Google’s long-awaited plan to block third party cookies might be derailed by the UK’s competition authority.  The possible action reflects industry concerns that the loss of third-party cookies would give Google an advantage, since it can collect much data directly.  Expect more conflict between competition and privacy as both issues are taken more seriously.

Mobile messaging vendor MessageMedia has been purchased by cloud communications provider Sinch AB in a deal valued at $1.3 billion. Sinch has been bulking up its communications business with deals including a $1.1 billion acquisition of phone connection provider Inteliquent in February, followed by a $1.1 billion funding round in May. The deals highlight Sinch’s competition with Twilio, which itself bought mobile messaging provider Zipwhip in May for $850 million.

Just over half of consumers (54%) like to receive personalized messages because they show the consumers are known to the brand, plus they can be time savers. The rest (46%) find it at best unimportant, at worst creepy. Relevance far outstrips personalization when it comes to driving email opens (54% vs. 19%). Takeaway: treat each customer the way they prefer.