Where Does TikTok Stand?

The DL: So, are you wondering what is going on with TikTok? Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, TikTok was briefly banned in the U.S. before being reinstated following an executive order from newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, granting a 75-day reprieve. While TikTok remains accessible to users who already have it installed, it can no longer be downloaded from app stores, affecting other ByteDance-owned apps like CapCut as well. Trump aims to broker a deal for 50% U.S. ownership of TikTok, but legal uncertainties persist, with lawmakers questioning his authority to extend the deadline without proper documentation. Despite assurances, tech companies remain cautious due to the potential financial liabilities. The long-term fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, with lawsuits and negotiations expected in the coming months.

Google DeepMind Addresses AI Risks

The DL: Google DeepMind published an update on the ways it intends to address the potential risks of future AI models. The original framework included protocols to help Google DeepMind stay one step ahead. The company has since worked with experts in the industry to deepen their understanding. The frameworks have become very important to the advertising industry for many reasons. One reason is that the technology aims to protect brands and companies that use AI in their creative. It is also aimed at avoiding regulatory actions. This latest framework includes guidelines on addressing the security risks of AI models. The research team outlined security mitigations to help prevent unauthorized actors from using an exfiltrating model. The new framework is intended to complement Google’s existing suite of AI responsibility and safety practices. Anthropic, Microsoft and Meta did something very similar, developing techniques to prevent users from creating or accessing harmful content.

Streaming-Only for the Super Bowl?

The DL: The Super Bowl could soon be streaming-only, and it might happen sooner than you think. UVA Darden professor Anthony Palomba predicts that in the next decade, the iconic event might leave traditional TV behind for platforms like Amazon or Netflix. With streaming, the NFL and advertisers can track fan behavior in real-time, offering a more personalized and interactive experience. While some fans may miss the nostalgic TV moments and shared cultural experiences, a switch to streaming could tap into younger audiences and expand the NFL’s global reach. The transition would not only redefine how we watch the Big Game, but also how it connects with a new generation of fans worldwide.

Users Turning to SnapChat

DL: The looming possibility of a TikTok ban has proved advantageous to Snap, the Snapchat parent company which just beat financial estimates sending its shares up 6%. The company says advertisers are flocking to the platform to avoid disruptions in the event the TikTok ban moves forward. Snapchat’s user audience is also growing with a 9% daily active user increase in the fourth quarter. Snapchat’s advertising platform has been strong and continues to offer new ad placements and unique activations not found on other platforms leveraging AR and VR capabilities that have been heavily invested in. Advertisers concerned with the potential for a TikTok ban should be looking at platforms like Snapchat and YouTube Shorts and have plans ready. Even without a TikTok ban it may just be the right time to consider Snapchat advertising for your brand due to growing users and expanded advertising capabilities.

What's the download at hm?

Happy Groundhog Day! Earlier this week, Punxsutawney Phil did in fact see his shadow and called for six more weeks of winter.

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