In this weeks digital news, Google Ads is undergoing a significant transformation, integrating AI to revolutionise consumer search and advertising. A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that the FCC lacks authority to enforce Biden-era net neutrality rules, which mandated ISPs to treat all online traffic equally. In a recent episode of Google’s Search Off The Record podcast, the team discussed the rising issue of JavaScript and it’s implications on AI when teams over-rely on it.
The world is on the brink of another technological revolution powered by artificial intelligence that will reshape how, where and when we work, according to a report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a thinktank founded by the former UK prime minister. Alongside the December 2024 Core Update, Google also rolled out a December 2024 Spam Update which finished during the festive period on Boxing Day (26th December) after a 7 day roll out. The UK retail sector saw lacklustre footfall in its crucial golden quarter, topping off a “disappointing” year for physical shopping, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC) figures.
Table of Contents
Google Ads plans major AI Push in 2025
Google Ads is undergoing a significant transformation, integrating AI to revolutionise consumer search and advertising. This shift, considered more profound than the mobile revolution, focuses on multimodal search experiences, AI-driven creative tools, and enhanced measurement across channels. Businesses must adapt quickly to utilise these new capabilities or risk falling behind competitors. Despite potential early challenges, continuous experimentation with AI in campaigns will be vital. The initiative aligns with CEO Sundar Pichai’s strategy to expand Google’s AI platform, Gemini, amidst growing competition and regulatory scrutiny. Core advertising products like Performance Max, Demand Gen, and Search will evolve, prioritising AI while safeguarding user privacy.
Read more here.
Will the decision to block net neutrality rules in the US constrict digital advertising?
A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that the FCC lacks authority to enforce Biden-era net neutrality rules, which mandated ISPs to treat all online traffic equally. This decision follows the repeal of the Chevron doctrine, enabling courts to override federal agency decisions. Without net neutrality, ISPs could prioritise larger platforms or charge for faster access, potentially stifling innovation and harming smaller players in the digital advertising space. While some argue that market-driven innovation can maintain fairness, others warn of disruptions to ad delivery and rising costs for advertisers. A fragmented state-by-state approach complicates the landscape for digital advertisers further.
Read more here.
Google’s JavaScript Warning & How It Relates To AI Search
In a recent episode of Google’s Search Off The Record podcast, the team discussed the rising issue of JavaScript and it’s implications on AI when teams over-rely on it. Whilst some JavaScript is often needed on modern websites to power certain page elements, teams can often fall into the trap of loading everything vis JavaScript which AI search crawlers struggle to render and understand. Given the rising importance of being visible in places such as ChatGPT Search, you should consider making sure your core content is available within HTML and being cautious around when you rely on JavaScript and if you have to.
Read more here.
AI’s impact on the world of work
The world is on the brink of another technological revolution powered by artificial intelligence that will reshape how, where and when we work, according to a report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a thinktank founded by the former UK prime minister. “We estimate that full and effective adoption of AI by UK firms could save almost a quarter of private-sector workforce time – equivalent to the annual output of six million workers,” the institute notes. AI can automate tasks like writing emails or filling out a database. The technology could also make workplaces more accessible and inclusive thanks to visual description software and automatic speech recognition tools. Google vice-president Debbie Weinstein argues that AI’s profound impact on the world of work will soon become undeniable.
Read more here.
Google December 2024 spam update done rolling out
Alongside the December 2024 Core Update, Google also rolled out a December 2024 Spam Update which finished during the festive period on Boxing Day (26th December) after a 7 day roll out. This update was a general and broad spam update, as opposed to a more specific link spam update. When looking for drops from this update, it is important to keep in mind usual seasonal drops at this time and not wrongly diagnose anything.
Read more here.
Lacklustre festive season tops off ‘disappointing’ year for retail footfall
The UK retail sector saw lacklustre footfall in its crucial golden quarter, topping off a “disappointing” year for physical shopping, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC) figures. For retailers, success in the ‘golden quarter’ – the final quarter of the year when seasonal events like Christmas traditionally provide a sales surge – is vital. However, in the three months to December 2024, UK footfall fell 2.5% year-on-year, according to BRC and Sensormatic figures. This decrease in footfall during the golden quarter is faster than the decline across the year. Focusing on December, total UK footfall fell 2.2% compared to 2023. This was an improvement on November’s figures, which saw footfall decline 4.5%. The later timing of Black Friday in 2024 has an impact on November’s footfall figures, the BRC notes.
Read more here.
For more information on any of these stories, or for support with your digital marketing. Get in touch with our team of digital specialists. If you’re looking for an improved Google Ads strategy with PPC campaigns, long term SEO strategies or interested in trying our Digital PR Services, send us an email to team@modo25.com
