This week’s FWD covers the latest from the UK’s Online Safety Bill, new legislation that holds tech companies responsible for protecting users from harmful content. The bill will begin its final stages in the House of Commons next week and if successful, it will not only remove underage users from social platforms but also discourage individuals without identification or with privacy concerns.

The bill will apply to tech platforms that share user-generated content, such as Twitter, TikTok and Facebook and even though many of these platforms are not based in the UK, they are still applicable to the bill if they have UK users.

News:

• Twitter has cut off API access for various third-party tweet management tools, including Tweetbot and Twitterrific, to steer users back into the app.
• Welch’s Fruit Snacks launch a giveaway promotion through a QR code-enabled TV ad featuring well-known NFL player Mark Andrews ahead of the Super Bowl.

New Product:

• Easyplant makes use of a new innovation called ‘smart-transfer’ to help potted plants water themselves. The innovation releases as much water as necessary when the plant needs watering.

Insights:

• TikTok launched a Talent Manager Portal so managers can negotiate brand opportunities and campaigns being presented to their clients.
• Marketing Dive’s 2023 trends to look out for including ad-supported streaming and alternative measurement currencies.
• Meta has signed a new deal with long-standing partner Shutterstock over the usage of content for AI creation tools.
• Some publishers’ podcast teams are still growing into the new year, highlighting the medium’s continued growth in 2023.