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Google delays phasing out tracking cookies in Chrome again.  Originally planned for 2020, the company cites ongoing discussions with regulators and the need for industry testing. To address these concerns, Google delays the removal of third-party cookies from Chrome until at least early 2025. This gives regulators more time to review the impact and allows businesses to adapt their online advertising strategies.

“We recognize that there are ongoing challenges related to reconciling divergent feedback from the industry, regulators and developers, and will continue to engage closely with the entire ecosystem. It's also critical that the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has sufficient time to review all evidence including results from industry tests, which the CMA has asked market participants to provide by the end of June. Given both of these significant considerations, we will not complete third-party cookie deprecation during the second half of Q4,” they said in a blog post.


The blogpost also mentions the company’s intent to conclude that process this year. 

"Assuming we can reach an agreement, we envision proceeding with third-party cookie deprecation starting early next year,” they said in the post. 

The Internet major is seeking feedback on the Chrome-facilitated testing plans along with tracking issues from initial third-party cookie deprecation.


“If you rely on third-party cookie data for site functionality, you can now report site issues resulting from third-party cookie deprecation in the public issue tracker,” they said. 


Additionally, Chrome will deprecate 1 percent of third party cookies in Q1 2024, and work closely with the CMA before taking further steps to expand deprecation.

Google postpones third-party cookie removal from Chrome until early 2025

Google and IPSOS survey reveals Indians' optimistic outlook on AI's impact across daily life, work, and society.

The proportion of people who felt that the ecosystem-wide changes AI will drive for jobs and industries in the next five years will be, ‘a good thing,’ was highest in India at 75 percent.

Indians outnumber their counterparts across the world in expecting positive near- and long-term impact from AI, according to a recently-released Google and IPSOS survey.

According to the ‘Our Life with AI: The reality of today and the promise of tomorrow’ report,  at concentration far exceeding the global average of 54 percent, 82 percent of the approximate 1000 surveyed Indian residents over the age of 18 expect AI to benefit their individual lives in just the next five years, across areas such as their health and wellbeing, jobs, and ability to understand complex topics. Over 70 percent of surveyed Indians declared that they already sense the positive impact of AI, perceiving its effects the most on the ways they access information.  


Indians felt that the application of AI will be important across health, security and climate, but equally in personalised education, 
improved accessibility and space exploration.

As per the report, Indians are  also enthusiastic about the impact of AI on their work, with 80 percent believing it will be beneficial for them individually. A similar proportion of respondents in Singapore, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates match their optimism. Significantly greater than a global average of 65 percent, 95 percent of Indians have talked about AI in their workplaces. 


The proportion of people who felt that the ecosystem-wide changes AI will drive for jobs and industries in the next five years will be, ‘a good thing,’ was highest in India at 75 percent, significantly greater than the 29 percent in the US and 52 percent globally.  


“India’s digital success – powered by the tech forwardness of its institutions, enterprises and its people – provides it a head start in leveraging the tectonic shis AI is enabling worldwide. As an AI-first company, we have been enormously encouraged by the optimism with which India is embracing AI’s every advance, and more importantly, shaping it. The IPSOS survey conrms Indians' strong expectations of inclusive economic growth from AI integration. We are committed to deliver on this immense confidence with our India first approach, deepening our partnerships with government and the ecosystem to widen the impact of our AI leadership, ensuring that every new innovation unlocks aspirations of the individual and the country,” said Sanjay Gupta, country head and vice president, Google India.


“Ipsos is thrilled to partner with Google on the ‘Our Life with AI’ study. As people around our world deal with multiple challenges, it is important to also be aware of the great potential this moment presents. We at Ipsos are very excited about how AI will help people think more deeply about data and use data to make a greater positive difference in the world,” Ben Page, Chief Executive Ocer, Ipsos.

<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/google-says-no-plans-to-replace-its-advertising-sales-staff-with-ai-22384.htm">Google says no plans to replace its advertising sales staff with AI</a> 

82 percent Indians expect to benefit personally from AI in the next 5 years: Google-IPSOS survey

Following the ministry's advisory to social media companies, urging prompt action on AI-generated content, they have also received an invitation for a meeting with the cabinet minister of the Electronics and Information Technology ministry, Ashwini Vaishnaw. The meeting is scheduled for November 23.

The ministry has been proactive in tackling this issue.

In the advisory, social media intermediaries were asked to ensure that due diligence is exercised and reasonable efforts are made to identify misinformation and deepfakes, and in particular, information that violates the provisions of rules and regulations and/or user agreements.

“Such cases are expeditiously actioned against, well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and users are caused not to host such information/content/deep fakes and remove any such content when reported within 36 hours of such reporting,” the advisory said. 
“Ensure expeditious action, well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and disable access to the content / information,” the advisory added.

On November 18, cabinet minister, Vaishnaw said that while intermediaries had responded to the advisory outlining their measures to address deepfakes, the government believed that more substantial efforts were necessary.

As per reports, during the upcoming meeting chaired by Vaishnav, as per reports, the government is set to unveil a standard operating procedure (SoP) guiding social media platforms on how to handle deepfakes within their domains.




MeitY plans meeting with social media giants to address deepfake concerns

The Supreme Court of India will commence hearings on Google's appeal challenging a Rs1337.76 crores penalty in January 2024.This penalty is imposed on the tech giant over allegations of abusing its dominant position across various markets related to Android mobile devices. 

The appeal follows the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal's (NCLAT) decision, which upheld the ruling of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on the matter.

As per reports, a bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra assured on Monday that they will hear the case in the last week of January 2024.
Earlier this year, NCLAT had asked Google to deposit 10 percent of the Rs1337.76 crore fine amount imposed on them by the CCI before hearing the tech giant's plea for relief against the CCI order.

In addition to the penalty, that CCI imposed on Google last October, they had also urged then to stop participating in anti-competitive practices.


Supreme Court to hear Google's Rs 1,337 crore appeal against CCI penalty in Jan 2024


Challenging times for tech giant Google as its advertising business faces accusations of transparency lapses and excessive revenue extraction by advertisers and website publishers. The ongoing antitrust trial in the United States highlights concerns about Google leveraging its dominance in search and advertising practices.

Adam Juda, Google's VP of Product Management, revealed that Google employs a formula incorporating ad quality to determine auction winners for website ad placements, as reported by Moneycontrol. This disclosure added another layer to the accusations against Google, with the US Justice Department now alleging manipulation of online auctions through these formulas. When questioned by the Justice Department about the company's ability to influence pricing through auction mechanisms, Juda acknowledged that ‘they could’.

Juda went on to highlight that what can be ‘tuned’ is a rough formula which gives an ad a long-term value. This is based on the bid given and potential click-thru-rate followed by the quality of the advertisement and website associated with it, as per Moneycontrol.

Recently, in the antitrust trial, the chief executive officer of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, alleged that the dominant position of Google over search made it difficult for Microsoft to compete.

He went on to state that Microsoft was unable to overcome the multi-billion dollar deals of Google to become the default search engine on web browsers and smartphones, stated a report.


Google faces heat in an antitrust trial; accused of 'search' dominance and abuse of ad practices

The recently released Adalytics report has triggered caution among media buyers and advertisers. Uncertain about its full impact, digital experts advise heightened vigilance and careful ad budget allocation for digital platforms.

There is also emphasis on heightened vigilance as the findings of the Adalytics report point out how advertisers including Fortune 500 brands, and many small businesses may have been misled for years about Google’s proprietary TrueView skippable in-stream video ads.

Do Indian digital agencies believe that Adalytics' findings are accurate?

“I believe that Adalytics' findings are close to accurate, considering they are a common unbiased body that reported independent findings. The report found that Google was placing TrueView ads on low-quality websites where they were unlikely to be seen. This is a problem because it means that advertisers are paying for ads that are not being seen by their target audience,” said Ambika Sharma, Founder and MD at full service interactive, digital communications and technology agency, Pulp Strategy.

As the findings of the report put data accuracy and transparency in the spotlight, it has prompted industry players to be meticulous in their decisions regarding ad investments.

“The Adalytics report has raised concerns about the value of TrueView ads, and advertisers should scrutinize closely where their ads are being placed and what they are getting as ROI. We are helping them do that,” said a media buyer who did not wish to be named.

Adalytics, a browser extension which claims to be working to improve ad targeting and consumer data collection in its report said, for years, significant quantities of TrueView skippable in-stream ads, purchased by many different brands and media agencies, appear to have been served on hundreds of thousands of websites and apps in which the consumer experience did not meet Google’s stated quality standards.

For example, many TrueView in-stream ads were served muted and auto-playing as out-stream video or as obscured video players on independent sites. Often, there was little to no organic video media content between ads, the video units simply played ads only.

Ad tech experts offer differing perspectives on the Adalytics report.

 “It's possible that some media buyers and advertisers may become more cautious in the short term due to the concerns raised in the report. However, it's also worth noting that TrueView ads have been a preferred choice for advertisers for many years due to their effectiveness. The user-focused model of Google's advertising, which targets ads based on user behaviour and preferences, has proven successful. Therefore, while there may be some initial wariness, it's likely that many advertisers will continue to use TrueView ads, albeit with a more informed approach,” said the founder of an ad tech solution company in India.

Is Google's dominance in digital ad revenue share set to decline?

As per reports, Google, Facebook, Hotstar, Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart clocked close to Rs50000 crores worth ad revenues from Indian advertisers in financial year 2022 but will the findings of the Adalytics lead to a dip in Google’s share in the digital ad revenues?

“It is difficult to say whether Google's dominance of the digital ad revenue share will finally go down. Google has a very large network, and this is one part of the network, the ecosystem is so large that finding an alternative will take more than a while. However, the Adalytics report has highlighted the problems with Google's ad network, and it is possible that this could lead to advertisers shifting a part of their spending to other networks or alternate formats,” said Sharma.

“It is also likely that Google will be swift to make enough of a change to address concerns and prevent an exodus. This is not the 1st time concerns have been raised. In 2017, a report by the Norwegian Consumer Council found that Google was placing ads on websites that contained malware,” she added.

Sources close to developments in the space say Google is already working with Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and have started taking steps in rectifying these issues.

 

Caution: Adalytics report on Google’s TrueView triggers caution among Indian media buyers and advertisers

<strong>MAST</strong>

<strong>Google Voice Assistant</strong>

<strong>Agency: Toaster</strong>

<iframe title="Nikhat Zareen's #BolneSeSabHoga Story | Google Voice Search" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l5b_U7q1JyA" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<iframe title="Sriya Lenka's #BolneSeSabHoga Story | Google Voice Search" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4pR12bUmINI" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Four incredible women ooze swag and spirit in Google’s #BolneSeSabHoga campaign that focuses on how Google’s voice assistant is helping people discover their passions through the power of the internet. This series of four spots captures the inspiring journey of climate advocate Prachi Shevgaonkar, Indian Kpop artist Sriya Lenka, bodybuilder and fitness coach Kiran Dembla and boxing champion Nikhat Zareen, who have broken stereotypes and social norms to achieve success in their chosen fields. Top notch writing makes the campaign punchy and not preachy. It’s inspiring while also keeping the product (voice assistant) right in the centre through all the storytelling. The campaign is a shoo-in for Mast this week.

<strong>MEH</strong>

<strong>Lux Venus</strong>

<strong>Agency: Shreyansh Innovations</strong>

<iframe title="LUX VENUS - SABKO MAANGTA HAI Ft. SALMAN KHAN" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9GaAf4tUzrY" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The new Lux Venus spot is bound to get noticed for its bizarre quotient. To pull it off, the brand roped in Salman Khan who is seen chasing his Lux Venus vest through the busy streets of a city amidst heavy traffic and pedestrians, finally managing to grab onto it. At this point, it leaves us wondering whether the ad is inspired by Thums Up commercials? (Khan used to endorse Thums Up before he switched over to rival Pepsi.) The ad ends with ‘Sabko Maangta Hai’. We gave it a Meh but we can almost hear all the whistling and cheering for Khan’s stuntman’s stunts.

<strong>MAST</strong>

<strong>Dhara Edible Oils</strong>

<strong>Agency: DDB Mudra North</strong>

<iframe title="Aasan Hota Hai Baaton ko Khaane Pe Kehna I Dhara Refined Soyabean Oil #KhaanePeKehna" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tdJYy4VMMZc" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

It’s often said that a lot happens over a cup of coffee (or tea) but a lot happens over food too. Dhara’s new campaign titled #KhaanePeKehna proves just that. In sync with their overall brand proposition of ‘Zara Sa Badlaav’, Dhara is promoting the idea of mealtime conversations. The ad features a family of three that includes a teenage daughter. While the father is curious to check the daughter’s phone in her absence, the mother explains how parents can stay updated about their children’s lives by simply having a conversation with them. This TVC leads the brand’s month-long campaign conceptualised by Dhara Edible Oils and executed by DDB Mudra North along with Wavemaker. A simple script that discusses a very relevant topic through a beautiful narrative is what makes this spot a good one to watch.

<strong>MEH</strong>

<strong>Khadim</strong>

<strong>Agency: Digitale</strong>

<iframe title="Khadim x Bong Guy x Wonder Munna- Pujo shopping hit ache boss! #ItsWOWItsKhadim" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GncCNM_K_kU" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Full marks for getting content creators on board for a campaign. But the concept and writing should’ve also been left to them. Popular Bengali YouTubers Kiran Dutta (The Bong Guy) and Indrani Biswas (Wonder Munna) are the faces of this new Durga Puja campaign that leaves no impact on the viewers. Set against the backdrop of Durga Puja shopping season, the film highlights how Khadim is focusing on a refreshed in-store experience, affordable pricing and the fashion factor. But there’s nothing fashionable about this spot. Still, the shoe must go on.

<strong>MAST</strong>

<strong>Housing.com - Parr...se Perfect</strong>

<strong>Agency: McCann Worldgroup</strong>

<iframe title="Housing.com: Parr...se Perfect | College Ex" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xzuEGeacJTQ" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<iframe title="Housing.com: Parr...se Perfect | Party Hard or Party Hardly" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-IsbKIOEteI" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<iframe title="Housing.com: Parr...se Perfect | Not the right FIT" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jvAC0MblJPc" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The brand and agency seem to have a knack for understanding consumers’ sentiments and emotions and it’s evident in their recent ad campaign. Be it the seeds of doubt being planted in the mind of a wife, or a ‘no party but duty’ state of affairs for two bachelors. Be it the worry of ‘saasu maa’ dropping by in less than 20 minutes or the pressure of being stereotypically ‘fit’ amongst an uber fit crowd. Housing manages to infuse humour in a subtle manner in such situations that are realistic for the ones who can relate. Everything from the casting to the writing is ace and keeps the brand and proposition at the center of it all. Advertising at its best. This campaign successfully scores a Mast.

<strong>MEH</strong>

<strong>Hamdard Laboratories - ‘Safi Har Ghar ka Skin Specialist’.</strong>

<strong>Agency: Dentsu</strong>

<iframe title="Kriti Sanon's Secret Skin Specialist - Hamdard Safi | Nupur Sanon | Hamdard India | Skincare" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PNJt5nLGPsg" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The commercial tries hard to captivate the audience but unfortunately the hard work doesn’t quite pay off. As the commercial rolls on, everything, right from Kriti Sanon’s entry to her conversation with her real life sister Nupur, every frame and the emotions associated with it look forced and don’t flow naturally to deliver the core message of ‘Hamdard Safi’. Nupur’s worry of having pimples on her face, Kriti introducing the ‘in-house skin specialist’ Hamdard Safi and the exaggeration, ’Pimples, Oh my goodness! Please help me’, while they worked in tandem, it didn't really work for us. Perhaps a different angle and a better storyline could have prevented a Meh.

<strong>MAST</strong>

<strong>DaMENSCH</strong>

<strong>Agency - Talented X Dot Dot Boom Films</strong>

<iframe title="The Innerwear Therapy Collection by DaMENSCH | Part 1 ft. @The Aadar Guy, @Rohan Joshi" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HQ3SbivCta0" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<iframe title="The Innerwear Therapy Collection by DaMENSCH | Part 2 ft. @Jordindian" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V786wsiCjzc" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<iframe title="The Innerwear Therapy Collection by DaMENSCH | Part 3 ft. @Nirmal Pillai" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E3zRt0yn4fM" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

This is perhaps one of those ads that only people in advertising get. But this one also takes it up several notches with a Christopher Nolan reference. Was it meant for the marketing and ad crowd? Is it a case of the marketer in love with her or his idea? Do most consumers of the brand have an appetite for this Inception-esque ad? We don’t have the answers right now. But we did enjoy watching it.

<strong>MAST</strong>

<strong>Horlicks India</strong>

<iframe title="Horlicks Makes You Taller Stronger Sharper" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wQCXwGitZ0g" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Set in a typical Tamilian household and against a sweet background score that sets the mood, this film hits all the right notes. A young boy sees his mother’s old police uniform and decides to wash and dry it. His mother wonders what he is up to. The boy then reminds her that she always said she'd go back to work once he grew up. He then asks her to look at the shirts that are drying next to each other and tells her that he is grown up enough to take care of himself. The film could have been slightly shorter but it’s sweet and on brand, and that makes it a Mast watch.

GOOGLE