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Issue #31: Top stories from Google as AI continues to transform search

The fastest way for digital marketing pros to look smart in the weekly stand-up

August 18, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

☕ Hello there adtech agents

It’s weekly review time - pick-up a flat white and skim the key stories from last week.

🗞️ Top Stories

  1. Aussie regulator secures $35.8m in anti-competitive penalties from Google
    The ACCC said Google admitted liability over exclusive default Search agreements with telcos and will change future contracts. Reuters 

  2. Google will let you pick your top sources for search results
    A new setting allows users to prioritise preferred publishers in results signalling more user control as generative AI reshapes search. Engadget 

  3. Perplexity makes $34.5 billion offer for Google Chrome
    The AI search start-up made an unsolicited cash offer to buy Chrome, confirming the bid amid potential antitrust remedies to laid out by US courts. TechCrunch

  4. Havas launches ‘generative engine optimisation’ tool

    Brand Insights AI will track how LLMs such as ChatGPT portray brands, suggests content tweaks and provides source tracking transparency. The Media Leader

  5. DAIVID unveils AI tool to benchmark ad effectiveness in real time
    An upgraded API predicts emotional response, attention and brand impact so marketers can compare ads across social and video. ExchangeWire 

  6. YouTube usage outpaces social rivals in the UK reports YouGov
    In the UK 28% say they use YouTube more than a year ago and 65% used it in the past month, while usage of X declined. MarketingWeek

  7. Carwow partners with Kevel to scale its retail media marketplace
    The UK auto marketplace aims to grow on site and partner monetisation across its media platform, leaning into Kevel’s API technology . Exchange Wire 

  8. S4 Capital confirms merger talks with MSQ Partners
    Sir Martin Sorrell’s ad group says it’s in early discussions to acquire MSQ, signalling further UK agency consolidation. Reuters 

  9. AI search poses ‘existential’ threat to publisher traffic, warns UK industry
    Generative search and Google’s newly launched AI Mode are significantly reducing referral clicks, forcing a strategic shift. The Media Leader

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See you next time,

Access Adtech