Observed Signal · Jan 29, 2025 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Chrome Keeps Third-Party Cookies Allowed
Google has unexpectedly decided to keep third‑party cookies enabled in Chrome, continuing a policy reversal that diverges from Safari and Firefox, which block them by default. The move preserves traditional tracking capabilities for advertisers and remains at odds with the 2020 plan to phase out third‑party cookies by 2022. Google defended the decision by citing pushback from the ad industry and regulatory concerns, while emphasizing that users will be able to choose whether to allow or block third‑party cookies. The German market remains heavily dominated by Chrome, with around 60% usage (54.6% on desktop/notebooks), significantly outpacing Safari, Firefox, and Edge. The article notes that Google’s Privacy Sandbox could shape future privacy tech and advises marketers to monitor regulatory developments and test alternative approaches as the policy landscape evolves toward cookieless identity options.
Major platform policy update affecting third-party cookies and ad tracking.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google will continue to allow third‑party cookies in Chrome.
- Google originally planned to phase out third‑party cookies by 2022 (announced in 2020).
- Chrome's market share in Germany is about 60% (54.6% on desktop/notebook).
- Safari and Firefox block third‑party cookies by default.
- Google states users should decide to allow or block third‑party cookies; Privacy Sandbox may influence future privacy tech.
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US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with AI and Google Play
Amazon has announced a new generation of tablets under the Alexa brand, including the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8. All devices run on Android, integrate the AI assistant Alexa+, and for the first time offer direct access to the full Google Play Store, allowing users to install apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Gmail alongside Amazon services. The tablets feature various screen sizes, processors, and battery lives, with prices starting at $229.99. A special Kindle reading mode and new kids' models with parental controls have also been introduced. Sales begin in North America on October 8, with shipping from October 14, and European availability, including Germany, starts October 19.
Grok Bot Searches X, Integrates Rival AI Models
SpaceXAI has enhanced its AI agent Grok Bot with the ability to continuously search and analyze the entire X platform. Users can now deploy the agent for 24/7 social listening, brand monitoring, and trend analysis, similar to Google's Information Agents. Grok Bot will also integrate other AI models from competitors, such as Claude Opus 5.5, Midjourney, and Suno, depending on the task. This move signals a shift towards multi-model AI agents and expands the capabilities of AI-driven social media analytics.
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