Agencies’ Faith in Google Tested; Meta Bolsters Threads’ Offerings as Users Nosedive

In today's ExchangeWire news digest: agencies concerned by Google ad transparency; Meta unveils new features for Threads as user base sinks; and Alibaba eyes an expansion of its B2B business in the US.

Agencies concerned by transparency issues at Google

Following Adalytics’ damning report, media agencies are reportedly losing faith in how transparent Google is about YouTube Ads. A media agency exec told Digiday that attempts to prompt a systemic shift towards transparency at the tech giant have been largely ineffective, causing some concern at Google’s influence over the media landscape.

New features for Threads as users dip

Meta is launching a range of new features for its X rival, Threads. The tools, which include stronger integration with the Instagram app and the ability to search for specific posts using keywords, come as users of the app continue to plummet. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly told staff that Threads’ user base has halved since the app debuted in July, despite amassing 100 million sign-ups within its first week.

Alibaba to expand B2B business in US

China’s Alibaba is reportedly eyeing an expansion of its B2B business in the US market. The e-commerce giant is gearing up to host a two-day event in Las Vegas, in addition to updating its B2B platform, Alibaba.com. Rah Mahtani, head of US marketing for Alibaba.com, described the US as the company’s “largest buyer market,” adding there had been “a huge influx” of new businesses.

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PressBox Digest

IAB Europe Releases Pan-European Definitions & Guide to Retail Media

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Cedara Welcomes Esteemed Senior Leader as Vice President of Global Client Partnerships

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Fact of the Day

+14% – Alibaba Group's revenue growth for Q2 2023.

Source: South China Morning Post

Last Week's Tech Teasers

Last week, we quizzed you on the EU’s update to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). See how well you’ve followed the Commission’s “revolutionary”  legislation below! 

• 14th September 2022 – the date the European Parliament adopted the DMA ?️
• 45 million – the amount of gatekeepers' EU-based active monthly users ??‍?‍??
• 22 – the number of gatekeepers’ core services affected by the DMA ?
• 6th March 2024 – the deadline for gatekeepers to comply with the DMA ⏰
• 10-20% of global turnover – the amount firms can be fined for not complying ?

Challenge yourself on ad tech, martech, media, and commerce, by signing up to The Stack, where we publish a new quiz every Friday.