Axel Springer CEO Tells Staff They Only Have To Explain If They Didn’t Use AI

The self-regulatory privacy organization Digital Advertising Alliance on Wednesday plans to unveil a downloadable browser extension that will enable people to opt out of receiving behaviorally targeted ads -- meaning ads selected for web users based on their activity across sites or apps. The tool, which is still undergoing testing, initially will be compatible with the four largest browsers -- Google's Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox, Microsoft's Edge and Apple's Safari. The new mechanism eventually will also give users the choice between rejecting all behavioral targeting, or accepting targeted ads in certain categories -- such as automotive, travel or pets.

In a time when misinformation is everywhere and consumer skepticism is at an all-time high, trust has become marketing’s most valuable currency. And for all the new tools and platforms marketers have adopted in the digital age, one channel consistently earns that trust more than any other: direct mail. Despite years of predictions about its decline, direct mail has not only survived — it’s thriving. In fact, it’s become the quiet powerhouse in omnichannel marketing strategies. As digital fatigue, privacy concerns, and ad fraud undermine confidence in online media, marketers and consumers alike are rediscovering the value of physical mail. The stats tell the story. Americans are seeing more ads than ever, but believing fewer of them. Social media feeds are crowded with questionable claims, sponsored content is often indistinguishable from organic posts, and AI-generated misinformation is rampant. Inboxes are overrun with scams, phishing attempts, and generic automated messaging.

Join us for our new series: Omnichannel Marketing. Mountains of data, endless options of ways to reach customers. No wonder marketers are overwhelmed. We work so hard to get their attention, but what happens once you have it? What are you going to say? In those precious few seconds, when you finally have their attention, what will your message be? That’s what we do at J.Schmid. We tell brand stories. We'd love a chance to help you tell yours. Watch Video at https://www.jschmid.com/blog/storytelling-and-songwriting/