On this team episode of the MadTech Podcast, Anne-Marie Sheedy is joined by Ciarán O'Kane and Mat Broughton to discuss the latest in the world of ad tech.

They delve deep into the Google-DOJ trial, looking at how the case could play out for Google and why it has the potential to change the face of the advertising landscape. They also discuss the potential breakup of Alex Springer, and EU privacy breaches by both X and Xandr.

DOJ’s Witness List For The Google Antitrust Trial Released (AdExchanger)

The Department of Justice has published the witness list for its upcoming antitrust trial against Google which accuses the tech titan of monopolising the digital advertising market. The witness list is extensive, ranging from publishers and platforms to academics and analysts.  

Axel Springer and KKR discuss media empire break up (Financial Times)

Chief Executive of Axel Springer is in talks with private equity group KKR, regarding breaking up the media conglomerate. The deal would separate the group’s media assets from its digital classifieds operation. 

EC sends preliminary findings to X for breach of the Digital Services Act (European Commission) 

The European Commission has informed X that several of its features are in breach of the Digital Services Act, including its checkmark account verification feature and its advertising transparency. 

Xandr accused of EU privacy breaches (TechCrunch)

Xandr has been accused of EU privacy breaches in a complaint by an unnamed individual in Italy, backed by European privacy advocacy group noyb and Italy’s data protection authority. It accuses Xandr of inadequate transparency and breaches of data access rights for people in the region whose information is processed for targeted advertising.