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SIIA Concerns Regarding HB 167 – Consumer Protection and Internet Filter Requirements

by Policy

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) joins four industry organizations express their concerns to AL HB 167, titled Consumer Protection; filter requirements on Internet-enabled devices, penalties for violation.”  While acknowledging the importance of protecting children online, the signatories, argue against the requirement of a state-specific default filter, citing technological infeasibility and potential confusion. SIIA advocate for a risk-based approach to online protection and suggest alternative measures such as comprehensive training on internet safety and promoting online safety campaigns. The letter emphasizes the need for legislation that is effective, avoids imposing impractical requirements, and addresses diverse age groups’ needs.

Full Letter Here
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SIIA Concerns Regarding SB 780 – Maryland Online Child Protection Act

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The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) joins four industry organizations express their concerns to SB 780, the “Maryland Online Child Protection Act”. While the business community supports the objective of safeguarding children online, SIIA express reservations about the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed default filtering requirement for internet-connected devices. The letter argues that such a requirement is technologically impractical and could create confusion and legal liabilities for companies. Instead, the business community suggests alternative approaches such as incorporating media literacy into education frameworks and promoting online safety campaigns. SIIA advocates for a more nuanced and risk-based strategy for addressing online safety concerns tailored to different age groups.
Full Letter Here
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SIIA’s Opposition to SB 3591: Journalism Preservation Act

by Policy
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) joins nine civil society and industry organizations express their opposition to SB 3591, known as the Journalism Preservation Act. While acknowledging the importance of free speech and local journalism, the signatories argue against the bill, asserting that it begins with a false premise of a “marketplace imbalance” between digital services and publishers.  It suggests the bill could lead to a slippery slope of internet taxation and primarily benefit large out-of-state publications. Despite opposition, the signatories express willingness to collaborate on initiatives supporting local journalism and free expression online.
Full Letter Here
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SIIA Submission to the European Commission Re: Call for Contributions on Competition and Generative AI

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The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) appreciates the opportunity to respond to the European Commission’s Call for Contributions on Competition in Generative AI.

The response outlines the main components of the AI stack, emphasizing its interrelated nature and identifying components such as compute resources, data, storage, AI models, applications, and talent. It underscores the critical role of data quality and computational power, particularly in the context of generative AI (GenAI), which relies on vast amounts of data to train models.

This response discusses potential barriers to entry in the GenAI market, including the high costs associated with obtaining compute resources and accessing quality data. It also highlights the importance of skilled talent in developing and deploying GenAI models.

SIIA cautions the European Commission against rushing to adapt EU antitrust law to the GenAI market, arguing that existing competition laws and regulations are sufficient to address concerns. It stresses the importance of a thoughtful and evidence-based approach by the European Commission, considering the evolving nature of the industry.

Full Response Here
JEGIpanel

JEGI CLARITY Conference Panel: B2B Media Poised for Growth—and Robust M&A

by Media

By Tony Silber

All in all, according to a presentation from Kathleen Thomas and Rich Kanefsky (pictured), managing directors at JEGI CLARITY, “the smart money will be backing the next-gen B2B leaders.”

There’s never been a more exciting time for B2B media. With the industry’s omnichannel approach to serving customers, its technology platforms creating game-changing new marketing techniques, and its data-oriented value proposition, B2B media companies are poised for continued growth.

That was the message from two industry experts at the JEGI CLARITY Media and Technology Conference, held this week in New York. The event attracted hundreds of attendees, mostly senior executives, across a variety of industries, including advertising, marketing, finance and M&A.

In the B2B media space, Thomas and Kanefsky gave a compelling vision of growth in the sector, frequently through acquisitions.

“We’re expecting a pickup in media M&A over the next 12 months, as potential sellers time going to market around optimistic 2024 performance, and buyers look to put capital to work to deepen vertical expertise and broaden omnichannel capabilities,” Kanefsky told SIIA Media Alert. “Private equity’s need to return capital to investors, along with a friendlier interest-rate environment, should also drive an uptick in deal activity.”

Author’s Note: I’d say the robust performance of B2B media is a surprise, but it’s not. It might have been 10 or 15 years ago, but not now. Now, B2B companies dominate their markets, and are—because of their product mix, market knowledge, and relationships—more resilient and resistant to disruption than most other media sectors.

B2B media companies have all phases of a marketer’s sales journey covered, Thomas and Kanefsky noted. First, there’s the marketer’s need to identify prospects. That’s done through B2B media’s brand-awareness services, which allow marketers to amplify their messages. These include advertising, conferences and trade shows, awards programs and the like. Next is a learning phase, enabled by research, white papers, conferences, webinars, sponsored emails and more. And finally, there’s the buying phase, driven by buyer events, data solutions, and networking.

All of these steps in the process, they added, are driven by technology, which serves as a platform for lead generation, audience targeting, and the development of behavioral and intent data. Put together, these interlocking components make for very valuable companies that have a moat of protection around them.

And that, in turn, makes them attractive acquisition targets. Companies like Informa, which in recent years has acquired Winsight, Industry Dive, TechTarget and others, represent the buy side of the M&A equation. A next tier of already-scaled companies, with EBITDA of $25 million to $40 million, is likely to also be on the lookout for acquisition targets. This tier includes Questex, Northstar Travel Group, ALM, and Future. Other acquisitive companies that Thomas and Kanefsky said are actively scaling up are WTWH Media, The Channel Company, EnsembleIQ, ARC, and eRepublic.