Google on Thursday said it has temporarily blocked access to those apps that were still available on the Play Store in India even after the government banned on 59 apps this week.

"While we continue to review the interim orders from the Government of India, we have notified the affected developers and have temporarily blocked access to the apps that remained available on the Play Store in India," a Google spokesperson said.

On Tuesday, the Indian government directed all internet service providers to block the banned apps under the emergency clause of the IT Act. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havent-adopted-discriminatory-measures-against-indian-products-says-china-on-apps-banned-by-india-310146">Also Read:&nbsp;Haven't adopted discriminatory measures against Indian products, says China</a>

The Indian government had on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps amid the India-China standoff at Galwan Valley.

Other than TikTok, the apps which were banned included UC Browser, SHAREit, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser and many more. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-quits-chinese-social-network-weibo-all-posts-profile-picture-removed-309928">Also Read: PM Modi quits Chinese social network Weibo</a>

Meanwhile, China's commerce ministry said that China has not "adopted any restrictive and discriminatory measures against Indian products and services". The Commerce ministry said it hoped India corrects its "discriminatory actions against Chinese companies immediately."&nbsp;

In a similar move, China's foreign ministry had earlier said it was "strongly concerned" over India's ban on Chinese apps. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Google on Thursday said it has temporarily blocked access to those apps that were still available on the Play Store in India even after the government banned on 59 apps this week.

Google on Thursday said it has temporarily blocked access to those apps that were still available on the Play Store in India even after the government banned on 59 apps this week. "While we continue to review the interim orders from the Government of India, we have notified the affected developers and have temporarily blocked access to the apps that remained available on the Play Store in India," a Google spokesperson said. On Tuesday, the Indian government directed all internet service providers to block the banned apps under the emergency clause of the IT Act. Also Read: Haven't adopted discriminatory measures against Indian products, says China The Indian government had on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps amid the India-China standoff at Galwan Valley. Other than TikTok, the apps which were banned included UC Browser, SHAREit, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser and many more. Also Read: PM Modi quits Chinese social network Weibo Meanwhile, China's commerce ministry said that China has not "adopted any restrictive and discriminatory measures against Indian products and services". The Commerce ministry said it hoped India corrects its "discriminatory actions against Chinese companies immediately." In a similar move, China's foreign ministry had earlier said it was "strongly concerned" over India's ban on Chinese apps. (With inputs from agencies)

Google temporarily blocks access to banned apps in India

Google said that it had removed search ads that charged users searching for voting information large fees for voter registration or harvested their personal data.

A Google spokeswoman told Reuters that the company’s misrepresentation policy barred such ads, which were found by the nonprofit watchdog Tech Transparency Project when searching for terms such as “register to vote,” “vote by mail,” and “where is my polling place.”

Tech Transparency Project said in a report on Monday that nearly a third of the more than 600 ads generated by its Google searches took users to sites that try to charge large fees for voter registration services, extract personal data for marketing purposes, install deceptive browser extensions, or serve other misleading ads.

The report said that the first ad in a Google search for “register to vote” directed users to a site from PrivacyWall.org that charged $129 for “same-day processing” of voter registration. US voters do not need to pay to register to vote.

PrivacyWall did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

A Google spokeswoman said the company did not yet know how the ads had got through its approval process, which uses a combination of automated and manual review.

“We have strict policies in place to protect users from false information about voting procedures, and when we find ads that violate our policies and present harm to users, we remove them and block advertisers from running similar ads in the future,” the spokeswoman said.

“Some people may find it difficult to distinguish Google ads from other kinds of content because as of January, search ads on Google feature the same type face and color scheme as organic search results,” the TTP report said.

Social media companies and online platforms, including Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) are under pressure to curb misinformation on their sites in the run-up to the US presidential election in November.

Google said that it had removed search ads that charged users searching for voting information large fees for voter registration or harvested their personal data.

Google said that it had removed search ads that charged users searching for voting information large fees for voter registration or harvested their personal data. A Google spokeswoman told Reuters that the company’s misrepresentation policy barred such ads, which were found by the nonprofit watchdog Tech Transparency Project when searching for terms such as “register to vote,” “vote by mail,” and “where is my polling place.” Tech Transparency Project said in a report on Monday that nearly a third of the more than 600 ads generated by its Google searches took users to sites that try to charge large fees for voter registration services, extract personal data for marketing purposes, install deceptive browser extensions, or serve other misleading ads. The report said that the first ad in a Google search for “register to vote” directed users to a site from PrivacyWall.org that charged $129 for “same-day processing” of voter registration. US voters do not need to pay to register to vote. PrivacyWall did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A Google spokeswoman said the company did not yet know how the ads had got through its approval process, which uses a combination of automated and manual review. “We have strict policies in place to protect users from false information about voting procedures, and when we find ads that violate our policies and present harm to users, we remove them and block advertisers from running similar ads in the future,” the spokeswoman said. “Some people may find it difficult to distinguish Google ads from other kinds of content because as of January, search ads on Google feature the same type face and color scheme as organic search results,” the TTP report said. Social media companies and online platforms, including Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) are under pressure to curb misinformation on their sites in the run-up to the US presidential election in November.

Google removes misleading ads in voting-related searches

Google has announced a new licensing programme to pay publishers for high-quality content.

To begin with, Google has signed partnerships with Spiegel Group in Germany, Schwartz media in Australia, and Diarios Associados in Brazil.

This programme will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience. "Google will also offer to pay for free access for users to read paywalled articles on a publisher's site," the statement said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-will-no-longer-store-user-data-indefinitely-will-auto-delete-after-18-months-308359">Also Read: Google will auto-delete after 18 months</a>

The programme comes amid growing calls for internet tech titans&nbsp;to pay for content.

“We have been actively working with our publisher partners on this new product which will launch first on Google News and Discover. We are currently engaged in discussions with many more partners and plan to sign more in the coming months,” Google said in its blog post. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-extends-fact-checking-to-image-search-307990">Also Read: Google extends fact-checking to image search</a>

The initiative would build on the 2018 Google News Initiative, a $300 million project that aimed to tackle disinformation online and help news sites grow financially. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Google has announced a new licensing programme to pay publishers for high-quality content. To begin with, Google has signed partnerships with Spiegel Group in Germany, Schwartz media in Australia, and Diarios Associados in Brazil.

Google has announced a new licensing programme to pay publishers for high-quality content. To begin with, Google has signed partnerships with Spiegel Group in Germany, Schwartz media in Australia, and Diarios Associados in Brazil. This programme will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience. "Google will also offer to pay for free access for users to read paywalled articles on a publisher's site," the statement said. Also Read: Google will auto-delete after 18 months The programme comes amid growing calls for internet tech titans to pay for content. “We have been actively working with our publisher partners on this new product which will launch first on Google News and Discover. We are currently engaged in discussions with many more partners and plan to sign more in the coming months,” Google said in its blog post. Also Read: Google extends fact-checking to image search The initiative would build on the 2018 Google News Initiative, a $300 million project that aimed to tackle disinformation online and help news sites grow financially. (With inputs from agencies)

Google to pay select publishers for 'high quality' news content

US President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of some foreign workers in a bid to boost domestic hiring, sparking opposition from corporate America and tech sector executives including Google's Sundar Pichai and Tesla's Elon Musk.

The visa suspension, effective June 24, will last until the end of the year and is expected to open up 525,000 jobs for US&nbsp;workers.

Alphabet Inc's Google:

Pichai, Alphabet's chief executive officer, said in a tweet, "Immigration has contributed immensely to America's economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today's proclamation - we'll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all."(https://bit.ly/2BAu95G) 
Susan Wojcicki, the chief of Alphabet's YouTube, tweeted: "Immigration is central to America's story, and it's central to my own family's story. My family escaped danger and found a new home in America ... at Youtube, we join Google in standing with immigrants and working to expand opportunity for all."

Google had 2,678 H1B visa approvals in 2019, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Amazon.com Inc

"Amazon opposes the Administration's short-sighted decision to pause high-skill visa programs. Welcoming the best &amp; the brightest global talent is critical to America's economic recovery. We will continue to support these programs &amp; efforts to protect the rights of immigrants," the company said. 
The company had the most number of H1B visa approvals at 3,026 in 2019.

Apple Inc

"Like Apple, this nation of immigrants has always found strength in our diversity, and hope in the enduring promise of the American Dream. There is no new prosperity without both. Deeply disappointed by this proclamation," Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Apple had 1,136 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Box Inc

"This is unbelievably bad policy on every level. It will only mean more jobs move outside the US, and in no way makes America better or more competitive," CEO Aaron Levie tweeted.&nbsp;

Box had 21 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Facebook Inc

"President Trump's latest proclamation uses the COVID-19 pandemic as justification for limiting immigration. In reality, the move to keep highly-skilled talent out of the US will make our country's recovery even more difficult. America is a nation of immigrants and our economy and country benefit when we encourage talented people from around the world to live, work, and contribute here. That's more true now than ever," the company said.

Facebook had 1,518 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Microsoft Corp

"Now is not the time to cut our nation off from the world's talent or create uncertainty and anxiety. Immigrants play a vital role at our company and support our country's critical infrastructure. They are contributing to this country at a time when we need them most," president Brad Smith tweeted.

Microsoft had 1,701 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

PayPal Holdings Inc

"Creating new restrictions for immigrants who seek to work in the U.S. is disappointing — and will slow our progress as a nation," CEO Dan Schulman said on LinkedIn.&nbsp;

Paypal had 271 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Salesforce.Com Inc

"As we plan for recovery from the COVID-19 crisis let's focus on common sense &amp; fair immigration policies. H-1B workers should be treated with respect &amp; dignity. They generate real innovation &amp; growth . . . benefiting us all and fueling our economy. We embrace all our Ohana," CEO Marc Benioff said in a tweet.

Salesforce had 267 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Tesla Inc

"Very much disagree with this action. In my experience, these skillsets are net job creators. Visa reform makes sense, but this is too broad," Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

Tesla had 324 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Twitter Inc

"This proclamation undermines America's greatest economic asset: its diversity. People from all over the world come here to join our labor force, pay taxes, and contribute to our global competitiveness on the world stage," the company said.

Twitter had 117 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

US President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of some foreign workers in a bid to boost domestic hiring, sparking opposition from corporate America and tech sector executives including Google's Sundar Pichai and Tesla's Elon Musk.

US President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of some foreign workers in a bid to boost domestic hiring, sparking opposition from corporate America and tech sector executives including Google's Sundar Pichai and Tesla's Elon Musk. The visa suspension, effective June 24, will last until the end of the year and is expected to open up 525,000 jobs for US workers. Alphabet Inc's Google: Pichai, Alphabet's chief executive officer, said in a tweet, "Immigration has contributed immensely to America's economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today's proclamation - we'll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all."(https://bit.ly/2BAu95G) Susan Wojcicki, the chief of Alphabet's YouTube, tweeted: "Immigration is central to America's story, and it's central to my own family's story. My family escaped danger and found a new home in America ... at Youtube, we join Google in standing with immigrants and working to expand opportunity for all." Google had 2,678 H1B visa approvals in 2019, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Amazon.com Inc "Amazon opposes the Administration's short-sighted decision to pause high-skill visa programs. Welcoming the best & the brightest global talent is critical to America's economic recovery. We will continue to support these programs & efforts to protect the rights of immigrants," the company said. The company had the most number of H1B visa approvals at 3,026 in 2019. Apple Inc "Like Apple, this nation of immigrants has always found strength in our diversity, and hope in the enduring promise of the American Dream. There is no new prosperity without both. Deeply disappointed by this proclamation," Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a tweet. Apple had 1,136 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Box Inc "This is unbelievably bad policy on every level. It will only mean more jobs move outside the US, and in no way makes America better or more competitive," CEO Aaron Levie tweeted. Box had 21 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Facebook Inc "President Trump's latest proclamation uses the COVID-19 pandemic as justification for limiting immigration. In reality, the move to keep highly-skilled talent out of the US will make our country's recovery even more difficult. America is a nation of immigrants and our economy and country benefit when we encourage talented people from around the world to live, work, and contribute here. That's more true now than ever," the company said. Facebook had 1,518 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Microsoft Corp "Now is not the time to cut our nation off from the world's talent or create uncertainty and anxiety. Immigrants play a vital role at our company and support our country's critical infrastructure. They are contributing to this country at a time when we need them most," president Brad Smith tweeted. Microsoft had 1,701 H1B visa approvals in 2019. PayPal Holdings Inc "Creating new restrictions for immigrants who seek to work in the U.S. is disappointing — and will slow our progress as a nation," CEO Dan Schulman said on LinkedIn. Paypal had 271 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Salesforce.Com Inc "As we plan for recovery from the COVID-19 crisis let's focus on common sense & fair immigration policies. H-1B workers should be treated with respect & dignity. They generate real innovation & growth . . . benefiting us all and fueling our economy. We embrace all our Ohana," CEO Marc Benioff said in a tweet. Salesforce had 267 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Tesla Inc "Very much disagree with this action. In my experience, these skillsets are net job creators. Visa reform makes sense, but this is too broad," Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted. Tesla had 324 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Twitter Inc "This proclamation undermines America's greatest economic asset: its diversity. People from all over the world come here to join our labor force, pay taxes, and contribute to our global competitiveness on the world stage," the company said. Twitter had 117 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban

Britain on Thursday said it would switch to Apple and Google technology for its test-and-trace app, ditching its current system in a U-turn for the troubled programme.

The government has been forced to abandon a centralised coronavirus contact-tracing app after spending three months and millions of pounds on technology that experts had repeatedly warned would not work.

In an embarrassing U-turn, Matt Hancock said the NHS would switch to an alternative designed by the US tech companies Apple and&nbsp;Google, which is months away from being ready.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-breakthrough-uk-to-begin-administering-steroid-dexamethasone-to-covid-19-patients-306389">After breakthrough, UK to begin administering steroid dexamethasone to COVID-19 patients</a>

The test-and-trace programme is seen as a key measure to reopen the country, but has also been dogged by criticism after the nationwide roll-out of a National Health Service (NHS)-developed smartphone app slipped from the last month towards the end of the year.

At the Downing Street briefing, the health secretary said the government would not “put a date” on when the new app may be launched, although officials conceded it was likely to be in the autumn or winter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-trial-on-humans-starts-in-uk-294384">COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK</a>

The idea behind the NHS app was that it could trace anybody that a person with coronavirus symptoms came into close contact with by using the&nbsp;Bluetooth&nbsp;connectivity on a standard smartphone, and notify them to self-isolate.

Ministers had insisted on using a centralised version of the untested technology in which anonymised data from people who reported feeling ill was held in an NHS database to enable better tracing and data analysis. This version was not supported by&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;and Google.

Apple and Google have been in talks with Britain about the technology, which uses a decentralised model. The firms have barred authorities using their technology from collecting GPS location data or requiring users to enter personal data.

Apple and Google's model has attracted the interest of over 20 countries, though some of the restrictions they have imposed have frustrated governments as the world's top two smartphone makers undercut the technology's usefulness by prioritising user privacy.

Britain on Thursday said it would switch to Apple and Google technology for its test-and-trace app, ditching its current system in a U-turn for the troubled programme.

Britain on Thursday said it would switch to Apple and Google technology for its test-and-trace app, ditching its current system in a U-turn for the troubled programme. The government has been forced to abandon a centralised coronavirus contact-tracing app after spending three months and millions of pounds on technology that experts had repeatedly warned would not work. In an embarrassing U-turn, Matt Hancock said the NHS would switch to an alternative designed by the US tech companies Apple and Google, which is months away from being ready. Also read: After breakthrough, UK to begin administering steroid dexamethasone to COVID-19 patients The test-and-trace programme is seen as a key measure to reopen the country, but has also been dogged by criticism after the nationwide roll-out of a National Health Service (NHS)-developed smartphone app slipped from the last month towards the end of the year. At the Downing Street briefing, the health secretary said the government would not “put a date” on when the new app may be launched, although officials conceded it was likely to be in the autumn or winter. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK The idea behind the NHS app was that it could trace anybody that a person with coronavirus symptoms came into close contact with by using the Bluetooth connectivity on a standard smartphone, and notify them to self-isolate. Ministers had insisted on using a centralised version of the untested technology in which anonymised data from people who reported feeling ill was held in an NHS database to enable better tracing and data analysis. This version was not supported by Apple and Google. Apple and Google have been in talks with Britain about the technology, which uses a decentralised model. The firms have barred authorities using their technology from collecting GPS location data or requiring users to enter personal data. Apple and Google's model has attracted the interest of over 20 countries, though some of the restrictions they have imposed have frustrated governments as the world's top two smartphone makers undercut the technology's usefulness by prioritising user privacy.

UK abandons contact tracing app; switches to Apple and Google model

Google's Area 120 has launched a new app called Keen, which, the internet believes, is just like Pinterest, but only a little more complicated.

Area 120 is Google's team&nbsp;that is responsible for&nbsp;experimental projects.

Keen helps you gather more information about whatever you are passionate about, and it helps you find like-minded people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/to-boost-racial-equity-google-pledges-175-million-to-support-black-owned-businesses-306786/amp">Also read:&nbsp;To boost racial equity, Google pledges $175 million to support black-owned businesses</a>

Once on the app, the user can create 'keens' about any topic that he/she wants to know more about, or want to share information about. After creating a keen, the publisher can add information in form of pictures, videos, text or links.

There's also a feature called 'gems' that allows you to mark the information that you found to be particularly helpful.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-abandons-contact-tracing-app-switches-to-apple-and-google-model-306977">Also read:&nbsp;UK abandons contact tracing app; switches to Apple and Google model</a>

Just like Pinterest, Keen, too, lets you add friends on the app. It provides you the option of sharing your 'keen' with the world or keep it private, and also allows you to follow people with similar interests.

However, considering this is a Google product, your search history, within the app, will play a major role in assisting the AI behind the app in compiling a history-based showcase of products.

The search and&nbsp;machine learning technologies are powering this system, which will able the app to&nbsp;recommend related content, on the basis of users'&nbsp;saved items.

"Keen isn't intended to be a place to spend endless hours browsing. Instead, it's a home for your interests: a place to grow them, share them with loved ones and find things that will help in making this precious life count," Google said about the app.

Google's Area 120 has launched a new app called Keen, which, the internet believes, is just like Pinterest, but only a little more complicated. Area 120 is Google's team that is responsible for experimental projects.

Google's Area 120 has launched a new app called Keen, which, the internet believes, is just like Pinterest, but only a little more complicated. Area 120 is Google's team that is responsible for experimental projects. Keen helps you gather more information about whatever you are passionate about, and it helps you find like-minded people. Also read: To boost racial equity, Google pledges $175 million to support black-owned businesses Once on the app, the user can create 'keens' about any topic that he/she wants to know more about, or want to share information about. After creating a keen, the publisher can add information in form of pictures, videos, text or links. There's also a feature called 'gems' that allows you to mark the information that you found to be particularly helpful. Also read: UK abandons contact tracing app; switches to Apple and Google model Just like Pinterest, Keen, too, lets you add friends on the app. It provides you the option of sharing your 'keen' with the world or keep it private, and also allows you to follow people with similar interests. However, considering this is a Google product, your search history, within the app, will play a major role in assisting the AI behind the app in compiling a history-based showcase of products. The search and machine learning technologies are powering this system, which will able the app to recommend related content, on the basis of users' saved items. "Keen isn't intended to be a place to spend endless hours browsing. Instead, it's a home for your interests: a place to grow them, share them with loved ones and find things that will help in making this precious life count," Google said about the app.

Google launches experimental app 'Keen' resembling Pinterest

The British government will switch to Apple and Google technology for its test-and-trace app, ditching its current system in a U-turn for the troubled programme.

According to a BBC report, UK's test-and-trace programme is seen as a key measure to reopen the country, but has also been dogged by criticism after the nationwide roll-out of a National Health Service (NHS)-developed smartphone app slipped from the last month towards the end of the year.

The head of the UK's programme said last month a centralised app of the kind Britain had been developing can potentially give more insight into outbreaks of COVID-19, but offers less privacy than decentralised rivals.

Apple and Google have been in talks with Britain about the technology, which uses a decentralised model. The firms have barred authorities using their technology from collecting GPS location data or requiring users to enter personal data.

Apple and Google's model has attracted the interest of over 20 countries, though some of the restrictions they have imposed have frustrated governments as the world's top two smartphone makers undercut the technology's usefulness by prioritising user privacy.

The current UK app is being tested on the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England.

Ministers have admitted to technical issues with the app, which meant that it was not ready for use in time for the launch of England's test and trace system on May 28.

 
&nbsp;

The British government will switch to Apple and Google technology for its test-and-trace app, ditching its current system in a U-turn for the troubled programme.

The British government will switch to Apple and Google technology for its test-and-trace app, ditching its current system in a U-turn for the troubled programme. According to a BBC report, UK's test-and-trace programme is seen as a key measure to reopen the country, but has also been dogged by criticism after the nationwide roll-out of a National Health Service (NHS)-developed smartphone app slipped from the last month towards the end of the year. The head of the UK's programme said last month a centralised app of the kind Britain had been developing can potentially give more insight into outbreaks of COVID-19, but offers less privacy than decentralised rivals. Apple and Google have been in talks with Britain about the technology, which uses a decentralised model. The firms have barred authorities using their technology from collecting GPS location data or requiring users to enter personal data. Apple and Google's model has attracted the interest of over 20 countries, though some of the restrictions they have imposed have frustrated governments as the world's top two smartphone makers undercut the technology's usefulness by prioritising user privacy. The current UK app is being tested on the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England. Ministers have admitted to technical issues with the app, which meant that it was not ready for use in time for the launch of England's test and trace system on May 28.

UK changes stand, to now use Google-Apple model for coronavirus tracing app

Tech giant Google has announced over $175 million to support black business owners, startup founders, job seekers and developers.

Earlier, Google-owned YouTube launched a $100 million fund to "amplify and develop" voices of black creators.&nbsp;

"Concrete commitments are being made by Google to promote racial equity in the company, its products and its programs," said Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/do-black-lives-matter-yes-say-siri-alexa-and-google-assistant-305068">Also Read:&nbsp;Do black lives matter? Yes, say Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant</a>

Pichai outlined that racial equity is inextricably linked to economic opportunity.&nbsp;

"Google is working to improve Black+ representation at senior levels and committing to a goal to improve leadership representation of underrepresented groups by 30 per cent by 2025," he informed.

The internet giant is creating&nbsp;new "talent liaison" positions to advocate when it comes to keeping and promoting employees from underrepresented groups. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-ban-discriminatory-advertisements-targeting-housing-job-and-credit-card-305388">Also Read:&nbsp;Google to ban discriminatory advertisements targeting housing, job and credit card</a>

Last week, Google announced that it is updating its advertising policies to prevent housing, employment, and credit card advertisers from targeting users based on gender, age, parental status, marital status, and ZIP Code.&nbsp;

Google had previously barred advertisers from choosing ad targets based on users' race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Tech giant Google has announced over $175 million to support black business owners, startup founders, job seekers and developers. Earlier, Google-owned YouTube launched a $100 million fund to "amplify and develop" voices of black creators.

Tech giant Google has announced over $175 million to support black business owners, startup founders, job seekers and developers. Earlier, Google-owned YouTube launched a $100 million fund to "amplify and develop" voices of black creators. "Concrete commitments are being made by Google to promote racial equity in the company, its products and its programs," said Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a statement. Also Read: Do black lives matter? Yes, say Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant Pichai outlined that racial equity is inextricably linked to economic opportunity. "Google is working to improve Black+ representation at senior levels and committing to a goal to improve leadership representation of underrepresented groups by 30 per cent by 2025," he informed. The internet giant is creating new "talent liaison" positions to advocate when it comes to keeping and promoting employees from underrepresented groups. Also Read: Google to ban discriminatory advertisements targeting housing, job and credit card Last week, Google announced that it is updating its advertising policies to prevent housing, employment, and credit card advertisers from targeting users based on gender, age, parental status, marital status, and ZIP Code. Google had previously barred advertisers from choosing ad targets based on users' race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation. (With inputs from agencies)

To boost racial equity, Google pledges $175 million to support black-owned businesses

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down.

The wartime leader is the only prime minister to be left without a photo.&nbsp;

Clement Attlee, Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, who all served before Churchill, are still displayed with their images. Adolf Hitler's picture is also still displaying on the search engine.

<img alt="Google image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39d108b3-6abc-4ff3-94d2-94620d51c075" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gooogle%20image.jpg" />

To this end, the search giant said the photo’s removal from its horizontal list atop search results for former British premiers was due to an automatic update and “not purposeful”, but apologised “for any concern”.&nbsp;The search engine has claimed the image disappeared due to an update, and said it would be resolved 'as rapidly as possible'.

“We’re aware an image for Sir Winston Churchill is missing from his knowledge graph entry on Google,” the firm’s search liaison arm said on Twitter.

“We apologise for any concern. This was not purposeful &amp; will be resolved. Images in such panels are automatically created &amp; updated. During an update, they can briefly disappear.”

“We’ll want to explore exactly why an automatic update caused it to disappear &amp; see if there are any improvements in those systems to address.”

"We don't have an exact time for when Churchill's Knowledge Graph image will be restored, but it will be as rapidly done as possible."

His image is not showing up in the UK, US, Australia, South Africa, and other countries, according to social media users.

All this has come amid an escalating row over whether Churchill should be commemorated in parliament square.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-icon-of-the-free-world-winston-churchill-a-racist-304370">Also read |&nbsp;Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist?</a>

While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany, some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy, noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views.

On Friday, Johnson called it "absurd and shameful" that the Churchill statue was at risk of attack. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statues-of-churchill-gandhi-at-risk-of-attack-by-anti-racism-protestors-uk-pm-terms-it-shameful-305413">Also read |&nbsp;Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful</a>

There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest.

In London the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests.

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down.

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down. The wartime leader is the only prime minister to be left without a photo. Clement Attlee, Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, who all served before Churchill, are still displayed with their images. Adolf Hitler's picture is also still displaying on the search engine. To this end, the search giant said the photo’s removal from its horizontal list atop search results for former British premiers was due to an automatic update and “not purposeful”, but apologised “for any concern”. The search engine has claimed the image disappeared due to an update, and said it would be resolved 'as rapidly as possible'. “We’re aware an image for Sir Winston Churchill is missing from his knowledge graph entry on Google,” the firm’s search liaison arm said on Twitter. “We apologise for any concern. This was not purposeful & will be resolved. Images in such panels are automatically created & updated. During an update, they can briefly disappear.” “We’ll want to explore exactly why an automatic update caused it to disappear & see if there are any improvements in those systems to address.” "We don't have an exact time for when Churchill's Knowledge Graph image will be restored, but it will be as rapidly done as possible." His image is not showing up in the UK, US, Australia, South Africa, and other countries, according to social media users. All this has come amid an escalating row over whether Churchill should be commemorated in parliament square. Also read | Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist? While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany, some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy, noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views. On Friday, Johnson called it "absurd and shameful" that the Churchill statue was at risk of attack. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero," he said. Also read | Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest. In London the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests. Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why

Facebook, Google and Twitter should provide monthly reports on their fight against disinformation, two senior EU officials said on Wednesday as they called out Russia and China for their roles in the spread of fake news.

The comments underscore the bloc's concerns about the prevalence of misleading news on COVID-19 and the attempts by foreign actors to influence Europe.

The Commission said online platforms should provide monthly reports with details on their actions to promote authoritative content and to limit coronavirus disinformation and advertising related to it.

"It really showed that disinformation does not only harm the health of our democracies, it also harms the health of our citizens. It can negatively impact the economy and undermine the response of the public authorities and therefore weaken the health measures," one of the officials said, at a news conference.

The next fake news front was vaccination, citing a study showing that Germans' willingness to be vaccinated had fallen by 20 per cent points in two months.

At the conference, it was also said that video app TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, will be joining the bloc's voluntary code of conduct to combat fake news on its platform.&nbsp;

Signatories to the code of conduct include Google, Facebook, Twitter and Mozilla. 
Borrell described the fake news fight as involving warriors wielding keyboards rather than swords.

"Foreign actors and certain third countries, in particular Russia and China, have engaged in targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns in the EU, its neighbourhood, and globally," the Commission said.

The EU executive plans to counter foreign actors by stepping up its communication strategy and diplomacy, and provide more support to free and independent media, fact checkers and researchers.

Facebook, Google and Twitter should provide monthly reports on their fight against disinformation, two senior EU officials said on Wednesday as they called out Russia and China for their roles in the spread of fake news.

Facebook, Google and Twitter should provide monthly reports on their fight against disinformation, two senior EU officials said on Wednesday as they called out Russia and China for their roles in the spread of fake news. The comments underscore the bloc's concerns about the prevalence of misleading news on COVID-19 and the attempts by foreign actors to influence Europe. The Commission said online platforms should provide monthly reports with details on their actions to promote authoritative content and to limit coronavirus disinformation and advertising related to it. "It really showed that disinformation does not only harm the health of our democracies, it also harms the health of our citizens. It can negatively impact the economy and undermine the response of the public authorities and therefore weaken the health measures," one of the officials said, at a news conference. The next fake news front was vaccination, citing a study showing that Germans' willingness to be vaccinated had fallen by 20 per cent points in two months. At the conference, it was also said that video app TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, will be joining the bloc's voluntary code of conduct to combat fake news on its platform. Signatories to the code of conduct include Google, Facebook, Twitter and Mozilla. Borrell described the fake news fight as involving warriors wielding keyboards rather than swords. "Foreign actors and certain third countries, in particular Russia and China, have engaged in targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns in the EU, its neighbourhood, and globally," the Commission said. The EU executive plans to counter foreign actors by stepping up its communication strategy and diplomacy, and provide more support to free and independent media, fact checkers and researchers.

EU asks Facebook, Twitter, Google to report monthly on fake news fight

American tech giant Google has appointed Prabhakar Raghavan as the head of Search and Assistant. Raghavan will be succeeding Ben Gome, who will be given a new role and will report directly to CEO Sundar Pichai.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/creativity-cant-be-transferred-through-online-classes-kasturirangan-304212" hreflang="en">Creativity can't be transferred through online classes: Kasturirangan</a>

Prabhakar completed his Bachelor of Technology from IIT Madras and holds a PhD from U.C. Berkeley in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.&nbsp;

According to reports by Search Engine Land, Raghavan joined Google in 2012. He was made the head for Google’s an advertising and commerce business in 2018. This department included supervision of search display and video advertising analytics, shopping, payments etc.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ins-shardul-to-bring-back-over-200-indians-from-iran-304154" hreflang="en">INS Shardul to bring back over 200 Indians from Iran</a>

Prabhakar was made the Vice President of Google Apps as well as Google Cloud services, overseeing the development and user experience. He earned this position before he became the head of advertising and commerce business.&nbsp;

He has even worked in IBM and Yahoo on multiple roles. Raghavan is the reason behind the growth of Gmail and Google Drive past 1 billion monthly active users. He introduced features in the G Suite such as Smart Reply, Smart Compose, Drive Quick Access.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced this move to his employees by saying: "For Prabhakar, this new role brings his experience with search full circle. He's spent more than two decades obsessing over algorithms and ranking, and his association with Google Search predates Google."

He added, "A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Prabhakar is one of the most respected engineering minds in our field. His experience working across so many of our product areas gives him the perfect lens to spot the seams between them."

American tech giant Google has appointed Prabhakar Raghavan as the head of Search and Assistant. Raghavan will be succeeding Ben Gome, who will be given a new role and will report directly to CEO Sundar Pichai.

American tech giant Google has appointed Prabhakar Raghavan as the head of Search and Assistant. Raghavan will be succeeding Ben Gome, who will be given a new role and will report directly to CEO Sundar Pichai. Also read: Creativity can't be transferred through online classes: Kasturirangan Prabhakar completed his Bachelor of Technology from IIT Madras and holds a PhD from U.C. Berkeley in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. According to reports by Search Engine Land, Raghavan joined Google in 2012. He was made the head for Google’s an advertising and commerce business in 2018. This department included supervision of search display and video advertising analytics, shopping, payments etc. Also read: INS Shardul to bring back over 200 Indians from Iran Prabhakar was made the Vice President of Google Apps as well as Google Cloud services, overseeing the development and user experience. He earned this position before he became the head of advertising and commerce business. He has even worked in IBM and Yahoo on multiple roles. Raghavan is the reason behind the growth of Gmail and Google Drive past 1 billion monthly active users. He introduced features in the G Suite such as Smart Reply, Smart Compose, Drive Quick Access. Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced this move to his employees by saying: "For Prabhakar, this new role brings his experience with search full circle. He's spent more than two decades obsessing over algorithms and ranking, and his association with Google Search predates Google." He added, "A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Prabhakar is one of the most respected engineering minds in our field. His experience working across so many of our product areas gives him the perfect lens to spot the seams between them."

Indian-origin's Prabhakar Raghavan appointed as head of Google Search

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough!

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough! Hundreds of Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday. They logged in to their systems only to leave a message that they would be out of the office in a show of protest. The employees were unhappy with the action, or rather inaction of the leadership after CEO Mark Zuckerberg refused to take down Donald Trump's posts. Last week, the US president wrote: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts". The message was shared on Facebook and Twitter. While the latter slapped a warning on the post, Facebook left it intact. In a post, Zuckerberg said he is "struggling with how to respond". He said: "I know many people are upset that we have left the president's post up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible." Facebook employees were quick to voice their disagreement. Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook's news feed design team, tweeted: "Mark is wrong, and I will endeavour in the loudest possible way to change his mind." Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020 × Similar tweets were put out by other employees. Jason Toff who joined Facebook last year as a director of Product Management pointed to a broader surge in employee activism. "We are making our voices heard", he said. The head of design for Facebook's portal video-phone said he disagrees with the position of his leadership. There was also an intense debate on Facebook's chat system known as Workplace. Some employees argued that Trump's post violated the spirit of Facebook while the others said that Facebook is making concessions for the president. All of this nudged CEO Mark Zuckerberg to act. Zuckerberg committed $10 million donation to groups working on racial justice. That said, Trump's Facebook post has still not been taken down. Meanwhile, Google and YouTube homepages in the United States are sporting a black ribbon. CEO Sundar Pichai said it was in solidarity with the black community. He tweeted: "For all those feeling grief, anger, sadness and fear, you are not alone." Today on US Google & YouTube homepages we share our support for racial equality in solidarity with the Black community and in memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery & others who don’t have a voice. For those feeling grief, anger, sadness & fear, you are not alone. pic.twitter.com/JbPCG3wfQW — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) May 31, 2020 × Microsoft put out a statement on May 31. The company said that CEO Satya Nadella addressed the issue of racism in a monthly employee townhall. At this time, we will be using our platform to amplify voices from the Black and African American community at Microsoft. pic.twitter.com/r7ltlxVnHB — Microsoft (@Microsoft) June 1, 2020 × Nadella himself has been retweeting voices from African American employees at Microsoft. There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities. https://t.co/WaEuhRqBho — Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) June 1, 2020 × In one of the tweets, he said: "There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more."

Tech biggies condemn racism but Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg retains Trump's controversial post

Google has been sued in a proposed class action accusing the internet search company of illegally invading the privacy of millions of users by pervasively tracking their internet use through browsers set in "private" mode.

The complaint said the proposed class likely includes "millions" of Google users who since June 1, 2016 browsed the internet in "private" mode.

The lawsuit seeks at least $5 billion, accusing Google of surreptitiously collecting information about what people view online and where they browse, despite the Incognito mode.

According to the complaint filed in the federal court in San Jose, California, Google gathers data through Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager and other applications and website plug-ins, including smartphone apps, regardless of whether users click on Google-supported ads.

This helps Google learn about users' friends, hobbies, favorite foods, shopping habits, and even the "most intimate and potentially embarrassing things" they search for online, the complaint said.

"Google cannot continue to engage in the covert and unauthorized data collection from virtually every American with a computer or phone," the complaint added.

The Mountain View, California-based company will defend itself against the claims.

While users may view private browsing as a safe haven from watchful eyes, computer security researchers have long raised concern that Google and rivals might augment user profiles by tracking people's identities across different browsing modes, combining data from private and ordinary internet surfing.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Google has been sued in a proposed class action accusing the internet search company of illegally invading the privacy of millions of users by pervasively tracking their internet use through browsers set in "private" mode.

Google has been sued in a proposed class action accusing the internet search company of illegally invading the privacy of millions of users by pervasively tracking their internet use through browsers set in "private" mode. The complaint said the proposed class likely includes "millions" of Google users who since June 1, 2016 browsed the internet in "private" mode. The lawsuit seeks at least $5 billion, accusing Google of surreptitiously collecting information about what people view online and where they browse, despite the Incognito mode. According to the complaint filed in the federal court in San Jose, California, Google gathers data through Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager and other applications and website plug-ins, including smartphone apps, regardless of whether users click on Google-supported ads. This helps Google learn about users' friends, hobbies, favorite foods, shopping habits, and even the "most intimate and potentially embarrassing things" they search for online, the complaint said. "Google cannot continue to engage in the covert and unauthorized data collection from virtually every American with a computer or phone," the complaint added. The Mountain View, California-based company will defend itself against the claims. While users may view private browsing as a safe haven from watchful eyes, computer security researchers have long raised concern that Google and rivals might augment user profiles by tracking people's identities across different browsing modes, combining data from private and ordinary internet surfing. (with inputs from Reuters)

Google accused of illegally invading privacy, faces $5 billion lawsuit in US

Tech giant Google might take a minority stake in British telecom group Vodafone's struggling Indian business. This news has come weeks after Facebook&nbsp;picked up a stake in India's&nbsp;Jio's multimedia platforms.

This move is being seen as a direct competitive move, in the disguise of a financial collaboration and help.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebook-to-invest-57-bn-in-jio-acquire-999-stake-293945">Also watch|&nbsp;Facebook to invest $5.7 BN in Jio: Acquire 9.99% stake</a>

Google is planning to buy nearly 5 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea Ltd, according to reports.&nbsp;

The move is being considered a good step for Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL), as it is struggling with&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;Rs 58,000 crore&nbsp;in unpaid statutory dues, after the Supreme Court upheld the government's position on including revenue from non-core businesses in calculating the annual AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) of telecom companies, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fee to the exchequer.

The reports are not yet confirmed as&nbsp;there have been no comments on this speculation from Vodafone India or&nbsp;Alphabet Inc's Google.

(With inputs from PTI)

Tech giant Google might take a minority stake in British telecom group Vodafone's struggling Indian business. This news has come weeks after Facebook picked up a stake in India's Jio's multimedia platforms.

Tech giant Google might take a minority stake in British telecom group Vodafone's struggling Indian business. This news has come weeks after Facebook picked up a stake in India's Jio's multimedia platforms. This move is being seen as a direct competitive move, in the disguise of a financial collaboration and help. Also watch| Facebook to invest $5.7 BN in Jio: Acquire 9.99% stake Google is planning to buy nearly 5 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea Ltd, according to reports. The move is being considered a good step for Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL), as it is struggling with nearly Rs 58,000 crore in unpaid statutory dues, after the Supreme Court upheld the government's position on including revenue from non-core businesses in calculating the annual AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) of telecom companies, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fee to the exchequer. The reports are not yet confirmed as there have been no comments on this speculation from Vodafone India or Alphabet Inc's Google. (With inputs from PTI)

Google plans to buy 5% stake in struggling Vodafone India

TikTok's rankings in India had dropped down to 1.2 in the past few weeks due to a controversy about the content. However, after a cleanup drive by Google, the ratings are back to 4.4 stars now.

Google has brushed off this sudden rise in ratings as a usual clean-up, and stated that the company takes a corrective action to remove inappropriate ratings and comments which are considered to be spam, offensive or abusive. “Play Store ratings enable users to provide helpful feedback about their experience with apps and content, for the benefit of others to make informed decisions,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement to a media organization.

<a href="&lt;iframe scrolling=&quot;no&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allow=&quot;autoplay; fullscreen&quot; src=&quot;https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D%3D&quot; width =&quot;640&quot; height=&quot;360&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;">Also watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Is TikTok safe for kids?</a>

The mass critique started due to&nbsp;a video uploaded by&nbsp;Faizal Siddiqui, which was considered to be insensitive and morally incorrect. people also accused the TikTok star of promoting acid attacks, which are morally and legally incorrect.

While the experts observed a massive drop in the ratings and an increase in the one-star ratings, those one-star ratings and hate comments cannot be seen on the Google Play Store anymore.

It is also believed that Google did actually play by the rules and removed the comments and ratings that were born out of hatred for the app, as according to Play Store guidelines, users are not allowed to manipulate the ratings of an app.

However, the mass clean-up drive seems to have happened only in Google Play Store, as Apple store still has the bad ratings and disapproving comments. There was not even a massive drop in the ratings for iOS users as the ratings only dropped down to 3.4 from a 3.5.

The Chinese video-content app has been facing backlash in India after masses disagreed with the content posted by CarryMinati and&nbsp;Faizal Siddiqui

TikTok's rankings in India had dropped down to 1.2 in the past few weeks due to a controversy about the content. However, after a cleanup drive by Google, the ratings are back to 4.

TikTok's rankings in India had dropped down to 1.2 in the past few weeks due to a controversy about the content. However, after a cleanup drive by Google, the ratings are back to 4.4 stars now. Google has brushed off this sudden rise in ratings as a usual clean-up, and stated that the company takes a corrective action to remove inappropriate ratings and comments which are considered to be spam, offensive or abusive. “Play Store ratings enable users to provide helpful feedback about their experience with apps and content, for the benefit of others to make informed decisions,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement to a media organization. Also watch: Gravitas: Is TikTok safe for kids? The mass critique started due to a video uploaded by Faizal Siddiqui, which was considered to be insensitive and morally incorrect. people also accused the TikTok star of promoting acid attacks, which are morally and legally incorrect. While the experts observed a massive drop in the ratings and an increase in the one-star ratings, those one-star ratings and hate comments cannot be seen on the Google Play Store anymore. It is also believed that Google did actually play by the rules and removed the comments and ratings that were born out of hatred for the app, as according to Play Store guidelines, users are not allowed to manipulate the ratings of an app. However, the mass clean-up drive seems to have happened only in Google Play Store, as Apple store still has the bad ratings and disapproving comments. There was not even a massive drop in the ratings for iOS users as the ratings only dropped down to 3.4 from a 3.5. The Chinese video-content app has been facing backlash in India after masses disagreed with the content posted by CarryMinati and Faizal Siddiqui

TikTok ratings soar high as Google cleans up anti-TikTok comments

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps.

Together, the tech giants rolled out a&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public&nbsp;health&nbsp;departments to create their own contact tracing applications.

Contact-tracing apps are designed to automatically log when two people come into proximity to each other for a significant amount of time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/scientists-release-app-to-track-covid-19-symptoms-inform-users-about-hot-spots-296975" hreflang="en">Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots</a>

If one is later diagnosed with the coronavirus, the other can be given an alert, which might suggest they self-isolate and/or request a medical test of their own.

The software relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who later tests positive for the virus.

It is much safer in comparison to other applications&nbsp;as it does not use&nbsp;Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

"Starting today, our Exposure Notifications technology is available to public health agencies on both iOS and Android," Apple and Google said in a statement.

"Today, this technology is in the hands of public health agencies across the world who will take the lead and we will continue to support their efforts."

The companies had&nbsp;announced the unprecedented collaboration&nbsp;to leverage their technology to help trace and contain the spread of coronavirus last month, and say 22 countries and several US states are already planning to build voluntary phone apps using their software.

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps. Together, the tech giants rolled out a COVID-19 exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public health departments to create their own contact tracing applications.

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps. Together, the tech giants rolled out a COVID-19 exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public health departments to create their own contact tracing applications. Contact-tracing apps are designed to automatically log when two people come into proximity to each other for a significant amount of time. Also read: Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots If one is later diagnosed with the coronavirus, the other can be given an alert, which might suggest they self-isolate and/or request a medical test of their own. The software relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who later tests positive for the virus. It is much safer in comparison to other applications as it does not use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. "Starting today, our Exposure Notifications technology is available to public health agencies on both iOS and Android," Apple and Google said in a statement. "Today, this technology is in the hands of public health agencies across the world who will take the lead and we will continue to support their efforts." The companies had announced the unprecedented collaboration to leverage their technology to help trace and contain the spread of coronavirus last month, and say 22 countries and several US states are already planning to build voluntary phone apps using their software.

Apple and Google launch digital COVID-19 contact tracing system

Area F2, developed by Ejoy and Qookka Games, a game that has been gaining quite a lot of attention recently has landed itself into trouble.

The game is allegedly a copy of&nbsp;Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Following this allegation, Ubisoft asked Google and Apple to remove Area F2 from their respective online&nbsp;stores.

However, Apple and Google have denied the request. Ubisoft, in return, has filed a lawsuit against both the companies in Los Angeles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-apple-eyes-shift-to-india-from-china-smartphone-manufacturing-to-get-major-boost-298304">Also read:&nbsp;As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost</a>

Ubisoft claims that the two companies are selling a product that violates the copyright laws of Rainbow Six Siege. While the allegation hasn't been proved yet, it will be illegal if Ubisoft proves that the game has been copied. Ubisoft claims that the&nbsp;game has copied&nbsp;“virtually every aspect” of Rainbow Six Siege, and is taking undue advantage of their game.

The players and customers, too, have managed to spot various similarities between the two games online.&nbsp;

A lot of questions have now been raised about this lawsuit. Interestingly, Ubisoft has filed a lawsuit against the two companies hosting the games on their platforms, but not against the developers and owners of the game. If proven wrong, Apple and Google will lose all earning rights and money from this game. The developers,&nbsp;Ejoy and Qookka Games, on the other hand will only have to pay the copyright fee.

Area F2, developed by Ejoy and Qookka Games, a game that has been gaining quite a lot of attention recently has landed itself into trouble. The game is allegedly a copy of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, developed by Ubisoft Montreal.

Area F2, developed by Ejoy and Qookka Games, a game that has been gaining quite a lot of attention recently has landed itself into trouble. The game is allegedly a copy of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Following this allegation, Ubisoft asked Google and Apple to remove Area F2 from their respective online stores. However, Apple and Google have denied the request. Ubisoft, in return, has filed a lawsuit against both the companies in Los Angeles. Also read: As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost Ubisoft claims that the two companies are selling a product that violates the copyright laws of Rainbow Six Siege. While the allegation hasn't been proved yet, it will be illegal if Ubisoft proves that the game has been copied. Ubisoft claims that the game has copied “virtually every aspect” of Rainbow Six Siege, and is taking undue advantage of their game. The players and customers, too, have managed to spot various similarities between the two games online. A lot of questions have now been raised about this lawsuit. Interestingly, Ubisoft has filed a lawsuit against the two companies hosting the games on their platforms, but not against the developers and owners of the game. If proven wrong, Apple and Google will lose all earning rights and money from this game. The developers, Ejoy and Qookka Games, on the other hand will only have to pay the copyright fee.

Google and Apple sued by Ubisoft for selling a copied game

Facebook has announced that it will be allowing all its employees to work from home till the end of this year.

The decision has ben taken after considering the safety and wellbeing of its employees and their family members. The social media giant has also decided to keep its offices shut till July first week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-working-to-temporarily-ban-work-based-visas-like-h-1b-report-297634">Also read:&nbsp;Trump admin working to temporarily ban work-based visas, like H-1B: Report</a>

The announcement was made keeping in mind the guidelines and rules laid out by the government and the health experts.

Facebook employees have been working from home since the nationwide lockdown was initiated in march. All physical company events, which required presence of more than 50 people, have also been cancelled atleast till June 2021.

The company has also clarified that it would continue to pay hourly employees who may not be able to work because of reduced staffing, office closures, or if they are sick.

Microsoft, too, has allowed its employees to take the option of work from home till October 02. Google India is expected to follow the examples of its opponents, and offer the same option to Google employees.

(With inputs from ANI)

Facebook has announced that it will be allowing all its employees to work from home till the end of this year. The decision has ben taken after considering the safety and wellbeing of its employees and their family members.

Facebook has announced that it will be allowing all its employees to work from home till the end of this year. The decision has ben taken after considering the safety and wellbeing of its employees and their family members. The social media giant has also decided to keep its offices shut till July first week. Also read: Trump admin working to temporarily ban work-based visas, like H-1B: Report The announcement was made keeping in mind the guidelines and rules laid out by the government and the health experts. Facebook employees have been working from home since the nationwide lockdown was initiated in march. All physical company events, which required presence of more than 50 people, have also been cancelled atleast till June 2021. The company has also clarified that it would continue to pay hourly employees who may not be able to work because of reduced staffing, office closures, or if they are sick. Microsoft, too, has allowed its employees to take the option of work from home till October 02. Google India is expected to follow the examples of its opponents, and offer the same option to Google employees. (With inputs from ANI)

Facebook and Microsoft allows employees to work from home till end of year

Apple and Google are two of the world's most powerful tech companies. Both giants have decided to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps. They made this announcement together and this is a major decision.

Apple and Google are two of the world's most powerful tech companies. Both giants have decided to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps. They made this announcement together and this is a major decision. One that affects almost 99 per cent of smartphone users in the world. Also read: Tweet once again gets Elon Musk into trouble as Tesla loses $14 billion Apple and Google say they are protecting user privacy. This grandstanding is a little hard to digest. Considering the fact that major tech companies are responsible for some of the biggest privacy debacles? Also read: Twitter swings to loss as pandemic hits advertising Google says it cares about user privacy. But, it runs is business on an advertising model that depends on the collection of personal information. It was around 20 years ago that Google introduced a privacy statement. But, the company hardly stays on the right side of it. Several privacy controversies have plagued the country in the past. Personal information has been leaked. Google themselves has been caught storing user location data. The search engine giant has been unable to shake off the privacy concerns. What about Apple? A couple of years back, Apple CEO Tim Cook had defined privacy as a fundamental right. Apple wants the user to believe that it is the only tech company it can trust. The company has positioned itself as a protector of users. To give credit where its due, Apple's own platform has not been caught in any major privacy scandal. But, it can't say the same about apple's business partners. This is where the app store comes it. Apple has one of the biggest app directories. It is highly profitable too. But, Apple has allowed privacy violators to freely operate on it. Even the kids were not spared. A journalist from the Wall Street Journal put out a story. She wrote about curious George. Sounds like a harmless game. But, it was collecting her son's age, name -- and data of whatever he tapped. The journalist ended up testing 80 apps. Most of them were promoted in the app stores "apps we love" section. She found that 79 apps used third party trackers for marketing, ads or analytics. On average --- there were at least four trackers in every app. So, its a bit rich when apple and google ban GPS tracking on contract tracing apps in the name of privacy. Contact tracing is common now. Experts consider it a crucial tool in the fight against the coronavirus. Yes, there are legitimate concerns over how certain contract tracing apps operate and collect data. But --- when tech companies try to draw the line between right and wrong.

Apple and Google decide to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps

Two biggest tech companies of the world Google and Apple on April 10 announced a joint effort to enable technology system to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing.

Apple and Google, whose operating systems power 99% of smartphones, said last month they would work together to create a system for notifying people who have been near others who have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The companies plan to allow only public health authorities to use the technology.

The system uses Bluetooth signals from phones to detect encounters and does not use or store GPS location data.

But the developers of official coronavirus-related apps in several US states told Reuters last month it was vital they be allowed to use GPS location data in conjunction with the new contact tracing system to track how outbreaks move and identify hotspots.

Apple and Google also said Monday they will allow only one app per country to use the contact system, to avoid fragmentation and encourage wider adoption. The companies said they would, however, support countries that opt for a state or regional approach, and that U.S. states will be allowed to use the system.

Two biggest tech companies of the world Google and Apple on April 10 announced a joint effort to enable technology system to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing.

Two biggest tech companies of the world Google and Apple on April 10 announced a joint effort to enable technology system to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing. Apple and Google, whose operating systems power 99% of smartphones, said last month they would work together to create a system for notifying people who have been near others who have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The companies plan to allow only public health authorities to use the technology. The system uses Bluetooth signals from phones to detect encounters and does not use or store GPS location data. But the developers of official coronavirus-related apps in several US states told Reuters last month it was vital they be allowed to use GPS location data in conjunction with the new contact tracing system to track how outbreaks move and identify hotspots. Apple and Google also said Monday they will allow only one app per country to use the contact system, to avoid fragmentation and encourage wider adoption. The companies said they would, however, support countries that opt for a state or regional approach, and that U.S. states will be allowed to use the system.

Now your smartphone can warn you if you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus

In a bid to increase its userbase during the coronavirus pandemic, Google has announced that it has made its video-streaming application Meet free for all its users.

Until now, it&nbsp;was only available to business and education users via G Suite.

The move has made it a strong contender for Zoom app.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/should-you-be-using-the-video-conferencing-app-zoom-293629" hreflang="en">Should you be using the video-conferencing app Zoom?</a>

The app formerly known as Google Hangouts Meet, will be&nbsp;free ''starting in early May.''

It users will be&nbsp;will be able to start, join, and schedule a Google Meet call.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-500000-accounts-on-zoom-app-sold-to-hackers-292446" hreflang="en">More than 500,000 accounts on Zoom app sold to hackers</a>

The CEO of Alphabet, Sundar&nbsp;Pichai revealed that Google Meet passed&nbsp;100 million daily active users&nbsp;last week and is adding “roughly” 3 million new users every day.&nbsp;

Google has provided free&nbsp;video conferencing&nbsp;for nearly 12 years through its Hangouts service, but it features outdated security and technology and its popularity has waned. The company also maintains Duo, a video calling app accessible only on smartphones.

According to Smita Hashim, a director of product management at Google,&nbsp;"it's a more secure, reliable, modern product," in comparison to Google Duos.

However, Meet will cut free calls after an hour starting in October, compared with no time limit on Messenger and Skype and a 40-minute restriction on consumer Zoom accounts.

In a bid to increase its userbase during the coronavirus pandemic, Google has announced that it has made its video-streaming application Meet free for all its users.

In a bid to increase its userbase during the coronavirus pandemic, Google has announced that it has made its video-streaming application Meet free for all its users. Until now, it was only available to business and education users via G Suite. The move has made it a strong contender for Zoom app. Also read: Should you be using the video-conferencing app Zoom? The app formerly known as Google Hangouts Meet, will be free ''starting in early May.'' It users will be will be able to start, join, and schedule a Google Meet call. Also read: More than 500,000 accounts on Zoom app sold to hackers The CEO of Alphabet, Sundar Pichai revealed that Google Meet passed 100 million daily active users last week and is adding “roughly” 3 million new users every day. Google has provided free video conferencing for nearly 12 years through its Hangouts service, but it features outdated security and technology and its popularity has waned. The company also maintains Duo, a video calling app accessible only on smartphones. According to Smita Hashim, a director of product management at Google, "it's a more secure, reliable, modern product," in comparison to Google Duos. However, Meet will cut free calls after an hour starting in October, compared with no time limit on Messenger and Skype and a 40-minute restriction on consumer Zoom accounts.

Alternative for Zoom? Google makes video conferencing app Meet free for all users

India has been on lockdown since March 25, after Prime Minister had declared war on coronavirus and due to the surge in cases, the lockdown had extended. But there has not been much of an improvement and the number of cases continues to soar up, which means the self-imposed lockdown is nowhere near to the end. Google searches done by the Indians shows how the citizens are coping with the lockdown.&nbsp;

Stress and therapy are the most searched amid the nation-wide lockdown. As per the survey conducted by Indian Psychiatric Society shows a 20 per cent rise in mental illness due to uncertainty of work and health.&nbsp;

According to the google trends data, these searches were the most in Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, Mizoram and Puducherry. Search for therapy was low in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Searches for suicide were luckily low except on March 29 when German finance minister Thomas Schaefer committed suicide.

Second most searches on the trends were the jobs. Lockdown has elevated the unemployment rate in urban India. That has led to a rise in job searches.&nbsp;

Third in the trends are the recipes, the lockdown has given everyone plenty of time to stay at home and show off their cooking skills on social media. New recipes were the most searched in Goa, Daman &amp; Diu and Karnataka.&nbsp;

India has been on lockdown since March 25, after Prime Minister had declared war on coronavirus and due to the surge in cases, the lockdown had extended. But there has not been much of an improvement and the number of cases continues to soar up, which means the self-imposed lockdown is nowhere near to the end.

India has been on lockdown since March 25, after Prime Minister had declared war on coronavirus and due to the surge in cases, the lockdown had extended. But there has not been much of an improvement and the number of cases continues to soar up, which means the self-imposed lockdown is nowhere near to the end. Google searches done by the Indians shows how the citizens are coping with the lockdown. Stress and therapy are the most searched amid the nation-wide lockdown. As per the survey conducted by Indian Psychiatric Society shows a 20 per cent rise in mental illness due to uncertainty of work and health. According to the google trends data, these searches were the most in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mizoram and Puducherry. Search for therapy was low in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Searches for suicide were luckily low except on March 29 when German finance minister Thomas Schaefer committed suicide. Second most searches on the trends were the jobs. Lockdown has elevated the unemployment rate in urban India. That has led to a rise in job searches. Third in the trends are the recipes, the lockdown has given everyone plenty of time to stay at home and show off their cooking skills on social media. New recipes were the most searched in Goa, Daman & Diu and Karnataka.

Stress, Job, Food! Google trends display how Indians cope with lockdown

With an alarming increase in the traffic for child pornorgraphy from India, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)&nbsp;has issued a notice to social media platforms like Google, Twitter and WhatsApp highlighting its concern.

NCPCR started an independent investigation on&nbsp;Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and based on the evidence procured from the investigation, the online platforms have been given till the end of April to respond back to the notice issued to them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1990-new-cases-india-witnesses-highest-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hour-period-294814">Also read:&nbsp;With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period</a>

The increase in traffic has taken place during the lockdown period, according to the report.

The report by India Child Protection Fund (ICPF) titled 'Child Sexual Abuse Material in India'. The research revealed demand of obscene content in over 100 cities in India, mainly&nbsp;New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Indore' New Delhi topped the list. The overall demand for child pornography was an average of 5 million per month in 100 cities on the public web during December 2019, which has now alarmingly spiked.

"ICPF has warned that this indicates millions of paedophiles, child rapists and child pornography addicts have migrated online, making the Internet extremely unsafe for children. Without stringent action, this could result in a drastic rise in sexual crimes against children," said&nbsp;ICPF.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shoes-replace-protesters-as-swiss-climate-activists-obey-virus-restrictions-294610#making-a-point-by-respecting-the-virus!-294598">Also read:&nbsp;Shoes replace protesters as Swiss climate activists obey virus restrictions</a>

In the notice sent to Twitter India, NCPCR said, "It is seen that as per your standard terms and conditions, a person of 13 years and above is eligible to open an account on Twitter. If you are allowing children at the age of 13 to open an account, the commission is of the view that you can't allow the other users to publish, propagate pornographic material, links etc. on Twitter. Another concern of the commission is that the accessibility of the pornographic material to the children through these links on Twitter."

In a similar notice to Google India, NCPCR wrote, "It is noticed during inquiry that pornographic material is accessible through the apps available on Google Play Store. By mere downloading these apps from the platform the user can access such material. This is enabling accessibility of the children to such material. There is also possibility that the CSAM is also available on these apps making it much grave issue."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-coronavirus-fight-is-people-driven-says-pm-narendra-modi-in-mann-ki-baat-294821">Also read:&nbsp;India's coronavirus fight is people-driven, says PM Narendra Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'</a>

During the investigation, it was noticed that&nbsp;certain links are&nbsp;available to join 'encrypted WhatsApp groups' and the CSAM and pornographic material is easily present in these groups. These links were available on the internet, and anyone could join these encrypted WhatsApp groups and access CSAM content.

"The links to these groups were found to be propagated by various handles on Twitter. The commission is of the view that propagating links of these WhatsApp groups on Twitter handles is a serious matter,' NCPCR informed WhatsApp India in its notice.

According to the ICPF, there has been an increase in demand for phrases like 'child porn', 'sexy child', and 'teen sex videos', as noticed by online data monitoring websites.

Data from Pornhub also revealed&nbsp;that traffic from India has increased by 95 per cent between March 24 and March 26 2020, as compared to their average traffic, the ICPF claimed.

Addressing the media,&nbsp;Nivedita Ahuja, spokesperson for the ICPF said,&nbsp;"This is a blatant violation of the directions of the Honourable Supreme Court, and a violation of national policy. Pornographic websites are playing hide-and-seek with Indian law and judiciary by simply changing their website URLs."

NCPCR expressed its concern over the safety of minors in this lockdown period after the investigation revealed the chilling reality of CSAM content in the country.

With an alarming increase in the traffic for child pornorgraphy from India, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a notice to social media platforms like Google, Twitter and WhatsApp highlighting its concern.

With an alarming increase in the traffic for child pornorgraphy from India, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a notice to social media platforms like Google, Twitter and WhatsApp highlighting its concern. NCPCR started an independent investigation on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and based on the evidence procured from the investigation, the online platforms have been given till the end of April to respond back to the notice issued to them. Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period The increase in traffic has taken place during the lockdown period, according to the report. The report by India Child Protection Fund (ICPF) titled 'Child Sexual Abuse Material in India'. The research revealed demand of obscene content in over 100 cities in India, mainly New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Indore' New Delhi topped the list. The overall demand for child pornography was an average of 5 million per month in 100 cities on the public web during December 2019, which has now alarmingly spiked. "ICPF has warned that this indicates millions of paedophiles, child rapists and child pornography addicts have migrated online, making the Internet extremely unsafe for children. Without stringent action, this could result in a drastic rise in sexual crimes against children," said ICPF. Also read: Shoes replace protesters as Swiss climate activists obey virus restrictions In the notice sent to Twitter India, NCPCR said, "It is seen that as per your standard terms and conditions, a person of 13 years and above is eligible to open an account on Twitter. If you are allowing children at the age of 13 to open an account, the commission is of the view that you can't allow the other users to publish, propagate pornographic material, links etc. on Twitter. Another concern of the commission is that the accessibility of the pornographic material to the children through these links on Twitter." In a similar notice to Google India, NCPCR wrote, "It is noticed during inquiry that pornographic material is accessible through the apps available on Google Play Store. By mere downloading these apps from the platform the user can access such material. This is enabling accessibility of the children to such material. There is also possibility that the CSAM is also available on these apps making it much grave issue." Also read: India's coronavirus fight is people-driven, says PM Narendra Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat' During the investigation, it was noticed that certain links are available to join 'encrypted WhatsApp groups' and the CSAM and pornographic material is easily present in these groups. These links were available on the internet, and anyone could join these encrypted WhatsApp groups and access CSAM content. "The links to these groups were found to be propagated by various handles on Twitter. The commission is of the view that propagating links of these WhatsApp groups on Twitter handles is a serious matter,' NCPCR informed WhatsApp India in its notice. According to the ICPF, there has been an increase in demand for phrases like 'child porn', 'sexy child', and 'teen sex videos', as noticed by online data monitoring websites. Data from Pornhub also revealed that traffic from India has increased by 95 per cent between March 24 and March 26 2020, as compared to their average traffic, the ICPF claimed. Addressing the media, Nivedita Ahuja, spokesperson for the ICPF said, "This is a blatant violation of the directions of the Honourable Supreme Court, and a violation of national policy. Pornographic websites are playing hide-and-seek with Indian law and judiciary by simply changing their website URLs." NCPCR expressed its concern over the safety of minors in this lockdown period after the investigation revealed the chilling reality of CSAM content in the country.

95% increase in online traffic of child sexual abuse content in India; NCPCR issues notice

Google and Apple have come together to help authorities track the coronavirus pandemic by using Bluetooth technology.

The two Silicon Valley giants will work on a platform to enable&nbsp;contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs6-a-leroAhXnwTgGHUW3AoYQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BzEvUzb7iVByk_scusGwk" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786" target="_blank">No,&nbsp;5G&nbsp;waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

Initially, interfaces built on existing public health apps that can work on iOS or Android systems will be released by the companies&nbsp;in May.

This will be followed by a more comprehensive platform in the coming months to which users will be able to opt in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs6-a-leroAhXnwTgGHUW3AoYQFjACegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TdYx5x2DYcIZAfiTSBntV" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197" target="_blank">2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

According to press statement released by Google, smartphone user that tests positive for the coronavirus can input their result into an app from a public health authority, which will feed into an anonymous "identifier beacon".

This identifier will then be anonymously exchanged with anyone the user comes into contact with who also has the service enabled.

Users then upload their identifier records to the cloud, following which they will receive a notification if they have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the virus.

Authorities around the world are&nbsp;using technology to&nbsp;track exposure and enforce quarantines.

Last month, Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google had&nbsp;confirmed that&nbsp;they were looking into the use of&nbsp;cellphone location data&nbsp;to help track the spread of the virus.

Google and Apple have come together to help authorities track the coronavirus pandemic by using Bluetooth technology. The two Silicon Valley giants will work on a platform to enable contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with.

Google and Apple have come together to help authorities track the coronavirus pandemic by using Bluetooth technology. The two Silicon Valley giants will work on a platform to enable contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with. Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! Initially, interfaces built on existing public health apps that can work on iOS or Android systems will be released by the companies in May. This will be followed by a more comprehensive platform in the coming months to which users will be able to opt in. Also read: 2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic According to press statement released by Google, smartphone user that tests positive for the coronavirus can input their result into an app from a public health authority, which will feed into an anonymous "identifier beacon". This identifier will then be anonymously exchanged with anyone the user comes into contact with who also has the service enabled. Users then upload their identifier records to the cloud, following which they will receive a notification if they have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the virus. Authorities around the world are using technology to track exposure and enforce quarantines. Last month, Facebook and Google had confirmed that they were looking into the use of cellphone location data to help track the spread of the virus.

Google and Apple collaborate to track coronavirus pandemic

Google's sister company Verily rolled out a site coronavirus testing website for people in the San Francisco Bay Area which quickly hit its capacity after going live in a small pilot project.

Verily is a subsidiary of Alphabet which launched a testing project for the coronavirus pandemic.

<img alt="coronavirus testing website" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0824711-7bac-4e8f-ba7c-c359616072da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_111274650_projectbaseline.jpg" />

(In photo: Verily's website, Project Baseline)

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-donald-trump-and-his-virus-expert-give-contrasting-statements-about-american-response-286719">COVID-19: Donald Trump and his virus expert give contrasting statements about American response</a>

The website was intended to facilitate nationwide testing for the coronavirus and was promoted by US President Donald Trump in a news conference.

Howver, it reportedly told people with the symptoms of the virus that they were not eligible for the screening program and they were asked to create a Google account or log in to an existing Google account and sign an authorization form.

The website site was "hoping&nbsp;of expanding more broadly over time", the company said in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-reserve-announces-emergency-measures-amid-coronavirus-triggered-slowdown-286811">US Federal Reserve announces emergency measures amid coronavirus-triggered slowdown</a>

While Verily stated the website was limited to California, Trump said that it was for all Americans to check whether they should get tested.

Trump had also given contrasting statements about the American response of COVID-19 saying ''relax, we're doing great''.&nbsp;

Whereas, his lead virus expert had said that ''the worst is yet to come''.

Google's sister company Verily rolled out a site coronavirus testing website for people in the San Francisco Bay Area which quickly hit its capacity after going live in a small pilot project.

Google's sister company Verily rolled out a site coronavirus testing website for people in the San Francisco Bay Area which quickly hit its capacity after going live in a small pilot project. Verily is a subsidiary of Alphabet which launched a testing project for the coronavirus pandemic. (In photo: Verily's website, Project Baseline) Also read: COVID-19: Donald Trump and his virus expert give contrasting statements about American response The website was intended to facilitate nationwide testing for the coronavirus and was promoted by US President Donald Trump in a news conference. Howver, it reportedly told people with the symptoms of the virus that they were not eligible for the screening program and they were asked to create a Google account or log in to an existing Google account and sign an authorization form. The website site was "hoping of expanding more broadly over time", the company said in a statement. Also read: US Federal Reserve announces emergency measures amid coronavirus-triggered slowdown While Verily stated the website was limited to California, Trump said that it was for all Americans to check whether they should get tested. Trump had also given contrasting statements about the American response of COVID-19 saying ''relax, we're doing great''. Whereas, his lead virus expert had said that ''the worst is yet to come''.

Google's coronavirus testing website hits upper ceiling after going live

Google said on Friday that an employee at its Bengaluru office has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and the firm has directed all its employees in that office to work from home today as a precautionary measure.

"We can confirm that an employee from our Bangalore office has been diagnosed with COVID-19. They were in one of our Bangalore offices for a few hours before developing any symptoms.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-coronavirus-death-confirmed-in-indias-karnataka-285972">First coronavirus death confirmed in India's Karnataka</a>

The employee has been on quarantine since then," Google said in a statement.The firm has asked colleagues who were in close contact with the employee to quarantine themselves and monitor their health.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking employees in that Bangalore office to work from home on Friday.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/latest-coronavirus-news-update-India-confirms-third-coronavirus-case-in-Kerala">India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala</a>

We have taken and will continue to take all necessary precautionary measures, following the advice of public health officials, as we prioritize everyone`s health and safety," it added.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

Coronavirus, which originated in the Wuhan city of China, has so far spread to more than 100 countries infecting over 1,20,000 people.

India has confirmed 73 cases of the deadly virus.

&nbsp;

Google said on Friday that an employee at its Bengaluru office has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and the firm has directed all its employees in that office to work from home today as a precautionary measure.

Google said on Friday that an employee at its Bengaluru office has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and the firm has directed all its employees in that office to work from home today as a precautionary measure. "We can confirm that an employee from our Bangalore office has been diagnosed with COVID-19. They were in one of our Bangalore offices for a few hours before developing any symptoms. Also Read: First coronavirus death confirmed in India's Karnataka The employee has been on quarantine since then," Google said in a statement.The firm has asked colleagues who were in close contact with the employee to quarantine themselves and monitor their health. "Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking employees in that Bangalore office to work from home on Friday. Also Read: India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala We have taken and will continue to take all necessary precautionary measures, following the advice of public health officials, as we prioritize everyone`s health and safety," it added. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Coronavirus, which originated in the Wuhan city of China, has so far spread to more than 100 countries infecting over 1,20,000 people. India has confirmed 73 cases of the deadly virus.

Google employee in Bengaluru tests positive for coronavirus

Tech giants Google and Twitter have asked their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Most of the employees of Goggle's European headquarters in Dublin have been asked to work from home on Tuesday after one of its staff members reported flu-like symptoms.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/handshake-no-thanks-coronavirus-changes-global-habits-283893">Handshake? No thanks: coronavirus changes global habits</a>

A Google employee had tested positive for the virus in Zurich last week.

Other tech companies such as Twitter and Coinbase followed suit.

In a blog post, Twitter said it was mandatory for staff in Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea to work remotely.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1500-new-cases-of-coronavirus-outside-of-china-who-283848">1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO</a>

The social media giant said it was "strongly encouraging" all of its 5,000 employees around the world to not come into work.

It had prohibited all non-essential business travel and events for its workers.

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has also asked its employees to work from home who consider themselves susceptible to the flu.

Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 &nbsp;and infected more than 89,000 globally.

Tech giants Google and Twitter have asked their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Most of the employees of Goggle's European headquarters in Dublin have been asked to work from home on Tuesday after one of its staff members reported flu-like symptoms.

Tech giants Google and Twitter have asked their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Most of the employees of Goggle's European headquarters in Dublin have been asked to work from home on Tuesday after one of its staff members reported flu-like symptoms. Also read: Handshake? No thanks: coronavirus changes global habits A Google employee had tested positive for the virus in Zurich last week. Other tech companies such as Twitter and Coinbase followed suit. In a blog post, Twitter said it was mandatory for staff in Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea to work remotely. Also read: 1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO The social media giant said it was "strongly encouraging" all of its 5,000 employees around the world to not come into work. It had prohibited all non-essential business travel and events for its workers. Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has also asked its employees to work from home who consider themselves susceptible to the flu. Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 and infected more than 89,000 globally.

'Work from home': Google and Twitter order their staff amid coronavirus concerns

A recent study has revealed how much people in various countries value their private information and at what price will they be ready to part with it.

It is the first study that attempts to quantify the value of online privacy and data. It assessed how much privacy is worth in six countries by looking at the habits of people in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia and Argentina.

The study has been conducted by US-based think tank the Technology Policy Institute (TPI).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-says-investigating-data-exposure-of-267-million-users-269245">Profiles of 267 million users exposed, Facebook says investigating personal data leak</a>

The study found Germans want to be paid more for letting technology platforms share their personal data with third-parties followed by US consumers.

German <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/protect-users-personal-data-japan-government-to-facebook-172769">Facebook users</a> would want the social media platform to pay them about $8 per month for sharing their contact information, while US users would only seek $3.50.

The study addresses the growing concern about how companies from technology platforms to retailers have been collecting and monetizing personal data.&nbsp;

"Differences in how much people value the privacy of different data types across countries suggests that people in some places may prefer weaker rules while people in other places might prefer stronger rules," Scott Wallsten, president and senior fellow at TPI said.

"Quantifying the value of privacy is necessary for conducting any analysis of proposed privacy policies," he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutors-probing-facebooks-data-deals-report-203195">US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals: Report</a>

People across the board place the highest value on financial information such as bank balance and biometric information such as fingerprint data in particular and consider location data the least valuable, the study found.

A technology platform, on average, across all people the study assessed, would have to pay consumers a monthly $8.44 to share their bank balance information, $7.56 to share fingerprint information, $6.05 to read an individual's texts, and $5.80 to share information on cash withdrawals.

By contrast, people wanted to be paid only $1.82 per month to share location data and nothing to be sent advertisements via text messages.

<img alt="A graphical depiction of the data compiled in the study" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e72e696a-f1f0-4814-b3f6-327e38f2cc40" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FACEBBOK.jpg" />

(In photo: A graphical depiction of the data compiled in the study)

The study found Latin American consumers have a preference for seeing advertisements on their smartphone, in contrast to US residents and Germans.

US regulators have imposed hefty fines on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/protect-users-personal-data-japan-government-to-facebook-172769">Facebook Inc</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alphabet-googles-parent-company-now-a-1-trillion-enterprise-fourth-us-company-to-achieve-this-feat-274982">Alphabet</a>-owned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alphabet-googles-parent-company-now-a-1-trillion-enterprise-fourth-us-company-to-achieve-this-feat-274982">Google</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alphabet-googles-parent-company-now-a-1-trillion-enterprise-fourth-us-company-to-achieve-this-feat-274982">YouTube </a>unit for privacy violations.

US lawmakers are working on federal privacy legislation while states like California have put in place a new privacy law. 
&nbsp;

A recent study has revealed how much people in various countries value their private information and at what price will they be ready to part with it. It is the first study that attempts to quantify the value of online privacy and data.

A recent study has revealed how much people in various countries value their private information and at what price will they be ready to part with it. It is the first study that attempts to quantify the value of online privacy and data. It assessed how much privacy is worth in six countries by looking at the habits of people in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia and Argentina. The study has been conducted by US-based think tank the Technology Policy Institute (TPI). Also read: Profiles of 267 million users exposed, Facebook says investigating personal data leak The study found Germans want to be paid more for letting technology platforms share their personal data with third-parties followed by US consumers. German Facebook users would want the social media platform to pay them about $8 per month for sharing their contact information, while US users would only seek $3.50. The study addresses the growing concern about how companies from technology platforms to retailers have been collecting and monetizing personal data. "Differences in how much people value the privacy of different data types across countries suggests that people in some places may prefer weaker rules while people in other places might prefer stronger rules," Scott Wallsten, president and senior fellow at TPI said. "Quantifying the value of privacy is necessary for conducting any analysis of proposed privacy policies," he said. Also read: US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals: Report People across the board place the highest value on financial information such as bank balance and biometric information such as fingerprint data in particular and consider location data the least valuable, the study found. A technology platform, on average, across all people the study assessed, would have to pay consumers a monthly $8.44 to share their bank balance information, $7.56 to share fingerprint information, $6.05 to read an individual's texts, and $5.80 to share information on cash withdrawals. By contrast, people wanted to be paid only $1.82 per month to share location data and nothing to be sent advertisements via text messages. (In photo: A graphical depiction of the data compiled in the study) The study found Latin American consumers have a preference for seeing advertisements on their smartphone, in contrast to US residents and Germans. US regulators have imposed hefty fines on Facebook Inc and Alphabet-owned Google's YouTube unit for privacy violations. US lawmakers are working on federal privacy legislation while states like California have put in place a new privacy law.

How much do Facebook users want to sell their private information for?

Indian landscapes through a satellite's lens

Teeth-whitening specialist in Melbourne wished to sue for defamation and claimed that used CBsm 23 had destroyed his business by telling potential customers to "STAY AWAY" from a procedure criticised as "extremely awkward and uncomfortable".

Teeth-whitening specialist in Melbourne wished to sue for defamation and claimed that used CBsm 23 had destroyed his business by telling potential customers to "STAY AWAY" from a procedure criticised as "extremely awkward and uncomfortable". In pictures: Most amazing landscapes in Google Earth viewed from space The tech giant Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., was forced by the ruling and had previously defended allowing negative reviews on its site. Google is required per the court order to pass to Dr Kabbabe any personal details such as any names, phone numbers, location metadata and IP addresses linked to the account. Google Pay to offer checking accounts through Citi, Stanford Federal Seeking documents from overseas parties needed for one's case is allowed by international law, even though Justice Bernard Murphy ruled that Dr Kabbabe could pursue a defamation case, stating that Google was "likely to have or have had control of a document or thing that would help ascertain that description of the prospective respondent". Google translates ‘sad’ to ‘happy’ angering Hong Kong protesters against China extradition law The ruling was described by Mr Kabbabe's lawyer as a "groundbreaking" win for small enterprises. He argued that Google had a duty of care in potentially defamatory postings as the platform it provided was vital to many businesses. There have been no comments from Google about the ruling, though the firm has previously been reluctant to remove bad reviews and has only done so on the pretext of following court orders. Google explained to Australian law reform experts last year that defamation cases over online reviews could result in the suppression of free speech and consumer rights.

Google ordered to disclose identity of user who wrote scathing review for Australian dentist

Most amazing landscapes in Google Earth viewed from space

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