2024 was a year of highs and lows. From global sporting events to pressing social issues, here's a look at what captivated the world's attention.

Google Top Trending Searches Of 2024

Google new quantum chip can revolutionise computers as we know it. Find out more about this chip in this report.

Google Willow Chip: The Future Of Computing

The 2024 search trends spotlighted sports events like Copa America and ICC Men’s T20, political moments like US Election. Watch Google's top global searches of 2024 in this report.

Google's Top Global Searches of 2024

Google unveiled a new quantum computer, which marks a turning point in the evolution of information technology. Watch this report for more details!

Google Unveils Revolutionary Quantum Computing Chip

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google, alleging that the tech giant engaged in anti-competitive behaviour in the online advertising sector.

The application filed by the Bureau before the Competition Tribunal is seeking a court order compelling Google to divest two of its key ad technology tools. The watchdog is also seeking a penalty to ensure Google complies with Canada's competition laws.

Google responded to this claim, saying that the suit "overlooks the incredibly competitive nature of the ad-buying market, with a large number of willing buyers and sellers."

According to Google, "our ad tech tools help websites and apps pay for their content, and help businesses of all sizes connect with new customers." Google VP of Global Ads Dan Taylor said in response to the complaint that he and the company look forward to the opportunity to explain its position in court.

The Competition Bureau initiated investigations into Google in 2020. The agency of competition probed whether or not the company had ever indulged in anti-competitive practices in the advertisement business line online.

The research expanded early this year as it went beyond Google's merely search business to its advertisement technology services. The agency stated that Google has controlled the majority share of the nation's ad tech market with the aid of its allegedly anticompetitive methods, said the Bureau.

This lawsuit comes in tandem with similar antitrust initiatives launched by the US Department of Justice that alleged Google is monopolising the market for publisher ad servers and advertiser ad networks.

Google defended its activities and said the US case was selective as it focused only on one portion of the online advertisement business while ignoring competition in other sectors.

It said the decisions made for its business are legitimate, and that there is competition in the marketplace.

Reuters earlier this year reported Google trying to end an antitrust investigation in the European Union by offering to sell an ad exchange platform. It said European publishers rejected this offer as insufficient to remedy the issues raised by a competition probe.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google, alleging that the tech giant engaged in anti-competitive behaviour in the online advertising sector.

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google, alleging that the tech giant engaged in anti-competitive behaviour in the online advertising sector. The application filed by the Bureau before the Competition Tribunal is seeking a court order compelling Google to divest two of its key ad technology tools. The watchdog is also seeking a penalty to ensure Google complies with Canada's competition laws. Google responded to this claim, saying that the suit "overlooks the incredibly competitive nature of the ad-buying market, with a large number of willing buyers and sellers." According to Google, "our ad tech tools help websites and apps pay for their content, and help businesses of all sizes connect with new customers." Google VP of Global Ads Dan Taylor said in response to the complaint that he and the company look forward to the opportunity to explain its position in court. The Competition Bureau initiated investigations into Google in 2020. The agency of competition probed whether or not the company had ever indulged in anti-competitive practices in the advertisement business line online. The research expanded early this year as it went beyond Google's merely search business to its advertisement technology services. The agency stated that Google has controlled the majority share of the nation's ad tech market with the aid of its allegedly anticompetitive methods, said the Bureau. This lawsuit comes in tandem with similar antitrust initiatives launched by the US Department of Justice that alleged Google is monopolising the market for publisher ad servers and advertiser ad networks. Google defended its activities and said the US case was selective as it focused only on one portion of the online advertisement business while ignoring competition in other sectors. It said the decisions made for its business are legitimate, and that there is competition in the marketplace. Reuters earlier this year reported Google trying to end an antitrust investigation in the European Union by offering to sell an ad exchange platform. It said European publishers rejected this offer as insufficient to remedy the issues raised by a competition probe. (With inputs from Reuters)

Canada sues Google over alleged anti-competitive practices in ads

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially planned to ask a judge to force Google to sell the world's most popular web browser, Chrome, to take down the monopoly.&nbsp;

Last month, the US justice department filed court papers, saying it was considering enforcing “structural remedies” to prevent Google from using some of its products.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the DOJ will propose the measure to a judge on Wednesday (Nov 20).&nbsp;

In August, Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google operates an online search monopoly and has been considering what penalties he could impose.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-hit-with-rs-26172-crore-fine-after-15-year-legal-battle-with-uk-couple-771607">Also read:&nbsp;Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple</a>

Furthermore, Google will also be asked to establish new measures around its artificial intelligence, Android operating system, and use of data.

<h2>'Pushing radical agenda'</h2>

In response to the plans, Google criticised the DOJ’s move. "The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case," said Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland in a statement.

"The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed,” Mulholland added.

Google's Chrome is the most used browser worldwide, with its web traffic tracker Similarweb placing its global market share at 64.61 per cent last month (October).

Watch |&nbsp;Russia Fines Google $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,0

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In a ruling in August, Judge Mehta said that the default search engine was "extremely valuable real estate" for Google.

"Even if a new entrant were positioned from a quality standpoint to bid for the default when an agreement expires, such a firm could compete only if it were prepared to pay partners upwards of billions of dollars in revenue share," he added.

Last month, the DOJ also stated that it would be considering seeking a break-up of Google.

Potential remedies "that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play [its app store], and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products" were among its considerations, the DOJ had said at the time.

Moreover, in October, it also said that Google's conduct had resulted in "pernicious harms" to users and that the importance of restoring competition to a market that was "indispensable" could not be overstated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially planned to ask a judge to force Google to sell the world's most popular web browser, Chrome, to take down the monopoly.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially planned to ask a judge to force Google to sell the world's most popular web browser, Chrome, to take down the monopoly. Last month, the US justice department filed court papers, saying it was considering enforcing “structural remedies” to prevent Google from using some of its products. According to a report by Bloomberg, the DOJ will propose the measure to a judge on Wednesday (Nov 20). In August, Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google operates an online search monopoly and has been considering what penalties he could impose. Also read: Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple Furthermore, Google will also be asked to establish new measures around its artificial intelligence, Android operating system, and use of data. 'Pushing radical agenda' In response to the plans, Google criticised the DOJ’s move. "The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case," said Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland in a statement. "The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed,” Mulholland added. Google's Chrome is the most used browser worldwide, with its web traffic tracker Similarweb placing its global market share at 64.61 per cent last month (October). Watch | Russia Fines Google $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,0 × In a ruling in August, Judge Mehta said that the default search engine was "extremely valuable real estate" for Google. "Even if a new entrant were positioned from a quality standpoint to bid for the default when an agreement expires, such a firm could compete only if it were prepared to pay partners upwards of billions of dollars in revenue share," he added. Last month, the DOJ also stated that it would be considering seeking a break-up of Google. Potential remedies "that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play [its app store], and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products" were among its considerations, the DOJ had said at the time. Moreover, in October, it also said that Google's conduct had resulted in "pernicious harms" to users and that the importance of restoring competition to a market that was "indispensable" could not be overstated. (With inputs from agencies)

Will Google agree to sell its Chrome browser as US govt raises monopoly concerns?

Shares of Nvidia rallied to a record high on Thursday, making the chipmaker the first company in history to surpass a stock market value of $3.6 trillion as Wall Street extended a rally sparked by Donald Trump's return to the White House, as detailed in a report by Reuters.

The dominant AI chipmaker's shares rose 2.2 per cent, lifted by broad investor optimism about tax cuts and lower regulations after the Republican candidate Donald Trump clinched election victory on Tuesday.

First company in history to surpass a stock market value of $3.6 trillion<o:p></o:p>

Nvidia's stock market value ended the day at $3.65 trillion, beating Apple's record closing market capitalization of $3.57 trillion reached on October 21, before the chipmaker on Tuesday overtook the iPhone maker as the world's most valuable company, according to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) data, the Reuters report detailed further.

Apple's stock rose 2.1 per cent on Thursday, leaving it with a market value of $3.44 trillion. The S&amp;P 500 technology index has surged over 4 per cent in the two sessions since Trump won the election on Tuesday. 

Nvidia has been the biggest winner in AI computing capacity building<o:p></o:p>

Nvidia has been the US stock market's biggest winner from a race between Microsoft, Alphabet and other heavyweights to build out their AI computing capacity and dominate the emerging technology.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The Silicon Valley chip designer's stock has climbed 12 per cent in November, with its value tripling so far in 2024. Following this year's surge, Nvidia now exceeds the combined value of Eli Lilly, Walmart, JPMorgan, Visa, UnitedHealth Group and Netflix. 

Analysts on average see Nvidia increasing its quarterly revenue by over 80 per cent to $32.9 billion when it reports its results on November 20, according to London Stock Exchange Group data.

Tech trio’s market capitalization has been neck-and-neck<o:p></o:p>

In June, Nvidia briefly became the world's most valuable company before it was overtaken by Microsoft and Apple. The tech trio's market capitalizations have been neck-and-neck for several months. Microsoft's market value stood at nearly $3.16 trillion, with its stock up 1.25 per cent on November 7.

Shares of Nvidia rallied to a record high on Thursday, making the chipmaker the first company in history to surpass a stock market value of $3.6 trillion as Wall Street extended a rally sparked by Donald Trump's return to the White House, as detailed in a report by Reuters.

Shares of Nvidia rallied to a record high on Thursday, making the chipmaker the first company in history to surpass a stock market value of $3.6 trillion as Wall Street extended a rally sparked by Donald Trump's return to the White House, as detailed in a report by Reuters. The dominant AI chipmaker's shares rose 2.2 per cent, lifted by broad investor optimism about tax cuts and lower regulations after the Republican candidate Donald Trump clinched election victory on Tuesday. First company in history to surpass a stock market value of $3.6 trillion Nvidia's stock market value ended the day at $3.65 trillion, beating Apple's record closing market capitalization of $3.57 trillion reached on October 21, before the chipmaker on Tuesday overtook the iPhone maker as the world's most valuable company, according to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) data, the Reuters report detailed further. Apple's stock rose 2.1 per cent on Thursday, leaving it with a market value of $3.44 trillion. The S&P 500 technology index has surged over 4 per cent in the two sessions since Trump won the election on Tuesday. Nvidia has been the biggest winner in AI computing capacity building Nvidia has been the US stock market's biggest winner from a race between Microsoft, Alphabet and other heavyweights to build out their AI computing capacity and dominate the emerging technology. The Silicon Valley chip designer's stock has climbed 12 per cent in November, with its value tripling so far in 2024. Following this year's surge, Nvidia now exceeds the combined value of Eli Lilly, Walmart, JPMorgan, Visa, UnitedHealth Group and Netflix. Analysts on average see Nvidia increasing its quarterly revenue by over 80 per cent to $32.9 billion when it reports its results on November 20, according to London Stock Exchange Group data. Tech trio’s market capitalization has been neck-and-neck In June, Nvidia briefly became the world's most valuable company before it was overtaken by Microsoft and Apple. The tech trio's market capitalizations have been neck-and-neck for several months. Microsoft's market value stood at nearly $3.16 trillion, with its stock up 1.25 per cent on November 7.

Nvidia surpasses $3.6 trillion market value after Trump election victory

Russia has issued a fine against Google, demanding an astounding sum of money. The amount they are asking for is $20 decillion. That is 20 followed by 34 zeroes, which equates to approximately $20 billion trillion trillion. This sum is many times larger than the world's economy. Why is Russia seeking this penalty from one of the world's largest tech companies? Watch this video to find out.

Russia Fines Google $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,0

Days after blocking sales of Apple's I Phone 16 in the country Indonesia has now banned sales of Google pixel phones. Watch this report to know more.

Indonesia Bans Sales Of Google Pixel Phones

A Russian court has fined Google 2 decillion Russian rubles ($2.5 decillion) for refusing to reinstate more than a dozen pro-Kremlin accounts on Google’s subsidiary YouTube. Watch this report for more details!

Russian Court Imposes $2.5 Decillion Fine on Google, Surpassing Global GDP

Google Faces $2.5 Decillion Fine Over Media Restrictions

Do social media companies deliberately design their apps in a way that turns teens into addicts, warranting schools to invest resources on their mental health? And if yes, should schools be compensated for that?

A ruling by United States District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, has now opened Pandora’s box for tech giants like Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap. On Thursday (Oct 24), Rogers left the social media companies hanging in balance for damages in more than 150 cases brought by school districts.

While many of the claims against social media giants were shot down under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields the companies from lawsuits, Rogers allowed a toned-down version of the lawsuit to proceed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi79-fBx6mJAxXlr1YBHQFDEMwQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/you-phone-is-listening-to-your-conversations-firm-working-for-fb-google-confirms-755911" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/you-phone-is-listening-to-your-conversations-firm-working-for-fb-google-confirms-755911&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi79-fBx6mJAxXlr1YBHQFDEMwQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Your phone is listening to your conversations, firm working for FB, Google confirms</a>

Notably, just over a week ago, she allowed a lawsuit by dozens of state attorneys general accusing Meta of deliberately hooking kids on its platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Apart from cases by school districts, these companies also face hundreds of personal injury claims, backed by allegations that Instagram and Facebook addiction caused them mental suffering and emotional trauma.

<h2>Allegations</h2>

School districts claim Facebook and other social media companies have designed their algorithm to hook teens and students on screens for hours. Their features such as the ‘like button’, as per school authorities, are similar to products designed to be addictive by cigarette manufacturers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi79-fBx6mJAxXlr1YBHQFDEMwQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/work-with-us-cia-launches-hiring-drive-in-iran-n-korea-and-china-after-success-in-russia-764179" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/work-with-us-cia-launches-hiring-drive-in-iran-n-korea-and-china-after-success-in-russia-764179&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi79-fBx6mJAxXlr1YBHQFDEMwQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">‘Work with us,’ CIA launches hiring drives in Iran, North Korea and China after success in Russia</a>

While a similar case by shot down by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in favour of the companies on June 7, Rogers saw merit in the schools’ core legal theory: The internet companies “deliberately fostered compulsive use of their platforms which foreseeably caused” the schools to spend their resources on tackling the mental health crisis among students.

On the other hand, the companies deny any role in causing mental trauma to youngsters. They claim they have taken several steps in order to boost privacy for teens and keep them safe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Do social media companies deliberately design their apps in a way that turns teens into addicts, warranting schools to invest resources on their mental health? And if yes, should schools be compensated for that?

Do social media companies deliberately design their apps in a way that turns teens into addicts, warranting schools to invest resources on their mental health? And if yes, should schools be compensated for that? A ruling by United States District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, has now opened Pandora’s box for tech giants like Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap. On Thursday (Oct 24), Rogers left the social media companies hanging in balance for damages in more than 150 cases brought by school districts. While many of the claims against social media giants were shot down under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields the companies from lawsuits, Rogers allowed a toned-down version of the lawsuit to proceed. Also read: Your phone is listening to your conversations, firm working for FB, Google confirms Notably, just over a week ago, she allowed a lawsuit by dozens of state attorneys general accusing Meta of deliberately hooking kids on its platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Apart from cases by school districts, these companies also face hundreds of personal injury claims, backed by allegations that Instagram and Facebook addiction caused them mental suffering and emotional trauma. Allegations School districts claim Facebook and other social media companies have designed their algorithm to hook teens and students on screens for hours. Their features such as the ‘like button’, as per school authorities, are similar to products designed to be addictive by cigarette manufacturers. Also read: ‘Work with us,’ CIA launches hiring drives in Iran, North Korea and China after success in Russia While a similar case by shot down by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in favour of the companies on June 7, Rogers saw merit in the schools’ core legal theory: The internet companies “deliberately fostered compulsive use of their platforms which foreseeably caused” the schools to spend their resources on tackling the mental health crisis among students. On the other hand, the companies deny any role in causing mental trauma to youngsters. They claim they have taken several steps in order to boost privacy for teens and keep them safe. (With inputs from agencies)

US court okays lawsuits accusing Meta, Google of deploying addiction tactics on teens

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has made headlines with the launch of its upgraded AI translation tool, Marco MT, which it asserts is superior to offerings from tech giants like Google and ChatGPT. This announcement comes as Alibaba aims to bolster its international business, particularly in light of slowing growth in its domestic markets as detailed in a report by CNBC.<o:p></o:p>

The report further stated that, the&nbsp;new tool, powered by Alibaba's proprietary model Qwen, is designed to assist merchants in creating product pages tailored to their target markets. It supports 15 languages and incorporates advanced features that allow it to interpret contextual clues, including cultural nuances and industry-specific terminology.

According to Kaifu Zhang, vice president of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, the goal is to enhance the bottom line for merchants using Alibaba's platform. "If the merchants are doing well, the platform will be doing well," Zhang stated during a recent interview.<o:p></o:p>

Alibaba's focus on artificial intelligence has been a key strategy for the company as it seeks to expand its global footprint. The international arm of Alibaba has reported impressive growth figures, with a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in sales, reaching $4.03 billion in the quarter ending June. This growth is particularly significant against the backdrop of a more challenging environment for its China-focused businesses, such as Taobao and Tmall.<o:p></o:p>

The introduction of Marco MT is part of Alibaba's broader initiative to leverage AI technology for enhancing merchant capabilities. In September, the company also launched an AI-powered sourcing tool aimed at simplifying processes for American buyers. Despite geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, these advancements highlight Alibaba's commitment to innovation.<o:p></o:p>

The potential impact of Marco MT extends beyond mere translation; it represents a strategic move to empower merchants in a competitive global marketplace. By providing tools that can adapt to various languages and cultural contexts, Alibaba aims to facilitate smoother transactions and improve customer engagement for sellers on its platforms.<o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, Alibaba's efforts in AI are not limited to translation tools. The company has released over 100 open-source AI models under the Qwen 2.5 banner, covering diverse industries from automotive to gaming and scientific research. This commitment to open-source technology underscores Alibaba's ambition to lead in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.<o:p></o:p>

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Alibaba's latest offering positions it as a formidable player against established competitors like Google and ChatGPT. The success of Marco MT could redefine how businesses approach global commerce and communication, making it an exciting development for merchants worldwide.<o:p></o:p>

Hence, with its new AI translation tool, Alibaba is not only enhancing its service offerings but also setting a benchmark for innovation in the e-commerce sector. As merchants increasingly seek tools that can help them navigate international markets effectively, Alibaba's Marco MT may well become an essential asset in their digital toolkit.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has made headlines with the launch of its upgraded AI translation tool, Marco MT, which it asserts is superior to offerings from tech giants like Google and ChatGPT.

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has made headlines with the launch of its upgraded AI translation tool, Marco MT, which it asserts is superior to offerings from tech giants like Google and ChatGPT. This announcement comes as Alibaba aims to bolster its international business, particularly in light of slowing growth in its domestic markets as detailed in a report by CNBC. The report further stated that, the new tool, powered by Alibaba's proprietary model Qwen, is designed to assist merchants in creating product pages tailored to their target markets. It supports 15 languages and incorporates advanced features that allow it to interpret contextual clues, including cultural nuances and industry-specific terminology. According to Kaifu Zhang, vice president of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, the goal is to enhance the bottom line for merchants using Alibaba's platform. "If the merchants are doing well, the platform will be doing well," Zhang stated during a recent interview. Alibaba's focus on artificial intelligence has been a key strategy for the company as it seeks to expand its global footprint. The international arm of Alibaba has reported impressive growth figures, with a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in sales, reaching $4.03 billion in the quarter ending June. This growth is particularly significant against the backdrop of a more challenging environment for its China-focused businesses, such as Taobao and Tmall. The introduction of Marco MT is part of Alibaba's broader initiative to leverage AI technology for enhancing merchant capabilities. In September, the company also launched an AI-powered sourcing tool aimed at simplifying processes for American buyers. Despite geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, these advancements highlight Alibaba's commitment to innovation. The potential impact of Marco MT extends beyond mere translation; it represents a strategic move to empower merchants in a competitive global marketplace. By providing tools that can adapt to various languages and cultural contexts, Alibaba aims to facilitate smoother transactions and improve customer engagement for sellers on its platforms. Furthermore, Alibaba's efforts in AI are not limited to translation tools. The company has released over 100 open-source AI models under the Qwen 2.5 banner, covering diverse industries from automotive to gaming and scientific research. This commitment to open-source technology underscores Alibaba's ambition to lead in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Alibaba's latest offering positions it as a formidable player against established competitors like Google and ChatGPT. The success of Marco MT could redefine how businesses approach global commerce and communication, making it an exciting development for merchants worldwide. Hence, with its new AI translation tool, Alibaba is not only enhancing its service offerings but also setting a benchmark for innovation in the e-commerce sector. As merchants increasingly seek tools that can help them navigate international markets effectively, Alibaba's Marco MT may well become an essential asset in their digital toolkit.

Alibaba claims its new AI translation tool outperforms Google and ChatGPT

As the demand for data centre power continues to escalate, tech giant Google has announced a significant partnership with a nuclear energy firm. This collaboration aims to bolster the company's efforts in securing sustainable and reliable energy sources for its rapidly expanding data centre operations. Google said it will buy power from nuclear energy company Kairos Power as detailed in a report by CNBC. <o:p></o:p>

Technology companies are increasingly turning to nuclear energy to meet data centers’ growing power demands. Google said the first small modular reactor will come online by 2030.<o:p></o:p>

Rising energy demands drive strategic partnerships<o:p></o:p>

In recent years, the exponential growth of cloud computing and digital services has led to an unprecedented surge in energy consumption by data centres. Google’s latest initiative is a response to this trend, as the company seeks innovative solutions to manage its energy needs while maintaining its commitment to sustainability.<o:p></o:p>

The partnership with the nuclear energy company marks a pivotal moment in Google's strategy. By tapping into nuclear power, Google aims to enhance the reliability of its energy supply and reduce its carbon footprint. The tech giant has long been a proponent of renewable energy, but this new venture signifies a broader approach to sustainable power sources.<o:p></o:p>

Google's commitment to sustainability<o:p></o:p>

Google has made substantial strides in sustainability over the past decade, pledging to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2030. The collaboration with the nuclear firm aligns with this goal, as it diversifies the company's energy portfolio beyond traditional renewables like solar and wind.<o:p></o:p>

Nuclear energy is often viewed as a controversial choice due to safety concerns; however, advancements in technology have made modern nuclear facilities safer and more efficient than ever before. By integrating nuclear power into its energy mix, Google not only aims to ensure a consistent power supply but also supports the development of advanced nuclear technologies that promise lower emissions.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>Industry implications and future outlook<o:p></o:p>

This partnership could set a precedent for other tech companies grappling with similar challenges related to energy consumption. As businesses increasingly seek ways to balance growth with environmental responsibility, collaborations like this may become more common.<o:p></o:p>

“We believe that nuclear energy has a critical role to play in supporting our clean growth and helping to deliver on the progress of AI,” Michael Terrell, senior director for energy and climate at Google, said on a call with reporters. “The grid needs these kinds of clean, reliable sources of energy that can support the build out of these technologies. We feel like nuclear can play an important role in helping to meet our demand, and helping meet our demand cleanly, in a way that’s more around the clock.”<o:p></o:p>

The details of the financial deal were not disclosed by Google. Experts suggest that Google's move could inspire further investments in nuclear technology across various sectors. As the global push for clean energy intensifies, companies may look towards nuclear as a viable option for meeting their energy needs sustainably.<o:p></o:p>

Hence, Google's agreement with the nuclear energy company reflects a proactive approach to addressing the growing power demands of its data centres while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. As the tech industry evolves, such partnerships may play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy consumption and environmental protection.<o:p></o:p>

As the demand for data centre power continues to escalate, tech giant Google has announced a significant partnership with a nuclear energy firm. This collaboration aims to bolster the company's efforts in securing sustainable and reliable energy sources for its rapidly expanding data centre operations.

As the demand for data centre power continues to escalate, tech giant Google has announced a significant partnership with a nuclear energy firm. This collaboration aims to bolster the company's efforts in securing sustainable and reliable energy sources for its rapidly expanding data centre operations. Google said it will buy power from nuclear energy company Kairos Power as detailed in a report by CNBC. Technology companies are increasingly turning to nuclear energy to meet data centers’ growing power demands. Google said the first small modular reactor will come online by 2030. Rising energy demands drive strategic partnerships In recent years, the exponential growth of cloud computing and digital services has led to an unprecedented surge in energy consumption by data centres. Google’s latest initiative is a response to this trend, as the company seeks innovative solutions to manage its energy needs while maintaining its commitment to sustainability. The partnership with the nuclear energy company marks a pivotal moment in Google's strategy. By tapping into nuclear power, Google aims to enhance the reliability of its energy supply and reduce its carbon footprint. The tech giant has long been a proponent of renewable energy, but this new venture signifies a broader approach to sustainable power sources. Google's commitment to sustainability Google has made substantial strides in sustainability over the past decade, pledging to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2030. The collaboration with the nuclear firm aligns with this goal, as it diversifies the company's energy portfolio beyond traditional renewables like solar and wind. Nuclear energy is often viewed as a controversial choice due to safety concerns; however, advancements in technology have made modern nuclear facilities safer and more efficient than ever before. By integrating nuclear power into its energy mix, Google not only aims to ensure a consistent power supply but also supports the development of advanced nuclear technologies that promise lower emissions. Industry implications and future outlook This partnership could set a precedent for other tech companies grappling with similar challenges related to energy consumption. As businesses increasingly seek ways to balance growth with environmental responsibility, collaborations like this may become more common. “We believe that nuclear energy has a critical role to play in supporting our clean growth and helping to deliver on the progress of AI,” Michael Terrell, senior director for energy and climate at Google, said on a call with reporters. “The grid needs these kinds of clean, reliable sources of energy that can support the build out of these technologies. We feel like nuclear can play an important role in helping to meet our demand, and helping meet our demand cleanly, in a way that’s more around the clock.” The details of the financial deal were not disclosed by Google. Experts suggest that Google's move could inspire further investments in nuclear technology across various sectors. As the global push for clean energy intensifies, companies may look towards nuclear as a viable option for meeting their energy needs sustainably. Hence, Google's agreement with the nuclear energy company reflects a proactive approach to addressing the growing power demands of its data centres while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. As the tech industry evolves, such partnerships may play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy consumption and environmental protection.

Google partners with nuclear energy firm to meet soaring data centre power demands

American technological giant Google announced on Monday (Oct 14) that it had signed the world's first corporate agreement to buy power from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet the electricity demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI).

American technological giant Google announced on Monday (Oct 14) that it had signed the world's first corporate agreement to buy power from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet the electricity demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI). A report by the news agency Reuters early Tuesday said that Google's agreement with Kairos Power aimed to bring the latter's first small modular reactor online by 2030, followed by additional deployments through 2035. Google said it had agreed to buy 500 megawatts of power from six to seven reactors, which is smaller than the output of today's nuclear reactors. 'Nuclear can play an important role in...' Speaking to Reuters, Google's Senior Director for Energy and Climate Michael Terell said, "We feel like nuclear can play an important role in helping to meet our demand ... cleanly in a way that's more around the clock." Also read | Google spends $2.7 billion to bring back AI genius Noam Shazeer Google and Kairos did not reveal the financial details of the agreement or where in the US the plants would be built. Technological firms have signed several recent agreements with nuclear power companies this year as AI boosted power demand for the first time in decades. A long wait for Kairos? Citing estimates from Goldman Sachs, Reuters reported on Tuesday that US data centre power use was expected to roughly triple between 2023 and 2030 and would require about 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity. Kairos would need to get a full construction and design permit from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as well as permits from local agencies, a process that can take years. Also watch | Google's online search monopoly illegal, says US × In 2023, the company got a construction permit from the NRC to build a demonstration reactor in Tennessee. "The NRC is ready to efficiently and appropriately review applications for new reactors," an NRC spokesperson told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

'Nuclear can play...': Google to buy power for AI from small modular nuclear reactors

The US Department of Justice has asked the US court to force Google to divest parts of its business such as its Chrome browser and its Android operating system. The aim is to limit alphabet Google's parent companies illegal Monopoly in online search. Watch to know more details.

Google's Online Search Monopoly Illegal: US

There has been ongoing speculation about whether Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet (Google's parent company), might be forced to break up Google due to increasing regulatory pressure. Governments, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, have scrutinized Google for its dominance in search, advertising, and other digital services, accusing it of anti-competitive practices. Antitrust lawsuits and investigations have raised the possibility of breaking up the tech giant to foster competition. While Pichai has defended Google's practices, arguing that its services benefit consumers, the growing calls for tech regulation mean a forced breakup remains a potential outcome, though not yet certain.

Will Sundar Pichai Be Forced To Break Google?

The US government is considering asking a federal judge to break up the search engine giant Google in a move to reshape how technology giants do business. The US&nbsp;Department of Justice (DoJ) said&nbsp;the move may include structural requirements to prevent Google from maintaining its search monopoly. In response, Google warned that the proposed changes could have unintended consequences for US consumers and businesses.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;District Judge Amit Mehta gave a landmark ruling in August that said Google had maintained dominance in the online search category to squash competition through illegal practices. The court’s decision in August had a significant impact on Alphabet, the parent company of Google.

The ruling came after a 10-week trial in which Google was accused of paying billions of dollars yearly to firms, including Samsung and Apple, to ensure that Google was their default search engine.&nbsp;

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In a late court filing on Tuesday (Oct 7), the DoJ said that it is considering "remedies that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play, and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products." Google's lawyers argue that users are attracted to the search engine because of its usefulness, and Google is investing to make it better for its consumers.

Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said in a blog post responding to the court filing that the DoJ was “already signalling requests that go far beyond the specific legal issues” in this case. “Government overreach in a fast-moving industry may have negative unintended consequences for American innovation and America’s consumers.”

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However, the DoJ is yet to submit the detailed set of proposals and changes by 20 December. Later, Google can submit its own set of remedies by 20 December. Other ongoing lawsuits against big US technology firms include Meta, Amazon, and Apple, accused of anti-competitive practices. The lawsuits are an attempt by the U.S. authorities to strengthen competition in the industry.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US government is considering asking a federal judge to break up the search engine giant Google in a move to reshape how technology giants do business. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) said the move may include structural requirements to prevent Google from maintaining its search monopoly.

The US government is considering asking a federal judge to break up the search engine giant Google in a move to reshape how technology giants do business. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) said the move may include structural requirements to prevent Google from maintaining its search monopoly. In response, Google warned that the proposed changes could have unintended consequences for US consumers and businesses. The US District Judge Amit Mehta gave a landmark ruling in August that said Google had maintained dominance in the online search category to squash competition through illegal practices. The court’s decision in August had a significant impact on Alphabet, the parent company of Google. The ruling came after a 10-week trial in which Google was accused of paying billions of dollars yearly to firms, including Samsung and Apple, to ensure that Google was their default search engine. Also Read | US, Arab allies in covert talks with Iran for ceasefire on 'all fronts' In a late court filing on Tuesday (Oct 7), the DoJ said that it is considering "remedies that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play, and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products." Google's lawyers argue that users are attracted to the search engine because of its usefulness, and Google is investing to make it better for its consumers. Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said in a blog post responding to the court filing that the DoJ was “already signalling requests that go far beyond the specific legal issues” in this case. “Government overreach in a fast-moving industry may have negative unintended consequences for American innovation and America’s consumers.” Also Read | Musk bows to Brazil’s Supreme Court! X set to return after months-long showdown over hate speech However, the DoJ is yet to submit the detailed set of proposals and changes by 20 December. Later, Google can submit its own set of remedies by 20 December. Other ongoing lawsuits against big US technology firms include Meta, Amazon, and Apple, accused of anti-competitive practices. The lawsuits are an attempt by the U.S. authorities to strengthen competition in the industry. (With inputs from agencies)

Search engine giant Google threatened with break up by US government

Seen as a significant ruling that could reshape the mobile app landscape, a US judge has ordered Alphabet's Google to implement major changes to its Play Store, allowing for increased competition and greater flexibility for Android users. This decision follows a jury verdict in favour of Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, which accused Google of monopolistic practices in the app distribution market as detailed in a report by Reuters. <o:p></o:p>

The injunction, issued by US District Judge James Donato in San Francisco, mandates that Google must allow Android users to download apps from rival sources and use alternative payment methods within those apps. This ruling is a direct response to Epic’s allegations that Google has unlawfully restricted competition and stifled consumer choice.<o:p></o:p>

Under the terms of the order, Google is prohibited from blocking the use of third-party payment systems for in-app transactions for a period of three years. Additionally, the tech giant cannot engage in practices such as paying device manufacturers to preinstall its app store or sharing revenue generated from the Play Store with other app distributors.

The implications of this ruling are profound, not only for Google but also for app developers and consumers. By opening up its platform, Google could potentially level the playing field for smaller developers who have long struggled against the dominance of larger companies in the app ecosystem.

In response to the ruling, Alphabet's shares dropped nearly 2 per cent, reflecting investor concerns about the potential financial impact of these changes. Judge Donato also established a three-person technical committee composed of representatives from both Epic and Google, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the injunction.

Epic Games lawsuit

Epic Games’ lawsuit, initiated in 2020, highlighted concerns regarding Google's control over how consumers access apps on Android devices and how they process payments within those applications. The jury's verdict in December 2023 validated Epic’s claims, paving the way for this landmark injunction.

Despite Google's attempts to challenge the proposed reforms, arguing they would be costly and detrimental to user privacy, still the judge largely dismissed these concerns during an August hearing. “You’re going to end up paying something to make the world right after having been found to be a monopolist,” Judge Donato remarked.<o:p></o:p>

This ruling is part of a broader scrutiny of Google’s business practices. In August 2024, another US District Judge ruled against Google in a separate antitrust case concerning its monopoly over web search, where it was found to have spent billions to maintain its status as the default search engine on many devices. Furthermore, Google is currently facing another trial related to its dominance in advertising technology.

As this situation develops, both consumers and developers will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their experiences within the Android ecosystem. The ruling not only challenges Google's longstanding practices but also sets a precedent for how digital marketplaces operate moving forward.

Seen as a significant ruling that could reshape the mobile app landscape, a US judge has ordered Alphabet's Google to implement major changes to its Play Store, allowing for increased competition and greater flexibility for Android users.

Seen as a significant ruling that could reshape the mobile app landscape, a US judge has ordered Alphabet's Google to implement major changes to its Play Store, allowing for increased competition and greater flexibility for Android users. This decision follows a jury verdict in favour of Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, which accused Google of monopolistic practices in the app distribution market as detailed in a report by Reuters. The injunction, issued by US District Judge James Donato in San Francisco, mandates that Google must allow Android users to download apps from rival sources and use alternative payment methods within those apps. This ruling is a direct response to Epic’s allegations that Google has unlawfully restricted competition and stifled consumer choice. Under the terms of the order, Google is prohibited from blocking the use of third-party payment systems for in-app transactions for a period of three years. Additionally, the tech giant cannot engage in practices such as paying device manufacturers to preinstall its app store or sharing revenue generated from the Play Store with other app distributors. The implications of this ruling are profound, not only for Google but also for app developers and consumers. By opening up its platform, Google could potentially level the playing field for smaller developers who have long struggled against the dominance of larger companies in the app ecosystem. In response to the ruling, Alphabet's shares dropped nearly 2 per cent, reflecting investor concerns about the potential financial impact of these changes. Judge Donato also established a three-person technical committee composed of representatives from both Epic and Google, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the injunction. Epic Games lawsuit Epic Games’ lawsuit, initiated in 2020, highlighted concerns regarding Google's control over how consumers access apps on Android devices and how they process payments within those applications. The jury's verdict in December 2023 validated Epic’s claims, paving the way for this landmark injunction. Despite Google's attempts to challenge the proposed reforms, arguing they would be costly and detrimental to user privacy, still the judge largely dismissed these concerns during an August hearing. “You’re going to end up paying something to make the world right after having been found to be a monopolist,” Judge Donato remarked. This ruling is part of a broader scrutiny of Google’s business practices. In August 2024, another US District Judge ruled against Google in a separate antitrust case concerning its monopoly over web search, where it was found to have spent billions to maintain its status as the default search engine on many devices. Furthermore, Google is currently facing another trial related to its dominance in advertising technology. As this situation develops, both consumers and developers will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their experiences within the Android ecosystem. The ruling not only challenges Google's longstanding practices but also sets a precedent for how digital marketplaces operate moving forward.

Google ordered to open its app store to competition in landmark ruling

The Fortnite developer Epic games has accused Google and Samsung of violating US antitrust law. The game maker has alleged the tech companies of coordinating to block third-party app on Samsung devices, the two companies have been accused of reducing consumer choice and preventing competition that would make app less expensive.

Fortnite Creator Accuses Samsung and Google Of Scheme To Block App Rivals

Google has reportedly spent $2.7 billion to bring back Noam Shazeer, a key figure in artificial intelligence who he left the company to start his own venture. Shazeer, 48, first joined Google in 2000 but left the technology giant in 2021 following the company’s refusal to launch a chatbot he developed alongside colleague Daniel De Freitas, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Google has reportedly spent $2.7 billion to bring back Noam Shazeer, a key figure in artificial intelligence who he left the company to start his own venture. Shazeer, 48, first joined Google in 2000 but left the technology giant in 2021 following the company’s refusal to launch a chatbot he developed alongside colleague Daniel De Freitas, according to The Wall Street Journal. Founding Character.AI and making it a $1 billion startup After leaving, Shazeer and De Freitas co-founded Character.AI, a startup that quickly became a major player in Silicon Valley’s AI scene, reaching a $1 billion valuation last year. Google later announced that both Shazeer and De Freitas were returning to work at Google’s AI division, DeepMind. As part of the deal, Google paid $2.7 billion to license Character.AI's technology and bring Shazeer back into the fold, The Wall Street Journal noted. Also read: Musk, Khosla engage in war of words over Argentina, call each other 'dumb' and 'macho brain' Through this licensing agreement, Google gained immediate access to Character.AI’s technology without waiting for regulatory clearance. Many within the company view Shazeer’s return as a key reason for Google’s decision to acquire Character.AI, the report highlighted. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, commenting on Shazeer in 2015, said, “If there’s anybody I can think of in the world who’s likely to do it, it’s going to be him.” Later, in 2017, Shazeer also created Meena, a chatbot designed to converse with people on a variety of topics. He was so confident in its capabilities that he believed it could eventually replace Google’s search engine. However, Google executives at the time were hesitant to release Meena due to concerns over safety and fairness, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Shazeer to lead development of Google’s AI model Gemini Now back at Google, Shazeer is leading the development of Gemini, the company’s new AI model, as part of efforts to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The report also mentioned that Shazeer, once a critic of Google’s cautious stance on AI, is now one of three key leaders in charge of developing Gemini, the next phase of Google’s AI technology. (With inputs from agencies)

Google spends $2.7 billion to bring back AI genius Noam Shazeer who quit after firm rejected his chatbot

Donald Trump on Friday accused Google of showing only "bad stories" about him and vowed to have the tech giant prosecuted if he gets back in the White House.

US: Donald Trump Vows To Prosecute Google If He Wins For Showing "Bad Stories" On Him

Google is planning to let people time travel way back to the 1930s. The search engine is set to bring in some new updates to its satellite imagery platform Google Earth. Using the new features, you can go as far back as 80 years and view satellite and aerial images from that time period.&nbsp;

Right now, Google Earth lets people see images of most locations till just a few decades ago. In a statement about the update, Google said that with the new update some cities, like London, Berlin, Warsaw and Paris, will have imagery dating back to the 1930s. Basically, the time frame for most places will be doubled, letting people "time travel" and see what they used to look like.&nbsp;

Users can even make a side-by-side comparison of the cities and watch how they have changed over the years.&nbsp;

In the announcement, Google shared pictures of what San Francisco was like in 1938 and what it is today in 2024, drawing comparisons between the two and seeing how much the geography of the region has changed.&nbsp;

The sample photo shows how in 1938, the ports in San Francisco were used mainly for shipping. However, the place is now filled with restaurants and cruise ships, as per the latest Google Earth picture provided by Google.&nbsp;

Users can access the new Google Earth feature on both mobile and web. The updates are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, besides the historical imagery, Google said that it was also expanding Street View on Google Maps in almost 80 countries.&nbsp;

You can also expect the pictures to becomes much more sharp and clear as the company has plans to improve their quality on Google Earth and Google Maps. It will be turning to new AI models to do so.&nbsp;

What is Google Earth?

Google Earth lets users see the planet and its several locations as viewed&nbsp;by satellites. It is a web and computer program that provides you with a 3D representation of Earth. People can see cities and landscapes from various angles.

Google is planning to let people time travel way back to the 1930s. The search engine is set to bring in some new updates to its satellite imagery platform Google Earth.

Google is planning to let people time travel way back to the 1930s. The search engine is set to bring in some new updates to its satellite imagery platform Google Earth. Using the new features, you can go as far back as 80 years and view satellite and aerial images from that time period. Right now, Google Earth lets people see images of most locations till just a few decades ago. In a statement about the update, Google said that with the new update some cities, like London, Berlin, Warsaw and Paris, will have imagery dating back to the 1930s. Basically, the time frame for most places will be doubled, letting people "time travel" and see what they used to look like. Users can even make a side-by-side comparison of the cities and watch how they have changed over the years. In the announcement, Google shared pictures of what San Francisco was like in 1938 and what it is today in 2024, drawing comparisons between the two and seeing how much the geography of the region has changed. The sample photo shows how in 1938, the ports in San Francisco were used mainly for shipping. However, the place is now filled with restaurants and cruise ships, as per the latest Google Earth picture provided by Google. Users can access the new Google Earth feature on both mobile and web. The updates are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks. Also Read: Scientists figure out a way to refreeze ice in Arctic amid bleak glacial future Meanwhile, besides the historical imagery, Google said that it was also expanding Street View on Google Maps in almost 80 countries. You can also expect the pictures to becomes much more sharp and clear as the company has plans to improve their quality on Google Earth and Google Maps. It will be turning to new AI models to do so. What is Google Earth? Google Earth lets users see the planet and its several locations as viewed by satellites. It is a web and computer program that provides you with a 3D representation of Earth. People can see cities and landscapes from various angles.

Google Earth will soon let you 'time travel' and go back 80 years

On September 18, the European Union's second-ranking court declared that a fine of about 1.5 billion Euros, i.e., 1.7 billion US dollars approximately levied against Google by regulatory authorities must be overturned, supporting the American technology company in its appeal against the sanction according to a report by Reuters.

This decision is a significant victory for Google, as it directly affects the company’s advertising practices and its relationship with the European Union (EU) regulators, while Qualcomm failed to repeal a penalty.

The ruling underlines outgoing EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's complicated record in defending her crackdown on Big Tech in court. She scored two major wins last week against Google in a separate case and against Apple's tax deal with Irish authorities.

Further, it is to be noted that the European Commission in its 2019 decision said Google had abused its dominance to prevent websites from using brokers other than its AdSense platform that provided search adverts. The practices it said were illegal and they primarily took place from 2006 to 2016.<o:p></o:p>

The Luxembourg-based General Court mostly agreed with the European Union competition enforcer's assessments of the case, but annulled the fine, saying that the Commission had failed to take into account all the relevant circumstances.

"The Commission has also not demonstrated that the clauses in question had, first, possibly deterred innovation, next, helped Google to maintain and strengthen its dominant position on the national markets for online search advertising at issue, and, last, that they had possibly harmed consumers," the judges said.

Google’s take on the judgement<o:p></o:p>

Google said the case was about a narrow subset of text-only search ads placed on a limited number of publishers’ websites. "We made changes to our contracts in 2016 to remove the relevant provisions, even before the Commission's decision. We are pleased that the court has recognised errors in the original decision and annulled the fine," the company said in an email.

What are the options left for the Commission?<o:p></o:p>

The Commission, which can appeal to the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) on points of law, stated that it would study the judgment and reflect on possible next steps.

The AdSense fine, one of a trio of fines that have cost Google a total of 8.25 billion Euros, was triggered by a complaint from Microsoft in 2010.<o:p></o:p>

Last week, the company lost its final fight against a 2.42 billion Euro fine levied for using its price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals. Whereas in Qualcomm's case, the US chipmaker only managed to convince the General Court to trim its EU antitrust fine to 238.7 million Euros from 242 million Euros.<o:p></o:p>

The deciding judges rejected all its arguments. Further, the Commission imposed the fine in 2019, saying that Qualcomm sold its chipsets below cost between 2009 and 2011, in a practice known as predatory pricing, to hamper the British phone software maker ICERA, which is now part of the Nvidia Corporation. 

"Qualcomm respectfully disagrees with the judgment and the Commission’s decision and believes that we have always remained in compliance with European competition law," the chipmaker said. The Commission said it had also taken note of that ruling. Qualcomm can appeal to the CJEU on points of law.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

On September 18, the European Union's second-ranking court declared that a fine of about 1.5 billion Euros, i.e., 1.7 billion US dollars approximately levied against Google by regulatory authorities must be overturned, supporting the American technology company in its appeal against the sanction according to a report by Reuters.

On September 18, the European Union's second-ranking court declared that a fine of about 1.5 billion Euros, i.e., 1.7 billion US dollars approximately levied against Google by regulatory authorities must be overturned, supporting the American technology company in its appeal against the sanction according to a report by Reuters. This decision is a significant victory for Google, as it directly affects the company’s advertising practices and its relationship with the European Union (EU) regulators, while Qualcomm failed to repeal a penalty. The ruling underlines outgoing EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's complicated record in defending her crackdown on Big Tech in court. She scored two major wins last week against Google in a separate case and against Apple's tax deal with Irish authorities. Further, it is to be noted that the European Commission in its 2019 decision said Google had abused its dominance to prevent websites from using brokers other than its AdSense platform that provided search adverts. The practices it said were illegal and they primarily took place from 2006 to 2016. The Luxembourg-based General Court mostly agreed with the European Union competition enforcer's assessments of the case, but annulled the fine, saying that the Commission had failed to take into account all the relevant circumstances. "The Commission has also not demonstrated that the clauses in question had, first, possibly deterred innovation, next, helped Google to maintain and strengthen its dominant position on the national markets for online search advertising at issue, and, last, that they had possibly harmed consumers," the judges said. Google’s take on the judgement Google said the case was about a narrow subset of text-only search ads placed on a limited number of publishers’ websites. "We made changes to our contracts in 2016 to remove the relevant provisions, even before the Commission's decision. We are pleased that the court has recognised errors in the original decision and annulled the fine," the company said in an email. What are the options left for the Commission? The Commission, which can appeal to the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) on points of law, stated that it would study the judgment and reflect on possible next steps. The AdSense fine, one of a trio of fines that have cost Google a total of 8.25 billion Euros, was triggered by a complaint from Microsoft in 2010. Last week, the company lost its final fight against a 2.42 billion Euro fine levied for using its price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals. Whereas in Qualcomm's case, the US chipmaker only managed to convince the General Court to trim its EU antitrust fine to 238.7 million Euros from 242 million Euros. The deciding judges rejected all its arguments. Further, the Commission imposed the fine in 2019, saying that Qualcomm sold its chipsets below cost between 2009 and 2011, in a practice known as predatory pricing, to hamper the British phone software maker ICERA, which is now part of the Nvidia Corporation. "Qualcomm respectfully disagrees with the judgment and the Commission’s decision and believes that we have always remained in compliance with European competition law," the chipmaker said. The Commission said it had also taken note of that ruling. Qualcomm can appeal to the CJEU on points of law.

Google wins appeal against EU antitrust fine, Qualcomm suffers a setback

Security experts still do not know how the trojan malware got there but say that it has affected 1.3 million Android-based TV boxes across almost 200 countries. Google is trying to distance itself from the 'Android TV' branding, now preferring 'Google TV', and perhaps for good reason.

Report: 1.3 million Android-based TV boxes affected by new 'Vo1d' malware

In a defensive move, Apple has taken the drastic decision to remove its highly anticipated generative AI software, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," from the iPhone 16 Pro in the European Union (EU). This decision comes as a result of the impact of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) on the tech giant's plans for its latest flagship smartphone as detailed in a report by Forbes. 

The DMA, a pro-competition law aimed at fostering a fair digital market, has forced Apple to make significant changes to its traditionally closed ecosystem. One of the most notable impacts is the inability to roll out Apple Intelligence, a key feature that was expected to be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 Pro.

"Due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act, we do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these [new] features -- iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence -- to our EU users this year," Apple stated in a recent announcement.

The decision to withhold Apple Intelligence from European users is a drastic one, as the generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) software was poised to revolutionize the way users interact with their smartphones. The feature, which allows for seamless integration of AI-powered capabilities across various apps and services, was expected to be a game-changer in the smartphone market.

However, Apple's concerns about the DMA's impact on user privacy and data security have led the company to take a cautious approach. The tech giant fears that the DMA's interoperability requirements could force it to compromise the integrity of its products, potentially exposing sensitive user data to third parties.

The absence of Apple Intelligence in the European Union will undoubtedly be a disappointment for many iPhone enthusiasts. The feature was touted as a significant upgrade over its competitors, offering a more personalized and efficient user experience powered by advanced AI technology.

This&nbsp;decision puts Apple at a disadvantage <o:p></o:p>

The decision also puts Apple at a disadvantage compared to its rivals in the European market. Google's Gemini AI and Samsung's Galaxy AI, which are set to roll out with their respective flagship devices, will have a head start in gathering user data and improving their AI offerings.

Despite the setback, Apple remains committed to its brand identity, which is largely built upon the promise of user privacy. The company is seeking clarity from regulatory authorities on how to make Apple Intelligence compatible with the DMA's requirements, but until then, European users will have to settle for a downgraded version of the iPhone 16 Pro.

As the tech industry continues to evolve and adapt to new regulatory restrictions, it remains to be seen how Apple and other companies will navigate the challenges posed by the Digital Markets Act.

In a defensive move, Apple has taken the drastic decision to remove its highly anticipated generative AI software, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," from the iPhone 16 Pro in the European Union (EU).

In a defensive move, Apple has taken the drastic decision to remove its highly anticipated generative AI software, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," from the iPhone 16 Pro in the European Union (EU). This decision comes as a result of the impact of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) on the tech giant's plans for its latest flagship smartphone as detailed in a report by Forbes. The DMA, a pro-competition law aimed at fostering a fair digital market, has forced Apple to make significant changes to its traditionally closed ecosystem. One of the most notable impacts is the inability to roll out Apple Intelligence, a key feature that was expected to be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 Pro. "Due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act, we do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these [new] features -- iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence -- to our EU users this year," Apple stated in a recent announcement. The decision to withhold Apple Intelligence from European users is a drastic one, as the generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) software was poised to revolutionize the way users interact with their smartphones. The feature, which allows for seamless integration of AI-powered capabilities across various apps and services, was expected to be a game-changer in the smartphone market. However, Apple's concerns about the DMA's impact on user privacy and data security have led the company to take a cautious approach. The tech giant fears that the DMA's interoperability requirements could force it to compromise the integrity of its products, potentially exposing sensitive user data to third parties. The absence of Apple Intelligence in the European Union will undoubtedly be a disappointment for many iPhone enthusiasts. The feature was touted as a significant upgrade over its competitors, offering a more personalized and efficient user experience powered by advanced AI technology. This decision puts Apple at a disadvantage The decision also puts Apple at a disadvantage compared to its rivals in the European market. Google's Gemini AI and Samsung's Galaxy AI, which are set to roll out with their respective flagship devices, will have a head start in gathering user data and improving their AI offerings. Despite the setback, Apple remains committed to its brand identity, which is largely built upon the promise of user privacy. The company is seeking clarity from regulatory authorities on how to make Apple Intelligence compatible with the DMA's requirements, but until then, European users will have to settle for a downgraded version of the iPhone 16 Pro. As the tech industry continues to evolve and adapt to new regulatory restrictions, it remains to be seen how Apple and other companies will navigate the challenges posed by the Digital Markets Act.

iPhone 16 Pro faces drastic downgrade in European Union due to the Digital Markets Act

A major marketing company whose clients include Facebook, Amazon and Google has admitted that it listens to users' smartphone conversations and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to articulate data and later place advertisements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cox Media Group (CMG) privately admitted to the long-held suspicions of smartphone users during a pitch deck to investors. The&nbsp;firm stated that its&nbsp;“Active Listening” software uses AI to&nbsp;“capture real-time intent data by listening to our conversations", according to a report in 404 Media.

"Advertisers can pair this voice data with behavioural data to target in-market consumers," CMG said in the pitch deck.&nbsp;

"Consumers leave a data trail based on their conversations and online behaviour and the AI-powered software collects and analyses behavioural and voice data from 470+ sources,"&nbsp;it added.&nbsp;

Watch | Facebook pressured by US govt to censor Covid content: Mark Zuckerberg

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<h2>Companies issue statement&nbsp;</h2>

After the outlet's report, Google removed CMG from its "Partners Program" website.

“All advertisers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as our Google Ads policies, and when we identify ads or advertisers that violate these policies, we will take appropriate action,” a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying by NY Post.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook said it was reviewing CMG to assess whether it violated any of its terms of service.

“Meta does not use your phone’s microphone for ads and we’ve been public about this for years,” Meta spokesperson said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-reveals-biden-administration-pressured-meta-to-censor-covid-19-related-posts-753534">Also read |&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg reveals Biden administration 'pressured' Meta to censor Covid-related posts</a>

This is not the first time when a company has claimed to be hearing real-life conversations through a smartphone. Last year, MindSift, a&nbsp;New Hampshire-based company similarly claimed that it used voice data to place targeted ads.&nbsp;

“We know what you’re thinking. Is this even legal?” the company wrote in a since-deleted Cox blog post from November 2023.

“It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you. When a new app download or update prompts consumers with a multi-page term of use agreement somewhere in the fine print, Active Listening is often included.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A major marketing company whose clients include Facebook, Amazon and Google has admitted that it listens to users' smartphone conversations and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to articulate data and later place advertisements.

A major marketing company whose clients include Facebook, Amazon and Google has admitted that it listens to users' smartphone conversations and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to articulate data and later place advertisements. Cox Media Group (CMG) privately admitted to the long-held suspicions of smartphone users during a pitch deck to investors. The firm stated that its “Active Listening” software uses AI to “capture real-time intent data by listening to our conversations", according to a report in 404 Media. "Advertisers can pair this voice data with behavioural data to target in-market consumers," CMG said in the pitch deck. "Consumers leave a data trail based on their conversations and online behaviour and the AI-powered software collects and analyses behavioural and voice data from 470+ sources," it added. Watch | Facebook pressured by US govt to censor Covid content: Mark Zuckerberg × Companies issue statement After the outlet's report, Google removed CMG from its "Partners Program" website. “All advertisers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as our Google Ads policies, and when we identify ads or advertisers that violate these policies, we will take appropriate action,” a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying by NY Post. Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook said it was reviewing CMG to assess whether it violated any of its terms of service. “Meta does not use your phone’s microphone for ads and we’ve been public about this for years,” Meta spokesperson said. Also read | Mark Zuckerberg reveals Biden administration 'pressured' Meta to censor Covid-related posts This is not the first time when a company has claimed to be hearing real-life conversations through a smartphone. Last year, MindSift, a New Hampshire-based company similarly claimed that it used voice data to place targeted ads. “We know what you’re thinking. Is this even legal?” the company wrote in a since-deleted Cox blog post from November 2023. “It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you. When a new app download or update prompts consumers with a multi-page term of use agreement somewhere in the fine print, Active Listening is often included.” (With inputs from agencies)

Your phone is listening to your conversations, firm working for FB, Google confirms

Google has identified a connection between Russian state hackers and exploits that bear an “identical or strikingly similar” resemblance to those created by spyware companies NSO Group and Intellexa, raising concerns about the spread of commercial spyware into the hands of state-backed threat actors.

Google reveals new exploits targeting Chrome and iOS Webkit

Google has launched a new foldable phone, while China has rolled out an ultra-fast charging EV battery. The past week was full of interesting tech developments, and we have highlighted the most important ones in our Tech Wrap.

Google's new Pixel 9 smartphone series

Google this week unveiled its latest innovation for android users, bringing a new wave of artificial intelligence to your fingertips. The tech giant announced the launch of its first AI-powered android update and the new pixel 9 Smartphone series, all featuring the cutting-edge Gemini AI assistant.

Google Pixel 9: New Android update features Gemini AI

Google has admitted that it knowingly omitted the autocomplete search results regarding the assassination attempt against former US president&nbsp;Donald Trump, according to a report in Fox News.&nbsp;The search giant said the search results were prohibited by design and part of the company's policy for "hypothetical violence against current figures".&nbsp;

Google's admission comes after Senator Roger Marshall lodged a complaint against the company and wrote a letter, questioning the search algorithm.&nbsp;

"We do not allow predictions that can be interpreted as accusations against individuals or groups of serious malevolent acts, where there is a lack of well-established or expert supporting evidence," responded Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, US and Canada Mark Isakowitz.&nbsp;

Google clarified that its systems were the same before and after the failed assassination bid against Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"These protections are not event-specific but rather applied to categories of possible searches. As a result, prior to July 13, 2024, it would have been inappropriate for our systems to offer any predictions involving possible assassination attempts on President Trump. In the immediate aftermath of the horrific events in Butler, PA, these systems were still in place and predictions related to the assassination attempt failed to appear."

"We recognise that these out-of-date systems led to an inadequate user experience," Google added.&nbsp;

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Big Tech is trying to interfere in the election AGAIN to help Kamala Harris. We all know this is intentional election interference from Google. Truly despicable. <a href="https://t.co/gWDbFGaHI7">https://t.co/gWDbFGaHI7</a>
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1817581431243395237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After Google's reply, Senator&nbsp;Marshall said the search engine company had "openly" admitted to "blocking and eliminating search prompts regarding the assassination attempt on former president Trump".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Most shocking is their bizarre written defence that Trump's assassination attempt was a 'hypothetical act of political violence' even up to the point of our public inquiry on July 28th," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secret-service-director-grilled-by-lawmakers-on-trump-assassination-attempt-743179" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;US Secret Service director grilled by lawmakers on Trump assassination attempt</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secret-service-director-grilled-by-lawmakers-on-trump-assassination-attempt-743179/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Trump survives</h2>

Notably, 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, had fired a volley of eight rounds towards the former US president using an AR-15 rifle while he was addressing the rally in an open field in Butler County.

It was only after one of the bullets grazed Trump and killed a rallygoer that the Secret Service was able to neutralise Crooks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-assassination-attempt-ex-us-president-says-he-will-go-back-to-the-place-where-he-was-shot-749641">Also read | Trump assassination attempt: Ex-US president says he will go back to the place where he was shot</a>

Over a month after the incident, the FBI has not been able to uncover what was Crooks' motive&nbsp;behind the shooting. Crooks' digital footprint was minimal which has forced the authorities to search elsewhere for clues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Google has admitted that it knowingly omitted the autocomplete search results regarding the assassination attempt against former US president Donald Trump, according to a report in Fox News.

Google has admitted that it knowingly omitted the autocomplete search results regarding the assassination attempt against former US president Donald Trump, according to a report in Fox News. The search giant said the search results were prohibited by design and part of the company's policy for "hypothetical violence against current figures". Google's admission comes after Senator Roger Marshall lodged a complaint against the company and wrote a letter, questioning the search algorithm. "We do not allow predictions that can be interpreted as accusations against individuals or groups of serious malevolent acts, where there is a lack of well-established or expert supporting evidence," responded Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, US and Canada Mark Isakowitz. Google clarified that its systems were the same before and after the failed assassination bid against Trump. "These protections are not event-specific but rather applied to categories of possible searches. As a result, prior to July 13, 2024, it would have been inappropriate for our systems to offer any predictions involving possible assassination attempts on President Trump. In the immediate aftermath of the horrific events in Butler, PA, these systems were still in place and predictions related to the assassination attempt failed to appear." "We recognise that these out-of-date systems led to an inadequate user experience," Google added. Big Tech is trying to interfere in the election AGAIN to help Kamala Harris. We all know this is intentional election interference from Google. Truly despicable. https://t.co/gWDbFGaHI7 — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 28, 2024 × After Google's reply, Senator Marshall said the search engine company had "openly" admitted to "blocking and eliminating search prompts regarding the assassination attempt on former president Trump". "Most shocking is their bizarre written defence that Trump's assassination attempt was a 'hypothetical act of political violence' even up to the point of our public inquiry on July 28th," he added. Watch | US Secret Service director grilled by lawmakers on Trump assassination attempt Trump survives Notably, 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, had fired a volley of eight rounds towards the former US president using an AR-15 rifle while he was addressing the rally in an open field in Butler County. It was only after one of the bullets grazed Trump and killed a rallygoer that the Secret Service was able to neutralise Crooks. Also read | Trump assassination attempt: Ex-US president says he will go back to the place where he was shot Over a month after the incident, the FBI has not been able to uncover what was Crooks' motive behind the shooting. Crooks' digital footprint was minimal which has forced the authorities to search elsewhere for clues. (With inputs from agencies)

'We don't allow...': Google admits omitting Trump's assassination attempt search results

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