19 June 2025

FIPP Global Media Tech Tracker – June 2025

Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the FIPP Global Media Tech Tracker. This monthly digest highlights technological advancements shaping the global media and publishing landscape, excluding artificial intelligence, which is covered in a separate, dedicated AI Tracker. This edition focuses on other critical areas, including content platforms, regulatory shifts, digital infrastructure, subscription tools and innovation across regions.

GLOBAL OVERVIEW

INMA World Congress highlights

The 2025 INMA World Congress of News Media, held in New York City from 19 to 23 May, brought together over 600 top news executives to explore how news companies can turn industry disruption into opportunity. The event featured expert-led sessions, media company tours, and networking events, including the Global Media Awards Dinner. One of the central discussions centred on transforming digital strategies within news organisations. INMA CEO Earl L. Wilkinson emphasised that the industry has moved beyond the digital transformation phase and is now entering an era where the digital itself is undergoing transformation.

Read more here:“If you found digital transformation difficult, you’re not going to like what’s coming” – Upgrade Media

Why it matters

These developments reflect a broader industry trend towards operational agility, digital maturity and a strong focus on audience-centric publishing models. Emerging platforms and standards will continue to shape monetisation, sustainability and reader engagement.

WhatsApp to display ads

Meta confirmed in June that WhatsApp will begin showing ads within its Updates tab (formerly Status), along with promoted channels and paid features. Messaging privacy remains encrypted.

Read more here: Betrayal or inevitability? Meta is putting ads in WhatsApp – The Washington Post

Why it matters

This marks a major monetisation pivot for WhatsApp, as Meta opens one of its last ad-free spaces to revenue generation.

One to watch

INMA Media Tech and AI Week: 20–24 October, San Francisco
Scheduled for later this year, this event promises to delve deeper into publishing infrastructure and business transformation – an essential marker for forward-thinking publishers. Event info here.

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EUROPE AND UNITED KINGDOM

The Guardian launches Secure Messaging for whistleblowers

The Guardian introduced Secure Messaging, a whistleblower platform embedded directly into its mobile app. Developed with Cambridge University, the tool masks whistleblower communications as routine app data, making the exchanges undetectable to third parties.

Read more here: The Guardian’s new whistleblower tool buries leaks to journalists within its own readers’ everyday traffic | Nieman Journalism Lab

Why it matters

The tool offers a new privacy standard for journalistic source protection in the digital age, where securing communications is increasingly difficult.

Reach PLC rolls out free Substack newsletters

Reach PLC, one of the UK’s largest newspaper groups, launched a number of free, topic-focused newsletters on Substack, covering areas from city-specific local news to sports and books. The aim is to tap into Substack’s discovery engine and foster niche audience communities. The newsletters often link to both Reach’s own content and external sources, with a focus on building community, demonstrating value and showcasing journalists’ expertise.

Why it matters

If successful, it could prove that Substack’s interactive features, such as comments and recommendations, can be a valuable tool to enhance engagement and grow audiences.

Axel Springer’s structural overhaul

In April 2025, Axel Springer implemented a significant corporate restructuring, transitioning into a debt-free, family-owned media company for the first time since 1985. Primary shareholders Friede Springer and Mathias Döpfner now hold 95% of the company, with the remaining shares owned by Axel Sven Springer and the Friede Springer Foundation.

As part of this transformation, the company’s classifieds businesses, The Stepstone Group and AVIV, were spun off into independent joint ventures, with KKR and CPP Investments acquiring majority ownership. Axel Springer retains a 10% stake in each, ensuring continued involvement and benefiting from future value appreciation.

Why it matters

This strategic realignment allows Axel Springer to concentrate on its core mission of advancing independent journalism, while enabling its classifieds ventures to pursue growth with dedicated leadership and investment. The separation underscores the company’s commitment to digital transformation and positions both entities for sustained success in their respective markets.
Read more: axelspringer.com

B2B media doubles down on proprietary data ecosystems

At the Monetise B2B conference in London on 20 May, organised by Flashes & Flames, leaders from Business of Fashion, LexisNexis Risk Solutions and SelectScience, amongst others, detailed how proprietary data platforms are evolving from content tools to enterprise infrastructure. From underwriting compliance to clinical diagnostics, B2B media is integrating directly into customer workflows.

Why it matters

This shift marks a redefinition of what media businesses offer: not just information, but indispensable tools embedded in users’ daily operations. By building proprietary data capabilities tied to specific use cases, B2B publishers are securing recurring revenue, deepening client lock-in, and transforming from content providers into workflow partners.

The post-conference report will be available soon, with a link to it updated here.

Tool / vendor spotlight

Schibsted’s native advertising evolution

Schibsted’s native advertising report showcases how sponsored editorial has matured as both a revenue stream and user experience tool. The report explores changing creative formats and tech stack integration to meet user needs across Europe.
Read more: brandstudio.schibsted.se

Legislative and regulatory developments

UK Cyber Security & Resilience Bill progressing (mid–late 2025)
The forthcoming legislation will introduce broader reporting requirements for cyber incidents and ransomware attacks across digital service providers and critical infrastructure.

UK broadcasters’ joint ad platform challenges Big Tech (June 2025)
Sky, ITV and Channel 4 announced a joint digital ad platform to compete directly with Google and Meta for streaming ad spend — positioning it as a lower-cost, self-serve marketplace.

UK Data (Use and Access) Bill nears Royal Assent (June 2025)
Approved by the House of Commons in June 2025, the bill significantly increases the maximum penalties for breaches of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) — raising fines from £500,000 to up to £17.5 million or 4% of global annual turnover, aligning them with GDPR-level sanctions.

UK media law reforms strengthen press viability (May 2025)
UK ministers modernised merger oversight rules to include digital news sites and magazines. The goal: to protect plurality and support independent journalism in the online environment.

Ireland proposes EU-wide financial ad vetting rule (spring 2025)
Ireland is leading a coalition of EU states proposing that digital platforms verify financial advertisers to reduce scams and fraud on social media and search engines.

EU Digital Fairness Act enters consultation (spring 2025)
The European Commission launched public consultations for the proposed Digital Fairness Act, aimed at banning dark patterns, hidden influencer ads, and coercive personalisation. Full legislative proposals are expected in late 2026.

EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) enforcement expands (early–mid 2025)
The European Commission initiated formal investigations against Google, Apple and other gatekeepers for self-preferencing and app store compliance breaches.

EU – Meta and TikTok challenge DSA supervisory fees (early 2025)
Both Meta and TikTok have filed lawsuits at the EU General Court contesting the supervisory fees imposed to fund enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The platforms argue that the fees are disproportionate and discriminatory. In parallel, the European Commission has opened formal proceedings against TikTok over ad transparency violations, exposing it to potential fines of up to 6% of global turnover.

UK FCA crackdown on ‘finfluencers’ continues (2024–2025)
The Financial Conduct Authority is escalating action against unregulated financial influencers promoting risky or fraudulent investments on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

UK Online Safety Act (in force since October 2023)
Ofcom is actively enforcing the law, which empowers it to fine platforms up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover for failing to remove illegal or harmful content, while safeguarding journalistic freedom.

AMERICAS

ATM launch

A new publishing venture, At The Moment Media (ATM), launched in May 2025, offering business leaders, public figures and subject-matter experts a digital platform for longform and shortform storytelling. Co-founded by former media executives, ATM aims to bypass traditional gatekeeping by enabling creators to produce and distribute their own content across audio, video and text formats. It combines creator tools, in-house production support and a personalised content discovery interface for audiences.

Read more here: New media company “ATM” launches to give executives control of their coverage

Why it matters

ATM reflects a growing shift toward disintermediation in publishing, where influential individuals and brands build direct relationships with audiences. Unlike Substack, which is largely self-service and text-first, ATM is a full-service multimedia platform, blending production support with brand-focused storytelling and editorial curation. For legacy media, this signals a challenge to conventional editorial workflows and a call to rethink creator partnerships, platform design and monetisation strategies in a decentralised ecosystem.

RELX strengthens data monetisation across US operation

RELX’s US-based LexisNexis Risk Solutions unit has significantly expanded its proprietary data offerings by deepening integration with financial compliance, fraud detection and identity verification services. The unit now delivers new API-based tools for insurers, banks and government agencies, enabling real-time risk assessment and regulatory reporting. This expansion is part of a broader trend within RELX to evolve from publishing into enterprise data services.

Read more here: LexisNexis Risk Solutions Completes IDVerse Acquisition

Why it matters

RELX is demonstrating how publishing-origin businesses can successfully pivot into infrastructure-grade data services. This offers a blueprint for B2B and trade media: proprietary data isn’t just a value-add – it can become the product. Owning and structuring unique datasets opens high-margin, scalable commercial models beyond traditional content.

Globo launches personalisation engine in Brazil

In April 2025, Globo launched a proprietary personalisation engine to drive engagement across its digital platforms, including news portals and streaming services. The AI-driven system analyses browsing behaviour, time of day, content type and user device to recommend articles, videos and notifications in real time. This marks a move toward more granular audience segmentation, particularly in mobile-first environments.

Read more: At 60, TV Globo honors its legacy while embracing the future | Business

Why it matters

As competition intensifies for user attention and loyalty, personalisation is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Globo’s investment reflects a broader trend across the Americas: using machine learning not just to automate delivery, but to deepen reader habits and drive conversion in subscription and ad-supported models.

Legislative and regulatory developments

Mexico – Google under antitrust scrutiny (June 2025)
Mexico’s competition authority, Cofece, is expected to rule imminently on Google’s dominance in digital advertising. The investigation could result in fines of up to 8% of Google Mexico’s revenue.

United States – Google adtech monopoly ruling (April 2025)
A U.S. federal judge ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in key adtech markets. Remedies under discussion include potential divestitures of its ad server business or new operational restrictions.

United States – AMERICA Act under debate (early–mid 2025)
U.S. lawmakers continue to debate the bipartisan AMERICA Act, designed to curb the power of dominant digital advertising players like Google and Meta by forcing structural separation in parts of the ad supply chain.

ASIA-PACIFIC

News Corp Australia automates newsletter personalisation

In May 2025, News Corp Australia introduced an automated email briefing system designed to deliver personalised news digests to subscribers. This system leverages user behaviour data to tailor content, enhancing reader engagement and retention. The initiative reflects News Corp’s broader strategy to integrate advanced technologies into their digital offerings, aiming to provide more relevant and timely information to its audience.
Read more here: News Corp Australia

Nine enhances analytics and cross-platform targeting

Nine Entertainment unveiled new dashboards that unify metrics across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. These dashboards provide a consolidated view of audience engagement, enabling more effective cross-platform targeting and content strategy optimisation. By integrating data from various sources, Nine aims to offer advertisers and content creators deeper insights into viewer behaviour, facilitating more informed decision-making.

Read more here: Nine for Brands

Nikkei Asia debuts interactive editions

Nikkei launched a new immersive edition of its flagship business report, using scroll-triggered infographics and animated timelines to enhance reader understanding of complex financial topics.

Read more here: nikkeiforum.com

Tool / vendor spotlight

Splice Beta Tools Directory

Splice Media launched a curated directory of publishing tools aimed at small-to-mid-sized outlets across Asia. This directory includes a range of resources, from content management systems to analytics platforms, all vetted for their suitability to the unique challenges faced by smaller publishers. By providing access to these tools, Splice Media supports the growth and sustainability of independent media organisations in the region.

Legislative and regulatory developments

Malaysia – Media Council & Journalist Ethics Code (May–February 2025)
In May 2025, Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat passed the Media Council Bill to establish an independent body overseeing media standards and journalist welfare. This followed the February 2025 introduction of a new national Code of Ethics for journalists by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Myanmar – Cybersecurity Law No. 1/2025 (effective 1 January 2025)
This controversial law bans unauthorised VPN use, enforces data retention for up to three years, and empowers the government to block online content. Rights groups warn it deepens digital authoritarianism in Myanmar.

MIDDLE EAST

Arab Media Summit 2025 launches ‘Arab Media Outlook – Future Vision 2024–2028’ report

The Arab Media Summit 2025, held in Dubai from 26 to 28 May, brought together nearly 8,000 media professionals from across the Arab world. A key highlight was the launch of the ‘Arab Media Outlook – Future Vision 2024 – 2028’ report, offering in-depth, data-driven insights into emerging trends, technology adoption and audience dynamics in the region. The summit also featured the introduction of the Film and Gaming Forum, organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, and hosted award ceremonies recognising excellence in various media sectors.

Why it matters

These initiatives underscore the region’s commitment to advancing its media landscape through strategic vision and innovation.
Read more: Dubai Press Club unveils ‘Arab Media Outlook – Future Vision’ report at the Arab Media Summit

Tool / vendor spotlight

Thmanyah launches ‘Thmanyah Hosting’ platform
Saudi-based media tech company Thmanyah has introduced ‘Thmanyah Hosting’, a platform designed to streamline podcast publishing and advertising for Arabic content creators. This tool allows creators to manage their podcasts, set advertising tags, and access detailed audience analytics, facilitating better monetisation opportunities.

Why it matters

The launch is part of Thmanyah’s broader initiative to enrich Arabic digital content and support independent media producers in the region.

Read more here: Thmanyah launches Thmanyah Hosting to connect publishers with advertisers – Wamda

Legislative and regulatory developments

UAE – Sweeping new media law takes effect (May 29, 2025)
Cabinet Decision No. 41/42 of 2025 introduces stricter licensing requirements for influencers, journalists and content creators. The law imposes fines up to AED 1 million (US$272,000) and mandates compliance with national content standards. Early reactions from creators (June 2025) highlight concerns over vague or overly broad provisions.

AFRICA

IFC invests $100 million in Raxio to expand Africa’s data infrastructure

In April 2025, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, announced a $100 million investment in Raxio Group to bolster digital infrastructure across Africa. This funding will support the construction of data centres in countries including Ethiopia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. As mobile data usage on the continent surges by approximately 40% annually, this initiative aims to enhance local data hosting, improving speed, reducing costs, and strengthening cybersecurity and regulatory control.

Read more here: World Bank backs Africa digital data push with $100 million Raxio deal | Reuters

Why it matters

Improved local data infrastructure is essential for African media and publishing organisations looking to scale digital operations. With more reliable, affordable, and regionally hosted services, publishers can reduce reliance on overseas cloud providers, deliver faster digital experiences, and better comply with data sovereignty regulations — all critical enablers for content innovation and monetisation.

Tool / vendor spotlight

Code for Africa’s PesaCheck enhances multilingual CMS and WhatsApp fact-checking tools

PesaCheck, Africa’s largest indigenous fact-checking initiative, has expanded its multilingual content capabilities and WhatsApp-based publishing tools. Operating across 12 countries, PesaCheck runs tiplines in multiple languages, including Kiswahili and Amharic, to better serve diverse audiences.

By leveraging the WhatsApp Business API and the open-source Check platform, PesaCheck streamlines its editorial workflow and enhances the dissemination of fact-checks via WhatsApp.

Why it matters

These developments are part of a broader strategy to combat misinformation by making verified information more accessible across different languages and platforms.

Read more: Multi-language tiplines and media literacy: Multi-language tiplines and media literacy: PesaCheck in Africa

Legislative and regulatory developments

Zimbabwe – Broadcasting Amendment Act No. 2, 2025 (May 2025)
Zimbabwe passed its second amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act, introducing changes to licensing and ownership rules. The new law may also lead to stricter content oversight, though full regulatory implications are still unfolding.

ACHPR – Calls for digital-era media policy (March 2025)
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) urged African governments to modernise national media frameworks to ensure access to public-interest content, especially for vulnerable and rural populations in the digital age.

South Africa – Competition Commission targets Google, Meta & X (February 2025)
South Africa’s Competition Commission concluded that major digital platforms engage in anti-competitive behaviour by prioritising international over local news. Proposed remedies include annual compensation to South African media outlets (R300–500 million) and a potential 5–10% digital advertising tax if platforms fail to act.

Extra: trends in tools

Programmatic advertising shifts
The Digiday Programmatic Marketing Summit spotlighted the renewed importance of contextual targeting and first-party data ownership.
Read more here: Digiday Programmatic Marketing Summit

CMS interoperability
Several European vendors, including Stibo DX and Escenic, announced new open architecture initiatives to improve modular publishing workflows.
Read more here: Stibo DX, Escenic

Accessibility tools go mainstream
Publishers are investing increasingly in inclusive tech, including live captioning, adaptive font rendering and enhanced screen reader compatibility.
Read more here: accessibility | Nieman Journalism Lab

Blockchain experiments in publishing rights
A handful of indie publishers and news startups have begun piloting blockchain tools to manage syndication and royalties.
Read more here: Real World Use Cases for Blockchain Technology | by Mona Tiesl