Tech News Weekly 383: Google Loses DoJ Ad Tech Case

Released April 17, 2025

In this episode of Tech News Weekly, hosted by Micah Sargent and co-hosted by Dan Morin of Six Colors, the discussion navigates through significant developments in the tech industry, including Google's antitrust woes, OpenAI's foray into social networking, Meta's ongoing FTC battle, and the intriguing use of ChatGPT for geolocation. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essence of each discussion point, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. DOJ Wins Antitrust Case Against Google in Ad Tech

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) landmark victory over Google concerning its advertising technology practices.

Dan Morin explains the crux of the case:

"The U.S. Department of Justice has won its antitrust case against Google, specifically targeting Google's role in the advertising market. The DOJ established that Google has maintained its monopoly power through both technological and contractual means in ad publishing and ad exchange markets." [03:07]

Micah Sargent adds context to the complexity of the situation:

"It's incredibly complicated. Google does both buying and serving ads, which makes it difficult to manage competition fairly." [05:03]

The discussion highlights that Google plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing the potential long-term implications for the company's business model and the broader tech landscape. Dan further elucidates:

"These remedies will likely force Google to make significant changes to comply with the court's decision, impacting how it operates within its dominant markets." [07:25]

The conversation underscores the broader trend of increasing scrutiny on big tech companies and the challenges regulators face in keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.

2. OpenAI's Ambitious Pivot to Social Networking

Transitioning from antitrust issues, Micah introduces OpenAI's rumored project to develop its own social network, sparking curiosity about the motivations behind this strategic move.

Dan Morin offers a critical perspective:

"OpenAI isn't just pivoting for profit; they crave data. Social media provides a treasure trove of user data that can enhance their AI models." [18:02]

Micah reflects on previous AI-driven social platforms:

"We've seen AI characters and avatars in social networks before, but they often fail to maintain long-term user engagement." [21:46]

The hosts discuss the challenges OpenAI might face in entering an already saturated market dominated by giants like Facebook, Instagram, and emerging platforms. Dan remains skeptical about the feasibility of OpenAI’s social network:

"It's a tough market to penetrate, even for a company as prominent as OpenAI. I'm not convinced it will gain substantial traction." [20:18]

The segment concludes with thoughts on the convergence of AI and social media, questioning the ethical implications of data usage and user privacy.

3. Meta’s FTC Antitrust Trial: Zuckerberg on the Stand

The conversation shifts to Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook) and its protracted antitrust trial with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Dan Morin breaks down the intricate details of Meta's attempts to settle and the FTC's unwavering stance.

Dan outlines Meta’s settlement attempts:

"Meta offered to settle for $450 million initially, which the FTC rebutted by demanding $30 billion. Even after increasing the offer to $1 billion, the FTC remained unsatisfied." [34:09]

Micah compares the situation to parental rules on acquiring treats:

"It's like asking your mom for a cookie, getting permission, and then later being scolded for eating it all." [35:02]

The discussion highlights the shift in regulatory approaches, noting that previous administrations may have been more lenient towards big tech consolidations. Dan adds:

"The behavior post-acquisition, such as how Meta handles competition and platform integrity, is now under intense scrutiny." [36:30]

Micah emphasizes the broader implications:

"This case signifies a cultural and legal shift where big tech companies can no longer rely solely on lobbying and need to account for their market behaviors post-acquisition." [36:30]

The hosts speculate on the potential outcomes and the future landscape of regulatory actions against major tech conglomerates.

4. ChatGPT's Role in Reverse Location Search (Geoguessing)

The final major topic delves into the innovative yet concerning use of ChatGPT for geolocation purposes, commonly referred to as geoguessing.

Micah introduces the concept:

"People are uploading obscure photos to ChatGPT and asking it to guess the location, achieving impressive accuracy even without EXIF data." [45:37]

Dan Morin expresses unease over privacy implications:

"This tool was once solely the domain of humans, akin to detective work, but now AI can perform it effortlessly, raising significant privacy concerns." [50:32]

An example is discussed where ChatGPT successfully identified a location based on subtle visual cues:

"For instance, a photo of Mendocino, California, was accurately pinpointed despite pixelated text on a fire department building." [57:17]

Dan warns listeners about the ease with which personal information can be extracted:

"Even blurred or obscure images can be dissected by AI to reveal more information than intended, highlighting the need for cautious sharing of online content." [57:25]

Micah draws parallels with past technologies, like Apple's AirTag, noting the reactive measures companies take post-feedback:

"Unlike Apple, which swiftly updated its technology in response to privacy concerns, OpenAI hasn't shown the same level of responsiveness regarding geoguessing capabilities." [60:30]

The segment concludes with a call for greater awareness and proactive measures to protect personal data in an age where AI can unravel seemingly innocuous information.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Micah Sargent and Dan Morin provide insightful analyses into pressing tech issues, blending technical understanding with critical perspectives. From antitrust battles shaping the future of tech monopolies to the ethical quandaries posed by AI advancements, the discussion underscores the dynamic and often contentious interplay between technology, regulation, and society.

For those keen on staying abreast of the latest in technology, Tech News Weekly continues to deliver informed and engaging content, making complex topics accessible and thought-provoking.

Notable Quotes:

• "Google has maintained its monopoly power through both technological and contractual means in ad publishing and ad exchange markets." – Dan Morin [03:07]

• "OpenAI isn't just pivoting for profit; they crave data." – Dan Morin [18:02]

• "Meta offered to settle for $450 million initially, which the FTC rebutted by demanding $30 billion." – Dan Morin [34:09]

• "This tool was once solely the domain of humans, akin to detective work, but now AI can perform it effortlessly, raising significant privacy concerns." – Dan Morin [50:32]

Stay Connected:

• Dan Morin can be followed on dmorin.com.
• Micah Sargent is active on various social media platforms and can be reached through Chihuahua Coffee.

For more insights and updates on the ever-evolving tech landscape, subscribe to Tech News Weekly on TWiT.tv.