iWorld
Facebook’s move to limit use of third party data brokers angers advertisers
MUMBAI: As a direct reaction to Camebridge Analytical scandal, social media platform Facebook has decided to block third-party data providers from its advertising platform.
To regain people’s faith, Facebook is conducting a broad review of all its data practices. Many of the advertising agencies, however, have not welcomed the step very well.
On Wednesday, Facebook announced that it would be shutting down Partner Categories. This product enables third party data providers to offer their targeting directly on Facebook. “While this is common industry practice, we believe this step, winding down over the next six months, will help improve people’s privacy on Facebook,” it said.
The move restrains third party data brokers to obtain data which they later sell to other broker or marketers to target consumers in social media sites. The third-party data integration made it easy to spend ad dollars on Facebook but now the marketing will become less convenient for advertisers.
According to reports, many industry insiders believe that the move is just a kind of eyewash. It will only increase Facebook’s control over data and advertisers’ dependency on it. Hence, Facebook will gain more control over its relationships with advertisers.
Many industry people think it will do nothing much to protect user data.
“It feels like a knee-jerk reaction and Hail Mary to stop the bleeding of #deletefacebook – although TBD on if that’s actually making an impact – but more importantly to show Wall Street that they can protect consumer data,”, group media director for advertising agency Noble People Matt Borchard said as quoted by CNBC.
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Mark Zuckerberg says ‘sorry’ for Facebook’s privacy crisis
iWorld
Cineflicks set to enter India’s OTT market with community-first focus
New platform aims to blend streaming content with interactive viewing experiences
MUMBAI: A new player is gearing up to join India’s crowded streaming arena, with Cineflicks preparing to launch as a community-driven OTT platform aimed at redefining how audiences engage with digital entertainment.
The platform plans to offer a mix of movies, series and digital content, while placing equal emphasis on building an interactive ecosystem where viewers can connect, share and participate beyond passive viewing.
India’s OTT market has seen explosive growth over the past decade, fuelled by rising smartphone penetration and affordable internet access. As streaming becomes the default mode of content consumption, new entrants are increasingly looking to differentiate themselves not just through content libraries but through user experience.
Cineflicks appears to be positioning itself within this next phase of evolution. Instead of focusing solely on scale, the platform is aiming to create a space where audiences can engage more deeply with the content they watch, turning entertainment into a shared experience rather than a solo activity.
While details around its content slate remain under wraps, people familiar with the development say the platform is currently building out features and partnerships ahead of a phased rollout. The broader strategy suggests a blend of content discovery, community interaction and digital participation.
The timing is notable. With global and regional streaming platforms competing intensely for attention, the emphasis is slowly shifting towards engagement and retention rather than just acquisition. Platforms that can foster stronger audience connections may have an edge in this evolving landscape.
Cineflicks’ entry reflects the continued expansion of India’s digital entertainment ecosystem, where innovation is increasingly being driven by how content is experienced, not just what is offered.
As the platform moves closer to launch, the real test will be whether it can translate its community-first pitch into a compelling, everyday habit for viewers.
