Business Technology News Roundup: April 25, 2025

A federal judge in Virginia ruled that Google unlawfully built and maintained monopoly power in the online advertising market, siding with the Department of Justice and 17 states in a case that could reshape digital advertising.The court found Google had deliberately tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together, making it difficult for competitors to gain a foothold and giving Google an unfair advantage in the $31 billion digital ad sector. The judge’s 115-page decision highlighted how Google’s actions hurt publishers, stifled competition, and ultimately impacted consumers seeking information online. Remedies could include forcing Google to divest key parts of its ad tech business, though Google has vowed to appeal. This is the second major antitrust loss for Google in a year, signaling growing regulatory pressure on Big Tech.

The US government imposed new, stricter export controls on advanced AI chips, directly targeting sales to China, Hong Kong, Macau, and other countries under arms embargoes.The rules require major chipmakers like NVIDIA and AMD to obtain special licenses before exporting certain high-performance chips, including those designed specifically for the Chinese market. The move is part of a broader strategy to protect US technological leadership and prevent sensitive AI technology from advancing China’s military and supercomputing capabilities. While key US allies are exempt, most countries now face tighter restrictions, and the policy is expected to disrupt billions in chip sales and global supply chains.

The week saw the start of earnings season for the “Magnificent Seven” Big Tech companies, including Netflix, Tesla, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple.With reporting dates clustered at the end of April and early May, investors and analysts are watching closely for signs of how ongoing trade tensions, new tariffs, and recent regulatory actions-like the Google antitrust ruling and chip export controls-are affecting revenue and growth. Companies are being forced to navigate unpredictable supply chain disruptions and shifting global demand, making this earnings season one of the most closely watched in years.

A senior Pentagon official warned that cyber warfare now poses a critical threat to US defense, especially to the infrastructure supporting space systems.Speaking at the Space Systems Command Cyber Expo, John Garstka, Director for Cyber Warfare, emphasized that attacks on commercial and military infrastructure are increasing in frequency and sophistication. He called cyberspace the “fifth warfighting domain” and stressed the need for robust security measures to protect both military and commercial assets. The Department of Defense is ramping up efforts to secure power, water, and communications systems that support space operations, recognizing the risk that a single cyberattack could cripple mission-critical capabilities.

On April 23, the White House announced a comprehensive new initiative to integrate artificial intelligence education into K-12 schools and beyond.The executive order, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth,” aims to ensure that students across the country gain foundational AI skills, with a focus on curriculum development, educator training, and workforce readiness. The initiative includes partnerships between government, industry, and educational institutions, and provides funding for hands-on learning opportunities and AI credentialing pathways. This move reflects growing concerns about the AI skills gap and seeks to position the US workforce for leadership in the global digital economy.