The Big Story

Is AI Doomsday Closer than We Think?

The Trump administration has just released its “AI Action Plan,” with over 90 federal steps aimed at cementing U.S. dominance in the global “AI race.” The plan focuses heavily on deregulation by fast‑tracking data centers, easing export rules, and giving private industry more leeway. At the same time, a new executive order now instructs federal agencies to use only AI systems labeled “truth‑seeking” and “ideologically neutral,” basically ruling out models that incorporate DEI or systemic bias language. Critics argue the move frames inclusion as the problem instead of focusing on the actual risks, like misinformation, data misuse, and the reality that we’re still figuring this all out in real time.

Missing from both the plan and the order are the kinds of safeguard frameworks experts have long demanded. Geoffrey Hinton, known as AI’s “Godfather,” left Google last year and urgently warned that AI systems are evolving faster than we can control. “I thought it was 30 to 50 years or even longer away,” he told The New York Times, referring to potential human‑surpassing AI. “Obviously, I no longer think that.”

So while the US doubles down on innovation, it’s also tossing the rulebook out the window. Without alignment protocols, ethical oversight, or global cooperation on misuse prevention, what looks like a sprint toward dominance could easily spiral into chaos. And when you hear leading scientists openly questioning whether we still have time to slow down, it’s hard not to ask: are we already too far gone?

From a marketing perspective, it’s a weird place to be. AI is built into everything we use now: search engines, social platforms, ad tools. We’re expected to lean in, move faster, and trust the process, while the people building the tech can’t even decide on the safe, ethical way to do it.  As misinformation spreads and regulation keeps shifting, we will need to be more thoughtful about which tools to use, how we use them, and what values are they built with…or without.

Social Media Updates

Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X

Linda Yaccarino has stepped down as CEO of X after a turbulent two-year run under Elon Musk’s ownership. Brought in from NBCUniversal to restore trust with advertisers, Yaccarino faced the difficult task of rebuilding business amid ongoing brand safety concerns, polarizing posts and comments, and constant policy shifts under Musk’s leadership. Her exit follows recent backlash after Musk’s AI Chatbot Grok made antisemitic remarks, further raising glaring red flags for brands.  While Yaccarino didn’t provide a formal reason for leaving, her departure highlights the continued instability of X.

Courts Split on Social Media Age Checks

As more states are making moves to regulate minors’ access to social media, courts are showing differing opinions. In Mississippi, a federal appeals court gave the green light to a new law requiring age verification and parental consent for minors. Supporters say it’s a step toward protecting kids from online harm, pointing to recent studies linking social media use to mental health issues in teens. Tech trade group NetChoice, backed by companies like Meta and Google, argues the law is unconstitutional and threatens both user privacy and free expression. Days apart,  a federal judge in Georgia blocked a nearly identical law, ruling it violated the First Amendment. Courts in states like Ohio, Arkansas, and California have blocked similar laws, while Tennessee remains the only state so far where a law of this kind has taken place.

TikTok Lawsuit Moves Forward Over Addictive Design

A New Hampshire judge is letting a lawsuit against TikTok move forward, arguing the app’s design is addictive, especially for kids. Different from recent social media cases, this one isn’t about harmful content. Instead, its about how the platform is designed in a way that keeps users hooked. State prosecutors argue its features that encourage endless scrolling are intentionally manipulative, leading to more ad exposure and in-app purchases by minors. Expectedly, TikTok pushed back, calling the claims outdated and pointing to safety tools like screen time limits and parental controls. Similar lawsuits have been filed against Meta, Snap, and Discord, echoing the larger crackdown on how social media platforms engage with minors.

Instagram Tests Auto-Scroll Option

Instagram is testing an auto-scroll feature for feed posts, allowing users to passively scroll through content without swiping. The option, spotted by users in limited tests, mirrors what already exists for Reels but is now being applied to the main feed. While the feature may appeal in hands-free situations, or to users seeking an uninterrupted stream of algorithm-driven content, it’s definitely not beating the inevitable manipulative design allegations if the feature sticks.

Digital Updates

Metadata Makes CTV Ads Smarter

As CTV ad spend keeps climbing, expected to hit above $30 billion this year, brands are leaning on metadata to place ads in the right context. Since most streaming platforms don’t share the exact shows ads will run on, metadata like genre, tone, and character type helps advertisers match their brand to the content. Certain software tags shows and movies with this data, which ad platforms then use to determine placement. It’s a workaround that keeps ads relevant without needing full transparency from streamers. Some early adopters have shown that this kind of targeting can boost video completion rates and cut acquisition costs.  As streaming gets more crowded, using metadata is becoming a smart way to stay relevant and efficient. It’s kind of like optimizing your content for search engines, but instead, you’re optimizing CTV ads for the right shows on streaming platforms.

Netflix Doubles Down on Programmatic Offering

Speaking of getting more out of CTV ads, Netflix continues to push the gas on its programmatic offering. It recently added the Yahoo DSP to its list of buying partners alongside The Trade Desk, DV360, and Microsoft, giving advertisers another way to access its inventory programmatically to tap into its highly engaged audience. Additionally, Netflix’s recently expanded its programmatic access in APAC, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, markets that have seen CTV viewership outpace linear TV. With more targeting options, including over 100 interest categories and the ability to use first-party data, Netflix is giving advertisers more ways to reach the right audience with more precision.