Is the metaverse also growing faster than you thought? Probably not: CommerceNext finds that 75% of consumers have barely heard of it and just 5% visit on a regular basis. Even that group uses it almost mostly for gaming (76%) and socializing (39%); just 30% do any shopping. Most social commerce still takes place on the major social media platforms.
Cord-cutting is another trend that turns out to be further along than you may have realized. Pixability reports that 41% of U.S. consumers say they’ve already dropped their cable subscription and another 20% plan to leave within the next year. That would leave just one-quarter of consumers watching linear TV. Marketing dollars are sure to follow.
Good privacy news out of Google this week. First, a policy expansion that allows removal of select personal data used in Search, including log-in credentials, that could risk identity theft. Second, for YouTube and Display users, a new option to limit ad types, including for parenting, dating and weight loss. And, third, beginning in July, developers will be responsible to show Android users what their apps are collecting.
Procrastinators of the world can throw a party whenever they get around to it: Google has once more pushed back complete third-party cookie deprecation. The new target is “early next year.” Reasons for the delay include concerns expressed by U.K. data regulator Information Commissioner’s Office, an ongoing inquiry by the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, and widespread discontent in the advertising ecosystem.