AI must be regulated, Google boss says
Artificial intelligence is “too important” not to be regulated because of the damage it could cause if left unchecked, the boss of Google has said.
Google prepares to phase out third-party cookies in Chrome
Google has sounded the end of some internet trackers able to run on its Chrome web browser but said it could take up to two years.
Google parent company’s legal chief leaving amid ‘misconduct’ claims
David Drummond, the legal chief of Google parent company Alphabet, is leaving at the end of the month, following accusations of inappropriate relationships with employees.
Google reveals first rival search engines for Android users
Google has revealed the rival search engines that will appear as alternatives to its own web service on Android devices in the EU later this year.
Facebook holds out against pressure to ban political ads
Facebook continues to resist pressure to ban political ads and said it will not limit targeting like tech rival Google.
YouTube looks to challenging year ahead as copyright changes loom
YouTube faces an existential challenge, as it enters the next decade with potential hurdles from EU politicians on copyright changes for the digital era.
Facebook, Huawei and 5G: 2019 in technology stories
It has been another busy year in the world of technology, with new innovations arriving during 2019 including 5G, but also political problems such as the ongoing debate around Huawei.
France fines Google £127m for abusing ad dominance
France’s competition authority has fined Google 150 million euros (£127 million) for “abusing its dominant position” in the online ad market.
Amazon, Apple and Google unite in smart home partnership
Technology rivals Amazon, Apple and Google have announced a new partnership designed to improve compatibility between their smart home products.
Google and Facebook ad power risks driving up price of online purchases – CMA
Google and Facebook’s “dominance” in advertising risks driving up prices for flights, electronics and insurance, the competition watchdog has warned.
US lawsuit claims Apple and Microsoft profit from child cobalt miners
A new lawsuit is accusing several of the world’s largest technology firms of knowingly profiting from children labouring under brutal conditions in African cobalt mines.
Competition watchdog to investigate Google takeover of data firm
Google’s takeover of a data analytics firm is to be investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Google launches ‘smarter’ Assistant with updated speech processing
The AI-powered Google Assistant can now open apps and find photos using just voice commands thanks to an update to its speech processing.
YouTube bans videos that ‘maliciously insult’ race and sexual orientation
YouTube has said it will take a “stronger stance against threats and personal attacks” by banning videos that “maliciously insult” people based on their race, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Google adds new photo controls and faster Assistant in first Pixel feature drop
Google has started running “feature drops” for its Pixel smartphones as part of a new way to regularly provide users with the latest features.
Google Nest Hub display feature inspired by bats and dolphins
Google has turned to the abilities of bats and dolphins for inspiration on one of its latest smart display features.
YouTube reveals most-watched videos of 2019
Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League defeat of Barcelona was the most popular video on YouTube for UK users in 2019, the video-sharing platform has revealed.
YouTube takes down Conservative adverts featuring edited BBC footage
Google has removed Conservative Party election adverts which used edited BBC clips from its video-sharing platform YouTube.
Facebook launching new tool to transfer images to Google Photos
Facebook is releasing a tool that allows users to transfer their photos directly to Google’s storage service in a bid to give people “control and choice”.
Competition watchdog prepares probe into Google takeover of data firm Looker
Google’s buyout of data analytics firm Looker is to be probed by the UK’s competition watchdog to determine the deal’s impact on the UK and other markets.