Google and Meta ignored their own rules in secret teen-targeting ad deals

Ars Technica

Google and Meta reportedly engaged in a secretive collaboration to target advertisements for Instagram to teenagers on YouTube, circumventing Google’s own rules for handling minors online. According to documents reviewed by the Financial Times and insider sources, Google assisted Meta in a marketing campaign aimed at 13- to 17-year-olds, promoting Instagram on YouTube. The campaign targeted users classified as “unknown” in Google’s ad system, a category that Google knew often included under-18 users.This campaign violated Google’s regulations that prohibit personalized ad targeting to minors, including using demographic data to serve ads. Additionally, it involved measures to obscure the campaign’s true intentions, thereby bypassing Google’s policies against circumventing its guidelines, known as “proxy targeting.”

The timing of this project is particularly notable, as it was reportedly being developed around the same time Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared before the U.S. Congress in January, where he apologized for the harm caused to children on his platforms. This revelation highlights concerns about the ethical practices of major tech companies in targeting younger users online.

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UK launches formal probe into Amazon’s ties with AI startup Anthropic

Tech Crunch

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially launched an antitrust investigation into Amazon’s recent $4 billion investment in the AI startup Anthropic. This follows a similar probe into Google’s financial ties with the same company, after Google invested $300 million last year and an additional $2 billion later on.

Anthropic, founded in 2021 and based in San Francisco, focuses on developing large language models (LLMs) and a chatbot named Claude, which competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. The startup, established as a public benefit corporation (PBC) to distinguish itself from competitors, has already raised $10 billion in its short history. The CMA’s investigation reflects growing regulatory scrutiny over the influence and potential market power of tech giants in the rapidly expanding AI sector.

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Apple’s Hidden AI Prompts Discovered in macOS Beta

Mac Rumours

A Reddit user has revealed pre-prompt instructions embedded in Apple’s macOS 15.1 developer beta, shedding light on how Apple is working to enhance the accuracy of its AI features and prevent issues like hallucinations. These prompts provide specific guidelines for Apple Intelligence functionalities, such as the Smart Reply feature in Apple Mail and the Memories feature in Apple Photos. The aim is to ensure that the AI avoids generating false information and produces content that is both accurate and user-friendly. This discovery offers a rare look into Apple’s efforts to refine its AI capabilities and maintain high standards of reliability in its software.

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Americans are happy to swap physical wallets for mobile phones

Vending Market watch

The 2024 State of Payments Report by Marqeta highlights the growing demand for mobile wallets and contactless payment solutions in the U.S., though adoption lags behind countries like the United Kingdom and Australia. The report reveals that 46% of U.S. respondents used contactless payments in the past week, compared to 80% in the U.K. and 69% in Australia. Additionally, 90% of U.S. consumers who receive immediate payments report that it simplifies financial planning and boosts peace of mind. While U.S. adoption of mobile payments is lower, there is a clear shift in consumer preference from physical to mobile banking and wallet solutions, emphasizing the need for businesses, including vending operations, to embrace contactless payment options to align with consumer expectations.

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Mobile gaming showcased at its best during the Esports World Cup

Geektown

When thinking about esports tournaments, many people immediately associate them with console games like those on Xbox or PlayStation. However, the 2024 Esports World Cup has highlighted the growing prominence of mobile gaming within the competitive scene. Featuring 22 games, including popular titles like Call of Duty, PUBG, and Dota 2, the event showcased the rising importance of mobile versions of these games. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang have become central to discussions, reflecting a shift in focus toward mobile gaming. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the accessibility of mobile games and the increasing quality and competitiveness they offer.

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UK Neobank Monzo Customer Count Exceeds 10 Million

PYMNTS

Monzo, the UK-based digital bank, recently reached a significant milestone by adding two million customers in under 12 months, bringing its total customer base to one in five UK adults. This achievement follows Monzo’s first full year of profitability and reflects the growing trend towards connected banking. CEO TS Anil expressed pride in the milestone, highlighting it as a major accomplishment in an already successful year.

In addition to its growth in the UK, Monzo is expanding internationally. In May, the company raised $190 million, which brought its valuation to $5.2 billion. As part of its expansion plans, Monzo has appointed former Cash App Head of Product Conor Walsh as its U.S. CEO and is working on extending its services to the U.S. market. The bank also has plans to expand into Europe, starting with an office in Dublin, Ireland.

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Malaysia Brings “MyDigital ID” to Smartphones

Mobile ID World

Malaysia has introduced its national single sign-on identity management system, MyDigital ID, for smartphones, enhancing access to various government services. The app integrates services like MyJPJ, HRMIS Mobile, MySejahtera, and the MyGov portal, with plans for further expansions. It employs facial recognition for secure and standardized online authentication, ensuring that transactions are protected.

Beyond government services, financial institutions and e-wallet providers are also interested in adopting MyDigital ID for customer authentication. This initiative, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in November of last year, aims to streamline service access while upholding strong privacy and security standards. MyDigital ID complements, but does not replace, the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC). To support its rollout, the government is running public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the system’s benefits.

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