Pivot Google’s Manipulated Ad Auctions, Microsoft Buys Activision Blizzard, and the Danger of Billionaires
Jan 19, 2022
Peter S. Goodman, a Global economics correspondent for The New York Times and author of "Davos Man: How Billionaires Devoured the World," joins the conversation to dissect Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and its implications for the gaming industry. They delve into Google's questionable ad practices and the widening wealth gap exacerbated by billionaires influencing policy. Goodman critiques the ethical dilemmas surrounding wealth concentration and the self-serving motivations of affluent leaders advocating for social initiatives.
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Tax Reform
- Implement a more progressive tax system. This can help redistribute wealth and fund social programs.
- Close tax loopholes exploited by the wealthy.
Pandemic Wealth Disparity
- The world's richest men doubled their wealth during the pandemic, while 99% of the population are worse off.
- This wealth disparity is dangerous and unsustainable.
Google's Ad Auction Practices
- Google allegedly manipulated ad auctions, pocketing the difference between advertiser payments and publisher earnings.
- This alleged scheme potentially reduced publishers' revenue by up to 40%.
