BuzzFeed Acquires HuffPost in Major Media Deal
Verizon Media has sold HuffPost to BuzzFeed as part of a strategic agreement that includes content syndication, advertising collaboration, and a minority investment in BuzzFeed. The deal marks a full-circle moment for BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti, who co-founded HuffPost in 2005 before its $315M acquisition by AOL in 2011.
“I believe in HuffPost’s potential to redefine digital media,” Peretti stated, highlighting plans to revitalize the platform.
Tech Giants: AI, Encryption & Platform Updates
Facebook’s AI Advances Against Misinformation
Facebook reported progress in using AI to detect hate speech and false content, though challenges remain in scaling these efforts globally.
Instagram’s Threads App Redesign
Instagram revamped its Threads messaging app with:
- A new Status tab
- Enhanced navigation
- Direct Story posting capabilities
Google Tests End-to-End Encryption
Google announced plans to trial E2E encryption for Android Messages, starting with one-on-one chats and potentially expanding to groups.
Startups & Funding Roundup
- SellerX: Raised $118M seed funding to acquire Amazon third-party sellers.
- Lime: CEO Wayne Ting teased a new transportation mode beyond scooters/bikes for 2021.
- Near: Acquired French data firm Teemo to expand in Europe.
Deep Dives: Extra Crunch Insights
Affirm’s IPO Filing Analysis
Examining whether the fintech’s growth is pandemic-driven or sustainable, given its reliance on a few key partners.
The Future of Digital Advertising
Tim Hwang’s book “Subprime Attention Crisis” explores risks in the online ad economy.
PUBG’s India Comeback
Can a $100M investment and rebranded game help PUBG regain its largest market?
Quick Updates
- Biden’s Tech Policy: Expected to shift from Obama-era tech optimism to stricter antitrust scrutiny.
- ‘Wonder Woman 1984’: Hits HBO Max and select theaters on December 25 after international debut.
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