Platforms

• EY India launched Cyber Performance Management (CPM) on July 9, marking a strategic shift from traditional advisory services toward proprietary technology platforms. • The new platform integrates cyber intelligence, risk quantification, and business decision-making to help organizations combat threats amplified by Artificial Intelligence. • This move is driven by the fact that AI is lowering the barriers for cyberattacks, necessitating more automated and data-driven defense mechanisms.

• OTT streaming platforms in India are increasingly investing in unscripted reality shows to expand their content libraries. • These shows rely heavily on high-profile celebrity anchors, such as Salman Khan in Bigg Boss, to drive viewership and ensure commercial success. • To scale these formats globally, platforms must secure robust international distribution partnerships and legal protections for original concepts.

• India is seeking to reduce its reliance on global AI platforms by prioritizing strategic investments and the development of indigenous technology. • Startups such as Sarvam are attempting to build native foundational models rather than creating simple "wrappers" around existing overseas AI systems. • Experts warn that building frontier AI is significantly more complex and costly than launching traditional SaaS or e-commerce platforms, requiring a specialized ecosystem.

• Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) is seeking to monetize its significant investments in artificial intelligence by targeting new cloud-based revenue streams. • While these initiatives offer growth potential, investors are concerned about a potential margin trade-off due to the high costs of AI infrastructure. • This shift is critical as Wall Street evaluates whether Meta's massive spending bill will translate into sustainable profitability.

• ChatGPT, developed by Sam Altman, has predicted that Meta Platforms' stock price could surge to between $750 and $900 by December 2026. • The projected growth is attributed to the implementation of an AI-powered advertising engine designed to increase revenue efficiency. • This prediction highlights the significant impact generative AI is expected to have on the valuation of major tech conglomerates.

• A new study analyzes how digital platforms and social media influence the distribution of journalistic content across South-East Europe. • The research maps regional regulations for online media and highlights how sponsored political content often displaces organic news feeds during election campaigns. • This shift matters as it demonstrates how platform algorithms and paid promotions can marginalize independent journalism and distort public access to information.

• Accenture and ServiceNow have launched a joint offering designed to accelerate the transition from legacy risk platforms to "Agentic AI." • The partnership features two primary components: managed security services powered by the ServiceNow AI Platform and an AI-driven solution to automate migration from legacy systems. • This collaboration matters as it aims to streamline business reinvention by replacing outdated infrastructure with automated, AI-powered workflows.

Julie Inman Grant singles out X when giving evidence to royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesionGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMainstream platforms are fighting to distribute and monetise “gore” and “fringe” content, the eSafety watchdog has told the antisemitism royal commission.Australia’s eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, on Thursday singled out X, telling the inquiry her office has to fight its billionaire owner, Elon Musk, to try to keep footage – including some posted of the Bondi terror attack – restricted or off the platform. Continue reading...

• Belgium and Senegal are scheduled to face each other in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle. • Senegal secured their spot as one of the best third-placed teams after a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq, following earlier losses to France and Norway. • The match is expected to be a tense encounter as both teams enter the knockout stage following inconsistent group stage performances.

• IDC reports that 84% of organizations are consolidating their security platforms, driving a shift toward AI-powered cybersecurity metrics. • Enterprises are urged to replace traditional activity-based metrics with AI-driven, business-focused intelligence to better manage risks. • This transition is critical as cyber threats evolve, highlighted by recent major security incidents targeting Iran’s banking sector.

• Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 576, a new California law that prohibits streaming platforms from broadcasting advertisements at a higher volume than the program content. • The legislation officially takes effect on Wednesday, July 1, targeting the common practice of "loud" commercials that disrupt the viewing experience. • This law matters as it addresses consumer frustration regarding inconsistent audio levels and forces platforms to standardize volume across their services.

• Meta Platforms (META) is experiencing significant top-line growth driven by the company's accelerating expansion into artificial intelligence. • Key technological drivers include the release of the Muse family of models and the deployment of an upgraded Meta AI assistant. • This strategic AI push is positioning the company for further financial upside by enhancing its product offerings and competitive edge.

• The indie film ‘The Drama’, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max on July 31. • The movie follows the complex relationship dynamics of a couple as they navigate the stress and twists of wedding preparations. • This streaming debut follows an initial premium video-on-demand (PVOD) release, marking the film's transition to a broader digital audience.

• Vienna-based fintech Talentir has raised €4 million in a seed funding round to modernize cross-border payout infrastructure for creators, freelancers, and contractors. • The round was led by Redstone VC and supported by Inovia Capital, featuring backing from former Google CFO Patrick Pichette and eight other investors. • Talentir aims to solve inefficiencies in platform payments by utilizing AI and stablecoin rails to streamline global financial transfers.

Exclusive: Former minister calls for urgent action against companies such as X that allow incitement to violenceWes Streeting has called for Keir Starmer to take urgent action against X and other online platforms that have helped whip up social tensions, suggesting they should be forced to contribute to rebuilding costs after the riots in Belfast.The intervention by the former health secretary, who is seen as a likely challenger to Keir Starmer in any leadership contest, comes after Downing Street said any response would be left to Ofcom, the media regulator, meaning no action is likely for at least two months. Continue reading...

• Muhammad Qasim outlines key fintech innovations that Forex broker product teams should prioritize for 2026 to remain competitive. • While trading interfaces and liquidity have been traditional focuses, the author argues that AI's most immediate value lies in operational efficiency rather than just trading analytics. • A primary goal for these innovations is to achieve faster cleared funds, streamlining the financial movement and settlement process for users.

• FOX Sports has secured the English-language broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026, committing to air all 104 matches of the tournament. • The guide provides a comprehensive global overview of official broadcasters, streaming platforms, and mobile apps to help viewers access games across different countries. • It specifically addresses the use of VPNs to bypass regional restrictions, allowing fans to watch the tournament from outside their home countries.

US embassy came out against UK’s proposed under-16 social media ban, which would affect American firmsWhite House displeasure over the prospect of an under-16 social media ban will not deter the UK from cracking down on tech platforms, the British government has said.The technology secretary, Liz Kendall, told the Guardian she was not concerned “in the slightest” by the Trump administration’s intervention in the debate over restrictions, after the US embassy in London posted a notice warning against a ban. Continue reading...

• Micro drama platforms gained significant audience attention in May 2026, as per COTT Analytics data. • Jio Hotstar Tadka and ReelShort were among the platforms that successfully converted audience attention into deep engagement. • The data indicates a shift in viewer preferences towards shorter, more engaging content.

• Streaming platforms are shifting away from exclusivity by broadcasting original series on traditional television to reach wider audiences. • This trend is highlighted by the drama "Pachinko," starring Lee Min-ho and Kim Min-ha, which explores four generations of a Korean family facing racism during and after the Japanese occupation. • The pivot matters as it allows high-quality, "well-made" productions to transcend digital niches and gain broader mainstream visibility.

• The provided text offers a comparative overview of various political parties within the European Parliament, detailing their specific ideological alignments and manifestos. • Key examples include Sweden's Moderate Party, which focuses on free-market economics and national security, and Denmark's Moderaterne, which positions itself as a pragmatic, centrist force. • The content also highlights parties formed to combat corruption and restore the rule of law, specifically in the context of overcoming political polarization in Hungary.

• Germany has introduced a proposal titled “Paper on the Further Development of Public Value” aimed at curbing misinformation on social media. • The plan would require social media news feeds to prioritize "reliable" news sources, which would be identified by a government-designated “public value” label. • This initiative is significant because it allows politicians in power to indirectly determine which media outlets are deemed credible and visible to the public.

• Forbes has released its "30 Under 30 Asia: Social Media, Marketing & Advertising" list, highlighting young content creators who blend education and entertainment for Gen-Z audiences. • Among the featured creators is Richardo from Indonesia, who has leveraged art and storytelling to amass over 18 million followers on TikTok. • Richardo's impact is further evidenced by her consistent success on the platform, having won awards for three consecutive years starting in 2022.

• On May 25, 2026, India's startup ecosystem saw significant growth across diverse sectors, highlighted by Yes Madam securing Rs 50 crore in new funding. • Key expansions include the entry of Voy into the Indian market, Graamya's rural spice initiatives in Kerala, and the launch of a Quantum AI lab in Mysuru. • The day also marked advancements in deep-tech and the creator economy, alongside the introduction of new maritime research projects at IIT Madras.

Former health secretary’s intervention comes as government closes consultation on age limits for social media platformsSocial media companies should be treated like the tobacco industry, Wes Streeting has argued, as he called for a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms.Speaking publicly about the prospect of a ban for the first time since he left government, the former health secretary said one was needed because large technology companies were trying to dodge regulations. Continue reading...

• The SBS romantic comedy "My Royal Nemesis" has become a global hit, driven by viral momentum on short-form video platforms. • The series saw domestic growth from a 5.4% viewership rating in its second episode to 6% by the fourth, according to Nielsen Korea. • Internationally, the show reached No. 1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English TV) list and ranked in the Top 10 across 84 countries, including the U.S. and Japan.

• Global OTT platforms like Prime Video are implementing India-specific edits and censoring international shows, such as *The Boys*, to comply with local sensibilities. • These modifications are driven by a need for legal risk management and the desire to avoid regulatory backlash in the Indian market. • The trend has sparked significant viewer frustration, with critics arguing that self-censorship compromises artistic integrity and may inadvertently drive audiences toward piracy.

• The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Vienna, Austria, culminating in the live Grand Final today. • The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM on Saturday for viewers in key participating nations, including Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. • As a global musical phenomenon, the contest serves as a major cultural platform for European artists to compete for the prestigious title.