The Stack: Latest in Google’s Ad Stack Trial; Disney and Reliance Dodge Antitrust Action

by Aimee Newell Tarín on 30th Aug 2024 in News

This week on The Stack: Latest in Google’s Ad Stack Trial; Disney and Reliance Dodge Antitrust Action; Today’s MadTech Daily

Our digest news this week kickstarted with a significant move from Google: the tech giant made objections to the list of witnesses called on for its ad stack trial against the DOJ, coming up in just a couple of weeks on 9th September. Google claimed that many of those on the list lacked personal knowledge regarding the case, seemingly in an attempt to exclude the input of individuals who are likely to criticise its conduct.

There were further developments in Google’s ad stack trial: documents filed for the case exposed new details regarding its incentive programmes for agencies and advertisers. The incentives include DVIP Upfronts, Agency Capability Fund, and KPI Deals. Dated May 2018, the documents bring to light the monetary specifics of the programmes, revealing the figures Google expected to pay out that year for the three types of incentives offered. Additionally, today's MadTech Daily episode covers the DOJ's latest allegations that Google intentionally destroyed relevant evidence ahead of the trial.

Panning to the APAC region, Disney’s merger with Reliance was approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which had previously raised antitrust concerns over the alliance taking control of most cricket broadcasting in the country. Through the proposed deal, the duo intend to merge their Indian assets to form the country’s largest entertainment player.