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Center for Digital Democracy

@digitaldemoc.bsky.social
183 followers 27 following 360 posts
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
When 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 by AI giants
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
@DigitalDemoc to Trump FTC: "If 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/4yRGHwxx
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Regulations.gov
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.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/4yRGHwx
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Regulations.gov
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This 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.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The 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.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The approval of the Ellison takeover of Warner's has huge consequences for US democracy. Underscores need for expanded role for advocates to expose policy/regulatory failures on antitrust, Adtech/AI systems, privacy, content diversity & need for new laws ensuring media pluralism.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Here'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.ai
Ant International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification Rules
Ant 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...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Consumers 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/3VvdtVR
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Exclusive: Netflix, Amazon, YouTube launch new streaming coalition
Three of the biggest names in streaming on Monday announced the formation of a new policy coalition to support their positions on key issues.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Privacy 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..."
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Meta'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.com
WPP named first launch partner to pilot Meta’s newest creative solution, integrated within WPP Open
WPP 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...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Those 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/3Uie90w
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AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Until 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.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.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...it is the business model.." Issues w/AG deal. bit.ly/4zE8qSB
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Meta Settlement Reaches the Features, Not the Engine | Center For Digital Democracy
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
When we lobbied to enact COPPA more than 25 years ago, 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 threaten youth. Settlement should be looking forward--not older model of engagement. bit.ly/3Uie90w
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AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
@AGRobBonta Selling cable channels as part of #WarnerMount deal won't provide competitive relief alone. Data practices empower media co's today. You can sell off channels but still clone targets--esp in AI era. Put all Warner data in a lock box for 10 years. #antitrust
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.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/46haqmg
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FTC Seeks Comment on Enforcement Policy Statement Regarding Personalized Pricing
The Federal Trade Commission today announced it is seeking public comment on
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Thank 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.com
Ralph Nader, Unsurprisingly, Still Wants You to Pay Attention
Mr. 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.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
We 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
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
AI 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/4wvLwdF
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AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
FIFA's digital data & AI practices should be reviewed, inc. "Continuous Fan Experience Ecosystem...Unified Fan Identity: ...connective tissue across all digital touchpoints, enabling the organization to recognize, reach and reward fans whether watching from home or attending match." bit.ly/4fTyNfE
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FIFA Selects Globant to Create a Continuous Fan Experience Ecosystem for Football Fans Using AI Pods Powered by Glob.AI
FIFA'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...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
A 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.ly
The Future is for Everyone
A letter from Mark Zuckerberg on the path to a positive AI future.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
State 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.gov
Regulations.gov
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Thank 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.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
This 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. www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
ftc.gov
FTC Secures Agreement with Havas to Restore Competition in the Digital Advertising Ecosystem
Today, the Federal Trade Commission, along with a coalition of states, scored another major victory in the fight against collusive conduct in the advertising industry.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
In 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.com
Roku Revamps Its Home Screen To Appease Both Consumers And Advertisers | AdExchanger
Roku unveiled its new home screen, which includes new features designed to further personalize the home screen experience for each viewer.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Paramount'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.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
For background related to Fox & Roku, see our report on how streaming video now key part of vast commercial surveillance complex. democraticmedia.org/publishings/...
democraticmedia.org
Streaming Television Industry Conducting Vast Surveillance of Viewers, Targeting Them with Manipulative AI-driven Ad Tactics, Says New Report | Center For Digital Democracy
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
There 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.com
Tubi Partners with TikTok to Offer Creators a Pathway to Develop Premium Long Form Content - TubiTV Corporate
New Tubi x TikTok Creatorverse Incubator Will Bring Shows to Tubi’s 100M+ Monthly Active Users   SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, […]
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
In 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.com
Banijay Group and RedBird IMI to create leading media and entertainment powerhouse through the combination of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media | Banijay
Banijay 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...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
EU 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...
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Banijay Group announces the combination of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media
Banijay 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...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Competition, 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.com
Publicis Groupe
Six 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
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The 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/3P9KrZp
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Gen AI lobbyists using same old tired policy playbook, arguing against needed safeguards. Just like Google, Facebook & other digital giants fought any privacy regs. That's how we ended up with commercial surveillance; GenAI marketing ushering in more powerful surveillance & manipulation system.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
What were "brand safety" protections for online content @AFergusonFTC fears? "adult & explicit sexual content, crime & harmful acts to individuals, hate speech & acts of aggression, obscenity & profanity, illegal drugs, terrorism, misinformation (verifiably false content)." bit.ly/486bHOx
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Antitrust, data & consumer protection regulators should focus on Amazon's further expansion on mobile devices, esp in the Gen AI commercial surveillance marketing 3.0 era. www.aboutamazon.com/news/company...
aboutamazon.com
Amazon to acquire Globalstar and expand Amazon Leo satellite network
Globalstar satellites, radio frequency spectrum, and operational expertise will enable Amazon Leo to add Direct-to-Device (D2D) services to future generations of its low Earth orbit satellite network.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Shameful action weakening online safeguards for kids as well as broader public. Big data marketing agencies on bended knee to FTC. www.mediapost.com/publications...
mediapost.com
FTC: Dentsu, Publicis, WPP Agree To Discontinue 'Brand Safety' Standards
"The ad agencies' brand-safety conspiracy turned competition in the market for ad-buying services on its head," FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said in a statement, adding, "The antitrust laws guarantee ...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
On both bended & branded knee. Shape on the ad giants, which may include WPP & Publicis, for caving in to the FTC. Their clients will ultimately pay. www.wsj.com/business/med... via @WSJ
wsj.com
Exclusive | FTC in Settlement Talks With Ad Companies in Boycott Probe
The government began an inquiry last year into whether ad firms were funneling client dollars away from certain media platforms.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
OpenAI buying a finance app part of this commercial surveillance marketing 3.0 story--Gen AI for shopping, payments, ads. Agentic monetization at core of Gen AI apparatus. www.engadget.com/ai/openai-ac...
engadget.com
OpenAI acquires an AI-powered personal investing app
The company behind ChatGPT acquired Roi, a startup that created a personalized AI chatbot that can give financial advice.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
GenAI is the foundation for the Commercial Surveillance 3.0 era. Ads, marketing, sales is what AI is being shaped to deliver--with less privacy, autonomy, & greater control by #BigTech. OpenAI has quietly launched its ads manager as it races to build out its ads business bit.ly/3QEc1Ot
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OpenAI has quietly launched its ads manager as it races to build out its ads business
The AI platform launched the ads manager within its ChatGPT ads pilot advertisers last week, and also lowered the barrier to joining the test.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Commercial surveillance 3.0 via #GenAI for ads & marketing will be the key business model, as it has been with online from start. Young people & everyone else will be targets for automated & intelligent monetization. Time for action. openai.com/index/introd... www.axios.com/2026/04/09/o...
openai.com
Introducing the Child Safety Blueprint
Discover OpenAI’s Child Safety Blueprint—a roadmap for building AI responsibly with safeguards, age-appropriate design, and collaboration to protect and empower young people online.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Netflix & McDonald's marketing combo cashes in on your calories, with a data gathering side: "Every Saja Boys Breakfast Meal and HUNTR/X Meal comes with a collectible card pack.. Fans can scan the QR code on each Derpy access card and enter the unique code on the McDonald’s App..." bit.ly/4e4IpDB
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McDonald's and Netflix Call on Fans to Pick a Side With Two New 'KPop Demon Hunters'-Inspired Meals - About Netflix
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Trump FTC released its four-year strategic plan. By failing to call for regulation of GenAI, agency not protecting U.S. privacy, consumers & their financial security. www.ftc.gov/system/files...
ftc.gov
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Public health advocates, regulators, need to examine use of tobacco in films & other entertainment, inc. any tobacco biz links for promotion, influence. Cigarettes Get a Sequel: Hollywood’s ‘Cool’ Bad Habit Is Back open.substack.com/pub/theankle...
open.substack.com
Cigarettes Get a Sequel: Hollywood’s ‘Cool’ Bad Habit Is Back
‘People are stressed out of their fucking minds’ as the industry lights up again
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Today's #SesameStreet is brought to us by letter D--for data collection. Public requires data & parent-targeted ad free viewing for kids series. tubitv.com/static/privacy; corporate.tubitv.com/press/sesame...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
@SesameWorkshop needs to explain its deal with #Tubi, inc. whether & what parental & kids data gathered, inc. used for ads, marketing. At a time of addictive social media, public media should not contribute to commercial surveillance, inc via streaming TV. corporate.tubitv.com/press/sesame...
tubitv.com
Watch Free TV & Movies Online | Stream Full Length Videos | Tubi
Watch free on Tubi. From deep cuts to hit movies, shows, series, live TV and awarded originals. No subscription. Free forever.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Ellison's TikTok just unveiled tools used by his Paramount & soon to be Warner Bros. to leverage platform promotion for films, media content. Illustrates why TikTok role part of antitrust, consolidation, privacy review. newsroom.tiktok.com/newfronts-26... bit.ly/3NMoy1i
newsroom.tiktok.com
NewFronts ‘26: TikTok Unveils New High-Impact Ad Solutions - Newsroom | TikTok
TikTok is the world's leading destination for short-form mobile videos. Our mission is to capture and present the world's creativity, knowledge, and moments that matter in everyday life. TikTok empowe...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Decision against Elon Musk's X claim of antitrust violation by advertisers working together to set modest safeguards to support what's called brand safety. Useful to see in light of successful social media addiction cases. bit.ly/4lWNXSL
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Musk’s X Loses Suit Accusing Advertisers of Boycotting Platform
The World Federation of Advertisers, Nestle SA, Shell Plc and a handful of other companies won dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk’s X over claims that they orchestrated an advertising boycott o...
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
It's sad news that the leading public service media co would choose someone from a company that has engaged in far-reaching commercial surveillance data marketing; targets minors with ads; harnesses influencers; cozies up to gov't, etc. I do not know Mr. Brittin. But wrong background & message.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Paramount/Skydance takeover of WBD will not lead to diverse & creative IP production, more employment & theatrical releases. It delivers greater media control to a handful of politically aligned investors, focused on global release payoffs via streaming, sports, gaming.
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Center for Digital Democracy @digitaldemoc.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
EU should regulate streaming video networks, platforms & TV set co's on Smart TV--not just Google, Amazon, etc. Inside digital TVs are multiple sets of control, with data gathering, surveillance, manipulation (inc via AI). Background: bit.ly/47NU45U www.reuters.com/sustainabili... bit.ly/4v1N0wG
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Streaming Television Industry Conducting Vast Surveillance of Viewers, Targeting Them with Manipulative AI-driven Ad Tactics, Says New Report | Center For Digital Democracy
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