Apple’s Contradictory Privacy Messaging

Today, Apple released a new ad touting several of its privacy features, including those that aim to protect browsing data from advertisers, prevent bosses from reading iMessages, and reduce the association of location data with specific Apple IDs. In the satirical spot, people loudly share their inner thoughts, private conversations and personal data with those around them. [Watch it here.]

However, the timing of the ad was a curious one, juxtaposed against Apple’s announcement that it will delay part of its iOS 14 rollout—specifically the part that includes asking app developers to seek consent from users for third parties to access their data. The opt-in feature will still be part of the rollout, but after Facebook said the privacy overhaul could cause a 50% drop in revenue for app developers, Apple said it will hold off on that particular feature until early next year to give developers time to accommodate.

Learn from Ryan Reynolds, Andrea Brimmer, Sadira Furlow, Dwyane Wade, Marc Pritchard, Brad Hiranaga, Julian Duncan, Katie Puris, Janey Whiteside and more during Brandweek, a fully imagined virtual experience on Sept. 14-17.

Facebook Won’t Sell New Political Ads the Week Before the Election

Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook will not run new political advertisements in the week leading up to Election Day. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that Facebook will ban all political ads during that week—it will not allow new political ads to be purchased for that week during that week. The company’s argument is that political ads purchased in the run-up to that week will allow (third-party) journalists and fact-checkers to “scrutinize” them.

Will it matter? Critics say it doesn’t do much to combat misinformation.

Related: Pinterest, on the other hand, is implementing more advanced measures to prevent political ads from taking over.

Organic soap brand Dr. Br Bronner’s, which features text-dense labels dominated by the words “Heal Soul,” is investing in mental health reform—but perhaps not the kind you’d expect. It has pledged $1 million this year and $10 million over the next decade to push for the FDA to legalize psychedelic drugs, specifically psilocybin and MDMA (mushrooms and ecstasy), for the treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety and other mental conditions. The effort will even go on its distinctive labels, which will be used to boost awareness of the therapeutic potential of the drugs.

Reading material: The label messaging is in keeping with the brand’s longstanding design and strategy.

Nielsen has rolled out a new weekly top 10 list charting the performance of shows on subscription-based streaming platforms, which includes viewership from Netflix and Amazon Prime. All 10 shows on this week’s list are on Netflix, and topping the list is The Umbrella Academy, which drove nearly 2 billion more minutes watched than the second most-watched show on streaming, Showtime’s long-running drama Shameless. See what else made the top 10.

More of Today’s Top News & Highlights

Anheuser-Busch is looking to its history to celebrate service industry workers who help keep patrons safe. A new ad leverages the “Know When to Say When” catchphrase accompanied by scenes of bartenders helping people stay hydrated, get a safe ride home and follow social distancing guidelines.

Google, a founding partner of the Executive Mentor Program, has partnered with Adweek to add a day to the Brandweek agenda focused on providing career development guidance and tips for successfully navigating challenging times in careers.

Talent Day, September 18, features sessions led by some of the world's top marketers, including Antonio Lucio, Musa Tariq, Taj Alavi, and more, developed to help you hone your skills and prepare for what's next in your career.

Unemployed and furloughed marketers can apply to attend Brandweek for free, courtesy of Google, and the Talent Day is accessible to all Brandweek attendees.

The show will guide 100 guests through art installations, escape rooms and puzzles

The fast-food chain will begin airing a new spot promoting the burger on national television beginning Monday

The technology comes as media companies double down on audio strategies

Peanut butter lovers are notoriously loyal to their brand of choice

An infinity loop of Bring Your Kid to Work Day