Observed Signal · May 19, 2023 · Policy Update · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 5/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Google Ending Cookie Tracking for 1% of Chrome Users
Google announced it will begin phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome, starting with 1% of users in Q1 2024, ahead of full deprecation in the second half of 2024. The Privacy Sandbox APIs will become generally available to all Chrome users starting with the July 2023 browser update, and in Q4 2023 developers will be able to simulate third-party cookie deprecation for a percentage of their users. Google says the timeline was set in consultation with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. Executives framed the rollout as an ecosystem-wide initiative to support a more private, ad-supported internet. Safari and Firefox already block third-party cookies.
Google's phased deprecation of third-party cookies in Chrome is a foundational shift for digital advertising identity, targeting, and measurement, affecting the entire AdTech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google plans to disable third-party cookies for 1% of Chrome users in Q1 2024.
- Full deprecation of third-party cookies in Chrome is planned for the second half of 2024.
- Privacy Sandbox APIs will be available to all Chrome users starting with the July 2023 update.
- In Q4 2023, developers will be able to simulate third-party cookie deprecation for a percentage of their users.
- The plan was developed in consultation with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority.
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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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