Researchers examine why some AI ads fail while others succeed
Norms may change, but right now it’s better to err on the side of caution when using AI in advertisements, study finds.
DATA PROTECTION
More trouble for Meta as it’s hit with a fine for EU data breach
By our News Team | 2022
Latest penalty means that embattled Meta has been fined around US$1-billion by the European Union since September last year.
The last quarter of 2022 is not a good time for the world’s social media giants. Following on from the chaos at Twitter and Meta’s announcement of thousands of employee layoffs, comes news that Meta has now been fined US$275-million by the national data watchdog in Ireland.
Mark Zuckerberg’s company – owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – must pay up after a breach last year resulted in the details of more than 500-million users being published online.
Photo by Pixabay via Pexels
According to the Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is responsible for regulating Meta in the European Union, Meta infringed two articles of the EU’s data protection laws when details of Facebook users from various countries were scraped from public profiles in 2018 and 2019. These details then appeared on a hacking website.
Meta must also take remedial actions
As many affected people were from the EU, the DPC then stepped in to investigate and decided to impose the fine. In addition, the DPC also imposed a reprimand and an order requiring Meta to “bring its processing into compliance by taking a range of specified remedial actions within a particular timeframe”.
The London-based Guardian newspaper is reporting that the latest punishment brings the total amount of fines imposed on Meta by the DPC to nearly $1,04-billion since late last year.
“In September, Meta was fined €405m ($419-million) for letting teenagers set up Instagram accounts that publicly displayed their phone numbers and email addresses, while in March the watchdog fined Meta €17m ($17,6-million) for further General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR breaches), and in September last year it fined Meta’s WhatsApp €225m ($233-million) over ‘severe’ and ‘serious’ infringements of GDPR,” the newspaper said.
In a statement, Meta said: “We made changes to our systems during the time in question, including removing the ability to scrape our features in this way using phone numbers. Unauthorised data scraping is unacceptable and against our rules.”
Study examines drivers of FMCG purchases in three African markets
GeoPoll insights report from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa finds that quality remains the key purchase driver in FMCG.
E-commerce retailer aims to speak to the hearts of South Africans
As the country celebrates Heritage Month, Takealot embarks on a campaign to speak to consumers in all 12 official languages.
Dentsu Kenya appoints Rehema Chege as Business Head, Creative
She brings experience across creative strategy, digital transformation, media, content, influencer marketing and client leadership.
Can the low flypast raise the brand bar for the airline involved?
Airlink has been a centre of attention for the past week due to its spectacular flypast over a rugby stadium. What’s the marketing benefit?
East Africa’s AAR Healthcare makes senior marketing appointment
Jane Gaty, who has extensive experience in the health care sector, joins as Head of Brand, Experience and Corporate Impact.
Kantar’s African business announces significant leadership changes
Two executives step into new leadership roles within Africa, while a third long-serving leader moves to a position with Kantar UK.
Africa Creator Festival returns to advance the creator economy
The continent’s creators are building communities, shaping culture and developing businesses of their own, organisers say.
Zambia Institute of Marketing enjoys busy time as it hosts key events
Apart from being host to the upcoming annual AMC Conference, ZIM recently hosted its own conference and a graduation ceremony.
Experienced beverages marketer Bodam Taiwo takes on new Diageo role
She brings an extensive background in Nigerian and regional spirits marketing to a wider African responsibility.
Brand agency Penquin strengthens leadership team with two appointments
Albert De Andrade is named as Chief Creative Officer and Lerato Moleko is appointed Strategy Director.