From rising online consumption to major deals, data-driven upgrades and a rapid AI surge, the ad tech and media industry shifted gears once again this week. In today’s MadTech Daily, we cover DoorDash partnering with OpenAI to enable grocery ordering in ChatGPT, the WBD board rejecting Paramount’s offer, and the FTC probing Instacart’s Eversight dynamic pricing algorithm.

Meta is facing renewed scrutiny over platform integrity, after revealing China-linked actors account for roughly a quarter of global scam and prohibited ad activity. The company says it has expanded its anti-fraud remit beyond earlier China-focused monitoring, establishing a dedicated unit to combat bogus health pitches and investment schemes that have cost consumers millions.

Amazon is placing a long-term bet on the next digital superpower, pledging more than USD$35bn (£25.9bn) for India’s cloud and AI sectors by 2030. The move underscores Amazon’s ambition to dominate digital infrastructure in one of the fastest-growing markets.

That ambition extends to Silicon Valley: Amazon is reportedly in advanced talks to invest over USD$10bn (£7.5bn) in OpenAI, a deal that could push OpenAI’s valuation beyond USD$500bn (£370bn).

Meanwhile, generative AI is becoming a seasonal staple. Research from Generation Media and Giraffe Insights shows 22% of UK parents now turn to AI platforms to source Christmas gift ideas, elevating AI to the fourth most common inspiration channel for festive shopping.

The Trump administration has also accused Brussels of targeting US tech firms through discriminatory enforcement. The Office of the US Trade Representative pointed to lawsuits, taxes, and regulatory directives issued under EU digital rules, citing a recent €140m (£123.2m) fine against X as emblematic of disproportionate penalties.

The global social regulatory push is now facing legal backlash. Reddit has filed a High Court challenge to Australia’s ban on social media access for under-16s arguing that the policy could mandate intrusive and insecure age-verification processes for all users.