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How to limit Instagram from using your data for AI and ads
Instagram is offering users the ability to limit how their activity outside the app is used to personalize advertisements. This feature aims to give users more control over their data privacy concerning targeted ads and AI-driven content.
The GTA 6 leaker is selling ads now
The individual known as Cyberleek, who previously leaked information about Grand Theft Auto 6, is now reportedly selling advertising space on their website. This includes options for video watermarks and custom gameplay footage tailored to specific brands, with a significant 'donation' required for negotiations.
GTA 6 leaker Cyberleek is now charging a $165,000 fee for a chance to buy ad space on additional leaks
The individual known as Cyberleek, responsible for leaking Grand Theft Auto 6 information, is now attempting to monetize these leaks by selling advertising space on future content. Cyberleek is reportedly charging approximately $165,000 in Monero cryptocurrency for advertisers to secure ad placements, with terms negotiated privately. This comes despite Take-Two Interactive's efforts to identify the leaker through legal means.
New Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 PS5 update turns the ports into Modern Warfare 4 ads
Recent updates to the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 have added pre-order advertisements for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 directly into the main multiplayer menus. This move by Microsoft and Activision aims to promote the upcoming title, though it has been met with some player frustration.
Why Xbox's console ads could be a good thing for gaming | Opinion
This opinion piece argues that Xbox's exploration of ad-supported game streaming could be beneficial for the gaming industry by lowering access costs for players. While in-game advertising has a poor reputation, high-quality, non-intrusive ads, particularly those outside the game environment, can outperform traditional advertising and potentially create new revenue streams for companies like Xbox.
Unity credits AI advertising platform for driving its 'best quarter ever'
Unity reported its best quarter ever, with total revenue reaching $546 million, a 24% increase year-over-year, driven primarily by its AI-driven advertising platform, Vector AI. Despite a net loss of $23 million, the company has significantly reduced its losses compared to the previous year. CEO Matthew Bromberg highlighted the company's "ecosystem" strategy and anticipates growth from generative AI's impact on game development.
Saturday Metaverse
The article discusses the implications of Grand Theft Auto 6's reported deal with Netflix, questioning whether an advertisement can be considered pirated. It also touches on sensitive information in 'no reply' emails.
Rockstar wants you to pay Netflix to watch the next GTA VI trailer
Rockstar Games has partnered with Netflix to debut the next trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI on August 27, 2026, exclusively for Netflix members. This marks an unusual marketing collaboration between a game developer and a streaming service. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026.
Streaming’s next experiment: after two rounds of price hikes, Disney and Netflix are weighing free tiers
Disney and Netflix are exploring the possibility of introducing free tiers for their streaming services following multiple price increases. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro stated a free product could attract price-sensitive customers and increase ad revenue, while Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters acknowledged the potential but emphasized caution regarding cannibalization of paid subscribers and the need for scaled ad businesses.
Meta apps displayed ads that contained AI-generated CSAM
Researchers have identified over 50 advertisements on Meta platforms that allegedly contained AI-generated child sexual abuse material, violating the company's policies. The ads were displayed across Meta's properties.
BMW is forcing a weird Spider-Man ad onto its dashboard displays
BMW is implementing a Spider-Man advertisement that will be displayed on its vehicle dashboard screens. The nature of the ad has been described as unusual.
Meta continues to insist AI spend is totally justified, potentially blowing over $8 billion on data centers
Meta reported a record second-quarter revenue of $60.80 billion, but its shares are down due to significant investments in AI infrastructure and Reality Labs. The company plans to spend between $130 billion and $145 billion on AI this year, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighting AI's positive impact on advertising revenue and potential for enterprise services.
Evening Legal Briefs
Elon Musk's company xAI is reportedly attempting to sue its way out of a situation where advertising on X is not legally mandated. The article notes that Musk had previously sought jail time for companies boycotting advertising on X, but the case has concluded without significant legal repercussions.
X and an advertising trade group settle a legal dispute over an alleged 'boycott'
X and the World Federation of Advertisers have settled a legal dispute concerning an alleged boycott. The two organizations have stated they are working to reset their relationship.
Xbox tests a new deal: watch ads to stream games you’ve already bought
Microsoft is testing a new feature for Xbox Insiders that allows players to stream owned games for up to one hour after watching advertisements. This optional program is being presented as a way to offer more affordable access to games, despite recent price increases for Xbox consoles. The company states that ads will not interrupt gameplay and will be held to a high quality standard.
Morning Safety Dance
LG has agreed to stop sending spam advertisements for McAfee software following pressure from Microsoft. The company will cease the unwanted promotional content after receiving complaints about the practice.
LG promises to stop McAfee spam ads following pressure from Microsoft
LG has agreed to stop displaying McAfee pop-up advertisements on its monitors following significant user complaints and pressure from Microsoft. This resolution addresses concerns about unwanted spam from pre-installed software.
Xbox Is Officially Testing Free, Ad-Supported Game Streaming
Xbox is currently testing a new free game streaming service that incorporates advertisements. Players will be able to stream their owned games for one hour after watching ads, though specific details regarding ad duration and usage limits are still pending.
Xbox testar gratis spelstreaming med reklam
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming through the Xbox Insiders program. Ads will only play before gameplay sessions, with users limited to one-hour playtimes. The company emphasizes that ads will be relevant and non-intrusive.
Xbox is testing ads on streaming video games you already own
Xbox is testing advertisements within its cloud streaming service for owned games, offering hour-long sessions with ads before gameplay begins. This initiative aims to potentially lower access costs for players, though similar attempts by other companies like EA have faced significant backlash. Microsoft is also reportedly planning to increase the price of Xbox consoles.
