This week’s headlines reveal growing pressure on platforms as regulation, AI, and ad revenue reshape the digital landscape. In today’s MadTech Daily, we discuss Google denying its AI Search features hurt web traffic, Nielsen and WPP teaming up for audience measurement, and Amazon cutting Wondery jobs while reshaping its audio unit.

Liberal Democrats are urging regulators to apply TV-style ad checks on YouTube. As the platform overtakes ITV to become the UK's second most-watched media service, concerns over scams and misleading ads are mounting.

Meanwhile, Apple is plotting its own course in the AI race, forming an internal “Answers” team to build a stripped-down ChatGPT rival. The move signals a shift from third-party integrations to more native, search-driven AI experiences just as scrutiny of digital dominance intensifies.

In that vein, OpenX has taken aim at Google, filing an antitrust suit over alleged manipulation of digital ad auctions. The ad tech firm accuses Google of distorting competition by enforcing restrictive ad server practices that favour its own products.

And the pressure doesn’t stop there; Google has lost a US appeal in its legal clash with Epic Games. A federal court upheld the decision requiring sweeping reforms to the Play Store, reinforcing the mounting legal challenges facing tech’s biggest players.

As others face pressure, Reddit is riding a wave of momentum reporting a surge in Q2 revenue, driven by growing demand for ads and AI data licensing. With 93% of its USD$465m (£353m) earnings coming from advertising, the platform is doubling down on AI tools like Reddit Insights and Conversation Summaries to keep the momentum going.