The Comunicano for Monday January 13th 2025
Monday Monday
Let’s talk about the news dominating headlines today. It’s big, it’s complex, and it’s shaking things up—just like me. So let’s get into it.
First, we have Meta, the tech giant. The United States Supreme Court has said, “No, you can’t walk away from this lawsuit.” Advertisers are claiming Meta inflated their ad metrics—basically saying, “Hey, look how many people are watching!” when the numbers might have been cooked. It’s about trust, folks. In my world, trust is everything. Meta argued their fine print should protect them. Guess what? It didn’t work. The court said, “We’re moving forward.” And now, they’re in hot water, facing scrutiny that could redefine digital advertising. Remember, accountability matters—even for the tech titans…..Next up: the Biden administration’s export crackdown on AI and chips to China. Folks, it’s a big deal. They’re tightening the screws, saying, “We won’t let you outpace us in technology.” This is about national security, about staying ahead. China’s not happy—they’re calling it stifling. And let’s face it, this move is going to stir the global pot. A tech race like this? It’s intense, it’s fierce, and it’s the kind of rivalry that defines the future.
Now, something that hits close to home for safety. A drone—an unregulated, unauthorized, privately-owned drone—collided with a Canadian firefighting plane in Los Angeles. Unbelievable. Think about the risks here. These are people saving lives, battling fires, and a rogue drone punctures the fuselage. The FBI’s on it, and we need stricter rules. Safety can’t be optional, folks.
Shifting gears to innovation, AI is reshaping healthcare in Las Vegas. Hospitals there are saying, “We can do better.” AI is helping manage resources, diagnose patients more accurately, and optimize care. It’s forward-thinking. It’s what we need—innovation that solves problems and puts people first…..Across the Atlantic, the UK is making waves. Prime Minister Starmer wants to unleash AI, investing billions, creating jobs, fixing potholes—yes, potholes! But there’s pushback. Critics are asking, “Can we afford it? Is this just a big tech handout?” Time will tell.
Finally, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk—two billionaires, one space race. Bezos says, “We’re making space accessible.” Musk? He’s a competitor, but Bezos trusts he won’t undercut Blue Origin. These rivalries drive innovation, and frankly, we need it.
Folks, these stories remind us—whether it’s trust, innovation, safety, or accountability—the world is changing fast. Stay informed, stay sharp, and as always, think big, all by reading, THE COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
Advertising Watch
US Supreme Court Rejects Meta's Appeal in Advertisers' Lawsuit (Reuters)
The US Supreme Court has declined Meta’s request to dismiss a lawsuit filed by advertisers alleging misleading metrics on the effectiveness of their ads. The lawsuit claims Meta knowingly inflated viewership statistics to attract more advertising revenue, violating trust and contractual obligations. The company argued that its terms of service shield it from such claims, but lower courts allowed the case to proceed. The decision opens the door for potential liabilities and scrutiny over Meta's ad practices, posing broader implications for digital advertising standards and accountability in tech companies.
Read more here
T-Mobile to Acquire Vistar Media for $600M, Expanding Ad Tech Ambitions (Axios)
T-Mobile has announced its $600 million acquisition of Vistar Media, a leading ad-tech firm specializing in digital out-of-home (OOH) advertising. The deal, set to close in early 2025, aligns with T-Mobile's strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond telecom services. Vistar’s network of over 1.1 million digital screens spans high-traffic locations like Times Square, gyms, airports, and concert venues. By integrating Vistar’s capabilities with its customer data, T-Mobile aims to deliver more personalized advertising experiences. The move highlights T-Mobile's commitment to OOH innovation as the sector shifts toward digital, projected to grow 7.1% to $56.1 billion by 2025.
Read more here
Export Watch
US Tightens AI and Chip Export Curbs on China (CNN)
The Biden administration has intensified restrictions on AI and semiconductor technology exports to China. New measures focus on barring advanced chip designs and software from reaching Chinese companies, citing national security and competitive concerns. The move comes amid a global tech race and increasing tensions between the US and China, with the latter accusing the US of stifling its growth. Industry experts warn of potential backlash and disruptions in the global supply chain as the two economic giants continue their technology tug-of-war.
Read more here
Drone Watch
FBI Seeks Drone Operator After Collision With Canadian Plane (Fox News)
The FBI is investigating a privately-owned drone incident where it collided with a Canadian firefighting plane, puncturing its fuselage during operations. The unauthorized drone posed significant risks to aviation safety, with experts emphasizing the potential consequences of interference with critical missions. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from operating drones near emergency zones and called for stricter regulations to prevent future incidents. The incident highlights the growing concerns over drone misuse in sensitive areas.
Read more here
AI Watch
AI Shapes the Future of Las Vegas Hospitals (Las Vegas Sun)
Las Vegas hospitals are embracing AI to revolutionize healthcare delivery and efficiency. From predictive analytics to patient care optimization, AI-driven systems are tackling challenges such as staffing shortages and resource management. These technologies improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient experiences by streamlining administrative tasks. Local healthcare leaders believe Las Vegas could become a model city for integrating AI into urban healthcare systems, showcasing its potential to transform medical services.
Read more here
UK PM Unveils Ambitious Plan to Harness AI for Growth (BBC News)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a sweeping plan to "unleash AI" across the UK, aiming to boost productivity and public services. Backed by £14bn in tech investments and 13,250 new jobs, the AI Opportunities Action Plan focuses on public sector innovation, AI growth zones, and tackling infrastructure issues like potholes. However, critics question the feasibility, costs, and a perceived focus on big tech at the expense of broader contributors. While AI promises transformative benefits, concerns about safety and risks remain, urging a balance between innovation and regulation.
Read more here
Google Cloud Boosts AI Tools for Retailers (Google Blog)
Google Cloud unveiled advanced AI solutions tailored for the retail sector at NRF 2025. The tools aim to enhance inventory management, customer engagement, and personalized shopping experiences. Features include AI-driven forecasting, streamlined supply chain logistics, and real-time pricing recommendations. Retailers are expected to leverage these innovations to navigate challenges like inflation and shifting consumer preferences. Google’s initiative underscores its commitment to empowering businesses with cutting-edge technology to remain competitive in the evolving market landscape.
Read more here
Space Watch
Bezos Discusses Blue Origin and Musk Rivalry (LiveMint)
Jeff Bezos expressed optimism about his space venture, Blue Origin, and shared insights into the evolving space industry. In a rare interview, Bezos acknowledged Elon Musk's SpaceX as a strong competitor but stated his trust that Musk wouldn’t undercut Blue Origin. Bezos emphasized his vision of making space more accessible and sustainable while discussing partnerships, investments, and Blue Origin’s forthcoming projects. The rivalry between the two billionaires continues to drive innovation in the aerospace sector.
Read more here
Ticket Watch
Concert Ticket Bot Creator Faces Backlash (Global News)
A man behind ticket-purchasing bots has drawn ire for his role in driving up prices for concert tickets. Using bots to secure large quantities of tickets has caused frustration among fans and artists, who feel the practice exploits genuine demand. The issue raises questions about fairness, ticketing platforms' security, and the ethics of automated systems in commerce. Calls for stricter regulation and enforcement are growing to protect consumers from predatory practices.
Read more here
