What you missed in August 2025

Some people had pretty high hopes for the Google monopoly ruling that happened last year. On Tuesday, the judge finally delivered his verdict on what would be done to seek to remedy that monopoly — and it was pretty underwhelming.

Google will not have to divest of its Chrome browser, nor will it have to end its deals with companies like Apple and Mozilla. It will have to share search data with competitors, but even that might not hold up after the company appeals — which it surely plans to do.

In another moment, I would probably have written a whole article about this, but I really don’t think there’s a lot more to say. Last August, I gave my thoughts on the initial ruling and it was a pretty good reflection of what ended up happening. Effectively, that the company would not be broken up and that any of the remedies that were pursued would not be very consequential.

The Google monopoly ruling won’t save the internet

More competition won’t be enough to dismantle Silicon Valley’s power

Disconnect •Paris Marx

What the ruling confirms for me is that there’s little point in putting faith in the US system of justice and accountability, especially for those us watching outside the United States. The US government has no real interest in dismantling its tech monopolies, which give it so much global influence — influence we’re seeing them collectively wield with threats against any country that dares try to rein them in.

Last week, Donald Trump lashed out at countries trying to tax and regulate US tech companies, threatening them with further tariffs. For many, that was taken as a shot at the European Union. But recent reporting suggests Trump had another set of targets in mind: South Korea, and to a lesser degree India, Turkey, and Brazil. All those countries are moving forward on tech regulations not dissimilar to those already in place in Europe, and the US government wants to head them off.

That’s exactly the kind of thing we need to stop from happening. I have nothing against people in the US who still believe there are avenues for progress in their country. I hope they’re right. But for those of us outside, it’s time to pay far less attention to the road to nowhere that is US antitrust and regulatory efforts. The best way to rein in major US tech companies right now is to limit what they can do in foreign markets — and ideally push them out altogether.

That’s exactly why the European Union can’t give in, but also countries like Canada, South Korea, or Brazil. Now is a time to stand united against Donald Trump and Silicon Valley, and certainly not wait for the United States to get its house and tech industry in order. That may never happen.

Now, onto your monthly recap. Three top stories this month (below the break) are looking at the poverty of Silicon Valley’s obsession with “intelligence,” how AI is already pervading Hollywood, and how recent climate reports from AI companies try to deceive through selective disclosure. Plus, you’ll find plenty more important reads, labor updates, and other stories you might have missed.

Over the past month I was on Radio-Canada talking about getting off US tech in French, discussing digital sovereignty with Le Nouvel Obs in France, and did an interview with ESC KEY. My guide on trying to reduce the US platforms I use was also translated for an Italian audience. On top of all that, I was delivering weekly critical conversations on technology over on Tech Won’t Save Us, including most recently with Brian Merchant on whether AI is taking jobs and Kate Mackenzie and Tim Sahay on the geopolitics behind China’s renewables push.

The only other thing I would say this month is that, if you haven’t already heard, Disconnect is back on Ghost. There’s more to come on that front, but for now, thank you for all the kind comments about the move back!

Anyway, that’s all for this week. Enjoy the roundup.

— Paris