AGP Executive Report

AI Ad Push: OpenAI added a visual format and measurement tools to ChatGPT ads, while Google is testing ads in AI Mode for users with Personal Intelligence enabled. Reports say ChatGPT advertisers still face targeting problems, as OpenAI’s ad team has been repeatedly reorganized. Platform Rules: Meta removed language allowing it to use crawled website content to train AI after backlash, though its revised terms still permit some use for advertising and business products. TikTok permanently banned the ad account for a documentary about Elon Musk; the National Trust also paused campaigns after TikTok’s AI published unauthorised videos. Ad Safety: Researchers linked targeted online ads to zero-click spyware used against Al Jazeera devices, raising concerns that ad infrastructure can enable surveillance without a click. Regulation: Japan set new guidelines for paid tie-ins in films and TV, while Dubai introduced tighter standards for outdoor ads to protect the emirate’s visual identity. Market Watch: A report says the world’s biggest brands are spending less on advertising, even as AI-generated political ads draw growing scrutiny.

Agency Moves: The USGA named Gupta Media its paid media agency of record, tasking it with strategy, buying and measurement across championship ticketing and wider initiatives. Platform Policies: Meta revised commercial terms after publishers raised concerns that website crawling could feed AI training. The company says scraping supports advertising and business products, though publishers still question how broadly content can be used. Ad-Tech Security: Researchers say targeted online ads were used to deliver zero-click spyware, including to Al Jazeera devices—a major warning for the digital ad supply chain. Political Ads: A report says campaigns have spent $137 million on AI-generated ads ahead of the US midterms, but only 27% carried a disclaimer. In New York, a Democratic-backed group has also begun airing anti-Blakeman ads after raising $4.34 million to boost Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Ad-Tech Security: Citizen Lab says targeted ads delivered Candiru spyware to at least 45 Al Jazeera devices, without a click. The disclosure has sparked calls for an independent investigation and renewed scrutiny of ad networks used to reach audiences. AI & Political Ads: More than $137 million has gone to AI-generated midterm ads, but only 27% carried a disclaimer, according to one report. Surveys also point to widespread concern that AI ads can mislead voters. Platform Targeting: Reports say ChatGPT ads may use prompts and personal details for targeting, as the service expands advertising into seven more Asian markets. IAS and DoubleVerify are bringing independent measurement to ChatGPT ads. Media & Budgets: Channel 4 has launched an instant ad-buying platform and partnered with Channel 5 on a new advertiser offering. Meanwhile, reports say major brands are spending less on advertising as a share of sales, even as consumer brands increase budgets and retail media gains ground.

AI Political Ads: Campaigns have spent $137 million on AI-generated midterm ads, but only 27% carried a disclosure, according to the Wesleyan Media Project. Marketing Platforms: Adobe is adding AI agents to Marketo Engage to clean data and speed audience building, while Meta rolled out new high-impact ad formats for Facebook and Instagram. Media Sales: Channel 4 launched an instant ad-buying platform and teamed with Channel 5 on a new advertiser offering. Ad Safety: Researchers say an Israeli firm used targeted online ads to deliver zero-click spyware, including in attacks on Al Jazeera—putting renewed scrutiny on the risks built into digital ad networks.

Ad-Tech Risk: Researchers say Israeli ad-tech firm AdFection used online ads to deliver zero-click spyware, with investigations reporting infections linked to Al Jazeera devices. AI Advertising: ChatGPT Ads expanded to seven more Asian markets, with IAS and DoubleVerify offering independent measurement; Amazon also rebranded its ad tools as agentic “Ads Agent.” Campaign Spending: U.S. political TV ad spend rose 30% to $3.8 billion through mid-October as midterm campaigns intensify. Creator Commerce: New findings point to short-form video and creators as key channels for product discovery and purchases, while Meta says social media and AI are reshaping festive shopping in India. Agency News: Paul Lyon launched London-based Auster Communications, advising financial, fintech and technology firms on reputation and communications in an AI-driven landscape.

Political Advertising: U.S. political TV ad spending has climbed 30% to $3.8 billion through mid-October, as campaigns flood voters with spots and AI-generated attack ads raise fresh concerns about trust. Streaming & Retail Media: Ad-supported plans are increasingly the mainstream choice: 28% of Americans say they’d pay extra to avoid ads, but few do. Meanwhile, 59% of advertisers see retail media as a full-funnel channel. Out-of-Home Innovation: Heli-D has brought its flying digital billboard to New York, debuting a 400-square-foot screen above Manhattan and a partnership with Allen Media Group. Agency & Industry Moves: TBWA\Media Arts Lab named Pedro Sattin and Sébastien Rouvière creative directors, while Havas reported 2.4% third-quarter growth. AI & Measurement: Moloco and Haus are expanding independent measurement for app and CTV ads, as marketers weigh AI-driven buying against the need for human oversight and authentic creative. Creator Influence: New research finds fans trust creators as much as—or more than—friends, underlining their growing role in brand campaigns.

Publisher Revenue: The Guardian says programmatic ad revenue rose 21% after it simplified buying, improved audience signals and aligned pricing; unsold inventory fell 54%. Platform Moves: Google is adding new controls for campaign spending, while Meta has barred ByteDance from advertising across seven markets. Streaming & Retail Media: Netflix is cutting 1,000 jobs as it expands into advertising, live sports and gaming. Tesco Media is also extending its ad capabilities through a technology partnership with Kevel. Political Ad Rules: The US Supreme Court left broadcast political ad-rate rules intact ahead of the election, while a federal judge ordered $20 million in taxpayer-funded, pro-Trump TV ads off the air. Agency Appointments: Ulka has named Maithili Mullick executive creative director, adding an experienced creative leader to its team.

Ad Regulation: Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley proposed safeguards covering AI, social platforms and surveillance-based digital advertising, while Pennsylvania advanced rules requiring disclosure of AI-altered ads. Brand Strategy: An Advertising Week debate put context back on media planners’ agenda: as audience signals weaken and CTV grows, brands are weighing whether to fit into content or stand out from it. Platform Moves: Meta barred ByteDance from advertising across seven markets; Amazon Ads, MMA Global and WPP also issued a new playbook for full-funnel retail media. Political Advertising: A federal judge temporarily blocked a $20 million taxpayer-funded pro-Trump ad campaign, but the administration continued posting political videos online despite the order, prompting fresh scrutiny. Ad Blitz: Polymarket turned to director Kathryn Bigelow as it launched a midterm campaign to reach a wider audience.

AI and Ad Standards: Pennsylvania lawmakers sent the governor a bill requiring disclosure of AI-altered ads, while the AFL ordered Sportsbet to remove AI-generated player clips made without athletes’ approval. Political Ad Scrutiny: A federal judge blocked a $20 million taxpayer-funded campaign promoting President Trump; ads aired after the deadline, prompting a DOJ apology. Platform Moves: Meta barred ByteDance from advertising across seven markets, while Tesco Media expanded its ad offering through a Kevel partnership. Market Signals: Guideline sees global ad spending up about 4.5% excluding major sports events. U.S. auto dealers hit a first-half ad-spending record of $5.04 billion despite lower vehicle sales. Audio Growth: Triton Digital, Lenovo and Japan’s Nippon Broadcasting System tested targeted programmatic podcast ads, as new research points to audience fatigue with heavier ad loads.

Political Ad Scrutiny: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop its $20 million taxpayer-funded TV campaign praising the president. Ads continued after the order, prompting a court apology and renewed questions over government spending and compliance. Search & Platform Rules: Google’s AI Max is giving advertisers a new search-terms report, while the FTC is weighing rules for platforms whose ad tools may help impersonation scams reach consumers. Retail Media: Kraft Heinz’s in-store screen test with Empire Media+ delivered a 1.08% incremental sales lift, adding to the case for ads at the point of purchase. Market Outlook: India’s ad spending is expected to grow at a high-single-digit pace in 2026, with budgets shifting toward creators and quick commerce. Brand Campaigns: Sprite is rolling out a global basketball platform featuring Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards, combining ads with fan experiences, local court makeovers and NBA 2K integrations.

Ad Tech: Google avoided a breakup but must open parts of its ad systems to competitors and share information under a U.S. court ruling. Political Advertising: A federal judge ordered a halt to $20 million in taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting President Trump, while a super PAC’s $25,000 attack-ad buy landed in Portland, Oregon, instead of Maine. Platform Rivalry: Meta barred TikTok from advertising on Facebook and Instagram in the U.S. and several other markets. Agency Business: Publicis Groupe reported third-quarter revenue, while Joe Public’s “Period Paper” campaign for Independent Media won a Loeries Grand Prix. Media Economics: Reach said digital revenue fell more than 20% as Google traffic weakened, underscoring publishers’ concerns about AI-powered search. Ad Rules: India’s SEBI finalized a code requiring prior approval for ads featuring celebrities, influencers and AI-generated virtual influencers, effective April 2027.

Political Ad Scrutiny: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting the president, questioning how quickly $20 million was redirected to pay for them. The ruling lands as Elon Musk pours more than $276 million into Republican groups and midterm campaigns. Media Revenue: The newly combined Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery expects advertising revenue of up to $21.6 billion in 2027, with streaming growth forecast to offset declines in linear TV. Creator Competition: YouTube is reportedly warning creators about brand deals and promotion if they take shows to Netflix, as platforms compete for advertiser-friendly content. Campaign Misfire: A Republican super PAC’s attack ads against a Maine Senate candidate ran in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine, reaching more than 1.25 million views before being pulled.

Political Ad Fight: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to halt remaining taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting the president, granting a 14-day pause after lawsuits challenged about $20 million in DHS spending. Platform Shifts: Meta’s ban on TikTok advertising across seven markets escalates the rivalry between the platforms, while OpenAI is pushing agencies to make ChatGPT ads a regular part of media plans. Measurement and Media: Advertisers are tallying early losses from Apple’s Safari tracking block, and publishers are still weighing the return on agentic advertising. PepsiCo’s CEO also discussed the company’s move to Publicis. Brand Work: Britannia is using Instagram microdramas to market Cake Fudge It, while Ghadi Detergent has hired One Source for digital strategy and storytelling.

Political Advertising: A federal court challenge to the Trump administration’s $20 million taxpayer-funded TV campaign continues, despite DHS saying it will stop the ads on Sunday. Plaintiffs argue the promise is not binding and the government could buy more airtime. Platform Moves: Meta has barred TikTok advertising on Facebook and Instagram across the US and several other markets, escalating a dispute between the platforms. Ad Tech and Campaigns: Google Ads has been used to steer people toward fake Claude installers in a credential-stealing scheme, underscoring the risks for brands and users. Meanwhile, Google is promoting AI Mode in Search in a McCann India campaign, and Amazon Ads is bringing interactive formats to Prime Video India. Rules and Restrictions: UK watchdogs have banned ads for oral weight-loss drugs, while India is proposing tighter limits on prescription-drug advertising. Bristol councillors have also voted to end high-carbon ads on council-owned sites.

Ad Regulation: The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has for the first time banned ads for oral weight-loss medicines, ruling that promotions for unapproved or prescription-only GLP-1 treatments crossed the line. Marketing Moves: Epigamia has named Mansi M. head of marketing after nearly nine years at Hindustan Unilever; Apple is also signalling a return to handcrafted creative with an embroidered invitation for its upcoming event. Platform Shifts: Meta has blocked TikTok ads across Facebook and Instagram in the US and several other markets, escalating a platform feud. OpenAI is pitching ChatGPT ads as a regular item in agency media plans, while Google is testing ways to connect ad clicks to in-store purchases. Political Ads: Democrats are suing the Trump administration over taxpayer-funded, campaign-style TV ads, as new rules in Pennsylvania require disclosure when ads use misleading AI-generated content.

AI Ad Production: Singapore’s AZ8 introduced a workspace combining AI agents and video-generation tools for ad creation, while Mobavenue launched automation for Apple Ads campaigns. Market Outlook: WARC expects U.S. ad growth in 2026, fueled by AI and major events. Platform Moves: Meta blocked TikTok ads across its apps in the U.S. and six other markets, escalating a platform rivalry. OpenAI is testing visual ads in ChatGPT, as Amazon adds interactive Prime Video formats and Google pilots in-store retail attribution. Political Ad Scrutiny: Democrats sued over Trump administration TV ads funded with public money, while researchers tracked $80 million in AI-generated political ad spending; Pennsylvania passed rules requiring disclosure of misleading AI ads. Healthcare Advertising: India proposed tighter limits on prescription-drug ads, and its medical regulator barred doctors and hospitals from using AI-generated patient testimonials and misleading claims.