The Independent is in talks to take control of BuzzFeed and HuffPost's operations in the UK and Ireland, aiming to expand in a challenging advertising climate. The deal includes editorial and commercial control, staff transfers, and a strategic partnership for content and tech support. This move comes as digital advertising faces hurdles due to Google's decision to end third-party tracking cookies, impacting revenue generation. The partnership aims to leverage combined audiences for better commercial offerings and reflects the industry's shift towards first-party data for advertising.