In today’s Digest, we discuss the latest ad tech investigations, including Google facing an AI antitrust probe and regulators looking into whether Media Matters colluded with advertisers to turn advertisers away from X.  We also examine ChatGPT’s referral traffic doubling in 2025, and Disney suing YouTube for poaching a key executive.

Latest Ad Tech Investigations: Google Faces AI Antitrust Probe while Media Matters Gets Scrutinised  

Google is under renewed antitrust scrutiny from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) over its partnership with AI startup Character.AI. According to sources, investigators are probing whether Google’s agreement, which included hiring the startup’s founders and securing a non-exclusive licence to their technology, was structured to avoid triggering regulatory oversight.

The partnership, announced last year, was positioned as a strategic move to enhance Google's AI capabilities. However, regulators remain wary of large incumbents acquiring early-stage innovation through "acqui-hire" arrangements that could stifle future competition.

Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into Media Matters, examining whether it engaged in unlawful coordination with advertisers. The inquiry, revealed via a letter sent to the organisation and reported by The New York Times, seeks documents including budget details, research on harmful online content’s impact on brands, and communications with other advocacy groups. This follows Elon Musk suing the group over claims that it drove advertisers away from his platform, X. 

ChatGPT Referral Traffic Doubles in 2025

ChatGPT has significantly increased the volume of traffic it drives to news publishers, with referral visits nearly doubling since January 2025. According to data from Similarweb shared with Digiday, ChatGPT sent 243.8 million visits to 250 news and media sites in April, up 98% from 123.2 million in January.

News publishers now account for 83% of all outbound traffic from ChatGPT, up from 64% at the start of the year. Major outlets benefiting from this rise include The Guardian and Reuters, each receiving around 1.5 million visits in April. The BBC, Fox News, and The Independent also saw notable month-on-month growth in traffic from ChatGPT, with increases of 188.9%, 166.3%, and 157.7% respectively.

Publicis Acquires Captiv8

Publicis Groupe has acquired influencer marketing platform Captiv8, in a move aimed at building what it calls the world’s most powerful connected influencer platform. The deal will see Captiv8 integrated into Publicis Connected Media and paired with Influential, Publicis’ existing influencer marketing asset. Both will bring together a network of over 15 million creators across global markets, representing 95% of influencers with more than 5,000 followers, using Captiv8’s proprietary AI driven platform designed to manage and measure influencer marketing strategies at scale. 

According to global CEO of Publicis Groupe, Arthur Sadoun, the  acquisition is  “further reinforcing our Category of One, building the world’s most powerful influencer platform by connecting the scale and service of Influential with Captiv8’s unrivalled technology, grounded in Epsilon’s connected identity.”

Disney Sues YouTube for Poaching Key Executive 

Disney has filed a lawsuit against YouTube and former executive Justin Connolly, alleging the platform incited Connolly to breach a multi-year employment contract. Filed in California Superior Court, the complaint claims Connolly, who was leading Disney’s negotiations with YouTube over ESPN licensing, resigned in breach of a contract meant to run through March 2027. Disney argues that his sudden departure directly benefits YouTube and compromises the integrity of ongoing business discussions between the two companies.

The move comes as YouTube gears up to broadcast the NFL 2025 season opener exclusively on its platform this September. Connolly’s exit also coincides with Disney’s upcoming standalone ESPN streaming service, expected to launch later this year amid YouTube’s increased focus on sports programming.