Regulation & Media Payments: Australia’s News Bargaining Incentive levy rises to 2.5% (from 2.25%), calculated on ad revenue, with LinkedIn now in scope—aimed at pushing big tech (Meta, Google, TikTok) to strike local news deals. Ad Compliance Crackdown: Victoria’s energy regulator cancelled an energy-efficiency accreditation after a business allegedly kept advertising upgrades as accredited while suspended. Local Content & Brand Safety: Kano’s censorship board shut a shop over alleged indecent social media ads, warning operators against offensive online promotions. AI in Entertainment: Hollywood is publicly fighting AI while quietly hiring to build AI tools and defend IP, highlighting how generative tech is becoming embedded in production workflows. Marketing & Trust: A UN warning flags AI’s water demand surge (+129%) as data centers expand in water-stressed areas. Consumer/Brand Messaging: McDonald’s UK voice switch from Dexter Fletcher to Stephen Graham is framed as a bid for stronger appeal with younger consumers. Sports Betting Ethics: Reform advocates cite claims that betting firms offered drugs, escorts and VIP perks to keep top customers hooked. Industry Leadership: IAB New Zealand appoints NZME CIO Katie Macdiarmid as board chair, steering the group through AI-driven ad change.