In today's ExchangeWire news digest: Google Ads opens access to its new Demand Gen tool; California's governor signs the Delete Act, allowing citizens to ask brokers to delete their data; and Microsoft-Activision is approved in the UK.

Google Ads begins roll out of Demand Gen

Google Ads has initiated a global roll out of its new AI-powered tool, Demand Gen. Described as the “next generation of Discovery campaigns”, the solution will allow advertisers on social media platforms to access new features, insights, and inventory to streamline the process of discovering and converting audiences.

California signs Delete Act

The governor of California has signed a bill which will give Californians more control over their data. Bill SB 362, also known as the Delete Act, will allow citizens in the US state to request that data brokers delete their personal information, preventing it from being sold to advertisers.

Microsoft-Activision cleared in UK

The UK’s competition regulator has approved Microsoft’s USD$75bn (~£61.1bn) acquisition of gaming giant, Activision Blizzard. The Competition and Markets Authority initially blocked the deal, but finally gave the green light on Friday (13th October), following a substantial concession from the tech titan.

New on ExchangeWire

U of Digital's Shiv Gupta on Stopping Ad Fraud, Meta's Ad-Free Tier and the Microsoft Activision Deal

The Revival of Contextual Advertising: Adapting to the Privacy-First Landscape

Tech Trends Shaping the Future of Advertising

PressBox Digest

fifty-five Reveals Strategic Approach for Next-Gen MMM Transition

Yahoo Properties Worldwide are Now Available through Taboola

Hivestack Grows DOOH Marketplace in Thailand with UpMedia Partnership

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Fact of the Day

20 months – the time between Microsoft announcing and closing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Source: The Verge

Last Week's Tech Teasers

Inspired by our Sustainability in Advertising - JAPAC 2023 report, last week’s quiz was all about the thriving JAPAC region. How well did you do? Find out below!

• JP¥ 7.1tn – Japan’s advertising expenditure in 2023? 🇯🇵
• India – is forecast for a CAGR of 15.9% until 2028? 🌱
• Reduced carbon emissions – the top sustainability goal for JAPAC businesses 🌎
• Indonesia – has seen concerns around fraud rise 14% since 2022 🥸
• 77% – of JAPAC businesses are open to working directly with DSPs or SSPs 💼

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