The Stack: The Latest on Google’s Legal Battles; AUS Passes Bill Banning Social Media for Under 16s

This week on The Stack:  The Latest on Google’s Legal Battles; Social Media Under Growing Scrutiny; Today’s MadTech Daily 

This week, Google wrapped up its ad stack court face-off against the DOJ. Closing arguments were made by both parties. Now, the industry keenly awaits a ruling from US District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema, which is expected by the end of the year. 

In regard to Google’s search monopoly case, it also came to light that the tech giant has sent subpoenas to OpenAI, Perplexity and Microsoft. A wide range of information is requested from them with the aim of demonstrating that its search monopoly does not include the AI-powered sector of search. 

Meanwhile in Europe, Google’s objection to a £7bn consumer lawsuit was thrown out. The lawsuit accuses Google of using anticompetitive practices to shut out competition in mobile search. 

The damaging effects of social media have also been a topic front and centre of the media landscape lately. The Australian government introduced a bill to ban social media entirely for those under 16 years of age. Merely days after its introduction, the bill has now been passed (you can hear more about this on today's MadTech Daily).

TikTok, while stating its opposition to Australia’s ban, announced it will be blocking certain beauty filters on its platform for under 18s. The filters it plans to restrict include those which enhance users’ facial features, such as making skin smoother and plumping lips. The move lacks rigid enforcement, however.