Quite a few companies use artificial intelligence to find optimal combinations of ad creative components. But IBM is still a powerful enough brand that its entry attracts attention. Advertising Accelerator with Watson finds optimal creative combinations for segments, not individuals, although it also finds new segments.

Consumers may already be using more privacy tech than we think. PreciseSecurity found that more than 30% of North Americans used the “dark Web” regularly in 2019. If you’re asking for a friend, the “dark Web” refers to portions of the Internet that are hidden from search engines and can be accessed without leaving a trace (or so we’re told). Reasons for using it include online anonymity, retrieving locally blocked content, and overcoming government censorship.

It’s all surveys today, Dear Reader.  Marigold reports that consumers are eager for personalized content, with 79% saying they’re likely to engage with a personalized email tailored to their interests.  Sadly, 33% feel their needs are unmet by current brand messages.  Discounts and coupons (95%) top the list of what they want in exchange for personal data, followed closely by loyalty rewards at 94%.  Content is last at 61%.