DMCC Act 2024: Key Consumer Law Changes Ahead
The UK government has passed the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act), marking one of the most substantial overhauls of consumer protection law in over a decade. Coming into force in April 2025, this legislation is designed to tackle misleading business practices, increase fairness in digital marketplaces, and give regulators sharper tools […]
Google Search Console Introduces Experimental ‘Recommendations’
Google Search Console is introducing recommendations for some users as part of an experimental feature. This new addition aims to provide insights and suggestions to enhance a site’s performance on Google Search. Search Console recommendations offer websites optimisation opportunities and actionable suggestions to improve their presence on Google Search, according to Google. That him to […]
Google Pulls Controversial Gemini AI Olympics Ad
Google has withdrawn its Olympics advert for chatbot Gemini AI following backlash over its portrayal of a girl using AI to write a fan letter. The 60-second advert, titled “Dear Sydney,” showed a young girl’s father asking Gemini AI to help compose a letter on behalf of his daughter to her favourite athlete, U.S. hurdler […]
Google U-Turns on Cookies
In an unexpected move, Google has scrapped its plans to block third-party cookies from its Chrome internet browser, which had been first announced four years ago. The UK’s data privacy watchdog expressed “disappointment” over this decision. Instead, Google says it will pursue a new approach, giving users an “informed choice that applies across their web […]
UK Marketing Budgets Reach Decade High
The Q2 2024 IPA Bellwether Report reveals a positive outlook for marketers as economic conditions improve. The report highlights the highest revision of marketing budgets in a decade and the second highest in nearly 25 years. The net balance of UK businesses that increased their total marketing budgets rose from +9.4% in Q1 to +15.9% […]
Consumers: Too Many Ads on Social Media’
A recent survey by online marketplace vendor Capterra found that 91% of regular UK online shoppers feel bombarded by ads on social media. The study, which surveyed 499 consumers, highlights growing frustration with the volume of advertisements. In response to excessive advertising, over a third (37%) of respondents have blocked specific ads, and 35% have […]
Majority of Brits Support Gen AI in Marketing
Almost two-thirds (64%) of UK consumers believe personalised recommendations are important, with nearly a third (30%) considering them one of the top ways brands can enhance their overall digital experience. However, greater personalisation should not compromise privacy and data governance, as 92% of respondents emphasise the need for brands to use their data responsibly. This […]