The latest in ad tech…from Meta adding extra fees for advertisers in Europe, to UK ministers extending discussions on AI regulation. On today's MadTech Daily, we look at Ofcom taking action against social media platforms for their failure to protect children under the age of 13, research demonstrating that the public opposes ads on the BBC, and Meta's acquisition of Moltbook, a social network designed for AI agents. 

This week, Meta announced it would be adding additional fees for advertisers in Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the UK, with increases from 2% to 5%. The move, which will take effect in July, aims to offset Digital Service Taxes and other location-based fees. 

While busy introducing a new pricing model, Meta came under fire for inadequate moderation of deepfake content on its platforms. The Meta Oversight Board, a semi-independent body which guides the company’s content moderation practices, concluded that its current efforts are falling short. The Board is calling for an overhaul of how the company surfaces and labels AI-generated content. 

Also in AI regulation, the UK signalled a delay to planned reforms which would have made it easier for AI firms to use the copyrighted work of creatives for training purposes. Ministers will now gather further evidence and continue discussions on the matter.  

Elsewhere in AI, retail is having its moment. As OpenAI’s trial of ads on ChatGPT progresses, retail and grocery ads are dominating. Together, they accounted for 44% of ad impressions served by the chatbot in the first month of the trial.