In a major escalation, Google threatened Friday to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government approved legislation that would force tech companies to pay for journalism shared on their platforms.

Facebook, which appeared with Google at an Australian Senate hearing, reaffirmed a threat of its own, vowing to block users in Australia from posting or sharing links to news if the bill passed.

In both cases, the dire warnings — which one senator called blackmail — revealed the apparent willingness of Facebook and Google to hide or erase reliable sources of information for millions of people at a time when social media platforms are under fire for helping misinformation spread worldwide.

The companies argue that they already help the media industry by sending it traffic and that the bill would open them up to “unmanageable levels of financial and operational risk.” The response by Google, which controls 95% of all queries in Australia in addition to owning YouTube, has grown particularly aggressive: The company recently buried major Australian news sites in search results in what it called an “experiment.”

But the precedent of paying for journalism does not, in itself, seem to be the issue.

A few hours before Google threatened to take away its search engine in Australia, the company agreed to pay news publications in France under an agreement that is likely to lead to more deals across Europe.

The battle in Australia centers on power: who gets to decide the payments, what prompts a charge for the tech companies and when do they have to reveal changes in their algorithms.

Australia’s assertive challenge to the online giants has placed it in the vanguard of a movement to bolster a traditional news media ecosystem that America’s trillion-dollar tech companies threaten with extinction. For Google and Facebook, their intense pushback has become a focal point of their global efforts to limit regulation, as governments around the world look to rein them in.

Here’s a summary of the fight:

Rapid vs. Prolonged Negotiations

Under Australia’s proposed legislation, if media companies and platforms like Google cannot agree on a price for news content, an independent arbitration body will resolve the dispute. That could amount to a first in the world.

The agreement in France lets Google negotiate with publishers using criteria the company has established, such as the contribution to general discussion, publication volume and audience size. Disputes would most likely go to court, where they could be bogged down for years, delaying payment.

Australia’s bill would streamline the process and strengthen the weaker side — the media.

As Rod Sims, chairman of Australia’s consumer protection regulator, explained: “The aim of the code is to address the uneven bargaining position between Australian news media businesses and the big digital platforms who have clear market power.”

The tech companies say it would create an incentive for media companies to jack up prices, sending cases to an arbiter who will determine final payment. They point to a government report estimating that 75% of the negotiations could end up with arbitrators.

Critics argue that Google and Facebook are simply trying to maintain their position as the ones who get to determine what news is worth.

“It’s about the external process being imposed on them by legislation, rather than by them just being able to dole out deals as they see fit,” said Peter Lewis, director of the Center for Responsible Technology at the Australia Institute, an independent research group. “It shifts the balance of power from their hands to a third party, and that’s what they can’t countenance.”

Links vs. Previews

The fight centers in part on a debate over the nature of search results and on the question of whether tech companies should pay for every article that Australians see on their platforms.

In a submission to Australia’s Senate inquiry about the proposal, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, wrote that “the code risks breaching a fundamental principle of the web by requiring payment for linking between certain content online.”

“The ability to link freely,” he added, “meaning without limitations regarding the content of the linked site and without monetary fees, is fundamental to how the web operates.”

Melanie Silva, managing director of Google Australia and New Zealand, made the same argument Friday in the Senate and in a video posted to Twitter, where she asked people to imagine recommending a few cafes to a friend — and then getting a bill from the cafes for sharing that information.

“When you put a price on linking to certain information, you break the way search engines work,” she said. “And you no longer have a free and open web.”

Google and Facebook (along with Twitter and others), however, do not simply link. They frame the work in previews, with headlines, summaries and photos, and then curate and serve up the content while sprinkling in advertisements.

Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University in Perth, noted in a recent essay that this added value lessens the likelihood of someone clicking into the article, hurting media companies while improving the tech companies’ bottom line.

“It is often in that reframing that advertisements appear, and this is where these platforms make money,” he wrote. He added that the code could be adjusted to charge the companies only when they create previews, not just links.

But Sims, the main architect of the code, said Friday in the Senate that Google and Berners-Lee were simply wrong on the details.

“The code does not require Google and Facebook to pay for linking news content,” he said. “Indeed, discussions we are aware of have focused on paying upfront lump sum amounts, not per click.”

More broadly, lawmakers and public policy experts have argued that the companies do not just share information like a friend. They harvest details about their users in order to make what they share profitable.

As Lewis at the Australia Institute put it, they don’t just give you information about where to get coffee — they follow you to the cafe, watch what you order and where you go next, then sell that knowledge to companies that want to market you something else.

Sen. Rex Patrick accused Google of pretending to be concerned about “technical precedence.” In fact, he said, it’s all about “commercial precedence” — money.

Google Australia collected roughly $3.3 billion from Australian advertisers in 2019 and paid about $77 million in taxes, with a reported profit of about $637 million.

Secret Algorithms vs. Transparency

One potentially groundbreaking element of the proposed legislation involves the secret sauce of Facebook, Google and subsidiaries like YouTube: the algorithms that determine what people see when they search or scroll through the platforms.

Early drafts of the bill would have required that tech companies give their news media partners 28 days’ notice before making any changes that would affect how users interact with their content.

Google and Facebook said that would be impossible because their algorithms are always changing in ways that can be difficult to measure for a subset like news, so in the latest draft, lawmakers limited the scope.

If the bill passes in one form or another, which seems likely, the digital platforms will have to give the media 14 days’ notice of deliberate algorithm changes that significantly affect their businesses. Even that, some critics argue, is not enough for Big Tech.

“I think Google and Facebook are seriously worried that other countries will join in Australia’s effort,” said Johan Lidberg, a professor of media at Monash University in Melbourne. “This could eventually cause substantial revenue losses globally and serious loss of control, exemplified by the algorithm issue.”

But, he added, using threats to bully lawmakers will not do them any good.

“Google’s overreaction perfectly illustrates why the code is needed,” he said, “and beyond that, the dire need for all governments, across the globe, to join in efforts in reining in and limiting the power of these companies that is completely out of hand.”

In a major escalation, Google threatened Friday to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government approved legislation that would force tech companies to pay for journalism shared on their platforms.

In a major escalation, Google threatened Friday to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the government approved legislation that would force tech companies to pay for journalism shared on their platforms. Facebook, which appeared with Google at an Australian Senate hearing, reaffirmed a threat of its own, vowing to block users in Australia from posting or sharing links to news if the bill passed. In both cases, the dire warnings — which one senator called blackmail — revealed the apparent willingness of Facebook and Google to hide or erase reliable sources of information for millions of people at a time when social media platforms are under fire for helping misinformation spread worldwide. The companies argue that they already help the media industry by sending it traffic and that the bill would open them up to “unmanageable levels of financial and operational risk.” The response by Google, which controls 95% of all queries in Australia in addition to owning YouTube, has grown particularly aggressive: The company recently buried major Australian news sites in search results in what it called an “experiment.” But the precedent of paying for journalism does not, in itself, seem to be the issue. A few hours before Google threatened to take away its search engine in Australia, the company agreed to pay news publications in France under an agreement that is likely to lead to more deals across Europe. The battle in Australia centers on power: who gets to decide the payments, what prompts a charge for the tech companies and when do they have to reveal changes in their algorithms. Australia’s assertive challenge to the online giants has placed it in the vanguard of a movement to bolster a traditional news media ecosystem that America’s trillion-dollar tech companies threaten with extinction. For Google and Facebook, their intense pushback has become a focal point of their global efforts to limit regulation, as governments around the world look to rein them in. Here’s a summary of the fight: Rapid vs. Prolonged Negotiations Under Australia’s proposed legislation, if media companies and platforms like Google cannot agree on a price for news content, an independent arbitration body will resolve the dispute. That could amount to a first in the world. The agreement in France lets Google negotiate with publishers using criteria the company has established, such as the contribution to general discussion, publication volume and audience size. Disputes would most likely go to court, where they could be bogged down for years, delaying payment. Australia’s bill would streamline the process and strengthen the weaker side — the media. As Rod Sims, chairman of Australia’s consumer protection regulator, explained: “The aim of the code is to address the uneven bargaining position between Australian news media businesses and the big digital platforms who have clear market power.” The tech companies say it would create an incentive for media companies to jack up prices, sending cases to an arbiter who will determine final payment. They point to a government report estimating that 75% of the negotiations could end up with arbitrators. Critics argue that Google and Facebook are simply trying to maintain their position as the ones who get to determine what news is worth. “It’s about the external process being imposed on them by legislation, rather than by them just being able to dole out deals as they see fit,” said Peter Lewis, director of the Center for Responsible Technology at the Australia Institute, an independent research group. “It shifts the balance of power from their hands to a third party, and that’s what they can’t countenance.” Links vs. Previews The fight centers in part on a debate over the nature of search results and on the question of whether tech companies should pay for every article that Australians see on their platforms. In a submission to Australia’s Senate inquiry about the proposal, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, wrote that “the code risks breaching a fundamental principle of the web by requiring payment for linking between certain content online.” “The ability to link freely,” he added, “meaning without limitations regarding the content of the linked site and without monetary fees, is fundamental to how the web operates.” Melanie Silva, managing director of Google Australia and New Zealand, made the same argument Friday in the Senate and in a video posted to Twitter, where she asked people to imagine recommending a few cafes to a friend — and then getting a bill from the cafes for sharing that information. “When you put a price on linking to certain information, you break the way search engines work,” she said. “And you no longer have a free and open web.” Google and Facebook (along with Twitter and others), however, do not simply link. They frame the work in previews, with headlines, summaries and photos, and then curate and serve up the content while sprinkling in advertisements. Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University in Perth, noted in a recent essay that this added value lessens the likelihood of someone clicking into the article, hurting media companies while improving the tech companies’ bottom line. “It is often in that reframing that advertisements appear, and this is where these platforms make money,” he wrote. He added that the code could be adjusted to charge the companies only when they create previews, not just links. But Sims, the main architect of the code, said Friday in the Senate that Google and Berners-Lee were simply wrong on the details. “The code does not require Google and Facebook to pay for linking news content,” he said. “Indeed, discussions we are aware of have focused on paying upfront lump sum amounts, not per click.” More broadly, lawmakers and public policy experts have argued that the companies do not just share information like a friend. They harvest details about their users in order to make what they share profitable. As Lewis at the Australia Institute put it, they don’t just give you information about where to get coffee — they follow you to the cafe, watch what you order and where you go next, then sell that knowledge to companies that want to market you something else. Sen. Rex Patrick accused Google of pretending to be concerned about “technical precedence.” In fact, he said, it’s all about “commercial precedence” — money. Google Australia collected roughly $3.3 billion from Australian advertisers in 2019 and paid about $77 million in taxes, with a reported profit of about $637 million. Secret Algorithms vs. Transparency One potentially groundbreaking element of the proposed legislation involves the secret sauce of Facebook, Google and subsidiaries like YouTube: the algorithms that determine what people see when they search or scroll through the platforms. Early drafts of the bill would have required that tech companies give their news media partners 28 days’ notice before making any changes that would affect how users interact with their content. Google and Facebook said that would be impossible because their algorithms are always changing in ways that can be difficult to measure for a subset like news, so in the latest draft, lawmakers limited the scope. If the bill passes in one form or another, which seems likely, the digital platforms will have to give the media 14 days’ notice of deliberate algorithm changes that significantly affect their businesses. Even that, some critics argue, is not enough for Big Tech. “I think Google and Facebook are seriously worried that other countries will join in Australia’s effort,” said Johan Lidberg, a professor of media at Monash University in Melbourne. “This could eventually cause substantial revenue losses globally and serious loss of control, exemplified by the algorithm issue.” But, he added, using threats to bully lawmakers will not do them any good. “Google’s overreaction perfectly illustrates why the code is needed,” he said, “and beyond that, the dire need for all governments, across the globe, to join in efforts in reining in and limiting the power of these companies that is completely out of hand.”

An Australia with no Google? The bitter fight behind a drastic threat

In Australia, citizens are gearing up for a life without Google. While in India, Whatsapp's changes to its privacy policy are facing legal scrutiny. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how India and Australia are standing up to the bullying of Big Tech.

Gravitas: Will India and Australia dictate the global rules for big tech?

Australians are bracing for a possible future without Google amidst conflict between the federal government and Alphabet Inc's Google.

Australians brace for possible future without Google

India is the world's second-biggest online market. But is the Indian Govt doing enough to regulate the big players? Why India does not have laws to regulate the big tech?

Gravitas: No rules to regulate big tech?

Australia wants tech giants to pay for news. In response, Google has threatened to disable search in Australia. While Facebook says it will not allow users to share news items. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about Big Tech's bullying in Australia.

Gravitas: Australia wants Google to pay for news; Google threatens to turn off search

Big tech is now on target of lawmakers around the world. Tech giants have immense power over what you get to read or watch. Moreover, they have been accused of avoiding billions in taxes and killing competition. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Big tech is 'avoiding $2.8 billion in tax' in countries like India

For four years, the tweets of Donald Trump dictated headlines worldwide. By using Twitter, Trump was able to bypass the traditional media, evade their critical questions, even incite a mob that would storm the US Capitol. Only when big tech took a stand, and banned the former president, did Donald Trump stop spreading lies about vote-rigging.

This tells a lot about power of tech giants. They influence the hearts and minds of voters worldwide. They do not consider themselves the media. They call themselves tech platforms. But they profit from the media.

In 2020, the pandemic shut down the world and shuttered many businesses. But, big tech remained immune to the virus. Earning big money from a combination of revenue streams. Tech giants added more than 160 billion dollars to their market value last year.&nbsp;

The news industry is bleeding money. According to Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the global newspaper industry's combined advertising and circulation revenue will fall drastically from 108 billion dollars in 2019, to 86 billion dollars in 2024.

Tech companies are leveraging a major shift in user habits. People turn to social media for breaking news now. And digital news feeds have replaced the front pages of newspapers. The big tech pulls this off by exploiting loopholes in tax laws.

The organization for economic co-operation and development has made an assessment. It believes governments worldwide have lost 240 billion dollars in taxes from big tech.

The developing world has suffered the biggest losses.&nbsp;

According to NGO Action Aid; &nbsp;Google, Facebook and Microsoft should be paying more corporation tax to developing nations. They are missing out on 2.8 billion dollars in tax revenues. Action aid says countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria and Bangladesh have the highest tax gaps.

Beyond tax avoidance, an acquisition spree has allowed big tech to monopolise the market.

Since 2005, Google's parent company Alphabet along with Apple, Amazon and Facebook have acquired 385 companies in the US.

Alphabet alone has bought out 185 companies. This buying spree had caught the attention of regulators worldwide.

US Federal Trade Commission, the EU, and Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission scrutinizing the deals. Access to large volumes of free content, outdated tax laws and relentless acquisitions have turned big tech into big media.

Global regulators need a new legal toolbox to break their monopoly.

There is a need to level the playing field and make the giants pay.

For four years, the tweets of Donald Trump dictated headlines worldwide. By using Twitter, Trump was able to bypass the traditional media, evade their critical questions, even incite a mob that would storm the US Capitol.

For four years, the tweets of Donald Trump dictated headlines worldwide. By using Twitter, Trump was able to bypass the traditional media, evade their critical questions, even incite a mob that would storm the US Capitol. Only when big tech took a stand, and banned the former president, did Donald Trump stop spreading lies about vote-rigging. This tells a lot about power of tech giants. They influence the hearts and minds of voters worldwide. They do not consider themselves the media. They call themselves tech platforms. But they profit from the media. In 2020, the pandemic shut down the world and shuttered many businesses. But, big tech remained immune to the virus. Earning big money from a combination of revenue streams. Tech giants added more than 160 billion dollars to their market value last year. The news industry is bleeding money. According to Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the global newspaper industry's combined advertising and circulation revenue will fall drastically from 108 billion dollars in 2019, to 86 billion dollars in 2024. Tech companies are leveraging a major shift in user habits. People turn to social media for breaking news now. And digital news feeds have replaced the front pages of newspapers. The big tech pulls this off by exploiting loopholes in tax laws. The organization for economic co-operation and development has made an assessment. It believes governments worldwide have lost 240 billion dollars in taxes from big tech. The developing world has suffered the biggest losses. According to NGO Action Aid; Google, Facebook and Microsoft should be paying more corporation tax to developing nations. They are missing out on 2.8 billion dollars in tax revenues. Action aid says countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria and Bangladesh have the highest tax gaps. Beyond tax avoidance, an acquisition spree has allowed big tech to monopolise the market. Since 2005, Google's parent company Alphabet along with Apple, Amazon and Facebook have acquired 385 companies in the US. Alphabet alone has bought out 185 companies. This buying spree had caught the attention of regulators worldwide. US Federal Trade Commission, the EU, and Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission scrutinizing the deals. Access to large volumes of free content, outdated tax laws and relentless acquisitions have turned big tech into big media. Global regulators need a new legal toolbox to break their monopoly. There is a need to level the playing field and make the giants pay.

Time to break monopoly of Big Tech?

The monopoly of a big tech company is a clear danger to everyone involved. Do you know as to how many companies they have swallowed in the past few years? WION brings you a report.

Big tech killing competition with acquisitions?

In France, Google has agreed to pay French publishers for news. Australia wants to force tech giants to pay publishers. Multiple countries are now mulling laws to level the playing field for publishers. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must make tech giants pay for news.

Gravitas: Google will now pay for news in France

As Australia is thinking of negotiating payments for news media companies, the search engine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> has threatened to remove its search engine in the country if the code is introduced.

Google believes the proposal by the Australian government sets a "dangerous precedent" as the code will be hiding — or worse, removing — news websites from search results of Australian locals in order to push news outlets to pay in order to be able to link news articles in search results.

However, this decision has not gone well with the search engines, especially Google. The internet giant has decided to pull down the entire function from Australia, under a sign of protest and disagreement with this decision.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-seals-content-payment-deal-with-french-news-publishers-358368">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-seals-content-payment-deal-with-french-news-publishers-358368/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The principle of unrestricted linking between websites is fundamental to search and coupled with the unmanageable financial and operational risk is this version of the code were to become law, it would give us no real choice but to stop making Google Search available in Australia", said Mel Silva, Google's managing director.

She also added that while this is not a favourable move, the company is not left with much choice. "Withdrawing our services from Australia is the last thing that Google want to have happen, especially when there is another way forward," Silva said.

Google has also claimed that while they are thinking of taking this decision, the company is ready to strike deals with media companies and has already struck nearly 450 deals with a few media companies.

The decision was Google has not pleased the Senate as they feel this is almost like China threatening Australia's trade as a tit-for-tat against coronavirus. "It’s about breaking your bank account, that’s what this is about," said independent senator Rex Patrick. "It does not touch the internet and the way in which it works."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in response to Google's statement, said, "Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia. That’s done in our parliament. It’s done by our government. And that’s how things work here in Australia."&nbsp;

As Australia is thinking of negotiating payments for news media companies, the search engine Google has threatened to remove its search engine in the country if the code is introduced.

As Australia is thinking of negotiating payments for news media companies, the search engine Google has threatened to remove its search engine in the country if the code is introduced. Google believes the proposal by the Australian government sets a "dangerous precedent" as the code will be hiding — or worse, removing — news websites from search results of Australian locals in order to push news outlets to pay in order to be able to link news articles in search results. However, this decision has not gone well with the search engines, especially Google. The internet giant has decided to pull down the entire function from Australia, under a sign of protest and disagreement with this decision. WATCH| "The principle of unrestricted linking between websites is fundamental to search and coupled with the unmanageable financial and operational risk is this version of the code were to become law, it would give us no real choice but to stop making Google Search available in Australia", said Mel Silva, Google's managing director. She also added that while this is not a favourable move, the company is not left with much choice. "Withdrawing our services from Australia is the last thing that Google want to have happen, especially when there is another way forward," Silva said. Google has also claimed that while they are thinking of taking this decision, the company is ready to strike deals with media companies and has already struck nearly 450 deals with a few media companies. The decision was Google has not pleased the Senate as they feel this is almost like China threatening Australia's trade as a tit-for-tat against coronavirus. "It’s about breaking your bank account, that’s what this is about," said independent senator Rex Patrick. "It does not touch the internet and the way in which it works." Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in response to Google's statement, said, "Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia. That’s done in our parliament. It’s done by our government. And that’s how things work here in Australia."

Google threatens to halt 'search' feature in Australia over new media payment law; PM reacts

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way.

Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France.

This agreement comes at a time when countries around the world are mulling similar measures.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-google-apple-and-amazon-suspend-parler-social-networking-app-for-threats-of-violence-355686">After Google, Apple and Amazon suspend Parler social networking app for 'threats of violence'</a>

This report explains why India should also make tech giants pay for news.&nbsp;

<h2>First for Europe</h2>

In a first for Europe, Google will now pay news publishers for posting their content online.

The deal comes after months of bargaining after the European Union revamped its copyright rules.

At the heart of these changes is a simple fact: tech giants take content for free and make profits.

This money is not shared with news websites or content creators.

The rise of the internet has led to a decline in circulation with the result being a massive drop in revenues for news organisations worldwide.

<h2>Money, money, and more money!</h2>

While the profits of the tech giants have skyrocketed, Google has made more than four billion dollars from the news industry in 2018.

Combined with Facebook, both tech giants ferry more than 80 per cent of the external traffic to different websites.&nbsp;

This iron grip of big tech on what users read, watch or listen to gives these companies enormous powers.&nbsp;

Developed economies around the world are realising the need for a level playing field.&nbsp;

Besides Europe, Australia too wants tech giants to pay for news.

Last year in December, the Australian government tabled its own law.

The proposed law forces Google and Facebook to negotiate a fair payment with news organisations for using their content.

The tech giants have been fighting this legislation tooth and nail.

While Google says the law will fundamentally damage google search, Facebook insists that it might block news on its platform.

<h2>America tries to rescue</h2>

The American political establishment has jumped in to rescue these tech companies.

Just before Donald Trump left the White House, his office asked Australia to scrap the proposed law.

But the Australian government has refused to relent.

<h2>India needs to take note</h2>

The new laws were only a matter of time.

Already, Facebook has been asked to pay news publishers tens of millions of dollars in the UK

With Google now being forced to pay for news in France, the day isn't far when other tech companies start getting invoices from publishers.

India needs to track these trends and follow suit.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has already called for revenue sharing between social media companies and the traditional media.

The Indian government must step in to break the monopoly of big tech.

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way. Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France.

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way. Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France. This agreement comes at a time when countries around the world are mulling similar measures. Also read | After Google, Apple and Amazon suspend Parler social networking app for 'threats of violence' This report explains why India should also make tech giants pay for news. First for Europe In a first for Europe, Google will now pay news publishers for posting their content online. The deal comes after months of bargaining after the European Union revamped its copyright rules. At the heart of these changes is a simple fact: tech giants take content for free and make profits. This money is not shared with news websites or content creators. The rise of the internet has led to a decline in circulation with the result being a massive drop in revenues for news organisations worldwide. Money, money, and more money! While the profits of the tech giants have skyrocketed, Google has made more than four billion dollars from the news industry in 2018. Combined with Facebook, both tech giants ferry more than 80 per cent of the external traffic to different websites. This iron grip of big tech on what users read, watch or listen to gives these companies enormous powers. Developed economies around the world are realising the need for a level playing field. Besides Europe, Australia too wants tech giants to pay for news. Last year in December, the Australian government tabled its own law. The proposed law forces Google and Facebook to negotiate a fair payment with news organisations for using their content. The tech giants have been fighting this legislation tooth and nail. While Google says the law will fundamentally damage google search, Facebook insists that it might block news on its platform. America tries to rescue The American political establishment has jumped in to rescue these tech companies. Just before Donald Trump left the White House, his office asked Australia to scrap the proposed law. But the Australian government has refused to relent. India needs to take note The new laws were only a matter of time. Already, Facebook has been asked to pay news publishers tens of millions of dollars in the UK With Google now being forced to pay for news in France, the day isn't far when other tech companies start getting invoices from publishers. India needs to track these trends and follow suit. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has already called for revenue sharing between social media companies and the traditional media. The Indian government must step in to break the monopoly of big tech.

As France tightens grip on Google, why should India take notes?

Google and a French publishers' lobby said on Thursday they had agreed a copyright framework under which the U.S. tech giant will pay news publishers for content online, in a first for Europe.

Google seals content payment deal with French news publishers

How big is big tech? How much influence does it wield? How much does it know about you? How much it shapes your life and future? WION's report tells you exactly how much control you've given to a handful of tech companies.

Decoding the powers of Facebook, Google & Twitter

After twitter decided to permanently ban US President Donald Trump, largely unmoderated Parler social network sought in popularity. But now, Apple & Google have removed Parler from their app stores. Tech giant Amazon has also suspended it from its web hosting service.

Google, Apple, Amazon suspend Parler App over US Capitol siege

Google, Apple, Amazon suspend Parler from App Store and web hosting service

Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday suspended the Parler social networking service from its app store, citing posts inciting violence.

It further demanded “robust” content moderation from the app favoured by many supporters of US President Donald Trump.

Apple Inc on Friday also gave the service 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants using the service to coordinate Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol building.

The actions by these social media companies mean that the network seen as a haven for people expelled from Twitter could become unavailable for new downloads on the world's main mobile phone app stores within a day. It would still be available in mobile browsers.

Right-leaning social media users in the United States have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc.&nbsp;

Twitter, meanwhile, permanently suspected President Trump's account on Friday.

In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Android phones, cited its policy against apps that promote violence and gave recent examples from Parler, including a Friday post that began "How do we take back our country? About 20 or so coordinated hits" and another promoting a "Million Militia March" on Washington.

Parler Chief Executive John Matze said in a post on Friday that Apple was applying standards to Parler that it did not apply to itself.

In a statement, Google said that "for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app’s listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues."

In a letter from Apple's App Store review team to Parler seen by Reuters, Apple cited participants of the mob storming the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday.

"Content that threatens the well-being of others or is intended to incite violence or other lawless acts has never been acceptable on the App Store," Apple said in the letter.

Apple gave Parler 24 hours to "remove all objectionable content from your app ... as well as any content referring to harm to people or attacks on government facilities now or at any future date." The company also demanded that Parler submit a written plan "to moderate and filter this content" from the app.

(with inputs)

Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday suspended the Parler social networking service from its app store, citing posts inciting violence. It further demanded “robust” content moderation from the app favoured by many supporters of US President Donald Trump.

Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday suspended the Parler social networking service from its app store, citing posts inciting violence. It further demanded “robust” content moderation from the app favoured by many supporters of US President Donald Trump. Apple Inc on Friday also gave the service 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants using the service to coordinate Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol building. The actions by these social media companies mean that the network seen as a haven for people expelled from Twitter could become unavailable for new downloads on the world's main mobile phone app stores within a day. It would still be available in mobile browsers. Right-leaning social media users in the United States have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc. Twitter, meanwhile, permanently suspected President Trump's account on Friday. In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Android phones, cited its policy against apps that promote violence and gave recent examples from Parler, including a Friday post that began "How do we take back our country? About 20 or so coordinated hits" and another promoting a "Million Militia March" on Washington. Parler Chief Executive John Matze said in a post on Friday that Apple was applying standards to Parler that it did not apply to itself. In a statement, Google said that "for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app’s listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues." In a letter from Apple's App Store review team to Parler seen by Reuters, Apple cited participants of the mob storming the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday. "Content that threatens the well-being of others or is intended to incite violence or other lawless acts has never been acceptable on the App Store," Apple said in the letter. Apple gave Parler 24 hours to "remove all objectionable content from your app ... as well as any content referring to harm to people or attacks on government facilities now or at any future date." The company also demanded that Parler submit a written plan "to moderate and filter this content" from the app. (with inputs)

Google suspends American social networking app; Apple gives 24-hour warning

YouTube has removed many videos posted by US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump </a>on his channel which spread misinformation over election fraud and warned that in the wake of violence in the US Capitol any account sharing three videos with false claims that are uploaded within 90 days will be permanently removed.&nbsp;

"Over the last month, we've removed thousands of videos which spread misinformation claiming widespread voter fraud changed the result of the 2020 election, including several videos that President Trump posted on Wednesday to his channel," Google in a statement said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/twitter-blocks-donald-trumps-account-threatens-permanent-ban-over-inciting-violence-355046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Due to the disturbing events that transpired on Wednesday, and given that the election results have been certified, any channel posting new videos with these false claims in violation of our policies will now receive a strike, a penalty which temporarily restricts uploading or live-streaming."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-presidency-set-for-an-ugly-ending-says-former-italian-premier-silvio-berlusconi-355427">Trump presidency set for an 'ugly ending', says former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi</a>

"Channels that receive three strikes in the same 90-day period will be permanently removed from YouTube."

Following the violence and ruckus seen at the US Capitol, earlier social media giants Twitter and Facebook on Thursday suspended Trump's accounts.&nbsp;

The US president was barred from sharing any post on Facebook or its photo/ video-sharing platform Instagram service for 24 hours, saying his messages were encouraging violence.

 
&nbsp;

YouTube has removed many videos posted by US President Donald Trump on his channel which spread misinformation over election fraud and warned that in the wake of violence in the US Capitol any account sharing three videos with false claims that are uploaded within 90 days will be permanently removed.

YouTube has removed many videos posted by US President Donald Trump on his channel which spread misinformation over election fraud and warned that in the wake of violence in the US Capitol any account sharing three videos with false claims that are uploaded within 90 days will be permanently removed. "Over the last month, we've removed thousands of videos which spread misinformation claiming widespread voter fraud changed the result of the 2020 election, including several videos that President Trump posted on Wednesday to his channel," Google in a statement said. Watch | "Due to the disturbing events that transpired on Wednesday, and given that the election results have been certified, any channel posting new videos with these false claims in violation of our policies will now receive a strike, a penalty which temporarily restricts uploading or live-streaming." Also read | Trump presidency set for an 'ugly ending', says former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi "Channels that receive three strikes in the same 90-day period will be permanently removed from YouTube." Following the violence and ruckus seen at the US Capitol, earlier social media giants Twitter and Facebook on Thursday suspended Trump's accounts. The US president was barred from sharing any post on Facebook or its photo/ video-sharing platform Instagram service for 24 hours, saying his messages were encouraging violence.

YouTube removes thousands of videos posted from Donald Trump's channel

In a first, Google employees have launched a union on Monday, marking a new era of activism against Silicon Valley juggernauts.&nbsp;

The Alphabet Workers Union aims to represent tech workers, temporary employees and contractors, a statement said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2020s-top-google-searches-353942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We hope to create a democratic process for workers to wield decision-making power; promote social, economic, and environmental justice; and end the unfair disparities between TVCs (temporary, vendors and contractors) and FTEs (full time employees)," the website of the union said. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-removes-39000-game-apps-from-china-store-to-meet-deadline-353574">Apple removes 39,000 game apps from China store to meet deadline</a>

The union will not just voice out on pay and benefits, but also focus on ethical decisions taken by Google and will offer protection from arbitrary firings for activism.

The announcement comes at a time as workers of Silicon giants like Google and Amazon have raised their voice against a number of issues that include workers condition and firing of a Black techie.&nbsp;

During the pandemic, thousands of Amazon workers have organised drives over the condition and safety of warehouse workers.

Recently, Timnit Gebru, a Black artificial intelligence ethics researcher, was also fired by Google that led to a lot of criticism from Google employees.&nbsp;

"This union builds upon years of courageous organizing by Google workers," Nicki Anselmo, a Google program manager and union member, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"From... opposing Project Maven, to protesting the egregious, multimillion dollar payouts that have been given to executives who’ve committed sexual harassment, we’ve seen first-hand that Alphabet responds when we act collectively."

In a first, Google employees have launched a union on Monday, marking a new era of activism against Silicon Valley juggernauts. The Alphabet Workers Union aims to represent tech workers, temporary employees and contractors, a statement said.

In a first, Google employees have launched a union on Monday, marking a new era of activism against Silicon Valley juggernauts. The Alphabet Workers Union aims to represent tech workers, temporary employees and contractors, a statement said. Watch | "We hope to create a democratic process for workers to wield decision-making power; promote social, economic, and environmental justice; and end the unfair disparities between TVCs (temporary, vendors and contractors) and FTEs (full time employees)," the website of the union said. Also read | Apple removes 39,000 game apps from China store to meet deadline The union will not just voice out on pay and benefits, but also focus on ethical decisions taken by Google and will offer protection from arbitrary firings for activism. The announcement comes at a time as workers of Silicon giants like Google and Amazon have raised their voice against a number of issues that include workers condition and firing of a Black techie. During the pandemic, thousands of Amazon workers have organised drives over the condition and safety of warehouse workers. Recently, Timnit Gebru, a Black artificial intelligence ethics researcher, was also fired by Google that led to a lot of criticism from Google employees. "This union builds upon years of courageous organizing by Google workers," Nicki Anselmo, a Google program manager and union member, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "From... opposing Project Maven, to protesting the egregious, multimillion dollar payouts that have been given to executives who’ve committed sexual harassment, we’ve seen first-hand that Alphabet responds when we act collectively."

In a first, Google workers form union to take on Silicon Valley giants

Year in Google search 2020: Here's what people searched the most

Google faced its third major lawsuit in two months on Thursday as 38 U.S. states and territories accused the $1 trillion company of abusing its market power to try to make its search engine as dominant inside cars, TVs and speakers as it is in phones.

Google hit with third lawsuit as US states sue over search dominance

A group of US states is planning to take aim at Google with an antitrust lawsuit, saying the internet giant abused its power when ranking its own offerings in search results.

Politico reported Tuesday that a complaint led by attorneys general from Colorado and Nebraska could be filed as early as Thursday.

Amazon, TripAdvisor, Yelp and other internet firms that involve recommending products or services have complained that Google favours its own offerings in general search results.

The suit being prepared by states will argue that Google's search engine disadvantages rivals by design.

Google called the US lawsuit "deeply flawed."

Google's long-running business model based on free services and advertising is already being put to the test in a landmark antitrust lawsuit filed by the US Justice Department.

The US government filed a blockbuster lawsuit in October accusing Google of maintaining an "illegal monopoly" in online search and advertising. The country's biggest antitrust case in decades, it opens the door to a potential breakup of the Silicon Valley titan.

The politically charged case, which could take years to play out, draws new battle lines between the US government and Big Tech, with potentially major implications for the sector.

But the government is likely to face challenges proving monopoly allegations against the tech firm, which grew into one of the world's most successful companies by leveraging its powerful search engine for a network of services such as maps, email, shopping and travel that feed its data-driven digital advertising.

Legal experts point to the fact that it may be difficult to show Google's conduct was illegal under the longstanding "consumer welfare" standard in monopoly cases because its services are largely free.

The case -- joined by 11 states, all of which have Republican attorneys general -- comes against a backdrop of fierce political backlash against Big Tech giants that have extended their dominance in recent years.

The Justice Department argues that Google has cemented its monopoly position using deals with device makers to ensure its apps and services are prominently displayed, and sometimes can't be deleted.

(with inputs from agencies)

A group of US states is planning to take aim at Google with an antitrust lawsuit, saying the internet giant abused its power when ranking its own offerings in search results.

A group of US states is planning to take aim at Google with an antitrust lawsuit, saying the internet giant abused its power when ranking its own offerings in search results. Politico reported Tuesday that a complaint led by attorneys general from Colorado and Nebraska could be filed as early as Thursday. Amazon, TripAdvisor, Yelp and other internet firms that involve recommending products or services have complained that Google favours its own offerings in general search results. The suit being prepared by states will argue that Google's search engine disadvantages rivals by design. Google called the US lawsuit "deeply flawed." Google's long-running business model based on free services and advertising is already being put to the test in a landmark antitrust lawsuit filed by the US Justice Department. The US government filed a blockbuster lawsuit in October accusing Google of maintaining an "illegal monopoly" in online search and advertising. The country's biggest antitrust case in decades, it opens the door to a potential breakup of the Silicon Valley titan. The politically charged case, which could take years to play out, draws new battle lines between the US government and Big Tech, with potentially major implications for the sector. But the government is likely to face challenges proving monopoly allegations against the tech firm, which grew into one of the world's most successful companies by leveraging its powerful search engine for a network of services such as maps, email, shopping and travel that feed its data-driven digital advertising. Legal experts point to the fact that it may be difficult to show Google's conduct was illegal under the longstanding "consumer welfare" standard in monopoly cases because its services are largely free. The case -- joined by 11 states, all of which have Republican attorneys general -- comes against a backdrop of fierce political backlash against Big Tech giants that have extended their dominance in recent years. The Justice Department argues that Google has cemented its monopoly position using deals with device makers to ensure its apps and services are prominently displayed, and sometimes can't be deleted. (with inputs from agencies)

US states aiming an antitrust suit against Google

Google's cloud-hosted email service suffered a "significant" disruption Tuesday, just a day after it went down during a massive outage of the internet giant's platform.

Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said&nbsp;it had resolved a problem with Gmail due to which some of its users had faced issues with the mailing platform, just a day after a global outage affected YouTube, Gmail, and&nbsp;Google&nbsp;Drive.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monday-blues-google-drive-gmail-youtube-face-downtime-twitter-reacts-349730" hreflang="en">Monday blues: Google Drive, Gmail, YouTube face downtime; Twitter reacts</a>

<a href="https://downdetector.com/status/gmail/">Downdetector.com</a>, a website that tracks outages, showed there were more than 13,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Gmail.

"Please rest assured that system reliability is a top priority at&nbsp;Google, and we are making continuous improvements to make our systems better,"&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said.

Google runs the most well known web index administration. Truth be told, the vast majority of its items, as Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Maps, and so forth, give an unequaled client experience given the significant level of reconciliation between them.&nbsp;

On Monday evening, Google suddenly stopped, after which there was just a question everywhere, what would happen if Google stopped working. Let's find out:

Consider the possibility that Google closures for a day.&nbsp;

Google shut down before. Not for a day, but rather for a couple of moments, and the web went insane. Indeed, it should be, considering Google's fan following and reliability of its clients.&nbsp;

In the event that, there is an interruption later on you can peruse our nitty gritty article on the most proficient method to check if Google administrations are down to get a thought of the ground circumstance.&nbsp;

We discovered stunning answers on Quora about this theme. In this way, we thought to make our own rundown of things that may occur if Google leaves administration for a day. Here are the things that may occur if Google closes down for a day.&nbsp;

No Google Search&nbsp;

A great many people utilize Google's inquiry to think about different things on the web. Dispensing with Google Search from their lives would be a demonstration of treachery.&nbsp;

Duck… … ..Set… … .Go&nbsp;

After Google goes off-administration, the flawless and clean-looking DuckDuckGo, which doesn't follow you, will lead the pursuit of business. Additionally, Microsoft's Bing web crawler, which invites you with stunning foundation pictures, is another incredible substitution. Bing was effectively ready to tell that one of its clients had malignancy.&nbsp;

Not any more gracious hunt demands on Google&nbsp;

Beforehand, we expounded on 86-year-old May Ashworth, who turned into a web sensation and was expressed gratitude toward by Google for making the most amenable inquiry demand. In any case, individuals like her have choices other than Google.&nbsp;

You won't feel Lucky while you search&nbsp;

Google I'm feeling fortunate catch acquaints you with the universe of astounding doodles. It additionally finds the best output for your inquiry in a solitary endeavor. Along these lines, if no Google, no I'm feeling fortunate catch.&nbsp;

Theft will descend by an extraordinary size&nbsp;

Being the most utilized web crawler on earth, its indexed lists likewise show huge loads of privateer joins for the clients. KickassTorrents and The Pirate Bay have become renowned on the grounds that their name comes at the top situation in the list items.&nbsp;

Organisations may lose hard money&nbsp;

Uncountable organizations utilise Google's work applications for their business activities. Google going down for a day would expand the odds of monetary misfortune to them.&nbsp;

Awful day for the bug abundance trackers&nbsp;

Individuals who submit mistake reports to Google and receive remunerated in kind will have a dry day. That math is basic, no Google, no bugs, no abundance. Obviously, there are huge loads of different items and administrations, yet the inquiry goliath is a major name to miss out on.&nbsp;

Google will likewise endure&nbsp;

Google creates a gigantic measure of income from its promoting business. Closing down for a day won't be useful for its bank balance. Additionally, a power outage day would prompt destruction in its stock costs.&nbsp;

Dread, shock, and analysis via web-based media&nbsp;

Stages like Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook will be overwhelmed with individuals discussing Google. No remarks about Google Plus.&nbsp;

Facebook may dispatch an internet searcher to take on Google&nbsp;

It's no big surprise Facebook may dispatch their own web index in the event that they see the Optimus Prime leaving the web. Their Graph-controlled web crawler as of now measures billions of Facebook-related pursuit demands.&nbsp;

Broad news inclusion&nbsp;

In the event that the unimaginable day actually comes, it should be announced as the Google Shutdown Day. All the media houses will distribute minute-by-minute inclusion about Google's closed down for the afternoon.&nbsp;

The letter G will be out of the Alphabet&nbsp;

Google made its own parent organization in 2015. The letter set's naming show includes organizations from beginning to end. So the letter G will be out of it for a day.&nbsp;

No Live Traffic Updates&nbsp;

Most cell phone clients depend on Google Maps to drive around the city. There are options however Google's contribution tops them all. Furthermore, on the off chance that somebody lands up in another city around the same time Google closes down, at that point may the Force be with him.

Google's cloud-hosted email service suffered a "significant" disruption Tuesday, just a day after it went down during a massive outage of the internet giant's platform.

Google's cloud-hosted email service suffered a "significant" disruption Tuesday, just a day after it went down during a massive outage of the internet giant's platform. Alphabet Inc's Google said it had resolved a problem with Gmail due to which some of its users had faced issues with the mailing platform, just a day after a global outage affected YouTube, Gmail, and Google Drive. Also read: Monday blues: Google Drive, Gmail, YouTube face downtime; Twitter reacts Downdetector.com, a website that tracks outages, showed there were more than 13,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Gmail. "Please rest assured that system reliability is a top priority at Google, and we are making continuous improvements to make our systems better," Google said. Google runs the most well known web index administration. Truth be told, the vast majority of its items, as Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Maps, and so forth, give an unequaled client experience given the significant level of reconciliation between them. On Monday evening, Google suddenly stopped, after which there was just a question everywhere, what would happen if Google stopped working. Let's find out: Consider the possibility that Google closures for a day. Google shut down before. Not for a day, but rather for a couple of moments, and the web went insane. Indeed, it should be, considering Google's fan following and reliability of its clients. In the event that, there is an interruption later on you can peruse our nitty gritty article on the most proficient method to check if Google administrations are down to get a thought of the ground circumstance. We discovered stunning answers on Quora about this theme. In this way, we thought to make our own rundown of things that may occur if Google leaves administration for a day. Here are the things that may occur if Google closes down for a day. No Google Search A great many people utilize Google's inquiry to think about different things on the web. Dispensing with Google Search from their lives would be a demonstration of treachery. Duck… … ..Set… … .Go After Google goes off-administration, the flawless and clean-looking DuckDuckGo, which doesn't follow you, will lead the pursuit of business. Additionally, Microsoft's Bing web crawler, which invites you with stunning foundation pictures, is another incredible substitution. Bing was effectively ready to tell that one of its clients had malignancy. Not any more gracious hunt demands on Google Beforehand, we expounded on 86-year-old May Ashworth, who turned into a web sensation and was expressed gratitude toward by Google for making the most amenable inquiry demand. In any case, individuals like her have choices other than Google. You won't feel Lucky while you search Google I'm feeling fortunate catch acquaints you with the universe of astounding doodles. It additionally finds the best output for your inquiry in a solitary endeavor. Along these lines, if no Google, no I'm feeling fortunate catch. Theft will descend by an extraordinary size Being the most utilized web crawler on earth, its indexed lists likewise show huge loads of privateer joins for the clients. KickassTorrents and The Pirate Bay have become renowned on the grounds that their name comes at the top situation in the list items. Organisations may lose hard money Uncountable organizations utilise Google's work applications for their business activities. Google going down for a day would expand the odds of monetary misfortune to them. Awful day for the bug abundance trackers Individuals who submit mistake reports to Google and receive remunerated in kind will have a dry day. That math is basic, no Google, no bugs, no abundance. Obviously, there are huge loads of different items and administrations, yet the inquiry goliath is a major name to miss out on. Google will likewise endure Google creates a gigantic measure of income from its promoting business. Closing down for a day won't be useful for its bank balance. Additionally, a power outage day would prompt destruction in its stock costs. Dread, shock, and analysis via web-based media Stages like Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook will be overwhelmed with individuals discussing Google. No remarks about Google Plus. Facebook may dispatch an internet searcher to take on Google It's no big surprise Facebook may dispatch their own web index in the event that they see the Optimus Prime leaving the web. Their Graph-controlled web crawler as of now measures billions of Facebook-related pursuit demands. Broad news inclusion In the event that the unimaginable day actually comes, it should be announced as the Google Shutdown Day. All the media houses will distribute minute-by-minute inclusion about Google's closed down for the afternoon. The letter G will be out of the Alphabet Google made its own parent organization in 2015. The letter set's naming show includes organizations from beginning to end. So the letter G will be out of it for a day. No Live Traffic Updates Most cell phone clients depend on Google Maps to drive around the city. There are options however Google's contribution tops them all. Furthermore, on the off chance that somebody lands up in another city around the same time Google closes down, at that point may the Force be with him.

Nightmare: What would happen if Google suddenly stopped working?

Alphabet Inc`s Google will allow its employees to work from home until September next year, extending the return to the office by a few months, the New York Times reported on Monday. 
 
The company was also testing the idea of a "flexible workweek" once it is safe to return to the office, Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai told the company`s staff in an email on Sunday, according to the report. 
 
As part of the plan, Google`s employees would be expected to work at least three days a week in the office while working from home the other days, the newspaper report said. 
 
"We are testing a hypothesis that a flexible work model will lead to greater productivity, collaboration, and well-being," Pichai wrote in the email. 
 
Google was one of the first companies to ask its employees to work from home due to the pandemic. It has previously delayed the timing by when the employees should return to the office from January next year to July.

Alphabet Inc`s Google will allow its employees to work from home until September next year, extending the return to the office by a few months, the New York Times reported on Monday.

Alphabet Inc`s Google will allow its employees to work from home until September next year, extending the return to the office by a few months, the New York Times reported on Monday. The company was also testing the idea of a "flexible workweek" once it is safe to return to the office, Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai told the company`s staff in an email on Sunday, according to the report. As part of the plan, Google`s employees would be expected to work at least three days a week in the office while working from home the other days, the newspaper report said. "We are testing a hypothesis that a flexible work model will lead to greater productivity, collaboration, and well-being," Pichai wrote in the email. Google was one of the first companies to ask its employees to work from home due to the pandemic. It has previously delayed the timing by when the employees should return to the office from January next year to July.

Google delays return to office and eyes 'flexible work week'

California will join the US government and 11 other states in bringing lawsuits against Google for abusing its market dominance.

Google, founded in 1998 and headquartered in California, has often been accused of abusing its power to exclude competitors. It is the default search engine on many devices, and its Chrome web browser and mobile operating system Android dominate the market.

The US Justice Department and 11 states in October brought a civil case against Google for pursuing an illegal monopoly in its search functions and in its advertising research services.

"Google's market dominance leaves consumers and small businesses with little choice when it comes to internet search engines," Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement.&nbsp;

"By using exclusionary agreements to dominate the market, Google has stifled competition and rigged the advertising market."

The US Justice Department also accuses it of forcing consumers and advertisers to use its services on Android devices on apps that cannot be deleted, such as Google Maps.

On Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and prosecutors representing 48 states and territories also announced they had filed a complaint against Facebook for abusing its market dominance.

California will join the US government and 11 other states in bringing lawsuits against Google for abusing its market dominance. Google, founded in 1998 and headquartered in California, has often been accused of abusing its power to exclude competitors.

California will join the US government and 11 other states in bringing lawsuits against Google for abusing its market dominance. Google, founded in 1998 and headquartered in California, has often been accused of abusing its power to exclude competitors. It is the default search engine on many devices, and its Chrome web browser and mobile operating system Android dominate the market. The US Justice Department and 11 states in October brought a civil case against Google for pursuing an illegal monopoly in its search functions and in its advertising research services. "Google's market dominance leaves consumers and small businesses with little choice when it comes to internet search engines," Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. "By using exclusionary agreements to dominate the market, Google has stifled competition and rigged the advertising market." The US Justice Department also accuses it of forcing consumers and advertisers to use its services on Android devices on apps that cannot be deleted, such as Google Maps. On Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and prosecutors representing 48 states and territories also announced they had filed a complaint against Facebook for abusing its market dominance.

California joins US govt to bring antitrust lawsuit against Google

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