US Rollout of Netflix Ad Stack Scheduled for April; UK Announces Online Safety Regulations for …

Exciting news for Netflix fans in the US! The streaming giant is rolling out its in-house ad tech stack starting in April. This new technology allows advertisers to purchase ad placements directly through the Netflix platform, cutting out the need for third-party involvement. Damien Bernet, the company’s vice president of EMEA advertising, shared this update at The Future of TV Advertising Global event last week. Netflix has been testing the ad stack in Canada, with an official launch in November. Bernet mentioned that Netflix is following a “test-iterate-learn” approach to further develop this innovative technology.

Moving across the pond to the UK, tech firms are facing new online safety regulations. The UK government is cracking down on illegal activity on tech platforms, requiring companies to take action against issues like terrorism, hate speech, and fraud. These rules, part of the Online Safety Act, target a wide range of tech companies including social media platforms, search engines, messaging apps, and more. Tech firms will need to assess and mitigate the risks posed by illegal content on their platforms. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, with severe cases possibly leading to a court order blocking the app in the UK.

Meanwhile, in the creative industry, groups in the UK are advocating for copyright protections from AI. Publishers, authors, photographers, and other creatives are forming the Creative Rights in AI Coalition to ensure their work is safeguarded. This group is pushing for copyright rules that protect creative content when used to develop generative AI. They believe that content creators should have the ability to monitor and control how their work is utilized. Notable organizations like the FT, Pan Macmillan, and Daily Mail owner DMG have joined this coalition. Today, the government is launching a consultation into AI and its impact on the creative sector.

Exciting developments are underway in the tech and creative realms, with advancements and regulations shaping the landscape for both industries. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories continue to unfold.