<p>Multiple users complained about an outage affecting Alphabet Inc's search engine Google as well as its streaming and email services, according to outage monitoring website Downdetector.<br />
<br />
Platforms including Google, YouTube and Gmail were down on Monday evening, with users complaining of difficulty in logging in and accessing the website in parts of North America, according to Downdetector.<br />
<br />
More than a thousand users were having difficulties with the search engine at one point, the outage monitoring website showed, and users were also facing issues with YouTube TV and Google Drive.<br />
<br />
The issue affecting the platforms was not immediately clear.<br />
<br />
Google did not immediately respond to a Reuters; request for comment after business hours.<br />
<br />
Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform.</p>


Multiple users complained about an outage affecting Alphabet Inc's search engine Google as well as its streaming and email services, according to outage monitoring website Downdetector.

Multiple users complained about an outage affecting Alphabet Inc's search engine Google as well as its streaming and email services, according to outage monitoring website Downdetector. Platforms including Google, YouTube and Gmail were down on Monday evening, with users complaining of difficulty in logging in and accessing the website in parts of North America, according to Downdetector. More than a thousand users were having difficulties with the search engine at one point, the outage monitoring website showed, and users were also facing issues with YouTube TV and Google Drive. The issue affecting the platforms was not immediately clear. Google did not immediately respond to a Reuters; request for comment after business hours. Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform.

Google services down for some users: Web tracker

<p>Google took down two Google Maps documents on Monday that had listed the names and addresses of hundreds of Thai activists, who were accused by royalists of opposing the monarchy, the technology company said.<br />
<br />
Thai royalist activist Songklod 'Pukem' Chuenchoopol said he and a team of 80 volunteers had created the maps and planned to report everyone named on them to police on accusations of insulting the monarchy.<br />
<br />
A spokesperson for Alphabet's Google said by email 'the issue is now fixed', and noted: "We have clear policies about what's acceptable for user generated My Maps content. We remove user generated maps that violate our policies."<br />
<br />
A version of one of the maps included the names and addresses of nearly 500 people, many of them students, together with their photos in university or high school uniforms. It had received over 350,000 views.<br />
<br />
The faces of those named had been covered by black squares with the number 112, in reference to the article under the country's criminal code, which makes insulting or defaming the monarchy punishable by up to 15 years in prison.<br />
<br />
Neither map could be accessed on late Monday.<br />
<br />
Songklod said that he and the team of volunteers sought to highlight those they accused of breaking that law.<br />
<br />
"When each of us sees something offensive posted on social media, we put it on the map," he said. Describing it as a 'psychological' warfare operation, Songklod said the aim was to dissuade people from online criticism of the monarchy.<br />
<br />
Youth-led protests that began last year brought unprecedented criticism of the monarchy and calls for its reform both on the streets and online.<br />
<br />
The government did not immediately respond to comment on the removal of the Google Maps or the content they contained.<br />
<br />
Songklod, 54, a retired army captain and prominent right-wing activist, said he considered the operation targeting opponents of the monarchy a 'massive success' despite the removal of the maps.<br />
<br />
The royalist activist said the content in them had come from public research.<br />
<br />
Human rights groups and critics of the establishment said the maps included the private data and addresses of hundreds of people and could put them at risk of violence.<br />
<br />
"I started to get panicked messages from young people in Thailand who had been doxxed in a royalist document on Google Maps accusing them of being anti-monarchy," said Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a Scotland-based critic of the monarchy and one of the earliest to highlight the existence of the maps.<br />
<br />
"It’s clear that young Thai people who just want democracy are facing worsening risks."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Google took down two Google Maps documents on Monday that had listed the names and addresses of hundreds of Thai activists, who were accused by royalists of opposing the monarchy, the technology company said.

Google took down two Google Maps documents on Monday that had listed the names and addresses of hundreds of Thai activists, who were accused by royalists of opposing the monarchy, the technology company said. Thai royalist activist Songklod 'Pukem' Chuenchoopol said he and a team of 80 volunteers had created the maps and planned to report everyone named on them to police on accusations of insulting the monarchy. A spokesperson for Alphabet's Google said by email 'the issue is now fixed', and noted: "We have clear policies about what's acceptable for user generated My Maps content. We remove user generated maps that violate our policies." A version of one of the maps included the names and addresses of nearly 500 people, many of them students, together with their photos in university or high school uniforms. It had received over 350,000 views. The faces of those named had been covered by black squares with the number 112, in reference to the article under the country's criminal code, which makes insulting or defaming the monarchy punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Neither map could be accessed on late Monday. Songklod said that he and the team of volunteers sought to highlight those they accused of breaking that law. "When each of us sees something offensive posted on social media, we put it on the map," he said. Describing it as a 'psychological' warfare operation, Songklod said the aim was to dissuade people from online criticism of the monarchy. Youth-led protests that began last year brought unprecedented criticism of the monarchy and calls for its reform both on the streets and online. The government did not immediately respond to comment on the removal of the Google Maps or the content they contained. Songklod, 54, a retired army captain and prominent right-wing activist, said he considered the operation targeting opponents of the monarchy a 'massive success' despite the removal of the maps. The royalist activist said the content in them had come from public research. Human rights groups and critics of the establishment said the maps included the private data and addresses of hundreds of people and could put them at risk of violence. "I started to get panicked messages from young people in Thailand who had been doxxed in a royalist document on Google Maps accusing them of being anti-monarchy," said Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a Scotland-based critic of the monarchy and one of the earliest to highlight the existence of the maps. "It’s clear that young Thai people who just want democracy are facing worsening risks." (With inputs from agencies)

Google takes down maps targeting hundreds of Thais accused of opposing king

Representative of Facebook and Google have been summoned by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology to discuss the issue of safeguarding citizens' rights and preventing the misuse of online platforms.

India's Parliamentary panel summons FB and Google officials

Google is having a terrible week. India has launched an anti-trust probe on its dominance of the 'Smart-TV' market. US attorney-generals are filing a lawsuit on mismanagement of 'Play Store'. EU is probing its violation of 'Online Adtech'. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Google is facing Anti-trust lawsuits globally

<p>A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, a report said citing sources familiar with the matter.</p>

<p>The anticipated lawsuit follows complaints from app developers about Google's management of its Play Store for Android devices, according to a source. The lawsuit has been in the works since last year and has already been delayed, but seems close again, the sources said as per Reuters report.<br />
<br />
The investigation by the state attorneys general is being led by Utah, Tennessee, North Carolina and New York. It is unclear how many states will participate.<br />
<br />
Two sources said the case is likely to be filed in federal court in Northern California, where related cases are being heard. These include a lawsuit that video game maker Epic Games Inc filed against Google last year, accusing it of having anticompetitive app store rules. It is expected to go to trial in 2022.<br />
<br />
There also are two proposed class-action lawsuits over the Play store before the same judge. If the states want to participate in depositions and other pre-trial activities, they would have to file fairly soon, one source said.<br />
<br />
Apple Inc and Epic are awaiting the verdict in a similar California lawsuit after a trial that ended last month.<br />
<br />
A Google spokesperson defended their app store as open.<br />
<br />
"Android is the only major operating system that allows people to download apps from multiple app stores. In fact, most Android devices ship with two or more app stores preinstalled. They can also install additional app stores or apps directly from their browser if they choose," the spokesperson said.<br />
<br />
Google was originally seen as more open in how it ran its app store than Apple but has tightened rules recently and increased enforcement of those rules.<br />
<br />
The lawsuit is expected to focus on Google's requirement that some apps use the company's payment tools to sell subscriptions and content and pay Google as much as 30% of sales, according to two sources.<br />
<br />
App makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder app, have long accused both Google, as well as Apple, of being anti-competitive in demanding mandatory revenue sharing.<br />
<br />
This latest lawsuit is being planned at a time of unusually vigorous debate over whether federal antitrust enforcement is too lax. Many people, including Senator Amy Klobuchar who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel, have pressed for tougher enforcement.<br />
<br />
Google already faces a federal lawsuit brought by the Justice Department last year and related antitrust cases brought by two separate groups of attorneys general. One is led by Texas and focused on advertising while the other targets Google's alleged efforts to extend its dominance in search to newer markets, like voice assistants.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, a report said citing sources familiar with the matter.

A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, a report said citing sources familiar with the matter. The anticipated lawsuit follows complaints from app developers about Google's management of its Play Store for Android devices, according to a source. The lawsuit has been in the works since last year and has already been delayed, but seems close again, the sources said as per Reuters report. The investigation by the state attorneys general is being led by Utah, Tennessee, North Carolina and New York. It is unclear how many states will participate. Two sources said the case is likely to be filed in federal court in Northern California, where related cases are being heard. These include a lawsuit that video game maker Epic Games Inc filed against Google last year, accusing it of having anticompetitive app store rules. It is expected to go to trial in 2022. There also are two proposed class-action lawsuits over the Play store before the same judge. If the states want to participate in depositions and other pre-trial activities, they would have to file fairly soon, one source said. Apple Inc and Epic are awaiting the verdict in a similar California lawsuit after a trial that ended last month. A Google spokesperson defended their app store as open. "Android is the only major operating system that allows people to download apps from multiple app stores. In fact, most Android devices ship with two or more app stores preinstalled. They can also install additional app stores or apps directly from their browser if they choose," the spokesperson said. Google was originally seen as more open in how it ran its app store than Apple but has tightened rules recently and increased enforcement of those rules. The lawsuit is expected to focus on Google's requirement that some apps use the company's payment tools to sell subscriptions and content and pay Google as much as 30% of sales, according to two sources. App makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder app, have long accused both Google, as well as Apple, of being anti-competitive in demanding mandatory revenue sharing. This latest lawsuit is being planned at a time of unusually vigorous debate over whether federal antitrust enforcement is too lax. Many people, including Senator Amy Klobuchar who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel, have pressed for tougher enforcement. Google already faces a federal lawsuit brought by the Justice Department last year and related antitrust cases brought by two separate groups of attorneys general. One is led by Texas and focused on advertising while the other targets Google's alleged efforts to extend its dominance in search to newer markets, like voice assistants. (With inputs from agencies)

Google likely to soon face antitrust claims over Play store from US states: Report

In the order dated June 22, CCI said that it found Google 'prima facie' in violation of India's antitrust regulations and asked the CCI Director General to launch a probe into the matter.

CII orders investigation into google for antitrust practices

<p>Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter.<br />
<br />
It would mark a new front by the EU competition enforcer against Google. It has in the last decade fined the company more than 8 billion euros ($9.8 billion) for blocking rivals in online shopping, Android smartphones and online advertising.<br />
<br />
An EU probe would focus on Google's position vis-a-vis advertisers, publishers, intermediaries and rivals, one of the people said, indicating deeper scrutiny than the French antitrust agency's case concluded last week.<br />
<br />
Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads last year, more than&nbsp;any other company in the world. Ads on its properties, including search, YouTube and Gmail, accounted for the bulk of sales and profits.<br />
<br />
About 16% of revenue came from its display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps.<br />
<br />
Both units are under fire. The US&nbsp;Justice Department, joined by some states, sued Google last year for abusing its dominance in search ads. A group of states led by Texas in a later lawsuit focussed on anti-competitive behaviour on the network side of the house.<br />
<br />
France last week settled with Google for $268 million and various commitments over similar allegations related to the network business, and the unit also must work closely with Britain's competition regulator on upcoming software changes as part of a settlement reached days later.<br />
<br />
The Commission declined to comment. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<br />
<br />
A new EU inquiry could end up targeting all of Google's ad empire. Market researcher eMarketer expects Google to control 27% of global online ad spending this year, including 57% for search ads and 10% of display.<br />
<br />
While the numbers may not look monopolistic at first blush, advertisers and rivals contend that Google's various software play a role in so many facets of the market that the company is impossible to avoid.<br />
<br />
They say Google takes advantage of the dependence buyers, sellers and intermediaries have on it to extract high fees from all sides and block rivals from fairly competing with it.<br />
<br />
In a questionnaire sent to Google rivals and third parties earlier this year and seen by Reuters, the EU watchdog asked if advertisers receive rebates when they use Google intermediaries, which allow advertisers or media agencies to buy advertising inventory from many sources.<br />
<br />
The Commission should conclude ongoing cases before starting new ones, said Thomas Hoppner, a partner at law firm Hausfeld, and who advises several complainants against Google.<br />
<br />
"From the practitioner's point of view and from the industry's point of view, it appears equally important to bring investigations into local search and Google's job search to an end when other authorities have opened investigations into Google's adtech," he said.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter.

Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter. It would mark a new front by the EU competition enforcer against Google. It has in the last decade fined the company more than 8 billion euros ($9.8 billion) for blocking rivals in online shopping, Android smartphones and online advertising. An EU probe would focus on Google's position vis-a-vis advertisers, publishers, intermediaries and rivals, one of the people said, indicating deeper scrutiny than the French antitrust agency's case concluded last week. Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads last year, more than any other company in the world. Ads on its properties, including search, YouTube and Gmail, accounted for the bulk of sales and profits. About 16% of revenue came from its display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps. Both units are under fire. The US Justice Department, joined by some states, sued Google last year for abusing its dominance in search ads. A group of states led by Texas in a later lawsuit focussed on anti-competitive behaviour on the network side of the house. France last week settled with Google for $268 million and various commitments over similar allegations related to the network business, and the unit also must work closely with Britain's competition regulator on upcoming software changes as part of a settlement reached days later. The Commission declined to comment. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A new EU inquiry could end up targeting all of Google's ad empire. Market researcher eMarketer expects Google to control 27% of global online ad spending this year, including 57% for search ads and 10% of display. While the numbers may not look monopolistic at first blush, advertisers and rivals contend that Google's various software play a role in so many facets of the market that the company is impossible to avoid. They say Google takes advantage of the dependence buyers, sellers and intermediaries have on it to extract high fees from all sides and block rivals from fairly competing with it. In a questionnaire sent to Google rivals and third parties earlier this year and seen by Reuters, the EU watchdog asked if advertisers receive rebates when they use Google intermediaries, which allow advertisers or media agencies to buy advertising inventory from many sources. The Commission should conclude ongoing cases before starting new ones, said Thomas Hoppner, a partner at law firm Hausfeld, and who advises several complainants against Google. "From the practitioner's point of view and from the industry's point of view, it appears equally important to bring investigations into local search and Google's job search to an end when other authorities have opened investigations into Google's adtech," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Google's adtech business set to face formal EU probe by year-end: Sources

<p>Google is extending its Workspace suite of office tools to everyone with a Google account in an attempt to expand its market share and compete with Microsoft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a new blog post, anyone with a Google account now has access to the entire Google Workspace experience, which includes Gmail, Chat, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, Google Workspace was only available to businesses, non-profits, and classrooms but now everyone can use it.</p>

<p>Along with making<a href="https://blog.google/products/workspace/google-workspace-everyone"> Google Workspace</a> available to everyone, the firm also announced new upgrades aimed at addressing the special problems and potential of hybrid work, such as:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Spaces have replaced Rooms in Google Chat: </strong>Over the next few months, Google Workspace will transform Rooms into Spaces, with a new user interface.</p>

<p><strong>Security and privacy have been improved: </strong>Google will provide important moderation capabilities for hosts of Google Meet meetings starting in July, allowing them to block in-meeting discussion, restrict presenting during sessions, and mute or unmute attendees.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Watch: Google Workspace - How it’s done</strong><br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q_ZPBqVF0_8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://blog.google/products/workspace/google-workspace-everyone"><strong>Google Workspace </strong></a>is also releasing a variety of security updates for Google Drive, including trust rules that restrict how files are shared within and outside of an organisation.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Google Workspace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc280944-5ee9-4696-bd20-d9e65cc04467" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/google1.png" /></p>

<p><a href="https://blog.google/products/workspace/google-workspace-everyone">According to a new blog post by Google,</a> You can create a secure collaboration space in Google Chat to keep everyone up-to-date, share ideas, and keep track of all your important info in one place, from videos and pictures of your last trip to a Google Sheet of your family’s annual budget. Smart suggestions help you bring in recommended files and quickly include the right people with @-mentions, whether you’re drafting a message in Gmail to the whole group or scheduling a meeting invite in a shared Calendar. To keep things moving, you can use smart canvas to generate a checklist in Google Docs and quickly assign roles and next steps. And if your project calls for a spontaneous conversation, you can present the Doc, Sheet or Slide you’re working on together directly into a Google Meet call with just one click."</p>


Google is extending its Workspace suite of office tools to everyone with a Google account in an attempt to expand its market share and compete with Microsoft. According to a new blog post, anyone with a Google account now has access to the entire Google Workspace experience, which includes Gmail, Chat, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and more.

Google is extending its Workspace suite of office tools to everyone with a Google account in an attempt to expand its market share and compete with Microsoft. According to a new blog post, anyone with a Google account now has access to the entire Google Workspace experience, which includes Gmail, Chat, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and more. Previously, Google Workspace was only available to businesses, non-profits, and classrooms but now everyone can use it. Along with making Google Workspace available to everyone, the firm also announced new upgrades aimed at addressing the special problems and potential of hybrid work, such as: Spaces have replaced Rooms in Google Chat: Over the next few months, Google Workspace will transform Rooms into Spaces, with a new user interface. Security and privacy have been improved: Google will provide important moderation capabilities for hosts of Google Meet meetings starting in July, allowing them to block in-meeting discussion, restrict presenting during sessions, and mute or unmute attendees. × Watch: Google Workspace - How it’s done Google Workspace is also releasing a variety of security updates for Google Drive, including trust rules that restrict how files are shared within and outside of an organisation. According to a new blog post by Google, You can create a secure collaboration space in Google Chat to keep everyone up-to-date, share ideas, and keep track of all your important info in one place, from videos and pictures of your last trip to a Google Sheet of your family’s annual budget. Smart suggestions help you bring in recommended files and quickly include the right people with @-mentions, whether you’re drafting a message in Gmail to the whole group or scheduling a meeting invite in a shared Calendar. To keep things moving, you can use smart canvas to generate a checklist in Google Docs and quickly assign roles and next steps. And if your project calls for a spontaneous conversation, you can present the Doc, Sheet or Slide you’re working on together directly into a Google Meet call with just one click."

Google Workspace is now free for all Gmail users, here’s how you can use it

Google has bowed to pressure from rivals and will let them compete for free to be the default search engine on Android devices in Europe, widening a pledge to EU antitrust regulators two years ago.

World Business Watch: Google loosens search engine grip on Android devices in Europe

From fines to guidelines, governments are moving to end Big Tech's unregulated run. How will this rivalry shape our society? Will Big Tech yield to government pressure?

Gravitas: Governments move to end Big Tech's free run

Google says India's IT Rules don't apply to its 'search engine' since its not a 'social media intermediary'. E.U. says Google is not a search engine. Google-owned platforms mediate online activity.

Gravitas:  'Google Search' won't comply with India's IT rules

<p>Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd said on Tuesday, it had signed multi-year content-supply deals with Google and Facebook under Australia's news media bargaining code.<br />
<br />
The agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, comes after rival Seven West Media Ltd and News Corp signed similar deals following the enactment of tough laws to make US&nbsp;tech giants pay for displaying news on their platforms.<br />
<br />
The multi-media firm said it would supply content for Google's News Showcase platform for five years and to a similar Facebook product for three.<br />
<br />
Google would also expand its marketing ventures across Nine's platforms, the publisher of the Australian Financial Review, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald newspapers added.<br />
<br />
After considering these new deals and ongoing subscription revenue for Nine's mastheads, the Sydney-based company said it expected growth of A$30 million to A$40 million ($23.2 million to $31 million) in its publishing unit's fiscal 2022 core earnings.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd said on Tuesday, it had signed multi-year content-supply deals with Google and Facebook under Australia's news media bargaining code.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd said on Tuesday, it had signed multi-year content-supply deals with Google and Facebook under Australia's news media bargaining code. The agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, comes after rival Seven West Media Ltd and News Corp signed similar deals following the enactment of tough laws to make US tech giants pay for displaying news on their platforms. The multi-media firm said it would supply content for Google's News Showcase platform for five years and to a similar Facebook product for three. Google would also expand its marketing ventures across Nine's platforms, the publisher of the Australian Financial Review, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald newspapers added. After considering these new deals and ongoing subscription revenue for Nine's mastheads, the Sydney-based company said it expected growth of A$30 million to A$40 million ($23.2 million to $31 million) in its publishing unit's fiscal 2022 core earnings. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia's Nine Entertainment signs content deal with Facebook, Google

A Russian court has fined Google and Facebook for failing to delete banned content that Moscow deems illegal. Russia has already placed a punitive slowdown on US social network Twitter for not deleting banned content.

Russia fines Google & Facebook for failing to delete banned content

<p>A Russian court on Tuesday said it had handed US&nbsp;technology giant&nbsp;Google&nbsp;three separate fines totalling 6 million roubles ($81,810) over a failure to delete content that Moscow deems illegal.</p>

<p>The fines come amid a wider spat between Moscow and&nbsp;Google. Russia's communications watchdog on Monday warned that Moscow could eventually slow down the company's traffic in the country if it failed to delete prohibited content.</p>

<p>Russia has already placed a punitive slowdown on US&nbsp;social network Twitter for not deleting banned content, part of a push by Moscow to rein in Western tech giants and beef up what it calls its internet "sovereignty".</p>

<p>Google&nbsp;was found guilty of administrative offences, Moscow's Tagansky District court said in a statement, and was ordered to pay 2 million roubles for each offence.</p>

<p>Google&nbsp;Russia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The charges concern posts that Russia says encouraged minors to join unsanctioned protests in January, when people across Russia took to the streets to support Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after he was detained.</p>

<p>Later on Tuesday, the court will also consider eight reports concerning Facebook, which could lead to a total fine of up to 32 million roubles, the Interfax news agency said.</p>

<p>In April, a court issued three separate fines against Twitter totalling 8.9 million roubles, over accusations it had failed to delete banned content. TikTok has also been fined for similar offences this year.</p>


A Russian court on Tuesday said it had handed US technology giant Google three separate fines totalling 6 million roubles ($81,810) over a failure to delete content that Moscow deems illegal.

A Russian court on Tuesday said it had handed US technology giant Google three separate fines totalling 6 million roubles ($81,810) over a failure to delete content that Moscow deems illegal. The fines come amid a wider spat between Moscow and Google. Russia's communications watchdog on Monday warned that Moscow could eventually slow down the company's traffic in the country if it failed to delete prohibited content. Russia has already placed a punitive slowdown on US social network Twitter for not deleting banned content, part of a push by Moscow to rein in Western tech giants and beef up what it calls its internet "sovereignty". Google was found guilty of administrative offences, Moscow's Tagansky District court said in a statement, and was ordered to pay 2 million roubles for each offence. Google Russia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The charges concern posts that Russia says encouraged minors to join unsanctioned protests in January, when people across Russia took to the streets to support Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after he was detained. Later on Tuesday, the court will also consider eight reports concerning Facebook, which could lead to a total fine of up to 32 million roubles, the Interfax news agency said. In April, a court issued three separate fines against Twitter totalling 8.9 million roubles, over accusations it had failed to delete banned content. TikTok has also been fined for similar offences this year.

Russian court fines Google $81,810 for failing to delete banned content

<p>Germany’s antitrust watchdog on Tuesday launched an investigation into Google.</p>

<p>As part of this probe, the watchdog will assess whether Google Germany, Google Ireland and Alphabet, its parent company, are currently exploiting their market dominance.</p>

<p>The watchdog office announced on Tuesday that it will observe whether the global technology giant offers enough choice to its users on how their data is used by the company.</p>

<p>Big Tech companies are facing increased scrutiny across the globe as questions arise over how the company uses its market position and what it means for competitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On May 13, Italy's anti-trust authority fined Google over $120 million (100 million euros) for shutting out a rival’s mobile application which offered recharging for electric vehicles.</p>

<p>The Italian authority said that Google had abused its market position by blocking an application by Enel X for owners of electric vehicles.&nbsp;Google’s Android operating system's Google Play marketplace dominates the Italian market.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/now-password-protect-google-page-that-reflects-your-searches-387203" hreflang="en">Now password-protect Google page that reflects your searches</a></p>

<p>In addition, the regulator had said that now Google would be required to make Enel X’s application available on Android Auto, which essentially mirrors the features of an Android smartphone on a dashboard screen in cars.</p>

<p>The fine was imposed for violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The article regulates monopolies and observes restriction of competition.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/google-to-count-high-quality-photos-videos-in-free-15gb-quota-387202" hreflang="en">Google to count high-quality photos, videos in free 15GB quota</a></p>

<p>"By refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving and recharging an electric vehicle," the Italian authority was cited as saying by AFP."The exclusion of the Enel X Italia app from Android Auto has been going on for more than two years, and if it were to continue, could permanently jeopardise Enel X Italia's chances of building a solid user base at a time of significant growth in sales of electric vehicles”, it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Germany’s antitrust watchdog on Tuesday launched an investigation into Google. As part of this probe, the watchdog will assess whether Google Germany, Google Ireland and Alphabet, its parent company, are currently exploiting their market dominance.

Germany’s antitrust watchdog on Tuesday launched an investigation into Google. As part of this probe, the watchdog will assess whether Google Germany, Google Ireland and Alphabet, its parent company, are currently exploiting their market dominance. The watchdog office announced on Tuesday that it will observe whether the global technology giant offers enough choice to its users on how their data is used by the company. Big Tech companies are facing increased scrutiny across the globe as questions arise over how the company uses its market position and what it means for competitors. On May 13, Italy's anti-trust authority fined Google over $120 million (100 million euros) for shutting out a rival’s mobile application which offered recharging for electric vehicles. The Italian authority said that Google had abused its market position by blocking an application by Enel X for owners of electric vehicles. Google’s Android operating system's Google Play marketplace dominates the Italian market. Also read: Now password-protect Google page that reflects your searches In addition, the regulator had said that now Google would be required to make Enel X’s application available on Android Auto, which essentially mirrors the features of an Android smartphone on a dashboard screen in cars. The fine was imposed for violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The article regulates monopolies and observes restriction of competition. Also read: Google to count high-quality photos, videos in free 15GB quota "By refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving and recharging an electric vehicle," the Italian authority was cited as saying by AFP."The exclusion of the Enel X Italia app from Android Auto has been going on for more than two years, and if it were to continue, could permanently jeopardise Enel X Italia's chances of building a solid user base at a time of significant growth in sales of electric vehicles”, it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany launches antitrust probe against Google

<p>Google’s annual developer conference saw the unveiling of&nbsp;Android 12, providing an in-depth look at the next generation of the Android operating system.</p>

<p>It has an entirely new design based on a system called “Material You,” featuring big, bubbly buttons, shifting colours, and smoother animations. It is “the biggest design change in Android’s history,” according to Sameer Samat, VP of product management, Android and Google Play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To make your phone even more helpful, we are working with car manufacturers to develop a new digital car key in Android 12. With this feature, you`ll be able to lock, unlock and even start your car from your phone," the company said.</p>

<p>Android 12 brings personalisable colour palettes, updated notifications and faster, battery-saving performance. Everything from the lock screen to the home screen and system settings have been revamped.</p>

<p>Now that Google has fully announced Android 12 and launched the public beta, it's clear that this update is anything but minor.</p>

<p>The &nbsp;I/O in Google I/O stands for input/output, as well as the slogan "Innovation in the Open". The event's format is similar to Google Developer Day.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Google’s annual developer conference saw the unveiling of Android 12, providing an in-depth look at the next generation of the Android operating system. It has an entirely new design based on a system called “Material You,” featuring big, bubbly buttons, shifting colours, and smoother animations.

Google’s annual developer conference saw the unveiling of Android 12, providing an in-depth look at the next generation of the Android operating system. It has an entirely new design based on a system called “Material You,” featuring big, bubbly buttons, shifting colours, and smoother animations. It is “the biggest design change in Android’s history,” according to Sameer Samat, VP of product management, Android and Google Play. "To make your phone even more helpful, we are working with car manufacturers to develop a new digital car key in Android 12. With this feature, you`ll be able to lock, unlock and even start your car from your phone," the company said. Android 12 brings personalisable colour palettes, updated notifications and faster, battery-saving performance. Everything from the lock screen to the home screen and system settings have been revamped. Now that Google has fully announced Android 12 and launched the public beta, it's clear that this update is anything but minor. The I/O in Google I/O stands for input/output, as well as the slogan "Innovation in the Open". The event's format is similar to Google Developer Day. (With inputs from agencies)

Android 12: The biggest design change in Android operating system's history

<p>The 2021 instalment of the annual Google I/O conference had the distinction of focusing on software announcements, with hardware launches being conspicuously absent.</p>

<p>Google and Samsung are unifying their smartwatch OS’s - Google Wear OS and Samsung Tizen OS to bring “Wear" to deliver faster and improved performance.</p>

<p>As Wear OS wages a longshot battle against Apple's watchOS, Google says teaming with Samsung will produce smartwatches with 'faster performance, longer battery life and more of the apps you love.'</p>

<p>For performance, Samsung and Google teams collaborated and made apps start up to 30 per cent faster on the latest chipsets with smooth user interface animations and motion.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To achieve longer battery life, we`ve worked to optimize the lower layers of the operating system? taking advantage of low-power hardware cores to enable better battery life," said Bjorn Kilburn, Director of Product Management, Wear during the Google I/O conference on Tuesday.</p>

<p>This includes handy optimizations like the ability to run the heart rate sensor continuously during the day, track your sleep overnight and still have a battery for the next day.</p>

<p>"Finally, our unified platform will make it easier for developers to build great apps for the watch," Kilburn added.</p>

<p>All device makers will be able to add a customized user experience on top of the platform, and developers will be able to use the Android tools to build for one platform and ecosystem.</p>

<p>Now, from anywhere in the watch, you can access shortcuts to important functions, like switching to your previous app.</p>

<p>The smartwatch users can easily choose what information they want at a glance, and which actions they want to have just a swipe away.</p>

<p>"Google Maps and Google Assistant are being redesigned and improved. Google Pay will also be redesigned and add support for 26 new countries, beyond the 11 countries currently available. YouTube Music will also arrive on Wear later this year, equipped with features like smart downloads for subscribers to enjoy music while on the go," the company informed.</p>

<p>With the latest Wear update, Google has introduced Fitbit features like tracking health progress throughout the day and on-wrist goal celebrations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The 2021 instalment of the annual Google I/O conference had the distinction of focusing on software announcements, with hardware launches being conspicuously absent.

The 2021 instalment of the annual Google I/O conference had the distinction of focusing on software announcements, with hardware launches being conspicuously absent. Google and Samsung are unifying their smartwatch OS’s - Google Wear OS and Samsung Tizen OS to bring “Wear" to deliver faster and improved performance. As Wear OS wages a longshot battle against Apple's watchOS, Google says teaming with Samsung will produce smartwatches with 'faster performance, longer battery life and more of the apps you love.' For performance, Samsung and Google teams collaborated and made apps start up to 30 per cent faster on the latest chipsets with smooth user interface animations and motion. × "To achieve longer battery life, we`ve worked to optimize the lower layers of the operating system? taking advantage of low-power hardware cores to enable better battery life," said Bjorn Kilburn, Director of Product Management, Wear during the Google I/O conference on Tuesday. This includes handy optimizations like the ability to run the heart rate sensor continuously during the day, track your sleep overnight and still have a battery for the next day. "Finally, our unified platform will make it easier for developers to build great apps for the watch," Kilburn added. All device makers will be able to add a customized user experience on top of the platform, and developers will be able to use the Android tools to build for one platform and ecosystem. Now, from anywhere in the watch, you can access shortcuts to important functions, like switching to your previous app. The smartwatch users can easily choose what information they want at a glance, and which actions they want to have just a swipe away. "Google Maps and Google Assistant are being redesigned and improved. Google Pay will also be redesigned and add support for 26 new countries, beyond the 11 countries currently available. YouTube Music will also arrive on Wear later this year, equipped with features like smart downloads for subscribers to enjoy music while on the go," the company informed. With the latest Wear update, Google has introduced Fitbit features like tracking health progress throughout the day and on-wrist goal celebrations. (With inputs from agencies)

With a dose of Fitbit, Google and Samsung unite to reboot Android smart watches

<p>At virtual I/O 2021, Google announced a host of new features for its various products and services, including Maps, Photos, Search, WearOS and Workspaces, among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pseudo-video chat technology, known as Project Starline, would allow users to "see another person, life-size and in three dimensions," Google said.</p>

<p>In the keynote address by Alphabet Inc CEO Sundar Pichai, it was revealed that Project Starline is a technology project that combines advances in hardware and software to help people feel like they're together, even when they're apart.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Google had been working on Project Starline in secret for several years according to CEO Sundar Pichai. Think of it as an amalgamation of VR and teleconferencing to create realistic 3D depictions of people.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Imagine a magic window, and through that window you see another person, life-size and in three dimensions.<br />
<br />
Project Starline is a technology project that combines advances in hardware and software to help people feel like they're together, even when they're apart. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoogleIO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoogleIO</a> <a href="https://t.co/2yNJrXoQcx">pic.twitter.com/2yNJrXoQcx</a></p>
— Google (@Google) <a href="https://twitter.com/Google/status/1394727290551083009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>It's an experimental hardware-software system leveraging computer science wizardry alongside high-resolution cameras and depth sensors to create a real-time 3D model of people for immersive video conferencing.</p>

<p>Google hosts its annual I/O developer conference every spring, its most significant event of the year. This year's event takes place virtually and runs till Thursday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At virtual I/O 2021, Google announced a host of new features for its various products and services, including Maps, Photos, Search, WearOS and Workspaces, among others.

At virtual I/O 2021, Google announced a host of new features for its various products and services, including Maps, Photos, Search, WearOS and Workspaces, among others. The pseudo-video chat technology, known as Project Starline, would allow users to "see another person, life-size and in three dimensions," Google said. In the keynote address by Alphabet Inc CEO Sundar Pichai, it was revealed that Project Starline is a technology project that combines advances in hardware and software to help people feel like they're together, even when they're apart. × Google had been working on Project Starline in secret for several years according to CEO Sundar Pichai. Think of it as an amalgamation of VR and teleconferencing to create realistic 3D depictions of people. Imagine a magic window, and through that window you see another person, life-size and in three dimensions. Project Starline is a technology project that combines advances in hardware and software to help people feel like they're together, even when they're apart. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/2yNJrXoQcx — Google (@Google) May 18, 2021 × It's an experimental hardware-software system leveraging computer science wizardry alongside high-resolution cameras and depth sensors to create a real-time 3D model of people for immersive video conferencing. Google hosts its annual I/O developer conference every spring, its most significant event of the year. This year's event takes place virtually and runs till Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Google l/O 2021: A magic window for 3D video calls

Google looks to share a glimpse of future

<p>Some of France`s most sensitive state and corporate data can be safely stored using the cloud computing technology developed by Alphabet`s Google and Microsoft, if it is licensed to French companies, the government said on Monday.<br />
<br />
The comment, part of strategic plan laid out by French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and two other ministers, acknowledges US&nbsp;technological superiority in the field and contrasts with previous calls from European politicians for fully homegrown alternatives.<br />
<br />
Google and Microsoft, along with market leader Amazon, dominate the realm of data storage worldwide, fuelling concerns in Europe over the risk of surveillance by the United States in the wake of the adoption of the US&nbsp;CLOUD Act of 2018.<br />
<br />
Yet a "trustworthy" cloud computing alternative can be developed within Europe, Le Maire said, by guaranteeing the location of servers on French soil as well as European ownership of the companies that store and process the data.<br />
<br />
"We therefore decided that the best companies - I`m thinking in particular of Microsoft or Google - could license all or part of their technology to French companies," Le Maire said at a news conference. He did not mention Amazon.<br />
<br />
Google said it welcomed the "clarification" provided by the French government, adding that it supported "the need for the greatest security levels".<br />
<br />
Microsoft said this was good news for France`s digital transformation "in complete independence".<br />
<br />
Amazon`s cloud unit has been collaborating via partnerships with several major French companies, including state-controlled telecoms firm Orange, its general manager in France Julien Groues told Reuters.<br />
<br />
"This is something that we`ve been doing for many years," he said.<br />
<br />
Le Maire compared the licences he mentioned with the ones seen in the 1960s in the field of the civil nuclear energy between France and the United States.<br />
<br />
A so-called "trustworthy cloud" label would be delivered to the companies that offer cloud computing services that respect the principles spoken of by Le Maire, and other conditions set by France`s cybersecurity agency ANSSI.<br />
<br />
OVHcloud and Dassault Systemes` Outscale are two French companies that already fulfil these criteria. OVHcloud said late last year it had partnered with Google to build its cloud computing capacities.<br />
<br />
"We... hope that other Franco-American alliances will emerge in this area, which will allow us to have the best technology while guaranteeing the independence of French data," said Minister for Digital Affairs Cedric O.</p>


Some of France`s most sensitive state and corporate data can be safely stored using the cloud computing technology developed by Alphabet`s Google and Microsoft, if it is licensed to French companies, the government said on Monday.

Some of France`s most sensitive state and corporate data can be safely stored using the cloud computing technology developed by Alphabet`s Google and Microsoft, if it is licensed to French companies, the government said on Monday. The comment, part of strategic plan laid out by French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and two other ministers, acknowledges US technological superiority in the field and contrasts with previous calls from European politicians for fully homegrown alternatives. Google and Microsoft, along with market leader Amazon, dominate the realm of data storage worldwide, fuelling concerns in Europe over the risk of surveillance by the United States in the wake of the adoption of the US CLOUD Act of 2018. Yet a "trustworthy" cloud computing alternative can be developed within Europe, Le Maire said, by guaranteeing the location of servers on French soil as well as European ownership of the companies that store and process the data. "We therefore decided that the best companies - I`m thinking in particular of Microsoft or Google - could license all or part of their technology to French companies," Le Maire said at a news conference. He did not mention Amazon. Google said it welcomed the "clarification" provided by the French government, adding that it supported "the need for the greatest security levels". Microsoft said this was good news for France`s digital transformation "in complete independence". Amazon`s cloud unit has been collaborating via partnerships with several major French companies, including state-controlled telecoms firm Orange, its general manager in France Julien Groues told Reuters. "This is something that we`ve been doing for many years," he said. Le Maire compared the licences he mentioned with the ones seen in the 1960s in the field of the civil nuclear energy between France and the United States. A so-called "trustworthy cloud" label would be delivered to the companies that offer cloud computing services that respect the principles spoken of by Le Maire, and other conditions set by France`s cybersecurity agency ANSSI. OVHcloud and Dassault Systemes` Outscale are two French companies that already fulfil these criteria. OVHcloud said late last year it had partnered with Google to build its cloud computing capacities. "We... hope that other Franco-American alliances will emerge in this area, which will allow us to have the best technology while guaranteeing the independence of French data," said Minister for Digital Affairs Cedric O.

France embraces Google, Microsoft in quest to safeguard sensitive data

<p>Italy's anti-trust authority said Thursday it had fined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> more than 100 million euros ($120mn) for shutting out a rival's smartphone app offering recharging of electric vehicles.</p>

<p>The authority said Google, whose Android operating system and Google Play app store dominate the Italian market, had abused its market position by blocking an Enel X app for users of electric vehicles.</p>

<p>The regulator added it would require Google to make Enel X's app available on Android Auto, which mirrors features of an Android device, such as a smartphone, on a car dashboard screen.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-news-law-feud-australias-seven-west-media-signs-google-facebook-deals-382534" hreflang="en">After news law feud, Australia's Seven West Media signs Google, Facebook deals</a></strong></p>

<p>The fine of 102,084,433.91 euros is for a violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which regulates monopolies and issues involving restriction of competition.</p>

<p>Italy found Google did not allow Enel X Italia to develop an Android Auto-compatible version of its JuicePass app. JuicePass offers services relating to recharging electric vehicles, such as finding the nearest charging station and reserving a space there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving and recharging an electric vehicle," the authority stated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-parent-alphabet-sets-profit-record-plans-50-billion-buyback-380966" hreflang="en">Google parent Alphabet sets profit record, plans $50 billion buyback</a></strong></p>

<p>"Google has consequently favored its own Google Maps app," added the authority.</p>

<p>"The exclusion of the Enel X Italia app from Android Auto has been going on for more than two years, and if it were to continue, could permanently jeopardise Enel X Italia's chances of building a solid user base at a time of significant growth in sales of electric vehicles."</p>

<p>This, the body concluded, amounted to "an impoverishment of consumer choice and an obstacle to technological progress" which could influence the development of electric mobility.</p>

<p>The authority as a result said it had ordered Google to make available to Enel X Italia and other app developers app programming tools which are interoperable with Android Auto while adding it would monitor compliance of its ruling via an independent expert with whom Google would be obliged to cooperate.</p>


Italy's anti-trust authority said Thursday it had fined Google more than 100 million euros ($120mn) for shutting out a rival's smartphone app offering recharging of electric vehicles.

Italy's anti-trust authority said Thursday it had fined Google more than 100 million euros ($120mn) for shutting out a rival's smartphone app offering recharging of electric vehicles. The authority said Google, whose Android operating system and Google Play app store dominate the Italian market, had abused its market position by blocking an Enel X app for users of electric vehicles. The regulator added it would require Google to make Enel X's app available on Android Auto, which mirrors features of an Android device, such as a smartphone, on a car dashboard screen. Also read | After news law feud, Australia's Seven West Media signs Google, Facebook deals The fine of 102,084,433.91 euros is for a violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which regulates monopolies and issues involving restriction of competition. Italy found Google did not allow Enel X Italia to develop an Android Auto-compatible version of its JuicePass app. JuicePass offers services relating to recharging electric vehicles, such as finding the nearest charging station and reserving a space there. "By refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving and recharging an electric vehicle," the authority stated. Also read | Google parent Alphabet sets profit record, plans $50 billion buyback "Google has consequently favored its own Google Maps app," added the authority. "The exclusion of the Enel X Italia app from Android Auto has been going on for more than two years, and if it were to continue, could permanently jeopardise Enel X Italia's chances of building a solid user base at a time of significant growth in sales of electric vehicles." This, the body concluded, amounted to "an impoverishment of consumer choice and an obstacle to technological progress" which could influence the development of electric mobility. The authority as a result said it had ordered Google to make available to Enel X Italia and other app developers app programming tools which are interoperable with Android Auto while adding it would monitor compliance of its ruling via an independent expert with whom Google would be obliged to cooperate.

Italy fines Google $120 mn for abuse of market position

<p>Apple Inc said on Monday it has hired former distinguished Google scientist&nbsp;Samy&nbsp;Bengio, who left the search giant amid turmoil in its artificial intelligence research department.</p>

<p>Bengio&nbsp;is expected to lead a new AI research unit at Apple under John Giannandrea, senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy, two people familiar with the matter said. Giannandrea joined Apple in 2018 after spending about eight years at Google.</p>

<p>Bengio&nbsp;who left Google last week after about 14 years said last month he was pursuing "other exciting opportunities".</p>

<p>His decision followed Google's firings of fellow scientists Margaret Mitchell for taking company data and Timnit Gebru after an offer to resign.</p>

<p>Though at least two Google engineers had earlier resigned to protest the dismissal of artificial intelligence (AI) researcher Timnit Gebru,&nbsp;Bengio&nbsp;is the highest-profile employee yet to depart.</p>

<p>As one of the early leaders of the Google Brain research team,&nbsp;Bengio&nbsp;advanced the "deep learning" algorithms that underpin today's AI systems for analyzing images, speech and other data.</p>

<p>Google fired staff scientist Margaret Mitchell in February after alleging she transferred electronic files out of the company. It fired fellow researcher Gebru in December after she threatened to quit rather than retract a paper.</p>

<p>Mitchell has said she tried "to raise concerns about race and gender inequity, and speak up about Google's problematic firing of Dr. Gebru." Gebru has said the company wanted to suppress her criticism of its products and its efforts to increase workforce diversity. Google has said it accepted her offer to resign.</p>

<p>Bengio&nbsp;had defended the pair, who co-led a team of about a dozen people researching ethical issues related to AI software. In December,&nbsp;Bengio&nbsp;wrote on Facebook that he was stunned that Gebru, whom he was managing, was removed from the company without him being consulted.</p>

<p>Though he did not mention the firings in his farewell note, they influenced his decision to resign, people familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>Bengio&nbsp;wrote in the email, "I learned so much with all of you, in terms of machine learning research of course, but also on how difficult yet important it is to organize a large team of researchers so as to promote long term ambitious research, exploration, rigor, diversity and inclusion."</p>

<p>Nicolas Le Roux, a Google Brain researcher, told Reuters that&nbsp;Bengio&nbsp;had devoted himself to making the research organization more inclusive and "created a space where everyone felt welcome."</p>

<p>Google recently moved oversight of the AI ethics team from&nbsp;Bengio&nbsp;to vice president Marian Croak. In February, Croak told staff at a town hall that Google wanted management that could focus fully on that area, saying it had just been a small part of what&nbsp;Bengio&nbsp;was supporting.</p>

<p>Google also pledged several changes at the town hall aiming to regain researchers' trust.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Apple Inc said on Monday it has hired former distinguished Google scientist Samy Bengio, who left the search giant amid turmoil in its artificial intelligence research department.

Apple Inc said on Monday it has hired former distinguished Google scientist Samy Bengio, who left the search giant amid turmoil in its artificial intelligence research department. Bengio is expected to lead a new AI research unit at Apple under John Giannandrea, senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy, two people familiar with the matter said. Giannandrea joined Apple in 2018 after spending about eight years at Google. Bengio who left Google last week after about 14 years said last month he was pursuing "other exciting opportunities". His decision followed Google's firings of fellow scientists Margaret Mitchell for taking company data and Timnit Gebru after an offer to resign. Though at least two Google engineers had earlier resigned to protest the dismissal of artificial intelligence (AI) researcher Timnit Gebru, Bengio is the highest-profile employee yet to depart. As one of the early leaders of the Google Brain research team, Bengio advanced the "deep learning" algorithms that underpin today's AI systems for analyzing images, speech and other data. Google fired staff scientist Margaret Mitchell in February after alleging she transferred electronic files out of the company. It fired fellow researcher Gebru in December after she threatened to quit rather than retract a paper. Mitchell has said she tried "to raise concerns about race and gender inequity, and speak up about Google's problematic firing of Dr. Gebru." Gebru has said the company wanted to suppress her criticism of its products and its efforts to increase workforce diversity. Google has said it accepted her offer to resign. Bengio had defended the pair, who co-led a team of about a dozen people researching ethical issues related to AI software. In December, Bengio wrote on Facebook that he was stunned that Gebru, whom he was managing, was removed from the company without him being consulted. Though he did not mention the firings in his farewell note, they influenced his decision to resign, people familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Bengio wrote in the email, "I learned so much with all of you, in terms of machine learning research of course, but also on how difficult yet important it is to organize a large team of researchers so as to promote long term ambitious research, exploration, rigor, diversity and inclusion." Nicolas Le Roux, a Google Brain researcher, told Reuters that Bengio had devoted himself to making the research organization more inclusive and "created a space where everyone felt welcome." Google recently moved oversight of the AI ethics team from Bengio to vice president Marian Croak. In February, Croak told staff at a town hall that Google wanted management that could focus fully on that area, saying it had just been a small part of what Bengio was supporting. Google also pledged several changes at the town hall aiming to regain researchers' trust. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple hires ex-Google AI scientist who resigned after colleagues' firings

<p>Google parent Alphabet Inc on Tuesday reported record profit for the second consecutive quarter and a $50 billion share buyback but warned a surge in usage and ad sales during the pandemic may slow as people resume in-person activities.<br />
<br />
With online consumer activity remaining elevated in the first quarter, Alphabet beat analysts` revenue estimates and nearly surpassed the sales record it set in the fourth quarter.<br />
<br />
Google ad sales jumped 32% in the first quarter compared with a year ago, above expectations of analysts tracked by Refinitiv. Cloud sales increased 45.7%, in line with estimates.<br />
<br />
Alphabet shares rose about 4.3% to $2,390.10 in extended trading.<br />
<br />
The results provided the first sign that Google services such as search and YouTube may hold on to gains made since lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions forced people to shop and communicate online over the last year.<br />
<br />
About 17% of people in the United States, Alphabet`s top region by revenue, were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of the first quarter. Activities including in-person dining resumed in big cities in March, and security screenings at US&nbsp;airports had their busiest day in a year.<br />
<br />
But Alphabet Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat told analysts on Tuesday, "it`s too early to forecast the extent to which these changes in consumer behavior and advertising spend will endure."<br />
<br />
Google Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler and Porat declined to comment on whether Google had seen a recovery in spending by travel and other industries that were major customers before the pandemic.<br />
<br />
Alphabet`s overall quarterly sales rose 34% to $55.3 billion, above analysts` estimate of 26% growth from a year ago and close to the $56.9 billion it reported in the fourth quarter. Revenue benefited by an unspecified amount from Google`s acquisition of smartwatch maker Fitbit in January.<br />
<br />
Alphabet`s quarterly profit was $17.9 billion, or $26.29 per share, beating estimates of $15.88 per share and topping its previous-high of $15.2 billion last quarter.<br />
<br />
But nearly $4 billion of earnings came from unrealized gains in venture capital investments and recalculating depreciation of some data center equipment.<br />
<br />
The high sales pushed operating margins up to 30% for the first time since incorporating as Alphabet in 2015 even as its costs began to pick up again for hiring, legal matters and building out new facilities. Alphabet in 2020 suffered its slowest sales growth in 11 years but posted record profit and boosted its cash hoard by $17 billion after slowing hiring and construction.<br />
<br />
The share repurchase authorization by Alphabet`s board follows a $25 billion buyback program announced in 2019. Jefferies analyst Brent Thill estimated Alphabet now has $56 billion left to spend buying its shares.<br />
<br />
<strong>Advertising rebound</strong><br />
<br />
Google`s ad business, the global market leader as measured in sales, accounted for 81% of Alphabet`s first-quarter revenue.<br />
<br />
Schindler said retail, technology and consumer product companies were among big search advertisers in the quarter.<br />
<br />
Google Cloud, a distant rival to the cloud businesses of Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp, narrowed its operating loss to 44% to $974 million in the first quarter. But Porat told analysts not to glean too much from the drop because one-time factors, including the depreciation, were at play.<br />
<br />
Shares of Alphabet, 184th among companies in the S&amp;P 500 index, have surged 80% in the last year. Shares of top rival Facebook Inc, which had been up 62% during the last year entering Tuesday, rose 1.7% after hours.<br />
<br />
Though several concerns about Google`s long-term prospects have emerged in recent years, none have significantly affected sales.<br />
<br />
Resolution likely remains years away in privacy and antitrust lawsuits against Google that could result in changes to its ad operations.<br />
<br />
Discussions about changing US&nbsp;and European laws to impose new oversight on Google, Facebook and other companies, especially regarding privacy and artificial intelligence, have lagged as legislators have been distracted by the pandemic.<br />
<br />
Still, issues continue to emerge. On Monday, streaming TV technology company Roku Inc accused Google of engaging in anticompetitive behaviour to benefit its YouTube and hardware businesses. YouTube called them "baseless claims."</p>


Google parent Alphabet Inc on Tuesday reported record profit for the second consecutive quarter and a $50 billion share buyback but warned a surge in usage and ad sales during the pandemic may slow as people resume in-person activities.

Google parent Alphabet Inc on Tuesday reported record profit for the second consecutive quarter and a $50 billion share buyback but warned a surge in usage and ad sales during the pandemic may slow as people resume in-person activities. With online consumer activity remaining elevated in the first quarter, Alphabet beat analysts` revenue estimates and nearly surpassed the sales record it set in the fourth quarter. Google ad sales jumped 32% in the first quarter compared with a year ago, above expectations of analysts tracked by Refinitiv. Cloud sales increased 45.7%, in line with estimates. Alphabet shares rose about 4.3% to $2,390.10 in extended trading. The results provided the first sign that Google services such as search and YouTube may hold on to gains made since lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions forced people to shop and communicate online over the last year. About 17% of people in the United States, Alphabet`s top region by revenue, were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of the first quarter. Activities including in-person dining resumed in big cities in March, and security screenings at US airports had their busiest day in a year. But Alphabet Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat told analysts on Tuesday, "it`s too early to forecast the extent to which these changes in consumer behavior and advertising spend will endure." Google Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler and Porat declined to comment on whether Google had seen a recovery in spending by travel and other industries that were major customers before the pandemic. Alphabet`s overall quarterly sales rose 34% to $55.3 billion, above analysts` estimate of 26% growth from a year ago and close to the $56.9 billion it reported in the fourth quarter. Revenue benefited by an unspecified amount from Google`s acquisition of smartwatch maker Fitbit in January. Alphabet`s quarterly profit was $17.9 billion, or $26.29 per share, beating estimates of $15.88 per share and topping its previous-high of $15.2 billion last quarter. But nearly $4 billion of earnings came from unrealized gains in venture capital investments and recalculating depreciation of some data center equipment. The high sales pushed operating margins up to 30% for the first time since incorporating as Alphabet in 2015 even as its costs began to pick up again for hiring, legal matters and building out new facilities. Alphabet in 2020 suffered its slowest sales growth in 11 years but posted record profit and boosted its cash hoard by $17 billion after slowing hiring and construction. The share repurchase authorization by Alphabet`s board follows a $25 billion buyback program announced in 2019. Jefferies analyst Brent Thill estimated Alphabet now has $56 billion left to spend buying its shares. Advertising rebound Google`s ad business, the global market leader as measured in sales, accounted for 81% of Alphabet`s first-quarter revenue. Schindler said retail, technology and consumer product companies were among big search advertisers in the quarter. Google Cloud, a distant rival to the cloud businesses of Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp, narrowed its operating loss to 44% to $974 million in the first quarter. But Porat told analysts not to glean too much from the drop because one-time factors, including the depreciation, were at play. Shares of Alphabet, 184th among companies in the S&P 500 index, have surged 80% in the last year. Shares of top rival Facebook Inc, which had been up 62% during the last year entering Tuesday, rose 1.7% after hours. Though several concerns about Google`s long-term prospects have emerged in recent years, none have significantly affected sales. Resolution likely remains years away in privacy and antitrust lawsuits against Google that could result in changes to its ad operations. Discussions about changing US and European laws to impose new oversight on Google, Facebook and other companies, especially regarding privacy and artificial intelligence, have lagged as legislators have been distracted by the pandemic. Still, issues continue to emerge. On Monday, streaming TV technology company Roku Inc accused Google of engaging in anticompetitive behaviour to benefit its YouTube and hardware businesses. YouTube called them "baseless claims."

Google parent Alphabet sets profit record, plans $50 billion buyback

The hearing marked an escalation of lawmakers’ antitrust scrutiny on smartphone makers, and particularly Apple.

Apple, Google come under fire at Senate antitrust hearing

<p>Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday.</p>

<p>The tech giant has been embroiled in legal action in the country in recent months as the government mulled and later passed a law to make Google and Facebook pay media companies for content on their platforms.</p>

<p>The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the court found Google wrongly claimed it could only collect information from the location history setting on user devices between January 2017 and December 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A setting to control web and application activity, when turned on, also enabled Google to collect, store and use the data and was turned on by default on the devices, according to the ACCC.</p>

<p>Users were also not informed that turning off location history but leaving the "Web &amp; App Activity" setting on would allow Google to continue to collect data, the court found.</p>

<p>The regulator said it would seek penalties, but did not specify the amount.</p>

<p>A Google spokesman said that while the court had rejected many of ACCC's claims, the company disagreed with the remaining findings and was reviewing its options, including a possible appeal.</p>

<p><em>(With input from agencies)</em></p>


Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday.

Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday. The tech giant has been embroiled in legal action in the country in recent months as the government mulled and later passed a law to make Google and Facebook pay media companies for content on their platforms. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the court found Google wrongly claimed it could only collect information from the location history setting on user devices between January 2017 and December 2018. A setting to control web and application activity, when turned on, also enabled Google to collect, store and use the data and was turned on by default on the devices, according to the ACCC. Users were also not informed that turning off location history but leaving the "Web & App Activity" setting on would allow Google to continue to collect data, the court found. The regulator said it would seek penalties, but did not specify the amount. A Google spokesman said that while the court had rejected many of ACCC's claims, the company disagreed with the remaining findings and was reviewing its options, including a possible appeal. (With input from agencies)

Australia finds Google misled customers over data collection

<p>A senator from the United States wants to ban all future purchases from Big Tech. Josh Hawley, a Republican on Monday introduced a bill banning all mergers and acquisitions by any big company which is valued over $100 billion.</p>

<p>The over $100 billion category includes five big US tech companies. Hawley has accused big social media companies of clipping conservative voices along with criticism of pharmaceuticals, which he felt held too much market power.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-antitrust-chairman-plans-multiple-bills-to-go-after-big-tech-372191/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The new bill would ban companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Facebook from making future deals and would also stop them from favouring and prioritising their own products over different platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/us-lawmakers-press-big-tech-for-internal-research-on-kids-mental-health-374497" hreflang="en">US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health</a></p>

<p>Earlier, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar had introduced a similar bill. The antitrust bill was introduced in February and included similar measures.</p>

<p>Hawley, while referring to Klobuchar’s bill said the following - "I'm willing to work with her and anybody of any party and any background. I like a lot of what Senator Klobuchar has proposed."</p>

<p>He also referred to his bill as "significantly tougher."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-campaign-received-usd-15-million-in-donations-from-big-tech-employees-report-365201" hreflang="en">Biden campaign received USD 15 million in donations from big tech employees: Report</a></p>

<p>In the House of Representatives, David Cicilline has put forward plans to introduce a series of antitrust bills. Reuters also reported that Hawley remains undecided on his support for Lina Khan, who had been nominated to be a commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission, which works with the US Justice Department to keep antitrust laws running.</p>

<p>Hawley, while referring to her said that he “very impressed”, but also said that “he has not made a final decision”.</p>


A senator from the United States wants to ban all future purchases from Big Tech. Josh Hawley, a Republican on Monday introduced a bill banning all mergers and acquisitions by any big company which is valued over $100 billion.

A senator from the United States wants to ban all future purchases from Big Tech. Josh Hawley, a Republican on Monday introduced a bill banning all mergers and acquisitions by any big company which is valued over $100 billion. The over $100 billion category includes five big US tech companies. Hawley has accused big social media companies of clipping conservative voices along with criticism of pharmaceuticals, which he felt held too much market power. The new bill would ban companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Facebook from making future deals and would also stop them from favouring and prioritising their own products over different platforms. Also read: US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health Earlier, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar had introduced a similar bill. The antitrust bill was introduced in February and included similar measures. Hawley, while referring to Klobuchar’s bill said the following - "I'm willing to work with her and anybody of any party and any background. I like a lot of what Senator Klobuchar has proposed." He also referred to his bill as "significantly tougher." Also read: Biden campaign received USD 15 million in donations from big tech employees: Report In the House of Representatives, David Cicilline has put forward plans to introduce a series of antitrust bills. Reuters also reported that Hawley remains undecided on his support for Lina Khan, who had been nominated to be a commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission, which works with the US Justice Department to keep antitrust laws running. Hawley, while referring to her said that he “very impressed”, but also said that “he has not made a final decision”.

US senator introduces bill to ban Big Tech from foreign acquisitions

<p class="MsoNormal">For people who use Google Maps, it’s an everyday struggle to figure out which turn to take and which bridge to cross.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, a groom in Indonesia married almost the wrong girl after Google Maps guided him to the wrong venue on his wedding day.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The groom’s family completely depended on Google Maps to reach the wedding venue. Upon reaching the venue, the party was warmly welcomed by the bride’s side and were also offered refreshments and attention.</p>

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<p>However, while chit-chatting with the groom’s family, a few members of the bride tribe realised that the groom is not the one chosen by the bride.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Bride’s family quickly realised the mistake and informed the other family, and sent the family back after avoiding a very embarrassing situation.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the bride was completely unaware of this almost switch as she was busy getting dressed in her make-up room for her big day.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The wedding was supposed to take place in Losari Hamlet of Pakis District in central Java. However, the groom’s family searched for Jengkol Hamlet, which was not far from the original venue, but was booked by another couple Maria Ulfa and her future husband Burhan Sidqi from Ringinum Village, Kendal Regency, Central Java.</p>


For people who use Google Maps, it’s an everyday struggle to figure out which turn to take and which bridge to cross. However, a groom in Indonesia married almost the wrong girl after Google Maps guided him to the wrong venue on his wedding day.

For people who use Google Maps, it’s an everyday struggle to figure out which turn to take and which bridge to cross. However, a groom in Indonesia married almost the wrong girl after Google Maps guided him to the wrong venue on his wedding day. The groom’s family completely depended on Google Maps to reach the wedding venue. Upon reaching the venue, the party was warmly welcomed by the bride’s side and were also offered refreshments and attention. View this post on Instagram A post shared by www.borobudurnews.com (@borobudurnews) × However, while chit-chatting with the groom’s family, a few members of the bride tribe realised that the groom is not the one chosen by the bride. The Bride’s family quickly realised the mistake and informed the other family, and sent the family back after avoiding a very embarrassing situation. Meanwhile, the bride was completely unaware of this almost switch as she was busy getting dressed in her make-up room for her big day. The wedding was supposed to take place in Losari Hamlet of Pakis District in central Java. However, the groom’s family searched for Jengkol Hamlet, which was not far from the original venue, but was booked by another couple Maria Ulfa and her future husband Burhan Sidqi from Ringinum Village, Kendal Regency, Central Java.

Groom almost marries wrong woman after Google Maps takes him to wrong venue

<p>In the continuing fight against racism in the tech giant, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> researcher manager Samy Bengio has resigned from the company, a little after his colleagues questioned diversity in the company.</p>

<p>Bengio has resigned after a couple of his colleagues put down their papers to protest against the firing of artificial intelligence researcher Timnit Gebru. Bengio is the highest-ranking employee to leave the tech giant.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-pity-you-after-timnit-gebru-google-fires-top-ai-researcher-margaret-mitchell-364958">'I pity you': After Timnit Gebru, Google fires top AI researcher Margaret Mitchell</a></strong></p>

<p>The protest in Google began after firing of Timnit Gebru, who, now, took to Twitter to lend support to her former employee. "This news of Samy’s resignation just reminds me of how easy it is to destroy something &amp; how hard it is to build it. We worked so hard to improve the environment &amp; we were starting to have some success after so much exhaustion. And in one swoop, just like that, gone," Twitter&nbsp;post read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This news of Samy’s resignation just reminds me of how easy it is to destroy something &amp; how hard it is to build it. We worked so hard to improve the environment &amp; we were starting to have some success after so much exhaustion. And in one swoop, just like that, gone.</p>
— Timnit Gebru (@timnitGebru) <a href="https://twitter.com/timnitGebru/status/1379621512391626759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bengio's resignation&nbsp;has come a few months after Margaret Mitchell, a lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, took to Twitter to announce the termination of her employment with Google.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm fired.</p>
— MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmitchell_ai/status/1362885356127801345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"This manager's conduct, we confirmed that there were multiple violations of our code of conduct, as well as of our security policies, which included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees," Google was quoted by the news agency AFP.</p>

<p>Google had claimed that Mitchell was involved in illegal activities which were causing danger for the security of the tech giant's data.</p>

<p>However, her termination came a few days after she wrote a letter to the authorities about the unjust firing of her colleague, and Mitchell claims her termination was due to that letter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am concerned about <a href="https://twitter.com/timnitGebru?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@timnitGebru</a> 's firing from Google and its relationship to sexism and discrimination. I wanted to share the email I wrote to Google press the day my access was cut off.<a href="https://t.co/O7JPlqJW8L">https://t.co/O7JPlqJW8L</a></p>
— MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmitchell_ai/status/1357819673455202304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The firing of Dr. Timnit Gebru is not okay, and the way it was done is not okay. &nbsp;It appears to stem from the same lack of foresight that is at the core of modern technology, and so itself serves as an example of the problem," she wrote in the letter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also added that "the firing seems to have been fueled by the same underpinnings of racism and sexism that our AI systems, when in the wrong hands, tend to soak up.”</p>


In the continuing fight against racism in the tech giant, Google researcher manager Samy Bengio has resigned from the company, a little after his colleagues questioned diversity in the company.

In the continuing fight against racism in the tech giant, Google researcher manager Samy Bengio has resigned from the company, a little after his colleagues questioned diversity in the company. Bengio has resigned after a couple of his colleagues put down their papers to protest against the firing of artificial intelligence researcher Timnit Gebru. Bengio is the highest-ranking employee to leave the tech giant. Also read | 'I pity you': After Timnit Gebru, Google fires top AI researcher Margaret Mitchell The protest in Google began after firing of Timnit Gebru, who, now, took to Twitter to lend support to her former employee. "This news of Samy’s resignation just reminds me of how easy it is to destroy something & how hard it is to build it. We worked so hard to improve the environment & we were starting to have some success after so much exhaustion. And in one swoop, just like that, gone," Twitter post read. This news of Samy’s resignation just reminds me of how easy it is to destroy something & how hard it is to build it. We worked so hard to improve the environment & we were starting to have some success after so much exhaustion. And in one swoop, just like that, gone. — Timnit Gebru (@timnitGebru) April 7, 2021 × Bengio's resignation has come a few months after Margaret Mitchell, a lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, took to Twitter to announce the termination of her employment with Google. I'm fired. — MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) February 19, 2021 × "This manager's conduct, we confirmed that there were multiple violations of our code of conduct, as well as of our security policies, which included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees," Google was quoted by the news agency AFP. Google had claimed that Mitchell was involved in illegal activities which were causing danger for the security of the tech giant's data. However, her termination came a few days after she wrote a letter to the authorities about the unjust firing of her colleague, and Mitchell claims her termination was due to that letter. I am concerned about @timnitGebru 's firing from Google and its relationship to sexism and discrimination. I wanted to share the email I wrote to Google press the day my access was cut off.https://t.co/O7JPlqJW8L — MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) February 5, 2021 × "The firing of Dr. Timnit Gebru is not okay, and the way it was done is not okay. It appears to stem from the same lack of foresight that is at the core of modern technology, and so itself serves as an example of the problem," she wrote in the letter. She also added that "the firing seems to have been fueled by the same underpinnings of racism and sexism that our AI systems, when in the wrong hands, tend to soak up.”

Google AI chief Samy Bengio resigns over colleagues' firing and racial discrimination

<p>A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter</a> to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices.</p>

<p>In order to provide services of personalised ads a user receives, businesses gather personal information such as search history, IP address, age, gender and other sensitive information.</p>

<p>US senators have questioned the sale of this data during the auction process which was also provided to AT&amp;T, Index Exchange, Magnite, OpenX, PubMatic and Verizon.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-lawmakers-press-big-tech-for-internal-research-on-kids-mental-health-374497" hreflang="en">US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health</a></strong></p>

<p>"Few Americans realize that some auction participants are siphoning off and storing 'bidstream' data to compile exhaustive dossiers about them," Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon said.</p>

<p>"This information would be a goldmine for foreign intelligence services that could exploit it to inform and supercharge hacking, blackmail, and influence campaigns," Wyden added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/april-fools-day-history-significance-and-why-is-it-celebrated-374848" hreflang="en">April Fool's Day: History, significance and why is it celebrated</a></strong></p>

<p>The senators believe information such as user’s location, web activity, age, gender and devices can be gathered for the purpose of personalising ads.</p>

<p>"These dossiers are being openly sold to anyone with a credit card, including to hedge funds, political campaigns, and even to governments,"&nbsp;the senators wrote.</p>

<p>Senators have given these big tech companies time till May 04 to respond to these questions. However, AT&amp;T has denied the accusations.</p>

<p>"We received the letter and will respond as requested, but we have thorough processes in place to protect the data referenced in the letter,"&nbsp;the company said.</p>


A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as Google and Twitter to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices.

A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as Google and Twitter to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices. In order to provide services of personalised ads a user receives, businesses gather personal information such as search history, IP address, age, gender and other sensitive information. US senators have questioned the sale of this data during the auction process which was also provided to AT&T, Index Exchange, Magnite, OpenX, PubMatic and Verizon. Also read | US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health "Few Americans realize that some auction participants are siphoning off and storing 'bidstream' data to compile exhaustive dossiers about them," Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon said. "This information would be a goldmine for foreign intelligence services that could exploit it to inform and supercharge hacking, blackmail, and influence campaigns," Wyden added. Also read | April Fool's Day: History, significance and why is it celebrated The senators believe information such as user’s location, web activity, age, gender and devices can be gathered for the purpose of personalising ads. "These dossiers are being openly sold to anyone with a credit card, including to hedge funds, political campaigns, and even to governments," the senators wrote. Senators have given these big tech companies time till May 04 to respond to these questions. However, AT&T has denied the accusations. "We received the letter and will respond as requested, but we have thorough processes in place to protect the data referenced in the letter," the company said.

US lawmakers question Google, Twitter and others over auction of user data

<p>Google is not celebrating April Fools' day for the second straight year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, an internal email has confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/these-tech-firms-mark-april-fools-day-for-a-different-reason-374781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In an internal email, Marvin Chow, Google's VP of global marketing, said that the tech giant will continue the "pause" of April 1's pranks this year as "much of the world" is still facing "serious challenges" due to Covid-19, Business Insider reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-says-not-up-to-us-to-dictate-how-news-companies-spend-its-1-billion-374665">Google says 'not up to us' to dictate how news companies spend its $1 billion</a></strong></p>

<p>"As you will remember, last year we made the decision to pause our longstanding Google tradition of celebrating April Fools' Day, out of respect for all those fighting Covid-19. With much of the world still grappling with serious challenges, we feel we should again pause the jokes for April Fools' Day this year. Like we did last year, we should continue to find appropriate ways to bring moments of joy to our users throughout the year (e.g. Doodles, easter eggs, etc.)," the message further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that Google executives sent out an internal email to managers in March in which they urged them to "pause the jokes" due to the coronavirus disruption the last year. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-maps-to-suggest-more-eco-friendly-routes-374459">Google Maps to suggest more 'eco-friendly' routes</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently, Google collaborated with the Indian health ministry and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide accurate and science-based information related to Covid-19.&nbsp;</p>


Google is not celebrating April Fools' day for the second straight year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, an internal email has confirmed. Watch | In an internal email, Marvin Chow, Google's VP of global marketing, said that the tech giant will continue the "pause" of April 1's pranks this year as "much of the world" is still facing "serious challenges" due to Covid-19, Business Insider reported.

Google is not celebrating April Fools' day for the second straight year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, an internal email has confirmed. Watch | In an internal email, Marvin Chow, Google's VP of global marketing, said that the tech giant will continue the "pause" of April 1's pranks this year as "much of the world" is still facing "serious challenges" due to Covid-19, Business Insider reported. Also read | Google says 'not up to us' to dictate how news companies spend its $1 billion "As you will remember, last year we made the decision to pause our longstanding Google tradition of celebrating April Fools' Day, out of respect for all those fighting Covid-19. With much of the world still grappling with serious challenges, we feel we should again pause the jokes for April Fools' Day this year. Like we did last year, we should continue to find appropriate ways to bring moments of joy to our users throughout the year (e.g. Doodles, easter eggs, etc.)," the message further said. The report said that Google executives sent out an internal email to managers in March in which they urged them to "pause the jokes" due to the coronavirus disruption the last year. Also read | Google Maps to suggest more 'eco-friendly' routes Recently, Google collaborated with the Indian health ministry and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide accurate and science-based information related to Covid-19.

Google not celebrating April Fools' day

There’s no denying social media has been a life-saver during the pandemic, but a reliance on it can have a detrimental effect on your mental health.

How is social media affecting mental health of minors?

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