At the recent IAB Newfronts, major platforms funded by advertising made several announcements regarding new content, ad formats, and measurement tools.
Among these announcements, major social media platforms introduced new AI enhancements for both users and advertisers. Streaming TV startups also showcased new applications of visual AI and machine learning for targeting and measurement. For instance, Meta discussed using AI to predict organic creator content for paid partners and to suggest creators for brands, while Snap highlighted its use of AI to rapidly create augmented reality lenses for users and advertisers.
In addition to social media giants, tech companies like Samsung focused on their utilization of AI for content, ads, and audience engagement during their events. Streaming providers also joined in, with companies like Canela Media and Samba TV unveiling new AI tools for contextual ad targeting and measurement.
However, amid these advancements, concerns about the ethical development and deployment of AI models and applications were largely overlooked. Privacy issues received minimal attention, with most presentations at the Newfronts focusing on the capabilities and benefits of AI rather than addressing potential risks.
Other recent AI news includes the introduction of the Secure AI Act by U.S. Senators to prevent safety breaches in AI systems, discussions of AI during the closing arguments of the Google antitrust trial, and the unveiling of new AI deals between major publishers and tech companies.
Furthermore, OpenAI faced legal challenges, including lawsuits alleging copyright violations and GDPR violations. Despite these challenges, OpenAI is reportedly preparing to launch its own AI search engine, competing with other startups and tech giants like Google.
Meanwhile, companies across various industries, from F1 to e-commerce giants like Amazon and Apple, continue to integrate AI into their operations. Quarterly earnings reports from these companies highlighted their use of AI for various business functions, with Apple’s CEO Tim Cook expressing optimism about the future of generative AI across the company’s product line.