In today’s Digest, we cover LinkedIn’s launch of new video ad options, a US bill challenging Apple’s app store dominance, and the EU’s legal action against member states over failure to comply with the Digital Services Act.

LinkedIn introduces New Video Ad Options 

LinkedIn  introduced a suite of new video ad offerings during its first ever NewFronts presentation, spotlighting the growing importance of video within the platform’s feed. The move aims to help brands capitalise on rising video consumption and maximise marketing impact.

The platform revealed that time spent viewing video posts has surged 36% year-on-year, with video content driving 1.4x more engagement than other formats. In-stream video ads are also showing strong performance, generating twice the average video completion rate. The latest ad updates are designed to support advertisers in leveraging this momentum through expanded video placements and improved creative capabilities.

US Bill Targets Apple’s App Store Control

A new bill introduced in the US House of Representatives could significantly reshape the mobile app marketplace by requiring Apple and Google to allow third-party app stores on their devices. The App Store Freedom Act, tabled by Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL), aims to ‘promote competition and protect consumers and developers’ by targeting app stores with more than 100 million US users.

The legislation would compel major operators to let users install and set third-party app stores as default, while also allowing developers to use alternative payment systems. Additionally, the bill mandates equal access to core interfaces, features, and tools without added cost or discrimination and gives users the right to remove or hide pre-installed apps.

EU Takes Action Against Member States

The European Commission has announced legal proceedings against five member states for failing to properly implement the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Czech Republic, Spain, Cyprus, Poland, and Portugal are being referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not meeting key obligations under the landmark regulation. According to the Commission, the countries failed to designate or empower a national Digital Services Coordinator (DSC), and have yet to establish rules for penalties in cases of non-compliance. 

The DSA, which came into effect to strengthen platform accountability, requires online platforms to combat illegal and harmful content more effectively.