The capabilities of online media platforms to deal with sensitive news items was once again pulled into focus last week. Facebook removed 1.5 million videos in 24 hours. YouTube moderators also worked to keep sensitive footage offline, while Reddit banned two subreddits after people shared graphic video footage.
HEADLINES
- Twitter announced the launch of new camera functionality at SXSW, and is looking at further functionality that will allow users to subscribe to specific conversations.
- Facebook is developing a dedicated gaming tab for Android.
- Following reviews of TV and OOH rules, the UK Government is considering an HFSS (high in fat, sugar and salt) ban on social media.
INSIGHTS
- Despite its imminent arrival, new research suggests that only 3.4% of all global connections will be 5G by 2022.
- Retail spend on AI is forecast to grow from US$2 billion in 2018 to US$7.3 billion by 2022.
- 51% of the US population listened to podcasts in 2018. But are users prepared to pay for a subscription service akin to Netflix?
COOL
- The sequel to Pokémon GO is a Harry Potter-inspired AR magicfest.
- LadBible is aiming to promote wellness through a new ‘Relaxing Stuff’ channel, which launches this week.
- Formula One has sped up a Chemical Brothers track to 15,000 BPM for its new branding.
DEEP READS
- ‘What the hell is going on?’ – how an information abundance is transforming commerce, education, and politics in the same ways.
- Should brands use memes?
- Will the creation of a new genderless voice help to remove gender bias in technology?
- Meet the man who built Wish, an ecommerce app downloaded more times than Amazon.
