Google

Google is investing £5 billion ($6.8 billion) to boost the UK’s AI infrastructure, including a new data center near London to support its AI-driven services. This investment, coinciding with President Trump’s UK visit, is expected to create 8,250 jobs annually and contribute significantly to the UK economy. The strategy involves DeepMind’s AI research and a collaboration with Shell for renewable energy supply, aligning with the UK’s sustainability goals. Alphabet anticipates AI to add £400 billion to the UK economy by 2030.

President Trump threatens a Section 301 trade investigation against the EU in response to “discriminatory fines” levied on U.S. tech giants Google and Apple. This follows the EU’s antitrust fine of nearly $3.5 billion on Google and ongoing scrutiny of Apple’s tax practices, including a $14 billion back tax bill in Ireland. Trump argues the EU unfairly penalizes American companies, impacting U.S. investments and jobs, and vows to nullify these penalties. The move could escalate trade tensions and impact the tech sector.

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.

Alphabet’s stock surged to a record high after a U.S. court ruling favored Google, allowing it to retain Chrome, Android, and its practice of paying Apple to be the default search engine. Analysts revised their outlook, with JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America raising price targets. Apple’s stock also benefited due to continued payments from Google. The decision removes regulatory uncertainty, enabling Google to maintain dominance and pursue AI innovation, solidifying its position in the tech landscape; however, ongoing antitrust concerns remain a risk.

Alphabet (GOOG) shares rose after a favorable outcome in a landmark antitrust case. While the court affirmed Google’s illegal search monopoly, the judge rejected the DOJ’s proposal to divest Chrome. Google retains Chrome ownership and can compensate device manufacturers for preloading apps but is restricted from exclusive contracts contingent on exclusivity. Google’s agreement with Apple remains under scrutiny. Analysts believe the market’s positive reaction reflects relief that Google avoided a breakup. Focus now turns to remedies and their impact on competition.

A U.S. judge ruled that Google can continue paying Apple billions annually to remain the default search engine on iPhones. Apple shares surged after-hours following the decision. While stemming from a broader antitrust trial against Google, the ruling significantly impacts Apple’s revenue. The judge prohibited Google from exclusive contracts but stopped short of a complete payment ban, allowing potential renegotiation. Google can’t bundle Android services with Search. The DOJ antitrust suit alleged Google used exclusionary practices. Google intends to appeal, potentially leading to further trials and appeals.

Reliance Industries announced significant AI partnerships with Google and Meta at its annual shareholders’ meeting. Reliance will leverage Google’s AI and cloud infrastructure, including a new dedicated cloud region in India powered by clean energy. A joint venture with Meta focuses on delivering AI solutions tailored for Indian businesses, with a $100 million investment. Mukesh Ambani also indicated plans to list Reliance Jio publicly in the first half of 2026. These moves underscore the importance of the Indian market for global tech giants.

Google has reduced its management ranks by 35%, aiming for a more efficient, streamlined organization. This shift involves managers overseeing small teams transitioning to individual contributor roles. Executives addressed employee concerns about job security and workload during an all-hands meeting. Voluntary exit programs have been offered in multiple product areas, with employees citing a desire for career breaks as a key reason for acceptance. Google is focused on optimizing resources and efficiency, resisting comparisons to Meta’s sabbatical policy.

A potential court ruling threatens Google’s $26 billion default search agreements, with Apple receiving $20 billion annually. The Apple-Google alliance has shaped the internet, but is now under antitrust scrutiny. While Google faces potential traffic loss, Apple could suffer a greater financial impact. The ruling’s effect hinges on Apple’s ability to secure new deals. Some analysts believe Google might benefit long-term, freed from costly contracts as AI becomes more integral to search. The DOJ advocates for limiting exclusive AI distribution agreements, possibly reshaping the competitive landscape.

AI search adoption is surging, with Google integrating AI Overviews, yet Google’s ad revenue surprisingly increased by 14%. This is because Google embeds ads within AI responses, potentially undermining the purpose of AI search – avoiding ads. While websites in AI results gain traffic, overall click-through rates to content websites decrease. Google defends against claims of declining traffic. The long-term impact includes a potential decline in high-quality content and increasing margin of error as AI uses AI-generated content for learning, and possible antitrust conflicts.