Video fallout for ad agency
1. OGILVY IN ‘PROPAGANDA’ PERIL
Ogilvy, the US advertising agency, is facing backlash after a video circulated promoting US Border Security processing centres. Ogilvy was not responsible for the production of the video, however, as the advertising firm has a longstanding contract with the CBP they are facing heat. The video shows chief patrol agent Roy Villareal clearing up some “misinformation out there concerning detention facilities”. Villareal showed the cameras the ‘clean water’ at the centre to combat misleading ‘whispers’ of inhumane detainment. Non-profit organisation Raices took to Twitter to rebut the dismal attempt at promoting these centres and claimed that Ogilvy was supporting these ‘propaganda’ tainted PR efforts. Oglivy is yet to comment.
2. GOOGLE TAKES IT BACK!
Google Ads API is a programmatic interface used by Google Ads. It allows developers to work with the platform directly and efficiently manage larger or multiple accounts. It allows for software to be built to automate account management, build custom reports, manage accounts on inventory and bid based on specific data. Where has Google taken this? Back to
Beta. According to Google, “After launching the Google Ads API in March, we’ve heard feedback about slow response times compared to the Adwords API. After in-depth analysis, we’ve determined that the overall performance of the Google Ads API is not ready for production usage. We take performance very seriously, and this is our highest priority to address. In the meantime, we’re reverting Google Ads API back to Beta status, and recommend production systems to use Adwords API for the best experience.” Google is a platform that prides itself on quality, efficiency and transparency. If it can’t commit to that standard, it won’t be in use. That is something we can definitely admire.
3. FACEBOOK GETS SERIOUS ABOUT MISLEADING CONTENT
Facebook is ‘addressing sensational health claims’ on the Facebook newsfeed. Understanding that the Facebook platform is becoming increasingly popular to gain insights and advice into living a healthier life, Facebook is taking measures to ensure this information is accurate. Bringing out a ranking scheme, Facebook is working to improve this. Last month, the social media giant released two ranking updates to combat misleading health content. The first, help to reduce ‘exaggerated or sensational’ health claims. The second, to reduce posts attempting to sell products on exaggerated or sensational health claims. Facebook is exercising responsibility. Understanding how powerful their platform is in influencing its users, Facebook is holding itself accountable for the quality of it, which we find extremely impressive.