India blocks WhatsApp from sharing user data with other Meta entities, issues Rs 214 cr fine
India has taken a strong stance against WhatsApp, directing the messaging platform to stop sharing user data with other Meta-owned applications. CCI has also slapped Meta with a hefty fine of $25.4 million (approx. Rs 214 crore) over antitrust violations related to WhatsApp’s privacy policy. The issue stems from a privacy policy update that WhatsApp introduced in 2021.
India’s competition watchdog has taken a strong stance against WhatsApp, directing the messaging platform to stop sharing user data with other Meta-owned applications for advertising purposes. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has also slapped Meta with a hefty fine of $25.4 million (approx. Rs 214 crore) over antitrust violations related to WhatsApp’s privacy policy.
The issue stems from a privacy policy update that WhatsApp introduced in 2021, allowing the sharing of user data with Facebook and other Meta companies. This move sparked a global outcry, with concerns over user privacy and data security. In response, the CCI launched an investigation into the policy in March 2021 to determine whether it violated Indian competition laws.
Reliance, Walt Disney close $8.5 billion merger of Indian media assets
Reliance Industries and Walt Disney on Thursday completed the $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets, which have been split into three divisions, with each unit having its own CEO. The companies said the newly formed divisions are entertainment, which houses Reliance’s Colours TV channels and Disney’s Star; digital, home to online streaming platforms JioCinema and Hotstar, and sports.
Former Google executive Kiran Mani, who leads JioCinema, will take charge of the digital organisation.
Reuters reported last month that Disney Hotstar’s CEO Sajith Sivanandan resigned from the role as business integration gathered pace for the merger.
The entertainment division will be led by Kevin Vaz, who is currently the top boss at Reliance’s Viacom 18 Media.
Sanjog Gupta, who heads sports at Disney’s Indian media operations, will take charge of the merged company’s sports division.
Streaming TV Ads Drive Higher Recall, Trust, and Purchase Intent in India
Ads within premium streaming TV content in India significantly boost ad recall, foster greater trust, and drive higher purchase intent among viewers, according to a new research study. The findings, detailed in the report “Why Streaming TV Is a Must-Buy”, underscore the effectiveness of advertising in this environment. The study was unveiled today by Magnite, the largest independent sell-side advertising company.
According to Gavin Buxton, Managing Director, Asia at Magnite, “The surge in internet access and the growing adoption of Smart TVs are fueling the rapid expansion of India’s streaming TV audience. Our research shows that advertising in the premium streaming environment yields significantly better results compared to other digital formats. With more Indian viewers opting for ad-supported content, advertisers have a unique opportunity to engage highly attentive audiences in a premium setting.”
The study, which focuses on ad performance in India’s fast-growing streaming TV market, reveals that as consumers shift their viewing habits toward ad-supported streaming platforms, advertisers can take advantage of the compelling results generated by premium content. Prabhvir Sahmey, Senior Director, Ad Sales, India at Samsung Ads, commented, “As the Indian market embraces ad-supported streaming, our findings emphasize that ads on these platforms deliver stronger results compared to other digital channels. Streaming platforms that maintain a premium user experience and offer content that resonates with viewers are in a position to retain subscribers and stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
Gen Alpha influences 1.46X more family purchases as digital media consumption rises by 60%
Gen Alpha’s media consumption has shifted significantly, with kids spending 60% more time watching online videos than in the previous year, reveals Kantar’s 2024 Kidscan India Report. Furthermore, there has been a 1.46X increase in the number of parents considering their children’s opinions when purchasing a Smart TV compared to 2022. The report also examines children’s interactions with brands in sectors like food, beverages, technology, and media consumption. The report has been made after surveying 2,450 children aged five to 14 years and their parents from 14 cities, the company revealed.
“Gen Alpha is reshaping the family dynamic in ways we haven’t seen before. Their influence is far-reaching, from tech and entertainment choices to key household purchases. The 2024 Kidscan Report captures these shifts, providing brands with invaluable insights into the preferences and digital behaviours of this new generation. For brands, understanding Gen Alpha is not just an opportunity but an imperative to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape” Puneet Avasthi, director, specialist businesses, Insights, South Asia, Kantar, said.
WARC identifies five trends that will impact marketers in 2025
On 12 November, WARC published its Marketer’s Toolkit 2025 — a report outlining five key trends that will impact advertisers in the new year. The guide also features advice to help marketers prepare to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
Improving economic conditions
The first trend is a positive one. WARC has found that 65% of marketers expect that the business environment in 2025 will be better than this year’s. As inflation drops and consumer confidence grows, advertisers should focus on building pricing power. WARC further advises that they focus on ongoing brand-building and ‘avoid frequent changes in advertising’.
Now for news from BC Web Wise!
Madhur Sugar collaboration with Bhool Bhulaiya 3!
Bhool Bhulaiyaa stars Vidya Balan and Kartik Aaryan reveal what you should fear: Impure Sugar! In a collaboration full of sweetness and magic, Madhur Sugar teams up with the leading actors from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 to share an enlightening message – Impure Sugar is as scary as Manjulika if not more! They urge audiences to switch to Pure & Hygienic Madhur Sugar, that’s untouched by hands and safe for you and your family.
BC Web Wise wins Prism Cement’s full-service digital mandate.
BC Web Wise, a leading digital marketing and web development agency in India, has won the multi-crore full-service digital mandate for Prism Cement, a part of Prism Johnson. Under this partnership, BC Web Wise will manage the entire digital ecosystem for Prism Cement, including social media, SEO, ORM, website management, and paid media service
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