According to reports, a lawsuit has been filed in the US which alleges Apple had concluded an agreement with tech giant Google to ensure that it won't get into search business and that its search engine will be on top in its devices.

"In exchange for Apple’s commitment not to compete in the search business in competition with Google, Google agreed to share its profits from the search business with Apple and, in addition, to pay Apple extra billions of dollars," the lawsuit alleged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-anti-trust-agency-orders-probe-against-apple-for-unfair-business-practices-441601">Also Read:&nbsp;India’s anti-trust agency orders probe against Apple for unfair business practices</a>

The class-action lawsuit however did not specify the exact amount in "billions".

"Apple’s devices give Google a substantial and unfair anti-competitive advantage over other&nbsp;search providers," it said while naming Yahoo! DuckDuckGo and&nbsp;Bing as potential competitors.

The development comes as French regulators on Thursday slapped a $237 million fine on Google and Facebook over the use of "cookies" which tracks user data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/is-apple-making-the-same-mistakes-made-by-nokia-439898">Also Read:&nbsp;Is Apple making the same mistakes made by Nokia?</a>

The lawsuit alleged that Apple and Google "agreed to suppress" other search providers including "non-Google favoured advertisers".

It claimed that the agreements were negotiated from time to time in "private" and &nbsp;"personal meetings" between the "Chief Executive Officers and Chairmen of Apple and Google."

"The architects of the combination during the early 2000s were Steve Jobs, the CEO and chairman of Apple, and Eric Schmidt, the CEO and chairman of Google," it said.

The lawsuit alleged that there was a "continued combination to eliminate competition" between the two companies "re-affirmed by Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and Sundar Pichai, CEO and Chairman of Google".

The lawsuit said the actions by the two companies were "illegal" and against the anti-trust laws of the country.

The lawsuit claimed half of Google’s search business was conducted through Apple devices and that Apple was a "major potential" threat to Google and it had designated Apple as “Code Red.”

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, a lawsuit has been filed in the US which alleges Apple had concluded an agreement with tech giant Google to ensure that it won't get into search business and that its search engine will be on top in its devices.

According to reports, a lawsuit has been filed in the US which alleges Apple had concluded an agreement with tech giant Google to ensure that it won't get into search business and that its search engine will be on top in its devices. "In exchange for Apple’s commitment not to compete in the search business in competition with Google, Google agreed to share its profits from the search business with Apple and, in addition, to pay Apple extra billions of dollars," the lawsuit alleged. Also Read: India’s anti-trust agency orders probe against Apple for unfair business practices The class-action lawsuit however did not specify the exact amount in "billions". "Apple’s devices give Google a substantial and unfair anti-competitive advantage over other search providers," it said while naming Yahoo! DuckDuckGo and Bing as potential competitors. The development comes as French regulators on Thursday slapped a $237 million fine on Google and Facebook over the use of "cookies" which tracks user data. Also Read: Is Apple making the same mistakes made by Nokia? The lawsuit alleged that Apple and Google "agreed to suppress" other search providers including "non-Google favoured advertisers". It claimed that the agreements were negotiated from time to time in "private" and "personal meetings" between the "Chief Executive Officers and Chairmen of Apple and Google." "The architects of the combination during the early 2000s were Steve Jobs, the CEO and chairman of Apple, and Eric Schmidt, the CEO and chairman of Google," it said. The lawsuit alleged that there was a "continued combination to eliminate competition" between the two companies "re-affirmed by Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and Sundar Pichai, CEO and Chairman of Google". The lawsuit said the actions by the two companies were "illegal" and against the anti-trust laws of the country. The lawsuit claimed half of Google’s search business was conducted through Apple devices and that Apple was a "major potential" threat to Google and it had designated Apple as “Code Red.” (With inputs from Agencies)

Google, Apple had secret agreement on search business, alleges lawsuit

Apple has become the world's first company to hit a three trillion dollar stock market value, as investors are bullish on iPhone makers' future prospects and are hopeful that the US firm will keep launching best-selling products.

Apple's shares peak for the second day after touching $3 trillion market value

Apple has become the world's first company to hit a three trillion dollar stock market value yesterday as investors are bullish on iPhone makers future prospects and are hopeful that the US firm will keep launching best-selling products.

Apple touches $3 trillion market value

If recent reports are to be believed, Apple might finally dump the notch display in its iPhones, and may release the upcoming iPhone 14 series with a punch-hole camera.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest podcast 'Power On’ revealed that Apple is most likely to ditch the notch on some 2022 devices.

According to Gurman, who specializes in Apple products, the tech company would release a redesigned MacBook Air with an M2 chip and wireless charging for the 2022 iPad Pro.

Gurman claimed the new M2 chip would be "marginally faster" than the M1. It should have an octa-core CPU and 9- or 10-core GPU, which would be an upgrade over the 8-core GPU on the current Air.

A new, internally-developed chip is also expected for the Mac Pro and an AR/VR headset, which is likely to make an appearance at WWDC in the summer.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Apple will be launching iPhone 14 series in two models—iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.

It is being said that the tech giant has decided to drop the mini series after it didn’t see great sales numbers compared to the other models.

There are also claims hinting towards the inclusion of an under-display fingerprint. Face ID and fingerprint scanning together would help to improve the authentication process on the next-gen iPhones.&nbsp;

As far as the chipset is concerned, iPhone 14 may come with the A16 Bionic chipset. Apart from that, there are also claims that 2022 models would feature a Type-C USB port.

(With inputs from agencies)

If recent reports are to be believed, Apple might finally dump the notch display in its iPhones, and may release the upcoming iPhone 14 series with a punch-hole camera.

If recent reports are to be believed, Apple might finally dump the notch display in its iPhones, and may release the upcoming iPhone 14 series with a punch-hole camera. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest podcast 'Power On’ revealed that Apple is most likely to ditch the notch on some 2022 devices. According to Gurman, who specializes in Apple products, the tech company would release a redesigned MacBook Air with an M2 chip and wireless charging for the 2022 iPad Pro. Gurman claimed the new M2 chip would be "marginally faster" than the M1. It should have an octa-core CPU and 9- or 10-core GPU, which would be an upgrade over the 8-core GPU on the current Air. A new, internally-developed chip is also expected for the Mac Pro and an AR/VR headset, which is likely to make an appearance at WWDC in the summer. Meanwhile, there are reports that Apple will be launching iPhone 14 series in two models—iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. It is being said that the tech giant has decided to drop the mini series after it didn’t see great sales numbers compared to the other models. There are also claims hinting towards the inclusion of an under-display fingerprint. Face ID and fingerprint scanning together would help to improve the authentication process on the next-gen iPhones. As far as the chipset is concerned, iPhone 14 may come with the A16 Bionic chipset. Apart from that, there are also claims that 2022 models would feature a Type-C USB port. (With inputs from agencies)

iPhone 14 may come with punch hole display: Report

Apple seems to be on cloud nine as the company briefly crossed the $3-trillion milestone in terms of the market cap on Monday. &nbsp;

Although several companies and countries are witnessing a slump, some technology-based firms are ruling the roost. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-a-three-month-trial-jury-finds-ex-theranos-ceo-elizabeth-holmes-guilty-of-fraud-442109" hreflang="en">After a three-month trial, jury finds ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes guilty</a>

After hitting the latest milestone, the market cap dipped again slightly during the day. The Apple stock finally closed at $182.01. &nbsp;

The company had surpassed the $2-trillion mark more than a year ago. It had crossed $1-trillion around three years ago. &nbsp;

To get officially designated as the first publicly-traded company to have $3-trillion valuation, the market cap should have been above the $3-trillion mark at the closure of the market at the end of the day's trade, reported The Verge. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-data-security-lawsuit-morgan-stanley-agrees-to-pay-60-million-441974" hreflang="en">In a data security lawsuit, Morgan Stanley agrees to pay $60 million</a>

The growth seems to have been witnessed due to the success of iPhones and other products despite numerous issues plagued by the coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

During an earnings call with analysts in October, Apple CEO Tim Cook had said, "We have set an all-time record for Mac and quarterly records for iPhone, iPad, Wearables, Home and Accessories representing 30 per cent year-over-year growth in products." &nbsp;

The company had doubled its market share in India in fiscal year ending on September 30, 2021. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Apple seems to be on cloud nine as the company briefly crossed the $3-trillion milestone in terms of the market cap on Monday. Although several companies and countries are witnessing a slump, some technology-based firms are ruling the roost.

Apple seems to be on cloud nine as the company briefly crossed the $3-trillion milestone in terms of the market cap on Monday. Although several companies and countries are witnessing a slump, some technology-based firms are ruling the roost. Also Read: After a three-month trial, jury finds ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes guilty After hitting the latest milestone, the market cap dipped again slightly during the day. The Apple stock finally closed at $182.01. The company had surpassed the $2-trillion mark more than a year ago. It had crossed $1-trillion around three years ago. To get officially designated as the first publicly-traded company to have $3-trillion valuation, the market cap should have been above the $3-trillion mark at the closure of the market at the end of the day's trade, reported The Verge. Also Read: In a data security lawsuit, Morgan Stanley agrees to pay $60 million The growth seems to have been witnessed due to the success of iPhones and other products despite numerous issues plagued by the coronavirus pandemic. During an earnings call with analysts in October, Apple CEO Tim Cook had said, "We have set an all-time record for Mac and quarterly records for iPhone, iPad, Wearables, Home and Accessories representing 30 per cent year-over-year growth in products." The company had doubled its market share in India in fiscal year ending on September 30, 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Before slipping, Apple touches coveted $3 trillion market cap

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has alleged that the tech company abused its position to prohibit third-party app stores to be listed on the App Store, levying a commission of 30% for in-app purchases and not allowing other payment mechanisms.

The CCI order states that Apple prohibits developers from informing the users that they have the ability to purchase the subscription on the web as well.&nbsp;

“Thus, Apple prohibits app developers to include a button/link in their apps which take/steer the user to a third party payment processing solution other than Apple’s IAP (in-app purchase). This prima facie results in denial of market access for the potential app distributors/app store developers in violation of competition norms,” the order read.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-hit-with-eu-antitrust-charge-over-app-store-practices-381696">Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices</a>

The Commission, in its order, has stated that it has taken a prima facie view that Apple has violated provisions of Section 4 of the Competition Act, which deals with the abuse of a dominant position by an enterprise.

It has directed the Director-General to open an investigation into the company, a report for which needs to be submitted within 60 days of the order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

“At this stage, it appears that the lack of competitive constraint in the distribution of mobile apps is likely to affect the terms on which Apple provides access to its App Store to the app developers, including the commission rates and terms that thwart certain app developers from using other in-app payment systems,” the CCI said in its order.

Notably, the tech company is facing similar charges in other countries, including EU and UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws.

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has alleged that the tech company abused its position to prohibit third-party app stores to be listed on the App Store, levying a commission of 30% for in-app purchases and not allowing other payment mechanisms. The CCI order states that Apple prohibits developers from informing the users that they have the ability to purchase the subscription on the web as well. “Thus, Apple prohibits app developers to include a button/link in their apps which take/steer the user to a third party payment processing solution other than Apple’s IAP (in-app purchase). This prima facie results in denial of market access for the potential app distributors/app store developers in violation of competition norms,” the order read. Also read | Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices The Commission, in its order, has stated that it has taken a prima facie view that Apple has violated provisions of Section 4 of the Competition Act, which deals with the abuse of a dominant position by an enterprise. It has directed the Director-General to open an investigation into the company, a report for which needs to be submitted within 60 days of the order. Also read | French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion “At this stage, it appears that the lack of competitive constraint in the distribution of mobile apps is likely to affect the terms on which Apple provides access to its App Store to the app developers, including the commission rates and terms that thwart certain app developers from using other in-app payment systems,” the CCI said in its order. Notably, the tech company is facing similar charges in other countries, including EU and UK. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s anti-trust agency orders probe against Apple for unfair business practices

American tech giant Apple has placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation, over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas.

WION visited one such dormitory where the women staff had been staying. During the visit, it was found that the women were made to stay in crammed spaces and poor conditions.

During the visit, a team of Tamil Nadu Police personnel were seen occupying the rooms who had placed their belongings there. However, the cops refused to divulge the reason for their presence there.

&nbsp;

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Thread: (1/n)What I witnessed at an offsite dormitory where <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Foxconn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Foxconn</a> women workers stayed, near the Sriperumbudur factory 
 
Each dorm room was barely 150sqft and up to 7 women used to stay in the room, without bed/mattress, under a single fan. No attached bath/wash<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ViMpvUKEm">pic.twitter.com/8ViMpvUKEm</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1476599202436157441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The dormitories building was a short walk away from and fairly unnoticeable from the nearby main road. Painted in pale yellow, the three-storeyed appeared fairly clean, but offered a vastly different picture while entering the rooms. With over 50 rooms, the building was once occupied by over 250 women workers.

All of 150sqft and fitted with a lone ceiling fan, each room is learnt to have been used by up to seven women workers. Despite having a window, owing to a fairly high compound wall blocking it, the ground floor rooms had hardly any natural ventilation.

There were no beds or mattresses in any of the rooms. Neither did they have attached bathrooms or toilets. The toilets, bathrooms and the washing area were at the corner of the building.&nbsp;

At the other corner of the building, there was a space that was used as a cooking area. It was just an open space with large vessels that hardly had any kitchen facilities. Here too, the cleanliness and hygiene standards were questionable. Parts of the cooking area were surrounded by the compound walls whereas another side was covered with a tin sheet.

Just a few steps from the cooking area was a closed toilet that looked extremely unclean even from the outside. Nearby, there was a passage that led to the common washrooms. The rear portions of the building seemed to lack a concrete boundary wall&nbsp;instead, there were only tin sheets erected to purportedly serve the same purpose.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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(6/n) 
Some pics from around the place to give an overall feel of why the women were totally distraught by the facilities provided or the lack thereof... 
 
Hope <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/foxconn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#foxconn</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tim_cook</a> ensure accountability and TN Govt supervises the facility and supports the women... <a href="https://t.co/0rHAV5nQPe">pic.twitter.com/0rHAV5nQPe</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1476605277952626703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Foxconn technology group issued a statement saying, “The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority. We have been investigating recent issues at our Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu and have found that some offsite dormitory facilities do not meet the required standards.”

Besides apologising for the plight of their employees, the company also said they were taking immediate steps to enhance the facilities and services at remote dormitory accommodations.

In addition to restructuring the local management team, Foxconn said that it would also continue to pay its employees while making necessary improvements before restarting operations.&nbsp;

According to an Apple spokesperson, the tech giant has dispatched independent auditors to undertake additional detailed assessments following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur unit.

It was also said that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees did not meet their requirements.

“Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed on probation and we will ensure our strict standards are met before the facility reopens. We will continue to monitor conditions closely” the statement added.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, nearly 150 women workers of Foxconn staying at an offsite dormitory had fallen ill and were admitted to hospitals, owing to food poisoning. They alleged that the food provided to them at the dining facility in the dormitory was unhygienic.

Turning up in large numbers, the women workers had blocked the arterial Chennai-Bengaluru highway and protested against their Foxconn management, demanding better facilities.&nbsp;

According to Kannan, deputy general secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Tamil Nadu, the details of the recent instance of food poisoning were not shared with the victims’ parents, which then led to protest.

“Not only iPhone but all brands of phones are also being manufactured at the Foxconn Sunguvarchatram plant. Nearly 10,000 employees are engaged in production activity here, but they all have been hired on a contract basis, despite doing a job that is of perennial nature. This is a major concern for workers to come out and protest,” Kannan told WION.

On behalf of CITU, he emphasised that the Tamil Nadu government, Apple and Foxconn management come forward and resolve the issue immediately.

American tech giant Apple has placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation, over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas.

American tech giant Apple has placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation, over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas. WION visited one such dormitory where the women staff had been staying. During the visit, it was found that the women were made to stay in crammed spaces and poor conditions. During the visit, a team of Tamil Nadu Police personnel were seen occupying the rooms who had placed their belongings there. However, the cops refused to divulge the reason for their presence there. Thread: (1/n)What I witnessed at an offsite dormitory where #Foxconn women workers stayed, near the Sriperumbudur factory Each dorm room was barely 150sqft and up to 7 women used to stay in the room, without bed/mattress, under a single fan. No attached bath/wash#Chennai pic.twitter.com/8ViMpvUKEm — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 30, 2021 × The dormitories building was a short walk away from and fairly unnoticeable from the nearby main road. Painted in pale yellow, the three-storeyed appeared fairly clean, but offered a vastly different picture while entering the rooms. With over 50 rooms, the building was once occupied by over 250 women workers. All of 150sqft and fitted with a lone ceiling fan, each room is learnt to have been used by up to seven women workers. Despite having a window, owing to a fairly high compound wall blocking it, the ground floor rooms had hardly any natural ventilation. There were no beds or mattresses in any of the rooms. Neither did they have attached bathrooms or toilets. The toilets, bathrooms and the washing area were at the corner of the building. At the other corner of the building, there was a space that was used as a cooking area. It was just an open space with large vessels that hardly had any kitchen facilities. Here too, the cleanliness and hygiene standards were questionable. Parts of the cooking area were surrounded by the compound walls whereas another side was covered with a tin sheet. Just a few steps from the cooking area was a closed toilet that looked extremely unclean even from the outside. Nearby, there was a passage that led to the common washrooms. The rear portions of the building seemed to lack a concrete boundary wall instead, there were only tin sheets erected to purportedly serve the same purpose. (6/n) Some pics from around the place to give an overall feel of why the women were totally distraught by the facilities provided or the lack thereof... Hope #foxconn and @Apple @tim_cook ensure accountability and TN Govt supervises the facility and supports the women... pic.twitter.com/0rHAV5nQPe — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 30, 2021 × Foxconn technology group issued a statement saying, “The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority. We have been investigating recent issues at our Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu and have found that some offsite dormitory facilities do not meet the required standards.” Besides apologising for the plight of their employees, the company also said they were taking immediate steps to enhance the facilities and services at remote dormitory accommodations. In addition to restructuring the local management team, Foxconn said that it would also continue to pay its employees while making necessary improvements before restarting operations. According to an Apple spokesperson, the tech giant has dispatched independent auditors to undertake additional detailed assessments following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur unit. It was also said that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees did not meet their requirements. “Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed on probation and we will ensure our strict standards are met before the facility reopens. We will continue to monitor conditions closely” the statement added. Earlier this month, nearly 150 women workers of Foxconn staying at an offsite dormitory had fallen ill and were admitted to hospitals, owing to food poisoning. They alleged that the food provided to them at the dining facility in the dormitory was unhygienic. Turning up in large numbers, the women workers had blocked the arterial Chennai-Bengaluru highway and protested against their Foxconn management, demanding better facilities. According to Kannan, deputy general secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Tamil Nadu, the details of the recent instance of food poisoning were not shared with the victims’ parents, which then led to protest. “Not only iPhone but all brands of phones are also being manufactured at the Foxconn Sunguvarchatram plant. Nearly 10,000 employees are engaged in production activity here, but they all have been hired on a contract basis, despite doing a job that is of perennial nature. This is a major concern for workers to come out and protest,” Kannan told WION. On behalf of CITU, he emphasised that the Tamil Nadu government, Apple and Foxconn management come forward and resolve the issue immediately.

They help make iPhone, but here's where they stayed: Inside Foxconn Chennai offsite dorm room

Tech giant Apple has been forced to place its Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after protests by women workers of the plant.

Apple places Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after row over poor facilities to staff

Apple places Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after protests by women workers of the plant

Apple and its iPhone assembler Foxconn found that some remote dormitories and dining rooms used for employees at a Foxconn plant in southern India do not meet required standards, spokespeople for the two companies said on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, protests erupted after more than 250 women who work at the Foxconn plant that makes iPhones in Sriperumbudur town, near the southern city of Chennai, and live in one of the dormitories had to be treated for food poisoning.

Production at the Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant`s plant was halted on Dec 18, Reuters has reported.

Foxconn said on Wednesday it was restructuring its local management team to ensure it can achieve and maintain the standards needed, and was taking immediate steps to improve facilities. All employees would continue to be paid while it makes necessary improvements to restart operations.

An Apple spokesperson said it had dispatched independent auditors to assess conditions at the dormitories "following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn Sriperumbudur."

"We found that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees do not meet our requirements and we are working with the supplier to ensure a comprehensive set of corrective actions are rapidly implemented."

Foxconn`s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed "on probation" and Apple will ensure its strict standards are met before the facility reopens, the spokesperson for the U.S. company said, adding that it holds suppliers accountable to the highest standards in the industry and regularly conducts assessments to ensure compliance

Apple and its iPhone assembler Foxconn found that some remote dormitories and dining rooms used for employees at a Foxconn plant in southern India do not meet required standards, spokespeople for the two companies said on Wednesday.

Apple and its iPhone assembler Foxconn found that some remote dormitories and dining rooms used for employees at a Foxconn plant in southern India do not meet required standards, spokespeople for the two companies said on Wednesday. Earlier this month, protests erupted after more than 250 women who work at the Foxconn plant that makes iPhones in Sriperumbudur town, near the southern city of Chennai, and live in one of the dormitories had to be treated for food poisoning. Production at the Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant`s plant was halted on Dec 18, Reuters has reported. Foxconn said on Wednesday it was restructuring its local management team to ensure it can achieve and maintain the standards needed, and was taking immediate steps to improve facilities. All employees would continue to be paid while it makes necessary improvements to restart operations. An Apple spokesperson said it had dispatched independent auditors to assess conditions at the dormitories "following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn Sriperumbudur." "We found that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees do not meet our requirements and we are working with the supplier to ensure a comprehensive set of corrective actions are rapidly implemented." Foxconn`s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed "on probation" and Apple will ensure its strict standards are met before the facility reopens, the spokesperson for the U.S. company said, adding that it holds suppliers accountable to the highest standards in the industry and regularly conducts assessments to ensure compliance

Foxconn, Apple say worker dorms for India iPhone plant don't meet required standards

As the Omicron COVID-19 variant rages across the United States Apple has closed its stores to indoor customer traffic at its New York City retail locations.

Apple closes New York City stores amid surge in Omicron COVID-19 variant

American multinational company Apple, founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, is the world's second most valuable company after Microsoft.

But the tech giant is making the same mistakes committed by Finnish telecommunications and information technology company Nokia.

Slowing sales, controversies, and a lack of innovation might push Apple towards a decline.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-apple-bribe-chinese-communists-435267/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

From garage start-up to megalith worth $2 trillion

The company has impacted hundreds of millions of lives since its 1976 founding in a garage.

Apple raced to success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but foundered after the departure of Jobs and Wozniak.

The company was reinvigorated in the late 1990s, and Jobs was brought back into the fold as the chief executive.

With his passion for minimalist design and marketing genius, Jobs changed the course of personal computing during two stints at Apple and then brought a revolution to the mobile market.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/apple-packs-ipad-pros-with-faster-chips-slims-imacs-and-jumps-into-tracking-tags-378985" hreflang="en">Apple packs iPad Pros with faster chips, slims iMacs and jumps into tracking tags</a>

He oversaw the launch of the iPod, and later the world-changing iPhone, that put the internet in people's pockets. It was dubbed the “Jesus phone” for its quasi-religious following.

However, after his death in 2011 due to a rare form of pancreatic cancer, it lost a visionary leader.

Jobs’ death came just one day after Cook presented a new iPhone at the kind of gala event that became Jobs’ trademark.&nbsp;

Perhaps coincidentally, the new device got lukewarm reviews, with many saying it wasn’t a big enough improvement over the existing version of one of the most successful consumer products in history.

Apple still faces challenges in the absence of the man who was its chief product designer, marketing guru and salesman nonpareil.&nbsp;

Phones running Google’s Android software are gaining share in the smartphone market, and there are questions over what the next big thing is in Apple’s product line.

While the company's greatest challenge is to reposition the company’s fabled marketing apparatus to safeguard the brand, experts believe Cook is likely sticking to established battle plans at this critical juncture.&nbsp;

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-metaverse-to-nft-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-about-tech-buzzwords-of-2021-439134" hreflang="en">From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021</a>

Blast from the past

Finnish telecoms network equipment maker Nokia failed to keep pace with changing customer needs and adaptation to market dynamics.

In the popular narrative of Nokia’s eclipse, it is Apple’s iPhone that steals the light, but the company also lost its shine in the basic phone market, which had been a reliable generator of profits and carried the promise of years of strong growth in emerging markets.

The company abandoned its own Symbian smartphone operating system in 2011 in favor of the largely untried Windows Phone alternative after Stephen Elop joined as chief executive from Windows maker Microsoft.&nbsp;

Nokia’s decline was partly down to a lack of entrepreneurial leadership and the failure to face up to bad news, according to the book by Risto Siilasmaa, Nokia’s chairman, who joined the company’s board in 2008.

Microsoft Corp bought Nokia’s phone business and license its patents for 5.44 billion euros ($7.2 billion) in 2013 and sold them for $350 million to Foxconn three years later.

Traded magic for profit?

The fall of Nokia and the rise of Apple as a smartphone giant are deeply intertwined.

Apple, which throughout the global recession near-unfailingly smashed Wall Street forecasts, is beginning to lose its aura of invincibility.

Apple took a $6 billion hit to its sales during the fiscal fourth quarter due to persistent global supply chain problems. The company has missed Wall Street targets twice in under a year.&nbsp;

CEO Tim Cook may now have to worry more about economic and product launch cycles, and the whims of fickle consumers.

The blockbuster smartphone that adds a special gloss to the Apple brand is a highly cyclical product. Buyers emerge in droves every time a new version is launched, lining up at stores overnight, and snarling supply for the device.

Its popularity has heightened speculation around the device every year as over 100 million yearly customers decide when to switch to a new model, whether to buy now or hold out for a better but same-priced phone.

The now-more predictable line-up also means consumers are more attuned to product life cycles and launch timelines, something that Apple goes to great lengths to keep secret.

Apple dodged a bullet in 2021 when a US federal court said Fortnite maker Epic Games failed to show the iPhone giant held an illegal monopoly, but the firm was still ordered to loosen control over its App Store that serves as a sole gateway onto its coveted mobile devices and takes commissions of purchases.

It is unlikely to meet production goals for its new iPhone before the holidays because of a global electronic chip shortage, according to a recent report.&nbsp;

Apple is facing criticism and lawsuits over the tight control of its "ecosystem" from iPhone hardware to the apps allowed on handsets.

It has become reliant on customer upgrades in the face of a saturated market more than a decade ago.&nbsp;

Customers have delayed replacing their phones and are instead fixing their old gadgets amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The company has started a 'Self Service Repair' programme in the United States offering to sell tools and parts to people who want to work on damaged iPhone 12 or 13 model handsets.

It will initially focus on parts more prone to damage, such as screens, batteries, and cameras.

The programme will be rolled out in other countries during the course of next year, and be expanded to include some Mac computers, said the Silicon Valley-based company.

 
&nbsp;

American multinational company Apple, founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, is the world's second most valuable company after Microsoft. But the tech giant is making the same mistakes committed by Finnish telecommunications and information technology company Nokia.

American multinational company Apple, founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, is the world's second most valuable company after Microsoft. But the tech giant is making the same mistakes committed by Finnish telecommunications and information technology company Nokia. Slowing sales, controversies, and a lack of innovation might push Apple towards a decline. From garage start-up to megalith worth $2 trillion The company has impacted hundreds of millions of lives since its 1976 founding in a garage. Apple raced to success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but foundered after the departure of Jobs and Wozniak. The company was reinvigorated in the late 1990s, and Jobs was brought back into the fold as the chief executive. With his passion for minimalist design and marketing genius, Jobs changed the course of personal computing during two stints at Apple and then brought a revolution to the mobile market. Also see | Apple packs iPad Pros with faster chips, slims iMacs and jumps into tracking tags He oversaw the launch of the iPod, and later the world-changing iPhone, that put the internet in people's pockets. It was dubbed the “Jesus phone” for its quasi-religious following. However, after his death in 2011 due to a rare form of pancreatic cancer, it lost a visionary leader. Jobs’ death came just one day after Cook presented a new iPhone at the kind of gala event that became Jobs’ trademark. Perhaps coincidentally, the new device got lukewarm reviews, with many saying it wasn’t a big enough improvement over the existing version of one of the most successful consumer products in history. Apple still faces challenges in the absence of the man who was its chief product designer, marketing guru and salesman nonpareil. Phones running Google’s Android software are gaining share in the smartphone market, and there are questions over what the next big thing is in Apple’s product line. While the company's greatest challenge is to reposition the company’s fabled marketing apparatus to safeguard the brand, experts believe Cook is likely sticking to established battle plans at this critical juncture. Also see | From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021 Blast from the past Finnish telecoms network equipment maker Nokia failed to keep pace with changing customer needs and adaptation to market dynamics. In the popular narrative of Nokia’s eclipse, it is Apple’s iPhone that steals the light, but the company also lost its shine in the basic phone market, which had been a reliable generator of profits and carried the promise of years of strong growth in emerging markets. The company abandoned its own Symbian smartphone operating system in 2011 in favor of the largely untried Windows Phone alternative after Stephen Elop joined as chief executive from Windows maker Microsoft. Nokia’s decline was partly down to a lack of entrepreneurial leadership and the failure to face up to bad news, according to the book by Risto Siilasmaa, Nokia’s chairman, who joined the company’s board in 2008. Microsoft Corp bought Nokia’s phone business and license its patents for 5.44 billion euros ($7.2 billion) in 2013 and sold them for $350 million to Foxconn three years later. Traded magic for profit? The fall of Nokia and the rise of Apple as a smartphone giant are deeply intertwined. Apple, which throughout the global recession near-unfailingly smashed Wall Street forecasts, is beginning to lose its aura of invincibility. Apple took a $6 billion hit to its sales during the fiscal fourth quarter due to persistent global supply chain problems. The company has missed Wall Street targets twice in under a year. CEO Tim Cook may now have to worry more about economic and product launch cycles, and the whims of fickle consumers. The blockbuster smartphone that adds a special gloss to the Apple brand is a highly cyclical product. Buyers emerge in droves every time a new version is launched, lining up at stores overnight, and snarling supply for the device. Its popularity has heightened speculation around the device every year as over 100 million yearly customers decide when to switch to a new model, whether to buy now or hold out for a better but same-priced phone. The now-more predictable line-up also means consumers are more attuned to product life cycles and launch timelines, something that Apple goes to great lengths to keep secret. Apple dodged a bullet in 2021 when a US federal court said Fortnite maker Epic Games failed to show the iPhone giant held an illegal monopoly, but the firm was still ordered to loosen control over its App Store that serves as a sole gateway onto its coveted mobile devices and takes commissions of purchases. It is unlikely to meet production goals for its new iPhone before the holidays because of a global electronic chip shortage, according to a recent report. Apple is facing criticism and lawsuits over the tight control of its "ecosystem" from iPhone hardware to the apps allowed on handsets. It has become reliant on customer upgrades in the face of a saturated market more than a decade ago. Customers have delayed replacing their phones and are instead fixing their old gadgets amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company has started a 'Self Service Repair' programme in the United States offering to sell tools and parts to people who want to work on damaged iPhone 12 or 13 model handsets. It will initially focus on parts more prone to damage, such as screens, batteries, and cameras. The programme will be rolled out in other countries during the course of next year, and be expanded to include some Mac computers, said the Silicon Valley-based company.

Is Apple making the same mistakes made by Nokia?

Growing worries over the rapidly spreading Omicron coronavirus variant are derailing several companies' plans for a return to normalcy. Apple is delaying its return to office plans indefinitely, and it has temporarily closed three stores in the US And Canada.

Apple delays return to office indefinitely

US tech titan Apple has launched an AirTag detector application for Android users.

"We are raising the bar on privacy for our users and the industry, and hope others will follow," an Apple spokesperson said in a statement.

Known as the Tracker Detect app, it has been released on Google's Play Store.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/apple-packs-ipad-pros-with-faster-chips-slims-imacs-and-jumps-into-tracking-tags-378985" hreflang="en">Apple packs iPad Pros with faster chips, slims iMacs and jumps into tracking tags</a>

The Android app will help users scan nearby AirTags or other similar item trackers that might be traveling with them without their knowledge.

According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, “What we’ve been all about is putting the power with the user. We’re not making the decision, we’re just simply prompting them to be asked if they want to be tracked across apps or not.”&nbsp;

AirTags are small devices that can be attached to items such as keys and wallets to locate them when they are lost.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-avert-regulatory-actions-apples-ceo-inked-275-billion-deal-with-chinese-officials-says-report-435010" hreflang="en">To avert regulatory actions, Apple’s CEO inked $275 billion deal with Chinese officials, says report</a>

Apple said the app enables Android users to proactively scan for item trackers that are no longer with their owner.&nbsp;

If such a tracker has been moving with the user for more than 10 minutes, the app will help locate it by playing a sound and provide guidance to disable it.

Analysts believe the&nbsp;$30 AirTags are&nbsp;likely to become a hot-seller that would also keep the company's more than 1 billion customers locked into its products

After a change in the company's privacy policy, Apple requires apps to tell users of its mobile devices what tracking information they want to collect and get permission to do so.

The company has impacted hundreds of millions of lives since its 1976 founding in a garage, with devices like the iPod launched in 2001 and the 2007 release of the iPhone that put the internet in people's pockets. &nbsp;

Since then, Apple has released an internet-connected time piece, the Apple Watch.

Apple has diversified by adding many services carefully integrated into its devices: music, payments, videos, and games. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US tech titan Apple has launched an AirTag detector application for Android users. "We are raising the bar on privacy for our users and the industry, and hope others will follow," an Apple spokesperson said in a statement.

US tech titan Apple has launched an AirTag detector application for Android users. "We are raising the bar on privacy for our users and the industry, and hope others will follow," an Apple spokesperson said in a statement. Known as the Tracker Detect app, it has been released on Google's Play Store. Also see | Apple packs iPad Pros with faster chips, slims iMacs and jumps into tracking tags The Android app will help users scan nearby AirTags or other similar item trackers that might be traveling with them without their knowledge. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, “What we’ve been all about is putting the power with the user. We’re not making the decision, we’re just simply prompting them to be asked if they want to be tracked across apps or not.” AirTags are small devices that can be attached to items such as keys and wallets to locate them when they are lost. Also read | To avert regulatory actions, Apple’s CEO inked $275 billion deal with Chinese officials, says report Apple said the app enables Android users to proactively scan for item trackers that are no longer with their owner. If such a tracker has been moving with the user for more than 10 minutes, the app will help locate it by playing a sound and provide guidance to disable it. Analysts believe the $30 AirTags are likely to become a hot-seller that would also keep the company's more than 1 billion customers locked into its products After a change in the company's privacy policy, Apple requires apps to tell users of its mobile devices what tracking information they want to collect and get permission to do so. The company has impacted hundreds of millions of lives since its 1976 founding in a garage, with devices like the iPod launched in 2001 and the 2007 release of the iPhone that put the internet in people's pockets. Since then, Apple has released an internet-connected time piece, the Apple Watch. Apple has diversified by adding many services carefully integrated into its devices: music, payments, videos, and games. (With inputs from agencies)

'Raising the bar on privacy': Apple launches AirTag detector app for Android

Apple almost touched market value of USD 3 trillion on Monday. Apple has had a stunning run over the past decade that has turned it into world's most valuable company.

The company’s shares fell just over 2% on Monday to close at $175.74, reversing earlier gains that saw them approach the $182.86 price needed to record a $3 trillion market value.

Apple’s stock rose about 11% last week, extending its more than 30% year-to-date gain as investors remain confident that flush consumers will continue to pay top dollar for iPhones, MacBooks and services such as Apple TV and Apple Music.

The iPhone maker's march from $2 trillion to near $3 trillion in market value took 16 months, as it led a group of megacap tech companies such as Google-parent Alphabet Inc and Amazon.com Inc that benefited from people and businesses relying heavily on technology during the pandemic.

By comparison, Apple's move from $1 trillion to $2 trillion took two years.

"It's now one of the more richly valued companies in the market, which shows the dominance of U.S. technology in the world and how confident investors are that it will remain in Apple’s hands," said Brian Frank, a portfolio manager at Frank Capital who sold his long-standing position in Apple in 2019 as the stock's valuation rose. "It seems like the stock has priced in every possible good outcome."

Among new revenue lines that investors expect are a possible Apple Car, alongside growth in service categories such as apps and TV that still remain well below the 65% of the company's revenues generated by sales of iPhones, said Daniel Morgan, senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust Company.

Eclipsing the $3 trillion milestone would add another feather in the cap for Chief Executive Tim Cook, who took over after Steve Jobs resigned in 2011, and oversaw the company's expansion into new products and markets.

"Tim Cook has done an amazing job over the past decade, taking Apple's share price up over 1,400%," OANDA analyst Edward Moya said.

Apple shares have returned 22% per year since the 1990s, while the S&amp;P 500 has returned less than 9% annually in the same period.

(With inputs from agencies)

Apple almost touched market value of USD 3 trillion on Monday. Apple has had a stunning run over the past decade that has turned it into world's most valuable company.

Apple almost touched market value of USD 3 trillion on Monday. Apple has had a stunning run over the past decade that has turned it into world's most valuable company. The company’s shares fell just over 2% on Monday to close at $175.74, reversing earlier gains that saw them approach the $182.86 price needed to record a $3 trillion market value. Apple’s stock rose about 11% last week, extending its more than 30% year-to-date gain as investors remain confident that flush consumers will continue to pay top dollar for iPhones, MacBooks and services such as Apple TV and Apple Music. The iPhone maker's march from $2 trillion to near $3 trillion in market value took 16 months, as it led a group of megacap tech companies such as Google-parent Alphabet Inc and Amazon.com Inc that benefited from people and businesses relying heavily on technology during the pandemic. By comparison, Apple's move from $1 trillion to $2 trillion took two years. "It's now one of the more richly valued companies in the market, which shows the dominance of U.S. technology in the world and how confident investors are that it will remain in Apple’s hands," said Brian Frank, a portfolio manager at Frank Capital who sold his long-standing position in Apple in 2019 as the stock's valuation rose. "It seems like the stock has priced in every possible good outcome." Among new revenue lines that investors expect are a possible Apple Car, alongside growth in service categories such as apps and TV that still remain well below the 65% of the company's revenues generated by sales of iPhones, said Daniel Morgan, senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust Company. Eclipsing the $3 trillion milestone would add another feather in the cap for Chief Executive Tim Cook, who took over after Steve Jobs resigned in 2011, and oversaw the company's expansion into new products and markets. "Tim Cook has done an amazing job over the past decade, taking Apple's share price up over 1,400%," OANDA analyst Edward Moya said. Apple shares have returned 22% per year since the 1990s, while the S&P 500 has returned less than 9% annually in the same period. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple approaches USD 3 trillion market value mark

Apple products, especially iPhones, are known to enjoy fanfare across the globe. People wait in serpentine queues for long hours just to get their hands on the new gadgets, no matter how expensive they are.

Prices of Apple electronics, including iPhones, vary around the world. Import duty, among other taxes, levied by the countries make these products costlier.

But despite the steep price charged by the US-based tech behemoth, the demand for Apple products continue to soar.

Among the countries where Apple products cost more include Turkey.

According to web analytics platform Statcounter, as of November 2021, Apple’s market share in Turkey was around 16.67 per cent. In the previous year of the same month, the market share hovered around 15.58 per cent

Even though Samsung still rules the roost, Apple has been steadily gaining its market share in the transcontinental country.

But on November 24, Apple stopped the online sale of its products, ranging from iPhones to Macs, in Turkey.

Though the Turkish consumers were able to browse through Apple online store, they were unable to add products to their cart and instead were greeted with this message: “Not currently available”.

The reason for this is the monetary policy adopted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which has resulted in the country’s currency, the lira, to crash as much as 45&nbsp;per cent this year.

Volatile currency

Turkey’s currency has been plunging to all-time lows against the US dollar and the euro in recent months.

Lira has lost more than 45 per cent of its value against the dollar this year. In November alone, the Turkish currency lost nearly 30 per cent of its value against the dollar.

In 2019, 1 US dollar was equal to 5.53 Turkish lira. But in November 2021, the lira fell to 13.10 against 1 US dollar.

The sharp devaluation of the Turkish lira and the resultant high inflation forced Apple to halt sales from its Turkish website temporarily.&nbsp;

As the currency had been falling over 40 per cent, the tech company had to adjust the prices of its products in order to extract the value of the original amount.

And on November 26, the US tech giant resumed its sales in Turkey and hiked the prices of its products between 25 per cent to 40 per cent.

The currency’s freefall is triggering a cascade of problems for the nation’s economy even as Erdogan presses ahead with a widely criticized effort to cut interest rates despite surging consumer prices.

The crash in the currency is the result of the country’s central bank cutting borrowing costs by 4 percentage points since September, in line with Erdogan’s wishes, even though inflation accelerated to around 20 per cent.

Erdogan, who has been at the helm of affairs for 19 years, has long argued that high interest rates cause inflation, contrary to general principles of economics.

Mainstream economics holds that lower interest rates lead to higher inflation because when money is cheaper to borrow, it loses its value relative to other currencies, and encourages consumers to spend more and businesses to produce more.

Rising cost of living

With inflation running at more than 21%, according to official figures, the prices of basic goods have soared and many people in the country of more than 83 million are struggling to make ends meet.

But the Turkish president has been pushing for low borrowing costs to stimulate the economy, boost growth and exports, and create jobs.

He has vowed to break the cycle of an economy dependent on short-term “hot money” lured by high interest rates.

A devout Muslim, whose religion regards usury and charging interest as a sin, Erdogan describes interest rates as “the mother and father of all evil.”

Recently, he had fired three central bank governors who resisted lowering rates.

The Turkish leader has blamed the currency crash on foreign forces bent on destroying Turkey’s economy and says his government is waging “an economic war of independence.”

Apple products, especially iPhones, are known to enjoy fanfare across the globe. People wait in serpentine queues for long hours just to get their hands on the new gadgets, no matter how expensive they are.

Apple products, especially iPhones, are known to enjoy fanfare across the globe. People wait in serpentine queues for long hours just to get their hands on the new gadgets, no matter how expensive they are. Prices of Apple electronics, including iPhones, vary around the world. Import duty, among other taxes, levied by the countries make these products costlier. But despite the steep price charged by the US-based tech behemoth, the demand for Apple products continue to soar. Among the countries where Apple products cost more include Turkey. According to web analytics platform Statcounter, as of November 2021, Apple’s market share in Turkey was around 16.67 per cent. In the previous year of the same month, the market share hovered around 15.58 per cent Even though Samsung still rules the roost, Apple has been steadily gaining its market share in the transcontinental country. But on November 24, Apple stopped the online sale of its products, ranging from iPhones to Macs, in Turkey. Though the Turkish consumers were able to browse through Apple online store, they were unable to add products to their cart and instead were greeted with this message: “Not currently available”. The reason for this is the monetary policy adopted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which has resulted in the country’s currency, the lira, to crash as much as 45 per cent this year. Volatile currency Turkey’s currency has been plunging to all-time lows against the US dollar and the euro in recent months. Lira has lost more than 45 per cent of its value against the dollar this year. In November alone, the Turkish currency lost nearly 30 per cent of its value against the dollar. In 2019, 1 US dollar was equal to 5.53 Turkish lira. But in November 2021, the lira fell to 13.10 against 1 US dollar. The sharp devaluation of the Turkish lira and the resultant high inflation forced Apple to halt sales from its Turkish website temporarily. As the currency had been falling over 40 per cent, the tech company had to adjust the prices of its products in order to extract the value of the original amount. And on November 26, the US tech giant resumed its sales in Turkey and hiked the prices of its products between 25 per cent to 40 per cent. The currency’s freefall is triggering a cascade of problems for the nation’s economy even as Erdogan presses ahead with a widely criticized effort to cut interest rates despite surging consumer prices. The crash in the currency is the result of the country’s central bank cutting borrowing costs by 4 percentage points since September, in line with Erdogan’s wishes, even though inflation accelerated to around 20 per cent. Erdogan, who has been at the helm of affairs for 19 years, has long argued that high interest rates cause inflation, contrary to general principles of economics. Mainstream economics holds that lower interest rates lead to higher inflation because when money is cheaper to borrow, it loses its value relative to other currencies, and encourages consumers to spend more and businesses to produce more. Rising cost of living With inflation running at more than 21%, according to official figures, the prices of basic goods have soared and many people in the country of more than 83 million are struggling to make ends meet. But the Turkish president has been pushing for low borrowing costs to stimulate the economy, boost growth and exports, and create jobs. He has vowed to break the cycle of an economy dependent on short-term “hot money” lured by high interest rates. A devout Muslim, whose religion regards usury and charging interest as a sin, Erdogan describes interest rates as “the mother and father of all evil.” Recently, he had fired three central bank governors who resisted lowering rates. The Turkish leader has blamed the currency crash on foreign forces bent on destroying Turkey’s economy and says his government is waging “an economic war of independence.”

Apple briefly stopped selling its products in Turkey, but why?

A new report claims that Apple struck a secret $270 billion deal to escape Chinese regulations. What did Apple offer China? Could more such secret deals emerge? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Did Apple bribe Chinese communists?

Even as US and China have been at loggerheads over various issues for a long time, a report has made headlines claiming that Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook had signed an agreement worth $275 billion with Chinese officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The five-year deal seems to have been made to placate threats, which may have hit its devices and services in the country, a report by The Information said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/server-error-outage-hits-amazon-web-services-users-hard-as-prime-video-duolingo-tinder-face-issues-434995" hreflang="en">Server error? Outage hits Amazon Web Services users hard as Prime Video, Duolingo, Tinder face issues &nbsp;</a>

In 2016, the deal was reached when the CEO visited China to avert regulatory actions against the company, the report said, citing internal documents of Apple and interviews. &nbsp;

To influence officials in China, who thought Apple was not doing enough for local economy, the CEO was forced to lobby and sign deal with an agency of Chinese government. Through this, concessions were made to China and it also got important legal exemptions in return, the report claimed. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-of-his-word-musk-again-fulfils-promise-owns-no-home-in-us-state-now-434970">Man of his word? Musk again fulfils promise, ‘owns no home’ in US state now</a>

This investment of the company would be utilised to come up with new research and development centers, retail stores and renewable energy projects, the report added. &nbsp;

Not just this, the company, as part of the agreement, also promised to utilise more components from Chinese suppliers in its devices, cooperate on technology with Chinese universities, ink deals with Chinese software firms, invest in tech companies of the country, the report also said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as US and China have been at loggerheads over various issues for a long time, a report has made headlines claiming that Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook had signed an agreement worth $275 billion with Chinese officials.

Even as US and China have been at loggerheads over various issues for a long time, a report has made headlines claiming that Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook had signed an agreement worth $275 billion with Chinese officials. The five-year deal seems to have been made to placate threats, which may have hit its devices and services in the country, a report by The Information said on Tuesday. Also Read: Server error? Outage hits Amazon Web Services users hard as Prime Video, Duolingo, Tinder face issues In 2016, the deal was reached when the CEO visited China to avert regulatory actions against the company, the report said, citing internal documents of Apple and interviews. To influence officials in China, who thought Apple was not doing enough for local economy, the CEO was forced to lobby and sign deal with an agency of Chinese government. Through this, concessions were made to China and it also got important legal exemptions in return, the report claimed. Also Read: Man of his word? Musk again fulfils promise, ‘owns no home’ in US state now This investment of the company would be utilised to come up with new research and development centers, retail stores and renewable energy projects, the report added. Not just this, the company, as part of the agreement, also promised to utilise more components from Chinese suppliers in its devices, cooperate on technology with Chinese universities, ink deals with Chinese software firms, invest in tech companies of the country, the report also said. (With inputs from agencies)

To avert regulatory actions, Apple’s CEO inked $275 billion deal with Chinese officials, says report

There are signs of trouble for Apple, as far its flagship iphone 13 and latest phone model, a major threat looms over Apple as it scrambles to keep up with the global chip shortage and supply chain disruptions.

Apple’s iPhone 13 production fell 20%

Apple Inc has told its component suppliers that demand for the iPhone 13 lineup has slowed, people familiar with the matter said, signalling that some consumers have decided against trying to get the hard-to-find item.

Apple: Demand for iPhone 13 weakens

Apple has said that it will alert the users whenever their iPhones and other Apple products are targeted by “state-sponsored” spyware attacks.&nbsp;

When Apple detects that a user has been targeted by state-sponsored hacking, it will send an iMessage and an email to the addresses on file, and a ‘Threat Notification’ will be displayed when the user signs into Apple ID, Apple said.

“State-sponsored attackers are very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time. Detecting such attacks relies on threat intelligence signals that are often imperfect and incomplete,” Apple said in a statement.

“It’s possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected. We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help state-sponsored attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future,” it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pegasus-snooping-row-apple-files-lawsuit-against-israels-nso-431515">Pegasus snooping row: Apple files lawsuit against Israel's NSO</a>

Apple has listed out some best practices for all users to better protect themselves from any malware or cyberattacks:

<ul>
	<li>Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes</li>
	<li>Protect devices with a passcode</li>
	<li>Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID</li>
	<li>Install apps from the App Store</li>
	<li>Use strong and unique passwords online</li>
	<li>Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders</li>
</ul>

The latest move by the Cupertino-based tech behemoth comes after it filed a lawsuit against the Israel-based NSO Group, following revelations that it licensed its Pegasus software to governments and other nation-state clients to snoop on people.

Mounting more trouble for the NSO group, the United States has blacklisted the firm, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm “enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression.”

The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes.

"Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Apple has said that it will alert the users whenever their iPhones and other Apple products are targeted by “state-sponsored” spyware attacks. When Apple detects that a user has been targeted by state-sponsored hacking, it will send an iMessage and an email to the addresses on file, and a ‘Threat Notification’ will be displayed when the user signs into Apple ID, Apple said.

Apple has said that it will alert the users whenever their iPhones and other Apple products are targeted by “state-sponsored” spyware attacks. When Apple detects that a user has been targeted by state-sponsored hacking, it will send an iMessage and an email to the addresses on file, and a ‘Threat Notification’ will be displayed when the user signs into Apple ID, Apple said. “State-sponsored attackers are very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time. Detecting such attacks relies on threat intelligence signals that are often imperfect and incomplete,” Apple said in a statement. “It’s possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected. We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help state-sponsored attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future,” it added. Also read | Pegasus snooping row: Apple files lawsuit against Israel's NSO Apple has listed out some best practices for all users to better protect themselves from any malware or cyberattacks: Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes Protect devices with a passcode Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID Install apps from the App Store Use strong and unique passwords online Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders The latest move by the Cupertino-based tech behemoth comes after it filed a lawsuit against the Israel-based NSO Group, following revelations that it licensed its Pegasus software to governments and other nation-state clients to snoop on people. Mounting more trouble for the NSO group, the United States has blacklisted the firm, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm “enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression.” The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes. "Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Pegasus snooping effect: Apple to alert users whenever iPhones get hacked by spyware

Apple&nbsp;Inc issued alert messages on Wednesday to at least six activists and researchers who have been critical of Thailand's government, warning it believed their iPhones had been targeted by "state-sponsored attackers", according to activists and the alerts reviewed by Reuters.

Apple&nbsp;and Thailand's Digital Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prajak Kongkirati, a political scientist at Bangkok's Thammasat University, said he had received two emails from&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;warning it believed his iPhone and iCloud accounts had been targeted, along with a "threat notification" on his&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;account.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-regulators-tell-tencent-to-get-approval-before-launching-apps-updates-431972">Chinese regulators tell Tencent to get approval before launching apps, updates</a>

Researcher Sarinee Achananuntakul and Thai activist Yingcheep Atchanont of Legal Monitoring group iLaw said they had received similar emails, while a rapper, a political activist, and a politician opposed to the government separately posted screenshots of the same email on their social media accounts.

All are perceived as being critical of the Thai government.

The messages warned "if your device is compromised by a state-sponsored attacker, they may be able to remotely access your sensitive data, communications, or even the camera and microphone."

Two political activists in Ghana, an opposition politician in Uganda, as well as a dozen journalists from Salvadoran media reported later on Wednesday having received similar warning messages from&nbsp;Apple, according to social media posts reviewed by Reuters.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-time-since-covid-lockdowns-chinas-carbon-emissions-fall-report-431932">First time since Covid lockdowns, China's carbon emissions fall: Report</a>

Apple&nbsp;on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Israeli cyber firm NSO Group and its parent company OSY Technologies for alleged surveillance and targeting of US&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;users with its Pegasus spyware.&nbsp;

In a statement on Tuesday,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;said that the NSO group had created "state-sponsored surveillance technology" that had been aimed at "very small number of users".

It was not immediately clear in&nbsp;Apple's alerts on Wednesday whether the company believed Thais were being targeted by Pegasus.

Internet security watchdog group Citizen Lab identified in 2018 a Pegasus spyware operator active within Thailand.

Thailand's government is still led by the architects of a 2014 coup, who remain in power after a 2019 election that its rivals say was stacked in the military's favour.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the coup leader, has denied allegations the military changed rules to ensure it remained in control. He has faced months of anti-government protests.

As well as calls for greater democracy, the government has also been criticised over its management of the coronavirus pandemic and the economy.

Apple Inc issued alert messages on Wednesday to at least six activists and researchers who have been critical of Thailand's government, warning it believed their iPhones had been targeted by "state-sponsored attackers", according to activists and the alerts reviewed by Reuters.

Apple Inc issued alert messages on Wednesday to at least six activists and researchers who have been critical of Thailand's government, warning it believed their iPhones had been targeted by "state-sponsored attackers", according to activists and the alerts reviewed by Reuters. Apple and Thailand's Digital Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prajak Kongkirati, a political scientist at Bangkok's Thammasat University, said he had received two emails from Apple warning it believed his iPhone and iCloud accounts had been targeted, along with a "threat notification" on his Apple account. ALSO READ | Chinese regulators tell Tencent to get approval before launching apps, updates Researcher Sarinee Achananuntakul and Thai activist Yingcheep Atchanont of Legal Monitoring group iLaw said they had received similar emails, while a rapper, a political activist, and a politician opposed to the government separately posted screenshots of the same email on their social media accounts. All are perceived as being critical of the Thai government. The messages warned "if your device is compromised by a state-sponsored attacker, they may be able to remotely access your sensitive data, communications, or even the camera and microphone." Two political activists in Ghana, an opposition politician in Uganda, as well as a dozen journalists from Salvadoran media reported later on Wednesday having received similar warning messages from Apple, according to social media posts reviewed by Reuters. ALSO READ | First time since Covid lockdowns, China's carbon emissions fall: Report Apple on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Israeli cyber firm NSO Group and its parent company OSY Technologies for alleged surveillance and targeting of US Apple users with its Pegasus spyware. In a statement on Tuesday, Apple said that the NSO group had created "state-sponsored surveillance technology" that had been aimed at "very small number of users". It was not immediately clear in Apple's alerts on Wednesday whether the company believed Thais were being targeted by Pegasus. Internet security watchdog group Citizen Lab identified in 2018 a Pegasus spyware operator active within Thailand. Thailand's government is still led by the architects of a 2014 coup, who remain in power after a 2019 election that its rivals say was stacked in the military's favour. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the coup leader, has denied allegations the military changed rules to ensure it remained in control. He has faced months of anti-government protests. As well as calls for greater democracy, the government has also been criticised over its management of the coronavirus pandemic and the economy.

Apple warns Thai activists 'state-sponsored attackers' may have targeted iPhones

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill to expand protections for people who speak up about discrimination in the workplace.

A new website arrived to offer tech workers advice on how to come forward about mistreatment by their employers.

And Apple responded to a shareholder proposal that asked it to assess how it used confidentiality agreements in employee harassment and discrimination cases.

The disparate developments had one thing — or, rather, a person — in common: Ifeoma Ozoma.

Since last year, Ozoma, 29, a former employee of Pinterest, Facebook and Google, has emerged as a central figure among tech whistleblowers. A Yale-educated daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she has supported and mentored tech workers who needed help speaking out, pushed for more legal protections for those employees and urged tech companies and their shareholders to change their whistleblower policies.

She helped inspire and pass the new California law, the Silenced No More Act, which prohibits companies from using nondisclosure agreements to squelch workers who speak up against discrimination in any form. Ozoma also released a website, The Tech Worker Handbook, which provides information on whether and how workers should blow the whistle.

“It’s really sad to me that we still have such a lack of accountability within the tech industry that individuals have to do it” by speaking up, Ozoma said in an interview.

Her efforts — which have alienated at least one ally along the way — are increasingly in the spotlight as restive tech employees take more action against their employers. Last month, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, revealed that she had leaked thousands of internal documents about the social network’s harms. (Facebook has since renamed itself Meta.) Apple also recently faced employee unrest, with many workers voicing concerns about verbal abuse, sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination.

Ozoma is now focused on directly pushing tech companies to stop using nondisclosure agreements to prevent employees from speaking out about workplace discrimination. She has also met with activists and organizations that want to pass legislation similar to the Silenced No More Act elsewhere. And she is constantly in touch with other activist tech workers, including those who have organized against Google and Apple.

Much of Ozoma’s work stems from experience. In June 2020, she and a colleague, Aerica Shimizu Banks, publicly accused their former employer, the virtual pinboard maker Pinterest, of racism and sexism. Pinterest initially denied the allegations but later apologized for its workplace culture. Its workers staged a walkout, and a former executive sued the company over gender discrimination.

“It’s remarkable how Ifeoma has taken some very painful experiences, developed solutions for them and then built a movement around making those solutions a reality,” said John Tye, the founder of Whistleblower Aid, a nonprofit that provides legal support to whistleblowers.

He and Ozoma recently appeared on a webinar to educate people on whistleblower rights.

Meredith Whittaker, a former Google employee who helped organize a 2018 walkout over the company’s sexual harassment policy, added of Ozoma: “She has stuck around and worked to help others blow the whistle more safely.”

Ozoma, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and Raleigh, North Carolina, became an activist after a five-year career in the tech industry. A political science major, she moved to Washington, D.C., in 2015 to join Google in government relations. She then worked at Facebook in Silicon Valley on international policy.

In 2018, Pinterest recruited Ozoma to its public policy team. There, she helped bring Banks on board. They spearheaded policy decisions including ending the promotion of anti-vaccination information and content related to plantation weddings on Pinterest, Ozoma said.

Yet Ozoma and Banks said they faced unequal pay, racist comments and retaliation for raising complaints at Pinterest. They left the company in May 2020. A month later, during the Black Lives Matter protests, Pinterest posted a statement supporting its Black employees.

Ozoma and Banks said Pinterest’s hypocrisy had pushed them to speak out. On Twitter, they disclosed their experiences as Black women at the company, with Ozoma declaring that Pinterest’s statement was “a joke.”

In a statement, Pinterest said it had taken steps to increase diversity.

By speaking out, Ozoma and Banks took a risk. That’s because they broke the nondisclosure agreements they had signed with Pinterest when they left the company. California law, which offered only partial protection, didn’t cover people speaking out about racial discrimination.

Peter Rukin, their lawyer, said he had an idea: What if state law was expanded to ban nondisclosure agreements from preventing people speaking out on any workplace discrimination? Ozoma and Banks soon began working with a California state senator, Connie Leyva, a Democrat, on a bill to do just that. It was introduced in February.

“I’m just so proud of these women for coming forward,” Levya said.

Along the way, Ozoma and Banks fell out. Banks said she no longer spoke with Ozoma because Ozoma had recruited her to Pinterest without disclosing the discrimination there and then excluded her from working on the Silenced No More Act.

“Ifeoma then cut me out of the initiative through gaslighting and bullying,” Banks said.

Ozoma said she had not cut Banks out of the organizing. She added that Banks had “felt left out” because news coverage focused on Ozoma’s role.

Since leaving Pinterest, Ozoma has moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lives with a flock of chickens she calls the Golden Girls. She also runs a tech equity consulting firm, Earthseed.

Through Earthseed, Ozoma is continuing her work around whistleblowing. She is collaborating with the nonprofit Open MIC and the consulting firm Whistle Stop Capital to stop tech companies from using nondisclosure agreements to keep workers anywhere from coming forward on discrimination.

In September, Ozoma, Whistle Stop Capital and Open MIC, along with the social impact investor Nia Impact Capital, filed a shareholder proposal at Apple. The proposal asked the company to assess the risks associated with the use of concealment clauses for employees who have experienced harassment and discrimination.

Last month, Apple said in a letter that it wouldn’t take action on the proposal, arguing that the company “does not limit employees’ and contractors’ ability to speak freely about harassment, discrimination and other unlawful acts in the workplace.” It declined to comment beyond the letter.

Ozoma also supports and counsels other tech activists. The Tech Worker Handbook website, in part, was designed to help with that. The website has information on how to navigate nondisclosure agreements and how to protect against corporate surveillance or physical threats. Across the top of the site is a slogan: “Preparedness Is Power.” Since it went online Oct. 6, the site has had over 53,000 visitors, Ozoma said.

“I send it to people who are thinking about coming forward,” said Ashley Gjovik, a former activist employee at Apple who has relied on Ozoma for support. When people think about whistleblowing, she added, “their mind won’t go to the places of the personal, digital, security stuff, all of the legal ramifications, how do you even get that story out, the impact on friends and family, the impact on your mental health.”

Last month, Ozoma also got a call from Cher Scarlett, another activist Apple employee who left the company this month. (Scarlett declined to provide her real name for security reasons; she is legally changing her name to Cher Scarlett.) She asked Ozoma how to pass legislation like the Silenced No More Act in her home state, Washington.

Ozoma described the steps she had taken, including working closely with a lawmaker who could write a bill, Scarlett said.

Along with another tech activist, Scarlett then contacted Karen Keiser, a Washington state senator and a Democrat. Keiser now plans to sponsor a bill to expand whistleblower protections when the legislative session starts in January, her office said.

“This is why the network of whistleblowers and women like Ifeoma are so important,” Scarlett said.

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill to expand protections for people who speak up about discrimination in the workplace. A new website arrived to offer tech workers advice on how to come forward about mistreatment by their employers.

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill to expand protections for people who speak up about discrimination in the workplace. A new website arrived to offer tech workers advice on how to come forward about mistreatment by their employers. And Apple responded to a shareholder proposal that asked it to assess how it used confidentiality agreements in employee harassment and discrimination cases. The disparate developments had one thing — or, rather, a person — in common: Ifeoma Ozoma. Since last year, Ozoma, 29, a former employee of Pinterest, Facebook and Google, has emerged as a central figure among tech whistleblowers. A Yale-educated daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she has supported and mentored tech workers who needed help speaking out, pushed for more legal protections for those employees and urged tech companies and their shareholders to change their whistleblower policies. She helped inspire and pass the new California law, the Silenced No More Act, which prohibits companies from using nondisclosure agreements to squelch workers who speak up against discrimination in any form. Ozoma also released a website, The Tech Worker Handbook, which provides information on whether and how workers should blow the whistle. “It’s really sad to me that we still have such a lack of accountability within the tech industry that individuals have to do it” by speaking up, Ozoma said in an interview. Her efforts — which have alienated at least one ally along the way — are increasingly in the spotlight as restive tech employees take more action against their employers. Last month, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, revealed that she had leaked thousands of internal documents about the social network’s harms. (Facebook has since renamed itself Meta.) Apple also recently faced employee unrest, with many workers voicing concerns about verbal abuse, sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination. Ozoma is now focused on directly pushing tech companies to stop using nondisclosure agreements to prevent employees from speaking out about workplace discrimination. She has also met with activists and organizations that want to pass legislation similar to the Silenced No More Act elsewhere. And she is constantly in touch with other activist tech workers, including those who have organized against Google and Apple. Much of Ozoma’s work stems from experience. In June 2020, she and a colleague, Aerica Shimizu Banks, publicly accused their former employer, the virtual pinboard maker Pinterest, of racism and sexism. Pinterest initially denied the allegations but later apologized for its workplace culture. Its workers staged a walkout, and a former executive sued the company over gender discrimination. “It’s remarkable how Ifeoma has taken some very painful experiences, developed solutions for them and then built a movement around making those solutions a reality,” said John Tye, the founder of Whistleblower Aid, a nonprofit that provides legal support to whistleblowers. He and Ozoma recently appeared on a webinar to educate people on whistleblower rights. Meredith Whittaker, a former Google employee who helped organize a 2018 walkout over the company’s sexual harassment policy, added of Ozoma: “She has stuck around and worked to help others blow the whistle more safely.” Ozoma, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and Raleigh, North Carolina, became an activist after a five-year career in the tech industry. A political science major, she moved to Washington, D.C., in 2015 to join Google in government relations. She then worked at Facebook in Silicon Valley on international policy. In 2018, Pinterest recruited Ozoma to its public policy team. There, she helped bring Banks on board. They spearheaded policy decisions including ending the promotion of anti-vaccination information and content related to plantation weddings on Pinterest, Ozoma said. Yet Ozoma and Banks said they faced unequal pay, racist comments and retaliation for raising complaints at Pinterest. They left the company in May 2020. A month later, during the Black Lives Matter protests, Pinterest posted a statement supporting its Black employees. Ozoma and Banks said Pinterest’s hypocrisy had pushed them to speak out. On Twitter, they disclosed their experiences as Black women at the company, with Ozoma declaring that Pinterest’s statement was “a joke.” In a statement, Pinterest said it had taken steps to increase diversity. By speaking out, Ozoma and Banks took a risk. That’s because they broke the nondisclosure agreements they had signed with Pinterest when they left the company. California law, which offered only partial protection, didn’t cover people speaking out about racial discrimination. Peter Rukin, their lawyer, said he had an idea: What if state law was expanded to ban nondisclosure agreements from preventing people speaking out on any workplace discrimination? Ozoma and Banks soon began working with a California state senator, Connie Leyva, a Democrat, on a bill to do just that. It was introduced in February. “I’m just so proud of these women for coming forward,” Levya said. Along the way, Ozoma and Banks fell out. Banks said she no longer spoke with Ozoma because Ozoma had recruited her to Pinterest without disclosing the discrimination there and then excluded her from working on the Silenced No More Act. “Ifeoma then cut me out of the initiative through gaslighting and bullying,” Banks said. Ozoma said she had not cut Banks out of the organizing. She added that Banks had “felt left out” because news coverage focused on Ozoma’s role. Since leaving Pinterest, Ozoma has moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lives with a flock of chickens she calls the Golden Girls. She also runs a tech equity consulting firm, Earthseed. Through Earthseed, Ozoma is continuing her work around whistleblowing. She is collaborating with the nonprofit Open MIC and the consulting firm Whistle Stop Capital to stop tech companies from using nondisclosure agreements to keep workers anywhere from coming forward on discrimination. In September, Ozoma, Whistle Stop Capital and Open MIC, along with the social impact investor Nia Impact Capital, filed a shareholder proposal at Apple. The proposal asked the company to assess the risks associated with the use of concealment clauses for employees who have experienced harassment and discrimination. Last month, Apple said in a letter that it wouldn’t take action on the proposal, arguing that the company “does not limit employees’ and contractors’ ability to speak freely about harassment, discrimination and other unlawful acts in the workplace.” It declined to comment beyond the letter. Ozoma also supports and counsels other tech activists. The Tech Worker Handbook website, in part, was designed to help with that. The website has information on how to navigate nondisclosure agreements and how to protect against corporate surveillance or physical threats. Across the top of the site is a slogan: “Preparedness Is Power.” Since it went online Oct. 6, the site has had over 53,000 visitors, Ozoma said. “I send it to people who are thinking about coming forward,” said Ashley Gjovik, a former activist employee at Apple who has relied on Ozoma for support. When people think about whistleblowing, she added, “their mind won’t go to the places of the personal, digital, security stuff, all of the legal ramifications, how do you even get that story out, the impact on friends and family, the impact on your mental health.” Last month, Ozoma also got a call from Cher Scarlett, another activist Apple employee who left the company this month. (Scarlett declined to provide her real name for security reasons; she is legally changing her name to Cher Scarlett.) She asked Ozoma how to pass legislation like the Silenced No More Act in her home state, Washington. Ozoma described the steps she had taken, including working closely with a lawmaker who could write a bill, Scarlett said. Along with another tech activist, Scarlett then contacted Karen Keiser, a Washington state senator and a Democrat. Keiser now plans to sponsor a bill to expand whistleblower protections when the legislative session starts in January, her office said. “This is why the network of whistleblowers and women like Ifeoma are so important,” Scarlett said.

A tech whistleblower helps others speak out

The US tech giants Amazon and Apple have been penalized in Italy for alleged anti-competitive cooperation and price-fixing in the sale of some of their products.

Amazon, Apple handed $225 million in Italian antitrust fines

Apple has sued Israel's NSO group for hacking iPhones. The company is already facing a lawsuit from WhatsApp. Can legal scrutiny end unauthorized surveillance? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: NSO cracked the phones of world leaders. Apple is suing them

In light of the Pegasus spying scandal, Apple on Tuesday has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent NSO Group from targeting the over one billion iPhones in circulation.

Silicon Valley giant's suit adds to the trouble that is plaguing NSO, an Israeli spyware maker embroiled in controversy over reports that tens of thousands of activists, journalists and politicians may be targeted by its Pegasus spyware.

Just weeks ago, the United States blacklisted NSO, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm "enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pegasus-snooping-us-blacklists-spyware-maker-nso-group-for-maliciously-targetting-journalists-426591">Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists</a>

"To prevent further abuse and harm to its users, Apple is also seeking a permanent injunction to ban NSO Group from using any Apple software, services, or devices," Apple said in a statement announcing the lawsuit filed in US federal court in California.

"Defendants are notorious hackers — amoral 21st century mercenaries who have created highly sophisticated cyber-surveillance machinery that invites routine and flagrant abuse," the iPhone maker wrote in its case.

The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes.

"Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: WION's take on the 'Pegasus Project'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wions-take-on-the-pegasus-project-399118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Through Pegasus, infected smartphones become pocket spying devices that allow users to read target's read messages, view photos, track location, and even turn on the camera without the target's knowledge.

Apple is not the first big tech firm to sue -- Facebook sued NSO Group in 2019, accusing it of carrying out cyber espionage against journalists, human rights activists, and others through WhatsApp.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in California alleges that approximately 1,400 devices were compromised with malicious software to steal valuable information.

"This can't be good news for NSO, which is reportedly in danger of default with over $500 million in debt, a recent leadership shakeup with their CEO, and France pulling out of a planned purchase after the US sanctions," said Jake Williams from cybersecurity firm BreachQuest.

The initial concern about Pegasus was followed by another wave of concerns when Apple released a "fix" in September for a vulnerability that allowed NSO's spyware to infect devices without the user even clicking on a malicious message or link.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-issues-emergency-security-updates-to-close-a-spyware-flaw-413956">Apple issues emergency security updates to close a spyware flaw</a>

Scientists at Citizen Lab, a Canadian cybersecurity watchdog organization, discovered the so-called "zero click" attack that silently corrupts the targeted device.

On Tuesday, Apple said it is notifying a "small number" of users who may have been attacked in that way.

"Mercenary spyware firms like NSO Group have facilitated some of the world's worst human rights abuses and acts of transnational repression, while enriching themselves and their investors," said Citizen Lab director Ron Deibert.

(With inputs from agencies)

In light of the Pegasus spying scandal, Apple on Tuesday has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent NSO Group from targeting the over one billion iPhones in circulation.

In light of the Pegasus spying scandal, Apple on Tuesday has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent NSO Group from targeting the over one billion iPhones in circulation. Silicon Valley giant's suit adds to the trouble that is plaguing NSO, an Israeli spyware maker embroiled in controversy over reports that tens of thousands of activists, journalists and politicians may be targeted by its Pegasus spyware. Just weeks ago, the United States blacklisted NSO, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm "enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression." Also read | Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists "To prevent further abuse and harm to its users, Apple is also seeking a permanent injunction to ban NSO Group from using any Apple software, services, or devices," Apple said in a statement announcing the lawsuit filed in US federal court in California. "Defendants are notorious hackers — amoral 21st century mercenaries who have created highly sophisticated cyber-surveillance machinery that invites routine and flagrant abuse," the iPhone maker wrote in its case. The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes. "Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement. Watch | Gravitas: WION's take on the 'Pegasus Project' Through Pegasus, infected smartphones become pocket spying devices that allow users to read target's read messages, view photos, track location, and even turn on the camera without the target's knowledge. Apple is not the first big tech firm to sue -- Facebook sued NSO Group in 2019, accusing it of carrying out cyber espionage against journalists, human rights activists, and others through WhatsApp. The lawsuit filed in federal court in California alleges that approximately 1,400 devices were compromised with malicious software to steal valuable information. "This can't be good news for NSO, which is reportedly in danger of default with over $500 million in debt, a recent leadership shakeup with their CEO, and France pulling out of a planned purchase after the US sanctions," said Jake Williams from cybersecurity firm BreachQuest. The initial concern about Pegasus was followed by another wave of concerns when Apple released a "fix" in September for a vulnerability that allowed NSO's spyware to infect devices without the user even clicking on a malicious message or link. Also read | Apple issues emergency security updates to close a spyware flaw Scientists at Citizen Lab, a Canadian cybersecurity watchdog organization, discovered the so-called "zero click" attack that silently corrupts the targeted device. On Tuesday, Apple said it is notifying a "small number" of users who may have been attacked in that way. "Mercenary spyware firms like NSO Group have facilitated some of the world's worst human rights abuses and acts of transnational repression, while enriching themselves and their investors," said Citizen Lab director Ron Deibert. (With inputs from agencies)

Pegasus snooping row: Apple files lawsuit against Israel's NSO

Apple sues Israeli spyware firm NSO, seeks a permanent injunction to ban NSO

Apple&nbsp;delivered a message to employees on Friday that was striking given its reputation for secrecy: a reminder that&nbsp;workers&nbsp;may&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;wages, hours and&nbsp;working&nbsp;conditions.

The notice came as some employees&nbsp;have&nbsp;been pushing&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;to do more to ensure there are no unfair gaps in pay across the company.

In a post on an internal site,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;said its policies do not preclude employees from "speaking freely" about&nbsp;working&nbsp;conditions, according to a copy of the message viewed by Reuters.

"We encourage any employee with concerns to raise them in the way they feel most comfortable, internally or externally," the post states.

A spokesperson for&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;declined to comment.

Apple's business conduct policy already included language stating that&nbsp;workers&nbsp;were not restricted in their ability to&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;wages, hours and&nbsp;working&nbsp;conditions, which is generally protected under US law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-perseverance-rovers-breathtaking-recording-of-ingenuity-flight-on-mars-430781">Also read |&nbsp;NASA shares Perseverance rover's breathtaking recording of Ingenuity flight on Mars</a>

But employees who&nbsp;have&nbsp;spoken out in recent months&nbsp;have&nbsp;faced resistance, said former&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;program manager Janneke Parrish.

Parrish, who was fired after playing a leading role in employee activism, said she is hopeful that&nbsp;Apple's message will ease the path for others.

"The first step is making sure people are aware of their&nbsp;rights," she said.

Apple&nbsp;has previously said it does not&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;specific employee matters and is "deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace."

The move comes amid a broader push by Silicon Valley&nbsp;workers&nbsp;to speak out about their&nbsp;working&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;and the impact of technology on society.

Earlier this week, another prominent activist,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;software engineer Cher Scarlett, wrote on Twitter that she is leaving the company.

Scarlett filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;halted&nbsp;discussions of pay among employees. Her lawyer, Aleksandr Felstiner, said the matter had been settled and the charge would be withdrawn. Scarlett said she could not comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-india-is-converting-the-kiran-mk-ii-into-an-unmanned-combat-aircraft-430699">Also read |&nbsp;How India is converting the Kiran MK-II into an unmanned combat aircraft</a>

Scarlett and Parrish worked together on "#AppleToo," a group through which current and former employees&nbsp;have&nbsp;been sharing stories of what they call harassment and discrimination.

Apple&nbsp;is known for its secretive culture, intended to keep details of new products under wraps. Employees sometimes are unaware of their&nbsp;right&nbsp;to speak about topics such as pay and&nbsp;working&nbsp;conditions, Parrish said.

Ashley Gjovik, a senior engineering program manager who was fired by&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;in September after raising concerns about harassment and workplace safety, has filed NLRB charges in which she alleges that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;policies violate the National Labor Relations Act.

Apple delivered a message to employees on Friday that was striking given its reputation for secrecy: a reminder that workers may discuss wages, hours and working conditions.

Apple delivered a message to employees on Friday that was striking given its reputation for secrecy: a reminder that workers may discuss wages, hours and working conditions. The notice came as some employees have been pushing Apple to do more to ensure there are no unfair gaps in pay across the company. In a post on an internal site, Apple said its policies do not preclude employees from "speaking freely" about working conditions, according to a copy of the message viewed by Reuters. "We encourage any employee with concerns to raise them in the way they feel most comfortable, internally or externally," the post states. A spokesperson for Apple declined to comment. Apple's business conduct policy already included language stating that workers were not restricted in their ability to discuss wages, hours and working conditions, which is generally protected under US law. Also read | NASA shares Perseverance rover's breathtaking recording of Ingenuity flight on Mars But employees who have spoken out in recent months have faced resistance, said former Apple program manager Janneke Parrish. Parrish, who was fired after playing a leading role in employee activism, said she is hopeful that Apple's message will ease the path for others. "The first step is making sure people are aware of their rights," she said. Apple has previously said it does not discuss specific employee matters and is "deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace." The move comes amid a broader push by Silicon Valley workers to speak out about their working conditions and the impact of technology on society. Earlier this week, another prominent activist, Apple software engineer Cher Scarlett, wrote on Twitter that she is leaving the company. Scarlett filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that Apple halted discussions of pay among employees. Her lawyer, Aleksandr Felstiner, said the matter had been settled and the charge would be withdrawn. Scarlett said she could not comment. Also read | How India is converting the Kiran MK-II into an unmanned combat aircraft Scarlett and Parrish worked together on "#AppleToo," a group through which current and former employees have been sharing stories of what they call harassment and discrimination. Apple is known for its secretive culture, intended to keep details of new products under wraps. Employees sometimes are unaware of their right to speak about topics such as pay and working conditions, Parrish said. Ashley Gjovik, a senior engineering program manager who was fired by Apple in September after raising concerns about harassment and workplace safety, has filed NLRB charges in which she alleges that Apple policies violate the National Labor Relations Act.

Apple workers have right to discuss wages and working conditions

Gravitas Plus | Are you being forced to buy new products because fixing the old ones is costly? Why do we prefer to replace rather than reuse? Are you being denied the Right To Repair? Apple & Microsoft have yielded. Should India join the movement? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has this to say.

Garvitas Plus: The Right to Repair movement

Apple Inc has allowed some of its users to self-repair their iPhones and Mac computers, finally ditching its controversial move which allowed only its approved technicians from handling its devices and software.

“Available first for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, and soon to be followed by Mac computers featuring M1 chips, Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorised Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who have access to these parts, tools, and manuals,” the company said in a statement.

The change of heart from the tech company comes after pressure from the Biden administration and the activists from the ‘right to repair’ movement, who have been advocating for the right of consumers to be able to repair their own electronics and other products.

The decision would likely deal a major blow to other large tech companies, Microsoft, Amazon and Tesla, who have been lobbying against the right to repair.

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Their argument is that opening up their intellectual property to third party repair services could lead to exploitation and impact the safety and security of their devices.

Apple said that the initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera.

“The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year,” it said in a statement.

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Apple said it will launch an online store for self-service repairs early next year which will have more than 200 individual parts and tools for making the most common repairs on the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13.

Earlier in July, US President Joe Biden had signed an executive order calling on the Federal Trade Commission to curb restrictions imposed by manufacturers that limit consumers’ ability to repair their gadgets on their own terms.

The UK, too, had introduced right-to-repair rules, making it much easier for consumers to buy and repair daily-use gadgets such as TVs and washing machines.

(With inputs from agencies)

Apple Inc has allowed some of its users to self-repair their iPhones and Mac computers, finally ditching its controversial move which allowed only its approved technicians from handling its devices and software.

Apple Inc has allowed some of its users to self-repair their iPhones and Mac computers, finally ditching its controversial move which allowed only its approved technicians from handling its devices and software. “Available first for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, and soon to be followed by Mac computers featuring M1 chips, Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorised Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who have access to these parts, tools, and manuals,” the company said in a statement. The change of heart from the tech company comes after pressure from the Biden administration and the activists from the ‘right to repair’ movement, who have been advocating for the right of consumers to be able to repair their own electronics and other products. The decision would likely deal a major blow to other large tech companies, Microsoft, Amazon and Tesla, who have been lobbying against the right to repair. Also read | Apple issues emergency security updates to close a spyware flaw Their argument is that opening up their intellectual property to third party repair services could lead to exploitation and impact the safety and security of their devices. Apple said that the initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. “The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year,” it said in a statement. Also read | Apple, Google and a deal that controls the internet Apple said it will launch an online store for self-service repairs early next year which will have more than 200 individual parts and tools for making the most common repairs on the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13. Earlier in July, US President Joe Biden had signed an executive order calling on the Federal Trade Commission to curb restrictions imposed by manufacturers that limit consumers’ ability to repair their gadgets on their own terms. The UK, too, had introduced right-to-repair rules, making it much easier for consumers to buy and repair daily-use gadgets such as TVs and washing machines. (With inputs from agencies)

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