On today's digest we look at the latest surrounding ads on Gemini, an acquisition by Publicis, and the closing arguments in the first ever social media addiction jury trial.

How soon could ads be coming to Gemini? 

Google’s SVP of knowledge and information Nick Fox, said the tech giant is not ruling out ads on Gemini. Speaking to Wired, he commented, “I would expect that the learnings that we get from ads in AI Mode would likely carry over to what we might want to do in the Gemini app down the road.” Fox also said it’s currently a prioritisation question. “It’s less a question of timing and more a question of doing it right, and in a way that’s respectful of users,” he added. 

This follows Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind CEO, claiming that the company didn’t have “any plans” to introduce ads in Gemini back in January, following OpenAI announcing its ads trial on ChatGPT.  

Gemini’s user base has been growing steadily: it now has more than 750 million monthly active users, rising from 350 million a year ago.  

Publicis acquires AdgeAI

Publicis Groupe has acquired AdgeAI, a measurement and content intelligence company whose AI-powered analytics platform optimises creative and video performance to guide strategy. Publicis will embed AdgeAI’s technology, including its predictive intelligence, in an effort to “bridge the gap between instinct and proven performance”. AdgeAI has worked with major brands such as Google, Meta, and P&G. 

The acquisition is the latest purchase in Publicis’ push to become a valuable partner to brands as AI shakes up the agency landscape. According to Publicis CEO Arthur Sadoun, almost three quarters (73%) of the group’s operating model is now AI-powered. 

AdgeAI will retain its name under the new management, and the company will continue to be led by its co-founders, Eyal Ben Shalom and Asaf Ben Shalom. The financial details of the deal have not been revealed. 

First ever social media addiction jury trial concludes 

Last week, the first-ever jury trial regarding the harms of social media wrapped up. A 20-year old woman who goes by the initials of KGM is at the centre of the case, alongside more than 1,600 other plaintiffs. The case was brought against Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap. 

Lawyers backing the plaintiffs argued that tech companies have designed their platforms to be addictive, leading children and teens to develop a myriad of mental health issues. “It’s the attention economy. They’re making money off capturing your attention,” said Mark Lanier, the plaintiffs’ lawyer. Infinitely scrollable feeds and video autoplay were features deemed the most dangerous, designed to keep people on the apps for as long as possible. 

KGM explained that she got addicted to YouTube and Instagram under the age of 10, causing her to become depressed and engage in self-harming behaviour, as well as develop body dysmorphic disorder and social phobia. Her lawyers say that this experience has been mirrored across tens of thousands of young people as a result of social media.

YouTube and Meta denied any wrongdoing. A Meta spokesperson said that KGM’s issues were primarily a result of a difficult home life, calling on KGM’s therapist for testimonies. They maintain that their platforms are safe for the majority of young people. 

Deliberations are now in progress.