Five things worth sharing from the last week or so, brought to you by a different member of the Browser Media team every Friday.
This week’s My Five is by Rob.
1. #FIJIWaterGirl
FIJI Water was an official advertiser of the 2019 awards and took full advantage of the opportunity to steal the show with some clever photobombing of several celebrities. As you’d expect, some stars are not particularly happy about their image being used to promote a brand with whom they have no affiliation.
And of course, there are memes:
Going for a long run? Maybe with a couple stairs at the end? Make sure to bring some FIJI Water along. #FIJIWaterGirl pic.twitter.com/zeinoMg6Dp
— FIJI Water (@FIJIWater) January 8, 2019
After a punishing workout, treat your body to some natural artesian FIJI Water. #FIJIWaterGirl pic.twitter.com/BQrtBCWfFb
— FIJI Water (@FIJIWater) January 8, 2019
2. Google Chrome Ad-blocker
As of the 9th July, Google will be rolling out its Chrome ad blocker worldwide in an attempt to remove intrusive adverts and create a greater surfing experience for web users. This move ties in with the announcement from the Coalition for Better Ads, who are expanding their Better Ads Standard beyond North America and Europe.
Any advertisers found to be using inappropriate methods of spreading their word will be notified and given some time to change. And according to Chrome’s Senior Director, it is working.
3. Facebook to tackle fake news
Facebook has teamed up with the UK fact-checking charity, Full Fact, in an attempt to reduce the amount of fake content being shared across its social platform. Users will not be stopped from posting anything deemed to be ‘fake’, however the content will be subject to Facebook’s newsfeed algorithm to ensure it reaches as few people as possible.
Whilst this is a much needed step towards reducing the impact of fake news, Facebook has received some criticism in the US over its reluctance to pay for a fact-checking service. And there are claims the labelling of such content simply does not work.
Recent research from the US shows this kind of intervention from Facebook is necessary, if it works, as some people do fall victim to unknowingly spreading fake content.
4. Cue innocence
Netflix has teamed up with Synamedia, a UK based AI company, to increase the level of security surrounding the ability to share passwords. The solution is called the Credentials Sharing Insight and looks at several key pieces of data, such as location, genre, time and simultaneous logins, to determine whether an account is being shared or not.
Perhaps it’s best to just pay the extra £2 per month to access a multiple user plan, guys?
5. IMDb launches Freedive
IMDb, owned by Amazon, has launched a free streaming service in the US which is supported solely by ads. The streaming platform, Freedive, is available across the usual devices but it does not require a subscription to use. Of course, it goes without saying that the most up to date content is not going to be available, but some blockbuster movies and classic TV shows are.
Will we see a similar service launched in the UK?