The DL: In landmark decision, US District Judge ruled against Google in an antitrust case finding Google broke US trade law by monopolizing the search and advertising markets. According to the court there were four findings. Google controls nearly 90% of US search market share. Its closest rival, Microsoft Bing holds only 6%. Google spent $26 billion in 2021 on exclusive agreements to be the default search engine. These deals were deemed anticompetitive. Google’s monopoly has led to higher advertising prices and lower quality search services while stifling competition. The message sent is even tech behemoths aren’t immune from antitrust laws. This ruling could be pivotal in the tech industry’s history. This could cause similar investigations against Amazon, Apple, and Meta. The real test lies in the enforcement of this ruling. We will all be watching to see if this verdict sets forth a new era of digital competition. 

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The DL: An advertising group is suspending the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) initiative following a lawsuit from Elon Musk, which accuses them of conspiring to damage Twitter (now X) by pressuring advertisers to pull ads from the platform. This suspension may impact the industry's approach to brand safety and how companies collaborate on advertising standards. Marketers should stay informed about these developments and be prepared to adjust their strategies as the situation evolves. 

Read More: Business Insider

The DL: Instagram is updating its metrics to prioritize views over follower count, highlighting the growing importance of content engagement. For marketers, this shift means the content they post to Instagram needs to be compelling and capture attention quickly. Your social media strategy should now focus on producing high-quality, engaging videos or posts that drive views, as this will likely result in better visibility and influence on the platform.

Read More: Social Media Today