Jeff Chester
@chesterj1.bsky.social
Public interest advocate focused on digital media and online marketing accountability, inc. content diversity, ad practices, antitrust, privacy, journalism and consumer protection
Here's a good example of why if we had functioning FTC & CFPB, such "interoperability" agentic payment systems would get the scrutiny required. #GenAI
Ant International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification Rules www.unite.ai/ant-internat...
Ant International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification Rules www.unite.ai/ant-internat...
Ant International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification Rules
Ant International, Mastercard and Visa have begun collaboration on a Know-Your-Agent (KYA) interoperability framework for agentic commerce, the companies announced on September 10, 2026, citing a proj...
www.unite.ai
September 14, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Here's a good example of why if we had functioning FTC & CFPB, such "interoperability" agentic payment systems would get the scrutiny required. #GenAI
Ant International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification Rules www.unite.ai/ant-internat...
Ant International, Visa, Mastercard Align on AI Agent Verification Rules www.unite.ai/ant-internat...
Consumers and video viewers at risk, including what they pay for streaming & what happens to their data, as Tech Giants expand their lobbying. Note Netflix, Amazon, Google.
bit.ly/3VvdtVR
bit.ly/3VvdtVR
Exclusive: Netflix, Amazon, YouTube launch new streaming coalition
Three of the biggest names in streaming on Monday announced the formation of a new policy coalition to support their positions on key issues.
bit.ly
September 14, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Consumers and video viewers at risk, including what they pay for streaming & what happens to their data, as Tech Giants expand their lobbying. Note Netflix, Amazon, Google.
bit.ly/3VvdtVR
bit.ly/3VvdtVR
Privacy law we helped @edmarkey.bsky.social pass in 1998 still paying dividends-#Meta case. Allies inc. @EPICprivacy @ConsumerFed @GeorgetownLaw, others). Law firm: "COPPA violations were central to the states' theory of liability...represents the largest COPPA-related enforcement outcome..."
September 3, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Privacy law we helped @edmarkey.bsky.social pass in 1998 still paying dividends-#Meta case. Allies inc. @EPICprivacy @ConsumerFed @GeorgetownLaw, others). Law firm: "COPPA violations were central to the states' theory of liability...represents the largest COPPA-related enforcement outcome..."
Meta's alliance with WPP on agentic marketing another example of why State AGs needed to look under Meta's digital hood to ensure real accountability. www.wpp.com/en/news/wpp-...
WPP named first launch partner to pilot Meta’s newest creative solution, integrated within WPP Open
WPP is expanding its long-standing partnership with Meta. WPP will become the first advertising partner to pilot Meta's new creative solution, built to navigate creative strategy and optimisation, cur...
www.wpp.com
August 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Meta's alliance with WPP on agentic marketing another example of why State AGs needed to look under Meta's digital hood to ensure real accountability. www.wpp.com/en/news/wpp-...
Those concerned about social media & youth should see our new report on role of Gen AI, social media, marketing surveillance. The State AGs should "Call their Agentic" and ensure their deal is aligned with market realities. bit.ly/3Uie90w
AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy
bit.ly
August 27, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Those concerned about social media & youth should see our new report on role of Gen AI, social media, marketing surveillance. The State AGs should "Call their Agentic" and ensure their deal is aligned with market realities. bit.ly/3Uie90w
Until the State AGs & regulators address the (now) Gen AI+data run ad & marketing systems of #Meta, Google, TikTok, young people will be targets. We have a trillion dollar global ad economy, fueled by the biggest co's, luring us, on every platform, via an agentic driven social media Siren.
August 27, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Until the State AGs & regulators address the (now) Gen AI+data run ad & marketing systems of #Meta, Google, TikTok, young people will be targets. We have a trillion dollar global ad economy, fueled by the biggest co's, luring us, on every platform, via an agentic driven social media Siren.
“The settlement reaches the features of Meta’s platforms but not the engine... Meta earns nearly all of its money from ads. Young people’s attention is the inventory... Design that captures and holds that attention is not a flaw in the business model, it is the business model..." bit.ly/4zE8qSB
Meta Settlement Reaches the Features, Not the Engine | Center For Digital Democracy
bit.ly
August 26, 2026 at 4:07 PM
“The settlement reaches the features of Meta’s platforms but not the engine... Meta earns nearly all of its money from ads. Young people’s attention is the inventory... Design that captures and holds that attention is not a flaw in the business model, it is the business model..." bit.ly/4zE8qSB
We lobbied to enact COPPA in 1998, we knew legal safeguards could protect kids from Big Tech. If #Meta AG settlement doesn't include Gen AI regs, harms raised by our report will continue to threaten youth. Settlement must be looking forward vs. older engagement model. bit.ly/3Uie90w
AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy
bit.ly
August 26, 2026 at 2:23 PM
We lobbied to enact COPPA in 1998, we knew legal safeguards could protect kids from Big Tech. If #Meta AG settlement doesn't include Gen AI regs, harms raised by our report will continue to threaten youth. Settlement must be looking forward vs. older engagement model. bit.ly/3Uie90w
@AGRobBonta Selling cable channels as part of a #WarnerMount deal won't provide the competitive relief alone. Data practices empower media co's today. You can sellbchannels but still clone targets based on what you still have--esp in AI era. Put Warner data in a lock box for 10 years. #antitrust
August 25, 2026 at 5:07 PM
@AGRobBonta Selling cable channels as part of a #WarnerMount deal won't provide the competitive relief alone. Data practices empower media co's today. You can sellbchannels but still clone targets based on what you still have--esp in AI era. Put Warner data in a lock box for 10 years. #antitrust
Shame on US media co’s, inc streaming, for working to undermine key content diversity & pluralism safeguards. They are not defenders of freedom. How Canadian content on streaming platforms became a trade issue with the U.S. | CBC News www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...
How Canadian content on streaming platforms became a trade issue with the U.S. | CBC News
The fight between Canada and the U.S. on trade isn’t just about dairy, car parts and natural resources. The two countries have been in a lengthy dispute over whether American streaming services like N...
www.cbc.ca
August 25, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Shame on US media co’s, inc streaming, for working to undermine key content diversity & pluralism safeguards. They are not defenders of freedom. How Canadian content on streaming platforms became a trade issue with the U.S. | CBC News www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...
@AGRobBonta-examine data a WarnerMount would receive from cable programs & isolate it from data profiling uses, inc data from Roku, other streaming tech, retail partners. Require theatrical and cable TV investments vs streaming, AI, data tech Skydance pursuing. No coordination with TikTok US.
August 24, 2026 at 6:11 AM
@AGRobBonta-examine data a WarnerMount would receive from cable programs & isolate it from data profiling uses, inc data from Roku, other streaming tech, retail partners. Require theatrical and cable TV investments vs streaming, AI, data tech Skydance pursuing. No coordination with TikTok US.
Trump FTC fails Privacy 101-- disclosure is totally ineffective to protect public--esp the complex/multi-partner, deep data-mining & AI driven commercial surveillance pricing system. Illustrates also failure of one-party agency rule--no one left to tell them the truth. bit.ly/46haqmg
FTC Seeks Comment on Enforcement Policy Statement Regarding Personalized Pricing
The Federal Trade Commission today announced it is seeking public comment on
bit.ly
August 20, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Trump FTC fails Privacy 101-- disclosure is totally ineffective to protect public--esp the complex/multi-partner, deep data-mining & AI driven commercial surveillance pricing system. Illustrates also failure of one-party agency rule--no one left to tell them the truth. bit.ly/46haqmg
Thank you @RalphNader for your ongoing work. Because of Ralph, there has been effective public interest representation on health, consumer protection, antitrust, media reform, more. A debt only repaid by our commitment to keep fighting for justice & fairness. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/16/n...
Ralph Nader, Unsurprisingly, Still Wants You to Pay Attention
Mr. Nader, 92, is no longer in the public eye, but he has not stopped fighting for whatever needs fighting, whether people are listening or not.
www.nytimes.com
August 17, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Thank you @RalphNader for your ongoing work. Because of Ralph, there has been effective public interest representation on health, consumer protection, antitrust, media reform, more. A debt only repaid by our commitment to keep fighting for justice & fairness. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/16/n...
We map commercial influence across six layers: data collection, profiling, targeting, creative generation, interaction, and measurement. The report shows AI running all six and linking them in a loop, so that a single system can produce a commercial message, deliver it as conversation, and adjust it
AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children. New report lifts curtain on Gen AI's expansion of commercial surveillance.
bit.ly/4wvLwdF
bit.ly/4wvLwdF
AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy
bit.ly
August 13, 2026 at 4:42 PM
We map commercial influence across six layers: data collection, profiling, targeting, creative generation, interaction, and measurement. The report shows AI running all six and linking them in a loop, so that a single system can produce a commercial message, deliver it as conversation, and adjust it
AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children. New report lifts curtain on Gen AI's expansion of commercial surveillance.
bit.ly/4wvLwdF
bit.ly/4wvLwdF
AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children | Center For Digital Democracy
bit.ly
August 13, 2026 at 2:33 PM
AI and Platform Companies Are Building an Unaccountable Persuasion Pipeline, and They Are Pointing It at Children. New report lifts curtain on Gen AI's expansion of commercial surveillance.
bit.ly/4wvLwdF
bit.ly/4wvLwdF
FIFA's digital data & AI practices should be reviewed, inc. "Continuous Fan Experience Ecosystem...Unified Fan Identity: FIFA ID as connective tissue across all digital touchpoints, enabling the organization to recognize, reach and reward fans ..."
bit.ly/4fTyNfE
bit.ly/4fTyNfE
FIFA Selects Globant to Create a Continuous Fan Experience Ecosystem for Football Fans Using AI Pods Powered by Glob.AI
FIFA's digital experiences will be scaled using Glob.AI, Globant's AI-native tech services model, to create a seamless, personalized journey for millions of fans, with initial pilots indicating...
bit.ly
August 12, 2026 at 6:58 PM
FIFA's digital data & AI practices should be reviewed, inc. "Continuous Fan Experience Ecosystem...Unified Fan Identity: FIFA ID as connective tissue across all digital touchpoints, enabling the organization to recognize, reach and reward fans ..."
bit.ly/4fTyNfE
bit.ly/4fTyNfE
A major Gen AI risk is unprecedented commercial surveillance for marketing & deep commercial influence. bit.ly/4wfSFOP
Best to really understand Zuckerberg's Gen AI vision here: www.facebook.com/business/ads...; developers.facebook.com/documentatio...
Best to really understand Zuckerberg's Gen AI vision here: www.facebook.com/business/ads...; developers.facebook.com/documentatio...
The Future is for Everyone
A letter from Mark Zuckerberg on the path to a positive AI future.
bit.ly
August 10, 2026 at 2:38 PM
A major Gen AI risk is unprecedented commercial surveillance for marketing & deep commercial influence. bit.ly/4wfSFOP
Best to really understand Zuckerberg's Gen AI vision here: www.facebook.com/business/ads...; developers.facebook.com/documentatio...
Best to really understand Zuckerberg's Gen AI vision here: www.facebook.com/business/ads...; developers.facebook.com/documentatio...
States must regulate Gen AI. "The FTC’s ongoing hallucination on threats to Gen AI “accuracy” reveal both a misunderstanding of the market and a devotion to a political agenda that does not allow critical and independent policymaking be considered." www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-...
Regulations.gov
www.regulations.gov
August 3, 2026 at 3:13 PM
States must regulate Gen AI. "The FTC’s ongoing hallucination on threats to Gen AI “accuracy” reveal both a misunderstanding of the market and a devotion to a political agenda that does not allow critical and independent policymaking be considered." www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-...
Thank you @AGRobBonta & your other AG colleagues for standing up for democracy & a competitive media marketplace. This deal has enormous implications & multiple problems that responsible anti-trust regulators must address.
Today’s agreement is great news for audiences, movie theaters, and the many people who write, build, and create the art, news, and entertainment so many of us enjoy.
July 25, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Thank you @AGRobBonta & your other AG colleagues for standing up for democracy & a competitive media marketplace. This deal has enormous implications & multiple problems that responsible anti-trust regulators must address.
Despite what Paramount/Skydance claims, and what the EU reviewed, it's still the data in the Gen AI era that raise so many concerns for this mega media & marketing deal. bit.ly/4vFSXyb
EUROPEAN COMMISSION APPROVES PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION ACQUISITION OF WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY MARKING MAJOR MILESTONE TOWARDS COMPLETION
/PRNewswire/ -- The European Commission has today formally cleared the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD") by Paramount Skydance...
bit.ly
July 22, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Despite what Paramount/Skydance claims, and what the EU reviewed, it's still the data in the Gen AI era that raise so many concerns for this mega media & marketing deal. bit.ly/4vFSXyb
It also should be the Ellison control of TikTok US & the data that should also be major antitrust issue. States Sue to Block Paramount’s Deal for Warner Bros. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/b...
States Sue to Block Paramount’s Deal for Warner Bros.
www.nytimes.com
July 13, 2026 at 4:52 PM
It also should be the Ellison control of TikTok US & the data that should also be major antitrust issue. States Sue to Block Paramount’s Deal for Warner Bros. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/b...
It’s clear without strong regulations Gen AI systems will be used to reinforce misinformation, biases, generate voter distrust. Warning signs here.
‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots www.nytimes.com/2026/07/04/u... via @NYTimes
‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots www.nytimes.com/2026/07/04/u... via @NYTimes
‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots
www.nytimes.com
July 4, 2026 at 3:57 PM
It’s clear without strong regulations Gen AI systems will be used to reinforce misinformation, biases, generate voter distrust. Warning signs here.
‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots www.nytimes.com/2026/07/04/u... via @NYTimes
‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots www.nytimes.com/2026/07/04/u... via @NYTimes
This Trump FTC decision illustrates what will be impact of Scotus' Slaughter decision. Narrow political agenda pursued over the public interest--in this case eliminating safeguards for kids & others, just to please a delusionary agenda. www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
FTC Secures Agreement with Havas to Restore Competition in the Digital Advertising Ecosystem
Today, the Federal Trade Commission, along with a coalition of states, scored another major victory in the fight against collusive conduct in the advertising industry.
www.ftc.gov
July 1, 2026 at 5:53 PM
This Trump FTC decision illustrates what will be impact of Scotus' Slaughter decision. Narrow political agenda pursued over the public interest--in this case eliminating safeguards for kids & others, just to please a delusionary agenda. www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
Both the FTC & FCC, regardless of party in power, was always influenced by the White House, Hill, big $ lobbyists. Congress will need to redesign the agencies to act independently & in the public interest. Kudos to Becca Slaughter & her allies for fighting the right fight.
June 30, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Both the FTC & FCC, regardless of party in power, was always influenced by the White House, Hill, big $ lobbyists. Congress will need to redesign the agencies to act independently & in the public interest. Kudos to Becca Slaughter & her allies for fighting the right fight.