Bonded Bitesize – Your Midweek Roundup

X Allows In-App Adult Content

X has recently updated its terms of service to become the first major platform to include clauses allowing users to post and share adult content in the app. The platform’s updated guidelines let users “share consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behaviour, provided it’s properly labelled and not prominently displayed, such as a banner or profile image.” X believes users should be able to create, distribute and consume material related to sexual themes, as “sexual expression, visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression.” X also states that they are “balancing this freedom by restricting exposure to Adult Content for children or adult users who choose not to see it.” However, this could steer advertisers away from the platform due to concerns over brand safety.

Google Gives Advertisers Data Privacy Compliance Law Guidance

Compliance changes to Google’s ads and analytics products roll out with each new state that adopts privacy laws. The policy began with California in 2023, but more individual state laws around restricted data processing (RDP) will go into effect this year. RDP is when Google limits how it uses data to only show non-personalised ads in states that have enacted this policy. Google, in states that have enacted RDP, no longer can act as a service provider. For example, restricted data processing is no longer offered for impacted functions. This includes the use of customer-provided data for personalised advertising.

Search Engine Use Declines Significantly As Young Users Find Their Way Online

There is a generational divide in the way people search for brands and information. As technology matures, new users find their way online, which continually changes the way advertisers and marketers find and approach people online. The Forbes Advisory’s study stated a 30% decline in the use of search engines to search for brand names between Baby Boomers, 94% and Gen Z, 64%. Younger generations are exclusively using social media platforms to discover and interact with brands, reflecting a trend towards more self-contained digital ecosystems within social media apps. Confirming the need for advertisers and marketers to develop content for social media and search.

Unpacking Google’s Massive Search Documentation Leak

A huge Google Search internal ranking documentation leak has sent shockwaves through the SEO community. The leak, which exposed over 14,000 potential ranking features, provides an unprecedented look under the hood of Google’s closely guarded search rankings system. Here is some actionable advice to consider, to find out more, visit Search Engine Land:

–          You should invest in a well-designed site with intuitive architecture so you can optimise for NavBoost.

–          If you have a site where SEO is important, then remove or block pages that aren’t topically relevant.

–         Clicks and impressions are aggregated and applied on a topical basis, so you should write more content that can earn more impressions and clicks. 

Instagram Tests Un-skippable Video Ads In Main Feed

Instagram is testing a new ad format that prevents users from scrolling until they view a video ad in their main feed. This could significantly boost ad exposure for brands but risks alienating users who find forced viewing intrusive. With half of users’ feeds now showing AI-recommended content from unfollowed profiles, Instagram sees an opportunity to blend in more ads without seeming overly disruptive. However YouTube’s un-skippable ads are often cited as a top reason people use ad blockers, suggesting forced viewing is deeply unpopular.

Google Won’t Index Sites That Do Not Work On Mobile Devices After July 5

Google announced that starting July 5, 2024, it will no longer index websites that are not accessible on mobile devices. This is part of Google’s ongoing mobile-first indexing initiative, which began in 2016. John Mueller from Google confirmed that after this date, all sites will be crawled using the Googlebot Smartphone. Sites that do not render or load on mobile devices will not be indexed or ranked by Google. However, sites that have a desktop version that loads on mobile devices will still be indexed. Google will continue using the Googlebot Desktop crawler for specific purposes like product listings and Google for Jobs. It’s important for site owners and SEO professionals to ensure their sites are mobile-accessible and to test them using the Google Search Console URL Inspection tool.

You Can Now Customise Your For You Feed On Threads Using Swipes

Threads, Meta’s decentralised social media app, is enhancing user control with new swipe gestures. Users can swipe right to like a post or left to show disinterest, similar to Tinder. This feature aims to personalise feeds by showing more liked content and less disliked content. With over 150 million monthly users, Threads is behind X’s 600 million but ahead of Bluesky and Mastodon. The swipe data will help refine Threads’ algorithm, improving content delivery based on user preferences.

Coronation Street Is Getting A Sainsbury’s – Why Product Placement Could Trump Traditional TV Ads

Coronation Street’s iconic Weatherfield Co-op will be replaced by Sainsbury’s starting in July, featuring product placements on Victoria Street until 2026. This strategic move by Sainsbury’s, which has been expanding in northern England, aims to boost its image as an affordable retailer. Despite the high cost of product placement deals, changing TV advertising dynamics make this approach attractive, especially as traditional TV ad revenues decline due to falling audience numbers and the rise of streaming. Product placements ensure brand visibility, which cannot be skipped, thus reinforcing Sainsbury’s new value-focused strategy.

Google Considers Charging For AI-Powered Search In Big Change To Business Model

Google is considering charging for new AI-powered ‘premium’ features in its search engine, marking a significant shift in its business model. The core search engine will remain free, with ads continuing to appear. This move aims to integrate generative AI into Google’s services without undermining its lucrative ad revenue, which generated $175 billion last year. Despite launching an AI-powered search experiment last year, Google has been cautious in rolling out these features widely. The company has been testing these enhancements with select users and is contemplating their integration into its paid Google One subscription services.

OpenAI’s New Safety Committee Is Made Up Of All Insiders

OpenAI has established a new Safety and Security Committee to oversee crucial decisions related to the company’s projects. However, the committee is composed entirely of company insiders, including CEO Sam Altman, which may concern ethicists. The committee, which includes board members and key executives, will evaluate OpenAI’s safety processes over the next 90 days and report its findings. This move comes amid several high-profile departures from OpenAI’s safety team, with ex-employees criticising the company for deprioritising AI safety. OpenAI has promised to involve third-party experts in its safety efforts but hasn’t detailed their roles or influence. Despite advocating for AI regulation, OpenAI’s actions and internal governance have raised doubts about its commitment to responsible AI development.