Social scams’ $2.1 billion tally: FTC data shows social ads are fueling losses, forcing brands to assess risk vs. reach and focus on building trust.
Google’s Pentagon pact: The deal grants the Department of Defense broad AI access, reviving ethics rifts and putting brand trust on the line. Read online
Security and privacy concerns top the list of infrastructure barriers to agentic commerce adoption at 42.5%, edging out data quality/readiness (40.2%), according to a December 2025 survey from Logicbroker.
This FAQ explores the evolving brand safety landscape, risks in creator partnerships and synthetic content, and the tools marketers need to protect their brands in 2026.
Utah doctors are challenging the state’s AI plan for prescription refills, potentially deterring similar pilots and forcing AI companies to prove patient safety and gain physician support before launching experiments.
LinkedIn becomes a go-to AI source: ChatGPT and Perplexity cite LinkedIn in 11% of answers, turning posts into decision fuel beyond the feed.
OpenAI eyes an agent-first smartphone: It's planning a device to replace apps with AI agents, challenging app stores and platform gatekeepers.
AI agents aim to fix personalization at scale: Turning siloed data into action requires autonomous execution—tempered by brand and strategy control.
Agentic AI hits geopolitical blockade: China halts Meta’s $2 billion Manus buy, which could prevent marketers from accessing low-cost agentic tools.
Conversions and engagement among AI users drive outsize impact despite limited adoption.
David’s Bridal shoppers can now make purchases within ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, another signal that retail at large is headed on an AI-enabled path.
Insurers can’t depend on AI companies’ guardrails.
OpenAI brings ChatGPT ads to logged-out users: Wider reach expands available ad inventory and could tempt wary marketers.
The insurtech's new workflow can absorb more volume without adding headcount.
It’s a common approach in health insurance, rare in P&C, that shows where pet insurance is heading.
Instagram’s Instants brings back fleeting photo offering: Meta borrows from Snap and BeReal to spark low-stakes sharing as its time spent plateaus.
Banks whose employees aren’t up-to-speed risk falling even further behind.
Meta rolls out AI business assistant to all advertisers: Its automation push could give advertisers better results, but threatens the traditional agency model.
Close to 40% are familiar with the concept of healthspan and are actively building the foundation for healthier aging.
This FAQ breaks down how these shifts are converging in 2026 and what they mean for marketers planning local media strategies across search, CTV, and OOH.