777 | AI/SEO News from the EDGE | Week of 12.1.2025

This week's EDGE of the Web dives into the seismic shifts rocking the digital marketing landscape, from Adobe's blockbuster SEMrush acquisition to Google's long-awaited rollout of Search Console Annotations (well, not so seismic). The future of AI in SEO and the rising tide of data privacy laws set the tone for a fast-changing industry.

Erin Sparks, Crystal Carter, and Jacob Mann break down what Adobe's $1.9 billion move means for marketers and explore how WIX is upping its AI tools, accessibility, and agentic web readiness. The crew also spotlights ChatGPT's rumored ad features, Google's continued experimental AI Mode ads, and the EU's Digital Omnibus, raising stakes for marketers everywhere.

A side story on the dangers of AI SEO spam highlights how black hat tactics are evolving, bringing back old-school manipulation in a new LLM-driven context. The panel ponders whether brands and platforms are ready for the next frontier of search and content integrity.

News from the EDGE:

• [00:07:55] Official: Adobe is acquiring Semrush for $1.9 billion
• [00:16:49] GSC has Annotations! Hoorah! Finally!
• [00:21:16] EU's Digital Omnibus and cookie consent - what you need to know

AI / SEO News Segment:

• [00:23:26] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
• [00:25:11] Gemini 3 refused to believe it was 2025, and hilarity ensued
• [00:32:17] ChatGPT Ads potential leaked
• [00:39:55] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: WAIKAI
• [00:41:29] Google Ads begin surfacing inside AI Mode as tests expand
• [00:45:52] AI Shopping Research
• [00:52:04] AI Poisoning: Black Hat SEO Is Back

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