We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… Google used AI to suspend over 39M ad accounts suspected of fraud, TikTok forms first SME council in the UK, Trump exempts smartphones and computers from new tariffs and much more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.
Google used AI to suspend over 39M ad accounts suspected of fraud
Tech Crunch
In 2024, Google suspended 39.2 million advertiser accounts—over three times more than in 2023—as part of a major crackdown on ad fraud. This surge in enforcement was made possible by the use of large language models (LLMs) and signals such as business impersonation and fake payment details, allowing Google to block most fraudulent accounts before any ads were shown. The company also implemented over 50 LLM enhancements last year to strengthen its safety measures across all its platforms.
Read more…
TikTok forms first SME council in the UK
Mobile Marketing Magazine
TikTok has launched its first-ever SME Council in the UK to elevate the voices of small businesses and help shape policies that foster entrepreneurship and economic growth. The council is made up of 20 UK-based small businesses that actively use TikTok for customer engagement and sales, utilizing features like behind-the-scenes content and TikTok Shop livestreams. The council held its inaugural meeting on April 4 in Stoke-on-Trent, where members shared their experiences and highlighted TikTok’s role in their business growth.
Read More…
Trump exempts smartphones and computers from new tariffs
BBC
The Trump administration has announced exemptions for smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices from its “reciprocal” tariffs, including the 125% levies on Chinese imports. According to a notice from US Customs and Border Patrol, these goods will not be subject to the 10% global tariff or the higher Chinese-specific tariffs. This move represents the first major relief from Trump’s tariffs on China, with some experts calling it a potential “game-changer.” Trump indicated he would provide further details about the exemptions early next week.
Read more…
FCC head Brendan Carr tells Europe to get on board with Starlink
Ars Technica
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has urged European allies to align with U.S. technology over Chinese alternatives, particularly regarding satellite internet services. Speaking to the Financial Times, Carr emphasized that Western democracies must prioritize countering the long-term threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. His remarks come amid growing European hesitation about partnering with Elon Musk’s Starlink, operated by SpaceX, especially following concerns raised when the U.S. considered cutting off Starlink services in Ukraine. The situation has prompted debates about the reliability and geopolitical implications of relying on U.S.-based satellite infrastructure.
Read more…
MTN, Meta combine to up app call quality
Mobile world Live
MTN Group has partnered with Meta to enhance the quality and reliability of voice and video calls across several of its markets, focusing on applications like WhatsApp. The collaboration involves network optimizations and deeper integration to improve user experience without affecting traffic efficiency. Nigeria is the first market to benefit, with early testing and data analysis showing significant improvements in key call performance metrics. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen digital communication across MTN’s footprint in Africa.
Read more…
Could Embedded Finance Eventually Make Standalone Banking Apps Obsolete?
Fintech Times
As embedded finance continues to grow, integrating financial services directly into non-financial apps, questions are emerging about the future relevance of standalone banking apps. While embedded finance offers convenience and seamlessness by allowing users to access financial tools within familiar platforms, industry experts argue that banking apps still hold a vital place.
Raman Korneu, CEO and co-founder of digital bank myTU, emphasizes that although embedded finance is reshaping user interactions with financial services, it isn’t poised to replace standalone banking apps. He believes banking apps will remain crucial for providing comprehensive financial management, advanced features, and user control that embedded solutions can’t fully replicate—for now.
Read More…
March Madness Inspires New York Mobile Gaming Revenue Surge to $2.43 Billion
Casino Bets
In March, mobile sports betting in New York experienced a notable surge, with the betting handle reaching $2.43 billion, buoyed by heightened activity during March Madness. This marked a strong recovery from February’s $1.98 billion, although it still fell short of January’s peak of $2.48 billion.
Despite the increase in total wagers, Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) declined to $161.8 million in March from February’s $184.8 million, suggesting tighter margins for operators as the fiscal year closed. For the full fiscal year 2024/25, mobile sports betting continued its upward trajectory in the state, generating a total handle of $23.94 billion — a 20.3% increase over the $19.89 billion posted in 2023/24.
Read More…
GSMA forecasts mobile will add $2 trillion to China’s economy by 2030
Vanilla Plus
Ahead of its Post MWC Sharing Event in Beijing, the GSMA revealed that mobile technologies and digital transformation are expected to contribute $2 trillion to China’s economy by 2030, equating to 8.3% of the nation’s GDP. According to the Mobile Economy China 2025 report, 5G and its broader ecosystem will significantly impact all economic sectors, with manufacturing anticipated to account for 40% of this economic boost.
These projections come as AI, 5G, and IoT are poised to dominate discussions at MWC25 Shanghai, scheduled for June 18–20 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre and Kerry Hotel Pudong, following the success of the event in Barcelona.
Read More…
Boby.ai lands $1.25m to build AI-powered mobile apps
Pocket Gamer.biz
Turkish startup Boby.ai has secured $1.25 million in seed funding to further develop its AI-powered mobile applications. The company plans to use the investment to enhance its existing apps, introduce new products, and grow its team. Co-founded in 2023 by Gökçe Nur Oğuz, Onur Olgun, and Berat Oğuz, Boby.ai is dedicated to creating AI-supported mobile tools. CEO Gökçe Nur Oğuz previously led notable gaming ventures such as Playable Factory and Fabrika Games. Boby.ai’s flagship app, Mozart.ai, which enables users to generate personalized music with AI, has already achieved over 2.5 million downloads.
Read More…
