Turkey Scrutinizes Google’s AI Ad Platform

Today’s ESG Updates

• Turkey Probes Google’s AI Ad Tool: Competition board investigates whether Performance Max unfairly harms advertisers and stifles rivals.
• UK Watchdog Targets Amazon Over Payments: Regulator investigates supplier complaints of late payments and unfair deduction practices.
• Russia Rejects Iran Regime Change Talk: Kremlin warns against targeting Khamenei, citing risk of extremism and regional escalation.
• La Caisse Pledges $400B for Climate Action: Canadian fund outlines aggressive 2025–2030 strategy to support global net-zero targets.

Turkey launches antitrust probe into Google’s AI ad tool

Turkey’s antitrust authority is launching a formal investigation into Google’s AI-driven advertising platform, Performance Max (PMAX), to see if it’s breaking competition laws. The inquiry will look at whether Google is treating advertisers unfairly and whether the way PMAX uses data gives the company an unfair advantage. Performance Max uses AI to automatically place ads across Google services like Gmail, Search, and YouTube. Regulators are concerned that this could help Google tighten its grip on the digital ad market, making it harder for other players to compete. Companies can stay updated on the latest developments using ESG tools.

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Further reading: Turkish competition authority launches probe into Google’s PMAX

UK watchdog probes Amazon over suspected supplier payment delays

The UK’s Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) has opened an investigation into Amazon over concerns it may have delayed payments to suppliers, potentially breaching the Groceries Code. The probe will look at Amazon’s practices from March 2022 to June 2025, with particular focus on how it’s handled payments since January 2024. GCA Adjudicator Mark White warned that delayed payments could put suppliers under financial pressure and limit their ability to grow or innovate. Investigators will review Amazon’s payment systems, how it manages disputes, and its use of deductions in supplier negotiations. The GCA is also calling on suppliers to confidentially share their experiences.

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Further reading: U.K. grocery watchdog launches investigation into Amazon

Russia condemns talk of regime change in Iran amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has strongly criticized talk of regime change in Iran or targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling such discussions “unacceptable” and warning they could trigger extremism. He comments as tensions escalate, with Israel stepping up its military actions against Iran following missile strikes on its territory. The U.S. is considering backing Israel militarily—something Russia says could further inflame the situation. While Israeli leaders insist they aren’t aiming to kill Khamenei, some argue his removal would help the Iranian people. In response to recent attacks, Israel has carried out major airstrikes on Iranian military sites.

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Further Reading: Putin aide says Iran regime change would be ‘unacceptable’

La Caisse commits $400 billion to climate action in ambitious 2025–2030 Strategy

Canadian investment giant La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) has committed $400 billion to climate action by 2030 as part of its new strategy to support the global energy transition. Building on past successes—including a 69% cut in portfolio carbon intensity since 2017—the plan focuses on backing companies with strong decarbonization goals and scaling up investments in renewables, sustainable forestry, and climate technology. Guided by its Transition Financing Framework, La Caisse aims to help decarbonize the real economy while reinforcing its commitment to responsible investing—setting itself apart from other Canadian institutions that have recently backed away from similar climate targets.

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Further reading: La Caisse Targets $400 Billion in Climate Investments by 2030

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: sarah b