After finding that a YouTube commentator's "relentless, racist, vilification, abusive and defamatory campaign" drove John Barilaro to quit politics prematurely, an Australian court has ordered Google to pay A$715,000 ($515,000) to the former senior lawmaker.

Barilaro, who was the deputy premier of Australia's most populous state New South Wales, was called "corrupt" without evidence by political commentator Jordan Shanks.

Shanks, who accused Barilaro of being racist in his YouTube videos, is a standup comedian who discusses contemporary Australian political issues, involving self-described "lowbrow humour".

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The Australian comedian known, also known as friendlyjordies, used an Italian accent to mock Barilaro's heritage in his videos.

According to Australian judge Steve Rares, Shanks' videos were "nothing less than hate speech" and traumatised Barilaro to such an extent that it forced him to leave public office and quit politics in October 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/warning-to-billions-of-chrome-users-google-says-browser-successfully-targeted-by-hackers-474644">Also read |&nbsp;Warning to billions of Chrome users! Google says browser successfully targeted by hackers</a>

After evidence proved that by attacking Barilaro in videos that were viewed nearly 800,000 times since being posted in late 2020, YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc's Google, earned thousands of dollars, Rares told the Federal Court that "I found Google's conduct in this proceeding to be improper and unjustifiable."

He added that Google was willing to join the comedian "to earn revenue as part of its business model" and Shanks "needed YouTube to disseminate his poison."

Barilaro had reached a settlement with a spokesperson for Shanks, who was previously a co-defendant with Google, in 2021 after which friendlyjordies issued an apology and agreed to edit the videos. He sued Google for defamation after the tech giant refused to remove the offending videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After finding that a YouTube commentator's "relentless, racist, vilification, abusive and defamatory campaign" drove John Barilaro to quit politics prematurely, an Australian court has ordered Google to pay A$715,000 ($515,000) to the former senior lawmaker.

After finding that a YouTube commentator's "relentless, racist, vilification, abusive and defamatory campaign" drove John Barilaro to quit politics prematurely, an Australian court has ordered Google to pay A$715,000 ($515,000) to the former senior lawmaker. Barilaro, who was the deputy premier of Australia's most populous state New South Wales, was called "corrupt" without evidence by political commentator Jordan Shanks. Shanks, who accused Barilaro of being racist in his YouTube videos, is a standup comedian who discusses contemporary Australian political issues, involving self-described "lowbrow humour". The Australian comedian known, also known as friendlyjordies, used an Italian accent to mock Barilaro's heritage in his videos. According to Australian judge Steve Rares, Shanks' videos were "nothing less than hate speech" and traumatised Barilaro to such an extent that it forced him to leave public office and quit politics in October 2021. Also read | Warning to billions of Chrome users! Google says browser successfully targeted by hackers After evidence proved that by attacking Barilaro in videos that were viewed nearly 800,000 times since being posted in late 2020, YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc's Google, earned thousands of dollars, Rares told the Federal Court that "I found Google's conduct in this proceeding to be improper and unjustifiable." He added that Google was willing to join the comedian "to earn revenue as part of its business model" and Shanks "needed YouTube to disseminate his poison." Barilaro had reached a settlement with a spokesperson for Shanks, who was previously a co-defendant with Google, in 2021 after which friendlyjordies issued an apology and agreed to edit the videos. He sued Google for defamation after the tech giant refused to remove the offending videos. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Australian court orders Google to pay $515,000 to former lawmaker over defamatory YouTube videos

Google has lost a defamation case filed by a Retired Australian MP. The court observed that Google defamed the Retired Australian MP by hosting videos on YouTube.

Court: Google defamed Retired Australian MP by hosting videos on YouTube

In the world of tech markets, Apple and Google are the leading powers. The latter made its name dominated as the most used search engine as no other engine comes close to Google’s popularity.

But soon, things might change. As per rumours, Apple is expected to launch a new user-centric web search engine and is waiting until January 2023 to launch its search engine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-meet-labour-crunch-aid-an-aging-population-japan-develops-bex-a-goat-robot-484520">To meet labour crunch, aid an aging population Japan develops 'BEX' a goat-robot</a>

Apple is likely to launch iOS 16, iPad OS 16, watchOS 16, and macOS 13 at WWDC. The much-anticipated Always on Display function is expected to be included in the forthcoming software version. Currently, companies available for display include Samsung, OnePlus, and many others, and Apple is likely to include them in the iPhone 14 line up to ship in September this year.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Apple iPod to be discontinued

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Famous tech blogger Robert Scoble anticipated Apple to introduce a number of thigs at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023. As per the blogger, he believes that this rumour isn’t new and that the tech firm has been earlier linked to several launches. The blogger tweeted a few days earlier, saying that Apple would introduce the world to augmented reality next year.&nbsp;

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Apple's WWDC will be the first of three different events that Apple is preparing for the next year introducing the world to augmented reality (a new form that we haven't seen yet). 
 
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The blogger in conversation with TechRadar that the information that he has posted on twitter is based on the combination of talks with his sources and deduction. He also told the publication that in WWDC 2022, it will be the most expensive product launch ever done. He further predicted that the search engine will be unveiled by January next year.

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(With inputs from agencies)

In the world of tech markets, Apple and Google are the leading powers. The latter made its name dominated as the most used search engine as no other engine comes close to Google’s popularity.

In the world of tech markets, Apple and Google are the leading powers. The latter made its name dominated as the most used search engine as no other engine comes close to Google’s popularity. But soon, things might change. As per rumours, Apple is expected to launch a new user-centric web search engine and is waiting until January 2023 to launch its search engine. Also read | To meet labour crunch, aid an aging population Japan develops 'BEX' a goat-robot Apple is likely to launch iOS 16, iPad OS 16, watchOS 16, and macOS 13 at WWDC. The much-anticipated Always on Display function is expected to be included in the forthcoming software version. Currently, companies available for display include Samsung, OnePlus, and many others, and Apple is likely to include them in the iPhone 14 line up to ship in September this year. Watch | Gravitas: Apple iPod to be discontinued Famous tech blogger Robert Scoble anticipated Apple to introduce a number of thigs at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023. As per the blogger, he believes that this rumour isn’t new and that the tech firm has been earlier linked to several launches. The blogger tweeted a few days earlier, saying that Apple would introduce the world to augmented reality next year. Apple's WWDC will be the first of three different events that Apple is preparing for the next year introducing the world to augmented reality (a new form that we haven't seen yet). Thread: — Robert Scoble (@Scobleizer) May 28, 2022 × Also read | WhatsApp may soon let you edit already sent text messages The blogger in conversation with TechRadar that the information that he has posted on twitter is based on the combination of talks with his sources and deduction. He also told the publication that in WWDC 2022, it will be the most expensive product launch ever done. He further predicted that the search engine will be unveiled by January next year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple to launch its search engine and compete with Google: Reports

Google has been indulged in a caste discrimination row. Google manager has accused Google of toxic work culture and has quit over scrapped lecture.

Google caste discrimination row: Manager accuses Google of toxic work culture

A group of Democratic Party lawmakers in the US has urged Google to stop collecting smartphone location data that potentially&nbsp;can be used to identify women who have opted for abortions. This move has come as fears of US Supreme Court overturning landmark Row vs. Wade judgment have mounted.

The verdict, delivered in 1973 guaranteed women across the US access to abortion.

More than 40 lawmakers have signed the letter that urges Google CEO Sundar Pichai to make the company stop collecting the data. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders along with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are among the lawmakers who have signed the letter.

"We are concerned that, in a world in which abortion could be made illegal, Google's current practice of collecting and retaining extensive records of cell phone location data will allow it to become a tool for far-right extremists looking to crack down on people seeking reproductive health care," said the letter, which was published online.

"That's because Google stores historical location information about hundreds of millions of smartphone users, which it routinely shares with government agencies."

Google did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

As per AFP, polls show that majority of Americans supported some form of access to abortion.

However, there has been a push from the right wing of American politics to restrict abortion right. States controlled by Republican Party have taken steps in this direction.

"If this decision becomes final, the consequences will be dire," the lawmakers said.

"Republicans in Congress are already discussing passing a law criminalizing abortion in all 50 states, putting the government in control of women’s bodies."

In their letter, the lawmakers urged Google to stop gathering location data from smartphones that could be used by prosecutors keen to identify women who have visited health care facilities that provide abortions.

Google routinely receives court orders compelling it turn over user location information, including "geofence" orders, that demand data about everyone who was near a particular place at a certain time, the letter said.

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"If abortion is made illegal by the far-right Supreme Court and Republican lawmakers, it is inevitable that right-wing prosecutors will obtain legal warrants to hunt down, prosecute and jail women for obtaining critical reproductive health care," the letter said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A group of Democratic Party lawmakers in the US has urged Google to stop collecting smartphone location data that potentially can be used to identify women who have opted for abortions.

A group of Democratic Party lawmakers in the US has urged Google to stop collecting smartphone location data that potentially can be used to identify women who have opted for abortions. This move has come as fears of US Supreme Court overturning landmark Row vs. Wade judgment have mounted. The verdict, delivered in 1973 guaranteed women across the US access to abortion. More than 40 lawmakers have signed the letter that urges Google CEO Sundar Pichai to make the company stop collecting the data. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders along with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are among the lawmakers who have signed the letter. "We are concerned that, in a world in which abortion could be made illegal, Google's current practice of collecting and retaining extensive records of cell phone location data will allow it to become a tool for far-right extremists looking to crack down on people seeking reproductive health care," said the letter, which was published online. "That's because Google stores historical location information about hundreds of millions of smartphone users, which it routinely shares with government agencies." Google did not respond to AFP's request for comment. As per AFP, polls show that majority of Americans supported some form of access to abortion. However, there has been a push from the right wing of American politics to restrict abortion right. States controlled by Republican Party have taken steps in this direction. "If this decision becomes final, the consequences will be dire," the lawmakers said. "Republicans in Congress are already discussing passing a law criminalizing abortion in all 50 states, putting the government in control of women’s bodies." In their letter, the lawmakers urged Google to stop gathering location data from smartphones that could be used by prosecutors keen to identify women who have visited health care facilities that provide abortions. Google routinely receives court orders compelling it turn over user location information, including "geofence" orders, that demand data about everyone who was near a particular place at a certain time, the letter said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × "If abortion is made illegal by the far-right Supreme Court and Republican lawmakers, it is inevitable that right-wing prosecutors will obtain legal warrants to hunt down, prosecute and jail women for obtaining critical reproductive health care," the letter said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US lawmakers urge Google to stop location tracking of abortion seekers

American multinational technology company Google, which is facing a new Big Tech antitrust bill, has been under increasing pressure after a&nbsp;three-judge panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;revived a part of Florida's social media law to disclose the standards they use to moderate content on its platform.

The unanimous decision was authored by Circuit Judge Kevin Newsom, who was appointed by Republican former President Donald Trump.

"The First Amendment protects platforms and their right to moderate content as they see fit - and the government can't force them to host content they don't want," NetChoice Vice President Carl Szabo said in a statement.

According to US Senator Mike Lee, “This lack of competition in digital advertising means that monopoly rents are being imposed upon every website that is ad-supported and every company — small, medium, or large — that relies on internet advertising to grow its business.”

“It is essentially a tax on thousands of American businesses, and thus a tax on millions of American consumers,” Lee added.<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-bans-apps-with-hidden-data-harvesting-software-from-playstore-469107/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Alphabet-owned internet titan can be forbidden from owning multiple parts of the digital advertising chain if the Competition and Transparency in Digital Advertising Act is passed in the US Senate.

The tech giant's Russian subsidiary will file for bankruptcy after authorities seized its bank account following a series of spats with Moscow.

The Dutch consumer watchdog has launched a preliminary investigation into Google over its Play store for apps after dating site Tinder lodged a complaint against it.

In its complaint, the Match Group said that Google only allowed its own payment system to be used when purchasing apps, the Authority for Consumers and Markets said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-google-hatching-a-sinister-plot-to-butt-in-on-donald-trumps-app-truth-socials-success-481441">Also read |&nbsp;Is Google hatching a sinister plot to butt in on Donald Trump's app Truth Social's success?</a>

Dutch regulator's spokesman Murco Mijnlieff told AFP, "We very recently received a complaint, and we will see if there is material to launch a formal inquiry."

The Silicon Vallery company has repeatedly faced problems in the United States and Europe over its alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

According to a letter signed by more than 100 groups lead by Common Cause and sent to the chief executive of Google Sundar Pichai, "High-profile disinformation spreaders and other bad actors are continuing to use social media platforms to disseminate messages that undermine trust in elections."

"Candidates are using the Big Lie as a platform plank to pre-emptively declare voter fraud in order to dispute the results of the 2022 election," they wrote.&nbsp;

"This is damaging American democracy by undermining faith in the integrity of our elections."

Activists have urged Pichai to prioritise fact-checking and providing real-time access to data to external watchdogs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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American multinational technology company Google, which is facing a new Big Tech antitrust bill, has been under increasing pressure after a three-judge panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals revived a part of Florida's social media law to disclose the standards they use to moderate content on its platform.

American multinational technology company Google, which is facing a new Big Tech antitrust bill, has been under increasing pressure after a three-judge panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals revived a part of Florida's social media law to disclose the standards they use to moderate content on its platform. The unanimous decision was authored by Circuit Judge Kevin Newsom, who was appointed by Republican former President Donald Trump. "The First Amendment protects platforms and their right to moderate content as they see fit - and the government can't force them to host content they don't want," NetChoice Vice President Carl Szabo said in a statement. According to US Senator Mike Lee, “This lack of competition in digital advertising means that monopoly rents are being imposed upon every website that is ad-supported and every company — small, medium, or large — that relies on internet advertising to grow its business.” “It is essentially a tax on thousands of American businesses, and thus a tax on millions of American consumers,” Lee added. The Alphabet-owned internet titan can be forbidden from owning multiple parts of the digital advertising chain if the Competition and Transparency in Digital Advertising Act is passed in the US Senate. The tech giant's Russian subsidiary will file for bankruptcy after authorities seized its bank account following a series of spats with Moscow. The Dutch consumer watchdog has launched a preliminary investigation into Google over its Play store for apps after dating site Tinder lodged a complaint against it. In its complaint, the Match Group said that Google only allowed its own payment system to be used when purchasing apps, the Authority for Consumers and Markets said. Also read | Is Google hatching a sinister plot to butt in on Donald Trump's app Truth Social's success? Dutch regulator's spokesman Murco Mijnlieff told AFP, "We very recently received a complaint, and we will see if there is material to launch a formal inquiry." The Silicon Vallery company has repeatedly faced problems in the United States and Europe over its alleged anti-competitive behaviour. According to a letter signed by more than 100 groups lead by Common Cause and sent to the chief executive of Google Sundar Pichai, "High-profile disinformation spreaders and other bad actors are continuing to use social media platforms to disseminate messages that undermine trust in elections." "Candidates are using the Big Lie as a platform plank to pre-emptively declare voter fraud in order to dispute the results of the 2022 election," they wrote. "This is damaging American democracy by undermining faith in the integrity of our elections." Activists have urged Pichai to prioritise fact-checking and providing real-time access to data to external watchdogs. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

With growing pile of antitrust woes, how long can Google own internet?

Google’s Russian subsidiary is planning to file for bankruptcy after the local authorities seized its bank accounts, assets and property, according to Reuters news agency.

The company’s spokesperson confirmed that the global software giant has no funds to pay suppliers, vendors and employees.

"Russian authorities' seizure of Google Russia's bank account has made it untenable for our Russia office to function, including employing and paying Russia-based employees, paying suppliers and vendors, and meeting other financial obligations,” the spokesperson, Julie Tarallo McAlister, said in a press statement.

Google’s Russia unit has about 100 employees.

However, Google said it will continue to offer its free services, such as Search, Maps, YouTube and Gmail in Russia for the time being.

There would be no changes to Google’s Android operating system or Play store app either, the company has confirmed.

The company has been under immense pressure after it restricted access to Russian media on YouTube and suspended its commercial activities in the country after Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Google's Russia unit to file for bankruptcy as bank account of Google's Russian subsidiary seized

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According to Reuters, a TV channel owned by a sanctioned Russian businessman said in April that the sleuths had seized 1 billion roubles ($15 million) from Google over its failure to restore access to its YouTube account.

However, it is unclear whether the seizure of this fund has led Google to file for insolvency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-does-google-make-money-479751">How does Google make money?</a>

In December, Google was fined 7.2 billion rouble for what Moscow said was a repeated failure to delete content Russia deems illegal.

That fine increased by 506 million roubles due to an enforcement fee.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google,&nbsp;last month said that Russia accounted for 1 per cent of its revenue last year, or about $2.6 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Google’s Russian subsidiary is planning to file for bankruptcy after the local authorities seized its bank accounts, assets and property, according to Reuters news agency.

Google’s Russian subsidiary is planning to file for bankruptcy after the local authorities seized its bank accounts, assets and property, according to Reuters news agency. The company’s spokesperson confirmed that the global software giant has no funds to pay suppliers, vendors and employees. "Russian authorities' seizure of Google Russia's bank account has made it untenable for our Russia office to function, including employing and paying Russia-based employees, paying suppliers and vendors, and meeting other financial obligations,” the spokesperson, Julie Tarallo McAlister, said in a press statement. Google’s Russia unit has about 100 employees. However, Google said it will continue to offer its free services, such as Search, Maps, YouTube and Gmail in Russia for the time being. There would be no changes to Google’s Android operating system or Play store app either, the company has confirmed. The company has been under immense pressure after it restricted access to Russian media on YouTube and suspended its commercial activities in the country after Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. Watch | Google's Russia unit to file for bankruptcy as bank account of Google's Russian subsidiary seized According to Reuters, a TV channel owned by a sanctioned Russian businessman said in April that the sleuths had seized 1 billion roubles ($15 million) from Google over its failure to restore access to its YouTube account. However, it is unclear whether the seizure of this fund has led Google to file for insolvency. Also read | How does Google make money? In December, Google was fined 7.2 billion rouble for what Moscow said was a repeated failure to delete content Russia deems illegal. That fine increased by 506 million roubles due to an enforcement fee. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, last month said that Russia accounted for 1 per cent of its revenue last year, or about $2.6 billion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Google’s Russian unit to file for insolvency, no funds to pay salaries to employees

Google's Russia unit is expected to file for bankruptcy as the bank account of Google's Russian subsidiary has been seized amid the Ukraine crisis.

Google's Russia unit to file for bankruptcy as bank account of Google's Russian subsidiary seized

Alphabet Inc is a conglomerate of companies, the largest of which is Google. Web surfing and searching, cloud computing, streaming entertainment, mobile operating systems and apps, are among the company's software and Internet-related services and solutions. But how does Google make money?

Google's (Alphabet) business model: How it makes money

How does Google make money?

The strong headwinds in the global economy have wiped off a whopping $7 trillion in market value from blue chip stocks in the S&amp;P 500. Since the end of December last year, the index has dropped approximately 18 per cent.&nbsp; Following a 0.1 per cent fall on Thursday (May 12), the S&amp;P 500 is now just beyond bear market levels, that is 20 per cent drop from a recent closing high.&nbsp;

The Dow, which fell about 104 points, or 0.3 per cent, on Thursday (May 12), is down more than 13 per cent this year.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-sec-probes-delayed-disclosure-of-elon-musks-initial-stake-in-twitter-says-report-478308">&nbsp;Now, SEC probes delayed disclosure of Elon Musk's initial stake in Twitter, says report</a>

Technology stocks have been hit very bad. The Nasdaq managed a small rise on Thursday, but it is still down 27 per cent this year, placing it in market territory, according to US media reports. The tech sector is responsible for about $3 trillion of the S&amp;P 500’s market cap decline.&nbsp;

As per the analysis from Bespoke Investment Group, a research firm, The Nasdaq has dropped more than 20 per cent in the last 30 trading days. According to the firm, a dip of that magnitude has only happened 11 times earlier, and nine of those declines were “related with recession.”

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Worst day for global markets since June 2020

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Shares of many tech leaders such as Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Google owner Alphabet (GOOGL) and Tesla (TSLA) are all deeply in red. However, Netflix (NFLX) is the poorest performer in the S&amp;P 500 in 2022, down more than 70 per cent, CNN Business reported.&nbsp;

The sharp drop is alarming Main Street, which is concerned that the US economy is losing its speed after a remarkable rebound from the pandemic-induced recession.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-sets-inflation-agenda-discusses-end-to-china-tariffs-477964">Biden sets inflation agenda; discusses end to China tariffs</a>

Investors are now waiting for capitulation, the point at which it appears that everyone has completely given up. When sentiment appears to be at its lowest, it may be time to begin buying them again.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The strong headwinds in the global economy have wiped off a whopping $7 trillion in market value from blue chip stocks in the S&P 500. Since the end of December last year, the index has dropped approximately 18 per cent.

The strong headwinds in the global economy have wiped off a whopping $7 trillion in market value from blue chip stocks in the S&P 500. Since the end of December last year, the index has dropped approximately 18 per cent. Following a 0.1 per cent fall on Thursday (May 12), the S&P 500 is now just beyond bear market levels, that is 20 per cent drop from a recent closing high. The Dow, which fell about 104 points, or 0.3 per cent, on Thursday (May 12), is down more than 13 per cent this year. Also read | Now, SEC probes delayed disclosure of Elon Musk's initial stake in Twitter, says report Technology stocks have been hit very bad. The Nasdaq managed a small rise on Thursday, but it is still down 27 per cent this year, placing it in market territory, according to US media reports. The tech sector is responsible for about $3 trillion of the S&P 500’s market cap decline. As per the analysis from Bespoke Investment Group, a research firm, The Nasdaq has dropped more than 20 per cent in the last 30 trading days. According to the firm, a dip of that magnitude has only happened 11 times earlier, and nine of those declines were “related with recession.” Watch | Gravitas: Worst day for global markets since June 2020 Shares of many tech leaders such as Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Google owner Alphabet (GOOGL) and Tesla (TSLA) are all deeply in red. However, Netflix (NFLX) is the poorest performer in the S&P 500 in 2022, down more than 70 per cent, CNN Business reported. The sharp drop is alarming Main Street, which is concerned that the US economy is losing its speed after a remarkable rebound from the pandemic-induced recession. Also read | Biden sets inflation agenda; discusses end to China tariffs Investors are now waiting for capitulation, the point at which it appears that everyone has completely given up. When sentiment appears to be at its lowest, it may be time to begin buying them again. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Big slump: US stock markets lost more than $7 trillion this year

Google is all set to ban third-party call recording apps on its play store, this simply means that you may no longer be able to record your calls incomplete discretion and the call recording applications installed on your smartphones will stop working as the tech giant has updated its Play Store policy.

Tech giant Google to ban third-party call recording application

From Google to Meta: Tech giants dominating Wall Street's trillion-dollar club

Privacy has become a big concern for netizens. Nowadays, one can also find several kinds of personal information in Google search results. &nbsp;

To help people protect their privacy, Alphabet Inc's Google has finally started to take requests for removal of results containing information like phone numbers, home addresses and email accounts, a Reuters report said. &nbsp;

In an exclusive interview to Reuters, Michelle Chang, global policy lead, Google search, said, "Research has told us there's a larger amount of personally identifiable information that users consider as sensitive. They are increasingly unwilling to tolerate this content online." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-musk-buyout-progressive-twitter-accounts-lost-followers-and-conservatives-gain-474325" hreflang="en">After Musk buyout, progressive Twitter&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;lost&nbsp;followers</a>

This move seems to have indicated a shift in its stance between personal privacy and access to information. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The rise in demand from users and development of norms related to threats posed by easy access to contact information has led to the expansion of removal policies globally, Google said on Wednesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Apple faces pressure from the EU to ditch the lightning port

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Till now, Google used to accept requests only to remove webpages, which shared contact information along with some sort of threat or asked for payment for removal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In recent years, the most used internet search tool has got tens of thousands of such requests annually. It had approved about 13% of them only. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the company, it processes requests within a few days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Privacy has become a big concern for netizens. Nowadays, one can also find several kinds of personal information in Google search results. To help people protect their privacy, Alphabet Inc's Google has finally started to take requests for removal of results containing information like phone numbers, home addresses and email accounts, a Reuters report said.

Privacy has become a big concern for netizens. Nowadays, one can also find several kinds of personal information in Google search results. To help people protect their privacy, Alphabet Inc's Google has finally started to take requests for removal of results containing information like phone numbers, home addresses and email accounts, a Reuters report said. In an exclusive interview to Reuters, Michelle Chang, global policy lead, Google search, said, "Research has told us there's a larger amount of personally identifiable information that users consider as sensitive. They are increasingly unwilling to tolerate this content online." Also Read: After Musk buyout, progressive Twitter accounts lost followers This move seems to have indicated a shift in its stance between personal privacy and access to information. The rise in demand from users and development of norms related to threats posed by easy access to contact information has led to the expansion of removal policies globally, Google said on Wednesday. Watch: Apple faces pressure from the EU to ditch the lightning port × Till now, Google used to accept requests only to remove webpages, which shared contact information along with some sort of threat or asked for payment for removal. In recent years, the most used internet search tool has got tens of thousands of such requests annually. It had approved about 13% of them only. As per the company, it processes requests within a few days. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Right to be forgotten: Google begins to take requests for removal of search results with personal info

Chrome users have been warned as Google revealed 30 new security flaws, including seven that pose a 'high' threat.&nbsp;

The tech firm&nbsp;has warned billions of users that the browser has been successfully targeted by hackers.&nbsp;

In a statement, the company has informed that it is now releasing an update to fix the bugs. The update is expected to come within the next few days. &nbsp;

Google stated that the bug has affected Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, there is no confirmation that who is responsible for hacking. The company has also not clarified whether any users' security was put at risk.&nbsp;

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The company said: "We will also retain restrictions if the bug exists in a third party library that other projects similarly depend on, but haven’t yet fixed."&nbsp;

As per the statement, an update will be released by the tech giant&nbsp;within the next few days to fix the bugs.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly criticises Twitter staff which stirs fresh row

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/you-think-videoconferencing-is-the-new-normal-but-it-hinders-creativity-study-tells-474459">You think videoconferencing is the new normal? But it hinders creativity, study claims</a>

"Until a majority of users are updated with a fix" other hack details are currently being restricted by the company.&nbsp;

The company said that it will also retain restrictions if the bug exists in a third party library that other projects similarly depend on, but haven’t yet fixed.&nbsp;

"We would also like to thank all security researchers that worked with us during the development cycle to prevent security bugs from ever reaching the stable channel," the company stated.&nbsp;

The company also said that the users can manually update their browsers through the settings features.&nbsp;

However, the browser will automatically update within a few days.&nbsp;

<hr />
Read latest on personal information and search results

Meanwhile, Google has announced an expansion of the list of personal content that it's planning to remove from search results to cover things like physical address, phone number, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account IDs, or photos of your handwritten signatures.&nbsp;

Google is also planning to remove things like 'non-consensual explicit or intimate personal images,'&nbsp;pornographic deep fakes, or links to sites with 'exploitative removal practices.'&nbsp;

As per reports from The Verge, Google is providing the new options because 'the internet is always evolving'&nbsp;and its search engine giving out your phone number or home address can be quite dangerous.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Chrome users have been warned as Google revealed 30 new security flaws, including seven that pose a 'high' threat. The tech firm has warned billions of users that the browser has been successfully targeted by hackers.

Chrome users have been warned as Google revealed 30 new security flaws, including seven that pose a 'high' threat. The tech firm has warned billions of users that the browser has been successfully targeted by hackers. In a statement, the company has informed that it is now releasing an update to fix the bugs. The update is expected to come within the next few days. Google stated that the bug has affected Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, there is no confirmation that who is responsible for hacking. The company has also not clarified whether any users' security was put at risk. ALSO READ | Moderna asks FDA to authorise its COVID vaccine for children younger than 6 The company said: "We will also retain restrictions if the bug exists in a third party library that other projects similarly depend on, but haven’t yet fixed." As per the statement, an update will be released by the tech giant within the next few days to fix the bugs. WATCH | Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly criticises Twitter staff which stirs fresh row × ALSO READ | You think videoconferencing is the new normal? But it hinders creativity, study claims "Until a majority of users are updated with a fix" other hack details are currently being restricted by the company. The company said that it will also retain restrictions if the bug exists in a third party library that other projects similarly depend on, but haven’t yet fixed. "We would also like to thank all security researchers that worked with us during the development cycle to prevent security bugs from ever reaching the stable channel," the company stated. The company also said that the users can manually update their browsers through the settings features. However, the browser will automatically update within a few days. Read latest on personal information and search results Meanwhile, Google has announced an expansion of the list of personal content that it's planning to remove from search results to cover things like physical address, phone number, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account IDs, or photos of your handwritten signatures. Google is also planning to remove things like 'non-consensual explicit or intimate personal images,' pornographic deep fakes, or links to sites with 'exploitative removal practices.' As per reports from The Verge, Google is providing the new options because 'the internet is always evolving' and its search engine giving out your phone number or home address can be quite dangerous. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × (With inputs from agencies)

Warning to billions of Chrome users! Google says browser successfully targeted by hackers

Aiming to stop or cut down the use of politically incorrect words online, Google has launched an "inclusive language" function to avoid biases, slang or expressions that discriminate against groups of people on the basis of race, gender or socioeconomic status.&nbsp;

Typing 'politically incorrect' words will prompt a warning message to the users, for example, while writing 'landlord' will be flagged.&nbsp;

The message apparently reads: "Inclusive warning. Some of these words may not be inclusive to all readers. Consider using different words."&nbsp;

Similar to the word landlord, the users will be warned while typing the word 'mankind' because the suggested alternative is to use 'humankind'. The word mankind has been treated as a controversial term and not&nbsp;gender-inclusive.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/from-may-11-call-recording-may-not-be-possible-through-third-party-apps-on-android-phones-reports-473177">From May 11, call recording may not be possible through third-party apps on Android phones: Reports</a>

As reported by Daily Mail, the new Google Document style programme will also flag gender-specific terms such as policemen and housewife. Instead, words like 'police officers' and 'stay-at-home spouse' should be used.&nbsp;

The document is being rolled out to what the firm calls enterprise-level users, the Mail report added.&nbsp;

Significantly, many computer document systems use methods and algorithms to correct spelling and grammar in the online text but corrections for 'inclusive language' are not widely used.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that the system is apparently flawed. For example, the&nbsp;transcribed interview with ex Klu Klux Klan leader David Duke prompted no warnings. In the interview, Duke used&nbsp;offensive racial slurs. &nbsp;

However, former US President John F Kennedy's inaugural address was flagged. The warning message suggested that he should say "for all humankind" instead of "for all mankind".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dangerous-superbugs-may-get-transmitted-from-pigs-to-humans-say-scientists-473502">Dangerous superbugs may get transmitted from pigs to humans, say scientists &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Is it a step too far?&nbsp;

As quoted by Daily Mail, Silkie Carlo, of campaign group Big Brother Watch, told the Sunday Telegraph: "Google’s new word warnings aren't assistive, they're deeply intrusive. This speech-policing is profoundly clumsy, creepy and wrong, often reinforcing bias."&nbsp;

Sam Bowman, of an online magazine, Works in Progress, said: "It feels pretty hectoring and adds an unwanted political/cultural slant to what I'd rather was a neutral product [as] a user."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Google spokesman said: "Our technology is always improving, and we don’t yet [have] a solution to identifying and mitigating all unwanted word associations and biases."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Twitter begin deal talks with Elon Musk

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&nbsp;

Aiming to stop or cut down the use of politically incorrect words online, Google has launched an "inclusive language" function to avoid biases, slang or expressions that discriminate against groups of people on the basis of race, gender or socioeconomic status.

Aiming to stop or cut down the use of politically incorrect words online, Google has launched an "inclusive language" function to avoid biases, slang or expressions that discriminate against groups of people on the basis of race, gender or socioeconomic status. Typing 'politically incorrect' words will prompt a warning message to the users, for example, while writing 'landlord' will be flagged. The message apparently reads: "Inclusive warning. Some of these words may not be inclusive to all readers. Consider using different words." Similar to the word landlord, the users will be warned while typing the word 'mankind' because the suggested alternative is to use 'humankind'. The word mankind has been treated as a controversial term and not gender-inclusive. ALSO READ | From May 11, call recording may not be possible through third-party apps on Android phones: Reports As reported by Daily Mail, the new Google Document style programme will also flag gender-specific terms such as policemen and housewife. Instead, words like 'police officers' and 'stay-at-home spouse' should be used. The document is being rolled out to what the firm calls enterprise-level users, the Mail report added. Significantly, many computer document systems use methods and algorithms to correct spelling and grammar in the online text but corrections for 'inclusive language' are not widely used. The report mentioned that the system is apparently flawed. For example, the transcribed interview with ex Klu Klux Klan leader David Duke prompted no warnings. In the interview, Duke used offensive racial slurs. However, former US President John F Kennedy's inaugural address was flagged. The warning message suggested that he should say "for all humankind" instead of "for all mankind". ALSO READ | Dangerous superbugs may get transmitted from pigs to humans, say scientists Is it a step too far? As quoted by Daily Mail, Silkie Carlo, of campaign group Big Brother Watch, told the Sunday Telegraph: "Google’s new word warnings aren't assistive, they're deeply intrusive. This speech-policing is profoundly clumsy, creepy and wrong, often reinforcing bias." Sam Bowman, of an online magazine, Works in Progress, said: "It feels pretty hectoring and adds an unwanted political/cultural slant to what I'd rather was a neutral product [as] a user." Meanwhile, a Google spokesman said: "Our technology is always improving, and we don’t yet [have] a solution to identifying and mitigating all unwanted word associations and biases." WATCH | Twitter begin deal talks with Elon Musk ×

Not just spelling and grammar, Google will now warn you for using politically incorrect words

Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to do more to tackle illegal content or risk hefty fines under new internet rules agreed between&nbsp;European Union countries and&nbsp;EU&nbsp;lawmakers on Saturday.

The agreement came after more than 16 hours of negotiations. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the second prong of&nbsp;EU&nbsp;antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's strategy to rein in Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other U.S. tech giants.

Last month, she won backing from the 27-country bloc and lawmakers for landmark rules called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that could force Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft to change their core business practices in&nbsp;Europe.

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"We have a deal on the DSA: The Digital Services Act will make sure that what is illegal offline is also seen and dealt with as illegal online - not as a slogan, as reality," Vestager said in a tweet.

EU&nbsp;lawmaker Dita Charanzova, who had called for such rules eight years ago, welcomed the agreement.

"Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to act to better protect their users.&nbsp;Europe has made clear that they cannot act as independent digital islands," she said in a statement.

In a statement, Google said: "As the law is finalised and implemented, the details will matter. We look forward to working with policymakers to get the remaining technical details right to ensure the law works for everyone."

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Under the DSA, the companies face fines up to 6 per cent&nbsp;of their global turnover for violating the rules while repeated breaches could see them banned from doing business in the&nbsp;EU.

The new rules ban targeted advertising aimed at children or based on sensitive data such as religion, gender, race and political opinions. Dark patterns, which are tactics that mislead people into giving personal data to companies online, will also be prohibited.

Very large online platforms and online search engines will be required to take specific measures during a crisis. The move was triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the related disinformation.

The companies could be forced to hand over data related to their algorithms to regulators and researchers.

The companies also face a yearly fee up to 0.05 per cent&nbsp;of worldwide annual revenue to cover the costs of monitoring their compliance.

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EU&nbsp;lawmaker Martin Schirdewan criticised the exemption granted to medium-sized companies.

"Under pressure from the conservatives, an exception rule for medium-sized companies was integrated, this is a mistake. Due to the large number of companies that fall under this definition in the digital sector, the exception is like a loophole," he said.

The DSA will be enforced in 2024.

Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to do more to tackle illegal content or risk hefty fines under new internet rules agreed between European Union countries and EU lawmakers on Saturday.

Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to do more to tackle illegal content or risk hefty fines under new internet rules agreed between European Union countries and EU lawmakers on Saturday. The agreement came after more than 16 hours of negotiations. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the second prong of EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's strategy to rein in Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other U.S. tech giants. Last month, she won backing from the 27-country bloc and lawmakers for landmark rules called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that could force Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft to change their core business practices in Europe. Also read | Europe's average temperature increased by over two degrees last year "We have a deal on the DSA: The Digital Services Act will make sure that what is illegal offline is also seen and dealt with as illegal online - not as a slogan, as reality," Vestager said in a tweet. EU lawmaker Dita Charanzova, who had called for such rules eight years ago, welcomed the agreement. "Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to act to better protect their users. Europe has made clear that they cannot act as independent digital islands," she said in a statement. In a statement, Google said: "As the law is finalised and implemented, the details will matter. We look forward to working with policymakers to get the remaining technical details right to ensure the law works for everyone." Watch | EU's climate monitor raises alarm: dangerous, extreme events to become worse Under the DSA, the companies face fines up to 6 per cent of their global turnover for violating the rules while repeated breaches could see them banned from doing business in the EU. The new rules ban targeted advertising aimed at children or based on sensitive data such as religion, gender, race and political opinions. Dark patterns, which are tactics that mislead people into giving personal data to companies online, will also be prohibited. Very large online platforms and online search engines will be required to take specific measures during a crisis. The move was triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the related disinformation. The companies could be forced to hand over data related to their algorithms to regulators and researchers. The companies also face a yearly fee up to 0.05 per cent of worldwide annual revenue to cover the costs of monitoring their compliance. Also read | EU may agree on stringent tech services regulation very soon EU lawmaker Martin Schirdewan criticised the exemption granted to medium-sized companies. "Under pressure from the conservatives, an exception rule for medium-sized companies was integrated, this is a mistake. Due to the large number of companies that fall under this definition in the digital sector, the exception is like a loophole," he said. The DSA will be enforced in 2024.

European Union sets new online rules for Google, Meta to curb illegal content

The promise of pure-bred puppies has taken the online world by storm after several incidents of puppy scams were reported across the United States.

The shocking incident emerged after Google filed a lawsuit against a conman based in Cameroon for defrauding thousands of people by “perpetrating a puppy fraud scheme to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.”

In the lawsuit, the giant tech company listed 20 sites as fraudulent saying that the person in Africa used several Google services in the scam.

According to the suit, the scam used "alluring photos of purebred puppies" along with "testimonials from supposedly satisfied customers" to trick the gullible victims.

It said that people paid thousands of dollars for puppies that never arrived.

The New York Times reported that scammers capitalised on people’s loneliness during lockdowns.&nbsp;

For instance, a victim was tricked into paying $700 in “electronic gift cards” to buy a puppy. After sending the gift card information through Google Voice accounts, the victim was told to pay an additional $1,500 to deliver the puppy. According to the complaint, the puppy never arrived, reports The Guardian.

Google took note of the scam after it was flagged by AARP, an interest group focusing on issues affecting people over the age of 50.

The company tracked a network of linked email addresses, voice numbers and websites that all promised puppies – with no deliveries.

In a blogpost about the lawsuit, Google says the scam disproportionately targeted older Americans, who can be more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Federal authorities estimate older people are scammed out of $650m a year.

According to the Better Business Bureau, a non-profit organisation, 35% of all online shopping scams reported to them in 2021 were "pet scams”, reported Fox News.

Another study found that from January through October 2021, "there were 165 per cent more puppy scams in the US than during the same period in pre-pandemic 2019."

Watch |&nbsp;Attention, puppy buyers! Don't fall for pet scams online

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(With inputs from agencies)

The promise of pure-bred puppies has taken the online world by storm after several incidents of puppy scams were reported across the United States. The shocking incident emerged after Google filed a lawsuit against a conman based in Cameroon for defrauding thousands of people by “perpetrating a puppy fraud scheme to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.

The promise of pure-bred puppies has taken the online world by storm after several incidents of puppy scams were reported across the United States. The shocking incident emerged after Google filed a lawsuit against a conman based in Cameroon for defrauding thousands of people by “perpetrating a puppy fraud scheme to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.” In the lawsuit, the giant tech company listed 20 sites as fraudulent saying that the person in Africa used several Google services in the scam. According to the suit, the scam used "alluring photos of purebred puppies" along with "testimonials from supposedly satisfied customers" to trick the gullible victims. It said that people paid thousands of dollars for puppies that never arrived. The New York Times reported that scammers capitalised on people’s loneliness during lockdowns. For instance, a victim was tricked into paying $700 in “electronic gift cards” to buy a puppy. After sending the gift card information through Google Voice accounts, the victim was told to pay an additional $1,500 to deliver the puppy. According to the complaint, the puppy never arrived, reports The Guardian. Google took note of the scam after it was flagged by AARP, an interest group focusing on issues affecting people over the age of 50. The company tracked a network of linked email addresses, voice numbers and websites that all promised puppies – with no deliveries. In a blogpost about the lawsuit, Google says the scam disproportionately targeted older Americans, who can be more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Federal authorities estimate older people are scammed out of $650m a year. According to the Better Business Bureau, a non-profit organisation, 35% of all online shopping scams reported to them in 2021 were "pet scams”, reported Fox News. Another study found that from January through October 2021, "there were 165 per cent more puppy scams in the US than during the same period in pre-pandemic 2019." Watch | Attention, puppy buyers! Don't fall for pet scams online (With inputs from agencies)

Online puppy scam: People tricked into paying for canine that never arrived

Popular Muslim prayer apps, with more than 10 million downloads, are among other applications that have been banned by Google, a popular tech site Gizmodo reported. The report also mentioned that among other apps, there was a barcode scanner and a clock app also.&nbsp;

As per the report, Google has banned over a dozen apps from Play Store after it found that they included a line of code that was secretly&nbsp;harvesting user data.&nbsp;

The secret code was apparently engineered by a company linked to a United States defence contractor and they paid money to the software developers to incorporate the code into their apps. The code was siphoning off personal data phone numbers, contacts, etc from the devices.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/it-wasnt-april-fools-joke-twitter-is-serious-about-the-hotly-debated-edit-button-468772">It wasn't April Fool's joke. Twitter is serious about the hotly debated edit button</a>

Gizmodo noted that The Wall Street Journal originally published a report on the invasive code, which was discovered by researchers Serge Egelman and Joel Reardon.&nbsp;

The researchers have co-founded AppCensus, an organisation that basically looks after auditing mobile apps for user privacy and security. They noted their findings in a <a href="https://blog.appcensus.io/2022/04/06/the-curious-case-of-coulus-coelib/">blog post</a>, in which they revealed the full list of apps that were banned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WSJ noted citing Reardon that the apps weren't removed from the Play store until March 25, though they had contacted Google with their findings in October 2021.&nbsp;

Google stated in response: "All apps on Google Play must comply with our policies, regardless of the developer. When we determine an app violates these policies, we take appropriate action."&nbsp;

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The researchers have stated that a company registered in Panama called Measurement Systems might be behind all this. In their report, the researchers have clearly mentionedn that Measurement Systems was actually registered by a company called Vostrom Holdings.&nbsp;

The company is said to be a firm based in Virginia. It&nbsp;apparently has ties with the national defence industry. WSJ has noted that Vostrom contracts with the US federal government through a subsidiary firm called Packet Forensics.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Popular Muslim prayer apps, with more than 10 million downloads, are among other applications that have been banned by Google, a popular tech site Gizmodo reported.

Popular Muslim prayer apps, with more than 10 million downloads, are among other applications that have been banned by Google, a popular tech site Gizmodo reported. The report also mentioned that among other apps, there was a barcode scanner and a clock app also. As per the report, Google has banned over a dozen apps from Play Store after it found that they included a line of code that was secretly harvesting user data. The secret code was apparently engineered by a company linked to a United States defence contractor and they paid money to the software developers to incorporate the code into their apps. The code was siphoning off personal data phone numbers, contacts, etc from the devices. ALSO READ | It wasn't April Fool's joke. Twitter is serious about the hotly debated edit button Gizmodo noted that The Wall Street Journal originally published a report on the invasive code, which was discovered by researchers Serge Egelman and Joel Reardon. The researchers have co-founded AppCensus, an organisation that basically looks after auditing mobile apps for user privacy and security. They noted their findings in a blog post, in which they revealed the full list of apps that were banned. WSJ noted citing Reardon that the apps weren't removed from the Play store until March 25, though they had contacted Google with their findings in October 2021. Google stated in response: "All apps on Google Play must comply with our policies, regardless of the developer. When we determine an app violates these policies, we take appropriate action." ALSO READ | With $2.9bn Twitter stake, Musk now owns 4 times more shares than founder Dorsey, stock soars 21% The researchers have stated that a company registered in Panama called Measurement Systems might be behind all this. In their report, the researchers have clearly mentionedn that Measurement Systems was actually registered by a company called Vostrom Holdings. The company is said to be a firm based in Virginia. It apparently has ties with the national defence industry. WSJ has noted that Vostrom contracts with the US federal government through a subsidiary firm called Packet Forensics. Watch this report: ×

Muslim prayer app, others banned by Google after finding spyware linked to US national security contractor

Google warns android users as dozens of Apps found on the Google Playstore have been found to be infected with a software that secretly collects user data. According to a media report, the software was developed by a company linked to US security agencies

Google bans Apps with hidden data-harvesting software from Playstore

Regulators&nbsp;are&nbsp;looking to update&nbsp;rules, which target companies abusing their market power and those setting up illegal cartels, to make them more efficient,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;chief Margrethe Vestager said on Thursday.

Under the&nbsp;rules, known as Regulation 1/2003 and in force since 2004, the&nbsp;European Commission has taken on Alphabet unit Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Intel and imposed billions of&nbsp;euros in fines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-ukraine-enhances-eus-resolve-to-act-in-indo-pacific-says-top-diplomat-gabriele-466800">Exclusive | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele</a>

The&nbsp;rules&nbsp;have also allowed the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;competition enforcer to go after car parts cartels, banks' manipulation of financial benchmarks and other illegal price-fixing groups, putting the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;agency in the forefront of&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;enforcement.

The Commission wants to maintain its leading position, Vestager said.

"I'm announcing today that in the coming months we are going to launch an evaluation of Regulation 1/2003, the central plank of our&nbsp;antitrust&nbsp;enforcement framework," Vestager told a conference organised by economic consultancy CRA.

"It is important that we hear the views of stakeholders concerning what has worked well, and where there is scope for more efficient and effective procedures and enforcement tools; making sure Regulation 1 is truly 'fit for the digital age'," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-eu-train-out-of-russia-arrives-in-helsinki-466222">Last EU train out of Russia arrives in Helsinki</a>

Vestager said the updated&nbsp;rules&nbsp;would seek to make them more operational and useful to businesses.

Such procedural changes would relate to requests for information sent to companies, dawn raids, oral hearings where companies seek to defend their cases and the 10% cap on fines levied for breach of&nbsp;rules&nbsp;or non-compliance.

Watch |&nbsp;Berlin to pay for gas supplies in Euros; 'No change for EU,' Putin tells Scholz

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Regulators are looking to update rules, which target companies abusing their market power and those setting up illegal cartels, to make them more efficient, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said on Thursday.

Regulators are looking to update rules, which target companies abusing their market power and those setting up illegal cartels, to make them more efficient, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said on Thursday. Under the rules, known as Regulation 1/2003 and in force since 2004, the European Commission has taken on Alphabet unit Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Intel and imposed billions of euros in fines. Also read | Exclusive | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele The rules have also allowed the EU competition enforcer to go after car parts cartels, banks' manipulation of financial benchmarks and other illegal price-fixing groups, putting the EU agency in the forefront of antitrust enforcement. The Commission wants to maintain its leading position, Vestager said. "I'm announcing today that in the coming months we are going to launch an evaluation of Regulation 1/2003, the central plank of our antitrust enforcement framework," Vestager told a conference organised by economic consultancy CRA. "It is important that we hear the views of stakeholders concerning what has worked well, and where there is scope for more efficient and effective procedures and enforcement tools; making sure Regulation 1 is truly 'fit for the digital age'," she said. Also read | Last EU train out of Russia arrives in Helsinki Vestager said the updated rules would seek to make them more operational and useful to businesses. Such procedural changes would relate to requests for information sent to companies, dawn raids, oral hearings where companies seek to defend their cases and the 10% cap on fines levied for breach of rules or non-compliance. Watch | Berlin to pay for gas supplies in Euros; 'No change for EU,' Putin tells Scholz

EU regulators look to streamline antitrust rules

Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on Thursday on a landmark law to curb the market dominance of US big tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple.

Meeting in Brussels the lawmakers nailed down a long list of do's and don'ts that will single out the world's most iconic web giants as internet "gatekeepers" subject to special rules.

The "Digital Markets Act" (DMA) has sped through the bloc's legislative procedures and is designed to protect consumers and give rivals a better chance to survive against the world's powerful&nbsp;tech&nbsp;juggernauts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsettling-influences-australia-reacts-sharply-to-chinese-military-moves-in-solomon-islands-465323">Unsettling influences: Australia reacts sharply to Chinese military moves in Solomon Islands</a>

"The agreement ushers in a new era of&nbsp;tech&nbsp;regulation worldwide," said German MEP Andreas Schwab, who led the negotiations for the European Parliament.

"The Digital Markets Act puts an end to the ever-increasing dominance of&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech&nbsp;companies," he added.&nbsp;

The main point of the&nbsp;law&nbsp;is to avert the years of procedures and court battles needed to punish&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech's monopolistic behaviour where cases can end with huge fines but little change in how the giants do business.

Once implemented, the&nbsp;law&nbsp;will give Brussels unprecedented authority to keep an eye&nbsp;on&nbsp;decisions by the giants, especially when they pull out the chequebook to buy up promising startups.

"The gatekeepers -- they now have to take responsibility," said the&nbsp;EU's competition supremo Margrethe Vestager.

"A number of things they can do, a number of things they can't do, and that of course gives everyone a fair chance," she added.

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Concrete impacts

The&nbsp;law&nbsp;contains about 20 rules that in many cases target practices by&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech&nbsp;that have gone against the bloc's rules on competition, but which Brussels has struggled to enforce.

The DMA imposes myriad obligations&nbsp;on&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech,&nbsp;including forcing Apple to open up its App Store to alternative payment systems, a demand that the iPhone maker has opposed fiercely, most notably in its feud with Epic games, the maker of Fortnite.

Google will be asked to clearly offer users of Android-run smartphones alternatives to its search engine, the Google Maps app or its Chrome browser.

A Google spokesperson told AFP that the US internet giant will "take time to study the final text and work with regulators to implement it."

"While we support many of the&nbsp;DMA's ambitions around consumer choice and interoperability, we remain concerned that some of the rules could reduce innovation and the choice available to Europeans," the spokesperson said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-google-over-inauthentic-information-on-ukraine-war-465012">Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war</a>

Apple would also be forced to loosen its grip&nbsp;on&nbsp;the iPhone, with users allowed to uninstall its Safari web browser and other company-imposed apps that users cannot currently delete.

In a statement, Apple swiftly expressed regret over the&nbsp;law, saying it was "concerned that some provisions of the DMA will create unnecessary privacy and security vulnerabilities for our users".

After a furious campaign by influential MEPs, the&nbsp;law&nbsp;also forces messaging services such as Meta-owned WhatsApp to make themselves available to users&nbsp;on&nbsp;other services such as Signal or Apple's iMessage, and vice-versa.

France, which holds the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;presidency and negotiated&nbsp;on&nbsp;behalf of the bloc's 27 member states, said the&nbsp;law&nbsp;would deliver "concrete impacts&nbsp;on&nbsp;the lives of European citizens".

"We are talking about the goods you buy online, the smartphone you use every day, and the services you use every day," said France's digital affairs minister, Cedric O.

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Comply or Challenge

Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of a company's annual global sales and even 20 percent for repeat offenders.

The DMA "will have a profound impact&nbsp;on&nbsp;the way some gatekeepers' operations are currently conducted," said lawyer Katrin Schallenberg, a partner at Clifford Chance.

"Clearly, companies affected... are already working&nbsp;on&nbsp;ways to comply with or even challenge the regulation," she added.

The&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Tech&nbsp;companies have lobbied hard against the new rules and the firms have been defended in Washington, where it is alleged that the new&nbsp;law&nbsp;unfairly targets US companies.&nbsp;

With the deal now&nbsp;reached by&nbsp;negotiators, the DMA now faces final votes in a full session of the European Parliament as well as by ministers from the&nbsp;EU's 27 member states.

The rules could come into place starting&nbsp;on&nbsp;January 1, 2023, though&nbsp;tech&nbsp;companies are asking for more time to implement the&nbsp;law.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia’s war exposes rifts in Europe

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Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on Thursday on a landmark law to curb the market dominance of US big tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple.

Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on Thursday on a landmark law to curb the market dominance of US big tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple. Meeting in Brussels the lawmakers nailed down a long list of do's and don'ts that will single out the world's most iconic web giants as internet "gatekeepers" subject to special rules. The "Digital Markets Act" (DMA) has sped through the bloc's legislative procedures and is designed to protect consumers and give rivals a better chance to survive against the world's powerful tech juggernauts. Also read | Unsettling influences: Australia reacts sharply to Chinese military moves in Solomon Islands "The agreement ushers in a new era of tech regulation worldwide," said German MEP Andreas Schwab, who led the negotiations for the European Parliament. "The Digital Markets Act puts an end to the ever-increasing dominance of Big Tech companies," he added. The main point of the law is to avert the years of procedures and court battles needed to punish Big Tech's monopolistic behaviour where cases can end with huge fines but little change in how the giants do business. Once implemented, the law will give Brussels unprecedented authority to keep an eye on decisions by the giants, especially when they pull out the chequebook to buy up promising startups. "The gatekeepers -- they now have to take responsibility," said the EU's competition supremo Margrethe Vestager. "A number of things they can do, a number of things they can't do, and that of course gives everyone a fair chance," she added. Also read | Hacker group Anonymous hacks into printers ‘all across Russia’ to print anti-war sentiment Concrete impacts The law contains about 20 rules that in many cases target practices by Big Tech that have gone against the bloc's rules on competition, but which Brussels has struggled to enforce. The DMA imposes myriad obligations on Big Tech, including forcing Apple to open up its App Store to alternative payment systems, a demand that the iPhone maker has opposed fiercely, most notably in its feud with Epic games, the maker of Fortnite. Google will be asked to clearly offer users of Android-run smartphones alternatives to its search engine, the Google Maps app or its Chrome browser. A Google spokesperson told AFP that the US internet giant will "take time to study the final text and work with regulators to implement it." "While we support many of the DMA's ambitions around consumer choice and interoperability, we remain concerned that some of the rules could reduce innovation and the choice available to Europeans," the spokesperson said. Also read | Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war Apple would also be forced to loosen its grip on the iPhone, with users allowed to uninstall its Safari web browser and other company-imposed apps that users cannot currently delete. In a statement, Apple swiftly expressed regret over the law, saying it was "concerned that some provisions of the DMA will create unnecessary privacy and security vulnerabilities for our users". After a furious campaign by influential MEPs, the law also forces messaging services such as Meta-owned WhatsApp to make themselves available to users on other services such as Signal or Apple's iMessage, and vice-versa. France, which holds the EU presidency and negotiated on behalf of the bloc's 27 member states, said the law would deliver "concrete impacts on the lives of European citizens". "We are talking about the goods you buy online, the smartphone you use every day, and the services you use every day," said France's digital affairs minister, Cedric O. Also read | Netflix rival NENT to offer live sports in Britain after launch Comply or Challenge Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of a company's annual global sales and even 20 percent for repeat offenders. The DMA "will have a profound impact on the way some gatekeepers' operations are currently conducted," said lawyer Katrin Schallenberg, a partner at Clifford Chance. "Clearly, companies affected... are already working on ways to comply with or even challenge the regulation," she added. The Big Tech companies have lobbied hard against the new rules and the firms have been defended in Washington, where it is alleged that the new law unfairly targets US companies. With the deal now reached by negotiators, the DMA now faces final votes in a full session of the European Parliament as well as by ministers from the EU's 27 member states. The rules could come into place starting on January 1, 2023, though tech companies are asking for more time to implement the law. Watch | Gravitas: Russia’s war exposes rifts in Europe

EU negotiators agree landmark law to curb Big Tech

In the first step towards a possible access ban, Russian regulators on Friday accused US tech giant Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of "terrorist" activities.

Earlier this month, the country launched a criminal case against Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, accusing the company of allowing posts "calling for the murder" of Russians.

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Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor said adverts on the platform were calling for the communications systems of Russia and Belarus' railway networks to be suspended and that their dissemination was evidence of the US tech giant's anti-Russian position.&nbsp;

"The YouTube administration's activities are terrorist in nature and threaten the life and health of Russian citizens," Roskomnadzor said, quoted by Interfax news agency.

"Roskomnadzor categorically opposes such advertising campaigns and demands that Google stop broadcasting anti-Russia videos as soon as possible."

It was the latest salvo in a row between Moscow and foreign tech firms over Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-deepfakes-to-hoax-calls-fake-news-war-in-russia-ukraine-crisis-463476" hreflang="en">From Deepfakes to hoax calls: 'Fake news war' in Russia-Ukraine crisis</a>

YouTube, which has blocked Russian state-funded media globally, is under heavy pressure from Russia's communications regulator and politicians.

Russia has already blocked access to other global tech giants including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as several independent media.

Russian tech entrepreneurs have said they would launch picture-sharing application Rossgram on the domestic market to help fill the void left by Instagram.

Russia is one of the most restrictive countries for press freedom and freedom of expression, but the situation has worsened in the past few weeks since the operation in Ukraine began on February 24.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-revokes-russian-channel-rts-licence-after-probe-into-ukraine-coverage-463392" hreflang="en">UK revokes Russian channel RT's licence after probe into Ukraine coverage</a>

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday wrote a fierce criticism of foreign social media firms, namechecking both Meta and YouTube, but he hinted that the door leading to their possible return to the Russian market would be left ajar.

"The 'guardians' of free speech have in all seriousness allowed users of their social media to wish death upon the Russian military," Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012 and is now deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, wrote on his Telegram channel.

Medvedev said Russia has the necessary tools and experience to develop its own social media, saying the "one-way game" of Western firms controlling information flows could not continue.

"In order to return, they will have to prove their independence and good attitude to Russia and its citizens," he wrote.

"However, it is not a fact that they will be able to dip their toes in the same water twice."

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first step towards a possible access ban, Russian regulators on Friday accused US tech giant Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of "terrorist" activities.

In the first step towards a possible access ban, Russian regulators on Friday accused US tech giant Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of "terrorist" activities. Earlier this month, the country launched a criminal case against Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, accusing the company of allowing posts "calling for the murder" of Russians. Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor said adverts on the platform were calling for the communications systems of Russia and Belarus' railway networks to be suspended and that their dissemination was evidence of the US tech giant's anti-Russian position. "The YouTube administration's activities are terrorist in nature and threaten the life and health of Russian citizens," Roskomnadzor said, quoted by Interfax news agency. "Roskomnadzor categorically opposes such advertising campaigns and demands that Google stop broadcasting anti-Russia videos as soon as possible." It was the latest salvo in a row between Moscow and foreign tech firms over Ukraine. Also read | From Deepfakes to hoax calls: 'Fake news war' in Russia-Ukraine crisis YouTube, which has blocked Russian state-funded media globally, is under heavy pressure from Russia's communications regulator and politicians. Russia has already blocked access to other global tech giants including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as several independent media. Russian tech entrepreneurs have said they would launch picture-sharing application Rossgram on the domestic market to help fill the void left by Instagram. Russia is one of the most restrictive countries for press freedom and freedom of expression, but the situation has worsened in the past few weeks since the operation in Ukraine began on February 24. Also read | UK revokes Russian channel RT's licence after probe into Ukraine coverage Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday wrote a fierce criticism of foreign social media firms, namechecking both Meta and YouTube, but he hinted that the door leading to their possible return to the Russian market would be left ajar. "The 'guardians' of free speech have in all seriousness allowed users of their social media to wish death upon the Russian military," Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012 and is now deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, wrote on his Telegram channel. Medvedev said Russia has the necessary tools and experience to develop its own social media, saying the "one-way game" of Western firms controlling information flows could not continue. "In order to return, they will have to prove their independence and good attitude to Russia and its citizens," he wrote. "However, it is not a fact that they will be able to dip their toes in the same water twice." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of 'terrorist' activities

Google on Friday was targeted in an antitrust complaint by the European Publishers Council over its digital advertising business, potentially strengthening EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's investigation into the issue.

Alphabet&nbsp;Inc's Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads in 2020, more than any other company in the world, with ads including search, YouTube and Gmail accounting for the bulk of its overall sales and profits.

About 16% of its revenue came from the company's display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps.

The European Commission opened an investigation in June into whether Google favours its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of rivals, advertisers and online publishers.

The publishers' trade body, whose members include Axel Springer, News UK, Conde Nast, Bonnier News and Editorial Prensa Iberica, took its grievance to the European Commission, alleging Google has an adtech stranglehold over press publishers.

"It is high time for the European Commission to impose measures on Google that actually change, not just challenge, its behaviour," EPC Chairman Christian Van Thillo said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/google-propels-record-alphabet-revenue-driving-shares-up-8-449894">Also read |&nbsp;Google propels record Alphabet revenue, driving shares up 8%</a>

"Google has achieved end-to-end control of the ad tech value chain, boasting market shares as high as 90-100% in segments of the ad tech chain," he said.

Vestager, who has fined Google more than 8 billion euros ($9.2 billion) in recent years for anti-competitive practices in three cases, last year launched the investigation into Google's digital advertising business.

Google said publishers benefit from its adtech services.

"When publishers choose to use our advertising services, they keep the majority of revenue and every year we pay out billions of dollars directly to the publishing partners in our ad network," a Google spokesperson said.

Google on Friday was targeted in an antitrust complaint by the European Publishers Council over its digital advertising business, potentially strengthening EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's investigation into the issue.

Google on Friday was targeted in an antitrust complaint by the European Publishers Council over its digital advertising business, potentially strengthening EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's investigation into the issue. Alphabet Inc's Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads in 2020, more than any other company in the world, with ads including search, YouTube and Gmail accounting for the bulk of its overall sales and profits. About 16% of its revenue came from the company's display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps. The European Commission opened an investigation in June into whether Google favours its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of rivals, advertisers and online publishers. The publishers' trade body, whose members include Axel Springer, News UK, Conde Nast, Bonnier News and Editorial Prensa Iberica, took its grievance to the European Commission, alleging Google has an adtech stranglehold over press publishers. "It is high time for the European Commission to impose measures on Google that actually change, not just challenge, its behaviour," EPC Chairman Christian Van Thillo said in a statement. Also read | Google propels record Alphabet revenue, driving shares up 8% "Google has achieved end-to-end control of the ad tech value chain, boasting market shares as high as 90-100% in segments of the ad tech chain," he said. Vestager, who has fined Google more than 8 billion euros ($9.2 billion) in recent years for anti-competitive practices in three cases, last year launched the investigation into Google's digital advertising business. Google said publishers benefit from its adtech services. "When publishers choose to use our advertising services, they keep the majority of revenue and every year we pay out billions of dollars directly to the publishing partners in our ad network," a Google spokesperson said.

Google's advertising tech targeted in European publishers' complaint

The world's biggest companies are taking pledges to tackle issues related to climate change, but how well are they coming along is a question.&nbsp;

The latest report highlights a grim reality as according to a study of 25 corporations, many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change.&nbsp;

The climate pledges of 25 of the world's largest companies in reality only commit to reducing their emissions by 40 per cent on average, not 100 per cent as suggested by their "net zero" and "carbon neutral" claims.&nbsp;

The findings of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor were released on February 7. It was conducted by NewClimate Institute in collaboration with Carbon Market Watch.&nbsp;

It evaluates 25 major companies – operating across different sectors and geographies – to determine the transparency and integrity of their headline climate pledges.&nbsp;

As per the study, Google, Amazon, Ikea, Apple and Nestle are among those failing to change quickly enough.&nbsp;

As per the report, only one company's net-zero pledge was evaluated as having "reasonable integrity"; three with "moderate", ten with "low". The remaining 12 were rated as having "very low" integrity.&nbsp;

As per the report, Amazon, Deutsche Telekom, Enel, GlaxoSmithKline, Google, Hitachi, IKEA, Vale, Volkswagen and Walmart have low integrity.&nbsp;

Accenture, BMW Group, Carrefour, CVS Health, Deutsche Post DHL, E.ON SE, JBS, Nestlé, Novartis, Saint-Gobain and Unilever have very low integrity.&nbsp;

"We set out to uncover as many replicable good practices as possible, but we were frankly surprised and disappointed at the overall integrity of the companies' claims," said Thomas Day of NewClimate Institute, lead author of the study.&nbsp;

"As pressure on companies to act on climate change rises, their ambitious-sounding headline claims all too often lack real substance, which can mislead both consumers and the regulators that are core to guiding their strategic direction. Even companies that are doing relatively well exaggerate their actions," Day added.&nbsp;

The world's biggest companies are taking pledges to tackle issues related to climate change, but how well are they coming along is a question. The latest report highlights a grim reality as according to a study of 25 corporations, many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change.

The world's biggest companies are taking pledges to tackle issues related to climate change, but how well are they coming along is a question. The latest report highlights a grim reality as according to a study of 25 corporations, many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change. The climate pledges of 25 of the world's largest companies in reality only commit to reducing their emissions by 40 per cent on average, not 100 per cent as suggested by their "net zero" and "carbon neutral" claims. The findings of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor were released on February 7. It was conducted by NewClimate Institute in collaboration with Carbon Market Watch. It evaluates 25 major companies – operating across different sectors and geographies – to determine the transparency and integrity of their headline climate pledges. As per the study, Google, Amazon, Ikea, Apple and Nestle are among those failing to change quickly enough. As per the report, only one company's net-zero pledge was evaluated as having "reasonable integrity"; three with "moderate", ten with "low". The remaining 12 were rated as having "very low" integrity. As per the report, Amazon, Deutsche Telekom, Enel, GlaxoSmithKline, Google, Hitachi, IKEA, Vale, Volkswagen and Walmart have low integrity. Accenture, BMW Group, Carrefour, CVS Health, Deutsche Post DHL, E.ON SE, JBS, Nestlé, Novartis, Saint-Gobain and Unilever have very low integrity. "We set out to uncover as many replicable good practices as possible, but we were frankly surprised and disappointed at the overall integrity of the companies' claims," said Thomas Day of NewClimate Institute, lead author of the study. "As pressure on companies to act on climate change rises, their ambitious-sounding headline claims all too often lack real substance, which can mislead both consumers and the regulators that are core to guiding their strategic direction. Even companies that are doing relatively well exaggerate their actions," Day added.

World's top companies failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change

For the first time since 2014, Google Chrome is changing its logo. A designer for Google Chrome, Elvin Hu offered the first look for the logo's redesign on his Twitter handle.

"We’re refreshing Chrome’s brand icons for the first time in 8 years. The new icons will start to appear across your devices soon," Elvin wrote.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We simplified the main brand icon by removing the shadows, refining the proportions and brightening the colors, to align with Google's more modern brand expression. <a href="https://t.co/Hyig51gqJq">pic.twitter.com/Hyig51gqJq</a>
— Elvin 🌈 (@elvin_not_11) <a href="https://twitter.com/elvin_not_11/status/1489647027789000714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the new logo, the three colours - red, yellow, and green are simply flat and do not have any shadow. Also, the blue circle in the middle seems to be bigger and brighter.&nbsp;

<img alt="Google chrome logos " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="382e6016-1e87-4177-ad62-dbec6cc33807" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FK4hLOMakAEcuyk.jpeg" />

Image Credits: Twitter

Taking to his Twitter, Elvin mentioned that placing certain shades of green and red next to each other created an unpleasant colour vibration. Therefore, the team introduced a very subtle gradient to the main icon.&nbsp;

The team has also created OS-specific customisations, meaning, it will look more colourful to complement the other system icons but on macOS, the logo will have a small shadow.&nbsp;

The Windows 10 and 11 version has a more dramatic gradient.&nbsp;

Explaining the reason behind the change, Elvin said, “You might ask, “why bother with sth. so subtle?” We tailor Chrome’s experience to each OS, with features like Native Window Occlusion on Windows, day-one M1 support on macOS, Widgets on iOS/Android, and Material You on Android. We want our brand to convey the same level of care.”

The change in logo sparked tons of reactions on social media as netizens believe that the difference between the old and new logo is not noticeable.&nbsp;

Here are a few tweets:

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After seeing the Google chrome logo change: <a href="https://t.co/or6xEP1fq3">pic.twitter.com/or6xEP1fq3</a>
— Falebi Jafda (@GoggleWalaMemer) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoggleWalaMemer/status/1490284759045459970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoogleChrome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoogleChrome</a> New logo. Spot the difference 😃 
 
2014 2022 <a href="https://t.co/lJXL7zqgjs">pic.twitter.com/lJXL7zqgjs</a>
— Sonu Prajapati (@TechMumbaikar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TechMumbaikar/status/1490304845169197057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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For the first time since 2014, Google Chrome is changing its logo. A designer for Google Chrome, Elvin Hu offered the first look for the logo's redesign on his Twitter handle.

For the first time since 2014, Google Chrome is changing its logo. A designer for Google Chrome, Elvin Hu offered the first look for the logo's redesign on his Twitter handle. "We’re refreshing Chrome’s brand icons for the first time in 8 years. The new icons will start to appear across your devices soon," Elvin wrote. We simplified the main brand icon by removing the shadows, refining the proportions and brightening the colors, to align with Google's more modern brand expression. pic.twitter.com/Hyig51gqJq — Elvin 🌈 (@elvin_not_11) February 4, 2022 × In the new logo, the three colours - red, yellow, and green are simply flat and do not have any shadow. Also, the blue circle in the middle seems to be bigger and brighter. Image Credits: Twitter Taking to his Twitter, Elvin mentioned that placing certain shades of green and red next to each other created an unpleasant colour vibration. Therefore, the team introduced a very subtle gradient to the main icon. The team has also created OS-specific customisations, meaning, it will look more colourful to complement the other system icons but on macOS, the logo will have a small shadow. The Windows 10 and 11 version has a more dramatic gradient. Explaining the reason behind the change, Elvin said, “You might ask, “why bother with sth. so subtle?” We tailor Chrome’s experience to each OS, with features like Native Window Occlusion on Windows, day-one M1 support on macOS, Widgets on iOS/Android, and Material You on Android. We want our brand to convey the same level of care.” The change in logo sparked tons of reactions on social media as netizens believe that the difference between the old and new logo is not noticeable. Here are a few tweets: After seeing the Google chrome logo change: pic.twitter.com/or6xEP1fq3 — Falebi Jafda (@GoggleWalaMemer) February 6, 2022 × #GoogleChrome New logo. Spot the difference 😃 2014 2022 pic.twitter.com/lJXL7zqgjs — Sonu Prajapati (@TechMumbaikar) February 6, 2022 ×

Google Chrome changes logo for the first time in 8 years, netizens react

Indian officials have held a heated exchange with the US tech giants Google, Twitter and Facebook for not proactively removing fake news from their platforms.

India grills US tech giants for inaction on Fake News, seeks tougher crackdown

France on Friday upheld its decision of imposing a $111 million fine on Google for the 'Cookie' breach. The decision was made by the country's supreme administrative court Conseil d'Etat.&nbsp;

The court in its statement said that the fine, which was imposed by France's National Commission for Information Technology and Freedom (CNIL) data protection authority was proportionate. "The Conseil d'Etat therefore rejects Google's demand to annul the sanction," it said.

Earlier in January, France slapped massive fines of USD 237 million on Facebook and Google over their use of 'cookies.' 
Cookies and the data used to track users online.

The fine imposed on Google was a record by CNIL, beating a previous cookie-related fine of 100 million euros against the company in December 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-google-slapped-with-huge-fines-in-france-over-cookies-442661">Also read |&nbsp;Facebook, Google slapped with huge fines in France over 'cookies'</a>

At that time Google told AFP that it would change its practices following the ruling.

"In accordance with the expectations of internet users... we are committed to implementing new changes, as well as to working actively with CNIL in response to its decision," the US firm said in a statement.&nbsp;

Cookies are little packets of data that are set up on a user's computer when they visit a website, allowing web browsers to save information about their session.

They are highly valuable for Google and Facebook as ways to personalise advertising, which is their primary source of revenue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

France on Friday upheld its decision of imposing a $111 million fine on Google for the 'Cookie' breach. The decision was made by the country's supreme administrative court Conseil d'Etat.

France on Friday upheld its decision of imposing a $111 million fine on Google for the 'Cookie' breach. The decision was made by the country's supreme administrative court Conseil d'Etat. The court in its statement said that the fine, which was imposed by France's National Commission for Information Technology and Freedom (CNIL) data protection authority was proportionate. "The Conseil d'Etat therefore rejects Google's demand to annul the sanction," it said. Earlier in January, France slapped massive fines of USD 237 million on Facebook and Google over their use of 'cookies.' Cookies and the data used to track users online. The fine imposed on Google was a record by CNIL, beating a previous cookie-related fine of 100 million euros against the company in December 2020. Also read | Facebook, Google slapped with huge fines in France over 'cookies' At that time Google told AFP that it would change its practices following the ruling. "In accordance with the expectations of internet users... we are committed to implementing new changes, as well as to working actively with CNIL in response to its decision," the US firm said in a statement. Cookies are little packets of data that are set up on a user's computer when they visit a website, allowing web browsers to save information about their session. They are highly valuable for Google and Facebook as ways to personalise advertising, which is their primary source of revenue. (With inputs from agencies)

France court upholds fine on Google for 'cookie' breach

Texas, Indiana, Washington state and the district of Columbia they've all sued alphabet's Google over deceptive location tracking practices that invade users privacy. The search engine firm is accused of falsely leading consumers to believe that changing their account and device settings would allow customers to protect their privacy.

Google sued over location-tracking

A US senate panel is set on Thursday to debate a bill that aims to rein in app stores of companies that some lawmakers say exert too much market control, including Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google.

US Senate panel to debate app store reform bill

Google has announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said.

The new policy has been implemented as cases in the US continue to surge. Recently, a health official said that the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the US will be infected.&nbsp;

To make it convenient for their employees, Google provides free at-home and in-person testing options.&nbsp;

Earlier, Google said that it was delaying its return-to-office plan globally from January as cases soared.

Google has also been very strict about its vaccination policy. The tech giant had told its employees that they would lose pay and eventually be fired if they do not follow its vaccination rules.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-a-natural-disaster-most-americans-will-get-covid-19-us-health-officials-444528">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials</a>

Meanwhile, the authorities in the US have said that they are hoping that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases, and that the US should focus on ensuring that healthcare systems do not collapse as a result of the surge.&nbsp;

The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US.

According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US as it has now replaced the Delta variant in less than a month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Google has announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said.

Google has announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said. The new policy has been implemented as cases in the US continue to surge. Recently, a health official said that the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the US will be infected. To make it convenient for their employees, Google provides free at-home and in-person testing options. Earlier, Google said that it was delaying its return-to-office plan globally from January as cases soared. Google has also been very strict about its vaccination policy. The tech giant had told its employees that they would lose pay and eventually be fired if they do not follow its vaccination rules. Also read | Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials Meanwhile, the authorities in the US have said that they are hoping that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases, and that the US should focus on ensuring that healthcare systems do not collapse as a result of the surge. The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US as it has now replaced the Delta variant in less than a month. (With inputs from agencies)

Google mandates Covid testing for people entering its US offices

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