In a landmark case for tech regulation, British entrepreneurs Shivaun and Adam Raff took on Google over practices they say destroyed their price comparison site, Foundem. The couple’s legal crusade culminated in a €2.4 billion (£2bn) fine levied on Google in 2017, with the European Court of Justice upholding the ruling last month. The Raffs…
Moniepoint, a fast-growing Nigerian fintech startup, has secured $110 million in Series C funding, with backing from a Google-affiliated African investment fund and Development Partners International LLP. The fresh capital injection aims to fuel Moniepoint’s plans for cross-border remittances and entry into French-speaking African markets, according to the company’s founder and CEO, Tosin Eniolorunda. Moniepoint…
Google has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with nuclear technology company Kairos Power to use small nuclear reactors to meet the growing energy demands of its artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. The move marks a significant shift as tech giants seek reliable and clean energy sources to support their expanding operations. The deal, which will…
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is contemplating the potential break-up of Google, the world’s largest search engine, following a landmark ruling that accused the tech giant of monopolistic practices. This move could result in one of the most significant regulatory actions in the history of Big Tech. In August, a court found that Google…
Google, once synonymous with internet search, is seeing its long-held dominance of the U.S. search market gradually weaken. For the first time in decades, Google is projected to lose its majority control of the U.S. search market in 2024, according to a report by advertising research firm eMarketer. While Google will still be the largest…
Google secured a major legal victory on Wednesday by overturning a €1.49 billion ($1.66 billion) fine imposed by the European Union for antitrust violations, while chipmaker Qualcomm faced a less favorable outcome in its appeal. The European Commission had originally fined Google in 2019, accusing the tech giant of abusing its market dominance to block…
Google’s advertising empire is under intense scrutiny as the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and 17 states argue the tech giant has unlawfully dominated the online advertising market. During a trial that kicked off this week in a Virginia federal court, the DOJ claimed Google’s monopolistic practices have stifled competition, harming publishers, advertisers, and consumers…
Yelp has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, accusing the search engine giant of abusing its market dominance to stifle competition in local search and advertising. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco, follows a recent ruling by a federal judge that found Google in violation of U.S. antitrust laws regarding…
Google has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with California lawmakers to fund newsrooms across the state, marking the first deal of its kind in the United States. Announced on Wednesday, the tech giant committed $250 million over five years to support local journalism, in a move designed to replace proposed legislation that would have required…
Google has rolled out significant updates to its Gemini conversational AI platform, introducing new features designed to enhance user experience and performance. Similar to ChatGPT, Gemini assists users with a variety of tasks such as text generation and answering questions. The tech giant unveiled the updates, including the launch of Gemini 1.5 Flash, which promises…
In a landmark decision, a federal judge has determined that Google holds an illegal monopoly in the search engine market, violating U.S. antitrust laws. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta on Monday, could potentially reshape the way millions of Americans access information online and significantly disrupt Google’s longstanding dominance. “After carefully considering…
In a landmark decision, a federal judge has ruled that Google violated U.S. antitrust laws by maintaining an illegal monopoly in the search engine market. The ruling, delivered on Monday by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, marks a significant defeat for the tech giant and could dramatically alter how millions of Americans access information online….
Google’s recent advertisement, aired during the Olympics, intended to showcase the capabilities of its AI chatbot Gemini, has sparked widespread criticism. The ad features a father explaining his young daughter’s admiration for Olympic track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and her aspirations to follow in her hero’s footsteps. Using Google’s AI, the father generates a letter from…
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OpenAI has announced its most direct competition yet with Big Tech giants: a new search engine leveraging advanced artificial intelligence. Dubbed SearchGPT, this innovative tool aims to revolutionize online search by integrating AI from the outset. The company unveiled SearchGPT on Thursday, revealing that it combines AI technology with real-time web…
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is in advanced negotiations to acquire the fast-growing cybersecurity startup Wiz for approximately $23 billion, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to CNN. This potential acquisition would be Google’s largest to date, highlighting its significant investment in cybersecurity. The discussions began after Wiz, which specializes in cybersecurity software…
Google’s greenhouse gas emissions surged by 48% in 2023 compared to 2019, according to the tech giant’s latest environmental report. The spike is largely attributed to the increasing energy demands of data centres, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered services require significantly more computing power—and consequently more electricity—than traditional online activities,…
A US federal judge ruled on Friday that Google’s antitrust lawsuit, initiated by the US government, will be decided by a judge rather than a jury after Google paid $2.3 million to cover the lawsuit’s monetary damages. This antitrust case, focusing on Google’s advertising technology, marks the Biden administration’s first major antitrust action against a…
Google is set to face a £13.6 billion lawsuit after a court ruled that it must answer allegations of anti-competitive behaviour in the online advertising market. The case, initiated by Ad Tech Collective Action LLP, claims that Google’s practices have unfairly disadvantaged online publishers in the UK, leading to significant financial losses. The Competition Appeal…
Google’s experimental artificial intelligence (AI) search feature, known as “AI Overviews,” is attracting widespread criticism after providing some users with bizarre and inaccurate advice. One user searching for tips on making cheese stick to pizza better was advised to use “non-toxic glue,” while another query about geologists led to the suggestion that humans should eat…
The United States government has enlisted the expertise of leading figures in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry to establish guidelines for safeguarding critical infrastructure against AI-related threats and disruptions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday the formation of a panel comprising CEOs from prominent technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The…
Google has terminated the employment of an additional 20 workers, following protests last week over the company’s cloud-computing contract with the Israeli government, according to the organizers behind the demonstrations. This brings the total number of employees fired to 50. The group known as No Tech for Apartheid, which orchestrated the protest at Google offices…
Google has terminated the employment of more than two dozen employees who participated in protests against the company’s cloud computing contract with the Israeli government. The dismissals came after an internal investigation found that the protesters had disrupted operations at Google offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California. The demonstrators reportedly entered the office of…
As digital connectivity becomes increasingly vital, Google announces a monumental $1 billion investment aimed at bolstering undersea infrastructure in the Pacific. Termed Pacific Connect, this initiative underscores Google’s commitment to fortifying global digital networks. The endeavour involves the construction of two new undersea cables in partnership with various collaborators. The first cable, Proa, named after…
Google has initiated the removal of links to California news websites in response to proposed state legislation that seeks payment for news content usage by tech companies like Google and Meta. This decision, announced by Google on Friday, is being framed as a “test” to assess the impact of the legislation on its product experience….
Google, the ubiquitous search engine utilized by over a billion individuals globally, is reportedly contemplating a shift towards monetizing premium content generated through artificial intelligence (AI). The tech giant, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is purportedly reassessing its business strategy and exploring the possibility of placing select AI-driven features behind a paywall. If implemented, this…
Google has reached a settlement in a lawsuit concerning its ‘Incognito’ private browsing mode, agreeing to delete billions of data records related to users’ browsing habits. Initially filed in 2020, the lawsuit accused Google of misleading users about the extent of data collection while browsing in ‘Incognito’ mode on the Chrome browser. The settlement terms,…
Google has shed light on the significant RAM requirements needed to run its Gemini AI model locally on mobile devices, particularly on its Pixel 8 smartphones. During a recent episode of the Made by Google podcast, Seang Chau, VP of devices and services software, disclosed that while the Pixel 8 Pro’s ample 12 GB of…
The European Union has initiated investigations into tech giants Apple, Google, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, over suspicions of non-compliance with the newly implemented Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at fostering competition in digital services. European Commissioner Thierry Breton stated that the European Commission has raised concerns regarding practices by the three companies…
The tech industry faces a seismic shift as antitrust regulators on both sides of the Atlantic intensify scrutiny on alleged anti-competitive practices, with potential break-up orders looming for industry giants like Apple and Google, marking a historic first. The regulatory crackdown follows a wave of antitrust probes in various countries spurred by EU and U.S….
Apple is stepping up its efforts in artificial intelligence (AI), unveiling a new family of multimodal models named MM1, capable of interpreting and generating diverse data types simultaneously, such as text and images. This advancement signals Apple’s foray into the AI landscape, potentially impacting future products like iPhones, Macs, and the Siri voice assistant. Expected…
In a significant shift in consumer behaviour, Instagram and TikTok have emerged as the preferred platforms for local search among Gen Z, surpassing Google’s dominance in this demographic segment, according to a recent study by SOCi. While Google continues to maintain its stronghold in local search, particularly among older generations, SOCi’s findings underscore a growing…
A Google employee, Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, has been charged with four counts of theft of trade secrets for allegedly stealing artificial intelligence (AI) technology from the tech giant while collaborating with two Chinese-based companies in the AI industry. If convicted, Ding, a 38-year-old Chinese national residing in California, could face up…
Alphabet Inc., the umbrella corporation encompassing tech giant Google, faced a substantial decline of approximately $90 billion in market value on Monday, spurred by mounting apprehensions surrounding the company’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) product. The turmoil surrounding Google’s Gemini AI service has cast a shadow over Alphabet, exerting a notable impact on its stock performance…
Google has decided to temporarily suspend its artificial intelligence tool Gemini’s ability to generate images of people following widespread criticism on social media for producing historically inaccurate images, predominantly depicting people of colour instead of White individuals. The controversy underscores the ongoing struggle of AI tools to grapple with issues of race and ethnicity. Similar…
Google has bid farewell to one of its oldest features – the cached search results, as confirmed by Google Search liaison Danny Sullivan. The cache link, which displayed a snapshot of a webpage as indexed by a web crawler, has now joined the list of retired services in the Google Graveyard. Originally designed to assist…
As the Digital Markets Act (DMA) gears up to take effect in March 2024, Google is proactively altering its approach to search results and other products in compliance with the impending European Union legislation. The DMA, designed to foster fair and open digital markets, aims to curb the influence of major tech companies like Alphabet…
In a significant legal development, Google has reached a preliminary settlement in a class-action lawsuit, agreeing to pay at least $5 billion (£3.9 billion) over allegations that it invaded the privacy of users by tracking them even when in “private mode.” The lawsuit targeted the world’s prominent search engine and its parent company, Alphabet, accusing…
In its official end-of-the-year review, Google, the world’s leading search engine, has disclosed the most searched artists, songs, and lyrics in Nigeria for the year 2023. Celebrating 25 years in operation, Google marked the occasion with an exclusive list showcasing significant searches over the past quarter-century. As part of its annual review, the search giant…
In a landmark antitrust settlement, Google has committed to pay $700 million and introduce measures to foster more competition in its Play app store. Filed in federal court on Monday, the settlement resolves long-standing accusations that Google hindered competition through its app store terms and fees. Approximately 102 million U.S. consumers stand to benefit from…
In a bold move towards more personalized user interactions, Google is considering a new project, codenamed Project Ellmann, which aims to develop a chatbot equipped with an intimate understanding of users. The proposed system would go beyond the conventional chatbots that rely on past interactions, offering a more profound level of engagement by utilizing a…
In a strategic move to compete in the dynamic field of generative artificial intelligence, Google has launched Gemini, touted as its most advanced AI model to date. The tech giant aims to harness Gemini’s capabilities to enhance everything from consumer apps to Android smartphones, positioning itself as a formidable contender against OpenAI’s GPT models. Describing…
Google has escalated its battle against ad blockers on YouTube with a significant move that could affect Chrome users. The new policy introduced in the Manifest V3 extension platform is poised to deal a potentially fatal blow to ad blockers on YouTube, particularly on the Chrome browser. As part of its strategy to discourage users…
In a recent development, Google has reached a resolution with Canada to prevent a news blackout in response to the impending Online News Act, set to come into effect on December 19. The law mandates tech giants like Google and Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) to negotiate payment agreements with news outlets. Earlier, Google…
In a surprising move, Google has halted the sales of Fitbit products in nearly 30 countries, with a primary focus on markets in the Americas. This decision comes after Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2021, with the initial promise to enhance accessibility to health and wellness services globally. Fitbit products are no longer available for…
Epic Games, renowned for its flagship game “Fortnite,” has initiated a legal challenge against Google in a federal court, setting the stage for a significant antitrust confrontation. The case, taking place in the US District Court for California’s Northern District, primarily targets Google’s policies within the Google Play Store, aiming to challenge the platform’s fees…
Match Group, the parent company of popular dating platforms like Match, Tinder, and Hinge, has reached a settlement with Google, withdrawing a significant antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant’s app store. The resolution, announced on Tuesday, comes just before the trial’s commencement in San Francisco federal court. The agreement marks an end to the dispute…
In the ongoing US v. Google trial, revelations about the complexities of the deal between Apple and Google for default search engine placement on Apple devices have been brought to the forefront. A recent New York Times report disclosed that Google reportedly paid around $18 billion to Apple in 2021 for this privilege, highlighting the…
Google is taking steps to eliminate the need for traditional passwords by introducing passkeys, which will enable users to unlock their accounts and devices using fingerprint recognition, face scans, or PIN numbers. The tech giant has advocated for the use of passkeys since May and recently announced that this technology will be the primary choice…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has expressed concerns over Google’s continued dominance in online search, emphasizing its impact on internet security and the emerging field of artificial intelligence. Nadella’s comments came during his testimony in the US government’s ongoing antitrust trial against Google. He pointed out Google’s role as the default search engine on mobile devices…
Google has expanded its AI offerings with the introduction of Google Duet, a plug-in designed to cater to corporate teams seeking optimized functionalities in their workspace. Available for a subscription fee of $30 per month, Google Duet is poised to streamline document translation and integration across various Google apps, simplifying complex tasks for business professionals….
