YouTube Is Testing A New Means To Prevent Ad Skipping And It Involves Hiding The ‘Skip’ Button

 Video streaming giant YouTube is working on a new way to ensure users see ads and don’t skip them. This includes hiding the ‘Skip’ button option.

The free viewing experience that users have been benefiting from, thanks to the Skip button, could soon be disguised from user view. But if you’ve really got a problem with ads, the app is giving you the chance to pay extra and subscribe to Premium.

Google says ad monetization is one of the chief ways it makes money and helps creators get their rightful share. Hence, features like ad blockers have already made it hard for websites on the search engine to benefit and now the skip button is also hindering its monetization potential.

We can see this as a smart tactic to push marketing of its premium tier. Remember, so many viewers are complaining about how ad segments keep getting longer by the day. And if you can’t skip them, it just adds to a not-so-pleasurable experience.

The app has been very vocal about the ongoing debate against freeloaders who don’t want Premium and also don’t want to watch ads that help the company support its free services including streaming.

Google shared its dilemma on many platforms about how users are getting smarter with new extensions on browsers and ad blockers to hinder ads. This is why it might be forced to take on such drastic measures after all.

Another experiment had the app injecting ads inside video streams to stop any kind of blocking feature. And now this is coming into play as its next move to promote ads. It’s all thanks to one Reddit user who says they caught the app carrying out a test that hides the Skip button that users see once, after which you cannot skip the ad.

The placement is very smart as it’s out of the users’ reach and blocked by on-screen stickers. You can liken this to the sticker disguising skipping tips on POS machines.

As per the comments seen on that person’s Reddit thread, others were also confirming that they were seeing this take place and how it might be launched much sooner than expected. Who knows, this might be a limited test as the negative feedback is growing on the subject. And if you know the Android maker, it really does take users’ feedback into consideration.

It’s all going to remain a mystery for some time but we’ll keep you updated. Whatever the case may be, the thought of hiding the skip button is really extreme and it seems like Google is running out of options to hinder skipping ads.

What can be possibly worse is the app opting to delete the skipping ads button as a whole. Yikes, that would be a nightmare we feel. Do you agree?

Image: BigBlueMountainStar /Reddit

Shareholders Push for Apple to Open Up About AI Use

 At Apple's yearly meeting, big shareholders have a chance to suggest changes. This year, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) wants Apple to share how it uses AI and its rules for using this technology safely.

Norges Bank Investment Management and Legal & General, two of Apple's biggest shareholders, are backing this idea. Norges Bank says Apple should think about how its work and products affect society. Legal & General talked to Apple about being more open with its AI plans but didn't get the details they wanted. They think Apple should be clear about how it uses AI and how it manages any risks.

A big advisory group, Institutional Shareholder Services, is telling Apple's investors to support this AI proposal. They believe Apple's current rules don't fully cover the risks of using AI. This makes it hard for shareholders to understand the dangers.

Apple, however, doesn't want this proposal to pass. The company says the report being asked for is too broad and could make them share secrets that could hurt their competitive edge. In the U.S., even if shareholders like an idea, it doesn't force the company to do it. But if more than 30% of investors like an idea, it usually makes the company think seriously about it.

• Also read: Microsoft Copilot Can Soon Be Your Digital Assistant On Android By Replacing Google Assistant Or Bixby

Everyone is watching to see if Apple will introduce new AI features at its WWDC event this year. This push for more openness about AI use at Apple is part of a bigger conversation on how big tech companies handle new technologies and their impact on society.

Image: Digital Information World - AIgen

Google’s New Policy Changes Come Into Play As Ban On Impersonation And False Affiliation Ads Set To Begin Next Month

 Search engine giant Google has just rolled out a series of changes to its Misrepresentation policy related to ads on the platform.

The company confirmed today how the goal is to address all kinds of issues involving deceiving practices where impersonation and fake affiliations were taking place at large.

A new statement from Google was also published in this regard where they mentioned how Google Ads would be updating its Unacceptable business endeavors as a part of its Misrepresentation policy that entails grabbing users' attentio

n by giving them data or funds through fake affiliations or by ads by public figures or brands that make it all seem so real.

The policy change is set to begin as early as next month when Google Ads will begin rolling out new policies to limit those ads that falsely claim links with well-known names of famous personalities so that they can manipulate the users out there. There has been a little delay for some French advertisers who have till April 2024 to comply with such changes.

The search engine giant says that anyone violating this policy is said to be committing a serious offense. Moreover, accounts that are in clear violation would be suspended and banned shortly and would not be allowed to market their ads through its platform.

The entire overview of this misrepresentation policy for Google Ads was also laid down by the company so advertisers are well aware of what’s acceptable now and what’s not.

To be more specific, the policy has gone on to state how there are a series of unacceptable practices including the likes of concealing data regarding a certain business and impersonating a lineup of brands.

Advertising goods and services would not be delivered and any services that were marketed would be done in a manner that endangers a person’s health and safety too. Meanwhile, phishing techniques used for collecting people’s data would no longer be allowed either.

The company is all set to take serious action against all accounts receiving warnings, settlements, and direct complaints linked to the malpractice of businesses. In the same way, the tech giant says advertisers were provided with stark warnings and told to show integrity or they would now be facing serious consequences.

The company mentioned how 

Google says it wishes to keep good relations with all of its stakeholders and since advertisers play an integral part in its success, they hope such changes can ensure appeals will be heard and no discrimination of any kind takes place.

it would be taking into consideration any appeals generated in its direction for reinstatements for cases that it feels are exceptional to the rule. While advertisers could face serious scrutiny in this regard, the complete goal on this front has to do with creating bigger trust amongst apps, users, and advertisers.

But how do changes made to Google Ads’ policy impact advertisers? Well, there are several ways through which that can happen.

For starters, marketers would make sure ads aren’t making deceptive claims about famous brands or are designed to manipulate others. The policy stated how anyone violating the policy might have suspended accounts and could be banned as a whole from Google Ads completely.

Lastly, the policy goes on to mention how practices such as giving rise to goods and services that can’t be delivered are forbidden as are attempts designed to carry out phishing.

Google has reiterated that it hopes such changes make it easier to carry out appeals so that those advertisers who feel like they’ve been mistreated would now be able to carry out appeals and have their voices heard through the misrepresentation policy.

European Commission Study Exposes Majority of Social Media Influencers for Failing to Disclose Paid Content

A recent study conducted by the European Commission highlights a concerning trend among social media influencers, with the majority failing to disclose paid content. This omission not only contravenes advertising guidelines but also raises legal implications for both influencers and the brands they promote.

European Union regulations mandate influencers to maintain transparency in their posts, ensuring they do not disseminate false or deceptive information about products or services. Specifically, influencers must disclose any financial or non-monetary benefits received from endorsing a brand's offerings.

The study examined posts from 576 influencers across major social media platforms and uncovered significant deficiencies. While nearly all influencers (97%) shared content with commercial intent, only a minority 2 in 10 (or 20 percent to be exact) consistently disclosed the promotional nature of their posts.A notable portion (30%) omitted essential company details, such as contact information or registration particulars. Furthermore, a considerable percentage (38%) failed to utilize platform-provided disclosure tools, opting for ambiguous terms like "collaboration" or "partnership."

Moreover, a substantial proportion (40%) did not ensure continuous visibility of disclosure throughout their commercial communications, while a significant fraction (34%) did not prominently display the disclosure, necessitating additional steps for viewers.

Of particular concern is the revelation that among influencers marketing their own products, a majority (60%) neglected to consistently disclose the advertising nature of their content. In response, the European Commission emphasized the importance of transparency in commercial communications, stressing that EU consumer law mandates transparency to prevent consumer deception regarding promoted products or services. Any endorsement of a brand's offerings in exchange for influencer benefits must be unequivocally disclosed as advertising. Additionally, influencers marketing their own products or services must fulfill the same legal obligations as online retailers, including providing consumers with requisite guarantees and withdrawal rights.

These findings underscore the imperative for influencers to adhere to regulatory requirements and uphold consumer trust through transparent communication practices.

Image: Digital Information World - AIgen

Study Shows Where to Go to Find an AI Job

 It’s a brave new world: we’ve got self-driving cars, airport robots helping you find your gate, and refrigerators that can tell you when you need milk. Regardless of their purpose, smart tech has more Americans attuned to the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape these days.

For many, that means excitement about the growing cache of AI jobs out there. It’s true that opportunities in AI are taking off, and a new study by moveBuddha shows hotspots where this niche job market is booming.

With California’s long-time dominance in tech and startups, it only makes sense that almost 25% of the country’s AI jobs are in the Golden State. But there’s plenty of gold to go around. Up-and-comers are competing for dominance, and two states even have more AI jobs per capita than California: Virginia and Maryland each have 6 jobs available for every 10,000 residents.

The study shows where AI jobs are taking off — and where job seekers might want to take off and relocate. This post shares more insight on what makes a state shine, and some ways digital tech watchers can predict future superstar AI locations.

Where are AI Jobs Growing?

It turns out that it’s pretty tough to knock a long-time tech king off its throne. With plenty of jobs, lots of jobs on a per-resident basis (which should put large states like California in perspective), and high salaries for engineers in AI, California is home to more AI jobs than other states. By a long shot.

But other states are seeing their share of the AI pie, too. Here’s the top ten list:

1. California
2. Virginia
3. Washington
4. Maryland
5. Texas
6. Colorado
7. Massachusetts
8. Pennsylvania
9. Missouri
10. North Carolina

Best and Worst States Infographic

Why are AI Jobs Growing?

California’s longstanding position as #1 can be attributed to a number of factors:

• Leading universities: With a research and talent pipeline, AI jobs bubble out of educational institutions.
• Existing tech and AI companies: While new states are luring companies all the time, California has some high-profile heavy-hitters. From Meta to Google and Apple, AI jobs with these companies put the state on top. Note that #3 Washington is also home to existing large tech enterprises that are behind the high number of job openings, like Amazon and Microsoft.
• A robust venture capital ecosystem: AI ventures are fairly new, and new companies need a nurturing system in which to develop ideas and grow. It all takes funding, so newcomers often follow that cash to places like Silicon Valley.
• Network effects: With existing traction, AI players go where the action is. That creates more opportunities, ideas, new companies, and eventually, even more jobs.
What’s the lesson here? Some common elements help small ecosystems gain traction and grow as AI hubs. It starts with a research and capital commitment to AI. New cities that can anchor their digital tech industries with these two key elements can see their AI sectors growing.


Ranking the 50 U.S. states by best for AI jobs in 2024 Table

Virginia and Maryland’s Growing AI Hubs

It can be difficult to replicate California's magic elsewhere, but some strong AI hubs are capitalizing on these core factors and their own strengths to make it happen.

For example, #2 Virginia is a powerhouse near national government services and contractors. They’re strong in industries like defense, where AI is becoming indispensable. Northern Virginia, in particular, plays host to a network of defense, cybersecurity, and intelligence firms. And those companies could easily kick-start the network effects that catapulted California to the top of the tech industry.

Further, Northern Virginia has also been a hub for data centers. Outside the pricy reaches of the D.C. beltway, the expansive Virginia suburbs provide space to support the nation’s computing needs. That’s led to hardware and software experts finding jobs and support in the area. It may be inevitable that those who specialize in machine learning are now finding their services in high demand there.

There are also strong universities including those in Washington, D.C., and nearby Maryland (which also makes the top ten list).


Other Top Ten Keys for Unlocking AI Jobs

Why are other states on the top ten list? Here are some big components of their success:

• Texas plays host to large tech giants: Dell, IBM, and Texas Instruments have long had large presences in the state. Oracle, Hewlett Packard, and Tesla have moved their headquarters from California.
• CU Boulder (Colorado) scored a huge grant for an AI learning center that led to collaborations with students, industry, and researchers. It’s all growing the area’s research prowess but also network effects and talent pool. It’s also 8th in the country in venture capital investment.
• Massachusetts’ universities feed its AI pipeline: Harvard, M.I.T., and a host of East Coast ivies feed this biggest city in New England, keeping the talent coming. Its venture capital network ranks second, behind California, to keep that talent and companies in the state, learning and growing.
• Pennsylvania boasts Carnegie Mellon University, with a top computer science department and a long history of AI research. There’s also the University of Pennsylvania, a public Ivy League brainiac.
• Missouri AI job listings come from a diverse group of companies across industries. That economic foundation has helped spawn Kansas City and St. Louis tech incubators to nurture more talent. It seems to be paying off.
• North Carolina has a growing population, and is especially focused on cybersecurity sectors in banking hubs like Charlotte, while the north of the state has the “research triangle,” including reputable research universities churning out not only AI tech patents but a startup ecosystem to nurture the companies that emerge from its universities.
• While none of these emergent competitors comes close to the amount of support California companies have enjoyed, they’re on their way. And as California has shown, once there are a few players in the area, a hub attracts new talent, companies, and capital more easily. In the case of AI, tech hubs all over the country have begun finding they’re able to fuel growth outside the Bay Area.
  
  That diversity is great for jobs and for job seekers who aren’t into fog, or who are seeking better housing prices, fewer earthquakes, a different climate, or just want to realize their company’s potential without uprooting from their favorite states.
  

  Where to Go to Become an AI Superstar

  If you’re looking for a job in AI, consider educational hubs. They often come with the young energy of new companies, research support, and startup incubators. Not only are college towns great places for big arts and cultural innovation. They’re also bubbling over with tech ideas and have the educational resources to support them.
  
  AI engineers who aren’t interested in startups should also look to corporate roles. After all, AI is going to play a role in company growth regardless of whether a company is a tech power or a design house. Even pet food firms are getting in on AI, with data learning behind everything from inventory to security and beyond. These roles are growing in more diverse sites across the country, including Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kansas City, Missouri.
  
  Overall, AI job seekers are in a stronger spot than ever. AI jobs are becoming increasingly common everywhere, and pretty soon candidates may not have to ask, “Where should I move?” at all, but will have their choice of multiple remote jobs in the industry no matter where they choose to call home.
•  In the meantime, job seekers should watch job listings in states with strong education and industry connections. Or, perhaps obviously, train their AI to do it for them.
• 
  

Zuckerberg Advocates Founder Involvement in Decision-Making, Acknowledges Need for Talented Teams Despite Reluctance to Delegate

 Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, shared insights into his unconventional leadership style during a recent episode of the Morning Brew Daily podcast. He expressed a reluctance towards delegating responsibilities, a principle that has sparked controversy within the business and leadership community.

Zuckerberg emphasized the importance, in his view, for founders to immerse themselves in decision-making processes and various aspects of their company's operations. He acknowledged the necessity of recognizing personal limitations to avoid hindering progress. Despite his inclination towards hands-on involvement, Zuckerberg acknowledged the indispensability of a talented team to handle essential tasks beyond his capacity.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen

Reflecting on his evolving confidence over time, Zuckerberg asserted his commitment to delving deeply into various matters and steering them towards his envisioned direction. He acknowledged the inevitability of setbacks but stressed the importance of continuous learning and improvement over time.

The Meta CEO's management approach has faced scrutiny amid significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees. Zuckerberg attributed some of these actions to timing misjudgments regarding investments, particularly in metaverse technology, and the need to streamline operations following excessive hiring during the pandemic-driven tech and e-commerce surge.

In an effort to enhance efficiency, Zuckerberg declared a "year of efficiency" and initiated measures to reduce bureaucratic layers within Meta's organizational structure. He expressed a desire to avoid an overly complex management hierarchy, emphasizing a focus on empowering individuals directly involved in executing tasks rather than creating layers of managerial oversight.

Apple Allows Epic Games to Open Its Own App Store in the EU

 n August 2020, Apple stopped Epic Games from using its developer accounts. This was because of a big disagreement over how the iOS App Store works. Now, over three years later, Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, got its Apple developer account back. This is thanks to new rules in the EU.

Epic Games said on Friday that they can now work on making the Epic Games Store for iOS devices. They plan to open it in 2024. The store and Fortnite in Europe will be run by Epic Games Sweden AB. The team there will lead the work.

The problem started when Apple kicked out Epic Games because they didn't agree on the App Store's rules. Epic Games couldn't put Fortnite or other apps on Apple's devices after that.

But things have changed in the European Union. A new rule called the Digital Markets Act made Apple change. Now, Apple has to let other companies make their own app stores for iOS in the EU.

Epic Games and others still think Apple controls too much. Even Epic's boss, Tim Sweeney, wasn't sure if Apple would let them have their own app store in the EU. According to Apple's rules, they still have to say it's okay for these other app stores to work.

Last month, Sweeney said Apple might stop Epic Games from opening its store or block other companies from doing the same.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen

John Gruber's Analysis Suggests China's Influence on Apple's RCS Decision-Making

 Apple made a surprising announcement in November, revealing plans to introduce RCS support for the iPhone within the year. The decision sparked speculation about the motivations behind Apple's change of direction.

In an analysis featured on Daring Fireball, John Gruber suggests that China played a pivotal role in Apple's decision-making process. According to Gruber, insights gathered from various sources indicate that China's regulatory environment exerted significant pressure on Apple to comply with RCS support requirements for 5G device certification.

China, known for its proactive stance on RCS adoption, is in the process of enacting legislation mandating RCS support for 5G devices seeking certification. Despite concerns regarding the absence of encryption provisions within the RCS standard, the Chinese government appears steadfast in its commitment. Consequently, iOS support for RCS is largely perceived as a strategic move to align with China's regulatory framework.

While Apple initially preferred to sidestep RCS integration, citing reservations about non-E2EE protocols and carrier-controlled standards, the imperative to meet Chinese regulatory demands altered the company's stance. The compulsion to conform to Chinese regulations underscores the significant influence of the Chinese market on global tech giants like Apple.

Contrary to speculation linking Apple's RCS announcement to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union, official confirmation reveals that iMessage's market share in the EU does not warrant inclusion under the DMA's purview.

For a comprehensive exploration of Apple's decision-making dynamics concerning RCS, China, and the European Union, readers are suggested to read the Gruber's detailed analysis on Daring Fireball.

Image: DIW-AIGen

Meta In The Hotseat As EU Watchdogs Express Concern Over Ad-Free Subscription Model

 Tech giant Meta is facing great scrutiny from watchdogs located in the EU.

The news comes after the rollout of ad-free subscriptions took center stage in 2023 but EU regulators feel the thought of the ‘pay or ok’ initiative is just worrisome and they’re making sure Meta knows how they feel about this.

In the recently published joint letter, several watchdogs from that part of the globe had people talking more on this front and speaking against the model for ad-free subscriptions.

The leading concern is that there is a $14 monthly fee attached which Meta would take to ensure user data was secure and privacy was maintained at all times. The firms who are expressing concern include those hailing from Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands.

There were plenty of concerned parties who felt Meta’s Pay or Okay policy might be too expensive and therefore they would find it hard to say no to the option that allows them to reject the offer.

The document similarly goes on to point out how news publishers have little income as a major share of profits stays with the advertisers themselves.

Given the results of this pay or okay policy, we’ve seen how it’s not too popular with experts either. Many companies also feel that the button for acceptance automatically is deemed to be illegal. But the thought of charging a fee for rejection of the option isn’t.

There is also a great mention of how results from this pay or okay front are even greater in regards to consent as close to 100% failed in seeing how charging thousands of euros for clicking the rejection button is legal when compared to the option for rejection.

Paying out a fee also means families are speaking close to $38,000 each year if 35 applications on their devices follow this pay-or-okay model for business strategy.

The subscriptions in place for no ads address matters like the latest in terms of regulatory developments and guidance as well as judgments shared by top-of-the-line regulators in the EU and the courts over the years.

Meta does not agree and says its goals are in line with the laws arising in the EU and also with the stringent Digital Markets Act but 28 top companies feel it robs users of real or free-of-choice decisions of how data is utilized.

Image: DIW

The Arrival Of Gemini 1.5 - Google Unveils Its Latest Iteration Of Its Conversational AI System

 Google just unveiled Gemini 1.5, its latest rendition of the conversational AI system. The product is said to entail a greater array of advances in better efficiency, long-form reasoning, and enhanced performance.

The latest system was detailed in a post by Google’s AI head that entailed a large figure of architecture enhancements, ensuring the core model can perform on the same level as the big Gemini 1.0 Ultra endeavor, without using extra computing resources. This latter was rolled out in the past week.

The biggest leap comes at a time when there’s a huge window for carrying out experiments that the company says have to do with long-form context comprehension. The standard model of Gemini analyzes several prompts within a small 128k token context. With this new upgrade, the model will have a large number of data to process which can now be done quicker than before.

This huge leap arose at a time when we saw the firm’s CEO analyze and classify as well as summarize a huge figure of data within a short period. Some have even gone as far as to mention how we can expect to see it summarizing content that’s as long as a 44-minute long movie in complete.

This extended version enables Gemini 1.5 to analyze everything seamlessly and classify the huge figures of content within small prompts. Experts stated how the latest Gemini 1.5 ensures the latest performance, despite the context window growing in the millions figure. It’s not clear yet when or how the popular model from Google fares against the likes of arch-rivals such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus but from what we’re seeing right now, it’s quite obvious that it’s bound to provide stiff competition across the board.

The news of the rebranding comes just seven days after we saw the search engine giant rebrand the whole conversational AI system. Be it Bard or Gemini, we’ve seen the conversational AI systems from the tech giant get a proper rebranding, not to mention a new paid tier that’s powered by the Ultra 1.0 model. For a while now, Gemini continues to be branded as a top-of-the-line rival that comes face to face with the ever-so-famous ChatGPT Plus system.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen