Facebook sues app developers for click injection ad fraud
Facebook has filed lawsuits against two app developers accused of generating fraudulent revenue using the social media giant’s advertising platform. (TechCrunch)
‘Shooting,’ ‘Bomb,’ ‘Trump’: Advertisers Blacklist News Stories Online
Companies are increasingly insisting their ads do not appear near articles or videos that contain any of a long list of words. (The Wall Street Journal)
Edge226 acquires Webpals Mobile
Ad tech solutions provider Edge226 announced the acquisition of Webpals Mobile (from Webpals Holdings), affirming its strength in the app-install market while increasing focus and scale through social channels. (Business Wire)
Comscore stock down 85 percent since resignation of CEO and cash infusion from Cayman Islands fund
Comscore, its stock already approaching all-time lows, missed expectations of flat revenue with a 4.4 percent decline last quarter. The media measurement company’s interim CEO said on a Tuesday earnings call after market close that it’s “exploring all strategic options.” (AdAge)
Break up Google? 5 questions for Brian O’Kelley
After former AppNexus CEO Brian O'Kelley testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee that Google and Facebook deserve to be broken up, AdExchanger caught up with him to ask him more on the topic. (AdExchanger)
Trojanized apps containing ad fraud malware downloaded 102M times
Two related ad fraud malware programs, recently discovered in 34 trojanized Android applications, have already been downloaded roughly 102 million times from the Google Play store, researchers reported. Dubbed Android.Click.312.origin and Android.Click.313.origin, the malicious clicker trojans appear to be designed primarily to sign users up for paid premium services without their consent. (SC Magazine)
The FBI is diving deeper into the Methbot ad fraud case
The FBI’s investigation into the largest advertising fraud operation in recent memory isn’t over yet. An application for a search warrant filed by FBI Special Agent Evelina Aslanyana on Aug. 2 shows that investigators are seeking access to email, LinkedIn and other data about accused members of the Methbot ad fraud operation, also known as 3ve. (CyberScoop)
Trade Desk posts strong 42 percent revenue hikes
The Trade Desk keeps amassing big revenue gains, growing another 42% in revenues for the second quarter to $159 million. This follows up on a 41% hike in the first quarter. Net income in the second quarter was up 44% to $27.8 million from $19.3 million. (MediaPost)
