Digest: Meta ordered to limit data collection; The Guardian launches The Filter

Today’s news: Meta vs Germany; Guardian moves into affiliate advertising; 'China's Instagram' soaring

In a multi-year antitrust challenge in Germany, Meta has been ordered by the Bundeskartellamt to limit data collection and linking to user accounts without consent. This decision comes after concerns were raised about Meta’s ‘superprofiling’ of users, which allows for detailed profiling of individuals without their explicit consent. By dropping its appeal, Meta has agreed to give users greater control over how their data is collected and used.

The Guardian has recently launched a new section called The Filter, which focuses on independent product reviews and shopping advice. This move is part of a larger trend in the industry to diversify revenue streams away from traditional advertising. By including affiliate links in their product reviews, The Guardian aims to generate revenue while providing valuable content to its readers. This strategy not only benefits the publication but also offers a new way for readers to engage with the content they consume.

Revenues at Xiaohongshu, a start-up often referred to as China's version of Instagram, soared to $1 billion in the first quarter of 2024, driven by a boost in advertising from retailers aiming at Gen Z women. The photo and video-sharing app posted a net profit of $200 million on sales exceeding $1 billion in the first three months of the year, according to two sources familiar with the unpublished figures. This marks a significant increase from the $40 million profit on roughly $600 million in revenue during the same period last year.

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