Overview

• Google’s filing in the DOJ ad‑tech remedies phase argues that proposed divestitures would accelerate the decline and harm publishers reliant on open‑web display ad revenue.
• The document was submitted ahead of proceedings over potential breakups of parts of Google’s advertising business, including its ad exchange and publisher ad server.
• After the line drew scrutiny, a Google ads executive said the filing addressed open‑web display advertising rather than the broader state of the internet.
• The stance contrasts with recent public comments from executives, including Sundar Pichai and Nick Fox, who said the web is thriving and that search traffic remains healthy.
• Publishers report traffic drops tied to search changes and AI tools, and some analysts argue the distinction between web health and open‑web ad decline may be negligible for publishers’ prospects.