Adtech

AppLovin’s stock plummeted 19% to a 52-week low after missing Q2 revenue expectations. The company cited timing of AI model enhancements for the miss, despite a 53% year-over-year revenue increase. Analyst downgrades reflect concerns about predictable future earnings, highlighting the challenges of AI integration in the evolving adtech sector.

France’s upcoming ban on social media for under-15s in 2026 is shifting youth advertising to mobile games. Kidoz, an AdTech platform, highlights games as a privacy-compliant, brand-safe alternative. Their contextual advertising model avoids personal data collection, aligning with regulations like COPPA and GDPR-K. This trend signifies a move towards responsible, data-light engagement with younger demographics, driven by both regulation and growing gaming habits.

The EU Commission has fined Google €2.95 billion for anti-competitive practices in its adtech business, alleging the company favored its own services, disadvantaging rivals and distorting the market. The EU requires Google to cease these practices within 60 days and address conflicts of interest. Google disputes the findings, plans to appeal, and argues its services benefit the market. This decision could force Google to restructure its adtech business in Europe and sets a precedent globally for antitrust actions against dominant tech platforms.