In this episode of the MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire head of marketing Grainne Reid is joined by CEO Rachel Smith and Daniel Sichel, managing director at Webtopia.

They look into the CMA designating Google with strategic market status in search, TikTok’s plans to cut 439 content moderation jobs in London, and Sharb Farjami’s appointment at Reddit.

They discuss regulation in the ad tech ecosystem, the dangers of AI reliance in content moderation, and advertising opportunities in community-led environments.

This week's stories:

CMA confirms Google has strategic market status in search services (Gov)

The Competition and Markets Authority has designated Google with strategic market status in general search and search advertising services. It was confirmed that AI-based search features, such as AI Overviews and AI Mode, are in scope of the designation. Google’s Gemini AI assistant is not – although this decision will be kept under review as the market develops. 

The designation allows the CMA to consider proportionate, targeted interventions to ensure that general search services are open to effective competition, and that consumers and businesses are treated fairly.

UK MPs urged to investigate TikTok’s plans to cut 439 content moderator jobs (The Guardian)

Trade unions and online safety experts have urged UK MPs to investigate TikTok’s plans to eliminate 439 content moderation jobs across its trust and safety team in London. They’ve warned that the job losses will have implications for online safety, and expose children to harmful content.  

Reddit raids Madison Avenue with a key advertising hire (Business Insider)

Reddit has poached the former CEO of WPP Media’s North America operations, Sharb Farjami. Through the move, Reddit aims to deepen its relationship with advertising agencies. He will be responsible for building partnerships with the largest agency hold cos. Reddit’s ad business has already been growing successfully, seeing an 84% year-over-year rise in its most recent quarter.