Google delays third-party cookie ban until 2023

The long-promised decision of blocking third-party tracking cookies from Google Chrome moves back to 2023. Hear the collective sigh of relief from brands and agencies? That’s because much more time is needed for most businesses to adjust. Don’t have a plan yet? Look out for Google’s own upcoming Privacy Sandbox system, that will allow sites to show targeted ads (while reducing the amount of data users share).

Google search update: Most websites failing to meet upcoming ‘good page’ criteria

Most sites that rank in Google’s top 20 search results don’t currently pass the minimum requirements for a good page experience – as set out in Google’s new ‘Core Web Vitals’ update. 96% of sites tested in US desktop searches failed three Core Web Vitals thresholds for performance and usability. And rankings are bound to be impacted. Time to check your own performance.

The year in review: The digital trends that shaped 2020

From the economic effects and catastrophic loss of life brought on by the pandemic to the growing climate emergency, 2020 was year many would want to forget. But beyond the tragedy and uncertainly there were many positive stories of unity against adversity – and the digital marketing sector was no different. We take a month-by-month look back at how advertisers and tech giants alike adapted to a year like no other.