Technology

Google and DOJ’s ad tech fight is all about control

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2024

Google and DOJ’s ad tech fight is all about control

Google and the US Justice Department each believe the other wants too much of one thing: control.

“Control is the defining characteristic of a monopolist,” DOJ counsel Julia Tarver Wood said during opening statements in the federal government’s second antitrust trial against the search giant, which kicked off Monday in Alexandria, Virginia. To the government, Google exerts too much control over every step in the way publishers sell advertising space online and how advertisers buy it, resulting in a system that benefits Google at the expense of nearly everyone else.

“Control is the defining characteristic of a monopolist”

To Google, the government is seeking control over a successful business by making it deal with rivals on more favorable terms, disregarding the value of its investments in technology and the unique efficiencies of its integrated tools.

By the end of the trial, which is expected to last several weeks, US District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema will be left to decide which side is exerting too much control — and ultimately, if Google has illegally monopolized the markets for advertising technology.

Markets is a key word, since one question raised on the first day is how many monopolies Google might actually have. (A federal court in DC says at least one, since it recently ruled Google a monopolist in search.) The DOJ is arguing that Google has monopoly power in three different ad-related markets: those for publisher ad servers (where websites hawk ad space), ad exchanges (which facilitate ad transactions), and advertiser ad networks (where advertisers go to buy ad space). They’re also arguing that Google illegally tied together its publisher ad server with its ad exchange to maintain its monopoly power.

“One monopoly is bad enough,” Wood said during opening statements. “But a trifecta of monopolies is what we have here.”

“A trifecta of monopolies is what we have here”

Google says it’s not a monopolist, and in fact there’s only one market: a two-sided market made of buyers and sellers of online ad inventory. In opening arguments, its counsel said the government is ignoring relevant Supreme Court precedent that says this is the best way to view such a market. The company also argues regulators are carving up the field with terms like “open web display advertising,” which Google calls contrived. What the government really wants here, Google claims, is to require it to deal with its rivals — something the Supreme Court has said isn’t really the job of the judicial system.

After opening statements, the DOJ began calling its first witnesses, focusing on the tools publishers use to monetize display ads. These are the ads that typically pop up at the top or the side of the page on news websites and blogs, populating through super-quick auctions that run while the page loads. During the auction, an ad exchange helps match publishers and advertisers based on things like topic and price without active intervention by a human. The process is called programmatic advertising, and it’s used by The Verge’s parent company Vox Media among many others. (Vox Media president of revenue and growth Ryan Pauley is on the list of potential witnesses but wasn’t called today.)

Google’s tools play an essential role in the process, with some of them holding about 90 percent of the market, according to the government. Google has a publisher ad server called Google Ad Manager (formerly DoubleClick for Publishers, or DFP), which helps publishers sell ad space. It operates an ad exchange, AdX, that facilitates transactions. And it owns an advertiser ad network, rounding out its trifecta of major products across different parts of the ad world.

Four industry players testified Monday, representing a publisher (Tim Wolfe, SVP of revenue at Gannett), an ad exchange (Andrew Casale, president and CEO of Index Exchange), a marketer (Joshua Lowcock, president of media at Quad), and a publisher ad network (James Avery, founder and CEO of Kevel). Across the testimonies, the government tried to establish that programmatic display advertising is not something publishers can easily substitute with other types of advertising, including direct deals with advertisers or ads on social media sites. And it introduced the idea that switching from Google tools isn’t such an easy decision, even when there might be some reason to do so.

In testimony, for instance, Wolfe and Avery both made clear that publishers are largely unwilling to switch away from Google Ad Manager. They said it’s because Google packages it with access to AdX, and losing that package deal would mean giving up large amounts of revenue — even if rivals offer to take a much smaller cut for facilitating each ad sale. Wolfe testified that when Gannett received one such offer, that reduced take rate didn’t move the needle, since it wouldn’t offset the benefits of AdX.

The ad server company Kevel started by targeting traditional publishers, but Avery says competing with Google proved impossibly hard. He recalled publishers asking how his company would replace the revenue they made from AdX, something Kevel simply couldn’t manage. After trying to engage Google twice about ways to connect Kevel’s ad server with AdX, Avery testified, his efforts were rebuffed. Kevel pivoted to facilitating things like sponsored listings for retailers instead.

Speaking from the ad exchange perspective, Casale testified that switching ad servers is a big lift at the technical level, so publishers rarely do it. Building a new one is “very complex and expensive.” In the ad exchange market, Casale said competing with Google’s AdX is “very challenging,” and in experiments, reducing fees had barely a “nominal” impact on the ability to gain more business. Because of the huge network effects it takes to get an exchange off the ground, as well as the fact that it only gets visibility into ad impressions it wins, “I can’t imagine anyone starting a new exchange today,” he said.

Google’s attorneys poked at the witnesses’ arguments and credibility during cross-examination, pointing out ways players like Avery would benefit if the court forced Google to share access to its tools. Google will call its own witnesses to counter the DOJ later in the trial.

“I can’t imagine anyone starting a new exchange today”

This trial covers very different ground from last year’s antitrust fight in the District of Columbia. But on the first day of court, both sides alluded to their earlier battle. The Department of Justice mentioned during opening statements that another court had already adjudicated the question of Google’s search monopoly, referencing a ruling Judge Amit Mehta handed down just over a month ago. And although Mehta ruled mostly against Google, the tech giant cited a piece of the ruling that went in its favor. The topic? A DOJ argument Mehta interpreted as a requirement for Google to cut deals with competitors — and, accordingly, dismissed.

Technology

Spyware can hijack your phone in seconds

Published

15 minutes ago

February 23, 2026

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Spyware can hijack your phone in seconds

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You already know malware is out there. You hear about phishing emails, fake apps and data breaches almost every week. But every so often, something comes along that feels more personal. ZeroDayRAT spyware is one of those threats.

If your device gets infected, attackers can see almost everything happening on your phone. That includes your messages, notifications, location and even live camera feeds. Let that sink in for a second.

This is not some clunky virus from years ago. Security researchers at iVerify, a mobile security and digital forensics company, describe it as a complete mobile compromise toolkit. And it works on both iPhone and Android devices.

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ZeroDayRAT spyware can secretly access messages, camera feeds and banking apps on infected iPhone and Android devices. (Stefan Sauer/picture alliance via Getty Images)

What makes ZeroDayRAT spyware so dangerous?

Many types of malware focus on one goal. Some steal passwords. Others spy on text messages. ZeroDayRAT spyware goes much further.

Once installed, the infected device starts transmitting data back to a central dashboard controlled by the attacker. From there, they get:

A full stream of incoming notifications
A searchable inbox of text messages
Device model and operating system details
Battery level and lock status
Network activity and app usage

In other words, they can build a detailed profile of your daily life. Reports say the dashboard even shows a live activity timeline. That timeline reveals who you talk to most, which apps you use and when you are most active online. For anyone who values privacy, that is chilling.

It can watch and listen in real time

Here is where things get even more disturbing.

ZeroDayRAT spyware includes keylogging and live surveillance tools. That means attackers can:

Capture every keystroke with context
See which app you opened
Track how long you spent inside it
Record gestures and inputs
Access your microphone
Activate your front or rear camera
View your screen in real time

Imagine someone watching your screen as you log into your bank account. Or listening while you have a private conversation. This is not a hypothetical capability. According to reporting, those features are built directly into the platform.

Your banking and crypto apps are targets too

Many people assume mobile malware only steals passwords. ZeroDayRAT spyware goes after money directly. It reportedly includes tools designed to target digital payment and banking apps such as Apple Pay and PayPal. It can also intercept banking notifications and use clipboard injection to redirect cryptocurrency transfers to the attacker’s wallet.

Even without full remote control of your phone, that level of access is enough to drain accounts and steal digital assets. And here is another troubling detail. Reports indicate the platform is openly sold on Telegram, which lowers the barrier for would-be cybercriminals. You do not need advanced hacking skills to use it. That combination of power and accessibility makes this threat especially concerning.

Why Apple and Google are tightening app rules

There is a reason Apple strongly discourages installing apps outside the App Store. Google is also exploring changes to how sideloading works on Android. When apps bypass official stores, security screening becomes weaker. That opens the door for spyware like ZeroDayRAT to sneak in. While no system is perfect, sticking to trusted app marketplaces dramatically lowers your risk.

How to tell if ZeroDayRAT spyware is on your phone

Advanced spyware is designed to stay hidden. You may not see a flashing warning that something is wrong. Still, your phone often gives subtle clues when something is off. Watch for these warning signs.

Unusual battery drain

Spyware that streams data, records audio or tracks location runs constantly in the background. If your battery suddenly drains much faster than normal, especially after no major app changes, that can be a red flag.

Phone overheating without heavy use

If your device feels hot even when you are not gaming or streaming video, background surveillance activity could be consuming resources.

Strange data usage spikes

Check your mobile data usage in settings. A sudden jump may indicate that your phone is transmitting large amounts of information to an external server.

Unknown apps or configuration changes

Look for apps you do not remember installing. On iPhone, check for unknown configuration profiles under Settings. On Android, review installed apps and device administrator permissions.

Unexpected login alerts

If you receive password reset emails or login alerts you did not trigger, assume your credentials may be compromised.

Microphone or camera indicators are activating randomly

Both iPhone and Android show visual indicators when the camera or microphone is in use. If those indicators appear when you are not actively using them, investigate immediately.

If you suspect spyware, do not ignore it. Back up essential data, perform a factory reset and restore only trusted apps. In severe cases, consult a mobile security professional.

149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK

Security researchers warn ZeroDayRAT functions as a full mobile surveillance toolkit sold openly online. (Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

How to remove ZeroDayRAT spyware from your phone

If you believe your phone may be infected, act quickly. Do not keep using it normally while you figure things out. Follow these steps.

1) Disconnect immediately

Turn off Wi-Fi and cellular data. This stops the spyware from sending more data to the attacker while you take action.

2) Change your passwords from a different device

Do not use the potentially infected phone to change passwords. Use a trusted computer or another secure device. Update passwords for email, banking, social media and payment apps first. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com

3) Run a trusted mobile security scan

Install and run strong antivirus software on your phone. Let it scan your device for malicious apps, suspicious configuration profiles or hidden spyware components. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

4) Remove suspicious apps and profiles

On iPhone, check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for unknown configuration profiles. Delete anything you do not recognize. On Android, review installed apps and remove anything unfamiliar. Also, check device administrator settings and revoke access from unknown apps.

5) Back up essential data carefully

If you plan to reset your phone, back up only photos, contacts and critical files. Avoid restoring full system backups that could reintroduce malicious software.

6) Perform a factory reset

A full factory reset on your iPhone or Android is often the most effective way to remove advanced spyware. This wipes the device and removes hidden malware components. After the reset, reinstall apps manually from the official app store instead of restoring everything automatically. Before performing a factory reset, back up important photos, contacts and files, as this process permanently deletes everything stored on the device.

7) Monitor your financial accounts

Because ZeroDayRAT targets banking and crypto apps, watch your accounts closely for unusual transactions. Contact your bank immediately if you see suspicious activity.

When to replace the device

In rare cases, if the phone was deeply compromised or jailbroken, replacing the device may be the safest option. While that sounds extreme, protecting your identity and finances is worth more than the cost of a new phone.

Ways to stay safe from ZeroDayRAT spyware

The good news is that you still have control over your digital safety. Start with these practical steps to reduce your risk of infection and limit the damage if spyware ever targets your phone.

1) Avoid sideloading apps

Only install apps from the App Store or Google Play Store. Official stores screen apps for malicious code and remove threats when discovered. Do not download apps from links in emails or text messages. If an app asks you to install it from outside the store, treat that as a red flag.

2) Think before you tap and use strong antivirus protection

Do not click links from unknown senders. Even one tap can trigger a malicious download or redirect you to a fake login page. Install strong antivirus software on your mobile device. Good mobile security apps scan for spyware, block malicious websites and warn you about suspicious behavior in real time. Some also alert you if your personal information appears in known data breaches, which adds another layer of protection. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

3) Keep your phone updated

Install operating system updates as soon as they become available. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that spyware platforms like ZeroDayRAT try to exploit. Turning on automatic updates helps ensure you do not miss critical fixes.

4) Review app permissions regularly

Check which apps have access to your camera, microphone and location. Remove permissions that do not make sense. If a simple game wants constant microphone access, that should raise questions. Limiting permissions reduces what spyware can capture.

5) Use strong authentication

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for banking, email and social media accounts. Even if spyware captures a password, that second verification step can stop attackers from logging in. Use a reputable password manager to create strong, unique passwords for every account.

6) Use a data removal service to reduce your exposure

Spyware operators often profile targets using personal data that is already available online. Data broker websites collect your phone number, address, relatives and more. A reputable data removal service can help remove your personal details from many of these sites. The less information criminals can gather about you, the harder it becomes to target you with convincing phishing attacks or social engineering. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

7) Do not bypass your phone’s built-in security protections

Some people modify their phones to remove manufacturer restrictions so they can install unofficial apps or customize the system. On an iPhone, this is called jailbreaking. On Android, it is known as rooting. While that may sound harmless, it removes important security safeguards that are designed to block spyware and malicious software. Once those protections are gone, threats like ZeroDayRAT have a much easier time installing and hiding on your device. Keeping your phone in its original security state adds a powerful layer of protection that most people never see but benefit from every day.

YOUR PHONE SHARES DATA AT NIGHT: HERE’S HOW TO STOP IT

Experts say the spyware can activate a phone’s microphone and camera without a user’s knowledge. (Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

ZeroDayRAT spyware feels unsettling because it attacks something we rely on every day. Your phone holds your conversations, photos, financial apps and personal routines. When a single piece of malware can see your screen, hear your voice and track your location, the stakes get higher. The silver lining is this. Most infections still depend on user action. A bad link was clicked. A suspicious app was installed. A warning ignored. Staying cautious may not sound exciting, but it remains one of the strongest defenses you have.

Now here is the question worth asking. If spyware can already access your camera, messages and money in one package, are tech companies and app stores doing enough to protect you? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Nothing couldn’t wait to show off the Phone 4A

Published

12 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Press Room

Nothing couldn’t wait to show off the Phone 4A

After teasing the upcoming launch of its midrange Phone 4A last week, Nothing has now revealed what the rear of the device looks like. An official render of the Phone 4A shared on X shows off the brand’s familiar transparent-industrial stylings, alongside a new “Glyph Bar” lighting feature located to the right of the triple camera island.

This Glyph Bar features nine individually controllable mini-LEDs that appear as a line of seven square lights — six white, and one red — replacing the three LED light strips that surround the camera on Nothing’s 3A devices. Nothing says that the Glyph Bar is 40 percent brighter than the previous A-series’ lights and uses patented tech to provide “a more natural, neutral, bleed-free glow.”

Nothing hasn’t shared much else about the Phone 4A series besides confirming it’ll be running a Snapdragon chip. Full specifications, price, and availability might not be announced until it launches on March 5th. Nothing CEO Carl Pei has confirmed that there won’t be a Phone 4 this year, however, so last year’s Phone 3 will remain the current flagship for now.

Technology

AI dating cafes are now a real thing

Published

12 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Press Room

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Dating has changed a lot over the past decade. First, we moved from meeting people in person to swiping on apps. Now, some people are skipping human partners altogether and dating AI. That shift became very real at a recent pop-up event in Hell’s Kitchen in New York, where EvaAI, an AI companion app, hosted what it called a dating cafe. Guests arrived solo and brought their virtual partners with them.

Instead of someone sitting across the table, many had a phone or tablet propped up between the candles. They slipped on headphones, smiled at their screens and carried on full conversations with digital companions. It looked like a normal date night. It just happened to include artificial intelligence.

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AI COMPANIONS ARE RESHAPING TEEN EMOTIONAL BONDS

A New York wine bar in Hell’s Kitchen transforms into EVA AI Cafe, what the company calls the world’s first AI dating cafe, complete with neon signage and candlelit tables. (EvaAI)

EvaAI takes AI relationships into the real world

EvaAI organized the event to give users a chance to take their AI companion out on a real date. The app allows people to create customizable AI partners for text and video chat. For one evening, those private conversations moved into a public setting. Guests set up their devices on stands and began chatting with their AI partners as drinks were poured and music played. Some described their companions as friends. Others framed the relationship as romantic, often involving roleplay or fantasy scenarios.

Company representatives said the goal was to reduce stigma around AI companion relationships. They emphasized that the app is not designed to replace human partners. Instead, they position it as support for people who feel lonely or who want a low-pressure way to build confidence. Still, seeing rows of candlelit tables with screens instead of people makes the shift feel tangible.

What is an AI companion relationship?

An AI companion relationship happens when someone forms an emotional or romantic bond with a chatbot designed to simulate personality and conversation.

On platforms like EvaAI, users can:

Swipe through AI characters
Customize appearance and personality
Text or video chat anytime
Create romantic or fantasy scenarios

You control the interaction. You decide when it starts and when it ends. You shape the personality to fit what you want. For many people, that control feels safe. There is no fear of rejection. No pressure to impress. No awkward silence unless you want one. If you have ever felt burned out by dating apps, you can probably understand the appeal.

Why are more people turning to AI for romance?

Modern dating can feel exhausting. You swipe, match and message. Then conversations disappear. AI cuts out a lot of the drama. There is no ghosting. No mixed signals. No waiting hours to reply, so you do not seem too eager. Instead, you get immediate engagement. For people who struggle with anxiety or who do not have many daily interactions, that can feel comforting. Some users say AI helps them practice conversation before dating real people. Others say it fills a social gap during lonely periods.

Younger generations are also growing up with AI integrated into daily life. Talking to a chatbot no longer feels unusual. Adding emotional connection may feel like the next step. Surveys show a noticeable percentage of adults have experimented with AI in a romantic or intimate way. Among teens, the numbers are even higher.

The benefits and the tradeoffs of AI relationships

AI companion relationships come with real upsides. For example, they can reduce loneliness and provide emotional reassurance. In many cases, they also help people rehearse difficult conversations before having them in real life. As a result, some users say they feel more confident and socially prepared.

However, there are clear tradeoffs. Unlike AI, real relationships require compromise, unpredictability and emotional growth. While a digital partner adapts to your preferences, a human partner may challenge you in unexpected ways. In contrast, AI typically responds the way you prefer and rarely pushes back unless designed to do so.

Moya’s humanlike appearance is intentional, from her warm skin to subtle facial details designed to feel familiar rather than mechanical. (DroidUp)

Over time, spending several hours a day in digital intimacy may shift expectations about real-world connections. At the New York event, some attendees admitted they feel more comfortable interacting with their AI companion at home rather than in crowded spaces. Because the app offers a high level of control, it can feel safer than face-to-face interaction. On one hand, that comfort can build confidence. On the other hand, it may reinforce isolation. Ultimately, the outcome depends on how intentionally the technology is used.

TEENS TURNING TO AI FOR LOVE AND COMFORT

Are AI companion relationships a passing trend or the future?

It is easy to dismiss an AI dating cafe as a quirky tech stunt. Then again, meeting someone through a dating app once felt strange, too. Technology keeps advancing. Video syncing looks smoother. Voices sound more natural. Conversations feel more responsive.

As AI becomes more lifelike, emotional attachment may deepen. EvaAI’s leadership has made clear that they do not view the app as a substitute for human relationships. They describe it as support during periods without a partner or as practice for real-world dating. Whether users maintain that boundary over time remains an open question.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

If you had told someone ten years ago that people would bring a chatbot to a wine bar for date night, they probably would have laughed. Now it is happening, and not quietly. The AI dating cafe in New York highlighted something very human. People want connection. When dating feels exhausting, awkward or intimidating, they look for something that feels safer and easier to manage.

For some, AI companion relationships may serve as practice. For others, they may become a primary source of emotional support. The technology will keep improving. The bigger question is how we choose to use it. We once debated whether meeting someone online counted as “real.” AI may follow a similar path, or it may remain a niche comfort for a certain group of people.

Instead of someone sitting across the table, diners video chat with customizable AI partners, blending virtual romance with a real world setting. (iStock)

If an AI companion helps someone feel less lonely and more confident, does it really matter that the connection is digital, or is the lack of a human on the other side a line you would never cross? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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