France hits Google and Facebook with hefty fines over privacy concerns that include cookie breaches.

Google, Facebook fined for cookie breaches by France

Tech giants Google and Facebook have been fined multi-million dollars by France's data privacy watchdog. The tech giants have been accused of making it difficult for internet users to refuse online trackers or cookies.

Google and Facebook fined for cookie breaches

Claimants who accused Alphabet Inc's Google of unlawfully tracking their internet use while on "Incognito" browsing mode can question Chief Executive Sundar Pichai for up to two hours.The plaintiffs are arguing that Pichai has "unique, personal knowledge" of issues relating to the Chrome browser and privacy concerns.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai to be questioned in privacy lawsuit

Google was slapped with a hefty fine on Friday by a Moscow court. This was done as the tech giant failed to delete content which is termed illegal. Google has been fined with an amount of $98 million, the court's press service said on Telegram.&nbsp;

According to the Interfax news agency, the fine was calculated as a percentage of Google's annual earnings.

Meta has a hearing in court later today due to the same charges. The company has also been threatened with a revenue-based fine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-shows-china-is-helping-saudi-arabia-build-its-own-ballistic-missiles-report-439499">Also read |&nbsp;US intel shows China is helping Saudi Arabia build its own ballistic missiles: Report</a>

This is not the first time that such a hefty fine has been imposed. Earlier, in November, a Russian court imposed a $28,085 fine on Alphabet Inc.'s Google for failing to delete illegal content. At that time, it also fined Russia's messaging service Telegram 49,440 Euros.&nbsp;

Earlier, Apple and Google had removed a voting app created by Putin's critic Alexei Navalny's allies during Russia's parliamentary elections. Navalny had accused the tech companies of being "liars and hypocrites" and behaving as Putin's "accomplices".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Google was slapped with a hefty fine on Friday by a Moscow court. This was done as the tech giant failed to delete content which is termed illegal. Google has been fined with an amount of $98 million, the court's press service said on Telegram.

Google was slapped with a hefty fine on Friday by a Moscow court. This was done as the tech giant failed to delete content which is termed illegal. Google has been fined with an amount of $98 million, the court's press service said on Telegram. According to the Interfax news agency, the fine was calculated as a percentage of Google's annual earnings. Meta has a hearing in court later today due to the same charges. The company has also been threatened with a revenue-based fine. Also read | US intel shows China is helping Saudi Arabia build its own ballistic missiles: Report This is not the first time that such a hefty fine has been imposed. Earlier, in November, a Russian court imposed a $28,085 fine on Alphabet Inc.'s Google for failing to delete illegal content. At that time, it also fined Russia's messaging service Telegram 49,440 Euros. Earlier, Apple and Google had removed a voting app created by Putin's critic Alexei Navalny's allies during Russia's parliamentary elections. Navalny had accused the tech companies of being "liars and hypocrites" and behaving as Putin's "accomplices". (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow court fines Google $98 million for not removing illegal content

Alphabet Inc's Google is indefinitely pushing back its January return-to-office plan globally amid growing concerns over the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus and some resistance to company-mandated vaccinations.

Omicron variant: Google Delays Mandatory Return-To-Office globally

Google has advised its staff that if they don't comply with the company's COVID-19 vaccination policy, they will lose salary and eventually be fired, CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing internal documents.

According to a memo sent by leadership, employees had until December 3 to disclose their vaccination status and upload proof of vaccination, or seek for a medical or religious exemption.

According to the business, employees who had not uploaded their status or were unvaccinated, as well as those whose exemption requests had been denied, would be contacted after that date, according to the business.&nbsp;

Employees who do not comply with the vaccination guidelines by the January&nbsp;18 deadline will be placed on "paid administrative leave" for 30 days, according to the memo.

The employer will then place them on "unpaid personal leave" for up to six months before terminating them.

While much of the IT industry continues to push back return-to-work plans and businesses large and small prepare for a flexible future, Google has announced that its employees would be required to come into physical offices three days a week starting in the new year. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/googles-year-in-search-2021-tells-of-a-world-looking-to-heal-435374">Also read | Google's Year in Search 2021, tells of a world looking to heal</a>

It's also displaying signs of exhaustion with individuals who refuse to take vaccinations that have been publicly available for months.

Watch | Omicron variant: Google Delays Mandatory Return-To-Office globally

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-google-delays-mandatory-return-to-office-globally-433734/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

When contacted by Reuters, Google did not directly comment on the CNBC report, but said, "we`re committed to doing everything possible to help our employees who can get vaccinated do so, and firmly stand behind our vaccination policy."

Google postponed its return-to-work plans indefinitely earlier this month, citing concerns about the Omicron variant and employee reluctance to company-mandated vaccines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Google has advised its staff that if they don't comply with the company's COVID-19 vaccination policy, they will lose salary and eventually be fired, CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing internal documents.

Google has advised its staff that if they don't comply with the company's COVID-19 vaccination policy, they will lose salary and eventually be fired, CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing internal documents. According to a memo sent by leadership, employees had until December 3 to disclose their vaccination status and upload proof of vaccination, or seek for a medical or religious exemption. According to the business, employees who had not uploaded their status or were unvaccinated, as well as those whose exemption requests had been denied, would be contacted after that date, according to the business. Employees who do not comply with the vaccination guidelines by the January 18 deadline will be placed on "paid administrative leave" for 30 days, according to the memo. The employer will then place them on "unpaid personal leave" for up to six months before terminating them. While much of the IT industry continues to push back return-to-work plans and businesses large and small prepare for a flexible future, Google has announced that its employees would be required to come into physical offices three days a week starting in the new year. Also read | Google's Year in Search 2021, tells of a world looking to heal It's also displaying signs of exhaustion with individuals who refuse to take vaccinations that have been publicly available for months. Watch | Omicron variant: Google Delays Mandatory Return-To-Office globally When contacted by Reuters, Google did not directly comment on the CNBC report, but said, "we`re committed to doing everything possible to help our employees who can get vaccinated do so, and firmly stand behind our vaccination policy." Google postponed its return-to-work plans indefinitely earlier this month, citing concerns about the Omicron variant and employee reluctance to company-mandated vaccines. (With inputs from agencies)

Follow COVID-19 vaccination rules or lose pay, job: Google to employees

Google has told its employees that they will lose their salaries and eventually be fired if they fail to fully vaccinate themselves and follow COVID-19 rules as mandated by the US administration.

Report: Google to cut pay and eventually fire unvaccinated employees

Google employees who haven’t been vaccinated could be put on forced leave and then let go from the company if they fail to follow its COVID-19 protocols.

Report: Google to fire unvaccinated workers

Google has started to rollout the November 2021 core update. This is the third core update Google released in 2021. Google announced this rollout on the Google Search Central Twitter account.

"Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update," wrote Google.

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Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update. Our guidance about such updates is here:<a href="https://t.co/0LAL28ueDq">https://t.co/0LAL28ueDq</a>
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) <a href="https://twitter.com/googlesearchc/status/1460970568128385031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Several times a year, the company makes significant, broad changes to the search algorithms and systems. These changes are termed "core updates."&nbsp;

These updates are designed to ensure that the company is delivering on its mission to present relevant and authoritative content to searchers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/auditors-say-nasas-artemis-programme-likely-to-be-delayed-by-several-years-430217">Also read |&nbsp;Auditors say NASA's Artemis programme likely to be delayed by several years</a>

"One way to think of how a core update operates is to imagine you made a list of the top 100 movies in 2015. A few years later in 2019, you refresh the list. It's going to naturally change. Some new and wonderful movies that never existed before will now be candidates for inclusion. You might also reassess some films and realise they deserved a higher place on the list than they had before," said Google in a blog post.

The timing of the current update is a little unexpected as it comes before the biggest online holiday shopping season. Earlier, Google took breaks before the holiday shopping season. This was considered as Google’s gift to webmasters said former Googler Matt Cutts.

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I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone...
— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) <a href="https://twitter.com/dannysullivan/status/1460991994784739331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Danny Sullivan of Google made a tweet about the unusual timing of the update as he said, "I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone..."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-facebook-founder-zuckerberg-tries-to-feel-objects-in-virtual-reality-with-haptic-glove-vr-headset-430192">Also read |&nbsp;Watch: Facebook founder Zuckerberg tries to feel objects in virtual reality with haptic glove, VR headset &nbsp;</a>

He highlighted how the core updates make no huge change for most. He further asked people not to panic as he said that maybe more tweets reassuring people would be more helpful.

"Guidance about core updates hasn't changed. Been doing best practices out there for ages, should be good," he wrote.&nbsp;

Google has started to rollout the November 2021 core update. This is the third core update Google released in 2021. Google announced this rollout on the Google Search Central Twitter account.

Google has started to rollout the November 2021 core update. This is the third core update Google released in 2021. Google announced this rollout on the Google Search Central Twitter account. "Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update," wrote Google. Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update. Our guidance about such updates is here:https://t.co/0LAL28ueDq — Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) November 17, 2021 × Several times a year, the company makes significant, broad changes to the search algorithms and systems. These changes are termed "core updates." These updates are designed to ensure that the company is delivering on its mission to present relevant and authoritative content to searchers. Also read | Auditors say NASA's Artemis programme likely to be delayed by several years "One way to think of how a core update operates is to imagine you made a list of the top 100 movies in 2015. A few years later in 2019, you refresh the list. It's going to naturally change. Some new and wonderful movies that never existed before will now be candidates for inclusion. You might also reassess some films and realise they deserved a higher place on the list than they had before," said Google in a blog post. The timing of the current update is a little unexpected as it comes before the biggest online holiday shopping season. Earlier, Google took breaks before the holiday shopping season. This was considered as Google’s gift to webmasters said former Googler Matt Cutts. I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone... — Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) November 17, 2021 × Danny Sullivan of Google made a tweet about the unusual timing of the update as he said, "I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone..." Also read | Watch: Facebook founder Zuckerberg tries to feel objects in virtual reality with haptic glove, VR headset He highlighted how the core updates make no huge change for most. He further asked people not to panic as he said that maybe more tweets reassuring people would be more helpful. "Guidance about core updates hasn't changed. Been doing best practices out there for ages, should be good," he wrote.

Google begins rolling out November 2021 core update at an unusual time

Google is commemorating Cybersecurity Awareness Month by announcing that by the end of the year, it will automatically enable two-factor authentication for its 150 million Google accounts.

The password serves as a means of authenticating access to an account.

However, if the password is discovered, the account's security may be jeopardised.

Two-factor authentication comes into play in this situation. 
 
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Two-factor authentication protects your account by adding an extra layer of protection in the form of one-time passwords (OTPs) that we get on our phones or backup emails.

Google initially disclosed this in May, when it stated that two-factor authentication would be enabled by default. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/from-faang-to-manga-twitter-users-speculate-future-of-tech-companies-424901">Also read | From FAANG to MANGA: Twitter users speculate future of tech companies</a>

Google, on the other hand, said today that it is now auto-enrolling accounts with sufficient backup systems in place (about 150 million accounts), assuring a smooth transition.

What is two-factor authentication, and how does it work?

Two-factor authentication adds an extra degree of protection to your account, making it impossible for someone to log in even if they know your password.

Each time you try to log in, we'll email you a randomised 6-digit code to verify your identity.

You have the option of receiving your security code through text or voice call to your mobile phone (or an alternate phone number).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Google is commemorating Cybersecurity Awareness Month by announcing that by the end of the year, it will automatically enable two-factor authentication for its 150 million Google accounts.

Google is commemorating Cybersecurity Awareness Month by announcing that by the end of the year, it will automatically enable two-factor authentication for its 150 million Google accounts. The password serves as a means of authenticating access to an account. However, if the password is discovered, the account's security may be jeopardised. Two-factor authentication comes into play in this situation. Also read | Google wants to work with the Pentagon again, despite employee concerns Two-factor authentication protects your account by adding an extra layer of protection in the form of one-time passwords (OTPs) that we get on our phones or backup emails. Google initially disclosed this in May, when it stated that two-factor authentication would be enabled by default. Also read | From FAANG to MANGA: Twitter users speculate future of tech companies Google, on the other hand, said today that it is now auto-enrolling accounts with sufficient backup systems in place (about 150 million accounts), assuring a smooth transition. What is two-factor authentication, and how does it work? Two-factor authentication adds an extra degree of protection to your account, making it impossible for someone to log in even if they know your password. Each time you try to log in, we'll email you a randomised 6-digit code to verify your identity. You have the option of receiving your security code through text or voice call to your mobile phone (or an alternate phone number). (With inputs from agencies)

Google enables two-factor authentication by default for millions of users

A regulator in Australia has said that it wants Google to give option to users to use search engine of their choice through a 'choice screen'. This is being looked at as a step to challenge Google's monopoly of the search market.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also wants to limit Google's ability to pay Apple Inc to have its search engine installed as the default option on the smartphone maker's devices, the regulator said in a report on Thursday.

These measures will take Australia roughly in line with Europe.

Europe has forced Google to offer a choice of search engine on phones using its Android operating system. Google has 94% of the Australian search engine market, which makes money by selling advertisements.

"We are concerned that Google's dominance and its ability to use its financial resources to fund arrangements to be the default search engine on many devices and other means through which consumers access search, such as browsers, is harming competition and consumers," said ACCC Chair Rod Sims in a statement.

"Google pays billions of dollars each year for these placements, which illustrates how being the default search engine is extremely valuable to Google's business model."

The search engine report was part of the ACCC's wider examination of large internet companies, which led this year to laws making Google and social media giant Facebook Inc pay media companies for content on their websites.

A Google spokesperson said the company was reviewing the report and looked forward to discussing it with the ACCC and government.

"Android gives people choice by allowing them to customise their device, from the apps they download to the default services for those apps," the spokesperson said.

The ACCC said it would put the potential measures out for industry consultation in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

A regulator in Australia has said that it wants Google to give option to users to use search engine of their choice through a 'choice screen'. This is being looked at as a step to challenge Google's monopoly of the search market.

A regulator in Australia has said that it wants Google to give option to users to use search engine of their choice through a 'choice screen'. This is being looked at as a step to challenge Google's monopoly of the search market. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also wants to limit Google's ability to pay Apple Inc to have its search engine installed as the default option on the smartphone maker's devices, the regulator said in a report on Thursday. These measures will take Australia roughly in line with Europe. Europe has forced Google to offer a choice of search engine on phones using its Android operating system. Google has 94% of the Australian search engine market, which makes money by selling advertisements. "We are concerned that Google's dominance and its ability to use its financial resources to fund arrangements to be the default search engine on many devices and other means through which consumers access search, such as browsers, is harming competition and consumers," said ACCC Chair Rod Sims in a statement. "Google pays billions of dollars each year for these placements, which illustrates how being the default search engine is extremely valuable to Google's business model." The search engine report was part of the ACCC's wider examination of large internet companies, which led this year to laws making Google and social media giant Facebook Inc pay media companies for content on their websites. A Google spokesperson said the company was reviewing the report and looked forward to discussing it with the ACCC and government. "Android gives people choice by allowing them to customise their device, from the apps they download to the default services for those apps," the spokesperson said. The ACCC said it would put the potential measures out for industry consultation in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia wants Google to make alternative search engines available on smartphones

Russia has said that it will impose a fine on US tech giant Google this month which would be a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for consistently failing to delete illegal content.

Russia could fine Google up to 20% of annual revenue

Russia to fine U.S. tech giant Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for repeatedly failing to delete content deemed illegal, Moscow's strongest effort yet to rein in foreign tech firms.

Russia to fine tech giant Google over repeatedly failing to delete 'illegal' content

5 Big Tech companies have made billions from military contracts. Companies like Google & Amazon are now being seen as the new merchants of war. Employees of these companies are now rebelling. They want to stop the militarisation of their innovations. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Big Tech companies are making billions from war

Google is set to announce a new subscription bundle on the lines of Apple One, where a new Pixel device will offer extended warranty and premium subscriptions like YouTube Premium or YouTube Music and Google One, among others.

Google will launch Pixel 6 series smartphones on October 19 and the new bundle plan may be announced then.

Called 'Pixel Pass', the Google bundle plan has been detailed in a leaked image published by tech writer Brandon Lee.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/googles-plan-for-the-future-of-work-privacy-robots-and-balloon-walls-389036">Google’s plan for the future of work: Privacy robots and balloon walls</a>

"Pixel Pass: This appears to be a blend of the iPhone upgrade plan where you can get a new phone every year and the Apple One Subscription," Lee tweeted on Sunday.

"It contains YouTube Premium, Google One, Play Pass, extended warranty, and is associated with Google Fi," he added.

Pixel Pass may also offer a discount compared to paying for the services individually.

There's no mention of Google Stadia, the search giant's cloud game streaming service, as part of the Google bundle plan.

There's also no mention of which Pixel smartphones the 'Pixel Pass'&nbsp;will be offered with.

Apple One is a subscription which bundles a number of premium services provided by Apple into tiered packages, first offered in 2020. The three tiers offered are Individual, Family, and Premier, with all three providing access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and iCloud storage.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-instagram-stop-working-yet-again-twitterati-open-bag-of-memes-419307">Facebook, Instagram stop working yet again; Twitterati open bag of memes</a>

Both Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will share the same main, ultrawide camera.

The devices will come with a 50MP Samsung GN1 main camera and a 12MP Sony IMX286 ultrawide camera. The Pro model will have a 48MP Sony IMX586 telephoto camera sensor with 4x zoom support, reports XDA Developers.

Google is set to announce a new subscription bundle on the lines of Apple One, where a new Pixel device will offer extended warranty and premium subscriptions like YouTube Premium or YouTube Music and Google One, among others.

Google is set to announce a new subscription bundle on the lines of Apple One, where a new Pixel device will offer extended warranty and premium subscriptions like YouTube Premium or YouTube Music and Google One, among others. Google will launch Pixel 6 series smartphones on October 19 and the new bundle plan may be announced then. Called 'Pixel Pass', the Google bundle plan has been detailed in a leaked image published by tech writer Brandon Lee. Also Read | Google’s plan for the future of work: Privacy robots and balloon walls "Pixel Pass: This appears to be a blend of the iPhone upgrade plan where you can get a new phone every year and the Apple One Subscription," Lee tweeted on Sunday. "It contains YouTube Premium, Google One, Play Pass, extended warranty, and is associated with Google Fi," he added. Pixel Pass may also offer a discount compared to paying for the services individually. There's no mention of Google Stadia, the search giant's cloud game streaming service, as part of the Google bundle plan. There's also no mention of which Pixel smartphones the 'Pixel Pass' will be offered with. Apple One is a subscription which bundles a number of premium services provided by Apple into tiered packages, first offered in 2020. The three tiers offered are Individual, Family, and Premier, with all three providing access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and iCloud storage. Also Read | Facebook, Instagram stop working yet again; Twitterati open bag of memes Both Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will share the same main, ultrawide camera. The devices will come with a 50MP Samsung GN1 main camera and a 12MP Sony IMX286 ultrawide camera. The Pro model will have a 48MP Sony IMX586 telephoto camera sensor with 4x zoom support, reports XDA Developers.

Google set to launch 'Pixel Pass' subscription inspired by Apple one

Google plans to invest $1 billion in Africa over the next five years to ensure access to fast and cheaper internet and will back startups to support the continent's digital transformation.

Google to invest $1 billion in Africa over five years

DuckDuckGo and three other search engine rivals to Google on Thursday urged EU lawmakers to take action against the Alphabet unit via new tech rules, saying they have yet to see positive results from an antitrust ruling against Google.

The European Commission in 2018 levied a record 4.24- billion-euro ($5 billion) fine on Google for unfairly using Android to cement the dominance of its search engine and ordered it to ensure a level playing field for rivals.

Google subsequently made changes and four months ago said it would let rivals compete for free to be the default search engines on Android devices in Europe.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-1-billion-to-lift-africa-internet-access-418618">Google to invest $1 billion to lift Africa internet access</a>

US&nbsp;search engine DuckDuckGo, Germany's Ecosia and French peers Qwant and Lilo said lawmakers should use tech rules drafted by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to ensure competition.

"Despite recent changes, we do not believe it will move market share significantly due to its persisting limitations," they said in a joint letter to European Parliament lawmakers.

They said a preference menu that let users choose their search default when setting up an Android device is not available on Chrome desktop or on other operating systems, and that it is only shown once to users.

"The DMA should enshrine in law a requirement for a search engine preference menu that would effectively ban Google from acquiring default search access points of the operating systems and the browsers of gatekeepers," they said.

The DMA may come into force in 2023 once it gets the green light from EU lawmakers and EU countries. 
($1 = 0.8654 euros)

DuckDuckGo and three other search engine rivals to Google on Thursday urged EU lawmakers to take action against the Alphabet unit via new tech rules, saying they have yet to see positive results from an antitrust ruling against Google.

DuckDuckGo and three other search engine rivals to Google on Thursday urged EU lawmakers to take action against the Alphabet unit via new tech rules, saying they have yet to see positive results from an antitrust ruling against Google. The European Commission in 2018 levied a record 4.24- billion-euro ($5 billion) fine on Google for unfairly using Android to cement the dominance of its search engine and ordered it to ensure a level playing field for rivals. Google subsequently made changes and four months ago said it would let rivals compete for free to be the default search engines on Android devices in Europe. Also Read | Google to invest $1 billion to lift Africa internet access US search engine DuckDuckGo, Germany's Ecosia and French peers Qwant and Lilo said lawmakers should use tech rules drafted by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to ensure competition. "Despite recent changes, we do not believe it will move market share significantly due to its persisting limitations," they said in a joint letter to European Parliament lawmakers. They said a preference menu that let users choose their search default when setting up an Android device is not available on Chrome desktop or on other operating systems, and that it is only shown once to users. "The DMA should enshrine in law a requirement for a search engine preference menu that would effectively ban Google from acquiring default search access points of the operating systems and the browsers of gatekeepers," they said. The DMA may come into force in 2023 once it gets the green light from EU lawmakers and EU countries. ($1 = 0.8654 euros)

Google rivals want EU lawmakers to act via new tech rules

Google on Wednesday said it will invest $1 billion over the next five years to allow for faster and more affordable internet access and support entrepreneurship in Africa.

Internet reliability is a problem in Africa where less than a third of the continent's 1.3 billion people are connected to broadband, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;

But the continent, where nearly half the population is under 18, is a promising market.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-ends-work-on-its-plex-project-even-after-financial-markets-heat-up-417518">Google ends work on its Plex project even after financial markets heat up</a>

According to Google and Alphabet boss, Sundar Pichai "huge strides" have been made in recent years, but more work is needed to make "internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African".

The investment will support digital transformation by ensuring improved connectivity and access, he said in a statement.

The funds will, among other things, go towards infrastructure development including the Equiano subsea cable that will connect South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and St Helena with Europe.

The deal expands Google's pledge announced four years ago to train around 10 million young Africans and small-scale businesses in digital skills.

"I am of the firm belief that no one is better placed to solve Africa's biggest problems than Africa's young developers and startup founders," said Google's Africa managing director Nitin Gajria.

Internet access is also hampered by the affordability of smartphones.&nbsp;

Google said it will partner with Kenya's telecoms giant Safaricom to launch affordable Android smartphones for first time users.&nbsp;

The project will later be rolled out across the continent with other carriers such Airtel, MTN, Orange and Vodacom.

Google on Wednesday said it will invest $1 billion over the next five years to allow for faster and more affordable internet access and support entrepreneurship in Africa.

Google on Wednesday said it will invest $1 billion over the next five years to allow for faster and more affordable internet access and support entrepreneurship in Africa. Internet reliability is a problem in Africa where less than a third of the continent's 1.3 billion people are connected to broadband, according to the World Bank. But the continent, where nearly half the population is under 18, is a promising market. Also read | Google ends work on its Plex project even after financial markets heat up According to Google and Alphabet boss, Sundar Pichai "huge strides" have been made in recent years, but more work is needed to make "internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African". The investment will support digital transformation by ensuring improved connectivity and access, he said in a statement. The funds will, among other things, go towards infrastructure development including the Equiano subsea cable that will connect South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and St Helena with Europe. The deal expands Google's pledge announced four years ago to train around 10 million young Africans and small-scale businesses in digital skills. "I am of the firm belief that no one is better placed to solve Africa's biggest problems than Africa's young developers and startup founders," said Google's Africa managing director Nitin Gajria. Internet access is also hampered by the affordability of smartphones. Google said it will partner with Kenya's telecoms giant Safaricom to launch affordable Android smartphones for first time users. The project will later be rolled out across the continent with other carriers such Airtel, MTN, Orange and Vodacom.

Google to invest $1 billion to lift Africa internet access

Even after the online financial services market for everyday investors heats up, Google has decided on hitting the brakes on a project to add mobile banking to its Pay app.&nbsp;

The company has ended work on its Plex project, however, it continues to look for different ways to integrate financial services, a spokesperson said, confirming a Wall Street Journal report. Plex would have allowed the Pay app to act as an interface for banks or credit unions. It would further allow the users to access their savings and checking accounts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-pay-not-a-payment-system-operator-rbi-to-delhi-hc-308372">Also read |&nbsp;Google Pay not a payment system operator: RBI to Delhi HC</a>

In a response to the AFP enquiry, a spokesperson said, "We're updating our approach to focus primarily on delivering digital enablement for banks and other financial service providers rather than us serving as provider of these services."

"We strongly believe that this is the best way for Google to help consumers gain better access to financial services."

Last year, Google said that it was working with nearly a dozen credit unions and banks, including Citigroup, for inclusion in its Plex project for its Pay mobile app available on Android smartphones. This app allows users to pay for transactions, send money to friends, and store loyalty cards. There will also be many other advantages.

Even after the online financial services market for everyday investors heats up, Google has decided on hitting the brakes on a project to add mobile banking to its Pay app.

Even after the online financial services market for everyday investors heats up, Google has decided on hitting the brakes on a project to add mobile banking to its Pay app. The company has ended work on its Plex project, however, it continues to look for different ways to integrate financial services, a spokesperson said, confirming a Wall Street Journal report. Plex would have allowed the Pay app to act as an interface for banks or credit unions. It would further allow the users to access their savings and checking accounts. Also read | Google Pay not a payment system operator: RBI to Delhi HC In a response to the AFP enquiry, a spokesperson said, "We're updating our approach to focus primarily on delivering digital enablement for banks and other financial service providers rather than us serving as provider of these services." "We strongly believe that this is the best way for Google to help consumers gain better access to financial services." Last year, Google said that it was working with nearly a dozen credit unions and banks, including Citigroup, for inclusion in its Plex project for its Pay mobile app available on Android smartphones. This app allows users to pay for transactions, send money to friends, and store loyalty cards. There will also be many other advantages.

Google ends work on its Plex project even after financial markets heat up

Google has hit back against the European Union in court appealing a $5 billion antitrust fine. The European Commission has levied a record fine on Google in 2018 for monopolistic practices.

Google fights against record EU fine, slams regulators for ignoring Apple

On Saturday, after a 3-mile hike through the Presidio, I stood in a throng of tourists looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. As the crowd snapped photos of the landmark, I decided to join in.

But instead of reaching into my pocket for my iPhone, I tapped the side of my Ray-Ban sunglasses until I heard the click of a shutter. Later, I downloaded the photos that my sunglasses had just taken to my phone.

The process was instant, simple, unobtrusive — and it was powered by Facebook, which has teamed up with Ray-Ban. Their new line of eyewear, called Ray-Ban Stories and unveiled Thursday, can take photos, record video, answer phone calls and play music and podcasts.

It all made me feel that I was being dragged into some inevitable future dreamed up by people much more techie than me, one in which the seams between the real world and the technology that supports it had all but vanished.

For years, Silicon Valley has chased a vision similar to that of a William Gibson novel, where sensors and cameras are woven into the everyday lives and clothes of billions of people. Yet the tech companies that have pursued these ideas have often failed to achieve them, as people have shunned wearable computers — especially on their faces.

Remember Google Glass, the smart glasses that Google co-founder Sergey Brin introduced while jumping out of an airplane? That project foundered, with bars in San Francisco at one point barring Glass-wearers — also pejoratively known as "Glassholes" — from entry. Later came Snap’s Spectacles, smart glasses that focused more on fashion and the novelty of recording 10-second video clips. That product, too, never really broke through.

Now Facebook is aiming to usher in an era when people grow more comfortable sharing their lives digitally, beginning with what is in front of their faces.

"We asked ourselves, how do we build a product that helps people actually be in the moment they’re in?" Andrew Bosworth, head of Facebook Reality Labs, said in an interview. "Isn’t that better than having to take out your phone and hold it in front of your face every time you want to capture a moment?"

Bosworth rejected claims that Facebook was picking up where others had left off. "This product has not been tried before because we’ve never had a design like this before," he said, adding that Facebook and Ray-Ban were focused more on the fashion of eyewear than the tech inside the frames.

"Eyewear is a very specific category that changes the way you look," said Rocco Basilico, chief wearables officer at Luxottica, which owns Ray-Ban and wants to expand into the wearables market. "We started this product from the design, and we refused to compromise on that design."

Let’s be real for a second. The new glasses, which start at $299 and come in more than 20 styles, face hurdles apart from Silicon Valley’s stop-start history with smart glasses. Facebook has long been under scrutiny for how it treats people’s personal data. Using the glasses to surreptitiously film people is bound to cause concerns, not to mention what Facebook might do with the videos that people collect.

I asked if Facebook’s brand baggage was why its name was not in the title of the glasses. The company said that was not the case.

"Facebook is not naive to the fact that other smart glasses have failed in the past," said Jeremy Greenberg, policy counsel for the Future of Privacy Forum, a privacy nonprofit partly financed by Facebook. But, he added, "the public’s expectations of privacy have changed since the days of previous smart glasses releases."

With all of that in mind, I took the new Facebook Ray-Bans out for a spin for a few days over the past week.

On close inspection, I found the frames house two cameras, two micro speakers, three microphones and a Snapdragon computer processor chip. They also come with a charging case that plugs into any computer via USB-C cable. On a full charge, the glasses can be used for roughly six hours.

The spectacles require a Facebook account. They are also paired with a smartphone app, Facebook View. After recording videos — the glasses can record up to 35 30-second videos or take 500 photos — people can upload their content wirelessly to the app, where the photos are encrypted. From Facebook View, people can share the content to their social networks or messaging apps as well as save photos directly to their phone’s on-device storage outside the Facebook app.

To preempt privacy concerns, a small indicator light flickers on when the glasses are recording, notifying people that they are being photographed or filmed. As you set up the Facebook View app, it also displays prompts asking users to "respect others around you" and asking whether it "feels appropriate" to take a photograph or video in the moment. The app even invites people to "do a little demo" to show others that they are being recorded.

Still, users may have other hesitations, as I did. The spectacles have an audio activation feature, called Facebook Assistant, which can be turned on to take hands-free photos and videos by saying, "Hey, Facebook."

For me, that was a sticking point. What do the people around me think when they hear me utter, "Hey, Facebook, take a photo"? Can I still look cool doing that? Can anyone?

What’s more, to help Facebook improve the assistant, people are asked to allow the device to store transcripts of their voice interactions, which will later be reviewed by a mix of humans and machine-learning algorithms. I did not love that and imagine others will not be too keen, either, no matter how benign their voice interactions might be.

Many of these privacy concerns are beside the point for technologists who see wearables as inexorable for society. For Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the ultimate goal is to eventually release a pair of smart glasses that fully augment reality, which puts a kind of virtual overlay onto the world in front of people.

That idea is yet another step on the road to the metaverse, Zuckerberg’s term for how parts of the virtual and actual world will eventually meld together and share different parts of each other. Perhaps one day I might use a pair of Facebook AR glasses to order a digital hat for myself, which other people who are wearing AR glasses might be able to see.

For a few moments on my hike Saturday, I could just make out that vision of the future that Facebook executives were so excited about.

Clambering down the many trails in the Presidio presented me with dazzling views, which I was able to shoot using only my voice while still having one hand gripping my dog’s leash and the other holding my backpack. Capturing the cityscape was as easy as issuing a voice command while my phone stayed in my pocket.

Even better, I just looked like a normal dude wearing sunglasses, not someone wearing a wacky face computer.

One added bonus was that no one (except my dog) could hear me say, "Hey, Facebook," while I was alone on the trails. But in the city surrounded by people, I confess I might stick to tapping the side of my frames to take photos.

On Saturday, after a 3-mile hike through the Presidio, I stood in a throng of tourists looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. As the crowd snapped photos of the landmark, I decided to join in.

On Saturday, after a 3-mile hike through the Presidio, I stood in a throng of tourists looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. As the crowd snapped photos of the landmark, I decided to join in. But instead of reaching into my pocket for my iPhone, I tapped the side of my Ray-Ban sunglasses until I heard the click of a shutter. Later, I downloaded the photos that my sunglasses had just taken to my phone. The process was instant, simple, unobtrusive — and it was powered by Facebook, which has teamed up with Ray-Ban. Their new line of eyewear, called Ray-Ban Stories and unveiled Thursday, can take photos, record video, answer phone calls and play music and podcasts. It all made me feel that I was being dragged into some inevitable future dreamed up by people much more techie than me, one in which the seams between the real world and the technology that supports it had all but vanished. For years, Silicon Valley has chased a vision similar to that of a William Gibson novel, where sensors and cameras are woven into the everyday lives and clothes of billions of people. Yet the tech companies that have pursued these ideas have often failed to achieve them, as people have shunned wearable computers — especially on their faces. Remember Google Glass, the smart glasses that Google co-founder Sergey Brin introduced while jumping out of an airplane? That project foundered, with bars in San Francisco at one point barring Glass-wearers — also pejoratively known as "Glassholes" — from entry. Later came Snap’s Spectacles, smart glasses that focused more on fashion and the novelty of recording 10-second video clips. That product, too, never really broke through. Now Facebook is aiming to usher in an era when people grow more comfortable sharing their lives digitally, beginning with what is in front of their faces. "We asked ourselves, how do we build a product that helps people actually be in the moment they’re in?" Andrew Bosworth, head of Facebook Reality Labs, said in an interview. "Isn’t that better than having to take out your phone and hold it in front of your face every time you want to capture a moment?" Bosworth rejected claims that Facebook was picking up where others had left off. "This product has not been tried before because we’ve never had a design like this before," he said, adding that Facebook and Ray-Ban were focused more on the fashion of eyewear than the tech inside the frames. "Eyewear is a very specific category that changes the way you look," said Rocco Basilico, chief wearables officer at Luxottica, which owns Ray-Ban and wants to expand into the wearables market. "We started this product from the design, and we refused to compromise on that design." Let’s be real for a second. The new glasses, which start at $299 and come in more than 20 styles, face hurdles apart from Silicon Valley’s stop-start history with smart glasses. Facebook has long been under scrutiny for how it treats people’s personal data. Using the glasses to surreptitiously film people is bound to cause concerns, not to mention what Facebook might do with the videos that people collect. I asked if Facebook’s brand baggage was why its name was not in the title of the glasses. The company said that was not the case. "Facebook is not naive to the fact that other smart glasses have failed in the past," said Jeremy Greenberg, policy counsel for the Future of Privacy Forum, a privacy nonprofit partly financed by Facebook. But, he added, "the public’s expectations of privacy have changed since the days of previous smart glasses releases." With all of that in mind, I took the new Facebook Ray-Bans out for a spin for a few days over the past week. On close inspection, I found the frames house two cameras, two micro speakers, three microphones and a Snapdragon computer processor chip. They also come with a charging case that plugs into any computer via USB-C cable. On a full charge, the glasses can be used for roughly six hours. The spectacles require a Facebook account. They are also paired with a smartphone app, Facebook View. After recording videos — the glasses can record up to 35 30-second videos or take 500 photos — people can upload their content wirelessly to the app, where the photos are encrypted. From Facebook View, people can share the content to their social networks or messaging apps as well as save photos directly to their phone’s on-device storage outside the Facebook app. To preempt privacy concerns, a small indicator light flickers on when the glasses are recording, notifying people that they are being photographed or filmed. As you set up the Facebook View app, it also displays prompts asking users to "respect others around you" and asking whether it "feels appropriate" to take a photograph or video in the moment. The app even invites people to "do a little demo" to show others that they are being recorded. Still, users may have other hesitations, as I did. The spectacles have an audio activation feature, called Facebook Assistant, which can be turned on to take hands-free photos and videos by saying, "Hey, Facebook." For me, that was a sticking point. What do the people around me think when they hear me utter, "Hey, Facebook, take a photo"? Can I still look cool doing that? Can anyone? What’s more, to help Facebook improve the assistant, people are asked to allow the device to store transcripts of their voice interactions, which will later be reviewed by a mix of humans and machine-learning algorithms. I did not love that and imagine others will not be too keen, either, no matter how benign their voice interactions might be. Many of these privacy concerns are beside the point for technologists who see wearables as inexorable for society. For Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the ultimate goal is to eventually release a pair of smart glasses that fully augment reality, which puts a kind of virtual overlay onto the world in front of people. That idea is yet another step on the road to the metaverse, Zuckerberg’s term for how parts of the virtual and actual world will eventually meld together and share different parts of each other. Perhaps one day I might use a pair of Facebook AR glasses to order a digital hat for myself, which other people who are wearing AR glasses might be able to see. For a few moments on my hike Saturday, I could just make out that vision of the future that Facebook executives were so excited about. Clambering down the many trails in the Presidio presented me with dazzling views, which I was able to shoot using only my voice while still having one hand gripping my dog’s leash and the other holding my backpack. Capturing the cityscape was as easy as issuing a voice command while my phone stayed in my pocket. Even better, I just looked like a normal dude wearing sunglasses, not someone wearing a wacky face computer. One added bonus was that no one (except my dog) could hear me say, "Hey, Facebook," while I was alone on the trails. But in the city surrounded by people, I confess I might stick to tapping the side of my frames to take photos.

Smart glasses made google look dumb. Now Facebook is giving them a try.

South Korea has become the first country in the world to ban big tech firms' payment policies, forcing developers to only use their proprietary billing systems. The country has passed the 'Anti-Google law' bill.

World Business Watch: South Korea bans app payment monopolies by Apple, Google in world first

South Korea may ban Google and Apple from requiring software developers to use their payment systems. It will be the first such curbs on the tech companies by a major economy.

World Business Watch: South Korea set to curb Google, Apple commission dominance

A Moscow court has fined Google for failing to remove content banned in Russia. Recently, Russia has been taking legal action against foreign tech companies for not deleting content banned by the authorities.

Moscow court fines Google for failing to remove content banned in Russia

The last 20 months of this pandemic have been emotionally & financially crippling for millions around the world. But for tech titans, they've brought a dramatic reversal in fortunes.

COVID-19: Big tech gets bigger during pandemic

Dozens of US State attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit in federal court against Google. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

World Business Watch: Dozens of US States sue Google alleging antitrust violations

The former US President Donald Trump filed class-action lawsuits against Facebook, Twitter, and Google, months after he was booted from all three platforms for inciting violence in the wake of the Capitol riot.

Donald Trump unveils lawsuit Facebook, Twitter and Google

US&nbsp;tech giants Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Twitter Inc have privately warned the Hong Kong government that they could stop offering their services in the city if authorities proceed with planned changes to data-protection laws, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a letter.

The laws could make the tech companies liable for the malicious sharing of individuals' information online, the newspaper added.

A letter sent by an industry group that includes the internet firms said companies are concerned that the planned rules to address 'doxing' could put their staff at risk of criminal investigations or prosecutions related to what the firms' users post online, Journal reported.

Doxing is an act of revealing people's personal information such as real name, home address or workplace online without the user's permission.

Facebook, Google and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for a comment.

Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau in May proposed amendments to the city's data-protection laws that it said were needed to combat doxing, a practice that was prevalent during 2019 protests in the city, the newspaper said.

According to the newspaper, the letter dated June 25 was sent by Singapore-based Asia Internet Coalition.&nbsp;"The only way to avoid these sanctions for technology companies would be to refrain from investing and offering the services in Hong Kong," the Journal reported, quoting the letter.

(With inputs from agencies)

US tech giants Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Twitter Inc have privately warned the Hong Kong government that they could stop offering their services in the city if authorities proceed with planned changes to data-protection laws, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a letter.

US tech giants Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Twitter Inc have privately warned the Hong Kong government that they could stop offering their services in the city if authorities proceed with planned changes to data-protection laws, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a letter. The laws could make the tech companies liable for the malicious sharing of individuals' information online, the newspaper added. A letter sent by an industry group that includes the internet firms said companies are concerned that the planned rules to address 'doxing' could put their staff at risk of criminal investigations or prosecutions related to what the firms' users post online, Journal reported. Doxing is an act of revealing people's personal information such as real name, home address or workplace online without the user's permission. Facebook, Google and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for a comment. Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau in May proposed amendments to the city's data-protection laws that it said were needed to combat doxing, a practice that was prevalent during 2019 protests in the city, the newspaper said. According to the newspaper, the letter dated June 25 was sent by Singapore-based Asia Internet Coalition. "The only way to avoid these sanctions for technology companies would be to refrain from investing and offering the services in Hong Kong," the Journal reported, quoting the letter. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook, Google, Twitter say could quit Hong Kong over proposed data laws: Report

Google is planning to clamp down on financial fraud on its platform in the United Kingdom, saying on Wednesday that all financial services will need to be verified by the regulator before they can advertise.

World Business Watch: Google to clamp down on financial frauds on its platforms in UK

Facebook and Google India officials testified before the parliamentary standing committee on information technology on the issue of misuse of social media platforms.

Google and Facebook summoned by Indian Government

Facebook and Google India officials testified before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, on the issue of misuse of social media. The panel directed both social media platforms to comply with new IT rules and follow the rules of the country.

Facebook and Google officials appear in front of Parliamentary panel over platform misuse

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