Tag Archives: regulators

Gmail users will finally be able to easily opt out of “smart” features that use their personal data to improve the experience, the company has announced, as it seeks to reassure regulators around the world that it offers genuine user choice around how it processes data. Once it launches, a single setting on Gmail will ask users to decide whether to “turn off smart features” for their email accounts, disabling the personalisation that powers features including Smart Compose and Smart… Source link

A collection of some of Google’s greatest critics—and rivals—have called on European antitrust regulators to take immediate and tough action against the technology giant’s search-engine practices, which they allege constitutes “abuse” of the company’s market dominance. The letter was sent to the European Union commissioner overseeing competition and digital policy, Margrethe Vestager, from 135 companies and 30 industry associations spanning travel, accommodation, and job… Source link

Last month, Google released the results of the most recent pay-for-play Android auction. This farcical system is a way for alternative search engines to bid to be one of three search engines — in addition to the always present Google — that Android users can choose from, as they set up a new device.  Despite assurances to regulators and competitors that the auction wouldn’t really be pay-for-play, and wouldn’t omit the popular, purpose-driven search… Source link

The clock is ticking as Google negotiates its planned $2.1 billion acquisition of Fitbit with European antitrust regulators. The European Commission, which is reviewing the deal and its implications for consumers, has until August 4 to make a decision. The deal would give Google access to Fitbit’s wearable devices, as well as its trove of user data. Earlier this month, Google pledged to not use that trove of health information for targeted ads. This would reportedly assuage EU… Source link