Issue #7: Top stories from Google, OpenAI and Netflix

☕ Welcome to a new week in digital

Grab a brew, here is last week’s key news in under two minutes.

🗞️ Top Stories

1. Google searches fall in Safari for the first time ever

   Google search queries on Safari dipped for the first time in 22 years likely due to the rise of AI chat tools but Google insists search continues to grow. The Verge

2. OpenAI recruits ad product leader from Instacart

   Fidji Simo will step down as CEO to head a new “Applications” division OpenAI, signalling a move towards ChatGPT ad solutions. TechCrunch

3. Netflix to launch in-house ad platform across EMEA next week

   Netflix Ads Suite will replace the Microsoft stack in 12 European markets with ad tiers, introducing new ad formats to buyers. TVBEurope

4. Microsoft to shutter Xandr and pursue agentic buying

   Advertisers were told the DSP will sunset by February 2026 as Microsoft shifts resources to a Copilot-powered ad platform. Digiday

5. Brand marketers embracing walled gardens for one-click media buys

   Amazon, Meta and other closed platforms are increasingly winning budget because frictionless activation and measurement save time. AdExchanger 

6. YouTube creator marketplace to launch in Google Ads

   A new hub inside Google Ads lets brands discover creators and boost videos campaigns, making influencer deals more accessible. Adweek

7. OpenSincera launched offering supply-chain transparency

   The Trade Desk debuts a much needed free dashboard and API for programmatic buyers to vet inventory quality across the open web. Business Wire

8. Wolt Ads launches self-service platform across 30+ markets

   Coca-Cola and Heineken are early testers of Wolt’s new tool letting brands plan, activate and optimise retail media campaigns across Europe and Asia. Retail Technology Innovation Hub

9. Performance Marketing Awards winners revealed

   The 19th edition of the awards recognised standout performance campaigns across a variety of brands, agencies and affiliate partners. Performance Marketing Awards

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Access Adtech