NYT Launches 'Privacy Project'; P&G's Pritchard Returns To Soapbox

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Privacy On A Pedestal

As consumer concerns about privacy increase, The New York Times launched “The Privacy Project,” which is investigating changing norms around privacy. One feature asked readers to “draw the line” for what data applications they would approve of from a social network, smart doorbell or genetics testing company. Times Publisher A.G. Sulzberger wrote that the newspaper would investigate its own practices around data use and transparency to better serve its readers. The Times included an opposing view in its opening coverage from comedy writer Samantha Irby. “Ultimately I don’t care,” she said. “I love convenience and entertainment too much to worry about [information] leaked to marketers, retailers, the government and whatever Chinese intelligence agency controls the barrage of ads for $13 dresses that saturates my feed.” Read more.

Mr. Clean

P&G Chief Brand Officer Marc Pritchard is at it again, this time issuing a rallying cry at the ANA Media Conference in Orlando on Thursday for a new media supply chain. While the industry has made progress in improving on issues like fraud and brand safety incrementally, it’s not enough. “Digital media continues to grow exponentially, and with it, a dark side persists, and in some cases, has gotten worse,” he said. In addition to urging marketers to only buy inventory from vetted and quality publishers that promote civil discourse, Pritchard is calling for baseline measurement and transparency across media partners and a national approach to privacy law. He also told marketers to “take control of their own destiny,” which P&G has done by taking pieces of the media and marketing business in house and hiring staff that can navigate the complex marketing landscape. Adweek has more.

Little Eyeballs

It’s unclear who is creating content for some of the most popular channels on YouTube for kids, because the video platform doesn’t require content creators to identify themselves. The anonymous posting model has come under fire recently, as YouTube struggles with issues like lurid comments on videos featuring children. Others worry the videos entrance children rather than engage them, The Wall Street Journal reports. CoCoMelon, the top YouTube kids channel with 43 million subscribers, rakes in $120 million in ad revenue annually, according to analytics firm Social Blade. But despite repeated calls, The Journal could not reach anyone at the company. YouTube launched a dedicated platform for children in 2015, but most kids still access a majority of their content on the main platform. “What they lack is an intent to educate,” said educational consultant Renée Chernow-O’Leary. More.

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