In today’s Digest we cover five US publishers suing Google over alleged ad tech manipulation as well as Google appealing a landmark antitrust verdict over its search monopoly. We also cover more than 60 MPs urging Starmer to act on an under-16s social media ban and Threads surpassing X in daily mobile users, according to new data.

Publishers sue Google over alleged ad tech manipulation; Google appeals antitrust verdict over Search monopoly

Five major US publishers, Penske Media, Advance Publications, Vox Media, McClatchy, and The Atlantic, have filed lawsuits against Google, accusing the company of “deceptive and manipulative” ad tech practices that have limited their revenue opportunities. The publishers claim Google used its dominance over ad servers and exchanges to stifle competition, force them into its ecosystem, and drive down prices. The lawsuits allege that Google could see competitors’ bids on its ad exchange before submitting its own, allowing it to keep prices low. 

The Atlantic claimed publishers were required to use Google’s DFP ad server to access its dominant AdX exchange and that Google used internal data to underpay publishers, reducing potential revenue by over 40%. McClatchy and Vox Media said these practices constrained their ability to sell advertising, undermining revenue needed to support high quality journalism. 

In other Google news, the tech giant has filed an appeal against a landmark US antitrust ruling that found the company had unlawfully maintained a monopoly in online search, arguing that the decision overlooked competition and ongoing innovation in the sector. In a statement on Friday, Google said the August 2024 ruling by US District Judge Amit Mehta failed to recognise that users choose Google voluntarily, rather than being coerced. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president for regulatory affairs, added that the judgment did not sufficiently consider the rapid pace of technological change or the competitive pressures the company faces.

 More than 60 Labour MPs push for under-16s social media ban

More than 60 Labour MPs have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support a ban on social media use for under-16s, intensifying pressure ahead of a House of Lords vote later this week. In a letter coordinated by Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas, MPs from across the party urged the UK to mirror Australia’s age-based restrictions, which took effect in December. The signatories argue that social media is fuelling anxiety, shortening attention spans and undermining children’s social development. They say technology companies, not parents, should be responsible for enforcing age limits, backing a framework that would require platforms to take “meaningful steps” to prevent access for those under the proposed limit.

While Starmer has said he is open to the idea in principle, he has stopped short of committing, citing the need to review evidence from Australia. Some ministers have warned a ban could drive children towards less regulated online spaces, a concern echoed by the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy. 

Several Labour peers are expected to support the amendment, reflecting growing cross-party momentum for tougher action on child online safety.

Threads surpasses X in daily mobile users

Meta’s Threads has surpassed X in daily mobile usage worldwide, according to data from market intelligence firm Similarweb. As of 7th January 2026, Threads recorded an estimated 141.5 million daily active users on iOS and Android, compared with 125 million for X. 

While X still leads on web usage, Threads’ mobile app has shown steady growth over recent months. This growth could be related to cross-promotions from Meta’s other apps, or the introduction of many new features over a short period of time. 

 X remains ahead of Threads in the US, however.