Bosses of tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have declined to appear before a panel of US Senate, said a Republican Senator. The panel had unanimously voted on Thursday to summon Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Google's Sundar Pichai. They were to be questioned by the Commerce Committee of the US Senate on disinformation, online scams and a range of social ills.

"After extending an invitation to these executives, I regret that they have again declined to participate and answer questions on the record about issues that are so visible and urgent to the American people," said Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the panel.

Big tech platforms face heightened scrutiny on monopoly concerns. They are also on line for failing to stop the spread of hateful content.

"We have questioned how they are protecting and securing the data of millions of Americans, we've explored how they're combating disinformation fraud and other online scams, we've examined whether they are providing a safe and secure internet experience for children and teens," said Wicker.

Big Tech firms, including Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, have seen their economic power grow in recent years and accelerate during the coronavirus pandemic, dominating a range of economic sectors.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fumes-as-facebook-twitter-limit-reach-of-smoking-gun-article-on-biden-and-his-son-335344">Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son</a>

President Donald Trump and his allies have claimed tech platforms are biased against conservatives, despite his own vast social media following.

Democrats meanwhile have expressed concerns over monopoly abuses and the failure of social media to stem misinformation from Trump himself.

Lawmakers from both parties have called for changes to the legal liability shield of online services under a law known as Section 230, claiming the provision enables toxic and harmful content to proliferate.

Google and Facebook are also under scrutiny by federal and state antitrust regulators.

(With inputs from AFP)

Bosses of tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have declined to appear before a panel of US Senate, said a Republican Senator. The panel had unanimously voted on Thursday to summon Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Google's Sundar Pichai.

Bosses of tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have declined to appear before a panel of US Senate, said a Republican Senator. The panel had unanimously voted on Thursday to summon Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Google's Sundar Pichai. They were to be questioned by the Commerce Committee of the US Senate on disinformation, online scams and a range of social ills. "After extending an invitation to these executives, I regret that they have again declined to participate and answer questions on the record about issues that are so visible and urgent to the American people," said Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the panel. Big tech platforms face heightened scrutiny on monopoly concerns. They are also on line for failing to stop the spread of hateful content. "We have questioned how they are protecting and securing the data of millions of Americans, we've explored how they're combating disinformation fraud and other online scams, we've examined whether they are providing a safe and secure internet experience for children and teens," said Wicker. Big Tech firms, including Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, have seen their economic power grow in recent years and accelerate during the coronavirus pandemic, dominating a range of economic sectors. Also Read | Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son President Donald Trump and his allies have claimed tech platforms are biased against conservatives, despite his own vast social media following. Democrats meanwhile have expressed concerns over monopoly abuses and the failure of social media to stem misinformation from Trump himself. Lawmakers from both parties have called for changes to the legal liability shield of online services under a law known as Section 230, claiming the provision enables toxic and harmful content to proliferate. Google and Facebook are also under scrutiny by federal and state antitrust regulators. (With inputs from AFP)

Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, Sundar Pichai decline to appear before US Senate

Facebook's executives are fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission on an antitrust fact-finding mission. CEO Mark Zuckerberg answered FTC queries under oath remotely over the course of two days this week, news website Politico reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the case.

"We are committed to cooperating with the US Federal Trade Commission's inquiry and answering the questions the agency may have," a Facebook spokesperson said, declining to confirm whether Zuckerberg gave testimony, on Thursday.

FTC investigations do no always lead to lawsuits.

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Last month Zuckerberg plus CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in an unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance.

The head of a US congressional antitrust committee contended that the companies are too powerful and will likely emerge from the coronavirus pandemic even stronger.

Whether it's through self-preferencing, predatory pricing, or requiring users to buy additional products, the dominant platforms have wielded their power in destructive, harmful ways in order to expand, he said.

Facebook's executives are fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission on an antitrust fact-finding mission. CEO Mark Zuckerberg answered FTC queries under oath remotely over the course of two days this week, news website Politico reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the case.

Facebook's executives are fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission on an antitrust fact-finding mission. CEO Mark Zuckerberg answered FTC queries under oath remotely over the course of two days this week, news website Politico reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the case. "We are committed to cooperating with the US Federal Trade Commission's inquiry and answering the questions the agency may have," a Facebook spokesperson said, declining to confirm whether Zuckerberg gave testimony, on Thursday. FTC investigations do no always lead to lawsuits. × Last month Zuckerberg plus CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in an unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance. The head of a US congressional antitrust committee contended that the companies are too powerful and will likely emerge from the coronavirus pandemic even stronger. Whether it's through self-preferencing, predatory pricing, or requiring users to buy additional products, the dominant platforms have wielded their power in destructive, harmful ways in order to expand, he said.

Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators

58 Indian-origin CEOs account for $1 trillion in revenue, employ over 3.6 million globally

Four of the most powerful men in the tech world faced some major heat in an unprecedented anti-trust hearing. When US lawmakers brought up China - Bezos, Pichai, and Cook stayed quiet. But, Zuckerberg talked. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the highlights of the hearing.

Gravitas: Big tech CEOs evade questions on China

Four most powerful men in the tech world will answer pointed questions from the US lawmakers in a crucial anti-trust hearing. Watch report.

Big Tech CEO's divided on China technology heft | US Congress | World News

Key moments of antitrust hearing: Bezos' snack, 'Put your mask on'

WION Fineprint: US tech giants gird for tough hearing, Antitrust hearing in US

Recognising Google's efforts in various sectors, including Digital India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about the details of his video interaction with Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.&nbsp;

PM Modi tweeted that he had an "extremely fruitful interaction" with Pichai, where they talked on a wide range of subjects, "particularly leveraging the power of technology to transform the lives of India’s farmers, youngsters and entrepreneurs".

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This morning, had an extremely fruitful interaction with <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sundarpichai</a>. We spoke on a wide range of subjects, particularly leveraging the power of technology to transform the lives of India’s farmers, youngsters and entrepreneurs. <a href="https://t.co/IS9W24zZxs">pic.twitter.com/IS9W24zZxs</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1282582190061047808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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During our interaction, <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sundarpichai</a> and I spoke about the new work culture that is emerging in the times of COVID-19. We discussed the challenges the global pandemic has brought to areas such as sports. We also talked about the importance of data security and cyber safety.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1282582191910744065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I was delighted to know more about the efforts of <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a> in several sectors, be it in education, learning, <a href="https://twitter.com/_DigitalIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_DigitalIndia</a>, furthering digital payments and more. <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sundarpichai</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1282582193496186880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also said they also spoke on the change in the work culture "emerging in the times of COVID-19".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-to-invest-rs75000-crore-in-india-sets-up-india-digitisation-fund-312981">Google to invest ₹75,000 crore in India, sets up India Digitisation Fund</a>

"We discussed the challenges the global pandemic has brought to areas such as sports. We also talked about the importance of data security and cyber safety."

The Indian prime minister recognised Google's efforts in various sectors, be it education, learning, Digital India, Digital Payments, among others.&nbsp;

Earlier Pichai announced that the tech giant would be investing nearly $10 billion in India for developing infrastructure and funding digital innovation in the next five to seven years.&nbsp;

The announcements came at the sixth edition of Google for India event, which was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

In the event, Google also said it would expand the scope of digital payments using Google Pay and develop affordable smartphones to encourage feature phone users to make a transition of using smartphones.&nbsp;

Recognising Google's efforts in various sectors, including Digital India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about the details of his video interaction with Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.

Recognising Google's efforts in various sectors, including Digital India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about the details of his video interaction with Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. PM Modi tweeted that he had an "extremely fruitful interaction" with Pichai, where they talked on a wide range of subjects, "particularly leveraging the power of technology to transform the lives of India’s farmers, youngsters and entrepreneurs". This morning, had an extremely fruitful interaction with @sundarpichai. We spoke on a wide range of subjects, particularly leveraging the power of technology to transform the lives of India’s farmers, youngsters and entrepreneurs. pic.twitter.com/IS9W24zZxs — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2020 × During our interaction, @sundarpichai and I spoke about the new work culture that is emerging in the times of COVID-19. We discussed the challenges the global pandemic has brought to areas such as sports. We also talked about the importance of data security and cyber safety. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2020 × I was delighted to know more about the efforts of @Google in several sectors, be it in education, learning, @_DigitalIndia, furthering digital payments and more. @sundarpichai — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2020 × He also said they also spoke on the change in the work culture "emerging in the times of COVID-19". Also read | Google to invest ₹75,000 crore in India, sets up India Digitisation Fund "We discussed the challenges the global pandemic has brought to areas such as sports. We also talked about the importance of data security and cyber safety." The Indian prime minister recognised Google's efforts in various sectors, be it education, learning, Digital India, Digital Payments, among others. Earlier Pichai announced that the tech giant would be investing nearly $10 billion in India for developing infrastructure and funding digital innovation in the next five to seven years. The announcements came at the sixth edition of Google for India event, which was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. In the event, Google also said it would expand the scope of digital payments using Google Pay and develop affordable smartphones to encourage feature phone users to make a transition of using smartphones.

PM Narendra Modi shares details of conversation with Sundar Pichai

Apple Inc said it will now switch to its own chips for Mac computers. The move will end the company's reliance on Intel Corp to supply processors for its flagship laptops and desktop.

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said it marked the beginning of a major new era for a product line that powered the company’s rise in the 1980s and its resurgence in the late 1990s.

Cook said the first of the new Mac computers will be shipping by the end of the year and that the change would help lead to "a common architecture for all of our products."

Apple Inc further said it would let software developers “challenge” the guidelines that govern its app review process and will end its practice of blocking routine bug fixes over minor violations. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-unveils-ios-14-with-redesigned-home-screen-and-host-of-features-307862">Also Read:&nbsp;Apple unveils iOS 14 with redesigned home screen and host of features</a>

Apple’s App Store is the only way for developers to distribute their software to consumers’ iPhones and iPads. Apple keeps between 15 per cent and 30 per cent of revenues generated by developers in the store, making it a key part of its growth strategy as the pace of iPhone upgrades has slowed.

At the event, Apple also previewed iOS 14 which will work on the iPhone 6S and up just like iOS 13.. According to Apple, iOS 14 will be available for everyone this fall with a public beta for users in July.&nbsp;

iOS 14, Apple claimed, the biggest update ever to Home Screen pages with redesigned widgets and the App Library. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

Apple Inc said it will now switch to its own chips for Mac computers. The move will end the company's reliance on Intel Corp to supply processors for its flagship laptops and desktop.

Apple Inc said it will now switch to its own chips for Mac computers. The move will end the company's reliance on Intel Corp to supply processors for its flagship laptops and desktop. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said it marked the beginning of a major new era for a product line that powered the company’s rise in the 1980s and its resurgence in the late 1990s. Cook said the first of the new Mac computers will be shipping by the end of the year and that the change would help lead to "a common architecture for all of our products." Apple Inc further said it would let software developers “challenge” the guidelines that govern its app review process and will end its practice of blocking routine bug fixes over minor violations. Also Read: Apple unveils iOS 14 with redesigned home screen and host of features Apple’s App Store is the only way for developers to distribute their software to consumers’ iPhones and iPads. Apple keeps between 15 per cent and 30 per cent of revenues generated by developers in the store, making it a key part of its growth strategy as the pace of iPhone upgrades has slowed. At the event, Apple also previewed iOS 14 which will work on the iPhone 6S and up just like iOS 13.. According to Apple, iOS 14 will be available for everyone this fall with a public beta for users in July. iOS 14, Apple claimed, the biggest update ever to Home Screen pages with redesigned widgets and the App Library. (With inputs from Reuters)

Apple breaks up with Intel, switches to its own chips for Mac computers

Tech giant Google has announced over $175 million to support black business owners, startup founders, job seekers and developers.

Earlier, Google-owned YouTube launched a $100 million fund to "amplify and develop" voices of black creators.&nbsp;

"Concrete commitments are being made by Google to promote racial equity in the company, its products and its programs," said Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/do-black-lives-matter-yes-say-siri-alexa-and-google-assistant-305068">Also Read:&nbsp;Do black lives matter? Yes, say Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant</a>

Pichai outlined that racial equity is inextricably linked to economic opportunity.&nbsp;

"Google is working to improve Black+ representation at senior levels and committing to a goal to improve leadership representation of underrepresented groups by 30 per cent by 2025," he informed.

The internet giant is creating&nbsp;new "talent liaison" positions to advocate when it comes to keeping and promoting employees from underrepresented groups. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-ban-discriminatory-advertisements-targeting-housing-job-and-credit-card-305388">Also Read:&nbsp;Google to ban discriminatory advertisements targeting housing, job and credit card</a>

Last week, Google announced that it is updating its advertising policies to prevent housing, employment, and credit card advertisers from targeting users based on gender, age, parental status, marital status, and ZIP Code.&nbsp;

Google had previously barred advertisers from choosing ad targets based on users' race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Tech giant Google has announced over $175 million to support black business owners, startup founders, job seekers and developers. Earlier, Google-owned YouTube launched a $100 million fund to "amplify and develop" voices of black creators.

Tech giant Google has announced over $175 million to support black business owners, startup founders, job seekers and developers. Earlier, Google-owned YouTube launched a $100 million fund to "amplify and develop" voices of black creators. "Concrete commitments are being made by Google to promote racial equity in the company, its products and its programs," said Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a statement. Also Read: Do black lives matter? Yes, say Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant Pichai outlined that racial equity is inextricably linked to economic opportunity. "Google is working to improve Black+ representation at senior levels and committing to a goal to improve leadership representation of underrepresented groups by 30 per cent by 2025," he informed. The internet giant is creating new "talent liaison" positions to advocate when it comes to keeping and promoting employees from underrepresented groups. Also Read: Google to ban discriminatory advertisements targeting housing, job and credit card Last week, Google announced that it is updating its advertising policies to prevent housing, employment, and credit card advertisers from targeting users based on gender, age, parental status, marital status, and ZIP Code. Google had previously barred advertisers from choosing ad targets based on users' race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation. (With inputs from agencies)

To boost racial equity, Google pledges $175 million to support black-owned businesses

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Google CEO&nbsp;Sundar Pichai in a message to graduates said "in bleak moments like these, it can be difficult to find hope. So let me skip right to the end and tell you what happens: You will prevail."

The event streamed live was attended by former US president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, including singer Lady Ganga, Beyonce, and South Korean band BTS.

Pichai who studied in India's IIT used earlier cataclysmic events to explain to graduates that they could surmount the hurdles asserting that&nbsp;the "class of 1920 also graduated during a deadly pandemic, the class of 1970 graduated in the midst of the Vietnam War, and the class of 2001 graduated months before 9/11."

"The long arc of history tells us we have every reason to be hopeful," the Google CEO told graduates while advising students not to lose patience.

Recounting his own difficulties, Pichai told graduates: "My father spent the equivalent of a year's salary on my plane ticket to the US so I could attend Stanford. It was my first time ever on a plane...America was expensive. A phone call back home was more than $2 a minute, and a backpack cost the same as my dad's monthly salary in India."

"I grew up without much access to technology. We didn't get our first telephone till I was ten. I didn't have regular access to a computer until I came to America for graduate school. And, our television, when we finally got one, only had one channel."

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a message to graduates said "in bleak moments like these, it can be difficult to find hope. So let me skip right to the end and tell you what happens: You will prevail.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a message to graduates said "in bleak moments like these, it can be difficult to find hope. So let me skip right to the end and tell you what happens: You will prevail." The event streamed live was attended by former US president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, including singer Lady Ganga, Beyonce, and South Korean band BTS. Pichai who studied in India's IIT used earlier cataclysmic events to explain to graduates that they could surmount the hurdles asserting that the "class of 1920 also graduated during a deadly pandemic, the class of 1970 graduated in the midst of the Vietnam War, and the class of 2001 graduated months before 9/11." "The long arc of history tells us we have every reason to be hopeful," the Google CEO told graduates while advising students not to lose patience. Recounting his own difficulties, Pichai told graduates: "My father spent the equivalent of a year's salary on my plane ticket to the US so I could attend Stanford. It was my first time ever on a plane...America was expensive. A phone call back home was more than $2 a minute, and a backpack cost the same as my dad's monthly salary in India." "I grew up without much access to technology. We didn't get our first telephone till I was ten. I didn't have regular access to a computer until I came to America for graduate school. And, our television, when we finally got one, only had one channel."

My father spent equivalent of a year's salary on my plane ticket to US: Google CEO Sundar Pichai

American tech giant Google has appointed Prabhakar Raghavan as the head of Search and Assistant. Raghavan will be succeeding Ben Gome, who will be given a new role and will report directly to CEO Sundar Pichai.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/creativity-cant-be-transferred-through-online-classes-kasturirangan-304212" hreflang="en">Creativity can't be transferred through online classes: Kasturirangan</a>

Prabhakar completed his Bachelor of Technology from IIT Madras and holds a PhD from U.C. Berkeley in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.&nbsp;

According to reports by Search Engine Land, Raghavan joined Google in 2012. He was made the head for Google’s an advertising and commerce business in 2018. This department included supervision of search display and video advertising analytics, shopping, payments etc.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ins-shardul-to-bring-back-over-200-indians-from-iran-304154" hreflang="en">INS Shardul to bring back over 200 Indians from Iran</a>

Prabhakar was made the Vice President of Google Apps as well as Google Cloud services, overseeing the development and user experience. He earned this position before he became the head of advertising and commerce business.&nbsp;

He has even worked in IBM and Yahoo on multiple roles. Raghavan is the reason behind the growth of Gmail and Google Drive past 1 billion monthly active users. He introduced features in the G Suite such as Smart Reply, Smart Compose, Drive Quick Access.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced this move to his employees by saying: "For Prabhakar, this new role brings his experience with search full circle. He's spent more than two decades obsessing over algorithms and ranking, and his association with Google Search predates Google."

He added, "A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Prabhakar is one of the most respected engineering minds in our field. His experience working across so many of our product areas gives him the perfect lens to spot the seams between them."

American tech giant Google has appointed Prabhakar Raghavan as the head of Search and Assistant. Raghavan will be succeeding Ben Gome, who will be given a new role and will report directly to CEO Sundar Pichai.

American tech giant Google has appointed Prabhakar Raghavan as the head of Search and Assistant. Raghavan will be succeeding Ben Gome, who will be given a new role and will report directly to CEO Sundar Pichai. Also read: Creativity can't be transferred through online classes: Kasturirangan Prabhakar completed his Bachelor of Technology from IIT Madras and holds a PhD from U.C. Berkeley in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. According to reports by Search Engine Land, Raghavan joined Google in 2012. He was made the head for Google’s an advertising and commerce business in 2018. This department included supervision of search display and video advertising analytics, shopping, payments etc. Also read: INS Shardul to bring back over 200 Indians from Iran Prabhakar was made the Vice President of Google Apps as well as Google Cloud services, overseeing the development and user experience. He earned this position before he became the head of advertising and commerce business. He has even worked in IBM and Yahoo on multiple roles. Raghavan is the reason behind the growth of Gmail and Google Drive past 1 billion monthly active users. He introduced features in the G Suite such as Smart Reply, Smart Compose, Drive Quick Access. Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced this move to his employees by saying: "For Prabhakar, this new role brings his experience with search full circle. He's spent more than two decades obsessing over algorithms and ranking, and his association with Google Search predates Google." He added, "A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Prabhakar is one of the most respected engineering minds in our field. His experience working across so many of our product areas gives him the perfect lens to spot the seams between them."

Indian-origin's Prabhakar Raghavan appointed as head of Google Search

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps.

Together, the tech giants rolled out a&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public&nbsp;health&nbsp;departments to create their own contact tracing applications.

Contact-tracing apps are designed to automatically log when two people come into proximity to each other for a significant amount of time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/scientists-release-app-to-track-covid-19-symptoms-inform-users-about-hot-spots-296975" hreflang="en">Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots</a>

If one is later diagnosed with the coronavirus, the other can be given an alert, which might suggest they self-isolate and/or request a medical test of their own.

The software relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who later tests positive for the virus.

It is much safer in comparison to other applications&nbsp;as it does not use&nbsp;Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

"Starting today, our Exposure Notifications technology is available to public health agencies on both iOS and Android," Apple and Google said in a statement.

"Today, this technology is in the hands of public health agencies across the world who will take the lead and we will continue to support their efforts."

The companies had&nbsp;announced the unprecedented collaboration&nbsp;to leverage their technology to help trace and contain the spread of coronavirus last month, and say 22 countries and several US states are already planning to build voluntary phone apps using their software.

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps. Together, the tech giants rolled out a COVID-19 exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public health departments to create their own contact tracing applications.

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps. Together, the tech giants rolled out a COVID-19 exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public health departments to create their own contact tracing applications. Contact-tracing apps are designed to automatically log when two people come into proximity to each other for a significant amount of time. Also read: Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots If one is later diagnosed with the coronavirus, the other can be given an alert, which might suggest they self-isolate and/or request a medical test of their own. The software relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who later tests positive for the virus. It is much safer in comparison to other applications as it does not use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. "Starting today, our Exposure Notifications technology is available to public health agencies on both iOS and Android," Apple and Google said in a statement. "Today, this technology is in the hands of public health agencies across the world who will take the lead and we will continue to support their efforts." The companies had announced the unprecedented collaboration to leverage their technology to help trace and contain the spread of coronavirus last month, and say 22 countries and several US states are already planning to build voluntary phone apps using their software.

Apple and Google launch digital COVID-19 contact tracing system

Apple and Google are two of the world's most powerful tech companies. Both giants have decided to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps. They made this announcement together and this is a major decision.

Apple and Google are two of the world's most powerful tech companies. Both giants have decided to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps. They made this announcement together and this is a major decision. One that affects almost 99 per cent of smartphone users in the world. Also read: Tweet once again gets Elon Musk into trouble as Tesla loses $14 billion Apple and Google say they are protecting user privacy. This grandstanding is a little hard to digest. Considering the fact that major tech companies are responsible for some of the biggest privacy debacles? Also read: Twitter swings to loss as pandemic hits advertising Google says it cares about user privacy. But, it runs is business on an advertising model that depends on the collection of personal information. It was around 20 years ago that Google introduced a privacy statement. But, the company hardly stays on the right side of it. Several privacy controversies have plagued the country in the past. Personal information has been leaked. Google themselves has been caught storing user location data. The search engine giant has been unable to shake off the privacy concerns. What about Apple? A couple of years back, Apple CEO Tim Cook had defined privacy as a fundamental right. Apple wants the user to believe that it is the only tech company it can trust. The company has positioned itself as a protector of users. To give credit where its due, Apple's own platform has not been caught in any major privacy scandal. But, it can't say the same about apple's business partners. This is where the app store comes it. Apple has one of the biggest app directories. It is highly profitable too. But, Apple has allowed privacy violators to freely operate on it. Even the kids were not spared. A journalist from the Wall Street Journal put out a story. She wrote about curious George. Sounds like a harmless game. But, it was collecting her son's age, name -- and data of whatever he tapped. The journalist ended up testing 80 apps. Most of them were promoted in the app stores "apps we love" section. She found that 79 apps used third party trackers for marketing, ads or analytics. On average --- there were at least four trackers in every app. So, its a bit rich when apple and google ban GPS tracking on contract tracing apps in the name of privacy. Contact tracing is common now. Experts consider it a crucial tool in the fight against the coronavirus. Yes, there are legitimate concerns over how certain contract tracing apps operate and collect data. But --- when tech companies try to draw the line between right and wrong.

Apple and Google decide to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps

Google and Apple have come together to help authorities track the coronavirus pandemic by using Bluetooth technology.

The two Silicon Valley giants will work on a platform to enable&nbsp;contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs6-a-leroAhXnwTgGHUW3AoYQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BzEvUzb7iVByk_scusGwk" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786" target="_blank">No,&nbsp;5G&nbsp;waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

Initially, interfaces built on existing public health apps that can work on iOS or Android systems will be released by the companies&nbsp;in May.

This will be followed by a more comprehensive platform in the coming months to which users will be able to opt in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs6-a-leroAhXnwTgGHUW3AoYQFjACegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TdYx5x2DYcIZAfiTSBntV" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197" target="_blank">2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

According to press statement released by Google, smartphone user that tests positive for the coronavirus can input their result into an app from a public health authority, which will feed into an anonymous "identifier beacon".

This identifier will then be anonymously exchanged with anyone the user comes into contact with who also has the service enabled.

Users then upload their identifier records to the cloud, following which they will receive a notification if they have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the virus.

Authorities around the world are&nbsp;using technology to&nbsp;track exposure and enforce quarantines.

Last month, Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google had&nbsp;confirmed that&nbsp;they were looking into the use of&nbsp;cellphone location data&nbsp;to help track the spread of the virus.

Google and Apple have come together to help authorities track the coronavirus pandemic by using Bluetooth technology. The two Silicon Valley giants will work on a platform to enable contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with.

Google and Apple have come together to help authorities track the coronavirus pandemic by using Bluetooth technology. The two Silicon Valley giants will work on a platform to enable contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with. Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! Initially, interfaces built on existing public health apps that can work on iOS or Android systems will be released by the companies in May. This will be followed by a more comprehensive platform in the coming months to which users will be able to opt in. Also read: 2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic According to press statement released by Google, smartphone user that tests positive for the coronavirus can input their result into an app from a public health authority, which will feed into an anonymous "identifier beacon". This identifier will then be anonymously exchanged with anyone the user comes into contact with who also has the service enabled. Users then upload their identifier records to the cloud, following which they will receive a notification if they have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the virus. Authorities around the world are using technology to track exposure and enforce quarantines. Last month, Facebook and Google had confirmed that they were looking into the use of cellphone location data to help track the spread of the virus.

Google and Apple collaborate to track coronavirus pandemic

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-man-hacked-google-maps-to-show-virtual-traffic-jams-with-99-mobile-phones-and-a-red-cart-278498">Google&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday said that a software&nbsp;glitch&nbsp;resulted in some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/google-photoscan-a-new-app-that-converts-your-printed-photos-into-high-quality-digital-images-8886/amp">Photo app</a> smartphone&nbsp;videos&nbsp;being given to the wrong&nbsp;people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/google-photoscan-a-new-app-that-converts-your-printed-photos-into-high-quality-digital-images-8886/amp">Google&nbsp;</a>was notifying those who may have been affected.

"We are very sorry this happened,"&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-man-hacked-google-maps-to-show-virtual-traffic-jams-with-99-mobile-phones-and-a-red-cart-278498">How a man 'hacked' Google maps to show 'virtual traffic jams' with 99 mobile phones and a red cart</a>

"We fixed the underlying issue and have conducted an in-depth analysis to help prevent this from ever happening again."

It was estimated that a small fraction of a per cent of those who used a&nbsp;"Takeout" tool may have encountered the&nbsp;glitch, which affected&nbsp;people&nbsp;who used the app to export stored&nbsp;videos&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/google-photoscan-a-new-app-that-converts-your-printed-photos-into-high-quality-digital-images-8886/amp">Google&nbsp;Photos</a> between November 21 and November 25 of last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alphabet-googles-parent-company-now-a-1-trillion-enterprise-fourth-us-company-to-achieve-this-feat-274982">Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise; fourth US company to achieve the feat</a>

"These users may have received either an incomplete archive or&nbsp;videos,&nbsp;not photos that were not theirs,"&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said.

Google&nbsp;Takeout is a tool intended to make it simple for&nbsp;people&nbsp;to download copies of their data from cloud-hosted services such as email or storage of photos and&nbsp;videos.

Takeout was intended to provide&nbsp;people&nbsp;with an easy way to liberate their personal data from online services. In this case, however, the bug delivered&nbsp;videos&nbsp;to the wrong&nbsp;people.

Google on Tuesday said that a software glitch resulted in some Photo app smartphone videos being given to the wrong people. Google was notifying those who may have been affected.

Google on Tuesday said that a software glitch resulted in some Photo app smartphone videos being given to the wrong people. Google was notifying those who may have been affected. "We are very sorry this happened," Google said. Also read: How a man 'hacked' Google maps to show 'virtual traffic jams' with 99 mobile phones and a red cart "We fixed the underlying issue and have conducted an in-depth analysis to help prevent this from ever happening again." It was estimated that a small fraction of a per cent of those who used a "Takeout" tool may have encountered the glitch, which affected people who used the app to export stored videos from Google Photos between November 21 and November 25 of last year. Also read: Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise; fourth US company to achieve the feat "These users may have received either an incomplete archive or videos, not photos that were not theirs," Google said. Google Takeout is a tool intended to make it simple for people to download copies of their data from cloud-hosted services such as email or storage of photos and videos. Takeout was intended to provide people with an easy way to liberate their personal data from online services. In this case, however, the bug delivered videos to the wrong people.

Google says glitch sent people's videos to strangers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../google-sparks-criticism-as-it-redesigns-it-search -page-makes-ads-look-like-organic-results-276570">Google</a> parent Alphabet missed revenue expectations in the fourth quarter despite stellar growth at YouTube and in the cloud, earnings figures released Monday showed.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-google-joins-hands-with-who-to-provide-sos-alert-trusted-info-and-safety-tips-278181">Coronavirus outbreak: Google joins hands with WHO to provide SOS alert, trusted info and safety tips</a>

Detailing its cloud computing and YouTube revenues for the first time, Alphabet reported that profits rose 19 per cent from a year ago in the quarter to nearly $10.7 billion as revenues increased 17 per cent to $46 billion.

Alphabet and Google chief executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../google-ceo-calls-for-artificial-intelligence- regulation-275642">Sundar Pichai</a> touted YouTube as a revenue star at the company, with ad revenue reaching $15 billion last year in an increase of about 36 per cent from 2018.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../latest-world-news-social-media-applications- tackling-false-claims-against-coronavirus-278258">YouTube</a> music and television premium services now have more than 20 million paid subscribers, according to Pichai.

Despite assurances by executives that Alphabet sees plenty of money-making potential ahead and is investing to capitalize on long-term trends, Alphabet shares slipped more than four per cent in after-market trades that followed release of the earnings figures.

The California tech giant, which dominates online search and makes the Android mobile operating system, has been working to reduce its dependence on digital advertising which delivers most of its cash.

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"Our investments in deep computer science, including artificial intelligence, ambient computing and cloud computing, provide a strong base for continued growth and new opportunities across Alphabet," said Pichai.

The company said its cloud computing services took in $2.6 billion in revenue during the last three-month period -- up more than 50 per cent -- and nearly $9 billion for the year.

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Chief financial officer Ruth Porat said Alphabet will ramp-up hiring this year. Much of that will be engineering talent for its cloud division which competes with cloud market-leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company -policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon</a> and Microsoft.

"We are leaning into investing for longterm growth," Porat said.

"That has been a key principle here and continues to be."

Google advertising took in the majority of revenue at $38 billion in the quarter and more than 80 per cent of its annual revenues of $162 billion.

Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Baird, said the earnings report showed "a deceleration" in growth for Google, which may have been due to the impact of fewer holiday shopping days.

Despite that, Sebastian said he sees "no change to our positive long-term thesis" for Alphabet.

Analyst Nicole Perrin at eMarketer said the results highlight the significance of YouTube, the popular video service for which Alphabet had not up to now disclosed financial data.

"This is something investors have been looking for, but the information should also give advertisers valuable information about the importance of YouTube as a digital ad vehicle," Perrin said.

"YouTube is growing strongly according to this report, and revenues are above where eMarketer had thought they were."&nbsp;

Alphabet's "other bets" which include Waymo autonomous vehicles, life sciences and drone delivery, took in $172 million in revenue in the final three months of the year, ending the 12 months with a big operating loss.

The results come with the company facing intense pressure around the globe over its dominance of the online ecosystem.

It also has been at the centre of a dispute over tax policy for multinational firms. Global negotiators are seeking a new treaty on how to tax digital operations spanning the globe.

"It is something we always need to take a look at," Pichai said on an earnings call with investors and others when asked how regulatory or taxation moves could affect Alphabet's bottom line.

"We are engaged in these issues and we anticipate and structurally work on them early on."

Indian-born Pichai, who had been CEO of Google, was promoted last year to the same role at Alphabet.

Google parent Alphabet missed revenue expectations in the fourth quarter despite stellar growth at YouTube and in the cloud, earnings figures released Monday showed.

Google parent Alphabet missed revenue expectations in the fourth quarter despite stellar growth at YouTube and in the cloud, earnings figures released Monday showed. Also read- Coronavirus outbreak: Google joins hands with WHO to provide SOS alert, trusted info and safety tips Detailing its cloud computing and YouTube revenues for the first time, Alphabet reported that profits rose 19 per cent from a year ago in the quarter to nearly $10.7 billion as revenues increased 17 per cent to $46 billion. Alphabet and Google chief executive Sundar Pichai touted YouTube as a revenue star at the company, with ad revenue reaching $15 billion last year in an increase of about 36 per cent from 2018. YouTube music and television premium services now have more than 20 million paid subscribers, according to Pichai. Despite assurances by executives that Alphabet sees plenty of money-making potential ahead and is investing to capitalize on long-term trends, Alphabet shares slipped more than four per cent in after-market trades that followed release of the earnings figures. The California tech giant, which dominates online search and makes the Android mobile operating system, has been working to reduce its dependence on digital advertising which delivers most of its cash. × "Our investments in deep computer science, including artificial intelligence, ambient computing and cloud computing, provide a strong base for continued growth and new opportunities across Alphabet," said Pichai. The company said its cloud computing services took in $2.6 billion in revenue during the last three-month period -- up more than 50 per cent -- and nearly $9 billion for the year. × Chief financial officer Ruth Porat said Alphabet will ramp-up hiring this year. Much of that will be engineering talent for its cloud division which competes with cloud market-leaders Amazon and Microsoft. "We are leaning into investing for longterm growth," Porat said. "That has been a key principle here and continues to be." Google advertising took in the majority of revenue at $38 billion in the quarter and more than 80 per cent of its annual revenues of $162 billion. Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Baird, said the earnings report showed "a deceleration" in growth for Google, which may have been due to the impact of fewer holiday shopping days. Despite that, Sebastian said he sees "no change to our positive long-term thesis" for Alphabet. Analyst Nicole Perrin at eMarketer said the results highlight the significance of YouTube, the popular video service for which Alphabet had not up to now disclosed financial data. "This is something investors have been looking for, but the information should also give advertisers valuable information about the importance of YouTube as a digital ad vehicle," Perrin said. "YouTube is growing strongly according to this report, and revenues are above where eMarketer had thought they were." Alphabet's "other bets" which include Waymo autonomous vehicles, life sciences and drone delivery, took in $172 million in revenue in the final three months of the year, ending the 12 months with a big operating loss. The results come with the company facing intense pressure around the globe over its dominance of the online ecosystem. It also has been at the centre of a dispute over tax policy for multinational firms. Global negotiators are seeking a new treaty on how to tax digital operations spanning the globe. "It is something we always need to take a look at," Pichai said on an earnings call with investors and others when asked how regulatory or taxation moves could affect Alphabet's bottom line. "We are engaged in these issues and we anticipate and structurally work on them early on." Indian-born Pichai, who had been CEO of Google, was promoted last year to the same role at Alphabet.

Disappointing growth hits Google parent Alphabet shares

Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos about the impacts of technology and how artificial intelligence and quantum computers can change human lives. Pichai said that even though there were risks with artificial technology, the biggest risk was to not work on it and make AI better.

Google CEO speaks on artificial intelligence at WEF in Davos

Speaking at an event at the World Economic Forum, Pichai said it was important to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong with AI, and while it promised huge benefits there were real concerns about potential negative consequences.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at 50th WEF

Google CEO Sundar Pichai on January 20 called for a balanced approach to regulating artificial intelligence, telling a European audience that the technology brings benefits but also "negative consequences." Sundar Pichai's comments come as lawmakers and governments seriously consider putting limits on how artificial intelligence is used.

Google CEO calls for artificial intelligence regulation

The chief executive of Google parent company Alphabet on Monday backed an EU proposal to temporarily ban facial-recognition technology because of the possibility that it could be used for nefarious purposes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alphabet-googles-parent-company-now-a-1-trillion-enterprise-fourth-us-company-to-achieve-this-feat-274982">Also Read: Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise</a>

"I think it is important that governments and regulations tackle it sooner rather than later and gives a framework for it," Sundar Pichai told a conference in Brussels organised by think tank Bruegel.

The European Commission, which acts as the EU executive, is taking a tougher line on artificial intelligence (AI) than the United States that would strengthen existing regulations on privacy and data rights, according to an 18-page proposal paper seen by Reuters.

Part of this includes a moratorium of up to five years on using facial recognition technology in public areas, to give the EU time to work out how to prevent abuses, the paper said.

"It can be immediate but maybe there's a waiting period before we really think about how it's being used," Pichai said. "It's up to governments to charter the course" for the use of such technology.

Pichai urged regulators to take a "proportionate approach" when drafting rules, days before the Commission is due to publish proposals on the issue.

Regulators are grappling with ways to govern AI, encouraging innovation while trying to curb potential misuse, as companies and law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt the technology.

There was no question AI needs to be regulated, Pichai said, but rulemakers should tread carefully.

"Sensible regulation must also take a proportionate approach, balancing potential harms with social opportunities. This is especially true in areas that are high risk and high value," he said.

Regulators should tailor rules according to different sectors, Pichai said, citing medical devices and self-driving cars as examples that require different rules.

He urged governments to align their rules and agree on core values.

Earlier this month, the US&nbsp;government published regulatory guidelines on AI aimed at limiting authorities' overreach, and urged Europe to avoid an aggressive approach.

Pichai said it was important to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong with AI, and that while it promised huge benefits there were real concerns about potential negative consequences.

One area of concern is so-called "deepfakes" - video or audio clips that have been manipulated using AI and which potentially could be created of any individual, saying anything in any setting.

Pichai said Google had released open datasets to help the research community build better tools to detect such fakes.

The world's most popular internet search engine said last month that Google Cloud was not offering general-purpose facial-recognition application programming interfaces (APIs) while it establishes policy and technical safeguards.

The chief executive of Google parent company Alphabet on Monday backed an EU proposal to temporarily ban facial-recognition technology because of the possibility that it could be used for nefarious purposes.

The chief executive of Google parent company Alphabet on Monday backed an EU proposal to temporarily ban facial-recognition technology because of the possibility that it could be used for nefarious purposes. Also Read: Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise "I think it is important that governments and regulations tackle it sooner rather than later and gives a framework for it," Sundar Pichai told a conference in Brussels organised by think tank Bruegel. The European Commission, which acts as the EU executive, is taking a tougher line on artificial intelligence (AI) than the United States that would strengthen existing regulations on privacy and data rights, according to an 18-page proposal paper seen by Reuters. Part of this includes a moratorium of up to five years on using facial recognition technology in public areas, to give the EU time to work out how to prevent abuses, the paper said. "It can be immediate but maybe there's a waiting period before we really think about how it's being used," Pichai said. "It's up to governments to charter the course" for the use of such technology. Pichai urged regulators to take a "proportionate approach" when drafting rules, days before the Commission is due to publish proposals on the issue. Regulators are grappling with ways to govern AI, encouraging innovation while trying to curb potential misuse, as companies and law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt the technology. There was no question AI needs to be regulated, Pichai said, but rulemakers should tread carefully. "Sensible regulation must also take a proportionate approach, balancing potential harms with social opportunities. This is especially true in areas that are high risk and high value," he said. Regulators should tailor rules according to different sectors, Pichai said, citing medical devices and self-driving cars as examples that require different rules. He urged governments to align their rules and agree on core values. Earlier this month, the US government published regulatory guidelines on AI aimed at limiting authorities' overreach, and urged Europe to avoid an aggressive approach. Pichai said it was important to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong with AI, and that while it promised huge benefits there were real concerns about potential negative consequences. One area of concern is so-called "deepfakes" - video or audio clips that have been manipulated using AI and which potentially could be created of any individual, saying anything in any setting. Pichai said Google had released open datasets to help the research community build better tools to detect such fakes. The world's most popular internet search engine said last month that Google Cloud was not offering general-purpose facial-recognition application programming interfaces (APIs) while it establishes policy and technical safeguards.

No question artificial intelligence needs to be regulated: Sundar Pichai

Now, Sundar Pichai-led Alphabet joins trillion dollar club

Charting The Rise & Rise Of Indian-Born Techie Sundar Pichai

Gravitas: Sundar Pichai named the CEO of Alphabet, The Parent company of Google

Sundar Pichai is now CEO of both Google and Alphabet, Pichai has replaced Larry Page. Watch this video to know more.

Major corporate restructuring at Google, Sundar Pichai becomes CEO of  Alphabet

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