Author: Indrani Bose

EU’s Michael McNamara: Key challenge in AI regulation is balancing innovation with copyright protection

When asked about India's approach to data regulation, McNamara is careful not to impose recommendations but recognizes the growing importance of legal safeguards.

Speaking at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, in New Delhi on February 27, Member of the European Parliament, Michael McNamara said, “AI is being compared to the advent of the Industrial Revolution. It’s influencing now, increasingly, who gets hired, who gets policed, how we interact online.”

Member of the European Parliament Brando Benifei: AI content needs transparency rules

Beyond media, global AI safety remains a critical issue, acknowledged Benifei

Speaking at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, in New Delhi on February 27, Member of the European Parliament Brando Benifei said, “We must establish common rules to address high-risk AI applications, cybersecurity threats, and AI’s use in warfare, which poses extreme dangers.”

MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan on AI enforcement and news publishers’ role in driving quality content: Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave

S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), Government of India

Speaking at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, in New Delhi on February 27, MeitY Secretary S Krishnan discussed the need of effective monitoring of AI regulation and how India’s stance on AI balances innovation with safeguards against potential harms.

Why are brands betting on indie agencies over established giants?

While the shift to indie agencies is significant, some argue that legacy agencies continue to offer advantages that cannot be easily replaced. (Image source: Unsplash)

The biggest advantage of working directly with CXOs and founders is the ability to bypass indecisiveness and hierarchical delays, which often stifle creativity

Asian Paints unveils new sonic identity by BrandMusiq

Sharing his views, Amit Syngle, MD and CEO, Asian Paints, commented, “The sonic identity perfectly captures the essence of Asian Paints, evoking emotions of beauty, innovation, and transformation. It amplifies our mission to enrich homes and lives, offering a soundscape that goes beyond the visual to build a deeper, emotional bond with our audience. It’s a step forward in building our brand’s presence in an increasingly dynamic and sensory-driven world. BrandMusiq’s expertise in sonic branding played a key role in shaping this identity.”

The sonic identity was unveiled through a collaboration with Norwegian urban dance group Quick Style.

App stores, brands, influencers and fake reviews: AI-generated ratings and fake reviews on app stores are cause for concern

Prashant Puri, CEO & co-founder of AdLift, acknowledges the issue, stating, "Fake reviews are a disaster waiting to happen. Both Google Play and the App Store rely on user engagement signals like ratings, reviews, downloads, and retention to rank apps. A sudden surge of five-star reviews can push an app higher, but if not backed by real engagement, the boost is temporary. Google and Apple’s detection systems aren’t perfect, but they are improving, and manipulated reviews eventually get flagged." (Representative Image: Bernard Hermant via Unsplash)

Calling out the fake reviews, Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath said, “I wonder how many Google India Play Store and Apple App Store reviews are genuine. I was going through Zerodha’s reviews and compared them with those of other financial services apps in India. Most of the 5-star reviews seem fake — many even read like AI-generated content.”

FCB Kinnect wins full-funnel creative mandate for Prega News

The agency will oversee end-to-end brand communication, spanning creative, digital, influencer marketing, production, and SEO. As the brand expands into expert pregnancy care solutions, its partnership with FCB Kinnect aims to further solidify its position as the go-to choice for millions of women on their journey to motherhood.

Leveraging its integrated approach, FCB Kinnect, alongside its sister agency FCB/SIX India, will develop idea-driven, culturally relevant campaigns to strengthen Prega News’ brand affinity and drive business growth.

$2.5B in revenue, 7 years profitable: Is Canva ready for an IPO?

"From the start, Canva has been about telling the stories of different organizations," Adams explains. "Even if we go public, it will still be important for Canva’s future to maintain that vision. Communicating to investors the value we bring—not just to them, but to Canva, our customers, and users—will be crucial."

Going public could put pressure on Canva to deliver results to shareholders every quarter, potentially impacting the company’s mission and aspirations.