This week, digital advertising continued its rapid evolution as emerging markets posted record growth, streaming platforms expanded their ad ambitions, and regulators stepped up efforts to police competition across media and ad tech. In today’s MadTech Daily, we cover Visa connecting its payments network to ChatGPT, Seven’s parent company cutting jobs as TV earnings fall, and ChatGPT Ads landing its first Conversion API partner in LiveRamp.

The Middle East and North Africa emerged as one of the industry's standout success stories. According to IAB MENA, the region’s digital advertising market grew 17.8% in 2025 to reach USD$8.19bn, making it the fastest-growing digital ad market in the world. 

Meanwhile, agencies continue to reposition themselves for a commerce-driven future. VCCP expanded its Retail and Experience division into a broader commerce and activation offering, bringing it closer to the agency’s media and data capabilities. 

Streaming platforms are also doubling down on advertising. Netflix announced that it will host its first-ever UK Upfront event in London this September, marking a significant milestone for its advertising business in one of its most important international markets. 

However, competition concerns remain high on regulators’ agendas. The European Commission ordered Meta to restore WhatsApp access to rival AI developers while an antitrust investigation examines whether the company has unfairly favoured its own AI services. 

Portugal’s Competition Authority imposed €13.3m (£11.44m) in fines on telecoms operators Meo, Nos, and Vodafone, alongside Accenture, after finding they had coordinated the introduction of advertising before viewers could access recorded television content.

The impact of AI is also reshaping investment markets. Private equity investment in software companies has fallen sharply, with software buyouts hitting their weakest start to a year since 2020. 

Finally, Google introduced Search Profiles within Discover, giving publishers and creators dedicated hubs where users can follow content across articles, videos, and social media channels.