, as Tech Giants expand their lobbying. Note Netflix, Amazon, Google. bit.ly/3VvdtVRbit.lyExclusive: Netflix, Amazon, YouTube launch new streaming coalitionThree of the biggest names in streaming on Monday announced the formation of a new policy coalition to support their positions on key issues. 001
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Privacy law we helped @edmarkey.bsky.social pass in 1998 still paying dividends-#Meta case. Allies inc. @EPICprivacy @ConsumerFed @GeorgetownLaw, others). Law firm: "COPPA violations were central to the states' theory of liability...represents the largest COPPA-related enforcement outcome..." 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Meta's alliance with WPP on agentic marketing another example of why State AGs needed to look under Meta's digital hood to ensure real accountability. www.wpp.com/en/news/wpp-...wpp.comWPP named first launch partner to pilot Meta’s newest creative solution, integrated within WPP OpenWPP is expanding its long-standing partnership with Meta. WPP will become the first advertising partner to pilot Meta's new creative solution, built to navigate creative strategy and optimisation, cur... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Those concerned about social media & youth should see our new report on role of Gen AI, social media, marketing surveillance. The State AGs should "Call their Agentic" and ensure their deal is aligned with market realities. bit.ly/3Uie90wbit.lyAI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Until the State AGs & regulators address the (now) Gen AI+data run ad & marketing systems of #Meta, Google, TikTok, young people will be targets. We have a trillion dollar global ad economy, fueled by the biggest co's, luring us, on every platform, via an agentic driven social media Siren. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 26/08/2026“The settlement reaches the features of Meta’s platforms but not the engine... Meta earns nearly all of its money from ads. Young people’s attention is the inventory... Design that captures and holds that attention is not a flaw in the business model, it is the business model..." bit.ly/4zE8qSBbit.lyMeta Settlement Reaches the Features, Not the Engine | Center For Digital Democracy 011
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 26/08/2026We lobbied to enact COPPA in 1998, we knew legal safeguards could protect kids from Big Tech. If #Meta AG settlement doesn't include Gen AI regs, harms raised by our report will continue to threaten youth. Settlement must be looking forward vs. older engagement model. bit.ly/3Uie90wbit.lyAI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 25/08/2026www.reuters.com/science/us-s...reuters.comUS Space Force awards SpaceX $2.29 billion contract for military space data networkThe contract is to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network to connect military sensors and weapons platforms across the globe. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 25/08/2026@AGRobBonta Selling cable channels as part of a #WarnerMount deal won't provide the competitive relief alone. Data practices empower media co's today. You can sellbchannels but still clone targets based on what you still have--esp in AI era. Put Warner data in a lock box for 10 years. #antitrust 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Shame on US media co’s, inc streaming, for working to undermine key content diversity & pluralism safeguards. They are not defenders of freedom. How Canadian content on streaming platforms became a trade issue with the U.S. | CBC News www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...cbc.caHow Canadian content on streaming platforms became a trade issue with the U.S. | CBC NewsThe fight between Canada and the U.S. on trade isn’t just about dairy, car parts and natural resources. The two countries have been in a lengthy dispute over whether American streaming services like N... 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 24/08/2026@AGRobBonta-examine data a WarnerMount would receive from cable programs & isolate it from data profiling uses, inc data from Roku, other streaming tech, retail partners. Require theatrical and cable TV investments vs streaming, AI, data tech Skydance pursuing. No coordination with TikTok US. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 20/08/2026 Trump FTC fails Privacy 101-- disclosure is totally ineffective to protect public--esp the complex/multi-partner, deep data-mining & AI driven commercial surveillance pricing system. Illustrates also failure of one-party agency rule--no one left to tell them the truth. bit.ly/46haqmgbit.lyFTC Seeks Comment on Enforcement Policy Statement Regarding Personalized PricingThe Federal Trade Commission today announced it is seeking public comment on 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 17/08/2026Thank you @RalphNader for your ongoing work. Because of Ralph, there has been effective public interest representation on health, consumer protection, antitrust, media reform, more. A debt only repaid by our commitment to keep fighting for justice & fairness. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/16/n...nytimes.comRalph Nader, Unsurprisingly, Still Wants You to Pay AttentionMr. Nader, 92, is no longer in the public eye, but he has not stopped fighting for whatever needs fighting, whether people are listening or not. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 13/08/2026We map commercial influence across six layers: data collection, profiling, targeting, creative generation, interaction, and measurement. The report shows AI running all six and linking them in a loop, so that a single system can produce a commercial message, deliver it as conversation, and adjust it 011
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 13/08/2026AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children. New report lifts curtain on Gen AI's expansion of commercial surveillance. bit.ly/4wvLwdFbit.lyAI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 12/08/2026FIFA's digital data & AI practices should be reviewed, inc. "Continuous Fan Experience Ecosystem...Unified Fan Identity: FIFA ID as connective tissue across all digital touchpoints, enabling the organization to recognize, reach and reward fans ..." bit.ly/4fTyNfEbit.lyFIFA Selects Globant to Create a Continuous Fan Experience Ecosystem for Football Fans Using AI Pods Powered by Glob.AIFIFA's digital experiences will be scaled using Glob.AI, Globant's AI-native tech services model, to create a seamless, personalized journey for millions of fans, with initial pilots indicating... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 10/08/2026A major Gen AI risk is unprecedented commercial surveillance for marketing & deep commercial influence. bit.ly/4wfSFOP Best to really understand Zuckerberg's Gen AI vision here: www.facebook.com/business/ads...; developers.facebook.com/documentatio...bit.lyThe Future is for EveryoneA letter from Mark Zuckerberg on the path to a positive AI future. 020
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 03/08/2026States must regulate Gen AI. "The FTC’s ongoing hallucination on threats to Gen AI “accuracy” reveal both a misunderstanding of the market and a devotion to a political agenda that does not allow critical and independent policymaking be considered." www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-...regulations.govRegulations.gov 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 25/07/2026Thank you @AGRobBonta & your other AG colleagues for standing up for democracy & a competitive media marketplace. This deal has enormous implications & multiple problems that responsible anti-trust regulators must address. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 22/07/2026Despite what Paramount/Skydance claims, and what the EU reviewed, it's still the data in the Gen AI era that raise so many concerns for this mega media & marketing deal. bit.ly/4vFSXybbit.lyEUROPEAN COMMISSION APPROVES PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION ACQUISITION OF WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY MARKING MAJOR MILESTONE TOWARDS COMPLETION/PRNewswire/ -- The European Commission has today formally cleared the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD") by Paramount Skydance... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 13/07/2026It also should be the Ellison control of TikTok US & the data that should also be major antitrust issue. States Sue to Block Paramount’s Deal for Warner Bros. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/b...nytimes.comStates Sue to Block Paramount’s Deal for Warner Bros. 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 04/07/2026It’s clear without strong regulations Gen AI systems will be used to reinforce misinformation, biases, generate voter distrust. Warning signs here. ‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots www.nytimes.com/2026/07/04/u... via @NYTimesnytimes.com‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots 020
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 01/07/2026This Trump FTC decision illustrates what will be impact of Scotus' Slaughter decision. Narrow political agenda pursued over the public interest--in this case eliminating safeguards for kids & others, just to please a delusionary agenda. www.ftc.gov/news-events/...ftc.govFTC Secures Agreement with Havas to Restore Competition in the Digital Advertising EcosystemToday, the Federal Trade Commission, along with a coalition of states, scored another major victory in the fight against collusive conduct in the advertising industry. 020
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Both the FTC & FCC, regardless of party in power, was always influenced by the White House, Hill, big $ lobbyists. Congress will need to redesign the agencies to act independently & in the public interest. Kudos to Becca Slaughter & her allies for fighting the right fight. 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 25/06/2026AI driven grocery product ”conversational” placement illustrates Gen AI trajectory will be on sell, sell, sell. Another reason for regulation. Albertsons Media Collective Brings Sponsored Product Discovery to AI-Powered Conversational Search www.albertsonscompanies.com/newsroom/pre...albertsonscompanies.comAlbertsons Media Collective Brings Sponsored Product Discovery to AI-Powered Conversational SearchNew integration with Criteo enables brands to connect with shoppers during key planning and shopping moments Albertsons Media Collective , the retail media arm for Albertsons® Companies , Inc. (NYSE: ... 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 24/06/2026Another data related issue with the troubled Ellison’s Skydance attempt to takeover Warner’s, raising competition & privacy concern. Omnicom, Paramount+ roll out dynamic ad units for personalised storytelling in premieres - Storyboard18 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Netflix brings its viewers product placement using Gen AI & data profiling tech. Is that their creative vision? OMNICOM MEDIA BECOMES NETFLIX'S FIRST DATA COLLABORATION PARTNER FOR AI-POWERED AD CREATIVES finance.yahoo.com/media-advert...finance.yahoo.comOMNICOM MEDIA BECOMES NETFLIX'S FIRST DATA COLLABORATION PARTNER FOR AI-POWERED AD CREATIVESOmnicom Media, an Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) Connected Capability, and Netflix today announced a new collaboration that combines Omnicom's Media Group's Acxiom audience intelligence with Netflix's AI-powered... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Warner’s Amazon deal illustrates key antitrust issues at core of Ellison Sky plan to grab WBD. Regulators need to dive into the partnerships, data, adtech. Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Agentic AI-Powered Advertising Technology Built on AWS 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Maga connected media gets more data. Fox takeover of Roku gives access to behavioral info on millions of Americans. Ellisons’ grab of Warner adds to their ability to leverage our data too. Restructuring of US media during the Gen AI transition requires action. newsroom.roku.com/news/2026/04...newsroom.roku.comRokuRoku provides the simplest way to stream entertainment to your TV. On your terms. With thousands of available channels to choose from. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 20/06/2026Here’s example of Trump DoJ failure on oking Ellison attempt to control WBD. Addressing agentic marketing impacts. Paramount Revenue Chief Teases 'Complete Evolution' of Pluto. www.wbd.com/news/warner-...wbd.comWarner Bros. Discovery Announces Agentic AI-Powered Advertising Technology Built on AWS, its Preferred Cloud Provider - Warner Bros. DiscoveryWarner Bros. Discovery, a premier global media and entertainment company, offers audiences the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, f... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 18/06/2026In Fox/Roku tie-up, & with implications for Ellison's Warner's play, antitrust regulators must examine control of the streaming video home screen. www.adexchanger.com/tv/roku-reva...adexchanger.comRoku Revamps Its Home Screen To Appease Both Consumers And Advertisers | AdExchangerRoku unveiled its new home screen, which includes new features designed to further personalize the home screen experience for each viewer. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 17/06/2026Paramount's attempt to control Warner's now links it even more to Murdoch's Fox with Roku acquisition. We are talking share of data, viewers, targeting, giving 2 co's even more control. Antitrust regulators should review licensing, data sharing, ad agreements. Follow the data in #WarnerMount. 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 15/06/2026For background related to Fox & Roku, see our report on how streaming video now key part of vast commercial surveillance complex. democraticmedia.org/publishings/...democraticmedia.orgStreaming Television Industry Conducting Vast Surveillance of Viewers, Targeting Them with Manipulative AI-driven Ad Tactics, Says New Report | Center For Digital Democracy 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 15/06/2026There are multiple conflicts in Fox/Roku, inc. a connection to the Ellison's TikTok US ops. Follow the data here esp, inc, with databrokers, GenAI data integration co's, more. For ex: corporate.tubitv.com/press/tubi-p...; corporate.tubitv.com/press/tubi-a...corporate.tubitv.comTubi Partners with TikTok to Offer Creators a Pathway to Develop Premium Long Form Content - TubiTV CorporateNew Tubi x TikTok Creatorverse Incubator Will Bring Shows to Tubi’s 100M+ Monthly Active Users SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, […] 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 15/06/2026This deal raises serious competition, privacy & consumer protection concerns; impacts across media production & another potential Trump supported consolidation of US information & entertainment. www.foxcorporation.com/news/corp-pr...foxcorporation.comFox Corporation to Acquire Roku, Inc. - foxcorporationCombination Creates a Scaled Media and Technology Platform with Superior Reach, Engagement and Monetization Capability Unites FOX’s Premium Live Content with Roku’s Leading Streaming Platform Reaching... 022
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 13/06/2026You cannot trust the Trump @JusticeATR when they fail to, at least, require safeguards for Ellison takeover of Warner Bros, post TikTok US & Paramount/CBS. Point of the deal is to undermine the US news system & place media influence assets in Maga friendly control. AGs must fight 010
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 11/06/2026In Paramount Skydance Warner's deal, look for strong EU/global media connections raising multiple competition concerns across news, sports, entertainment. @CMAgovUK See: www.banijay.com/blog/2026/03...; redbirdcap.com/news/forbes-...banijay.comBanijay Group and RedBird IMI to create leading media and entertainment powerhouse through the combination of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media | BanijayBanijay Group and RedBird IMI, the joint venture backed by RedBird Capital Partners and Abu Dhabi-based IMI media group, have entered into a strategic partnership to merge Banijay Entertainment (inclu... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 04/06/2026Scott Pelley's disclosures & firing underscore why Ellison takeover of Warner's & control of #CNN & more, requires responsible state AGs to do all they can. This is more than about @SixtyMinutes. Symptom of decades of failure on media policy & critical call for reforms. But first #fightthemerger 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 03/06/2026EU regulators should investigate Paramount Skydance's deep connections to EU & other media holdings, such as bit.ly/3QfUTPo; imimedia.com/en/portfolio... Competition, news & program diversity impacts. www.mediaplaynews.com/paramount-as...bit.lyBanijay Group announces the combination of Banijay Entertainment and All3MediaBanijay Group and RedBird IMI to create leading media and entertainment powerhouse through the combination of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media Banijay Group and RedBird IMI, the joint venture backe... 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 23/05/2026Such US gov’t cross data integration uses, inc via platform partners listed, requires scrutiny. www.gsa.gov/about-gsa/ne...gsa.govGSA Announces OneGov Agreement with Snowflake to Accelerate Data-Driven Technology AdoptionFederal agencies can now save up to 50% on transformational tools for IT enhancement and data streamlining through this new OneGov Agreement 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 19/05/2026Competition, privacy, consumer protection & Gen AI regulators/advocates should examine how potential LiveRamp data will further feed AI marketing/targeting models developed by Publicis. Note ad agency giant related recent digital data buying sprees too. www.publicisgroupe.com/en/news/pres...publicisgroupe.comPublicis GroupeSix years after shifting from a holding company to a platform, Publicis is putting AI at its core to become the industry’s first Intelligent System 000
Jeff Chester @chesterj1.bsky.social · 18/05/2026The Publicis takeover of LiveRamp illustrates the explosion of commercial agentic AI surveillance marketing worldwide. Growing threats to public, from invasive marketing to privacy to payments to ongoing data+ad+platform media consolidation. Advocates/regulators should address. bit.ly/3P9KrZpbit.ly 000