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Saturday, April 27, 2024
TopicGoogle

Topic: Google

Competition Commission is Indian startups’ bugbear. It’s also causing global embarrassment

The DSM-Firmenich merger was just one of the 20-odd deals worth $1.5 billion pending before the CCI last year. Some experts blame the commission for trying to be too 'industry friendly'.

Why antitrust body CCI has ordered probe into Google’s Play Store policies amid tussle with Indian apps

Regulator says Google ‘prima facie’ appears to be violating the Competition Act, 2002. Applicants claimed the tech giant’s policies were ‘discriminatory and unfair’.

Google doodle celebrates ‘Flat White’, a coffee drink that originated in Australia & New Zealand

The beverage, known as Flat White, is a steamy espresso beverage that is topped with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam.

Why Telco body is citing Google-vs-Indian apps showdown in its own tussle with ‘global behemoths’

Google last week delisted nearly 10 Indian apps from Play Store citing non-compliance with the billing policy. However, many were reinstated later, as the Centre also intervened. 

Google lays off hundreds of employees across its voice assistant, augmented reality teams

Fitbit co-founders James Park & Eric Friedman also leaving, as tech giant continues to cut costs. As of September 2023, Alphabet had 182,381 employees globally.

Google to pay $700 million to US consumers, states in Play store settlement

Google will pay $630 million into a settlement fund for consumers and $70 million into a fund that will be used by states, according to the settlement, which still requires a judge's final approval.

India 3rd among countries sending Google most content removal requests — 20,000 over last 10 years

Study by Netherlands-based cybersecurity services provider Surfshark ranks India after Russia & South Korea. Top 2 reasons for such requests from India were defamation & impersonation.

Taming Big Tech: Battles against them have reached a defining moment

Charges against Big Tech include violating privacy & promoting paid-for content. They have responded with vigorous defence & aggressive lobbying, but also with changes to business models.

Google introduces AI-powered search tool for users in India and Japan

Google’s search feature is meant to be used for seeking information, such as locating something to purchase. It is different from its chatbot Bard.

Google, Universal Music in talks for deal on AI ‘deepfakes’, says FT report

The talks aim to develop a tool for fans to create tracks legitimately and compensate copyright owners, the report said, adding the artists would have a choice to opt in the process.

On Camera

Indira, Manmohan, Modi, all raised income inequality. Until Hindu fears took the driving seat

The issue of inequality has assumed the blazing limelight at a time when inequality in India is said to be higher than it was in the British Raj. It's a ripe situation for half-truths and incendiary statements.

Foreign policy resonating among more Indians in 2nd & 3rd tier towns of India, says EAM Jaishankar

Speaking at launch of economist Surjit Bhalla’s book, S Jaishankar also highlights Gen Z’s engagement with ‘reel culture’, which has 'promoted awareness, created interest in many subjects'.

Germany removes restrictions, India can now buy small arms from its firms

Germany’s erstwhile Christian Democratic Union govt, led by Angela Merkel, prevented sale of small arms to police forces in states they perceived had ‘bad human rights record’.

Frontrunner is letting the challenger define this poll campaign. Modi still hasn’t found a big theme

A theme has not yet emerged for BJP & people see lack of a contest, which makes it unexciting. For all these reasons, 2024 is turning out to be an unexpectedly theme-less election.