Interactive Advertising Bureau

Marketers should grant creators more creative freedom in ad campaigns to enhance performance. Adam Waheed (Adam W) and Google's Sean Downey emphasized open-ended briefs and collaboration, noting that top-performing creator ads arise when brands reduce strict messaging control. Creator ad spend is projected to reach $44 billion this year, growing faster than the broader ad industry.

U.S. forces in war zones are being targeted using commercially available location data, according to Pentagon reports. The issue highlights risks from the global surveillance economy, with lawmakers urging the Pentagon to address the national security threat posed by the adtech industry.