Weekly news round-up: Netflix trials promos and Corbyn calls for tech-funded journalism

New ad-model trialled by Netflix 
Netflix has introduced a new model, trailing adverts between episodes to promote its original programmes and films. The test is controlled with a select group of subscribers exposed to the advertising. According to The Guardian, the adverts experienced a glitch initially and were not skippable resulting is many users complaining on social media.

Future of journalism funded by tech giants 
Delivering the Alternative MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for a “radical reform” of the“failing” new media. He has called for technology giants including Google, Amazon and Facebook to pay for public interest journalism. The BBC reported Corbyn also suggested a “digital licence fee” paid for by tech giants and wants greater investment in investigative and public interest journalism. 

Corbyn proposes BBC sister company
During his speech, Corbyn also proposed the launch of a sister company to the BBC called the British Digital Corporation (BDC) which would be funded by a tax on technology companies like Amazon and Google. The Drum reported the BDC would exist as a free access service alongside the BBC. Corbyn suggested an “expanded iPlayer” that would rival Netflix and Amazon whilst developing new technology and engage audiences. 

EU to impose new laws on social media 
The European Commission is reportedly planning to bring in new laws that will punish social media companies if they don’t remove terrorist content within one hour of being flagged. According to Telecoms, EU Commissioner for Security Julian King said: “We cannot afford to relax or become complacent in the face of such a shadowy and destructive phenomenon.” 

Australia bans Huawei’s 5G network
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has been banned by the Australian government from providing 5G technology for wireless networks. ZTE has also been banned based on national security concerns, reported the BBC. Australian national security regulations applied to telecom firms have now been extended to equipment suppliers, while China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said Australia should not “use various excuses to artificially erect barriers.”  

Facebook explores “Aloha” voice recognition
The social media giant has held up plans to release a smart speaker in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal but a new feature has been discovered inside Android Facebook and Facebook Messenger apps. According to The Verge “Aloha” is the new voice feature which currently is able to transcribe text and reportedly could be developed as a cross-platform assistant.  

Russia denies Facebook disinformation campaign
The Kremlin has rejected suggestions it has been using the social media site to run disinformation campaigns, stating it did not understand the basis of the accusations. According to Reuters, Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet have collectively removed hundreds of accounts tied to an alleged Iranian propaganda operation, while Facebook removed a second campaign linked to Russia.