Public databases that shine a light on online political ads - launched by Facebook and Google before Tuesday's US&nbsp;elections - offer the public the first broad view of how quickly the companies yank advertisements that break their rules.

The databases also provided campaigns unprecedented insight into opponents' online marketing, enabling them to capitalize on weaknesses, political strategists told Reuters.

Facebook Inc and Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, introduced the databases this year to give details on some political ads bought on their services, a response to US&nbsp;prosecutors' allegations that Russian agents who deceptively interfered in the 2016 election purchased ads from the companies.

Russia denies the charges. American security experts said the Russians changed tactics this year.

Reuters found that 436 ads - 375 on Facebook and 61 on Google - from May through October related to 34 US House of Representatives contests declared competitive last month by RealClearPolitics, which tracks political opinion polls.

Of the 258 removed ads with start and end dates, ads remained on Google an average of eight days and Facebook 15 days, according to data Reuters collected from the databases.

Based on ranges in the databases, the 436 ads were displayed up to 20.5 million times and cost up to US $582,000, amounting to a fraction of the millions of dollars spent online in those races.

Asked for comment, Google said it is committed to bringing greater transparency to political ads. Facebook said the database is a way the company is held accountable, "even if it means our mistakes are on display."

In some cases, the companies' automated scans did not identify banned material such as hateful speech or images of poor quality before ads went live.

Ads that are OK when scanned may also become noncompliant if they link to a website that later breaks down.

Google's database covers US $54 million in spending by US&nbsp;campaigns since May and Facebook US $354 million, according to their databases.

Facebook's figure is larger partly because its database includes ads not only from federal races but also for state contests, national issues and get-out-the-vote efforts.

The databases generally do not say why a particular ad was removed, and only Facebook shows copies of yanked ads.

The American Conservative Union political organization, which had 136 ads removed through Sunday on Facebook, said some commercials contained a brief shot of comedian Kathy Griffin holding a decapitated head meant to portray US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Removing the bloody image resolved the violation for sensational content, and the organization said it had no qualms about Facebook's screening.

Some removals were errors. The Environmental Defense Action Fund said Facebook's automated review wrongly misclassified one of its ads as promoting tobacco.

Ryan Morgan, whose political consulting firm Veracity Media arranged attack ads for a US&nbsp;House race in Iowa, said Google barred those mentioning "white supremacy" until his team could explain the ads advocated against the racist belief.

Five campaign strategists told Reuters they adjusted advertising tactics in recent weeks based on what the databases revealed about opponents' spending on ads and which genders, age groups and states saw the messages.

Ohio digital consultant Kevin Bingle said his team reviewed opponents on Facebook's database daily to take advantage of gaps in their strategy.

Morgan said his team tripled its online ad budget to US $600,000 for a San Francisco affordable housing tax after Facebook's database showed the other side's ads were reaching non-Californians.

That political intelligence "let us know that digital was a place we could run up the score," he said.

Public databases that shine a light on online political ads - launched by Facebook and Google before Tuesday's US elections - offer the public the first broad view of how quickly the companies yank advertisements that break their rules.

Public databases that shine a light on online political ads - launched by Facebook and Google before Tuesday's US elections - offer the public the first broad view of how quickly the companies yank advertisements that break their rules. The databases also provided campaigns unprecedented insight into opponents' online marketing, enabling them to capitalize on weaknesses, political strategists told Reuters. Facebook Inc and Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, introduced the databases this year to give details on some political ads bought on their services, a response to US prosecutors' allegations that Russian agents who deceptively interfered in the 2016 election purchased ads from the companies. Russia denies the charges. American security experts said the Russians changed tactics this year. Reuters found that 436 ads - 375 on Facebook and 61 on Google - from May through October related to 34 US House of Representatives contests declared competitive last month by RealClearPolitics, which tracks political opinion polls. Of the 258 removed ads with start and end dates, ads remained on Google an average of eight days and Facebook 15 days, according to data Reuters collected from the databases. Based on ranges in the databases, the 436 ads were displayed up to 20.5 million times and cost up to US $582,000, amounting to a fraction of the millions of dollars spent online in those races. Asked for comment, Google said it is committed to bringing greater transparency to political ads. Facebook said the database is a way the company is held accountable, "even if it means our mistakes are on display." In some cases, the companies' automated scans did not identify banned material such as hateful speech or images of poor quality before ads went live. Ads that are OK when scanned may also become noncompliant if they link to a website that later breaks down. Google's database covers US $54 million in spending by US campaigns since May and Facebook US $354 million, according to their databases. Facebook's figure is larger partly because its database includes ads not only from federal races but also for state contests, national issues and get-out-the-vote efforts. The databases generally do not say why a particular ad was removed, and only Facebook shows copies of yanked ads. The American Conservative Union political organization, which had 136 ads removed through Sunday on Facebook, said some commercials contained a brief shot of comedian Kathy Griffin holding a decapitated head meant to portray US President Donald Trump. Removing the bloody image resolved the violation for sensational content, and the organization said it had no qualms about Facebook's screening. Some removals were errors. The Environmental Defense Action Fund said Facebook's automated review wrongly misclassified one of its ads as promoting tobacco. Ryan Morgan, whose political consulting firm Veracity Media arranged attack ads for a US House race in Iowa, said Google barred those mentioning "white supremacy" until his team could explain the ads advocated against the racist belief. Five campaign strategists told Reuters they adjusted advertising tactics in recent weeks based on what the databases revealed about opponents' spending on ads and which genders, age groups and states saw the messages. Ohio digital consultant Kevin Bingle said his team reviewed opponents on Facebook's database daily to take advantage of gaps in their strategy. Morgan said his team tripled its online ad budget to US $600,000 for a San Francisco affordable housing tax after Facebook's database showed the other side's ads were reaching non-Californians. That political intelligence "let us know that digital was a place we could run up the score," he said.

Facebook, Google tools reveal political ad removal data used before US midterm elections

Apple&nbsp;on Thursday warned that sales for the crucial holiday quarter would likely miss Wall Street expectations, which Chief Executive Tim Cook blamed on weakness in emerging markets and foreign exchange costs.

The disappointing forecast by the world's most valuable technology company helped send shares down as much as 7 per cent, taking roughly $70 billion off Apple's market value and forcing that value below $1 trillion. The forecast could also deepen concerns for technology companies that saw a sell-off after misses by Amazon.com Inc and Google parent Alphabet Inc.

Apple said it expects between $89 billion and $93 billion in revenue for its fiscal first quarter ending in December, with a midpoint of $91 billion coming in below Wall Street expectations of $93 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Cook in an interview with Reuters said that Apple is "seeing some macroeconomic weakness in some of the emerging markets." He later told investors on a conference call that weak markets included Brazil, India, Russia and Turkey. Sales were flat in the fourth quarter in India, Cook said.

"Obviously, we would like to see that be a huge growth," Cook said on the call.

Executives said they also would quit giving the number of iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, leading to a further drop in the share price, since iPhone unit sales were long the key indicator of quarterly success.

Withholding that number will make it impossible to calculate the average selling price of phones, another key measure.

Apple executives said unit sales are becoming less relevant as customers buy bundled products that include subscription services like Apple Music.

Apple said it would start giving cost-of-sales data for its services business, an important metric for subscription businesses. But investors reacted negatively.

"Companies typically stop reporting metrics when the metrics are about to turn. This is not a good look for Apple," said analyst Walter Piecyk from BTIG Research.

For the quarter ended in September, Apple brought in $62.9 billion in revenue and $2.91 per share in profits, beating expectations of $61.5 billion and $2.79, respectively.

Apple sold 46.9 million iPhones in the fiscal fourth quarter, missing analyst expectations of 47.5 million iPhones, according to FactSet. But the average selling price of iPhones was $793, well above analyst estimates of $750.78, according to FactSet.

"Our worry is there must be a limit to Apple’s pricing power," said George Salmon, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "The group is now charging close to $800 per phone, and while that’s helping revenues climb despite flat sales volumes, one has to wonder how the strategy to shimmy up the price ladder fares in a downturn. If consumers start feeling the pinch, those price tags could put the punters off.”

In an interview with Reuters, Cook said his caution on holiday sales was in part due to Apple's earlier-than-normal launch of its top-end iPhone models, the XS and XS Max.

Cook also said foreign exchange rates would have a $2 billion negative impact on Apple's sales forecast.

Apple was unsure whether it can make enough new iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads and Mac models it released in recent weeks, Cook told Reuters. Apple is widely expanding the use of its facial recognition unlocking system in iPhones and iPads, which uses special lasers that are produced by only a handful of suppliers.

Elazar Advisors analyst Chaim Siegel said that China trade issues could be making it difficult for Apple to get the supplies it needs. "As for emerging markets slowing, that's also contagion from China. Both trade war issues coming to reality," he said.

But Cook stressed that Apple was happy with its performance in China, where revenue grew 16 per cent to $11.4 billion, the fifth quarter in a row the company has had double-digit growth in the region.

Apple's cautious forecast could accelerate investor fears that have in turn erased stock market gains for much of the year. At market close on Thursday, Apple shares had been up more than 25 per cent for the year - supported by purchases by Warren Buffett and a $100 billion share buyback program - while the Nasdaq Composite Index is nearly flat for the year.

Apple said revenue from services, which includes iCloud, the App Store and Apple Music, reached $10 billion, in line with analyst estimates. Apple investors have been increasingly focused on growth in the company's services business as consumer markets become saturated with smartphones.

Apple forecast a tax rate of 16.5 per cent for the December quarter, above analyst expectations of 15.9 per cent, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

For its full fiscal 2018 ended in September, Apple reported revenue of $265.6 billion and profits of $11.91 per share, beating analyst estimates of $264 billion and $11.79 per share.

Apple on Thursday warned that sales for the crucial holiday quarter would likely miss Wall Street expectations, which Chief Executive Tim Cook blamed on weakness in emerging markets and foreign exchange costs.

Apple on Thursday warned that sales for the crucial holiday quarter would likely miss Wall Street expectations, which Chief Executive Tim Cook blamed on weakness in emerging markets and foreign exchange costs. The disappointing forecast by the world's most valuable technology company helped send shares down as much as 7 per cent, taking roughly $70 billion off Apple's market value and forcing that value below $1 trillion. The forecast could also deepen concerns for technology companies that saw a sell-off after misses by Amazon.com Inc and Google parent Alphabet Inc. Apple said it expects between $89 billion and $93 billion in revenue for its fiscal first quarter ending in December, with a midpoint of $91 billion coming in below Wall Street expectations of $93 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. Cook in an interview with Reuters said that Apple is "seeing some macroeconomic weakness in some of the emerging markets." He later told investors on a conference call that weak markets included Brazil, India, Russia and Turkey. Sales were flat in the fourth quarter in India, Cook said. "Obviously, we would like to see that be a huge growth," Cook said on the call. Executives said they also would quit giving the number of iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, leading to a further drop in the share price, since iPhone unit sales were long the key indicator of quarterly success. Withholding that number will make it impossible to calculate the average selling price of phones, another key measure. Apple executives said unit sales are becoming less relevant as customers buy bundled products that include subscription services like Apple Music. Apple said it would start giving cost-of-sales data for its services business, an important metric for subscription businesses. But investors reacted negatively. "Companies typically stop reporting metrics when the metrics are about to turn. This is not a good look for Apple," said analyst Walter Piecyk from BTIG Research. For the quarter ended in September, Apple brought in $62.9 billion in revenue and $2.91 per share in profits, beating expectations of $61.5 billion and $2.79, respectively. Apple sold 46.9 million iPhones in the fiscal fourth quarter, missing analyst expectations of 47.5 million iPhones, according to FactSet. But the average selling price of iPhones was $793, well above analyst estimates of $750.78, according to FactSet. "Our worry is there must be a limit to Apple’s pricing power," said George Salmon, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "The group is now charging close to $800 per phone, and while that’s helping revenues climb despite flat sales volumes, one has to wonder how the strategy to shimmy up the price ladder fares in a downturn. If consumers start feeling the pinch, those price tags could put the punters off.” In an interview with Reuters, Cook said his caution on holiday sales was in part due to Apple's earlier-than-normal launch of its top-end iPhone models, the XS and XS Max. Cook also said foreign exchange rates would have a $2 billion negative impact on Apple's sales forecast. Apple was unsure whether it can make enough new iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads and Mac models it released in recent weeks, Cook told Reuters. Apple is widely expanding the use of its facial recognition unlocking system in iPhones and iPads, which uses special lasers that are produced by only a handful of suppliers. Elazar Advisors analyst Chaim Siegel said that China trade issues could be making it difficult for Apple to get the supplies it needs. "As for emerging markets slowing, that's also contagion from China. Both trade war issues coming to reality," he said. But Cook stressed that Apple was happy with its performance in China, where revenue grew 16 per cent to $11.4 billion, the fifth quarter in a row the company has had double-digit growth in the region. Apple's cautious forecast could accelerate investor fears that have in turn erased stock market gains for much of the year. At market close on Thursday, Apple shares had been up more than 25 per cent for the year - supported by purchases by Warren Buffett and a $100 billion share buyback program - while the Nasdaq Composite Index is nearly flat for the year. Apple said revenue from services, which includes iCloud, the App Store and Apple Music, reached $10 billion, in line with analyst estimates. Apple investors have been increasingly focused on growth in the company's services business as consumer markets become saturated with smartphones. Apple forecast a tax rate of 16.5 per cent for the December quarter, above analyst expectations of 15.9 per cent, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. For its full fiscal 2018 ended in September, Apple reported revenue of $265.6 billion and profits of $11.91 per share, beating analyst estimates of $264 billion and $11.79 per share.

Apple warns on holiday sales, sending value below $1 trillion

WION Your Story: More than 1,500 Google employees to stage walkout

Hundreds of Google employees and contractors in Asia staged brief midday walkouts on Thursday, with thousands more expected to follow at offices worldwide, amid complaints of sexism, racism and unchecked executive power in their workplace.

In a statement late Wednesday, the organizers called on Google parent Alphabet Inc to add an employee representative to its board of directors and internally share pay-equity data. They also asked for changes to Google's human resources practices intended to make bringing harassment claims a fairer process.

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in a statement that "employees have raised constructive ideas" and that the company was "taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action."

The dissatisfaction among Alphabet's 94,000 employees and tens of thousands more contractors has not noticeably affected company shares. But employees expect Alphabet to face recruiting and retention challenges if their concerns go unaddressed.

The demonstrations follow a New York Times report last week that said Google in 2014 gave a $90 million exit package to Andy Rubin after the then-senior vice president was accused of sexual harassment.

Rubin denied the allegation in the story, which he also said contained "wild exaggerations" about his compensation. Google did not dispute the report.

The report energized a months-long movement inside Google to increase diversity, improve treatment of women and minorities and ensure the company upholds its motto of "don't be evil" as it expands.

Much of the organizing earlier this year was internal, including petition drives, brainstorming sessions with top executives and training from the workers' rights group Coworker.org.

On Thursday, employees posted on social media about the walkout and were set to deliver speeches in public plazas.

Since its founding two decades ago, Google has been known around the world for its exceptional transparency with workers. Executives' goals and insights into corporate strategy have been accessible to any employee.

But organizers said Google executives, like leaders at other companies affected by the #metoo movement, have been slow to address some structural issues.

"While Google has championed the language of diversity and inclusion, substantive actions to address systemic racism, increase equity, and stop sexual harassment have been few and far between," organizers stated.

They said Google must publicly report its sexual harassment statistics and end forced arbitration in harassment cases. In addition, they asked that the chief diversity officer be able to directly advise the board.

Hundreds of Google employees and contractors in Asia staged brief midday walkouts on Thursday, with thousands more expected to follow at offices worldwide, amid complaints of sexism, racism and unchecked executive power in their workplace.

Hundreds of Google employees and contractors in Asia staged brief midday walkouts on Thursday, with thousands more expected to follow at offices worldwide, amid complaints of sexism, racism and unchecked executive power in their workplace. In a statement late Wednesday, the organizers called on Google parent Alphabet Inc to add an employee representative to its board of directors and internally share pay-equity data. They also asked for changes to Google's human resources practices intended to make bringing harassment claims a fairer process. Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in a statement that "employees have raised constructive ideas" and that the company was "taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action." The dissatisfaction among Alphabet's 94,000 employees and tens of thousands more contractors has not noticeably affected company shares. But employees expect Alphabet to face recruiting and retention challenges if their concerns go unaddressed. The demonstrations follow a New York Times report last week that said Google in 2014 gave a $90 million exit package to Andy Rubin after the then-senior vice president was accused of sexual harassment. Rubin denied the allegation in the story, which he also said contained "wild exaggerations" about his compensation. Google did not dispute the report. The report energized a months-long movement inside Google to increase diversity, improve treatment of women and minorities and ensure the company upholds its motto of "don't be evil" as it expands. Much of the organizing earlier this year was internal, including petition drives, brainstorming sessions with top executives and training from the workers' rights group Coworker.org. On Thursday, employees posted on social media about the walkout and were set to deliver speeches in public plazas. Since its founding two decades ago, Google has been known around the world for its exceptional transparency with workers. Executives' goals and insights into corporate strategy have been accessible to any employee. But organizers said Google executives, like leaders at other companies affected by the #metoo movement, have been slow to address some structural issues. "While Google has championed the language of diversity and inclusion, substantive actions to address systemic racism, increase equity, and stop sexual harassment have been few and far between," organizers stated. They said Google must publicly report its sexual harassment statistics and end forced arbitration in harassment cases. In addition, they asked that the chief diversity officer be able to directly advise the board.

Google workers walk out to protest office harassment, inequality

Wall Street was back in aggressive sell-off mode on Friday, with major stock indices losing more than two per cent following disappointing earnings announcements from Amazon and Google parent Alphabet.

Near 1455 GMT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.1 per cent at 24,470.18.

The broad-based S&amp;P 500 shed 2.8 per cent to 2,631.14, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 3.4 per cent to 7,066.69.

Wall Street was back in aggressive sell-off mode on Friday, with major stock indices losing more than two per cent following disappointing earnings announcements from Amazon and Google parent Alphabet.

Wall Street was back in aggressive sell-off mode on Friday, with major stock indices losing more than two per cent following disappointing earnings announcements from Amazon and Google parent Alphabet. Near 1455 GMT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.1 per cent at 24,470.18. The broad-based S&P 500 shed 2.8 per cent to 2,631.14, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 3.4 per cent to 7,066.69.

US stocks losses deepen amid tech selloff; Dow -2.1%, Nasdaq: -3.4%

The US stock market saw a bloodbath on Wednesday after&nbsp;tech-heavy Nasdaq saw the worst decline since 2011 with a series of selloffs erasing all gains of 2018. Nasdaq&nbsp;plunged to 4.4 per cent to close at 7,108.4.

Most of the panic selling happened in the last hour of the trading day as things went from bad to worse pretty quickly with technology shares hitting the hardest.

Amazon lost 4.1 per cent, Facebook 4.9 per cent, Google-parent Alphabet 4.1 per cent and Netflix 8.7 per cent, AFP reported.

According to a report by Bloomberg, world's richest person, Jeff Bezos&nbsp;lost $8.2 billion reducing his net worth to $138 billion while Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's fortune went down by $3.2 billion. Over $33 billion was wiped from the fortunes of the technology sector's 61 richest people in one day.

Google co-founder Larry Page and Sergey Brin's fortune went down by a combined $4.5 billion.

Investors have been unnerved by a myriad of issues including some disappointing earnings reports, uncertainty over Brexit, Italy's budget spat with the European Commission, upcoming US&nbsp;midterm congressional elections and pressure on Saudi Arabia over the killing of a prominent journalist, Reuters reported.

The US stock market saw a bloodbath on Wednesday after tech-heavy Nasdaq saw the worst decline since 2011 with a series of selloffs erasing all gains of 2018. Nasdaq plunged to 4.

The US stock market saw a bloodbath on Wednesday after tech-heavy Nasdaq saw the worst decline since 2011 with a series of selloffs erasing all gains of 2018. Nasdaq plunged to 4.4 per cent to close at 7,108.4. Most of the panic selling happened in the last hour of the trading day as things went from bad to worse pretty quickly with technology shares hitting the hardest. Amazon lost 4.1 per cent, Facebook 4.9 per cent, Google-parent Alphabet 4.1 per cent and Netflix 8.7 per cent, AFP reported. According to a report by Bloomberg, world's richest person, Jeff Bezos lost $8.2 billion reducing his net worth to $138 billion while Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's fortune went down by $3.2 billion. Over $33 billion was wiped from the fortunes of the technology sector's 61 richest people in one day. Google co-founder Larry Page and Sergey Brin's fortune went down by a combined $4.5 billion. Investors have been unnerved by a myriad of issues including some disappointing earnings reports, uncertainty over Brexit, Italy's budget spat with the European Commission, upcoming US midterm congressional elections and pressure on Saudi Arabia over the killing of a prominent journalist, Reuters reported.

How much Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg lost in worst day of Nasdaq trading since 2011?

The Nasdaq slumped more than three per cent Wednesday afternoon as Wall Street headed for another dreary day of losses on worries about weakening US earnings growth.

The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index was down 3.6 per cent to 7,173.85, near 1935 GMT, on track to close lower for the seventh time in the last 10 sessions. The index is down more than 10 per cent this month.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.9 per cent to 24,725.47, while the broad-based S&amp;P 500 fell 2.4 per cent to 2,674.61.

The losses followed a mixed day of corporate earnings that analysts fear signal the economy is exiting the "peak" earnings environment helped by US tax cuts were enacted late last year.

Investors have also been unnerved by comments from industrial companies saying trade conflicts have raised material costs.

"Costs are increasing and it's often tariff-related. We also reached a potential peak for earnings," said Nate Thooft, senior managing director at Manulife Mutual Funds.

"Companies that show marginal weakness take a beating."

Technology shares were especially hard hit Wednesday, with Amazon losing 4.1 per cent, Facebook 4.9 per cent, Google-parent Alphabet 4.1 per cent and Netflix 8.7 per cent.

A rare bright spot was Boeing, which advanced 1.7 per cent after raising its full-year profit forecast.

But other large industrial companies in the Dow fell, including Caterpillar and 3M which dropped 5.4 per cent and 3.5 per cent, respectively. The two companies also fell sharply on Tuesday following disappointing results.

The Nasdaq slumped more than three per cent Wednesday afternoon as Wall Street headed for another dreary day of losses on worries about weakening US earnings growth.

The Nasdaq slumped more than three per cent Wednesday afternoon as Wall Street headed for another dreary day of losses on worries about weakening US earnings growth. The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index was down 3.6 per cent to 7,173.85, near 1935 GMT, on track to close lower for the seventh time in the last 10 sessions. The index is down more than 10 per cent this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.9 per cent to 24,725.47, while the broad-based S&P 500 fell 2.4 per cent to 2,674.61. The losses followed a mixed day of corporate earnings that analysts fear signal the economy is exiting the "peak" earnings environment helped by US tax cuts were enacted late last year. Investors have also been unnerved by comments from industrial companies saying trade conflicts have raised material costs. "Costs are increasing and it's often tariff-related. We also reached a potential peak for earnings," said Nate Thooft, senior managing director at Manulife Mutual Funds. "Companies that show marginal weakness take a beating." Technology shares were especially hard hit Wednesday, with Amazon losing 4.1 per cent, Facebook 4.9 per cent, Google-parent Alphabet 4.1 per cent and Netflix 8.7 per cent. A rare bright spot was Boeing, which advanced 1.7 per cent after raising its full-year profit forecast. But other large industrial companies in the Dow fell, including Caterpillar and 3M which dropped 5.4 per cent and 3.5 per cent, respectively. The two companies also fell sharply on Tuesday following disappointing results.

Nasdaq sinks 3.6% as US stocks losses deepen

Google CEO Sundar Pichai at a tech summit declared that the company was building a "censored" version of the search engine for China under&nbsp;project "Dragonfly".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-whatsapp-must-comply-with-indias-data-localisation-policy-says-rbi-as-deadline-ends-171679">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-whatsapp-must-comply-with-indias-data-localisation-policy-says-rbi-as-deadline-ends-171679">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-whatsapp-must-comply-with-indias-data-localisation-policy-says-rbi-as-deadline-ends-171679">&nbsp;Google, WhatsApp must comply with India's data localisation policy, says RBI as deadline ends</a>

“We are compelled by our mission to provide information to everyone, and China is 20 per cent of the world's population,” the India-born Google head said.

China has officially blocked Facebook, Google, Twitter and other social media sites. Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has been trying to enter the lucrative Chinese market for years but hasn't been officially accepted by Chinese authorities.&nbsp;

Google had shut its operation in China in 2010 declaring that it won't censor search results. The country runs its own version of search and social media sites.

Addressing fears that China may try to manipulate the company, Pichai said: “People don't understand fully, but you're always balancing a set of values in every new country."

“It's a wonderful, innovative market. We wanted to learn what it would look like if we were in China, so that's what we built internally," Pichai said, adding,"given how important the market is and how many users there are, we feel obliged to think hard about this problem and take a longer-term view."

"We don't know whether we would or could do this in China but we felt it was important to explore," he said.

Pichai asserted that Google would be able to serve "99% of the queries" made by people in the new project. The Google CEO added that the company had considered China's strong censorship rules while giving the go-ahead for the project.

Pichai had earlier met Republican senators over the issue last month, reports said even as the company faced criticism over possible Chinese repression. The Google CEO is set to appear before the US House panel next month as Republicans want to question Google&nbsp;about whether its search algorithms are influenced by human bias.

Pichai&nbsp;is now also&nbsp;likely to be grilled on the new project.

&nbsp;

Google CEO Sundar Pichai at a tech summit declared that the company was building a "censored" version of the search engine for China under project "Dragonfly". Also Read: Google, WhatsApp must comply with India's data localisation policy, says RBI as deadline ends “We are compelled by our mission to provide information to everyone, and China is 20 per cent of the world's population,” the India-born Google head said.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai at a tech summit declared that the company was building a "censored" version of the search engine for China under project "Dragonfly". Also Read: Google, WhatsApp must comply with India's data localisation policy, says RBI as deadline ends “We are compelled by our mission to provide information to everyone, and China is 20 per cent of the world's population,” the India-born Google head said. China has officially blocked Facebook, Google, Twitter and other social media sites. Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has been trying to enter the lucrative Chinese market for years but hasn't been officially accepted by Chinese authorities. Google had shut its operation in China in 2010 declaring that it won't censor search results. The country runs its own version of search and social media sites. Addressing fears that China may try to manipulate the company, Pichai said: “People don't understand fully, but you're always balancing a set of values in every new country." “It's a wonderful, innovative market. We wanted to learn what it would look like if we were in China, so that's what we built internally," Pichai said, adding,"given how important the market is and how many users there are, we feel obliged to think hard about this problem and take a longer-term view." "We don't know whether we would or could do this in China but we felt it was important to explore," he said. Pichai asserted that Google would be able to serve "99% of the queries" made by people in the new project. The Google CEO added that the company had considered China's strong censorship rules while giving the go-ahead for the project. Pichai had earlier met Republican senators over the issue last month, reports said even as the company faced criticism over possible Chinese repression. The Google CEO is set to appear before the US House panel next month as Republicans want to question Google about whether its search algorithms are influenced by human bias. Pichai is now also likely to be grilled on the new project.

Watch: Google's Dragonfly project to show 'censored' search for China

The use of YouTube as a medium for broadcasting terrorist propaganda and conspiracy videos is gradually declining, according to reports by an intelligence group that keeps a check on online terrorism.

An analysis conducted by Site Intelligence Group, Islamic State and al-Qaeda have moved to file-sharing portals like Dropbox Inc., Google Drive, and Google Photos.

These file-hosting services became the top-used services to share countless historical documentaries, battle footage, video speeches etc.

Once uploaded, links to this content are typically disseminated on social media platforms like Facebook Inc., Twitter Inc., and Telegram Messenger to reach as wide an audience as possible.

The report by Site, which analyzed more than 27,000 web links between April 1 and August 31 this year, comes as the European Union pushes for new legislation to force internet companies to wipe terror content from their services within an hour of being notified of it. They may face fines if they fail to do so.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/youtube-under-scanner-for-showing-ads-on-extremist-channels-report-132347">YouTube under </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/youtube-under-scanner-for-showing-ads-on-extremist-channels-report-132347">scanner</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/youtube-under-scanner-for-showing-ads-on-extremist-channels-report-132347"> for showing ads on extremist channels</a>

It was earlier reported that YouTube users were being recommended videos from extremist sources broadcasting conspiracy videos.&nbsp;

YouTube came under scrutiny after ads from over 300 companies were shown on channels which promoted and included content about white nationalists, Nazis pedophilia, conspiracy theories and North Korean propaganda.

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had been called to testify before Congress in high-profile hearings that questioned their products, politics, and allegiances.

With nearly 2 billion unique users a month, the platform is used by 94 per cent of 18-24-year-olds regularly, and one in five members of this group go to YouTube first to get their news, according to the Pew Research Center.&nbsp;

With such a large audience and little oversight, many political extremists have turned to YouTube to spread their views and make money doing it.

The use of YouTube as a medium for broadcasting terrorist propaganda and conspiracy videos is gradually declining, according to reports by an intelligence group that keeps a check on online terrorism.

The use of YouTube as a medium for broadcasting terrorist propaganda and conspiracy videos is gradually declining, according to reports by an intelligence group that keeps a check on online terrorism. An analysis conducted by Site Intelligence Group, Islamic State and al-Qaeda have moved to file-sharing portals like Dropbox Inc., Google Drive, and Google Photos. These file-hosting services became the top-used services to share countless historical documentaries, battle footage, video speeches etc. Once uploaded, links to this content are typically disseminated on social media platforms like Facebook Inc., Twitter Inc., and Telegram Messenger to reach as wide an audience as possible. The report by Site, which analyzed more than 27,000 web links between April 1 and August 31 this year, comes as the European Union pushes for new legislation to force internet companies to wipe terror content from their services within an hour of being notified of it. They may face fines if they fail to do so. Also read: YouTube under scanner for showing ads on extremist channels It was earlier reported that YouTube users were being recommended videos from extremist sources broadcasting conspiracy videos. YouTube came under scrutiny after ads from over 300 companies were shown on channels which promoted and included content about white nationalists, Nazis pedophilia, conspiracy theories and North Korean propaganda. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had been called to testify before Congress in high-profile hearings that questioned their products, politics, and allegiances. With nearly 2 billion unique users a month, the platform is used by 94 per cent of 18-24-year-olds regularly, and one in five members of this group go to YouTube first to get their news, according to the Pew Research Center. With such a large audience and little oversight, many political extremists have turned to YouTube to spread their views and make money doing it.

Extremists drop use of YouTube to spread terrorist propaganda, move to Google drive, Google Photos

Alphabet Inc's Google unveiled on Tuesday the third edition of its Pixel smartphone, its first tablet computer and a new Google Home smart speaker that includes a display.

The company hosted 10 media events around the world for the announcements, a hint that it is prepared to expand geographic distribution of the phone line it hopes someday is as popular as Apple Inc's iPhone.

Google's free Android software operates most of the world's smartphones. But the company three years ago branched into hardware so that, like Apple, it could have full control of the performance of its applications and the revenue they generate.

Google has succeeded with lower-priced devices like smart speakers and home routers, but the phones have been a tougher sell.

Google shipped 2.53 million Pixel 2 and 2 XL devices through the nine months ended June 30, garnering less than 1 per cent of the global market for smartphones, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

The first Pixel devices hit 2.4 million shipments in the nine months ended June 30, 2017, the firm said.

Limited adoption has reflected Google's hesitancy to go as wide and big in distributing and marketing the Pixel as Apple, which launched its last two iPhone line-ups in about 50 countries.

Going from a small experiment to a polished product backed by large sales, support and technical teams has been part of Google's challenge.

Last year's Pixel 2 arrived with bugs that prompted user complaints about unwanted noises during calls, a crashing camera app and an unexpected screen tint.

Google initially sold the Pixel 2 and its larger sibling, Pixel 2 XL, in six countries, including the United States, Australia, Germany and India, after an unveiling in San Francisco.

This year, Google is hosting events for the Pixel 3 in cities such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore, spokesman Kay Oberbeck said.

Google Assistant, the signature virtual helper feature on the Pixel, was available in six languages a year ago and now supports 16.

Privacy and security features also could be top talking points about the Pixel 3 as Google and other big U.S. tech companies try to bounce back from recent data breach scandals.

Google on Tuesday matched rivals Amazon.com Inc and Facebook Inc with a smart speaker that has a display to show visual responses to voice commands.

Unlike its competitors, Google said its Home Hub, priced at $149, does not have a video conferencing camera.

Amazon shipped 21.5 million smart speakers, including those with displays, in the year ended June 30, compared with 18.3 million for Google, according to research firm Canalys.

Alphabet Inc's Google unveiled on Tuesday the third edition of its Pixel smartphone, its first tablet computer and a new Google Home smart speaker that includes a display.

Alphabet Inc's Google unveiled on Tuesday the third edition of its Pixel smartphone, its first tablet computer and a new Google Home smart speaker that includes a display. The company hosted 10 media events around the world for the announcements, a hint that it is prepared to expand geographic distribution of the phone line it hopes someday is as popular as Apple Inc's iPhone. Google's free Android software operates most of the world's smartphones. But the company three years ago branched into hardware so that, like Apple, it could have full control of the performance of its applications and the revenue they generate. Google has succeeded with lower-priced devices like smart speakers and home routers, but the phones have been a tougher sell. Google shipped 2.53 million Pixel 2 and 2 XL devices through the nine months ended June 30, garnering less than 1 per cent of the global market for smartphones, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. The first Pixel devices hit 2.4 million shipments in the nine months ended June 30, 2017, the firm said. Limited adoption has reflected Google's hesitancy to go as wide and big in distributing and marketing the Pixel as Apple, which launched its last two iPhone line-ups in about 50 countries. Going from a small experiment to a polished product backed by large sales, support and technical teams has been part of Google's challenge. Last year's Pixel 2 arrived with bugs that prompted user complaints about unwanted noises during calls, a crashing camera app and an unexpected screen tint. Google initially sold the Pixel 2 and its larger sibling, Pixel 2 XL, in six countries, including the United States, Australia, Germany and India, after an unveiling in San Francisco. This year, Google is hosting events for the Pixel 3 in cities such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore, spokesman Kay Oberbeck said. Google Assistant, the signature virtual helper feature on the Pixel, was available in six languages a year ago and now supports 16. Privacy and security features also could be top talking points about the Pixel 3 as Google and other big U.S. tech companies try to bounce back from recent data breach scandals. Google on Tuesday matched rivals Amazon.com Inc and Facebook Inc with a smart speaker that has a display to show visual responses to voice commands. Unlike its competitors, Google said its Home Hub, priced at $149, does not have a video conferencing camera. Amazon shipped 21.5 million smart speakers, including those with displays, in the year ended June 30, compared with 18.3 million for Google, according to research firm Canalys.

Google launches third edition of Pixel smartphone, first tablet computer

London's High Court on Monday blocked an attempt to bring legal action against Alphabet Inc's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-ceo-secretly-met-pentagon-leaders-over-ai-project-report-169834">Google</a> over claims it had collected sensitive data from 4 million iPhone users.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-defends-gmail-data-sharing-gives-few-details-violations-166983">Also read:&nbsp;Google defends Gmail data sharing, gives few details on violations</a>

Google welcomed a decision on Monday by London's High Court.

"The privacy and security of our users are extremely important to us. This claim is without merit, and we're pleased the Court has dismissed it," a Google spokesperson said in answer to a request for comment.

The claimants had said Google had illegally accessed details of iPhone users' internet browsing data by bypassing privacy settings on the Safari browser between June 2011 and February 2012.

Richard Lloyd, a consumer activist who was behind the "Google You Owe Us" court challenge, had estimated that about 4.5 million people had been affected by the "Safari Workaround" and wanted the tech giant to pay out several hundred dollars in damages to each affected individual.

Google had argued the mass case brought by Lloyd was not suitable and should therefore not go ahead.

Lloyd said his group, to which 20,000 people had signed up to, would seek permission to appeal the decision.

"Today’s judgment is extremely disappointing and effectively leaves millions of people without any practical way to seek redress and compensation when their personal data has been misused," he said in a statement.

"Google’s business model is based on using personal data to target adverts to consumers and they must ask permission before using this data. The court accepted that people did not give permission in this case yet slammed the door shut on holding Google to account."

London's High Court on Monday blocked an attempt to bring legal action against Alphabet Inc's Google over claims it had collected sensitive data from 4 million iPhone users.

London's High Court on Monday blocked an attempt to bring legal action against Alphabet Inc's Google over claims it had collected sensitive data from 4 million iPhone users. Also read: Google defends Gmail data sharing, gives few details on violations Google welcomed a decision on Monday by London's High Court. "The privacy and security of our users are extremely important to us. This claim is without merit, and we're pleased the Court has dismissed it," a Google spokesperson said in answer to a request for comment. The claimants had said Google had illegally accessed details of iPhone users' internet browsing data by bypassing privacy settings on the Safari browser between June 2011 and February 2012. Richard Lloyd, a consumer activist who was behind the "Google You Owe Us" court challenge, had estimated that about 4.5 million people had been affected by the "Safari Workaround" and wanted the tech giant to pay out several hundred dollars in damages to each affected individual. Google had argued the mass case brought by Lloyd was not suitable and should therefore not go ahead. Lloyd said his group, to which 20,000 people had signed up to, would seek permission to appeal the decision. "Today’s judgment is extremely disappointing and effectively leaves millions of people without any practical way to seek redress and compensation when their personal data has been misused," he said in a statement. "Google’s business model is based on using personal data to target adverts to consumers and they must ask permission before using this data. The court accepted that people did not give permission in this case yet slammed the door shut on holding Google to account."

London court blocks Google mass legal action over iPhone data collection: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-world-power-hope-for-strong-ties-marshall-islands-president-to-wion-169848">India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION</a>

Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-announces-poll-dates-for-madhya-pradesh-rajasthan-chhattisgarh-mizoram-and-telangana-169833">Election Commission announces dates for Assembly polls in five states, results on December 11</a>

The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly elections.&nbsp;

While polls in Chhattisgarh are likely to be held in two phases, elections in the other states might see polling in one phase.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-20-killed-13-injured-as-minibus-falls-into-gorge-near-banihal-169825">Jammu and Kashmir: 15 killed, 19 injured as minibus falls into </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-20-killed-13-injured-as-minibus-falls-into-gorge-near-banihal-169825">gorge</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-20-killed-13-injured-as-minibus-falls-into-gorge-near-banihal-169825"> near Banihal</a>

At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured when a minibus fell into a deep gorge along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near here, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-ceo-secretly-met-pentagon-leaders-over-ai-project-report-169834">Google CEO secretly met Pentagon leaders over AI project: Report</a>

Google's India-born chief executive Sundar Pichai quietly paid a visit to the Pentagon to ease tensions that erupted after employee outrage prompted the tech giant to sever a controversial defence contract to analyse drone video, according to a media report.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nana-patekar-dissmisses-allegaions-of-sexual-harassment-imposed-on-him-169847">Nana Patekar dismisses sexual harassment allegations, says, 'A lie is a lie'</a>

Nana Patekar on Saturday denied sexually harssing Tanushree Dutta on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss'.&nbsp;

"I said this ten years ago... A lie is a lie (Dus saal pehle bol chuka hoon, ab jo jhoot hai woh jhoot hai')", said Patekar after returning from Jodhpur at the airport.

India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.

India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood. Election Commission announces dates for Assembly polls in five states, results on December 11 The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly elections. While polls in Chhattisgarh are likely to be held in two phases, elections in the other states might see polling in one phase. Jammu and Kashmir: 15 killed, 19 injured as minibus falls into gorge near Banihal At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured when a minibus fell into a deep gorge along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near here, a senior police officer said on Saturday. Google CEO secretly met Pentagon leaders over AI project: Report Google's India-born chief executive Sundar Pichai quietly paid a visit to the Pentagon to ease tensions that erupted after employee outrage prompted the tech giant to sever a controversial defence contract to analyse drone video, according to a media report. Nana Patekar dismisses sexual harassment allegations, says, 'A lie is a lie' Nana Patekar on Saturday denied sexually harssing Tanushree Dutta on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss'. "I said this ten years ago... A lie is a lie (Dus saal pehle bol chuka hoon, ab jo jhoot hai woh jhoot hai')", said Patekar after returning from Jodhpur at the airport.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Google's India-born chief executive Sundar Pichai quietly paid a visit to the Pentagon to ease tensions that erupted after employee outrage prompted the tech giant to sever a controversial defence contract to analyse drone video, according to a media report.&nbsp;

Pichai met with a group of civilian and military leaders mostly from the office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence, the Defense Department directorate that oversees the artificial-intelligence drone system known as Project Maven, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about the meeting, The Washington Post reported.

Google had worked with the Defense Department to develop Project Maven, which uses AI to automatically tag cars, buildings and other objects in videos recorded by drones flying over conflict zones. But in June, the tech giant said it would not renew its contract following an uprising from employees, who criticized the work as helping the military track and kill with greater efficiency, the report said.

A Defense Department spokesperson said, "We do not comment on the details of private meetings. Department leaders routinely meet with industry partners to discuss innovative technologies. These meetings support continuing dialogue aimed at solving future technology challenges.

A spokeswoman for Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The secrecy surrounding Pichai's visit highlights one of the tech giant's most challenging binds: How to retain Silicon Valley workers angered by the moral implications of developing warfare technology while also staying in the running for Washington's lucrative military contracts, the paper said.

Google's change-of-heart over Project Maven, its first big AI partnership with the Pentagon, has become a key source of tension between the tech giant and military officials, who felt that Google should have done a better job communicating that the technology could help keep servicemembers out of harm's way, according to a source familiar with the work.

Google's decision to terminate its relationship with Project Maven also has drawn sharp rebukes from congressional lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who were the focus of Pichai's rare, two-day swing through Washington last week.

Google's India-born chief executive Sundar Pichai quietly paid a visit to the Pentagon to ease tensions that erupted after employee outrage prompted the tech giant to sever a controversial defence contract to analyse drone video, according to a media report.

Google's India-born chief executive Sundar Pichai quietly paid a visit to the Pentagon to ease tensions that erupted after employee outrage prompted the tech giant to sever a controversial defence contract to analyse drone video, according to a media report. Pichai met with a group of civilian and military leaders mostly from the office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence, the Defense Department directorate that oversees the artificial-intelligence drone system known as Project Maven, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about the meeting, The Washington Post reported. Google had worked with the Defense Department to develop Project Maven, which uses AI to automatically tag cars, buildings and other objects in videos recorded by drones flying over conflict zones. But in June, the tech giant said it would not renew its contract following an uprising from employees, who criticized the work as helping the military track and kill with greater efficiency, the report said. A Defense Department spokesperson said, "We do not comment on the details of private meetings. Department leaders routinely meet with industry partners to discuss innovative technologies. These meetings support continuing dialogue aimed at solving future technology challenges. A spokeswoman for Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The secrecy surrounding Pichai's visit highlights one of the tech giant's most challenging binds: How to retain Silicon Valley workers angered by the moral implications of developing warfare technology while also staying in the running for Washington's lucrative military contracts, the paper said. Google's change-of-heart over Project Maven, its first big AI partnership with the Pentagon, has become a key source of tension between the tech giant and military officials, who felt that Google should have done a better job communicating that the technology could help keep servicemembers out of harm's way, according to a source familiar with the work. Google's decision to terminate its relationship with Project Maven also has drawn sharp rebukes from congressional lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who were the focus of Pichai's rare, two-day swing through Washington last week.

Google CEO secretly met Pentagon leaders over AI project: Report

US Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized what he said was China's theft of US technology on Thursday, and he urged Google to immediately end development of its "Dragonfly" app that would make it easier to track someone's internet searches.

Pence said in a speech that business leaders are now thinking twice before entering the Chinese market "if it means turning over their intellectual property or abetting Beijing’s oppression."

"More must follow suit," he added. "For example, Google should immediately end development of the 'Dragonfly' app that will strengthen Communist Party censorship and compromise the privacy of Chinese customers."

US Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized what he said was China's theft of US technology on Thursday, and he urged Google to immediately end development of its "Dragonfly" app that would make it easier to track someone's internet searches.

US Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized what he said was China's theft of US technology on Thursday, and he urged Google to immediately end development of its "Dragonfly" app that would make it easier to track someone's internet searches. Pence said in a speech that business leaders are now thinking twice before entering the Chinese market "if it means turning over their intellectual property or abetting Beijing’s oppression." "More must follow suit," he added. "For example, Google should immediately end development of the 'Dragonfly' app that will strengthen Communist Party censorship and compromise the privacy of Chinese customers."

Google should halt Dragonfly app development: Pence

Google on Monday dedicated its doodle to Govindappa Venkataswamy, an Indian ophthalmologist who dedicated his life for eradicating needless blindness.

Born on October 1, 1918, Venkataswamy was the founder of the largest provider of eye care in the world, Aravind Eye Hospitals.

The hospital which has seen over 55 million patients charges highly subsidised rates from most of its patients.

Venkataswamy also known as Dr V personally performed over 100,000 eye surgeries and has helped in developing the concept of eye camps.&nbsp;

He is popularly known for developing a high quality, high volume, low-cost service delivery model that has helped in restoring sight to millions of people.

Dr V was awarded the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1973.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Google on Monday dedicated its doodle to Govindappa Venkataswamy, an Indian ophthalmologist who dedicated his life for eradicating needless blindness. Born on October 1, 1918, Venkataswamy was the founder of the largest provider of eye care in the world, Aravind Eye Hospitals.

Google on Monday dedicated its doodle to Govindappa Venkataswamy, an Indian ophthalmologist who dedicated his life for eradicating needless blindness. Born on October 1, 1918, Venkataswamy was the founder of the largest provider of eye care in the world, Aravind Eye Hospitals. The hospital which has seen over 55 million patients charges highly subsidised rates from most of its patients. Venkataswamy also known as Dr V personally performed over 100,000 eye surgeries and has helped in developing the concept of eye camps. He is popularly known for developing a high quality, high volume, low-cost service delivery model that has helped in restoring sight to millions of people. Dr V was awarded the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1973.

Google Doodle celebrates 100th birth anniversary of Padma Shree Govindappa Venkataswamy

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai has agreed to testify before the US&nbsp;House Judiciary Committee in November, a senior Republican said Friday.

According to news agency Reuters,&nbsp;House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy disclosed that Pichai had agreed to testify and met with Pichai along with other senior Republicans to discuss concerns that the search engine giant is biased against conservatives, which Alphabet Inc's Google unit has repeatedly denied the accusations.

Google came under fire earlier this month for refusing to send a top executive to a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing that included Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc executives.

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai has agreed to testify before the US House Judiciary Committee in November, a senior Republican said Friday. According to news agency Reuters, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy disclosed that Pichai had agreed to testify and met with Pichai along with other senior Republicans to discuss concerns that the search engine giant is biased against conservatives, which Alphabet Inc's Google unit has repeatedly denied the accusations.

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai has agreed to testify before the US House Judiciary Committee in November, a senior Republican said Friday. According to news agency Reuters, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy disclosed that Pichai had agreed to testify and met with Pichai along with other senior Republicans to discuss concerns that the search engine giant is biased against conservatives, which Alphabet Inc's Google unit has repeatedly denied the accusations. Google came under fire earlier this month for refusing to send a top executive to a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing that included Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc executives.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai to testify before US House panel in November

The world's most used search engine Google is celebrating its 20th birthday with a Google Doodle.

To celebrate the day, Google has a special logo, Doodle, remembering the day they launched with a video of someone searching on the original Google.com.

<img alt="Gooogle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bde6b79e-543f-4101-8ec9-908a71d33b85" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design.jpg" />

Today’s video Doodle takes a stroll down memory lane by exploring popular searches all over the world throughout the last two decades.

In 1997, one of Google's co-founders, Larry Page, had just arrived at Stanford University to pursue his PhD in computer science, reminisces the company on its official page.

Of all the students on campus, Google's other co-founder, Sergey Brin, was randomly assigned to show Page around. This chance encounter was the happy surprise that started it all.

From there, the two came together with a common goal in mind: to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful, a mantra that would go on to become Google's mission statement.

The two hunkered down in a garage - Google's first office - and got to work.

The world's most used search engine Google is celebrating its 20th birthday with a Google Doodle. To celebrate the day, Google has a special logo, Doodle, remembering the day they launched with a video of someone searching on the original Google.

The world's most used search engine Google is celebrating its 20th birthday with a Google Doodle. To celebrate the day, Google has a special logo, Doodle, remembering the day they launched with a video of someone searching on the original Google.com. Today’s video Doodle takes a stroll down memory lane by exploring popular searches all over the world throughout the last two decades. In 1997, one of Google's co-founders, Larry Page, had just arrived at Stanford University to pursue his PhD in computer science, reminisces the company on its official page. Of all the students on campus, Google's other co-founder, Sergey Brin, was randomly assigned to show Page around. This chance encounter was the happy surprise that started it all. From there, the two came together with a common goal in mind: to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful, a mantra that would go on to become Google's mission statement. The two hunkered down in a garage - Google's first office - and got to work.

Google celebrates 20th birthday with doodle

By:&nbsp;Ronald Robertson*

As the 2018 midterm elections approach in the U.S., Google's power to influence undecided voters remains overshadowed by Facebook's personal data crisis.

Facebook has "taken it on the chin" for its role in the 2016 presidential election, and organisations like the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica and the Russian troll farm known as the Internet Research Agency have dominated headlines. Yet, despite having a troubling history and collecting more personal data through more products than Facebook, Google has somehow managed to evade the public spotlight on this one. That may be changing.

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee recently sent Google a letter asking a series of questions about the company’s personal data protection. As one of the researchers who helped discover that search engines can substantially influence users' voting preferences, I found the last question to be the most intriguing: "Are you aware of any foreign entities seeking to influence or interfere with U.S. elections through your platforms?" If Google’s response to this question exists, it has not been made public.

Search engine influence

Since 2013, I've been involved in the design and execution of a long series of experiments that have demonstrated how search engines can influence undecided voters' candidate choices through nearly undetectable manipulations to search rankings. We labeled this powerful new form of influence the search engine manipulation effect.

The way these effect works is simple: Favoritism for a particular candidate in election-related search rankings leads to people preferring that candidate. For example, a search related to an upcoming election might return results favoring candidate A higher than results favoring candidate B. That's called partisan ranking bias. Since people tend to click on and trust highly ranked results, more people will then trust and consume the information supporting candidate A. In turn, that consumption increases their preference for candidate A.

The most important aspect of this effect, however, is that most people can't detect the partisan ranking bias – and it's virtually impossible to defend yourself from influences you can't perceive. Fortunately, in three follow-up experiments, involving 3,600 participants, we demonstrated that alerting people to partisan ranking bias can help suppress the effect – though only laws or regulations actually preventing partisan ranking could eliminate the effect entirely.

Why focus on Google?

Google handles more than 60 percent of internet search activity in the U.S., and nearly 90 percent worldwide. Every year, this translates to trillions of queries related to people's private thoughts, concerns and questions.

With respect to news, search engines are a bigger source than social media. Although an often cited 2016 Pew study found that a majority, 62 percent, of U.S. adults got news on social media, the devil is in the details. If you unpack that statistic, you'll find that 18 percent do so "hardly ever." Added to the 38 percent of Americans who "never" got news on social media, the same study suggests that social media is a negligible source of news for 56 percent of Americans, also a majority.

Think about it: When you need to fact-check something or learn more about a topic, what do you do? You Google it. This fact is supported by a recent international survey that found that 74 percent of participants reported using search engines to fact-check information they found on social media. The same survey found that 68 percent reported that the information they found while searching was "important to influencing their decisions about voting."

What does Google think?

Google’s executives rarely make public responses to critiques of its search system. But in 2015, my colleague Robert Epstein published an article in Politico – entitled "How Google Could Rig the 2016 Election" – and that did the trick. Google's head of search at the time, Amit Singhal, responded with his own article, calling Epstein a conspiracy theorist, stating that "there is absolutely no truth to Epstein's hypothesis that Google could work secretly to influence election outcomes" and that "Google has never ever re-ranked search results on any topic (including elections) to manipulate user sentiment."

Singhal's first claim is hard to believe, unless you dismiss our research, our replication, and the independent research built on our findings. Search engines do have the capacity to shift people's opinions, including who to vote for.

His second claim, that Google "never ever re-ranked search results," also doesn’t quite hold up: The EU recently fined the company US$2.7 billion for ranking its own services higher in search results than its competitors.

Defending democracy

Another one of the Judiciary Committee’s questions to Google also struck a chord with me: "How do you monitor the ability of foreign entities to influence and interfere with U.S. elections?"

This question struck me because I've been developing systems for exactly this purpose – preserving search rankings and analysing them for systematic differences – for several years. In the course of this work, however, I've come to believe that freeing the democratic process from technologically enabled influences is virtually impossible without the cooperation of modern tech giants.

Facebook is now offering to collaborate with academic researchers who can measure and perhaps lessen or prevent undue influence on elections, and Twitter is doing something similar. Related efforts are also bringing transparency to other platforms like YouTube and Reddit. When will Google get on board?

At an upcoming conference, I will present the latest system I've been designing with Christo Wilson, a leading scientist in the field of algorithm auditing, for monitoring search rankings for partisan bias. With a little assistance from Google, no more than Facebook is offering, accurately monitoring or preventing search engine influence in the 2018 elections is actually a feasible goal. Without the company's help, things look bleak.

Although Google is an advertising business, its core is composed of creative and intelligent individuals who care deeply about the impact their work has on the world. This is evidenced by the recent letter signed by more than 3,100 Google employees protesting the use of their work in warfare technology. Nearly a dozen Google workers went so far as to resign in protest.

Perhaps the day is fast approaching when Google will step up, as Facebook, Twitter and Reddit have, to help defend democracy from the new world of computational propaganda. Perhaps there is already a letter circulating internally and gathering signatures. With state and federal primary elections already underway, let's hope so.

*Ronald Robertson is a Ph.D. Student in Network Science, Northeastern University

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-will-google-defend-democracy-96838">article</a>.)

As the 2018 midterm elections approach in the U.S., Google's power to influence undecided voters remains overshadowed by Facebook's personal data crisis

By: Ronald Robertson* As the 2018 midterm elections approach in the U.S., Google's power to influence undecided voters remains overshadowed by Facebook's personal data crisis. Facebook has "taken it on the chin" for its role in the 2016 presidential election, and organisations like the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica and the Russian troll farm known as the Internet Research Agency have dominated headlines. Yet, despite having a troubling history and collecting more personal data through more products than Facebook, Google has somehow managed to evade the public spotlight on this one. That may be changing. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee recently sent Google a letter asking a series of questions about the company’s personal data protection. As one of the researchers who helped discover that search engines can substantially influence users' voting preferences, I found the last question to be the most intriguing: "Are you aware of any foreign entities seeking to influence or interfere with U.S. elections through your platforms?" If Google’s response to this question exists, it has not been made public. Search engine influence Since 2013, I've been involved in the design and execution of a long series of experiments that have demonstrated how search engines can influence undecided voters' candidate choices through nearly undetectable manipulations to search rankings. We labeled this powerful new form of influence the search engine manipulation effect. The way these effect works is simple: Favoritism for a particular candidate in election-related search rankings leads to people preferring that candidate. For example, a search related to an upcoming election might return results favoring candidate A higher than results favoring candidate B. That's called partisan ranking bias. Since people tend to click on and trust highly ranked results, more people will then trust and consume the information supporting candidate A. In turn, that consumption increases their preference for candidate A. The most important aspect of this effect, however, is that most people can't detect the partisan ranking bias – and it's virtually impossible to defend yourself from influences you can't perceive. Fortunately, in three follow-up experiments, involving 3,600 participants, we demonstrated that alerting people to partisan ranking bias can help suppress the effect – though only laws or regulations actually preventing partisan ranking could eliminate the effect entirely. Why focus on Google? Google handles more than 60 percent of internet search activity in the U.S., and nearly 90 percent worldwide. Every year, this translates to trillions of queries related to people's private thoughts, concerns and questions. With respect to news, search engines are a bigger source than social media. Although an often cited 2016 Pew study found that a majority, 62 percent, of U.S. adults got news on social media, the devil is in the details. If you unpack that statistic, you'll find that 18 percent do so "hardly ever." Added to the 38 percent of Americans who "never" got news on social media, the same study suggests that social media is a negligible source of news for 56 percent of Americans, also a majority. Think about it: When you need to fact-check something or learn more about a topic, what do you do? You Google it. This fact is supported by a recent international survey that found that 74 percent of participants reported using search engines to fact-check information they found on social media. The same survey found that 68 percent reported that the information they found while searching was "important to influencing their decisions about voting." What does Google think? Google’s executives rarely make public responses to critiques of its search system. But in 2015, my colleague Robert Epstein published an article in Politico – entitled "How Google Could Rig the 2016 Election" – and that did the trick. Google's head of search at the time, Amit Singhal, responded with his own article, calling Epstein a conspiracy theorist, stating that "there is absolutely no truth to Epstein's hypothesis that Google could work secretly to influence election outcomes" and that "Google has never ever re-ranked search results on any topic (including elections) to manipulate user sentiment." Singhal's first claim is hard to believe, unless you dismiss our research, our replication, and the independent research built on our findings. Search engines do have the capacity to shift people's opinions, including who to vote for. His second claim, that Google "never ever re-ranked search results," also doesn’t quite hold up: The EU recently fined the company US$2.7 billion for ranking its own services higher in search results than its competitors. Defending democracy Another one of the Judiciary Committee’s questions to Google also struck a chord with me: "How do you monitor the ability of foreign entities to influence and interfere with U.S. elections?" This question struck me because I've been developing systems for exactly this purpose – preserving search rankings and analysing them for systematic differences – for several years. In the course of this work, however, I've come to believe that freeing the democratic process from technologically enabled influences is virtually impossible without the cooperation of modern tech giants. Facebook is now offering to collaborate with academic researchers who can measure and perhaps lessen or prevent undue influence on elections, and Twitter is doing something similar. Related efforts are also bringing transparency to other platforms like YouTube and Reddit. When will Google get on board? At an upcoming conference, I will present the latest system I've been designing with Christo Wilson, a leading scientist in the field of algorithm auditing, for monitoring search rankings for partisan bias. With a little assistance from Google, no more than Facebook is offering, accurately monitoring or preventing search engine influence in the 2018 elections is actually a feasible goal. Without the company's help, things look bleak. Although Google is an advertising business, its core is composed of creative and intelligent individuals who care deeply about the impact their work has on the world. This is evidenced by the recent letter signed by more than 3,100 Google employees protesting the use of their work in warfare technology. Nearly a dozen Google workers went so far as to resign in protest. Perhaps the day is fast approaching when Google will step up, as Facebook, Twitter and Reddit have, to help defend democracy from the new world of computational propaganda. Perhaps there is already a letter circulating internally and gathering signatures. With state and federal primary elections already underway, let's hope so. *Ronald Robertson is a Ph.D. Student in Network Science, Northeastern University (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.)

Opinion: When will Google defend democracy?

Alphabet Inc's Google will not renew a contract to help the US military analyse aerial drone imagery when it expires in March, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday, as the company moves to defuse the internal uproar over the deal.

The defence program, called Project Maven, set off a revolt inside Google, as factions of employees opposed Google technology being used in warfare. The dissidents said it clashed with the company`s stated principle of doing no harm and cited risks around using a nascent artificial intelligence technology in lethal situations.

Google plans to honour what is left of its contract on Project Maven, the person said. More than 4,600 employees signed a petition calling for Google to cancel the deal, with at least 13 employees resigning in recent weeks in protest at Google`s involvement, according to a second person familiar with the deal.

Through Project Maven, Google provides artificial intelligence technology to the Pentagon to help humans detect and identify targets captured by drone images. Company executives have defended the contract, saying its cloud computing and data analysis tools were being used for non-offensive tasks and would help save lives.

Tech publication Gizmodo first reported that Google Cloud Chief Executive Diane Greene told employees on Friday Google`s role in the program would end.

A source confirmed that, but Google declined to comment.

"I am incredibly happy about this decision and have a deep respect for the many people who worked and risked to make it happen. Google should not be in the business of war," Meredith Whittaker, a research scientist affiliated with Google and New York University, wrote on Twitter.

More than 700 Google employees had joined an online group inside the company called Maven Conscientious Objectors, using it to vent their concerns about the project and discuss ways of protesting against it.

Some employees planned to hold a public rally in San Francisco in July, coinciding with a Google conference, according to one source. Company officials have told employees in recent months that the deal was seen as a gateway to further, more lucrative government work, the source said.

As Google ventures into new territory, a group of nine people are working on a set of ethical guidelines for any future military contracts. The guidelines will be released, "very, very soon," Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in a recording of a staff meeting last week reviewed by Reuters.

Maven had an initial budget of $70 million. Google has told employees it was getting less than $10 million for its work on the program, according to one source who requested anonymity because the information has not been made public.

Selling cloud computing services, including the object detection tool being used with drone footage, is one of the top areas Google is counting on to diversify revenue. But Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp have won far more cloud business.

Google in August 2017 hosted defence executives to demonstrate its artificial intelligence capabilities, according to a document shared with Google employees and seen by Reuters.

An internal email sent in October 2017 entitled "MAVEN Kickoff Meeting Notes" quoted Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan as saying during a meeting with Google in Mountain View, California, that he wanted "a built-in AI capability" in all future Department of Defense systems deployed in the field.

The email was shared with the Maven Conscientious Objectors and Reuters viewed it on the group`s online forum.

Google declined to comment on internal documents and messages seen by Reuters.

Project Maven includes several subcontractors. Pentagon spokeswoman Major Audricia Harris said in an email to Reuters on Friday that the Pentagon values "all of our relationships with academic institutions and commercial companies involved with Project Maven."

The primary contractor on the project, ECS Federal, did not respond to a request to comment.

As Google ventures into new territory, a group of nine people are working on a set of ethical guidelines for any future military contracts.

Alphabet Inc's Google will not renew a contract to help the US military analyse aerial drone imagery when it expires in March, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday, as the company moves to defuse the internal uproar over the deal. The defence program, called Project Maven, set off a revolt inside Google, as factions of employees opposed Google technology being used in warfare. The dissidents said it clashed with the company`s stated principle of doing no harm and cited risks around using a nascent artificial intelligence technology in lethal situations. Google plans to honour what is left of its contract on Project Maven, the person said. More than 4,600 employees signed a petition calling for Google to cancel the deal, with at least 13 employees resigning in recent weeks in protest at Google`s involvement, according to a second person familiar with the deal. Through Project Maven, Google provides artificial intelligence technology to the Pentagon to help humans detect and identify targets captured by drone images. Company executives have defended the contract, saying its cloud computing and data analysis tools were being used for non-offensive tasks and would help save lives. Tech publication Gizmodo first reported that Google Cloud Chief Executive Diane Greene told employees on Friday Google`s role in the program would end. A source confirmed that, but Google declined to comment. "I am incredibly happy about this decision and have a deep respect for the many people who worked and risked to make it happen. Google should not be in the business of war," Meredith Whittaker, a research scientist affiliated with Google and New York University, wrote on Twitter. More than 700 Google employees had joined an online group inside the company called Maven Conscientious Objectors, using it to vent their concerns about the project and discuss ways of protesting against it. Some employees planned to hold a public rally in San Francisco in July, coinciding with a Google conference, according to one source. Company officials have told employees in recent months that the deal was seen as a gateway to further, more lucrative government work, the source said. As Google ventures into new territory, a group of nine people are working on a set of ethical guidelines for any future military contracts. The guidelines will be released, "very, very soon," Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in a recording of a staff meeting last week reviewed by Reuters. Maven had an initial budget of $70 million. Google has told employees it was getting less than $10 million for its work on the program, according to one source who requested anonymity because the information has not been made public. Selling cloud computing services, including the object detection tool being used with drone footage, is one of the top areas Google is counting on to diversify revenue. But Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp have won far more cloud business. Google in August 2017 hosted defence executives to demonstrate its artificial intelligence capabilities, according to a document shared with Google employees and seen by Reuters. An internal email sent in October 2017 entitled "MAVEN Kickoff Meeting Notes" quoted Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan as saying during a meeting with Google in Mountain View, California, that he wanted "a built-in AI capability" in all future Department of Defense systems deployed in the field. The email was shared with the Maven Conscientious Objectors and Reuters viewed it on the group`s online forum. Google declined to comment on internal documents and messages seen by Reuters. Project Maven includes several subcontractors. Pentagon spokeswoman Major Audricia Harris said in an email to Reuters on Friday that the Pentagon values "all of our relationships with academic institutions and commercial companies involved with Project Maven." The primary contractor on the project, ECS Federal, did not respond to a request to comment.

After employee backlash, Google says no to Pentagon work

Google workers have got word that the internet titan will retreat from a deal to help the US military use artificial intelligence to analyze drone video following an outcry from staff, according to reports. The collaboration with the US Department of Defense was said to have sparked rebellion inside the California-based company. An internal petition calling for Google to stay out of "the business of war" garnered thousands of signatures, and some workers reportedly quit to protest a collaboration with the military.

The New York Times and tech news website Gizmodo cited unnamed sources as saying that a Google's cloud team executive announced told employees on Friday that the company would not seek to renew the controversial contract after it expires next year. The contract was reported to be worth less than $10 million to Google but was thought to have potential to lead to more lucrative technology collaborations with the military.

Google did not respond to a request for comment. Google has remained mum about Project Maven, which reportedly uses machine learning and engineering talent to distinguish people and objects in drone videos for the Defense Department. "We believe that Google should not be in the business of war," the employee petition reads, according to copies posted online. "Therefore, we ask that Project Maven be cancelled and that Google draft, publicize and enforce a clear policy stating that neither Google nor its contractors will ever build warfare technology."

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an internet rights group and the International Committee for Robot Arms Control (ICRAC) were among those who have weighed in with support.

"As military commanders come to see the object recognition algorithms as reliable, it will be tempting to attenuate or even remove human review and oversight for these systems," ICRAC said in an open letter.

"We are then just a short step away from authorizing autonomous drones to kill automatically, without human supervision or meaningful human control." Google has gone on the record saying that its work to improve machines' ability to recognize objects is not for offensive uses. 
The EFF and others stressed the need for moral and ethical frameworks regarding the use of artificial intelligence in weaponry.

"The use of AI in weapons systems is a crucially important topic and one that deserves an international public discussion and likely some international agreements to ensure global safety," the EFF said in a blog post on the topic.&nbsp

Google workers have got word that the internet titan will retreat from a deal to help the US military use artificial intelligence to analyze drone video following an outcry from staff, according to reports

Google workers have got word that the internet titan will retreat from a deal to help the US military use artificial intelligence to analyze drone video following an outcry from staff, according to reports. The collaboration with the US Department of Defense was said to have sparked rebellion inside the California-based company. An internal petition calling for Google to stay out of "the business of war" garnered thousands of signatures, and some workers reportedly quit to protest a collaboration with the military. The New York Times and tech news website Gizmodo cited unnamed sources as saying that a Google's cloud team executive announced told employees on Friday that the company would not seek to renew the controversial contract after it expires next year. The contract was reported to be worth less than $10 million to Google but was thought to have potential to lead to more lucrative technology collaborations with the military. Google did not respond to a request for comment. Google has remained mum about Project Maven, which reportedly uses machine learning and engineering talent to distinguish people and objects in drone videos for the Defense Department. "We believe that Google should not be in the business of war," the employee petition reads, according to copies posted online. "Therefore, we ask that Project Maven be cancelled and that Google draft, publicize and enforce a clear policy stating that neither Google nor its contractors will ever build warfare technology." The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an internet rights group and the International Committee for Robot Arms Control (ICRAC) were among those who have weighed in with support. "As military commanders come to see the object recognition algorithms as reliable, it will be tempting to attenuate or even remove human review and oversight for these systems," ICRAC said in an open letter. "We are then just a short step away from authorizing autonomous drones to kill automatically, without human supervision or meaningful human control." Google has gone on the record saying that its work to improve machines' ability to recognize objects is not for offensive uses. The EFF and others stressed the need for moral and ethical frameworks regarding the use of artificial intelligence in weaponry. "The use of AI in weapons systems is a crucially important topic and one that deserves an international public discussion and likely some international agreements to ensure global safety," the EFF said in a blog post on the topic.

Google retreating from military AI project: Reports

For its updated news application, Google is doubling down on the use of artificial intelligence as part of an effort to weed our disinformation and help users get viewpoints beyond their own "filter bubble."

Google chief Sundar Pichai, who unveiled the updated Google News earlier this month, said the app now "surfaces the news you care about from trusted sources while still giving you a full range of perspectives on events."

It marks Google's latest effort to be at the center of online news and includes a new push to help publishers get paid subscribers through the tech giant's platform.

According to product chief Trystan Upstill, the news app "uses the best of artificial intelligence to find the best of human intelligence -- the great reporting done by journalists around the globe."

While the app will enable users to get "personalized" news, it will also include top stories for all readers, aiming to break the so-called filter bubble of information designed to reinforce people's biases.

"Having a productive conversation or debate requires everyone to have access to the same information," Upstill said.

He said the "full coverage" feed would be the same for everyone -- "an unpersonalized view of events from a range of trusted news sources."

Some journalism industry veterans were skeptical about the effort to replace human editors with machine curators.

"There's been a fantasy of (algorithmic) personalized news for a log time," said New York University journalism professor Meredith Broussard.

"Nobody has ever gotten it right. I think that news designers and home page editors do a good job of curating already."

Google and Facebook have also been criticized for scooping up most online ad revenues and for enabling false information to spread.

Recently, News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson called for an "algorithm review board" that would "oversee these historically influential digital platforms and ensure that there is no algorithmic abuse or censorship."

- Changing news ecosystem - 
In the new app, Google's "newsstand" addresses some concerns by allowing users to sign up for subscriptions using their Google accounts, and will enable publishers to connect with readers directly.

Dan Kennedy, a Northeastern University journalism professor, said the revamped news app appears to be positive for the news ecosystem.

"For many years, Google refused to share ad revenues with news organizations on the grounds that Google was driving traffic to them, and that it was up to those organizations to figure out how to monetize that traffic," Kennedy said.

"Now, with more than 90 percent of all new digital ad revenues going to Google and Facebook, Google is finally acknowledging that it's time to try something else."

Nicholas Diakopoulos, a Northwestern University professor specializing in computational and data journalism, said the impact of Google's changes remain to be seen.

Diakopoulos said algorithmic and personalized news can be positive for "engagement" but may only benefit a handful of news organizations.

His research found that "Google concentrates its attention on a relatively small number of publishers, it's quite concentrated."

Google's effort to identify and prioritize "trusted" news sources may also be problematic, according to Diakopoulos.

"Maybe it's good for the big guys, or the (publishers) who have figured out how to game the algorithm," he said. "But what about the local news sites, what about the new news sites that don't have a long track record?"

Diakopoulos said that while AI can offer some advantages in news curation, "you still need people involved in many different ways. you need to reflect human values, editorial values... you can't quantify every aspect that might be important to an editorial decision."

The growing importance of the platforms raise the questions of whether Google and Facebook are "media" companies and not simply technology firms, a moniker both have resisted.

Diakopoulos said Google "is becoming more and more like a media company," although that is sometimes difficult to define.

"Yahoo started as a tech company and became a media company, and maybe Google is headed in that direction," he said.

According to product chief Trystan Upstill, the news app 'uses the best of artificial intelligence to find the best of human intelligence — the great reporting done by journalists around the globe'

For its updated news application, Google is doubling down on the use of artificial intelligence as part of an effort to weed our disinformation and help users get viewpoints beyond their own "filter bubble." Google chief Sundar Pichai, who unveiled the updated Google News earlier this month, said the app now "surfaces the news you care about from trusted sources while still giving you a full range of perspectives on events." It marks Google's latest effort to be at the center of online news and includes a new push to help publishers get paid subscribers through the tech giant's platform. According to product chief Trystan Upstill, the news app "uses the best of artificial intelligence to find the best of human intelligence -- the great reporting done by journalists around the globe." While the app will enable users to get "personalized" news, it will also include top stories for all readers, aiming to break the so-called filter bubble of information designed to reinforce people's biases. "Having a productive conversation or debate requires everyone to have access to the same information," Upstill said. He said the "full coverage" feed would be the same for everyone -- "an unpersonalized view of events from a range of trusted news sources." Some journalism industry veterans were skeptical about the effort to replace human editors with machine curators. "There's been a fantasy of (algorithmic) personalized news for a log time," said New York University journalism professor Meredith Broussard. "Nobody has ever gotten it right. I think that news designers and home page editors do a good job of curating already." Google and Facebook have also been criticized for scooping up most online ad revenues and for enabling false information to spread. Recently, News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson called for an "algorithm review board" that would "oversee these historically influential digital platforms and ensure that there is no algorithmic abuse or censorship." - Changing news ecosystem - In the new app, Google's "newsstand" addresses some concerns by allowing users to sign up for subscriptions using their Google accounts, and will enable publishers to connect with readers directly. Dan Kennedy, a Northeastern University journalism professor, said the revamped news app appears to be positive for the news ecosystem. "For many years, Google refused to share ad revenues with news organizations on the grounds that Google was driving traffic to them, and that it was up to those organizations to figure out how to monetize that traffic," Kennedy said. "Now, with more than 90 percent of all new digital ad revenues going to Google and Facebook, Google is finally acknowledging that it's time to try something else." Nicholas Diakopoulos, a Northwestern University professor specializing in computational and data journalism, said the impact of Google's changes remain to be seen. Diakopoulos said algorithmic and personalized news can be positive for "engagement" but may only benefit a handful of news organizations. His research found that "Google concentrates its attention on a relatively small number of publishers, it's quite concentrated." Google's effort to identify and prioritize "trusted" news sources may also be problematic, according to Diakopoulos. "Maybe it's good for the big guys, or the (publishers) who have figured out how to game the algorithm," he said. "But what about the local news sites, what about the new news sites that don't have a long track record?" Diakopoulos said that while AI can offer some advantages in news curation, "you still need people involved in many different ways. you need to reflect human values, editorial values... you can't quantify every aspect that might be important to an editorial decision." The growing importance of the platforms raise the questions of whether Google and Facebook are "media" companies and not simply technology firms, a moniker both have resisted. Diakopoulos said Google "is becoming more and more like a media company," although that is sometimes difficult to define. "Yahoo started as a tech company and became a media company, and maybe Google is headed in that direction," he said.

To filter out fake news, Google's news app is using AI

Google's Artificial Intelligence programme for the Pentagon has met with severe opposition from its employees. Nearly 4000 Google employees have signed a petition to roll back the project more than dozens have already quit.

Google's ambitious AI programme, Project Maven, aims to work with the US military and facilitate easy and faster analysis of footage captured by military drones.

Through machine learning, Google's AI assistance would help the military distinguish people, object and spot targets easily. However, employees at Google have questioned the project on ethical grounds.&nbsp;

The internal petition, that seeks Google to rollback the project, involves nearly 4000 employees who want Google to stay out of the "business of war". Some petitioners have called for a treaty against autonomous weapons systems.&nbsp;

Google, for now, continues with the project explaining that the technology used in Maven is open source and that the US military can access it with or without Google's direct involvement.

Time and again, Google has maintained that it will not apply AI for combat operations.&nbsp;

Time and again, Google has maintained that it will not apply AI for combat operations

Google's Artificial Intelligence programme for the Pentagon has met with severe opposition from its employees. Nearly 4000 Google employees have signed a petition to roll back the project more than dozens have already quit. Google's ambitious AI programme, Project Maven, aims to work with the US military and facilitate easy and faster analysis of footage captured by military drones. Through machine learning, Google's AI assistance would help the military distinguish people, object and spot targets easily. However, employees at Google have questioned the project on ethical grounds. The internal petition, that seeks Google to rollback the project, involves nearly 4000 employees who want Google to stay out of the "business of war". Some petitioners have called for a treaty against autonomous weapons systems. Google, for now, continues with the project explaining that the technology used in Maven is open source and that the US military can access it with or without Google's direct involvement. Time and again, Google has maintained that it will not apply AI for combat operations.

Watch: Row over Google's US military AI project 'Maven', several employees quit

Google is under investigation in Australia following claims that it collects data from millions of Android smartphones users, who unwittingly pay their telecom service providers for gigabytes consumed during the harvesting, regulators said on Tuesday.

Responding to the latest privacy concerns surrounding Google, a spokesman for the US-based search engine operator said the company has users' permission to collect data.

The Australian investigations stem from allegations made by Oracle Corp in a report provided as part of an Australian review into the impact that Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, and Facebook have on the advertising market.

Both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the country's Privacy Commissioner said they were reviewing the report's findings.

"The ACCC met with Oracle and is considering information it has provided about Google services," said Geesche Jacobsen, a spokeswoman for the competition regulator.

"We are exploring how much consumers know about the use of location data and are working closely with the Privacy Commissioner."

Oracle, according to The Australian newspaper, said Alphabet receives detailed information about people's internet searches and user locations if they have a phone that carries Android - the mobile operating system developed by Google.

Transferring that information to Google means using up gigabytes of data that consumers have paid for under data packages purchased from local telecom service providers, according to the Oracle report.

Reuters was unable to immediately verify the content of the Oracle report.

Data privacy advocates said many consumers are unlikely to understand what they agreed to when signing up to use a smartphone.

Industry analysts estimate there are more than 10 million Android users in Australia.

"Some mobile plans may only include a few gigabytes of data so if Google is harvesting a gigabyte of data, it is a very real cost to consumers," said David Vaile, chairman of the industry group, the Australian Privacy Foundation.

Australian telecommunications companies said they were seeking confirmation from Google on the allegations.

"We are aware of the reports in the media and we have asked Google to advise whether they are accurate," a spokesman for Australia's biggest telecom company Telsta said.

The investigations will raise more questions about the way big technology companies collect and use people's data online.

Earlier this year, social media giant Facebook Inc apologised after web marketing firm Cambridge Analytica was accused of obtaining users' data without permission for the 2016 election campaign of United States President Donald Trump.

Oracle has its own long-running dispute with Google.

The US-based software company is seeking royalties for Google's use of some of the Java language, while Google argues it should be able to use Java without paying a fee.

Responding to the latest privacy concerns surrounding Google, a spokesman for the US-based search engine operator said the company has users' permission to collect dat

Google is under investigation in Australia following claims that it collects data from millions of Android smartphones users, who unwittingly pay their telecom service providers for gigabytes consumed during the harvesting, regulators said on Tuesday. Responding to the latest privacy concerns surrounding Google, a spokesman for the US-based search engine operator said the company has users' permission to collect data. The Australian investigations stem from allegations made by Oracle Corp in a report provided as part of an Australian review into the impact that Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, and Facebook have on the advertising market. Both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the country's Privacy Commissioner said they were reviewing the report's findings. "The ACCC met with Oracle and is considering information it has provided about Google services," said Geesche Jacobsen, a spokeswoman for the competition regulator. "We are exploring how much consumers know about the use of location data and are working closely with the Privacy Commissioner." Oracle, according to The Australian newspaper, said Alphabet receives detailed information about people's internet searches and user locations if they have a phone that carries Android - the mobile operating system developed by Google. Transferring that information to Google means using up gigabytes of data that consumers have paid for under data packages purchased from local telecom service providers, according to the Oracle report. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the content of the Oracle report. Data privacy advocates said many consumers are unlikely to understand what they agreed to when signing up to use a smartphone. Industry analysts estimate there are more than 10 million Android users in Australia. "Some mobile plans may only include a few gigabytes of data so if Google is harvesting a gigabyte of data, it is a very real cost to consumers," said David Vaile, chairman of the industry group, the Australian Privacy Foundation. Australian telecommunications companies said they were seeking confirmation from Google on the allegations. "We are aware of the reports in the media and we have asked Google to advise whether they are accurate," a spokesman for Australia's biggest telecom company Telsta said. The investigations will raise more questions about the way big technology companies collect and use people's data online. Earlier this year, social media giant Facebook Inc apologised after web marketing firm Cambridge Analytica was accused of obtaining users' data without permission for the 2016 election campaign of United States President Donald Trump. Oracle has its own long-running dispute with Google. The US-based software company is seeking royalties for Google's use of some of the Java language, while Google argues it should be able to use Java without paying a fee.

Australia probes claim Google harvests data, consumers pay

In a setback to Google India, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has upheld a tax demand on the search engine's remittances of advertisement revenue to Google Ireland Ltd.

The Bangalore bench of ITAT, in a 331-page order, upheld the tax department's contention that such payments are royalty and therefore subject to withholding tax.

Google India said it will challenge the ruling in the High Court.

The company had filed an appeal in the ITAT against "characterization of the payment made by it to Google Ireland Ltd in respect of the purchase of advertisement space for resale to the advertisers in India under the Google AdWords programme distribution agreements".

For the assessment year 2012-13, the tax department had found Rs 1,114.91 crore to have been credited to Google Ireland Ltd (GIL) without deduction of tax at source. And so, it issued a tax demand of Rs 258.84 crore.

In its submissions, Google India Ltd said it was a mere non-exclusive distributor/reseller of AdWords programme to the advertisers in the country. Distribution fee payable to GIL on the distribution of AdWords in India was not in relation to any 'transfer of any right' or 'right to use' any patent/invention and so cannot be taxed as royalty.

ITAT, however, said Google India had "access to patent, technical know-how, IPRs, trademark, the process, derivative works, brand features, etc., of the GIL".

"Therefore the payments of advertisement fees made by the assessee (Google India) after retaining a particular part of it to GIL is not the payment simpliciter towards the purchase of AdWord space which may be treated as business profit in the hands of the recipient but it is a payment of royalty," it ruled.

It went on to rule that the payment made by Google India to GIL is a payment of royalty and is an income deemed to accrue or arise in India.

A Google spokesperson said: "We comply with all tax laws in India and pay all applicable taxes. We will file an appeal in the High Court as this ruling is an inaccurate representation of our business operations in India. The order is also a clear departure from previous judgments on the issues and is not in line with India's double taxation avoidance agreement."

The ITAT held that payments aggregating to Rs 1,457 crore made by Google India to Google Ireland between 2007-08 and 2012-13 are taxable as royalty.&nbsp

The Bangalore bench of ITAT, in a 331-page order, upheld the tax department's contention that such payments are royalty and therefore subject to withholding tax

In a setback to Google India, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has upheld a tax demand on the search engine's remittances of advertisement revenue to Google Ireland Ltd. The Bangalore bench of ITAT, in a 331-page order, upheld the tax department's contention that such payments are royalty and therefore subject to withholding tax. Google India said it will challenge the ruling in the High Court. The company had filed an appeal in the ITAT against "characterization of the payment made by it to Google Ireland Ltd in respect of the purchase of advertisement space for resale to the advertisers in India under the Google AdWords programme distribution agreements". For the assessment year 2012-13, the tax department had found Rs 1,114.91 crore to have been credited to Google Ireland Ltd (GIL) without deduction of tax at source. And so, it issued a tax demand of Rs 258.84 crore. In its submissions, Google India Ltd said it was a mere non-exclusive distributor/reseller of AdWords programme to the advertisers in the country. Distribution fee payable to GIL on the distribution of AdWords in India was not in relation to any 'transfer of any right' or 'right to use' any patent/invention and so cannot be taxed as royalty. ITAT, however, said Google India had "access to patent, technical know-how, IPRs, trademark, the process, derivative works, brand features, etc., of the GIL". "Therefore the payments of advertisement fees made by the assessee (Google India) after retaining a particular part of it to GIL is not the payment simpliciter towards the purchase of AdWord space which may be treated as business profit in the hands of the recipient but it is a payment of royalty," it ruled. It went on to rule that the payment made by Google India to GIL is a payment of royalty and is an income deemed to accrue or arise in India. A Google spokesperson said: "We comply with all tax laws in India and pay all applicable taxes. We will file an appeal in the High Court as this ruling is an inaccurate representation of our business operations in India. The order is also a clear departure from previous judgments on the issues and is not in line with India's double taxation avoidance agreement." The ITAT held that payments aggregating to Rs 1,457 crore made by Google India to Google Ireland between 2007-08 and 2012-13 are taxable as royalty.

ITAT says Google India should pay tax on advt revenue sent to parent

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