Meta’s AI pivot: Meta missed Q2 EPS and free cash flow slid as Zuckerberg pushed harder into AI, even as ad revenue rose—signaling a costly shift from ads to AI agents and business APIs. Platform trust & privacy: The FTC and states sued Hims & Hers over deceptive subscription practices and alleged health-data sharing with ad partners, while Meta faced ongoing scrutiny over authenticity and AI-driven account behavior. AI search changes publishing economics: Time started serving ads to AI bots via markdown “agent ads,” while Australia’s news report found social media now beats direct visits for news—yet trust in AI/chatbot news lags. Regulation hits advertising practices: Maharashtra banned junk-food sales and advertising within 50m of schools; Australia’s Ad Standards saw complaints rise 10% in H1; and Michigan’s AG won an injunction halting a well-drilling firm from operating and “advertising” without licenses. Political ads go AI: Arizona campaigns ramped up TV and digital spend, while multiple stories highlight growing use of AI in election advertising and new disclosure rules. Retail media expands: ARN added video to iHeart with dynamic video ads planned, and Vertek grew hospitality screens to 750. Consumer credibility: Research suggests celebrity credibility can outweigh brand credibility for everyday purchases.