France has fined two Google units a total of 100 million euros and an Amazon subsidiary 35 million euros over advertising cookies.

The country's CNIL data privacy regulator said Thursday the fines were levied "for having placed advertising cookies on the computers of users -- without obtaining prior consent and without providing adequate information."

A cookie is a small piece of data stored on a user's computer browser that allows websites to identify users and remember their previous activity.

Google's fine is one of the biggest ever for the French data protection authority.

The French authority has imposed the fine under the e-Privacy Directive, rather than the EU's flagship data protection law the General Data Protection Regulation, which is why it is able to take direct action against Amazon and Google, even though their EU bases are in Luxembourg and Ireland respectively.

The €100 million penalty for Google is the CNIL's second for the search engine giant in as many years. The watchdog fined Google €50 million for a lack of transparency, providing inadequate information to users and a lack of valid consent to target ads in 2019. In that case, CNIL was able to use the GDPR because Google had not fully legally established in Dublin at that point.

The CNIL said when a user visited the website google.fr, several cookies used for advertising purposes were automatically placed on his or her computer, without any action required on the user's part.

It said a similar thing happened when visiting one page on the amazon.fr website.

CNIL said this type of cookie "can only be placed after the user has expressed his or her consent" and thus violated regulations on receiving prior consent.

It faulted Google for providing insufficient privacy information for users as it did not let them know about the cookies which had been placed and that the procedure to block them still left one operational.&nbsp;

CNIL also said Amazon had not provided clear or complete information about the cookies it placed on computers of users until a redesign in September 2020.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

France has fined two Google units a total of 100 million euros and an Amazon subsidiary 35 million euros over advertising cookies. The country's CNIL data privacy regulator said Thursday the fines were levied "for having placed advertising cookies on the computers of users -- without obtaining prior consent and without providing adequate information.

France has fined two Google units a total of 100 million euros and an Amazon subsidiary 35 million euros over advertising cookies. The country's CNIL data privacy regulator said Thursday the fines were levied "for having placed advertising cookies on the computers of users -- without obtaining prior consent and without providing adequate information." A cookie is a small piece of data stored on a user's computer browser that allows websites to identify users and remember their previous activity. Google's fine is one of the biggest ever for the French data protection authority. The French authority has imposed the fine under the e-Privacy Directive, rather than the EU's flagship data protection law the General Data Protection Regulation, which is why it is able to take direct action against Amazon and Google, even though their EU bases are in Luxembourg and Ireland respectively. The €100 million penalty for Google is the CNIL's second for the search engine giant in as many years. The watchdog fined Google €50 million for a lack of transparency, providing inadequate information to users and a lack of valid consent to target ads in 2019. In that case, CNIL was able to use the GDPR because Google had not fully legally established in Dublin at that point. The CNIL said when a user visited the website google.fr, several cookies used for advertising purposes were automatically placed on his or her computer, without any action required on the user's part. It said a similar thing happened when visiting one page on the amazon.fr website. CNIL said this type of cookie "can only be placed after the user has expressed his or her consent" and thus violated regulations on receiving prior consent. It faulted Google for providing insufficient privacy information for users as it did not let them know about the cookies which had been placed and that the procedure to block them still left one operational. CNIL also said Amazon had not provided clear or complete information about the cookies it placed on computers of users until a redesign in September 2020. (with inputs)

France imposes 135 mn euros in fines on Google, Amazon

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday stressed that growing up in India amid poor access to a computer or a phone set him on a course to build a more inclusive global digital economy and empower the next billion people. 
 
Speaking at the Singapore FinTech Festival, Pichai said that the question of inclusion and opportunity is deeply personal to him. 
 
"Growing up in India, I didn`t have much access to a computer, or a phone. To make a call, I had to wait in long lines to use a shared phone with everyone else. 
 
"So when our family finally got our first rotary phone, it changed our lives for the better, and it set me on a course to help bring technology to more people around the world," he emphasised. 
 
He said the digital inclusion can be achieved first by accelerating progress in closing the digital divide, which means expanding connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital skills. 
 
"Second, by deepening partnerships between governments and business, which means building on the new collaborations we`ve seen during Covid," he said. 
 
Pichai mentioned how Google Pay is helping India bridge the digital divide. 
 
The company launched Google Tez, now Google Pay in India in 2017. 
 
"At the time, my home country was still largely a cash-based society. Since then, digital payments services have helped reshape how transactions are made. They`ve increased financial inclusion by making payments simple and seamless for over a hundred million Indians," Pichai informed. 
 
"People are using Google Pay to do everything from send money home to their families and split the check for dinner. Kirana store owners are using it to pay their business expenses, as well as receive payments from their loyal customers". 
 
People in India complete more than three billion digital transactions a month, two thirds of which are taking place outside India`s biggest cities. 
 
Digital payment transactions across Southeast Asia are set to almost double to $1.2 trillion by 2025. 
 
"Now, we`re using the same technology to improve Google Pay globally, starting in Singapore and the US, with more to come," Pichai said.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday stressed that growing up in India amid poor access to a computer or a phone set him on a course to build a more inclusive global digital economy and empower the next billion people.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday stressed that growing up in India amid poor access to a computer or a phone set him on a course to build a more inclusive global digital economy and empower the next billion people. Speaking at the Singapore FinTech Festival, Pichai said that the question of inclusion and opportunity is deeply personal to him. "Growing up in India, I didn`t have much access to a computer, or a phone. To make a call, I had to wait in long lines to use a shared phone with everyone else. "So when our family finally got our first rotary phone, it changed our lives for the better, and it set me on a course to help bring technology to more people around the world," he emphasised. He said the digital inclusion can be achieved first by accelerating progress in closing the digital divide, which means expanding connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital skills. "Second, by deepening partnerships between governments and business, which means building on the new collaborations we`ve seen during Covid," he said. Pichai mentioned how Google Pay is helping India bridge the digital divide. The company launched Google Tez, now Google Pay in India in 2017. "At the time, my home country was still largely a cash-based society. Since then, digital payments services have helped reshape how transactions are made. They`ve increased financial inclusion by making payments simple and seamless for over a hundred million Indians," Pichai informed. "People are using Google Pay to do everything from send money home to their families and split the check for dinner. Kirana store owners are using it to pay their business expenses, as well as receive payments from their loyal customers". People in India complete more than three billion digital transactions a month, two thirds of which are taking place outside India`s biggest cities. Digital payment transactions across Southeast Asia are set to almost double to $1.2 trillion by 2025. "Now, we`re using the same technology to improve Google Pay globally, starting in Singapore and the US, with more to come," Pichai said.

Growing up in India made me build inclusive digital economy: Google's Pichai

Over 1,400 Google employees protested on Friday after the firing of Black artificial intelligence ethics officer who claimed that she was ordered to retract her research on diversity.&nbsp;

Timnit Gebru, who was the technical co-lead of Google's Ethical AI tea, on Twitter wrote earlier this week that she had been asked to resign after she sent a message on an internal group lashing out at "silencing of marginalized voices."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-labour-board-challenges-google-moves-against-activist-employees-347126">US labour board challenges Google moves against activist employees</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

She also said that she was asked to retract her research paper by the company in an email to "Brain Women and Allies" group.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/canada-plans-digital-tax-in-2022-on-global-tech-giants-such-as-facebook-google-346651">Canada plans digital tax in 2022 on global tech giants such as Facebook, Google</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The "aspects of the email you sent last night to non-management employees in the brain group reflect behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager," was the firing message, claimed Gebru.&nbsp;

Gebru is an outspoken diversity supporter and also co-founded a group that encourages increasing Black talent in AI.&nbsp;

Her research paper looked at the potential for an AI tool used by Google and other tech organisations to imitate human writing of hate speech and biased language, an NPR report claimed.&nbsp;

Over 1,400 Google employees were among the about 3,300 people who endorsed an online letter, asking the tech giant to explain Gebru's firing along with the reason for ordering her to revoke her research.

"Instead of being embraced by Google as an exceptionally talented and prolific contributor, Dr Gebru has faced defensiveness, racism, gaslighting, research censorship, and now a retaliatory firing," the letter said.&nbsp;

It also asked Google for an "unequivocal" commitment to ensuring research integrity and academic freedom.

Google in its response to news agency AFP mentioned AI division leader Jeff Dean's email in which he wrote that this is a "difficult moment" and he wants to clear up "a lot of speculation and misunderstanding on social media". &nbsp;

He also said that the research work "had some important gaps that prevented us from being comfortable putting Google affiliation on it". &nbsp;

Gebru asked to give the names of all the people who reviewed her paper, failing to which she would resign, Dean said.&nbsp;

"We accept and respect her decision to resign from Google," the mail said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Over 1,400 Google employees protested on Friday after the firing of Black artificial intelligence ethics officer who claimed that she was ordered to retract her research on diversity.

Over 1,400 Google employees protested on Friday after the firing of Black artificial intelligence ethics officer who claimed that she was ordered to retract her research on diversity. Timnit Gebru, who was the technical co-lead of Google's Ethical AI tea, on Twitter wrote earlier this week that she had been asked to resign after she sent a message on an internal group lashing out at "silencing of marginalized voices." Also read | US labour board challenges Google moves against activist employees She also said that she was asked to retract her research paper by the company in an email to "Brain Women and Allies" group. Also read | Canada plans digital tax in 2022 on global tech giants such as Facebook, Google The "aspects of the email you sent last night to non-management employees in the brain group reflect behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager," was the firing message, claimed Gebru. Gebru is an outspoken diversity supporter and also co-founded a group that encourages increasing Black talent in AI. Her research paper looked at the potential for an AI tool used by Google and other tech organisations to imitate human writing of hate speech and biased language, an NPR report claimed. Over 1,400 Google employees were among the about 3,300 people who endorsed an online letter, asking the tech giant to explain Gebru's firing along with the reason for ordering her to revoke her research. "Instead of being embraced by Google as an exceptionally talented and prolific contributor, Dr Gebru has faced defensiveness, racism, gaslighting, research censorship, and now a retaliatory firing," the letter said. It also asked Google for an "unequivocal" commitment to ensuring research integrity and academic freedom. Google in its response to news agency AFP mentioned AI division leader Jeff Dean's email in which he wrote that this is a "difficult moment" and he wants to clear up "a lot of speculation and misunderstanding on social media". He also said that the research work "had some important gaps that prevented us from being comfortable putting Google affiliation on it". Gebru asked to give the names of all the people who reviewed her paper, failing to which she would resign, Dean said. "We accept and respect her decision to resign from Google," the mail said.

More than 1,400 Google employees protest against firing of Black researcher

Google has been given two weeks to respond to a US labour board complaint accusing the internet giant of using surveillance, interrogation and other tactics to spy on activist employees.

The National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) complaint filed late Wednesday stemmed from the dismissal a year ago of a quartet of employees dubbed the "Thanksgiving Four."

The workers sought a federal investigation into their dismissal, alleging they were sacked in retaliation for their labour organizing efforts, while Google maintained that the employees had violated data security policies.

A copy of the NLRB complaint seen by AFP contended that Google "surveilled" employees by peeking at slides being preparing in support of unionizing workers.

Google also "interrogated employees about protected activities" and threatened reprisals for venturing outside official company channels for handling complaints on such matters as workplace conduct, according to the complaint.

In addition, Google selectively applied rules to workers who participated in activist activities, it contended.

"It's vindicating," Laurence Berland, one of the employees in the complaint, told AFP.

"It's become clear that Google's actions are not defensible, and not just legally."

Google has until December 16 to file an answer. A hearing is slated for April 12 in San Francisco.

"We strongly support the rights our employees have in the workplace, and open discussion and respectful debate have always been part of Google," a spokesperson told AFP.

"We're proud of our culture and committed to defending it against attempts by individuals to deliberately undermine it -- including by violating security policies and internal systems," the spokesperson said.

Google added that it will continue to provide information to the NLRB about its decisions to terminate or discipline employees.

Unhappy with the way the company was behaving, Berland said he and other workers had "acted together to do something about it."

"I was just doing my part in that."

Thousands of Google employees joined a coordinated worldwide walkout late in 2018 to protest its handling of sexual harassment.

The protests took shape after Google said it had fired 48 employees in the previous two years -- including 13 senior executives -- as a result of allegations of sexual misconduct.

Google employees have also protested against the company's business contracts related to war or policing of the US border, and against creation of a search engine for China's censored market.

"Employees who speak out on ethical issues, harassment, discrimination and all these matters are no longer really welcome at Google in the way they used to be," Berland said.

"I think it is part of a shift in culture there."

Google has been given two weeks to respond to a US labour board complaint accusing the internet giant of using surveillance, interrogation and other tactics to spy on activist employees.

Google has been given two weeks to respond to a US labour board complaint accusing the internet giant of using surveillance, interrogation and other tactics to spy on activist employees. The National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) complaint filed late Wednesday stemmed from the dismissal a year ago of a quartet of employees dubbed the "Thanksgiving Four." The workers sought a federal investigation into their dismissal, alleging they were sacked in retaliation for their labour organizing efforts, while Google maintained that the employees had violated data security policies. A copy of the NLRB complaint seen by AFP contended that Google "surveilled" employees by peeking at slides being preparing in support of unionizing workers. Google also "interrogated employees about protected activities" and threatened reprisals for venturing outside official company channels for handling complaints on such matters as workplace conduct, according to the complaint. In addition, Google selectively applied rules to workers who participated in activist activities, it contended. "It's vindicating," Laurence Berland, one of the employees in the complaint, told AFP. "It's become clear that Google's actions are not defensible, and not just legally." Google has until December 16 to file an answer. A hearing is slated for April 12 in San Francisco. "We strongly support the rights our employees have in the workplace, and open discussion and respectful debate have always been part of Google," a spokesperson told AFP. "We're proud of our culture and committed to defending it against attempts by individuals to deliberately undermine it -- including by violating security policies and internal systems," the spokesperson said. Google added that it will continue to provide information to the NLRB about its decisions to terminate or discipline employees. Unhappy with the way the company was behaving, Berland said he and other workers had "acted together to do something about it." "I was just doing my part in that." Thousands of Google employees joined a coordinated worldwide walkout late in 2018 to protest its handling of sexual harassment. The protests took shape after Google said it had fired 48 employees in the previous two years -- including 13 senior executives -- as a result of allegations of sexual misconduct. Google employees have also protested against the company's business contracts related to war or policing of the US border, and against creation of a search engine for China's censored market. "Employees who speak out on ethical issues, harassment, discrimination and all these matters are no longer really welcome at Google in the way they used to be," Berland said. "I think it is part of a shift in culture there."

US labour board challenges Google moves against activist employees

At least five people fired after leading efforts to rally colleagues partnered with the Communications Workers of America union to petition the NLRB to challenge Google.

Google accused of violating U.S. labour laws

Britain is set to impose a new competition regime next year to prevent Google and Facebook using their dominance to push out smaller firms and disadvantage consumers.

The code will be enforced by a dedicated unit within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which this year said it needed new laws to keep the tech giants in check.

Google and Facebook dominate digital advertising, accounting for around 80% of 14 billion pounds spent in 2019, Britain's competition regulator the CMA said.

The two US companies have said they are committed to working with the British government and regulator on digital advertising, including giving users greater control over their data and the ads they are served.

The newly-created Digital Markets Unit, which will begin work in April, could be given powers to suspend, block and reverse decisions made by technology firms and to impose financial penalties for non-compliance.

Companies will have to be more transparent about how they use consumer data and restrictions that make it hard to use rival platforms will be banned, the government said, adding that the rules will also support the news industry, rebalancing the relationship between publishers and platforms.

The CMA said on Monday it was assessing whether a complaint about Google technology warranted a formal investigation.

Marketers for an Open Web (MOW), a coalition of technology and publishing companies, said Google was modifying its Chrome browser and Chromium developer tools to give it greater control over publishers and advertisers.

Google said advertising practices needed to adapt to changing expectations around how data was collected and used.&nbsp;

Britain is set to impose a new competition regime next year to prevent Google and Facebook using their dominance to push out smaller firms and disadvantage consumers.

Britain is set to impose a new competition regime next year to prevent Google and Facebook using their dominance to push out smaller firms and disadvantage consumers. The code will be enforced by a dedicated unit within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which this year said it needed new laws to keep the tech giants in check. Google and Facebook dominate digital advertising, accounting for around 80% of 14 billion pounds spent in 2019, Britain's competition regulator the CMA said. The two US companies have said they are committed to working with the British government and regulator on digital advertising, including giving users greater control over their data and the ads they are served. The newly-created Digital Markets Unit, which will begin work in April, could be given powers to suspend, block and reverse decisions made by technology firms and to impose financial penalties for non-compliance. Companies will have to be more transparent about how they use consumer data and restrictions that make it hard to use rival platforms will be banned, the government said, adding that the rules will also support the news industry, rebalancing the relationship between publishers and platforms. The CMA said on Monday it was assessing whether a complaint about Google technology warranted a formal investigation. Marketers for an Open Web (MOW), a coalition of technology and publishing companies, said Google was modifying its Chrome browser and Chromium developer tools to give it greater control over publishers and advertisers. Google said advertising practices needed to adapt to changing expectations around how data was collected and used.

UK to curb Google and Facebook's dominance with tougher rules

The French finance ministry has sent out notices to big tech firms liable for its digital service tax. Tax to hit firms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon.

France: Notices sent out to big tech companies

India's antitrust body on Monday ordered an investigation into allegations that Alphabet Inc's Google was abusing its market position to promote its payments app as well as forcing app developers to use its in-app payment system.

India's antitrust body orders investigation into Google payments app

Alphabet's Google must tell a district court how it will respond to a federal antitrust lawsuit by mid-November, with the two sides making initial disclosures later in the month.

The district court judge said the two sides should make initial disclosures about potential witnesses and evidence that may be used at trial by November 20.

The US Justice Department sued Google on October 20, accusing the company of illegally using its market muscle to hobble rivals in the biggest challenge to the power and influence of Big Tech in decades.

The federal government alleges that Google acted unlawfully to maintain its position in search as well as search advertising. Google has denied any wrongdoing.

In a status conference on Friday, Google's representative agreed to tell the US District Court for the District of Columbia by November 13 if the search and advertising giant planned to ask for the case to be thrown out on summary judgment.

The judge, to this end, asked the two sides to produce by November 6 a status report on a protective order, which would protect third parties like Google customers who provide evidence for the government.

The next status conference was set for November 18.

The judge, who was randomly selected, also disclosed personal links to Google, including a cousin who worked for the company and a friend who had been an executive there. 
&nbsp;

Alphabet's Google must tell a district court how it will respond to a federal antitrust lawsuit by mid-November, with the two sides making initial disclosures later in the month.

Alphabet's Google must tell a district court how it will respond to a federal antitrust lawsuit by mid-November, with the two sides making initial disclosures later in the month. The district court judge said the two sides should make initial disclosures about potential witnesses and evidence that may be used at trial by November 20. The US Justice Department sued Google on October 20, accusing the company of illegally using its market muscle to hobble rivals in the biggest challenge to the power and influence of Big Tech in decades. The federal government alleges that Google acted unlawfully to maintain its position in search as well as search advertising. Google has denied any wrongdoing. In a status conference on Friday, Google's representative agreed to tell the US District Court for the District of Columbia by November 13 if the search and advertising giant planned to ask for the case to be thrown out on summary judgment. The judge, to this end, asked the two sides to produce by November 6 a status report on a protective order, which would protect third parties like Google customers who provide evidence for the government. The next status conference was set for November 18. The judge, who was randomly selected, also disclosed personal links to Google, including a cousin who worked for the company and a friend who had been an executive there.

November deadline set for Google's initial response to US antitrust case

The chief executives of Google, Facebook & Twitter testified before a senate committee on their respective social media moderation practices. But the Senate hearing soon turned into a political scuffle. WION reports

Senate hearing turns into a political showdown | U.S. Election 2020 New York Direct

CEOs of Facebook, Twitter, and Google clashed with U.S. senators over online content regulation. Can private companies be trusted with regulating social and political discourse, or is it time to rein in big tech? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Big tech CEOs grilled by US Senators

As tech giants faced an intense hearing on Senate on Wednesday, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey was in the centre to face the ire of conservative lawmakers.&nbsp;

"My concern is that these platforms have become powerful arbiters of what is true and what content users can access," said Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Commerce Committee, as quoted by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pick-eye-pish-eye-senators-struggle-to-pronounce-google-ceo-sundar-pichais-name-338710">'Pick Eye', 'Pish Eye': Senators struggle to pronounce Google CEO Sundar Pichai's name</a>

He said the panel had "dozens of examples of conservative content being censored," asking Dorsey on how Twitter decides to label or remove any post.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-hit-by-bad-connection-causes-delay-in-us-senate-hearing-338615">Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hit by 'bad connection', causes delay in US Senate hearing</a>

"Your platform allows foreign dictators to post propaganda without restriction yet your routinely restrict the president of the United States," the Republican senator said, referring to one post from China accusing the US military of bringing the coronavirus.

Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, came down heavily on Dorsey, even shouting at him at times and accusing Twitter of "silencing people" on speeches which it disagreed with.&nbsp;

He also rebuked Dorsey on Twitter's decision to restrict access to a New York Post story of questionable provenance that made corruption allegations against Joe Biden's son.

"Mr Dorsey who the hell elected you and put you in charge of what the media are allowed to report and what the American people are allowed to hear?" Cruz said.&nbsp;

Trump also endorsed in a tweet Republicans criticism during Senate as he faces a tough battle in the upcoming presidential election and accused social media giants to cover up "corruption" of Biden.&nbsp;

He also demanded "Repeal Section 230!", a section that protects social media organisations from content posted by the users.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As tech giants faced an intense hearing on Senate on Wednesday, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey was in the centre to face the ire of conservative lawmakers. "My concern is that these platforms have become powerful arbiters of what is true and what content users can access," said Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Commerce Committee, as quoted by the news agency AFP.

As tech giants faced an intense hearing on Senate on Wednesday, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey was in the centre to face the ire of conservative lawmakers. "My concern is that these platforms have become powerful arbiters of what is true and what content users can access," said Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Commerce Committee, as quoted by the news agency AFP. Also read | 'Pick Eye', 'Pish Eye': Senators struggle to pronounce Google CEO Sundar Pichai's name He said the panel had "dozens of examples of conservative content being censored," asking Dorsey on how Twitter decides to label or remove any post. Also read | Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hit by 'bad connection', causes delay in US Senate hearing "Your platform allows foreign dictators to post propaganda without restriction yet your routinely restrict the president of the United States," the Republican senator said, referring to one post from China accusing the US military of bringing the coronavirus. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, came down heavily on Dorsey, even shouting at him at times and accusing Twitter of "silencing people" on speeches which it disagreed with. He also rebuked Dorsey on Twitter's decision to restrict access to a New York Post story of questionable provenance that made corruption allegations against Joe Biden's son. "Mr Dorsey who the hell elected you and put you in charge of what the media are allowed to report and what the American people are allowed to hear?" Cruz said. Trump also endorsed in a tweet Republicans criticism during Senate as he faces a tough battle in the upcoming presidential election and accused social media giants to cover up "corruption" of Biden. He also demanded "Repeal Section 230!", a section that protects social media organisations from content posted by the users.

'Who the hell put you in charge?' Republicans lash out at tech giants during Senate debate

Despite testifying to the Capitol Hill three times, US senators still struggle to pronounce the name of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google's parent company Alphabet.&nbsp;

The Indian American CEO was a part of questioning on Wednesday along with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey, but senators found it hard to speak his name properly, including Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebook-google-and-microsoft-avoiding-3bn-in-tax-in-poorer-nations-338007#:~:text=Big%20US%20technology%20companies%20like,or%20instruction%20to%20their%20residents.">Facebook, Google and Microsoft avoiding $3bn in tax in poorer nations</a>

Lawmakers pronounced his name as "Mr Pick Eye," "Mr Pish Eye" among other incorrect usages, drawing flak from several social media users.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-hit-by-bad-connection-causes-delay-in-us-senate-hearing-338615">Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hit by 'bad connection', causes delay in US Senate hearing</a>

Pichai, who was born in Chennai, is head of the trillion-dollar company that is known as one of the most powerful in the field of tech.&nbsp;

Lexi Reese, chief operating officer of tech company Gusto, took to Twitter to ask lawmakers to pronounce his name correctly and even suggested a video on YouTube, owned by Google, to learn the correct way of speaking his name.&nbsp;

Though senators had no trouble in pronouncing Zuckerberg or Dorsey, Ron Johnson, a Republican senator, pronounced Zuckerberg once as "Mr, Zuckerman".

Meanwhile, Capitol Hill clashed with tech giants on Wednesday over legal protections and censorship on social media during a fiery hearing days before Election Day.

Dorsey, Zuckerberg and Pichai had been summoned to the Senate to testify to debate a law known as Section 230 that guards their platforms against liability over what their users share.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Despite testifying to the Capitol Hill three times, US senators still struggle to pronounce the name of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google's parent company Alphabet. The Indian American CEO was a part of questioning on Wednesday along with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey, but senators found it hard to speak his name properly, including Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Despite testifying to the Capitol Hill three times, US senators still struggle to pronounce the name of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google's parent company Alphabet. The Indian American CEO was a part of questioning on Wednesday along with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey, but senators found it hard to speak his name properly, including Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Also read | Facebook, Google and Microsoft avoiding $3bn in tax in poorer nations Lawmakers pronounced his name as "Mr Pick Eye," "Mr Pish Eye" among other incorrect usages, drawing flak from several social media users. Also read | Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hit by 'bad connection', causes delay in US Senate hearing Pichai, who was born in Chennai, is head of the trillion-dollar company that is known as one of the most powerful in the field of tech. Lexi Reese, chief operating officer of tech company Gusto, took to Twitter to ask lawmakers to pronounce his name correctly and even suggested a video on YouTube, owned by Google, to learn the correct way of speaking his name. Though senators had no trouble in pronouncing Zuckerberg or Dorsey, Ron Johnson, a Republican senator, pronounced Zuckerberg once as "Mr, Zuckerman". Meanwhile, Capitol Hill clashed with tech giants on Wednesday over legal protections and censorship on social media during a fiery hearing days before Election Day. Dorsey, Zuckerberg and Pichai had been summoned to the Senate to testify to debate a law known as Section 230 that guards their platforms against liability over what their users share.

'Pick Eye', 'Pish Eye': Senators struggle to pronounce Google CEO Sundar Pichai's name

A U.S. Senate hearing to reform an internet law and hold tech companies accountable for how they moderate content quickly turned into a political scuffle as lawmakers not only went after the companies but also attacked each other.

US Senate tech hearing becomes political showdown

The technology giants of the United States evading almost $2.8bn tax a year in developing countries by using the flaws in the global tax rules, said the ActionAid International in a report.

Big US technology companies like Facebook, Google and Microsoft have been blamed for neglecting to pay a considerable lot of taxes in small and poor nations where governments are attempting to give even essential medical care or instruction to their residents. 
 
The aid charity said its research showed that the developing nations with the highest "tax gaps" from Google, Facebook and Microsoft are India, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria and Bangladesh.

ActionAid is a global federation working for anti-poverty and anti-injustice projects around the world.

As per the research of ActionAid International, the huge amount lost from the 'tax gap' could have been used to pay for more than 700,000 new teachers or 850,000 primary school teachers.

“Little is known about how much tax these companies are currently paying in developing countries, as they are still not required to publicly disclose this information,” ActionAid said.&nbsp;

“This research shows, however, that billions could be at stake in the long-overdue reform of international corporate taxation – enough to transform underfunded health and education systems in some of the world’s poorest countries.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The technology giants of the United States evading almost $2.8bn tax a year in developing countries by using the flaws in the global tax rules, said the ActionAid International in a report.

The technology giants of the United States evading almost $2.8bn tax a year in developing countries by using the flaws in the global tax rules, said the ActionAid International in a report. Big US technology companies like Facebook, Google and Microsoft have been blamed for neglecting to pay a considerable lot of taxes in small and poor nations where governments are attempting to give even essential medical care or instruction to their residents. The aid charity said its research showed that the developing nations with the highest "tax gaps" from Google, Facebook and Microsoft are India, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria and Bangladesh. ActionAid is a global federation working for anti-poverty and anti-injustice projects around the world. As per the research of ActionAid International, the huge amount lost from the 'tax gap' could have been used to pay for more than 700,000 new teachers or 850,000 primary school teachers. “Little is known about how much tax these companies are currently paying in developing countries, as they are still not required to publicly disclose this information,” ActionAid said. “This research shows, however, that billions could be at stake in the long-overdue reform of international corporate taxation – enough to transform underfunded health and education systems in some of the world’s poorest countries.” (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook, Google and Microsoft avoiding $3bn in tax in poorer nations

Internet giant Google is at loggerheads with the justice department of the United States. CEO of google's parent company Alphabet Sundar Pichai and US district judge Amit Mehta has been decided to hear the case. Watch report.

US-Google lawsuit | Indian -born judge Amit Mehta to head case

Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said the US&nbsp;Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against the company was "deeply flawed" and that users would find it more difficult to access superior search tools and affordable smartphones if the government wins its case.

"American antitrust law is designed to promote innovation and help consumers, not tilt the playing field in favor of particular competitors or make it harder for people to get the services they want,"&nbsp;Google&nbsp;senior vice president Kent Walker said in a blog post on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-files-antitrust-lawsuit-against-google-336688" hreflang="en">US files antitrust lawsuit against Google</a>

The lawsuit by the Justice Department and 11 states alleges&nbsp;Google&nbsp;used its market power to fend off rivals, including through distribution agreements that gave its search engine prominent placement on phones and internet browsers.

Google&nbsp;says those agreements, in which it shares revenue from search ads with distributors such as iPhone maker Apple Inc, help subsidize phones.

Companies could carry other search engines, but users have repeatedly shown a preference for&nbsp;Google's search tools, Walker said. Consumers who prefer an alternative are able to switch the default search tool on iPhones and other devices, he said. But forcing device and browser makers to set "lower-quality search alternatives" as the default was not beneficial to consumers, Walker added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-hackers-targeting-biden-and-trump-are-faking-mcafee-software-google-336251" hreflang="en">Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google</a>

He also described as incorrect the Justice Department's conclusion that topic-specific search tools such as travel services Kayak and Expedia or shopping giant Amazon.com Inc were not competitors to&nbsp;Google&nbsp;search.

Google&nbsp;contends the popularity of those narrow search tools lowers its market share than when counting only Microsoft Corp's Bing and other "general" search tools as competition.

Alphabet Inc's Google said the US Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against the company was "deeply flawed" and that users would find it more difficult to access superior search tools and affordable smartphones if the government wins its case.

Alphabet Inc's Google said the US Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against the company was "deeply flawed" and that users would find it more difficult to access superior search tools and affordable smartphones if the government wins its case. "American antitrust law is designed to promote innovation and help consumers, not tilt the playing field in favor of particular competitors or make it harder for people to get the services they want," Google senior vice president Kent Walker said in a blog post on Tuesday. Also read: US files antitrust lawsuit against Google The lawsuit by the Justice Department and 11 states alleges Google used its market power to fend off rivals, including through distribution agreements that gave its search engine prominent placement on phones and internet browsers. Google says those agreements, in which it shares revenue from search ads with distributors such as iPhone maker Apple Inc, help subsidize phones. Companies could carry other search engines, but users have repeatedly shown a preference for Google's search tools, Walker said. Consumers who prefer an alternative are able to switch the default search tool on iPhones and other devices, he said. But forcing device and browser makers to set "lower-quality search alternatives" as the default was not beneficial to consumers, Walker added. Also read: Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google He also described as incorrect the Justice Department's conclusion that topic-specific search tools such as travel services Kayak and Expedia or shopping giant Amazon.com Inc were not competitors to Google search. Google contends the popularity of those narrow search tools lowers its market share than when counting only Microsoft Corp's Bing and other "general" search tools as competition.

Google calls US Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit 'deeply flawed'

The US Justice Department and 11 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google on Tuesday for allegedly breaking the law in using its market power to fend off rivals.

The move comes after months of investigations by federal and state antitrust enforcers seeking to check the power of the massive technology firm and parallel probes into other giants such as Amazon, Facebook and Apple.

Coming just days before the US presidential election, the filing's timing could be seen as a political gesture since it fulfills a promise made by President Donald Trump to his supporters to hold certain companies to account for allegedly stifling conservative voices.&nbsp;The 11 states which joined the lawsuit all have Republican attorneys general.

It is believed that the suit could force changes in business practices or break off segments of the Google empire.

Google and other Big Tech firms have been under pressure from both the political left and right in recent years.

Progressives have claimed the massive firms have stifled competition and worsened economic inequality. Conservatives have accused the internet giants of political bias, although evidence has been scant.

The lawsuit comes more than a year after the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission began antitrust investigations into four big tech companies: Amazon.com Inc , Apple Inc, Facebook Inc and Google.

Seven years ago, the FTC settled an antitrust probe into Google over alleged bias in its search function to favour its products, among other issues. The settlement came over the objections of some FTC staff attorneys. 
Google has faced similar legal challenges overseas.

The European Union fined Google $1.7 billion in 2019 for stopping websites from using Google's rivals to find advertisers, $2.6 billion in 2017 for favoring its own shopping business in search, and $4.9 billion in 2018 for blocking rivals on its wireless Android operating system.

(with inputs)

The US Justice Department and 11 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google on Tuesday for allegedly breaking the law in using its market power to fend off rivals.

The US Justice Department and 11 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google on Tuesday for allegedly breaking the law in using its market power to fend off rivals. The move comes after months of investigations by federal and state antitrust enforcers seeking to check the power of the massive technology firm and parallel probes into other giants such as Amazon, Facebook and Apple. Coming just days before the US presidential election, the filing's timing could be seen as a political gesture since it fulfills a promise made by President Donald Trump to his supporters to hold certain companies to account for allegedly stifling conservative voices. The 11 states which joined the lawsuit all have Republican attorneys general. It is believed that the suit could force changes in business practices or break off segments of the Google empire. Google and other Big Tech firms have been under pressure from both the political left and right in recent years. Progressives have claimed the massive firms have stifled competition and worsened economic inequality. Conservatives have accused the internet giants of political bias, although evidence has been scant. The lawsuit comes more than a year after the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission began antitrust investigations into four big tech companies: Amazon.com Inc , Apple Inc, Facebook Inc and Google. Seven years ago, the FTC settled an antitrust probe into Google over alleged bias in its search function to favour its products, among other issues. The settlement came over the objections of some FTC staff attorneys. Google has faced similar legal challenges overseas. The European Union fined Google $1.7 billion in 2019 for stopping websites from using Google's rivals to find advertisers, $2.6 billion in 2017 for favoring its own shopping business in search, and $4.9 billion in 2018 for blocking rivals on its wireless Android operating system. (with inputs)

US files antitrust lawsuit against Google

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies.&nbsp;

Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company.

If the scale of any merger is unprecedented, the country intends to launch investigations.

"If the size of any merger or business-tie up is big, we can launch an anti-monopoly investigation into the buyer's process of acquiring a start-up (like Fitbit)," he further told Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/twitter-issues-clarification-following-backlash-for-showing-jk-in-china-336376" hreflang="en">Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&amp;K in China</a>

He added that Japan is closely observing similar moves in the world, especially Europe. ”We're closely watching developments including in Europe”, he added.

In August 2020, European Union regulators had initiated an investigation into a potential deal between Google and Fitbit. Alphabet’s Google was set to lock a $2.1 billion deal to counter Apple and Samsung in the wearable market.

After this move, the country will be able to effectively challenge market abuses by the four Big Tech companies - GAFA, or Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon which are currently under scrutiny in Europe and the United States.

Furuya further told Reuters that GAFA companies follow similar business practices globally, and called global coordination “crucial”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-hackers-targeting-biden-and-trump-are-faking-mcafee-software-google-336251" hreflang="en">Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google</a>

"This is an area I will push through aggressively. “We'll work closely with our US and European counterparts, and respond if to any moves that hamper competition”, he said.

Furuya took charge of the position in September, and also suggested that they would also be observing Japan’s phone market.

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company.

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company. If the scale of any merger is unprecedented, the country intends to launch investigations. "If the size of any merger or business-tie up is big, we can launch an anti-monopoly investigation into the buyer's process of acquiring a start-up (like Fitbit)," he further told Reuters. Also read: Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China He added that Japan is closely observing similar moves in the world, especially Europe. ”We're closely watching developments including in Europe”, he added. In August 2020, European Union regulators had initiated an investigation into a potential deal between Google and Fitbit. Alphabet’s Google was set to lock a $2.1 billion deal to counter Apple and Samsung in the wearable market. After this move, the country will be able to effectively challenge market abuses by the four Big Tech companies - GAFA, or Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon which are currently under scrutiny in Europe and the United States. Furuya further told Reuters that GAFA companies follow similar business practices globally, and called global coordination “crucial”. Also read: Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google "This is an area I will push through aggressively. “We'll work closely with our US and European counterparts, and respond if to any moves that hamper competition”, he said. Furuya took charge of the position in September, and also suggested that they would also be observing Japan’s phone market.

Japan likely to join US, Europe in regulation of Big Tech companies

Ever been stuck in a situation where you cannot recall a song and cannot get it out of your mind too; where you simply cannot work out the name of the song or any of the lyrics?

Google Assistant is here to your rescue.

The tech giant has launched a feature called ‘hum to search’, which lets one hum to search for songs.

One can now request Google Assistant (or tap the mic icon on the Google Search widget) and ask “what’s this song?” then start humming.&nbsp;

The user needs to hum for around 10-15 seconds and Google Assistant will then use machine learning to try and identify the song.

Google will then give a selection of likely matches, so even if you don’t hum it perfectly there’s a good chance one of the options will be right.

Ever been stuck in a situation where you cannot recall a song and cannot get it out of your mind too; where you simply cannot work out the name of the song or any of the lyrics?

Ever been stuck in a situation where you cannot recall a song and cannot get it out of your mind too; where you simply cannot work out the name of the song or any of the lyrics? Google Assistant is here to your rescue. The tech giant has launched a feature called ‘hum to search’, which lets one hum to search for songs. One can now request Google Assistant (or tap the mic icon on the Google Search widget) and ask “what’s this song?” then start humming. The user needs to hum for around 10-15 seconds and Google Assistant will then use machine learning to try and identify the song. Google will then give a selection of likely matches, so even if you don’t hum it perfectly there’s a good chance one of the options will be right.

If you can hum a song, Google Assistant can now play it for you

Millions of more Americans than usual have been working from home since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and with this workers are rethinking where to live. Watch report.

Remote working soars due to pandemic: Google employees to work from home till July 2021

Few thousand engineers working in social media companies make decisions that impact billions of users. Some US Lawmakers say - big tech companies have too much power and they must be broken up. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you major tech companies are the new monopolies.

Gravitas: Why the monopoly of big tech needs to be broken

Big technology monopoly is facing the heat in the United States after two significant reports on diverse issues highlighted how uniquely powerful they are.

A US&nbsp;House of Representatives panel looking into abuses of market power by four big&nbsp;technology companies found they used "killer acquisitions" to smite rivals, charged exorbitant fees and forced small businesses into "oppressive" contracts in the name of profit.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-moments-of-antitrust-hearing-bezos-snack-put-your-mask-on-316939">Key moments of antitrust hearing: Bezos' snack, 'Put your mask on'</a>

The antitrust subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee recommended that Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google, Apple Inc, Amazon.com&nbsp;and Facebook,&nbsp;with a combined market value of over $5 trillion, should not both control and compete in related businesses.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-the-monopoly-of-big-tech-needs-to-be-broken-334838/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The panel's report revealed that the tech giants have maintained their monopoly position&nbsp;by using the vast amounts of data they have&nbsp;gathered on consumers and other businesses in order to muscle out rivals, gain an advantage in new product markets and reduce innovation by others.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ceos-of-apple-amazon-facebook-and-google-to-testify-in-congress-over-antitrust-issues-310090">CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues</a>

The scathing 449-page report, the result of the first such congressional review of the&nbsp;tech&nbsp;industry - suggested expansive changes to antitrust law and described dozens of instances where the companies misused their power, revealing corporate cultures apparently bent on doing what they could to maintain dominance over large portions of the internet.

"To put it simply, companies that once were scrappy, underdog startups that challenged the status quo have become the kinds of&nbsp;monopolies&nbsp;we last saw in the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons," the report said.

In anticipation of the report, Amazon warned in a blog post Tuesday against "fringe notions of antitrust" and market interventions that "would kill off independent retailers and punish consumers by forcing small businesses out of popular online stores, raising prices and reducing consumer choice."

Google said in a statement that it competes "fairly in a fast-moving and highly competitive industry. We disagree with today’s reports, which feature outdated and inaccurate allegations from commercial rivals about Search and other services."

Facebook called itself "an American success story" in response to the report. "We compete with a wide variety of services with millions, even billions, of people using them. Acquisitions are part of every industry, and just one way we innovate new&nbsp;technologies to deliver more value to people," the social network said.

Apple said, "Scrutiny is reasonable and appropriate but we vehemently disagree with the conclusions." The company also defended its commission rates and said it would issue a more extensive response in the coming days.

After more than a year of investigation involving 1.3 million documents and more than 300 interviews, the committee led by Democratic Congressman David Cicilline found companies were running marketplaces where they also competed, creating "a position that enables them to write one set of rules for others, while they play by another."

Coming just weeks before the November&nbsp;3 presidential election, the content of the report became increasingly political, an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to boost their credibility in the fight against market domination by big&nbsp;tech&nbsp;companies.

That said, Congress is unlikely to act on the findings this year. Since the report reflects the views of the Democratic majority in the House, it sends a clear signal that should Joe Biden win the White House, the pressure on the companies could well continue.

Also, the report is likely to inform existing antitrust probes against the companies. Counsels for the committee, who did not wish to be identified, said they have been speaking to the Federal Trade Commission, which is investigating Facebook and Amazon. Also, Chairman Cicilline has been in contact with state attorneys general, who are investigating Facebook and Google, they said.

Separately, the US&nbsp;Justice Department is investigating large&nbsp;technology companies and is expected to bring a lawsuit against Google soon.

US lawmakers believe that&nbsp;tech platforms have used data to perpetuate a cycle of dominance that accrues to them more and more power. To keep their power in check punitive actions need to be taken.

Recommendations

The panel recommended companies be prohibited from operating in closely aligned businesses. While they did not name any one company, this recommendation would suggest that Google, which runs the auctions for online ad space and participates in those auctions, should potentially be required to separate clearly, or not even operate, the two businesses. For a factbox, click

Facebook's acquisition of Instagram in 2012 is another example of this. Instagram at the time was small and insignificant, but Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg saw its potential and noted that it was "building networks that are competitive with our own" and "could be very disruptive to us," the report said.

As part of the report, the committee staff drew up a menu of potential changes in antitrust law. The suggestions ranged from the aggressive, such as potentially barring companies like Amazon.com from operating the markets in which they also compete, to the less controversial, like increasing the budgets of the agencies that enforce antitrust law: the Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission.

The report also urged Congress to allow antitrust enforcers more leeway in stopping companies from purchasing potential rivals, something that is now difficult.

The antitrust panel will take up the majority report after the October recess for formal adoption and will have a vote on it, the counsels for the committee said.

Big technology monopoly is facing the heat in the United States after two significant reports on diverse issues highlighted how uniquely powerful they are. A US House of Representatives panel looking into abuses of market power by four big technology companies found they used "killer acquisitions" to smite rivals, charged exorbitant fees and forced small businesses into "oppressive" contracts in the name of profit.

Big technology monopoly is facing the heat in the United States after two significant reports on diverse issues highlighted how uniquely powerful they are. A US House of Representatives panel looking into abuses of market power by four big technology companies found they used "killer acquisitions" to smite rivals, charged exorbitant fees and forced small businesses into "oppressive" contracts in the name of profit. Also see: Key moments of antitrust hearing: Bezos' snack, 'Put your mask on' The antitrust subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee recommended that Alphabet Inc's Google, Apple Inc, Amazon.com and Facebook, with a combined market value of over $5 trillion, should not both control and compete in related businesses. The panel's report revealed that the tech giants have maintained their monopoly position by using the vast amounts of data they have gathered on consumers and other businesses in order to muscle out rivals, gain an advantage in new product markets and reduce innovation by others. Also read: CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues The scathing 449-page report, the result of the first such congressional review of the tech industry - suggested expansive changes to antitrust law and described dozens of instances where the companies misused their power, revealing corporate cultures apparently bent on doing what they could to maintain dominance over large portions of the internet. "To put it simply, companies that once were scrappy, underdog startups that challenged the status quo have become the kinds of monopolies we last saw in the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons," the report said. In anticipation of the report, Amazon warned in a blog post Tuesday against "fringe notions of antitrust" and market interventions that "would kill off independent retailers and punish consumers by forcing small businesses out of popular online stores, raising prices and reducing consumer choice." Google said in a statement that it competes "fairly in a fast-moving and highly competitive industry. We disagree with today’s reports, which feature outdated and inaccurate allegations from commercial rivals about Search and other services." Facebook called itself "an American success story" in response to the report. "We compete with a wide variety of services with millions, even billions, of people using them. Acquisitions are part of every industry, and just one way we innovate new technologies to deliver more value to people," the social network said. Apple said, "Scrutiny is reasonable and appropriate but we vehemently disagree with the conclusions." The company also defended its commission rates and said it would issue a more extensive response in the coming days. After more than a year of investigation involving 1.3 million documents and more than 300 interviews, the committee led by Democratic Congressman David Cicilline found companies were running marketplaces where they also competed, creating "a position that enables them to write one set of rules for others, while they play by another." Coming just weeks before the November 3 presidential election, the content of the report became increasingly political, an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to boost their credibility in the fight against market domination by big tech companies. That said, Congress is unlikely to act on the findings this year. Since the report reflects the views of the Democratic majority in the House, it sends a clear signal that should Joe Biden win the White House, the pressure on the companies could well continue. Also, the report is likely to inform existing antitrust probes against the companies. Counsels for the committee, who did not wish to be identified, said they have been speaking to the Federal Trade Commission, which is investigating Facebook and Amazon. Also, Chairman Cicilline has been in contact with state attorneys general, who are investigating Facebook and Google, they said. Separately, the US Justice Department is investigating large technology companies and is expected to bring a lawsuit against Google soon. US lawmakers believe that tech platforms have used data to perpetuate a cycle of dominance that accrues to them more and more power. To keep their power in check punitive actions need to be taken. Recommendations The panel recommended companies be prohibited from operating in closely aligned businesses. While they did not name any one company, this recommendation would suggest that Google, which runs the auctions for online ad space and participates in those auctions, should potentially be required to separate clearly, or not even operate, the two businesses. For a factbox, click Facebook's acquisition of Instagram in 2012 is another example of this. Instagram at the time was small and insignificant, but Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg saw its potential and noted that it was "building networks that are competitive with our own" and "could be very disruptive to us," the report said. As part of the report, the committee staff drew up a menu of potential changes in antitrust law. The suggestions ranged from the aggressive, such as potentially barring companies like Amazon.com from operating the markets in which they also compete, to the less controversial, like increasing the budgets of the agencies that enforce antitrust law: the Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission. The report also urged Congress to allow antitrust enforcers more leeway in stopping companies from purchasing potential rivals, something that is now difficult. The antitrust panel will take up the majority report after the October recess for formal adoption and will have a vote on it, the counsels for the committee said.

Why United States wants to break apart tech monopoly

Google&nbsp;must open talks with publishers in France about paying to use their content, an appeals court confirmed on Thursday, paving the way for an industry-wide deal in the country&nbsp;in a long-running dispute about revenues from online news.

The ruling came as the US internet giant announced it was close to a deal on compensating French media groups for news shown in&nbsp;Google&nbsp;search results.

Such a deal would represent a climbdown by&nbsp;Google, which has so far refused to comply with new EU rules giving more copyright protection to media firms for news displayed on search engines and social media.

France was the first European country to ratify the law, which&nbsp;could act as a lifeline to newspaper groups grappling with shrinking print sales.

In April, the French competition authority ordered&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to negotiate with the press in good faith,&nbsp;a ruling it appealed, accusing the authority of overstepping its jurisdiction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-supreme-court-puzzled-over-google-oracle-high-tech-copyright-clash-333473" hreflang="en">US Supreme Court puzzled over Google, Oracle high tech copyright clash</a>

Google&nbsp;argues it should not have to pay to display items produced by news companies&nbsp;since they benefit by receiving millions of visits to their websites.

The French court's decision differs from last week's pledge by&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to pay $1 billion to publishers globally over the next three years for their news, as the French arrangement involves finding a sustainable methodology to remunerate publishers and news agencies.

Google's vehicle to remunerate news publishers, dubbed&nbsp;Google&nbsp;News Showcase, is set to launch in Germany, where it has signed up German newspapers including Der Spiegel, Stern, Die Zeit, and in Brazil with Folha de S.Paulo, Band and Infobae.

The French court's ruling comes hours after&nbsp;Google, the world's biggest search engine, said it was set to reach with a deal to pay French publishers for their news, the latest move to placate media groups and head off regulators siding with publishers.

"Our priority remains to reach an agreement with the French publishers and press agencies,"&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said in a statement.

"We appealed to get legal clarity on some parts of the order, and we will now review the decision of the Paris court of appeal."

The ruling confirms a decision in April by France's competition authority, which ordered&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to negotiate with publishers and news agencies "the remuneration due to them for any re-use of protected content".

Under the same decision, the antitrust regulator ordered&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to open talks within three months of being asked to do so by publishers.

Google must open talks with publishers in France about paying to use their content, an appeals court confirmed on Thursday, paving the way for an industry-wide deal in the country in a long-running dispute about revenues from online news.

Google must open talks with publishers in France about paying to use their content, an appeals court confirmed on Thursday, paving the way for an industry-wide deal in the country in a long-running dispute about revenues from online news. The ruling came as the US internet giant announced it was close to a deal on compensating French media groups for news shown in Google search results. Such a deal would represent a climbdown by Google, which has so far refused to comply with new EU rules giving more copyright protection to media firms for news displayed on search engines and social media. France was the first European country to ratify the law, which could act as a lifeline to newspaper groups grappling with shrinking print sales. In April, the French competition authority ordered Google to negotiate with the press in good faith, a ruling it appealed, accusing the authority of overstepping its jurisdiction. Also read: US Supreme Court puzzled over Google, Oracle high tech copyright clash Google argues it should not have to pay to display items produced by news companies since they benefit by receiving millions of visits to their websites. The French court's decision differs from last week's pledge by Google to pay $1 billion to publishers globally over the next three years for their news, as the French arrangement involves finding a sustainable methodology to remunerate publishers and news agencies. Google's vehicle to remunerate news publishers, dubbed Google News Showcase, is set to launch in Germany, where it has signed up German newspapers including Der Spiegel, Stern, Die Zeit, and in Brazil with Folha de S.Paulo, Band and Infobae. The French court's ruling comes hours after Google, the world's biggest search engine, said it was set to reach with a deal to pay French publishers for their news, the latest move to placate media groups and head off regulators siding with publishers. "Our priority remains to reach an agreement with the French publishers and press agencies," Google said in a statement. "We appealed to get legal clarity on some parts of the order, and we will now review the decision of the Paris court of appeal." The ruling confirms a decision in April by France's competition authority, which ordered Google to negotiate with publishers and news agencies "the remuneration due to them for any re-use of protected content". Under the same decision, the antitrust regulator ordered Google to open talks within three months of being asked to do so by publishers.

Now, French court asks Google to pay publishers for their content

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