Happy New Year, folks! It’s 2024 and we’re already building on last year’s work, ready to go after Google, grifters, and those who threaten democracy to make a buck. (In case you missed it, here’s just about everything we accomplished in 2023. It’s a lot!) We’ll also be dropping a BIG rebrand soon, so 👀 for that! Until then, here’s what we’ve been up to and where we’re headed. Googling “antitrust lawsuit” You may have heard about the historic trial against Google’s search dominance last fall. Well, this spring is going to be even worse for Google as the DOJ and several states tackle Google’s dominance in adtech — its largest revenue generator at over $150 billion a year. Google now controls the digital tool that nearly every major website publisher uses to sell ads, the dominant tool that advertisers use to sell their ads, and the largest advertising exchange where it all happens. Annnd it pockets, on average, 30% of the advertising dollars that flow through its ad products. It’s kinda like if Wells Fargo owned the NYSE. We’ll be watching the case very closely, so get ready to learn about how Google is single-handedly the most dangerous tool used by propagandists to monetize disinformation and hate online. Keeping to the code Our policy team wrapped up 2023 by submitting comments to the United Nations’ proposed Code of Conduct on Information Integrity, which will be finalized this summer before the Summit of the Future. We’re urging the UN to consider adtech companies’ role in funding mis- and disinformation, and to create policies with better transparency standards to keep it from being monetized. Democracy up for a vote It’s a big election year and not just in the US. Here’s some of what we’ll be watching as global democracy goes on the ballot:
- The world’s largest democracy, India, is holding general elections along with its neighbor, Pakistan.
- An ascendant far-right in Europe could see gains in the European Parliament.
- Africa’s Mali and Chad are planning on holding their first elections since military coups three years ago.
- Mexico will replace its term-limited president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
And as elections get closer, people who make money through disinformation are stepping up legal attacks on the organizations keeping them in check, like Media Matters, Center For Countering Digital Hate, and us. It’s a tactic to keep people from knowing what’s going on. But we won’t be deterred. Our community’s work is more important than ever. Let’s chat! As X slowly slides into a trash bin of racism and junk ads, we’re spending more time on other social platforms. RIP to a real one 🐦🪦 Here are newer places where you can find us: Claire:
Nandini:
Check My Ads:
We’re pumped to pick up where we left off last year and thrilled to keep building this community. And since we love hearing from you, what are you hoping to tackle this year? Send us an email and let us know. Let’s go! Hugs, |
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