In today’s Digest, we cover Google denying a 2026 ads plan for Gemini, the EU probing Google’s AI search summaries, and Uber turning rider and delivery data into ad insights.

Google denies 2026 Ads plan for Gemini

Google is pushing back against industry reports that its Gemini AI app will soon host advertisements. Adweek reported that the company had begun briefing advertising clients  about potential ad opportunities slated for 2026. According to an account, Google allegedly suggested that custom ad placements could appear within Gemini, distinct from the commercial inventory already integrated into AI Mode.

Google, however, has issued a sharp rebuttal. Dan Taylor, vice-president of global ads, dismissed the report on X, calling it the product of "uninformed, anonymous sources" and stressing that "there are no ads in the Gemini app and there are no current plans to change that." 

EU probes Google’s AI Overviews 

The EU has opened a formal investigation into how Google is deploying AI within its search engine, zeroing in on the AI-generated summaries that now appear above traditional results. Officials are examining whether Google has drawn on content from publishers’ websites without offering fair compensation, and whether its practices respect the rights of creators. 

The probe also extends to YouTube’s role in shaping Google’s wider AI models. Investigators want to know if video content has been used to train these systems and whether uploaders were truly given the chance to opt out of such use.

Google has rejected the Commission’s framing, cautioning that the inquiry could stifle innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever. The company insists it remains committed to working with publishers and creative industries as Europe navigates the challenges of an AI-driven media landscape.

Uber turns rider and delivery data into ad insights

Uber is broadening its advertising arsenal with the debut of Uber Intelligence, a data-driven platform designed to give marketers sharper insights into consumer behaviour. The initiative, unveiled in collaboration with LiveRamp, allows brands to securely blend their own customer records with Uber’s information, ranging from travel patterns to food delivery preferences, without compromising privacy.

Uber sees the launch as a cornerstone in its broader advertising ambitions. Edwin Wong, the company’s global head of measurement, explained that the vision is for brands to move beyond simply interpreting Uber’s ecosystem to understanding how it directly informs their marketing decisions.