CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en"><head><script data-integration="inlineScripts"> (function() { var _sf_async_config = window._sf_async_config = (window._sf_async_config || {}); _sf_async_config.uid = 31036; _sf_async_config.domain = "irishtimes.com"; _sf_async_config.useCanonical = true; _sf_async_config.useCanonicalDomain = true; _sf_async_config.sections = "technology,technology/big-tech"; _sf_async_config.flickerControl = false; var _cbq = window._cbq = (window._cbq || []); const OT = document.cookie.split('; ').find(row => row.startsWith('blaize_jwt')); if (OT) { _cbq.push(['_acct', 'paid']); } else { _cbq.push(['_acct', 'anon']); } })(); ; var _comscore = _comscore || []; _comscore.push({ c1: "2", c2: "8946263" }); ;gtmParamsString='';if(new RegExp("^https://irishtimes.arcpublishing.com", "i").test(window.location)){gtmParamsString='&gtm_auth=om4Ly4wwqa_7E-fLbBv46g&gtm_preview=env-6&gtm_cookies_win=x'};(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl+gtmParamsString;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-NRHQKJ4');; window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', (event) => { queryly.init("954cd8bb239245f9", document.querySelectorAll("#fusion-app")); }); ;window.isIE = !!window.MSInputMethodContext && !!document.documentMode;</script><script type="text/plain" class="optanon-category-C0002" async="" data-integration="chartbeat" src="https://static.chartbeat.com/js/chartbeat.js"></script><script type="text/plain" class="optanon-category-C0002" async="" src="https://static.chartbeat.com/js/chartbeat_mab.js"></script><script>!function(n,e,i){if(!n){n=n||{},window.permutive=n,n.q=[],n.config=i||{},n.config.apiKey=e,n.config.environment=n.config.environment||"production";for(var o=["addon","identify","track","trigger","query","segment","segments","ready","on","once","user","consent"],r=0;r<o.length;r++){var t=o[r];n[t]=function(e){return function(){var i=Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments,0);n.q.push({functionName:e,arguments:i})}}(t)}}}(window.permutive, "4888a725-f640-4782-bd70-a3dd37877c2f", { "consentRequired": true }); window.googletag=window.googletag||{},window.googletag.cmd=window.googletag.cmd||[],window.googletag.cmd.push(function(){if(0===window.googletag.pubads().getTargeting("permutive").length){var g=window.localStorage.getItem("_pdfps");window.googletag.pubads().setTargeting("permutive",g?JSON.parse(g):[])}});</script><script async="" src="https://fce2b75e-f11a-48ad-a60f-7e004eb1d340.edge.permutive.app/fce2b75e-f11a-48ad-a60f-7e004eb1d340-web.js"></script><script type="text/plain" class="optanon-category-C0002-C0004">window.addEventListener('OneTrustGroupsUpdated', function() { if (document.cookie.indexOf("OptanonAlertBoxClosed=") >=0 && OptanonActiveGroups.match(/(?=.*,C0002,)(?=.*,C0004,).*/)) { const OTConsentToken = document.cookie .split('; ') .find(row => row.startsWith('OptanonConsent=')) .split('&') .find(row => row.startsWith('consentId')) .split('=')[1]; permutive.consent({ "opt_in": true, "token": OTConsentToken }); } else{ permutive.consent({ "opt_in": false }); } });</script><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"/><link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/pf/resources/favicon.ico?d=155"/><title>Big Tech | The Irish Times</title><meta name="description" content="The latest Big Tech news, analysis and comment brought to you by the definitive brand of quality journalism. Read The Irish Times."/><meta property="og:description" content="The latest Big Tech news, analysis and comment brought to you by the definitive brand of quality journalism. Read The Irish Times."/><meta name="twitter:description" content="The latest Big Tech news, analysis and comment brought to you by the definitive brand of quality journalism. Read The Irish Times."/><meta property="og:title" content="Big Tech - The Irish Times"/><meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Tech - The Irish Times"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.themebuilder.aws.arc.pub%2Firishtimes%2F1647534191476.png?auth=631eeaa12e7a61c005c8eb0bbf348f785c131b10c4d6b25c28247a15965b5a36&width=1200"/><meta property="og:image:alt" content="Big Tech - The Irish Times"/><meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.themebuilder.aws.arc.pub%2Firishtimes%2F1647534191476.png?auth=631eeaa12e7a61c005c8eb0bbf348f785c131b10c4d6b25c28247a15965b5a36&width=1200"/><meta name="twitter:image:alt" content="Big Tech - The Irish Times"/><meta name="paywall-status" content="free"/><meta property="og:site_name" content="The Irish Times"/><meta name="twitter:site" content="@IrishTimes"/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><link rel="canonical" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/8/"/><link rel="alternate" hrefLang="en-IE" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/8/"/><link id="fusion-template-styles" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/pf/dist/components/combinations/default.css?d=155"/><link id="fusion-siteStyles-styles" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/pf/dist/css/irishtimes.css?d=155"/><style data-styled="" data-styled-version="5.3.5">.bTOMGw{display:none;}/*!sc*/ .bTOMGw .arcad > [id^='google_ads_iframe']:not(:empty){max-width:100%;}/*!sc*/ .bTOMGw .arcad > [id^='google_ads_iframe']:not(:empty)::before{content:'ADVERTISEMENT';display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;font-family:star-font,'Roboto',sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ .bTOMGw .arcad > [id^='google_ads_iframe']:empty[style]{width:0 !important;height:0 !important;}/*!sc*/ .gKEhzJ .arcad > [id^='google_ads_iframe']:not(:empty){max-width:100%;}/*!sc*/ .gKEhzJ .arcad > [id^='google_ads_iframe']:not(:empty)::before{content:'ADVERTISEMENT';display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;font-family:star-font,'Roboto',sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ .gKEhzJ .arcad > [id^='google_ads_iframe']:empty[style]{width:0 !important;height:0 !important;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g8[id="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0"]{content:"bTOMGw,gKEhzJ,"}/*!sc*/ </style><script type="application/javascript" id="polyfill-script">if(!Array.prototype.includes||!(window.Object && window.Object.assign)||!window.Promise||!window.Symbol||!window.fetch){document.write('<script type="application/javascript" src="/pf/dist/engine/polyfill.js?d=155" defer=""><\/script>')}</script><script id="fusion-engine-react-script" type="application/javascript" src="/pf/dist/engine/react.js?d=155" defer=""></script><script id="fusion-engine-combinations-script" type="application/javascript" src="/pf/dist/components/combinations/default.js?d=155" defer=""></script><script async="" src="https://polyfill-fastly.io/v3/polyfill.min.js?version=3.111.0&features=IntersectionObserver%2CElement.prototype.prepend%2CElement.prototype.remove%2CArray.prototype.find%2CArray.prototype.includes%2CString.prototype.repeat%2CURLSearchParams"></script><script type="text/plain" class="optanon-category-C0004" async="" data-integration="nativo-ad" src="https://s.ntv.io/serve/load.js"></script><script type="text/plain" class="optanon-category-C0002" async="" data-integration="comscore" src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js"></script><script defer="" data-integration="queryly" src="https://www.queryly.com/js/queryly.v4.min.js"></script><script id="xtreme-push" type="text/javascript"> (function(p,u,s,h,e,r,l,i,b) {p['XtremePushObject']=s;p[s]=function(){ (p[s].q=p[s].q||[]).push(arguments)};i=u.createElement('script');i.async=1; i.src=h;b=u.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];b.parentNode.insertBefore(i,b); })(window,document,'xtremepush','https://prod.webpu.sh/tEEXuB8vRMsRMzIydjRZIQjnQzT-EXwR/sdk.js'); xtremepush('ready', function () { if (window.safari !== undefined) { const permission = xtremepush('push', 'permission'); const views = JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem('xtremepush.data'))?.page_views; const sendPush = views % 55 === 0 || views === 1; if ((permission === 'default' || !permission) && (permission !== 'unavailable' && permission !== 'denied' ) && sendPush) { xtremepush('event', 'User Gesture'); } } else { xtremepush('push', 'auto_prompt', true); } }); </script><script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Organization", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "postOfficeBoxNumber": "PO Box 74", "streetAddress": "24-28 Tara Street", "addressLocality": "Dublin 2", "addressRegion": "County Dublin", "addressCountry": "Ireland", "postalCode": "D02 CX89" }, "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "Customer Support", "email": "services@irishtimes.com", "telephone": "+353 1 9203901" }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "Sales", "email": "mediasolutions@irishtimes.com", "telephone": "+353 1 5320978" }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "News Desk", "email": "newsdesk@irishtimes.com", "telephone": "" } ], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "", "width": 1024, "height": 547 }, "name": "The Irish Times", "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/irishtimes/", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-irish-times", "https://www.youtube.com/user/IrishTimes", "https://twitter.com/IrishTimes" ], "url": "https://www.irishtimes.com" }</script><link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"/><link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin=""/><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Noto+Serif+JP:wght@400;700&family=Roboto:wght@400;700&display=swap"/><script> function PoWaReady() { // 0. DEFAULTS window.PoWaSettings = window.PoWaSettings || []; window.PoWaSettings.advertising = window.PoWaSettings.advertising || []; // 1. CookieBanner ONLOAD window.addEventListener("powaRender", function() { window.PoWaSettings.advertising.adBar = {skipOffset: 6}; if (typeof OptanonActiveGroups==="string" && OptanonActiveGroups.match(/(?=.*,C0002,).*/)) { // 2. Cookies Granted window.PoWaSettings.advertising.gdprConsentGranted = true; } else { // 3. Set Default value window.PoWaSettings.advertising.gdprConsentGranted = window.PoWaSettings.advertising.gdprConsentGranted || false; } }); // 4. CookieBanner ONCLICK window.addEventListener("OneTrustGroupsUpdated", function() { // 1. Set Default value window.PoWaSettings.advertising.gdprConsentGranted = !!OptanonActiveGroups.match(/(?=.,C0002,)./); }); // 5. DataLayer event window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; dataLayer.push({ "has_PoWaSettings_load": true, "event": "donewith_PoWaSettings" }); } var i = 0; function checkIsPoWaReady() { i = i + 1; if (typeof window.PoWaSettings==="object" && typeof OptanonActiveGroups==="string") { //stop the polling PoWaReady(); clearInterval(pollforPoWaReady); } else if (i > 500) { //give up after 5 sec clearInterval(pollforPoWaReady); } } // Start polling var pollforPoWaReady = setInterval(checkIsPoWaReady, 10); </script><script src="https://cdn.cookielaw.org/consent/tcf.stub.js" type="text/javascript"></script></head><body class="custom-it"><noscript data-integration="comscore"><img alt="comscore" src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=8946263&cv=2.0&cj=1"/></noscript><noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-NRHQKJ4" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript><div id="fusion-app"><div id="pw-zpr-modal"></div><div class="b-it-right-rail-advanced"><header class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__navigation page-header" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><nav id="main-nav" class="b-header-nav-chain " aria-label="Sections Menu"><div class="b-header-nav-chain__top-layout"><div class="b-header-nav-chain__nav-left"><div class="nav-components--mobile" data-testid="nav-chain-nav-components-mobile-left"><button data-testid="nav-chain-nav-section-button" aria-label="Sections" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--secondary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M25 96C25 78.33 39.33 64 57 64H441C458.7 64 473 78.33 473 96C473 113.7 458.7 128 441 128H57C39.33 128 25 113.7 25 96ZM25 256C25 238.3 39.33 224 57 224H441C458.7 224 473 238.3 473 256C473 273.7 458.7 288 441 288H57C39.33 288 25 273.7 25 256ZM441 448H57C39.33 448 25 433.7 25 416C25 398.3 39.33 384 57 384H441C458.7 384 473 398.3 473 416C473 433.7 458.7 448 441 448Z"></path></svg></button></div><div class="nav-components--desktop" data-testid="nav-chain-nav-components-desktop-left"><button aria-label="Search" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--secondary-reverse" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M505 442.7L405.3 343c-4.5-4.5-10.6-7-17-7H372c27.6-35.3 44-79.7 44-128C416 93.1 322.9 0 208 0S0 93.1 0 208s93.1 208 208 208c48.3 0 92.7-16.4 128-44v16.3c0 6.4 2.5 12.5 7 17l99.7 99.7c9.4 9.4 24.6 9.4 33.9 0l28.3-28.3c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6.1-34zM208 336c-70.7 0-128-57.2-128-128 0-70.7 57.2-128 128-128 70.7 0 128 57.2 128 128 0 70.7-57.2 128-128 128z"></path></svg></span></button><button data-testid="nav-chain-nav-section-button" aria-label="Sections" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--secondary-reverse" type="button"><span>Sections</span><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M25 96C25 78.33 39.33 64 57 64H441C458.7 64 473 78.33 473 96C473 113.7 458.7 128 441 128H57C39.33 128 25 113.7 25 96ZM25 256C25 238.3 39.33 224 57 224H441C458.7 224 473 238.3 473 256C473 273.7 458.7 288 441 288H57C39.33 288 25 273.7 25 256ZM441 448H57C39.33 448 25 433.7 25 416C25 398.3 39.33 384 57 384H441C458.7 384 473 398.3 473 416C473 433.7 458.7 448 441 448Z"></path></svg></button></div></div><a title="The Irish Times" class="c-link b-header-nav-chain__logo b-header-nav-chain__logo--center nav-logo-hidden svg-logo" href="/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img src="https://static.themebuilder.aws.arc.pub/irishtimes/1647534191733.svg" alt="The Irish Times" data-chromatic="ignore"/></a><div class="b-header-nav-chain__nav-right"><div class="nav-components--mobile" data-testid="nav-chain-nav-components-mobile-right"><div class="c-stack b-signin-subscribe-block" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><a target="_blank" style="display:none" rel="noreferrer" class="c-button c-button--link c-button--small c-button--primary b-signin-subscribe-block__subscribe" href="/subscribe"><span><span style="display:none">Subscribe</span></span></a><button class="c-button c-button--small c-button--secondary-reverse b-signin-subscribe-block__btn--signin" type="button"><span><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0.5rem"><svg width="14" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><mask id="mask0_757:236487" style="mask-type:alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="0" y="0" width="24" height="24"><rect width="24" height="24" fill="#C4C4C4"></rect></mask><g mask="url(#mask0_757:236487)"><ellipse cx="9.79117" cy="6.02353" rx="5.02353" ry="5.02353" fill="white"></ellipse><path d="M11.0471 22.35V12.3029H5C2.79086 12.3029 1 14.0938 1 16.3029V20.35C1 21.4546 1.89543 22.35 3 22.35H11.0471Z" fill="white"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M19.3391 22.1044C19.2762 22.1862 19.1937 22.2477 19.0916 22.2886C18.9894 22.3295 18.8833 22.35 18.7733 22.35C18.5533 22.35 18.3647 22.2681 18.2075 22.1044C18.0504 21.9406 17.9718 21.7441 17.9718 21.5148C17.9718 21.4002 17.9954 21.2896 18.0425 21.1832C18.0897 21.0767 18.1447 20.9907 18.2075 20.9252L20.8478 18.174H14.3839C14.1482 18.174 13.9517 18.0921 13.7946 17.9283C13.6374 17.7646 13.5588 17.568 13.5588 17.3388C13.5588 17.1095 13.6374 16.913 13.7946 16.7492C13.9517 16.5854 14.1482 16.5036 14.3839 16.5036H20.8478L18.2075 13.7277C18.1447 13.6622 18.0897 13.5762 18.0425 13.4698C17.9954 13.3633 17.9718 13.2528 17.9718 13.1382C17.9718 12.9089 18.0504 12.7124 18.2075 12.5486C18.3647 12.3848 18.5533 12.3029 18.7733 12.3029C18.8833 12.3029 18.9894 12.3275 19.0916 12.3766C19.1937 12.4258 19.2762 12.4831 19.3391 12.5486L23.3702 16.7492C23.433 16.8147 23.488 16.9007 23.5352 17.0071C23.5823 17.1136 23.6059 17.2241 23.6059 17.3388C23.6059 17.4534 23.5823 17.5598 23.5352 17.6581C23.488 17.7564 23.433 17.8464 23.3702 17.9283L19.3391 22.1044Z" fill="white"></path></g></svg></div></span></button></div></div><div class="nav-components--desktop" data-testid="nav-chain-nav-components-desktop-right"><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0f1j0n1myTR7B9-0-0-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0f1j0n1myTR7B9-0-0-0"></div><div><iframe scrolling="no" id="fw-desktop" data-src="https://lw.foreca.com/v3/en/site/irishtimes/widget/?name=Dublin&id=102964574" style="width: 85px; height: 40px; border:0; margin: 0; display: flex; align-items: center;"></iframe></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0f1j0n1myTR7B9-0-0-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0f1j0n1myTR7B9-0-0-0"></div><div class="c-stack b-signin-subscribe-block" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><a target="_blank" style="display:none" rel="noreferrer" class="c-button c-button--link c-button--small c-button--primary b-signin-subscribe-block__subscribe" href="/subscribe"><span><span style="display:none">Subscribe</span></span></a><button class="c-button c-button--small c-button--secondary-reverse b-signin-subscribe-block__btn--signin" type="button"><span><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0.5rem"><svg width="14" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><mask id="mask0_757:236487" style="mask-type:alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="0" y="0" width="24" height="24"><rect width="24" height="24" fill="#C4C4C4"></rect></mask><g mask="url(#mask0_757:236487)"><ellipse cx="9.79117" cy="6.02353" rx="5.02353" ry="5.02353" fill="white"></ellipse><path d="M11.0471 22.35V12.3029H5C2.79086 12.3029 1 14.0938 1 16.3029V20.35C1 21.4546 1.89543 22.35 3 22.35H11.0471Z" fill="white"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M19.3391 22.1044C19.2762 22.1862 19.1937 22.2477 19.0916 22.2886C18.9894 22.3295 18.8833 22.35 18.7733 22.35C18.5533 22.35 18.3647 22.2681 18.2075 22.1044C18.0504 21.9406 17.9718 21.7441 17.9718 21.5148C17.9718 21.4002 17.9954 21.2896 18.0425 21.1832C18.0897 21.0767 18.1447 20.9907 18.2075 20.9252L20.8478 18.174H14.3839C14.1482 18.174 13.9517 18.0921 13.7946 17.9283C13.6374 17.7646 13.5588 17.568 13.5588 17.3388C13.5588 17.1095 13.6374 16.913 13.7946 16.7492C13.9517 16.5854 14.1482 16.5036 14.3839 16.5036H20.8478L18.2075 13.7277C18.1447 13.6622 18.0897 13.5762 18.0425 13.4698C17.9954 13.3633 17.9718 13.2528 17.9718 13.1382C17.9718 12.9089 18.0504 12.7124 18.2075 12.5486C18.3647 12.3848 18.5533 12.3029 18.7733 12.3029C18.8833 12.3029 18.9894 12.3275 19.0916 12.3766C19.1937 12.4258 19.2762 12.4831 19.3391 12.5486L23.3702 16.7492C23.433 16.8147 23.488 16.9007 23.5352 17.0071C23.5823 17.1136 23.6059 17.2241 23.6059 17.3388C23.6059 17.4534 23.5823 17.5598 23.5352 17.6581C23.488 17.7564 23.433 17.8464 23.3702 17.9283L19.3391 22.1044Z" fill="white"></path></g></svg></div></span></button></div></div></div></div><div id="flyout-overlay" data-testid="nav-chain-flyout-overlay" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__flyout-overlay closed" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div><div class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__flyout-nav-wrapper closed" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="b-header-nav-chain__flyout-close-button"><button aria-label="Close" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--secondary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="24" height="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M406.6 361.4C419.1 373.9 419.1 394.15 406.6 406.65C400.4 412.9 392.2 416 384 416C375.8 416 367.62 412.875 361.38 406.625L256 301.3L150.63 406.6C144.38 412.9 136.19 416 128 416C119.81 416 111.63 412.9 105.375 406.6C92.875 394.1 92.875 373.85 105.375 361.35L210.775 255.95L105.375 150.6C92.875 138.1 92.875 117.85 105.375 105.35C117.875 92.85 138.125 92.85 150.625 105.35L256 210.8L361.4 105.4C373.9 92.9 394.15 92.9 406.65 105.4C419.15 117.9 419.15 138.15 406.65 150.65L301.25 256.05L406.6 361.4Z"></path></svg></button></div><div class="nav-menu"><div data-testid="nav-chain-nav-components-mobile" class="c-stack nav-components--mobile" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="b-subscribe-button-block"><div><iframe scrolling="no" id="fw-mobile" data-src="https://lw.foreca.com/v3/en/site/irishtimes/widget/?name=Dublin&id=102964574" style="width: 85px; height: 40px; border:0; margin: 0;"></iframe></div><a target="_blank" class="c-button c-button--link c-button--full-width c-button--medium c-button--primary" href="/subscribe"><span>Subscribe</span></a></div><button aria-label="Search" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--secondary-reverse" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M505 442.7L405.3 343c-4.5-4.5-10.6-7-17-7H372c27.6-35.3 44-79.7 44-128C416 93.1 322.9 0 208 0S0 93.1 0 208s93.1 208 208 208c48.3 0 92.7-16.4 128-44v16.3c0 6.4 2.5 12.5 7 17l99.7 99.7c9.4 9.4 24.6 9.4 33.9 0l28.3-28.3c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6.1-34zM208 336c-70.7 0-128-57.2-128-128 0-70.7 57.2-128 128-128 70.7 0 128 57.2 128 128 0 70.7-57.2 128-128 128z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div data-testid="nav-chain-nav-components-desktop" class="c-stack nav-components--desktop" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"></div></div><ul class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__flyout-nav" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Home</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/latest/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Latest</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/subscriber-only/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Subscriber Only</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/crosswords-puzzles" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Crosswords & Puzzles</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_crosswords-puzzles" aria-label="Show Crosswords & Puzzles sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crosswords-puzzles"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crosswords-puzzles/crosaire" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Crosaire</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crosswords-puzzles/simplex" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Simplex</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crosswords-puzzles/sudoku" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Sudoku</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crosswords-puzzles/news-quiz/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">News Quiz</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/election2024/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Election 2024</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/ireland" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Ireland</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_ireland" aria-label="Show Ireland sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_ireland"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/ireland/dublin" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Dublin</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/ireland/education" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Education</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/ireland/housing-planning" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Housing & Planning</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/ireland/social-affairs" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Social Affairs</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/ireland/stardust/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stardust</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/politics" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Politics</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_politics" aria-label="Show Politics sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_politics"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/election2024/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Election 2024</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/politics/poll/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Poll</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/politics/oireachtas" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Oireachtas</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/common-ground/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Common Ground</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/politics/elections-referendums/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Elections & Referendums</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/opinion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Opinion</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_opinion" aria-label="Show Opinion sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_opinion"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/opinion/editorials" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Editorials</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/opinion/an-irish-diary" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">An Irish Diary</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/opinion/letters" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Letters</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/opinion/cartoon" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Cartoon</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/business" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Business</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_business" aria-label="Show Business sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_business"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/business/economy" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Economy</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/business/farming-food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Farming & Food</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/business/financial-services" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Financial Services</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/business/innovation" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Innovation</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/business/markets" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Markets</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/business/work" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Work</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/world" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">World</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_world" aria-label="Show World sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_world"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/us-election/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">US Election</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/europe" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Europe</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/uk" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">UK</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/us" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">US</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/canada" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Canada</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/australia" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Australia</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/africa" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Africa</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/americas" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Americas</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/asia-pacific" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Asia-Pacific</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/world/middle-east" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Middle East</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/sport" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Sport</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_sport" aria-label="Show Sport sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_sport"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/gaelic-games" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaelic Games</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/rugby" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Rugby</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/soccer" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Soccer</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/golf" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Golf</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/racing" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Racing</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/athletics" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Athletics</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/boxing" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Boxing</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/cycling" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Cycling</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/hockey" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Hockey</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/tennis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Tennis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/your-money" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Money</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_your-money" aria-label="Show Your Money sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_your-money"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/pricewatch" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Pricewatch</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/budget/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Budget 2025</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Crime & Law</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_crime-law" aria-label="Show Crime & Law sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crime-law"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/courts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Courts</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Property</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_property" aria-label="Show Property sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_property"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/residential" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Residential</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/interiors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Interiors</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Food</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_food" aria-label="Show Food sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_food"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/drink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Drink</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/recipes" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Recipes</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/restaurants" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/health" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Health</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_health" aria-label="Show Health sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_health"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-family" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Family</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Fitness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-wellness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Wellness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness/get-running" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Get Running</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Life & Style</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_life-style" aria-label="Show Life & Style sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_life-style"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fashion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fashion</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/beauty/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Beauty</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fine-art-antiques" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fine Art & Antiques</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/gardening" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gardening</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/travel" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Travel</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/culture" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Culture</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_culture" aria-label="Show Culture sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_culture"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/art" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Art</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/books" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Books</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Film</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/music" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Music</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/stage" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stage</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/tv-radio" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">TV & Radio</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/environment" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Environment</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_environment" aria-label="Show Environment sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_environment"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/environment/climate-crisis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Climate Crisis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/technology" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Technology</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_technology" aria-label="Show Technology sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_technology"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/big-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Big Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/consumer-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Consumer Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/data-security" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Data & Security</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/gaming" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaming</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/science" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Science</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_science" aria-label="Show Science sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_science"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/science/space" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Space</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/media" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Media</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/abroad" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Abroad</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/obituaries" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Obituaries</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/transport" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Transport</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/motors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Motors</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_motors" aria-label="Show Motors sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_motors"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/motors/car-reviews/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Car Reviews</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/listen/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Listen</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Podcasts</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_podcasts" aria-label="Show Podcasts sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_podcasts"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/in-the-news" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">In the News Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/inside-politics" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Inside Politics Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/the-womens-podcast" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">The Women's Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/inside-business" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Inside Business Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/ross-ocarroll-kelly" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Ross O'Carroll-Kelly</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/the-counter-ruck" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">The Counter Ruck Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/conversations-with-parents" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Conversations with Parents Podcast</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/video" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Video</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/photography" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Photography</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/history" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">History</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_history" aria-label="Show History sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_history"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/history/century" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Century</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tuarascail" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Tuarascáil</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/student-hub" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Student Hub</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/offbeat" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Offbeat</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="https://notices.irishtimes.com" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Family Notices<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/sponsored" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Sponsored</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_sponsored" aria-label="Show Sponsored sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_sponsored"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/advertising-feature" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Advertising Feature</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/special-reports" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Special Reports</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/subscriber-rewards/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Subscriber Rewards</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/competitions" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Competitions</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/weather/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Weather Forecast</a></li><li class="section-menu--bottom-placeholder"></li></ul></div></div></div></nav></header><section role="main" tabindex="-1" class="b-it-right-rail-advanced__main" id="main"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__full-width-1" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div id="arcad-feature-f0fwlLn0hH4648M-e6eb6d36ae7e7" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 bTOMGw arcad-feature"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:970px"><div id="arcad_f0fwlLn0hH4648M-e6eb6d36ae7e7" class="arcad ad-970x90"></div></div></div><div class="c-stack b-section-title" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><h1 class="c-heading">Big Tech</h1></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/></div><div class="c-grid b-it-right-rail-advanced__rail-container"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-interior-item b-it-right-rail-advanced__empty" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-interior-item-1" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2023/09/25/this-philosopher-foresaw-the-biggest-problem-with-ai-now-hes-sounding-another-warning/">This philosopher foresaw the biggest problem with AI. Now he’s sounding another warning</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/23/microsoft-reaches-milestone-in-lauralynn-fundraising/">Microsoft reaches fundraising milestone for children’s hospice charity LauraLynn </a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/21/microsoft-plans-data-centre-campus-for-kildare/">Microsoft plans data centre campus in Co Kildare</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/09/21/how-geopolitics-threatens-apples-dependence-on-china/">How geopolitics threatens Apple’s dependence on China</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/09/19/elon-musk-says-x-formerly-twitter-moving-to-charging-small-monthly-payment-for-site/">Elon Musk says X, formerly Twitter, moving to charging ‘small monthly payment’ for site</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/ireland/2023/09/16/tiktok-motivates-millions-of-children-to-skip-privacy-setting-irish-regulator-finds/">TikTok motivates millions of children to ‘skip’ privacy setting, Irish regulator finds</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/15/apple-bows-to-pressure-from-france-with-iphone-12-software-update/">Apple bows to pressure from France with iPhone 12 software update</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/09/15/tiktok-fined-345m-by-irelands-data-regulator-for-violating-childrens-privacy/">TikTok fined €345m by Ireland’s data regulator for violating children’s privacy</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/14/apple-tries-to-move-beyond-just-iphone-sales-as-smartphone-market-stagnates/">Apple tries to move beyond just iPhone sales as smartphone market stagnates</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/2023/09/13/apple-goes-carbon-neutral-on-new-watch-with-more-products-on-the-way/">Apple goes carbon neutral on new Watch, with more products on the way</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/2023/09/13/hands-on-with-the-brand-new-iphone-15-pro-and-pro-max/">Hands-on with the brand new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/2023/09/13/apple-disputes-french-radiation-findings-on-its-iphone-12-model/">Apple disputes French radiation findings on its iPhone 12 model </a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/2023/09/12/apple-cuts-irish-prices-for-top-of-the-range-iphones/">Apple cuts Irish prices for its new iPhones </a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/12/us-says-google-pays-10bn-a-year-to-maintain-search-dominance/">US says Google pays $10bn a year to maintain search dominance</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/09/12/elon-musk-ignored-pleas-to-stop-alienating-advertisers-new-book-says/">Elon Musk ignored pleas to stop alienating advertisers, new book says</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/2023/09/11/new-chips-periscope-cameras-and-the-end-of-lightning-what-to-expect-from-apples-new-iphone-15/">New chips, periscope cameras and the end of lightning charging? What to expect from Apple’s new iPhone 15 </a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/11/google-faces-landmark-monopoly-case-in-us/">Google faces landmark monopoly case in US</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/11/visionary-or-reckless-wrestling-with-elon-musks-competing-character-traits/">Elon Musk’s biographer: ‘He has an epic sense of himself, as if he’s a comic book character’</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/08/apple-issues-emergency-patch-after-pegasus-spyware-breach/">Apple issues emergency patch after Pegasus spyware breach</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/09/07/the-high-costs-and-slow-take-up-of-virtual-reality-for-employee-training/">The high costs and slow take-up of virtual reality for employee training</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/06/big-tech-faces-new-legal-duties-as-brussels-lists-services-bound-by-new-rules/">Big Tech faces new legal duties as Brussels lists services bound by new rules</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/09/05/elon-musk-threatens-to-sue-civil-rights-group-over-anti-semitism-accusation/">Elon Musk threatens to sue civil rights group over anti-Semitism accusation</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/09/05/apple-and-microsoft-fight-brussels-over-gatekeeper-label-for-imessage-and-bing/">Apple and Microsoft fight Brussels over ‘gatekeeper’ label for iMessage and Bing</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/ireland/social-affairs/2023/08/30/facebook-seeks-to-have-discrimination-claim-by-dublin-man-addicted-to-litigation-thrown-out/">Facebook seeks to have discrimination claim by Dublin man ‘addicted to litigation’ thrown out</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/29/elon-musk-takeover-costs-twitter-127m-in-irish-redundancy-costs/">Elon Musk takeover costs Twitter €12.7m in Irish redundancy costs </a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/26/collisons-among-elite-silicon-valley-investors-in-plan-to-build-a-city-from-scratch/">Collisons said to be among elite tech investors in plan to build a city from scratch</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/24/local-facebook-groups-exposed-to-hundreds-of-hoax-posts-study-shows/">Local Facebook groups exposed to hundreds of hoax posts, study shows</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/08/24/big-tech-braces-for-roll-out-of-eus-digital-services-act/">Big Tech braces for roll-out of EU’s Digital Services Act</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/08/23/elon-musks-x-formerly-twitter-to-strip-headlines-and-other-text-from-news-links/">Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, to strip headlines and other text from news links </a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/08/19/elon-musk-to-remove-ability-to-block-accounts-on-twitter/">Elon Musk to remove ability to block accounts on Twitter</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/17/lenovo-drops-6-after-profit-miss-amid-prolonged-pc-downturn/">Lenovo drops 6% after profit miss amid prolonged PC downturn</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/08/16/twitter-appears-to-delay-links-by-five-seconds-to-sites-elon-musk-dislikes/">Twitter appears to delay links by five seconds to sites Elon Musk dislikes</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/15/youtube-to-clamp-down-on-medical-misinformation-with-fresh-policy-change/">YouTube to clamp down on medical misinformation with fresh policy change</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/15/zoom-eyes-up-irish-real-estate-in-return-to-office-push/">Zoom eyes up Irish office</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/15/proposed-cage-fight-now-seems-unlikely-between-giants-of-the-tech-world/">Proposed cage fight now seems unlikely between giants of the tech world</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/world/us/2023/08/14/mark-zuckerberg-moving-on-from-rumoured-cage-fight-with-elon-musk/">Mark Zuckerberg ‘moving on’ from rumoured cage fight with Elon Musk</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/11/profits-at-whatsapp-ireland-soar-as-it-cuts-provision-for-regulatory-breaches/">WhatsApp Ireland’s profits soar as it cuts provision for regulatory breaches</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/08/10/amazon-tracks-and-targets-us-staff-over-three-days-in-office-rule/">Amazon tracks and targets US staff over three days in office rule</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/07/ireland-risks-becoming-complacent-about-the-need-for-fresh-foreign-direct-investment/">Ireland risks becoming complacent about the need for fresh foreign direct investment</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/08/06/musk-says-x-will-pay-legal-bills-of-people-unfairly-treated-over-posts-on-platform/">Musk says X will pay legal bills of people ‘unfairly treated’ over posts on platform</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/04/amazons-online-sales-lift-earnings-and-send-shares-higher/">Amazon’s online sales lift earnings and send shares higher</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/04/apple-sluggishness-to-persist-after-third-quarter-of-falling-sales/">Apple sluggishness to persist after third quarter of falling sales</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/08/04/dramatic-fall-in-number-of-ict-work-permits-issued-to-foreign-workers/">Dramatic fall in number of ICT work permits issued to foreign workers</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/08/03/inside-accenture-a-lot-of-us-are-aware-that-our-jobs-are-going-to-be-redeployed-to-lower-cost-countries/">Inside Accenture: ‘A lot of us are aware that our jobs are going to be redeployed’ to lower-cost countries</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/ireland/2023/08/02/google-celebrates-20-years-of-life-outside-the-us/">Most-Googled over past 20 years shows Ireland’s obsession with weather</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/07/31/musk-draws-heat-from-san-francisco-over-giant-x-logo/">Elon Musk draws heat from San Francisco over giant X logo</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/07/27/tiktok-plan-to-close-cafe-to-public-at-dublin-office-undesirable-says-council/">TikTok plan to close cafe to public at Dublin office ‘undesirable’, says council </a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2023/07/27/eu-investigates-microsofts-bundling-of-teams-with-office-software-package/">EU investigates Microsoft’s bundling of Teams with Office software package</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/07/27/meta-unfriends-news-media-in-growing-rift-with-publishers/">Meta unfriends news media in growing rift with publishers</a></h2></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/big-tech/2023/07/26/meta-forecasts-third-quarter-revenue-above-expectations/">Meta forecasts third-quarter revenue above expectations</a></h2></div></div></article><div> <div class="d-flex justify-content-center "><nav aria-label="Page navigation example" class="pagination-nav margin-sm-bottom"><ul class="pagination"><li class="page-item page-item-prev "><a class="page-link" href="/technology/big-tech/7/"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="30" height="30" fill="none"><path fill="#191919" d="M7.865 14.202 17.952 4.115a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 1.762 0L20.89 5.29c.486.486.487 1.273.002 1.76l-7.994 8.031 7.994 8.032a1.245 1.245 0 0 1-.002 1.76l-1.177 1.177a1.246 1.246 0 0 1-1.761 0L7.865 15.963a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 0-1.761Z"></path><mask id="a" width="15" height="24" x="7" y="3" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" style="mask-type:luminance"><path fill="#fff" d="M7.865 14.202 17.952 4.115a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 1.762 0L20.89 5.29c.486.486.487 1.273.002 1.76l-7.994 8.031 7.994 8.032a1.245 1.245 0 0 1-.002 1.76l-1.177 1.177a1.246 1.246 0 0 1-1.761 0L7.865 15.963a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 0-1.761Z"></path></mask><g mask="url(#a)"><path fill="#191919" d="M0 0h30v30H0z"></path><path fill="#fff" d="M0 0h30v30H0z"></path><path fill="#2C5472" d="M0 0h30v30H0z"></path></g></svg></a></li><li class="page-item page-item-number "><a href="/technology/big-tech/" class="page-link">1</a></li><li class="page-item page-item-dot"> <a class="page-link">…</a></li><li class="page-item page-item-number "><a href="/technology/big-tech/7/" class="page-link">7</a></li><li class="page-item page-item-number active"><a href="/technology/big-tech/8/" class="page-link">8</a></li><li class="page-item page-item-number "><a href="/technology/big-tech/9/" class="page-link">9</a></li><li class="page-item page-item-dot"> <a class="page-link">…</a></li><li class="page-item page-item-number "><a href="/technology/big-tech/18/" class="page-link">18</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/2/" class="page-link">2</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/3/" class="page-link">3</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/4/" class="page-link">4</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/5/" class="page-link">5</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/6/" class="page-link">6</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/10/" class="page-link">10</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/11/" class="page-link">11</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/12/" class="page-link">12</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/13/" class="page-link">13</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/14/" class="page-link">14</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/15/" class="page-link">15</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/16/" class="page-link">16</a></li><li class="pagination-flex"><a href="/technology/big-tech/17/" class="page-link">17</a></li><li class="page-item page-item-next "><a class="page-link" href="/technology/big-tech/9/"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="30" height="30" fill="none"><path fill="#191919" d="M23.39 15.963 13.303 26.051a1.246 1.246 0 0 1-1.762 0l-1.176-1.177a1.246 1.246 0 0 1-.002-1.76l7.994-8.031-7.994-8.032a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 .002-1.76l1.176-1.176a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 1.762 0L23.39 14.202a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 0 1.761Z"></path><mask id="b" width="14" height="24" x="10" y="3" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" style="mask-type:luminance"><path fill="#fff" d="M23.39 15.963 13.303 26.051a1.246 1.246 0 0 1-1.762 0l-1.176-1.177a1.246 1.246 0 0 1-.002-1.76l7.994-8.031-7.994-8.032a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 .002-1.76l1.176-1.176a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 1.762 0L23.39 14.202a1.246 1.246 0 0 1 0 1.761Z"></path></mask><g mask="url(#b)"><path fill="#191919" d="M0 0h30v30H0z"></path><path fill="#fff" d="M0 0h30v30H0z"></path><path fill="#2C5472" d="M0 0h30v30H0z"></path></g></svg></a></li></ul></nav><hr/></div></div></div></div><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-interior-item-2" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"></div></div><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-right-rail b-it-right-rail-advanced__empty" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-right-rail-top" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"></div><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-right-rail-middle" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="b-it-sticky-chain sticky-chain"><div><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block font-normal "><a class="c-link b-it-header-block__link font-normal" href="/most-read/"><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h2 as="h5" class="c-heading font-normal margin_none"><span class=" font-normal">MOST READ<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="24" viewBox="0 0 14 24" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" class="c-icon"><path d="M1.13096 0.799122C1.80974 0.102652 2.7203 -0.288062 3.25008 0.255525L13.3161 10.5835C14.2279 11.4523 14.228 12.9331 13.3161 13.802L3.78 23.0857C2.92237 23.9029 2.18997 24.7165 0.637788 22.9345C-0.650965 21.455 0.273466 20.6414 1.1311 19.8243L8.71733 12.5593C8.91647 12.3686 8.92364 12.0527 8.73336 11.8531L0.748709 3.47961C-0.108924 2.6625 0.0713963 1.88627 1.13096 0.799122Z"></path></svg></span></h2></div></div></a></div></div></div><div><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__items" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__item" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><p class="c-paragraph">1</p><a class="c-link" href="/world/americas/2024/11/30/my-brother-is-doing-the-trump-dance/"><h2 class="c-heading">My brother is doing the Trump dance</h2></a><a class="c-link b-numbered-list__item-image" href="/world/americas/2024/11/30/my-brother-is-doing-the-trump-dance/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJWR4NI45CG6MIX66WPSEZX6TU.jpg?smart=true&auth=a114cc709b6772f6aec7abe7209d38097cf7464da7ebdb2c666d9608593bcc43&width=274&height=182" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJWR4NI45CG6MIX66WPSEZX6TU.jpg?smart=true&auth=a114cc709b6772f6aec7abe7209d38097cf7464da7ebdb2c666d9608593bcc43&width=137&height=91 137w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJWR4NI45CG6MIX66WPSEZX6TU.jpg?smart=true&auth=a114cc709b6772f6aec7abe7209d38097cf7464da7ebdb2c666d9608593bcc43&width=274&height=182 274w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJWR4NI45CG6MIX66WPSEZX6TU.jpg?smart=true&auth=a114cc709b6772f6aec7abe7209d38097cf7464da7ebdb2c666d9608593bcc43&width=548&height=364 548w" width="274" height="182"/></a></div><hr aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__item" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><p class="c-paragraph">2</p><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/2024/12/03/a-beautiful-girl-full-of-life-full-of-energy-tributes-paid-to-eight-year-old-girl-killed-in-new-ross-as-man-arrested/"><h2 class="c-heading">‘A beautiful girl, full of life, full of energy’: Tributes paid to eight-year-old girl killed in New Ross as man arrested</h2></a><a class="c-link b-numbered-list__item-image" href="/crime-law/2024/12/03/a-beautiful-girl-full-of-life-full-of-energy-tributes-paid-to-eight-year-old-girl-killed-in-new-ross-as-man-arrested/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MA3QKPOYQBHSNBPO2SNE5XHDMA.jpg?focal=232%2C248&auth=2003f7bb4067be3abfcdfc07997ab2e6a2980d1c40812bac8b3a13bfc14a082a&width=274&height=182" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MA3QKPOYQBHSNBPO2SNE5XHDMA.jpg?focal=232%2C248&auth=2003f7bb4067be3abfcdfc07997ab2e6a2980d1c40812bac8b3a13bfc14a082a&width=137&height=91 137w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MA3QKPOYQBHSNBPO2SNE5XHDMA.jpg?focal=232%2C248&auth=2003f7bb4067be3abfcdfc07997ab2e6a2980d1c40812bac8b3a13bfc14a082a&width=274&height=182 274w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MA3QKPOYQBHSNBPO2SNE5XHDMA.jpg?focal=232%2C248&auth=2003f7bb4067be3abfcdfc07997ab2e6a2980d1c40812bac8b3a13bfc14a082a&width=548&height=364 548w" width="274" height="182"/></a></div><hr aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__item" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><p class="c-paragraph">3</p><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film/2024/12/03/humphrey-bogart-and-lauren-bacalls-son-on-his-parents-kids-were-second-to-their-drinking-and-partying/"><h2 class="c-heading">Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s son on his parents: ‘Kids were second to their drinking and partying’</h2></a><a class="c-link b-numbered-list__item-image" href="/culture/film/2024/12/03/humphrey-bogart-and-lauren-bacalls-son-on-his-parents-kids-were-second-to-their-drinking-and-partying/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QJMIYZ25Q5GTXPT6K7EOZJZXDE.jpg?focal=2044%2C1487&auth=ffb6ade9a585f16e9b32af07b0b1857814be4edbce7af0434735ebb1c5b5126e&width=274&height=182" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QJMIYZ25Q5GTXPT6K7EOZJZXDE.jpg?focal=2044%2C1487&auth=ffb6ade9a585f16e9b32af07b0b1857814be4edbce7af0434735ebb1c5b5126e&width=137&height=91 137w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QJMIYZ25Q5GTXPT6K7EOZJZXDE.jpg?focal=2044%2C1487&auth=ffb6ade9a585f16e9b32af07b0b1857814be4edbce7af0434735ebb1c5b5126e&width=274&height=182 274w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QJMIYZ25Q5GTXPT6K7EOZJZXDE.jpg?focal=2044%2C1487&auth=ffb6ade9a585f16e9b32af07b0b1857814be4edbce7af0434735ebb1c5b5126e&width=548&height=364 548w" width="274" height="182"/></a></div><hr aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__item" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><p class="c-paragraph">4</p><a class="c-link" href="/ireland/2024/12/03/ripie-removes-condolences-pages-for-padraig-nally-over-anti-traveller-comments/"><h2 class="c-heading">RIP.ie removes condolences page for Padraig Nally over anti-Traveller comments</h2></a><a class="c-link b-numbered-list__item-image" href="/ireland/2024/12/03/ripie-removes-condolences-pages-for-padraig-nally-over-anti-traveller-comments/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UZJGMSSFQVB5PKXCRAUDAQ5GTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=552d525927e47a256d8f405d981a4d705b06ef44ed3d0b503f67b6b90706c5bd&width=274&height=182" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UZJGMSSFQVB5PKXCRAUDAQ5GTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=552d525927e47a256d8f405d981a4d705b06ef44ed3d0b503f67b6b90706c5bd&width=137&height=91 137w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UZJGMSSFQVB5PKXCRAUDAQ5GTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=552d525927e47a256d8f405d981a4d705b06ef44ed3d0b503f67b6b90706c5bd&width=274&height=182 274w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UZJGMSSFQVB5PKXCRAUDAQ5GTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=552d525927e47a256d8f405d981a4d705b06ef44ed3d0b503f67b6b90706c5bd&width=548&height=364 548w" width="274" height="182"/></a></div><hr aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__item" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><p class="c-paragraph">5</p><a class="c-link" href="/business/2024/12/03/ireland-has-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-to-fuel-eu-hydrogen-network/"><h2 class="c-heading">Ireland has ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chance to fuel EU hydrogen network </h2></a><a class="c-link b-numbered-list__item-image" href="/business/2024/12/03/ireland-has-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-to-fuel-eu-hydrogen-network/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MQCRQDNY4ND73NLL2OILFAXQSA.jpg?smart=true&auth=b290ce9c522c8f6e5705e70b09a0f6312fbc622c215ff47f69d1d98fb2408387&width=274&height=182" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MQCRQDNY4ND73NLL2OILFAXQSA.jpg?smart=true&auth=b290ce9c522c8f6e5705e70b09a0f6312fbc622c215ff47f69d1d98fb2408387&width=137&height=91 137w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MQCRQDNY4ND73NLL2OILFAXQSA.jpg?smart=true&auth=b290ce9c522c8f6e5705e70b09a0f6312fbc622c215ff47f69d1d98fb2408387&width=274&height=182 274w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MQCRQDNY4ND73NLL2OILFAXQSA.jpg?smart=true&auth=b290ce9c522c8f6e5705e70b09a0f6312fbc622c215ff47f69d1d98fb2408387&width=548&height=364 548w" width="274" height="182"/></a></div></div></div></div><div class="b-it-sticky-chain__container sticky-container"><div><div id="arcad-feature-f0fvYtLWRYJ38bq-4-0-2-1051c89b2113d7" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:300px"><div id="arcad_f0fvYtLWRYJ38bq-4-0-2-1051c89b2113d7" class="arcad ad-300x250"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-right-rail-bottom" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"></div></div></div><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__full-width-2" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div id="lazy_95700" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__12 gap"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block font-normal "><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h3 as="h5" class="c-heading font-normal margin_none">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...</h3></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="lazy_10798" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__444 has-divider gap-divider"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><article class="b-medium-manual-promo b-medium-manual-promo--show-image"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-medium-manual-promo__img" href="/crosswords-puzzles/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Crosswords & Puzzles" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4.png?smart=true&auth=36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4.png?smart=true&auth=36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4.png?smart=true&auth=36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4.png?smart=true&auth=36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4.png?smart=true&auth=36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4.png?smart=true&auth=36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/></a></figure><h3 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/crosswords-puzzles/">Crosswords & Puzzles</a></h3><p class="c-paragraph">Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained</p></article><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0fD0fkQ5DvG2Oj-7-1-1" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fD0fkQ5DvG2Oj-7-1-1"></div><div><div align="center"> <iframe src="https://www.recruitireland.com/embed/search/jobs " width="100%" height="380px" frameBorder="0" loading="lazy" style="min-width: 300px; max-width: 450px; display: block"> </iframe> </div></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0fD0fkQ5DvG2Oj-7-1-1" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fD0fkQ5DvG2Oj-7-1-1"></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0fYXt8xLXzMaAS-7-1-2" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fYXt8xLXzMaAS-7-1-2"></div><div><b><center>The Irish Times ePaper</center></b></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0fYXt8xLXzMaAS-7-1-2" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fYXt8xLXzMaAS-7-1-2"></div><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0fOERSALXzMa3N-7-1-3" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fOERSALXzMa3N-7-1-3"></div><div><style> a.epaper-link { text-decoration: none; } .epaper-bg { background-color: #f1f1f1; width: 100%; margin: auto; padding: 2px; } .epaper { width: 100%; height: 530px; margin: 20px auto; background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/WoiCg-HuQT0vbRYhs9ZZLxsEyBc=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/SFHQMXWUAJB6THFBFIMLCTEGPE.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; animation: epaper--animation 30s ease forwards 5; opacity: 0; } @keyframes epaper--animation { 0% { opacity: 1; } 3% { opacity: 1; } 7.5% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/WoiCg-HuQT0vbRYhs9ZZLxsEyBc=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/SFHQMXWUAJB6THFBFIMLCTEGPE.png"); opacity: 0; } 7.6% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/o1nhqi_gxGQqIGONiXa2Gh5bgQs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/H2CCKPCMV5HI3DMOFUHTAUMTLE.png"); opacity: 0; } 12% { opacity: 1; } 25% { opacity: 1; } 30.5% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/o1nhqi_gxGQqIGONiXa2Gh5bgQs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/H2CCKPCMV5HI3DMOFUHTAUMTLE.png"); opacity: 0; } 30.6% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/uXAw0csJa4oy9GEtudqVFYJz7xs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/3HMM3WSTX5EGJDLXI7DC67ANCQ.png"); opacity: 0; } 35% { opacity: 1; } 55% { opacity: 1; } 60.5% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/uXAw0csJa4oy9GEtudqVFYJz7xs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/3HMM3WSTX5EGJDLXI7DC67ANCQ.png"); opacity: 0; } 60.6% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/pY4nBgIYPKMSvjqcnzXqjMk52Gg=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/WYQ7LHQVD5AYXKU3CEQADTD44Y.png"); opacity: 0; } 65% { opacity: 1; } 85% { opacity: 1; } 90.5% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/pY4nBgIYPKMSvjqcnzXqjMk52Gg=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/WYQ7LHQVD5AYXKU3CEQADTD44Y.png"); opacity: 0; } 90.6% { background-image: url("https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/WoiCg-HuQT0vbRYhs9ZZLxsEyBc=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/SFHQMXWUAJB6THFBFIMLCTEGPE.png"); opacity: 0; } 95% { opacity: 1; } 100% { opacity: 1; } } </style> <div class="epaper-bg"> <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/epaper" class="epaper-link" target="_blank"> <div class="epaper"></div> </a> </div></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0fOERSALXzMa3N-7-1-3" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fOERSALXzMa3N-7-1-3"></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><article class="b-medium-manual-promo b-medium-manual-promo--show-image"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-medium-manual-promo__img" href="/election2024/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Election 2024" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/></a></figure><h3 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/election2024/">Election 2024</a></h3><p class="c-paragraph">Full general election coverage including analysis and results for all 43 constituencies</p></article><article class="b-medium-manual-promo b-medium-manual-promo--show-image"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-medium-manual-promo__img" href="/common-ground/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Common Ground" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA.png?smart=true&auth=67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA.png?smart=true&auth=67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA.png?smart=true&auth=67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA.png?smart=true&auth=67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA.png?smart=true&auth=67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA.png?smart=true&auth=67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/></a></figure><h3 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/common-ground/">Common Ground</a></h3><p class="c-paragraph">How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands</p></article><article class="b-medium-manual-promo b-medium-manual-promo--show-image"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-medium-manual-promo__img" href="https://notices.irishtimes.com/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Family Notices" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/><span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></figure><h3 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="https://notices.irishtimes.com/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Family Notices<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></h3><p class="c-paragraph">Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices</p></article></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div id="arcad-feature-f0fC3hLxjH464Ww-1494b8075adf1d" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:970px;min-height:107px"><div id="arcad_f0fC3hLxjH464Ww-1494b8075adf1d" class="arcad ad-970x90"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/></div></section><footer class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__footer" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div id="lazy_61176" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__12 gap"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0fbv2KMxkeL6rG-8-0-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fbv2KMxkeL6rG-8-0-0"></div><div><style> /*Override copyright*/ .copyright-column p, .copyright, /*Footer*/ footer .footer-header, footer .footer-section ul, [aria-label="our-partners"], [aria-label="our-partners"] span, .b-links-bar span, footer span { font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: #575757; } /* Change the order in the footer*/ footer .legacy-footer-row { position: relative; } /*Hide the logo from the footer*/ footer .primaryLogo, footer hr { display: none!important; } /* Hide the top border in the footer*/ footer .section-separator { border-top: none; } footer .socialBtn-container, footer .socialBtn-container a { border: none; } /*Copyright*/ .copyright-column { width: 82%!important; } .copyright-column p { text-align: right!important; } .copyright { font-size: small; padding: 0; } /* Style our partners*/ [aria-label="our-partners"] { background-color: #f1f1f1; padding-top: 0.75rem; padding-bottom: 0.75rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; } [aria-label="our-partners"] hr, { display: none; } [aria-label="our-partners"]:before { font-size: small; content: 'Our partners: '; font-weight: bold; color: #575757; text-transform: uppercase; } /*Mobile styles*/ @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { footer { margin-bottom: 0 !important; } footer .layout-section>* { margin-bottom: 0; } .legacy-footer-row { display:flex; flex-direction: row; /*background-color:#f1f1f1;*/ width: 100vw; position: relative; left: -20px; padding-top: 2rem; } .footer-header { text-align: center; } .footer-item { text-align: center; font-size: 14px; } [aria-label="our-partners"] { display: block; text-align: center; color: #000; margin-bottom: 0; } [aria-label="our-partners"]:before { text-align: center; display: block; } [aria-label="our-partners"] .b-links-menu { display: flex; flex-direction: column; text-align: center; visibility: hidden; height: 40px; } [aria-label="our-partners"] .b-links-menu a { visibility: visible; } .apps { padding-top: 0.75rem; border-top: 2px solid #000; border-bottom: 2px solid #000; padding-bottom: 1rem; } [aria-label="our-partners"] .c-separator { --separator-content: var(--c-separator-content, none); display: block; margin-bottom: 0.2rem; } .static-footer-links { background-color: #333; padding: 1rem; display: block !important; margin-bottom: 0 !important; } .static-footer-links .static-footer-links-item { border-right: none; } .static-footer-links a { color: #fff !important; border-right: none; padding: 0.5rem; } } </style></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0fbv2KMxkeL6rG-8-0-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fbv2KMxkeL6rG-8-0-0"></div><div class="c-stack b-footer" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><section class="b-footer__top-container"><div class="b-footer__social-links-container"><div class="c-stack b-footer__social-links" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/irishtimes/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.78 90.69 226.38 209.25 245V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.31 482.38 504 379.78 504 256z"></path></svg><span class="visually-hidden">Facebook page</span></a><a class="c-link" href="https://twitter.com/IrishTimes" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z"></path></svg><span class="visually-hidden">Twitter feed</span></a></div></div><p class="c-paragraph">© 2024 The Irish Times DAC</p></section><div class="c-grid b-footer__links"><div class="b-footer__links-group"><h3 class="c-heading">Subscribe</h3><ul class="b-footer__links-group-list"><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/your-subscription/subscription-tour">Why Subscribe?</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/subscribe">Subscription Bundles</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/subscriber-rewards/">Subscriber Rewards</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/subscribe/student/">Student Subscription</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="https://help.irishtimes.com/s/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscription Help Centre<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="http://www.newsdelivery.ie" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Home Delivery<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/subscribe/gift">Gift Subscriptions</a></li></ul></div><div class="b-footer__links-group"><h3 class="c-heading">Support</h3><ul class="b-footer__links-group-list"><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/about-us/contact-us">Contact Us</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="https://help.irishtimes.com/s/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Help Centre<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/myaccount">My Account</a></li></ul></div><div class="b-footer__links-group"><h3 class="c-heading">About Us</h3><ul class="b-footer__links-group-list"><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/about-us/advertise">Advertise</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/about-us/contact-us">Contact Us</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/about-us/the-irish-times-trust/">The Irish Times Trust</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/about-us/career-opportunities">Careers</a></li></ul></div><div class="b-footer__links-group"><h3 class="c-heading">Irish Times Products & Services</h3><ul class="b-footer__links-group-list"><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/epaper">ePaper</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crosswords-puzzles/">Crosswords & puzzles</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/archive">Newspaper Archive</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="/newsletters">Newsletters</a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/article-index/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Article Index<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></li><li class="b-footer__links-group-list-item"><a class="c-link" href="https://discountcodes.irishtimes.com/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Discount Codes<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></li></ul></div></div><figure class="c-media-item"><img alt="The Irish Times" class="c-image b-footer__logo" src="https://static.themebuilder.aws.arc.pub/irishtimes/1647534191733.svg" height="64"/></figure><div></div></div><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0fcSRSNS9zi6b4-8-0-2" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fcSRSNS9zi6b4-8-0-2"></div><div><div class="apps text-align_center" style="margin:0 auto;text-align:center;"> <span class="font_bold" style="display:block;"><b>Download the app</b></span> <a target="_blank" href="https://apps.apple.com/ie/developer/the-irish-times-ltd/id365544597"> <img alt="Download on the App Store" src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BJJKNJJHDJDGDDODHEER7FDH44.png" width="108" height="34" loading="lazy"></a>   <a target="_blank" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=The+Irish+Times+Ltd"> <img alt="Download on Google Play" src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T2XGUGDSUZCOZAYIQEKG2TWML4.png" width="108" height="34" loading="lazy"></a> </div> <style> .apps img{ margin-top:0.55rem; } .apps span{position:relative;display:block;margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0;color:#575757;font-size:1rem; } </style></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0fcSRSNS9zi6b4-8-0-2" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fcSRSNS9zi6b4-8-0-2"></div><nav aria-label="our-partners" class="c-stack b-links-bar" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link" href="https://www.myhome.ie" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">MyHome.ie<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a><span class="c-separator"></span><a class="c-link" href="https://www.thegloss.ie" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">The Gloss<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a><span class="c-separator"></span><a class="c-link" href="https://recruitireland.com/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Recruit Ireland<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a><span class="c-separator"></span><a class="c-link" href="https://www.irishtimestraining.com/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Irish Times Training<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a><span class="c-separator"></span><a class="c-link" href="https://rip.ie/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">RIP.ie<span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></nav><hr class="c-divider"/></div></div></div></div></footer></div><ul class="c-stack b-static-footer-links-bar" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"> <li class="b-static-footer-links-bar__item "><a href="/policy-and-terms/terms-conditions/" class=" b-static-footer-links-bar__item-link">Terms & Conditions</a></li><li class="b-static-footer-links-bar__item "><a href="/policy-and-terms/privacy-policy/" class=" b-static-footer-links-bar__item-link">Privacy Policy</a></li><li class="b-static-footer-links-bar__item "><a href="/policy-and-terms/cookie-policy/" class=" b-static-footer-links-bar__item-link">Cookie Information</a></li><li class="b-static-footer-links-bar__item "><a href="#/" class="ot-sdk-show-settings b-static-footer-links-bar__item-link">Cookie Settings</a></li><li class="b-static-footer-links-bar__item "><a href="/policy-and-terms/community-standards/" class=" b-static-footer-links-bar__item-link">Community Standards</a></li><li class="b-static-footer-links-bar__item "><a href="/policy-and-terms/copyright/" class=" b-static-footer-links-bar__item-link">Copyright</a></li></ul></div><script id="fusion-metadata" type="application/javascript">window.Fusion=window.Fusion||{};Fusion.arcSite="irishtimes";Fusion.contextPath="/pf";Fusion.deployment="155";Fusion.globalContent={"_id":"/technology/big-tech","navigation":{"nav_title":"Big Tech"},"metadata":{"metadata_title":"Big Tech | The Irish Times","metadata_description":"The latest Big Tech news, analysis and comment brought to you by the definitive brand of quality journalism. Read The Irish Times."},"Paywall":{"paywall-status":"free"},"_website":"irishtimes","name":"Big Tech","inactive":false,"node_type":"section","children":[],"Newsletter":{"headline":"Business Today","description":"Get the latest business news and commentary from our expert business team in your inbox every weekday morning","imagetop":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sandbox.irishtimes/GW3FWAURWFGM7FF4RMYJLBG7ZI.png","imageside":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sandbox.irishtimes/SDOG44DIT5EYBDJRQV2A5BJOLQ.png","newsletterid":"Business Today [12]","newsletterpremium":"false","signingResponseTop":"191b958e59d0772bafb80224fcedb7f106f685d32dbfe618b49452ba410374d0","signingResponseSide":"cb0603d105a4c42b778248e55db831f420e9321a13013e2f2fa0b867a91ebe0f"},"Page":8,"Operator":"Pagination"};Fusion.globalContentConfig={"source":"site-service-hierarchy-it","query":{"uri":"/technology/big-tech/8/","hierarchy":"default","sectionId":"/technology/big-tech","page":"8","arc-site":"irishtimes"}};Fusion.lastModified=1733286869247;Fusion.contentCache={"signing-service":{"{\"id\":\"https://static.themebuilder.aws.arc.pub/irishtimes/1647534191476.png\"}":{"data":{"hash":"631eeaa12e7a61c005c8eb0bbf348f785c131b10c4d6b25c28247a15965b5a36","type":"sha256","_id":"8bd659e252b82de6c27bac42028373920e436646b273a5c0296651a455305fed"},"expires":1764810210075,"lastModified":1733274209832},"{\"id\":\"QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4\"}":{"data":{"1":"36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97","hash":"36f6e08f0135625b6740a8e04a365927ee4786ccdd95a116281ce8f2bffa9e97","type":"sha256","_id":"5bfed4ca905f35f178678474995ad7816092bfeb4935ff9068dc5101990292e7"},"expires":1764813782357,"lastModified":1733277781987},"{\"id\":\"HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU\"}":{"data":{"1":"32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6","hash":"32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6","type":"sha256","_id":"8ddc0534c50cf87966e503eabf50365ae3cd652847fa887a3b078a145a04df37"},"expires":1764812310336,"lastModified":1733276310197},"{\"id\":\"TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA\"}":{"data":{"1":"67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a","hash":"67980eea6b25876cc3dfe2008fa2e6e8ec7c2daf37134d770627542b7d4f139a","type":"sha256","_id":"b9ec9564e3fd4253b66ec2900b2055cf611606e0a60806d528848a1b8536d164"},"expires":1764788848344,"lastModified":1733252848201},"{\"id\":\"6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU\"}":{"data":{"1":"4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a","hash":"4965b5a2aad52f7c7d4aef4829ab2dcaab7aae35a63a483ae8f447f1a856de1a","type":"sha256","_id":"86c84293de1631d9ad3eacc2af75907c5ad819c1d46f5e7d80c4af94d86ad396"},"expires":1764778071542,"lastModified":1733242071397}},"site-service-hierarchy":{"{\"feature\":\"header-nav-chain\",\"hierarchy\":\"hamburger-menu\"}":{"data":{"children":[{"_id":"link-MY7K0TYT012WZ0V1ZB8PHF0MJC","children":[],"display_name":"Home","node_type":"link","url":"/"},{"_id":"link-TB2EY564VN0N56D137NVP6G5MW","children":[],"display_name":"Latest","node_type":"link","url":"/latest/"},{"_id":"link-ZNGH139WJX4419P1E6XFB2YQBM","children":[],"display_name":"Subscriber Only","node_type":"link","url":"/subscriber-only/"},{"_id":"/crosswords-puzzles","children":[{"_id":"link-9RFF8NMDUX08917NND3Z3M1JDR","display_name":"Crosaire","node_type":"link","url":"/crosswords-puzzles/crosaire"},{"_id":"link-31JQ6NX1K92T907WWAU7P7R5RG","display_name":"Simplex","node_type":"link","url":"/crosswords-puzzles/simplex"},{"_id":"link-FVP3FUVCB93Z5DEH56JPZQA70C","display_name":"Sudoku","node_type":"link","url":"/crosswords-puzzles/sudoku"},{"_id":"link-OZWXQ6FKZNAJJGASG6FTFLQRC4","display_name":"News Quiz","node_type":"link","url":"/crosswords-puzzles/news-quiz/"}],"name":"Crosswords & Puzzles","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-ZUXJST6ABZAHDLVMEJXZPJA2VA","children":[],"display_name":"Election 2024","node_type":"link","url":"/election2024/"},{"_id":"/ireland","children":[{"_id":"/ireland/dublin","name":"Dublin","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/ireland/education","name":"Education","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/ireland/housing-planning","name":"Housing & Planning","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","name":"Social Affairs","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-432NSPB3WJAAXKSTOTZHACT5EA","display_name":"Stardust","node_type":"link","url":"/ireland/stardust/"}],"name":"Ireland","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/politics","children":[{"_id":"link-3MPXCZUI25G5XOQ3KWGMIXOMSI","display_name":"Election 2024","node_type":"link","url":"/election2024/"},{"_id":"link-MWT7CPJ6Z906HA5HZY5HARQ548","display_name":"Poll","node_type":"link","url":"/politics/poll/"},{"_id":"/politics/oireachtas","name":"Oireachtas","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-OVTSEK2LEVCQ7GP5I7N7EIKPG4","display_name":"Common Ground","node_type":"link","url":"/common-ground/"},{"_id":"link-8RRAYZT2TN65HCHPB8CHE4QEPR","display_name":"Elections & Referendums","node_type":"link","url":"/politics/elections-referendums/"}],"name":"Politics","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/opinion","children":[{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","name":"Editorials","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/opinion/an-irish-diary","name":"An Irish Diary","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/opinion/letters","name":"Letters","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/opinion/cartoon","name":"Cartoon","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Opinion","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/business","children":[{"_id":"/business/economy","name":"Economy","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/business/farming-food","name":"Farming & Food","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/business/financial-services","name":"Financial Services","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/business/innovation","name":"Innovation","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/business/markets","name":"Markets","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/business/work","name":"Work","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-WE72QDDTEN5EFDZ52U3CGYEZGC","display_name":"Commercial Property","node_type":"link","url":"/property/commercial-property"}],"name":"Business","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world","children":[{"_id":"link-DZGPIZSZWJENRN4XBSEET57Q7M","display_name":"US Election","node_type":"link","url":"/world/us-election/"},{"_id":"/world/europe","name":"Europe","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/uk","name":"UK","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/us","name":"US","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/canada","name":"Canada","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/australia","name":"Australia","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/africa","name":"Africa","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/americas","name":"Americas","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/asia-pacific","name":"Asia-Pacific","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/world/middle-east","name":"Middle East","node_type":"section"}],"name":"World","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport","children":[{"_id":"/sport/gaelic-games","name":"Gaelic Games","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/rugby","name":"Rugby","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/soccer","name":"Soccer","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/golf","name":"Golf","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/racing","name":"Racing","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/athletics","name":"Athletics","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/boxing","name":"Boxing","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/cycling","name":"Cycling","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/hockey","name":"Hockey","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/sport/tennis","name":"Tennis","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Sport","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/your-money","children":[{"_id":"link-C1H4ZB3MP50VZ1C521YDGVJEXR","display_name":"Pricewatch","node_type":"link","url":"/tags/pricewatch"},{"_id":"link-Y4XAEWLBNJH7DOEQJ3UQ4UXOOU","display_name":"Budget 2025","node_type":"link","url":"/budget/"}],"name":"Your Money","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/crime-law","children":[{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","name":"Courts","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Crime & Law","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/property","children":[{"_id":"/property/residential","name":"Residential","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/property/commercial-property","name":"Commercial Property","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/property/interiors","name":"Interiors","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Property","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/food","children":[{"_id":"/food/drink","name":"Drink","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/food/recipes","name":"Recipes","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/food/restaurants","name":"Restaurants","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Food","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/health","children":[{"_id":"/health/your-family","name":"Your Family","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/health/your-fitness","name":"Your Fitness","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/health/your-wellness","name":"Your Wellness","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/health/your-fitness/get-running","name":"Get Running","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Health","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/life-style","children":[{"_id":"/life-style/fashion","name":"Fashion","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-54NMKENEB5ALXEEOCI6MUIRMDI","display_name":"Beauty","node_type":"link","url":"/tags/beauty/"},{"_id":"/life-style/fine-art-antiques","name":"Fine Art & Antiques","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/life-style/gardening","name":"Gardening","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/life-style/people","name":"People","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/life-style/travel","name":"Travel","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Life & Style","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/culture","children":[{"_id":"/culture/art","name":"Art","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/culture/books","name":"Books","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/culture/film","name":"Film","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/culture/music","name":"Music","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/culture/stage","name":"Stage","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","name":"TV & Radio","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Culture","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/environment","children":[{"_id":"/environment/climate-crisis","name":"Climate Crisis","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Environment","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/technology","children":[{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","name":"Big Tech","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/technology/consumer-tech","name":"Consumer Tech","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/technology/data-security","name":"Data & Security","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/technology/gaming","name":"Gaming","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Technology","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/science","children":[{"_id":"/science/space","name":"Space","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Science","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/media","children":[],"name":"Media","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/abroad","children":[],"name":"Abroad","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/obituaries","children":[],"name":"Obituaries","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/transport","children":[],"name":"Transport","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/motors","children":[{"_id":"link-9JYG4R2HT934Q3XVN59UWD3R44","display_name":"Car Reviews","node_type":"link","url":"/motors/car-reviews/"}],"name":"Motors","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-TW6BFCQ2W149F0E26FF5PJ8AEM","children":[],"display_name":"Listen","node_type":"link","url":"/listen/"},{"_id":"/podcasts","children":[{"_id":"/podcasts/in-the-news","name":"In the News Podcast","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/podcasts/inside-politics","name":"Inside Politics Podcast","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/podcasts/the-womens-podcast","name":"The Women's Podcast","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/podcasts/inside-business","name":"Inside Business Podcast","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/podcasts/ross-ocarroll-kelly","name":"Ross O'Carroll-Kelly","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/podcasts/the-counter-ruck","name":"The Counter Ruck Podcast","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/podcasts/conversations-with-parents","name":"Conversations with Parents Podcast","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Podcasts","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/video","children":[],"name":"Video","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/photography","children":[],"name":"Photography","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/history","children":[{"_id":"/history/century","name":"Century","node_type":"section"}],"name":"History","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/tuarascail","children":[],"name":"Tuarascáil","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/student-hub","children":[],"name":"Student Hub","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/offbeat","children":[],"name":"Offbeat","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-60C66RDFC91ZZ7GZUA0N497XAC","children":[],"display_name":"Family Notices","node_type":"link","url":"https://notices.irishtimes.com"},{"_id":"/sponsored","children":[{"_id":"/advertising-feature","name":"Advertising Feature","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/special-reports","name":"Special Reports","node_type":"section"}],"name":"Sponsored","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-20YXWFDCNH4233PCDANMHA4VT8","children":[],"display_name":"Subscriber Rewards","node_type":"link","url":"/subscriber-rewards/"},{"_id":"/competitions","children":[],"name":"Competitions","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"link-2YA5DNVQF928HEF4EKE1Q0AMEM","children":[],"display_name":"Weather Forecast","node_type":"link","url":"/weather/"}],"_id":"/"},"expires":1733287027636,"lastModified":1733286727581},"{\"feature\":\"footer\",\"hierarchy\":\"footer\"}":{"data":{"children":[{"_id":"/subscribe","children":[{"_id":"link-DGDAM5YPRN6XFDAP5JVDMNAVVC","display_name":"Why Subscribe?","node_type":"link","url":"/your-subscription/subscription-tour"},{"_id":"link-CM7751G0QH6MZDQGFJ2U872KJW","display_name":"Subscription Bundles","node_type":"link","url":"/subscribe"},{"_id":"link-20YXWFDCNH4233PCDANMHA4VT8","display_name":"Subscriber Rewards","node_type":"link","url":"/subscriber-rewards/"},{"_id":"link-INNQ4KIFSFDWHLJIC7INQXWWGY","display_name":"Student Subscription","node_type":"link","url":"/subscribe/student/"},{"_id":"link-MFHX19ZTJ90JDAV1MZWFRRRCBR","display_name":"Subscription Help Centre","node_type":"link","url":"https://help.irishtimes.com/s/"},{"_id":"link-5YM8CZDMVH2CQ08T2B33MHANWR","display_name":"Home Delivery","node_type":"link","url":"http://www.newsdelivery.ie"},{"_id":"link-QUQFWNZ8197RQBK5CKWCM4T8HW","display_name":"Gift Subscriptions","node_type":"link","url":"/subscribe/gift"}],"name":"Subscribe","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/support","children":[{"_id":"link-G3XEUGHAGT79B4DJ5W73WNFQY0","display_name":"Contact Us","node_type":"link","url":"/about-us/contact-us"},{"_id":"link-C8T475KX5D1KDAW12U8Q12T5MC","display_name":"Help Centre","node_type":"link","url":"https://help.irishtimes.com/s/"},{"_id":"link-NV2UTHTYXX1EN982NWZ92BVPZW","display_name":"My Account","node_type":"link","url":"/myaccount"}],"name":"Support","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/about-us","children":[{"_id":"link-Z9KM76KCK1375DMR7HKZ3BAAYG","display_name":"Advertise","node_type":"link","url":"/about-us/advertise"},{"_id":"link-C0YP70N1BT3BTF13YZ3GQFFW5R","display_name":"Contact Us","node_type":"link","url":"/about-us/contact-us"},{"_id":"link-HPPYKQZRWN3T10Y4E0NXN002NC","display_name":"The Irish Times Trust","node_type":"link","url":"/about-us/the-irish-times-trust/"},{"_id":"link-YV5H3Y4TQH5AVE8N4AUH222RK4","display_name":"Careers","node_type":"link","url":"/about-us/career-opportunities"}],"name":"About Us","node_type":"section"},{"_id":"/product-and-services","children":[{"_id":"link-QR4AME90917AK29M6XVEJMX9N8","display_name":"ePaper","node_type":"link","url":"/epaper"},{"_id":"link-8XJ7X9GPZX2H11NJE3GWW45748","display_name":"Crosswords & puzzles","node_type":"link","url":"/crosswords-puzzles/"},{"_id":"link-B7ENRD4YCD77ZCV67531F5ZEP8","display_name":"Newspaper Archive","node_type":"link","url":"/archive"},{"_id":"link-7XMTETWQ05553ADVQ26YD2PN5M","display_name":"Newsletters","node_type":"link","url":"/newsletters"},{"_id":"link-QKK62NMCJT4751EU158MVUQ6J8","display_name":"Article Index","node_type":"link","url":"https://www.irishtimes.com/article-index/"},{"_id":"link-1YQEPDVX8X06D9BVQXQZ2U9GWM","display_name":"Discount Codes","node_type":"link","url":"https://discountcodes.irishtimes.com/"}],"name":"Irish Times Products & Services","node_type":"section"}],"_id":"/"},"expires":1733287019397,"lastModified":1733286719320}},"site-service-hierarchy-it":{"{\"arcSite\":\"irishtimes\",\"hierarchy\":\"Logged-in-navigation\"}":{"data":{"children":[{"display_name":"My Account;Manage your account","url":"/myaccount"},{"display_name":"Digital Subscriptions; Frequently asked questions and support","url":"https://help.irishtimes.com"},{"display_name":"Subscriber Only Articles;Specially selected and available only to our subscribers","url":"/subscriber-only/"},{"display_name":"Crosswords & Puzzles;Digital Simplex and Crosaire crosswords","url":"/crosswords-puzzles/"},{"display_name":"Subscriber Rewards;Discover a selection of rewards just for you","url":"/subscriber-rewards/"},{"display_name":"Newsletters;Sign up to get the stories you want delivered to your inbox","url":"/newsletters/"},{"display_name":"Subscriber Tour;Explore the features of your subscription","url":"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-subscription/subscription-tour"},{"display_name":"Newspaper Archive;150 years of Irish Times journalism","url":"https://www.irishtimes.com/premium/loginpage"},{"display_name":"Mobile app;Our Apple and Android apps to read on the go","url":"/apps/"}],"_id":"/"},"expires":1733287122209,"lastModified":1733286822061},"{\"hierarchy\":\"section-page-subnavs\",\"sectionId\":\"/technology/big-tech\"}":{"data":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","navigation":{"nav_title":"Big Tech"},"metadata":{"metadata_title":"Big Tech | The Irish Times","metadata_description":"The latest Big Tech news, analysis and comment brought to you by the definitive brand of quality journalism. Read The Irish Times."},"Paywall":{"paywall-status":"free"},"_website":"irishtimes","name":"Big Tech","inactive":false,"node_type":"section","children":[],"Newsletter":{"headline":"Business Today","description":"Get the latest business news and commentary from our expert business team in your inbox every weekday morning","imagetop":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sandbox.irishtimes/GW3FWAURWFGM7FF4RMYJLBG7ZI.png","imageside":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sandbox.irishtimes/SDOG44DIT5EYBDJRQV2A5BJOLQ.png","newsletterid":"Business Today [12]","newsletterpremium":"false","signingResponseTop":"191b958e59d0772bafb80224fcedb7f106f685d32dbfe618b49452ba410374d0","signingResponseSide":"cb0603d105a4c42b778248e55db831f420e9321a13013e2f2fa0b867a91ebe0f"},"Page":null,"Operator":"Section"},"expires":1733287149398,"lastModified":1733286849237},"{\"feature\":\"links-bar\",\"hierarchy\":\"our-partners\",\"sectionId\":\"\"}":{"data":{"children":[{"_id":"link-RZ2ANKYPEH3D10YNR9JVH7VNMC","display_name":"MyHome.ie","node_type":"link","url":"https://www.myhome.ie"},{"_id":"link-B11GV8GN694GF8VF4DABJK72P4","display_name":"The Gloss","node_type":"link","url":"https://www.thegloss.ie"},{"_id":"link-TW1E9G03UX64TE4GX1KT8AC2U8","display_name":"Recruit Ireland","node_type":"link","url":"https://recruitireland.com/"},{"_id":"link-H2ZDK285TX65VCFVDB90GEG8K0","display_name":"Irish Times Training","node_type":"link","url":"https://www.irishtimestraining.com/"},{"_id":"link-LTCTRPJE2FGBLF7UZ2SSX7NBME","display_name":"RIP.ie","node_type":"link","url":"https://rip.ie/"}],"_id":"/"},"expires":1733287114612,"lastModified":1733286814559}},"alert-bar-collections":{"{\"from\":0,\"site\":\"irishtimes\",\"size\":1}":{"data":{"_id":"DL4WZLD3QVA55FOFBOQ3ZET6TY","version":"0.10.6","created_date":"2022-02-02T13:23:38.460Z","headlines":{"basic":"Breaking News Alert"},"last_updated_date":"2024-12-03T16:39:45.610Z","type":"collection","canonical_website":"irishtimes","websites":{"irishtimes":{}},"content_elements":[],"description":{"basic":"This collection powers the Alert Bar block on the website"},"content_aliases":["alert-bar"],"owner":{"id":"irishtimes"},"revision":{"branch":"default","published":true},"canonical_url":null,"publishing":{"scheduled_operations":{"publish_edition":[],"unpublish_edition":[]}},"website":"irishtimes"},"expires":1733286880241,"lastModified":1733286760199}},"story-feed-sections":{"{\"feedOffset\":350,\"feedSize\":50,\"includeSections\":\"/technology/big-tech\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"FVUPWGI5SVAD7CWOUJ3OOLG4HI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":337,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8659278/media/5064fef609eb640ff54461d180c243f9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2023/09/25/this-philosopher-foresaw-the-biggest-problem-with-ai-now-hes-sounding-another-warning/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UDSTEAIBO5HPVEOMVIPHHHAEP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871862},"content":"Twenty years ago, philosopher Andreas Matthias identified what was then a new ethical question: who is responsible if artificial intelligence (AI) does harm? His warning about a “responsibility gap” – first articulated in what University of Galway lecturer John Danaher describes as an “<a href=\"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10676-004-3422-1\" target=\"_blank\">an obscure article in an obscure journal</a>” in 2004 – is today generating lively debate among researchers as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/chatgpt/\" target=\"_blank\">ChatGPT</a> and other AI tools gain influence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q24CGLXZBNG6ZPSUJAZMGCNVXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871863},"content":"Matthias, who worked as a computer programmer before branching into robot ethics, drew attention to the “increasing class of machine actions” over which nobody has sufficient control to assume responsibility. This constitutes “the responsibility gap” as it would be unjust or unfair to blame humans for actions that weren’t theirs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIZOVSLCDJCPVKEFRCP7MEJUEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871864},"content":"Speaking to The Irish Times two decades on, Matthias – who is based at Lingnan University in Hong Kong – says: “Today, I think, we have a much wider, more general responsibility crisis. We still don’t have an accepted solution to the ‘responsibility gap’, but additionally we have introduced more and more AI into our lives that works in ways that we cannot predict.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIJMWMKNBGNPOPKX6C3R4SIBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694096844731},"content":"“The responsibility gap is widening into a responsibility abyss before our eyes, and we are, at the moment, unable to stop or contain it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTN7P4OSKJFDLADIPSRI7NUWLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871866},"content":"It’s a grim analysis. But here’s a radical thought: is the responsibility gap such a big problem? Danaher argues that “responsibility gaps are not always a bad thing” and “might sometimes be a good thing”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5Z5OOIYRJGI7PILHL3FSBF4EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694096844733},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.wired.com/story/philosophy-artificial-intelligence-responsibility-gap/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish researcher</a> highlights a couple of downsides to moral accountability. First, it can give rise to an unhealthy fixation on “blaming and punishment” – think of the negative role shame has played in Irish society.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TO3A5Q7HGZGPZL57ULY5KRT4N4","additional_properties":{"_id":"O5D3UCEUTBHYRIWXKRR6HNHMKY"},"content":"Why ‘great man theory’ is a bad idea – even for men","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WPC2UCI4ZRBOPESGXPTGDZ5KKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871868},"content":"Second, holding someone responsible seems unfair in the case of “tragic choices” where you have to pick between two morally equal, or near-equal, actions. There are lots of situations where “doing the right thing” is unclear and AI could be seen as an honest broker that avoids finger-wagging or judgmentalism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOA6Z36VIFGMTGOZZUFODZJECA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871869},"content":"Danaher <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8967079/\" target=\"_blank\">gives the example</a> of “medical triage decisions – such as the decisions on ventilator allocation that confronted many physicians in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic”. Such tragic choices can leave a moral “taint” or stain on human decision-makers, and AI could mitigate that cost.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P2HVQKHJORHXJNZDMNLKLZ5W7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871870},"content":"What does Matthias think? Would there be a benefit in saying “let the algorithm decide” for some decisions?","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAD3KKQBKFCVDBJXRTKDKHIX2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871871},"content":"“But then we’d have to know what the basis for the AI’s decision will be. As humans, we don’t disagree just because it’s fun to disagree. We disagree because we have fundamentally different values, based on our cultures, our religious beliefs, our political stances. ‘Let the AI decide’ is even worse than ‘let the dice decide’,” he replies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ALMIBRHWDZHKBHYV7YSEMHGYU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871872},"content":"“In the case of dice, it’s at least a purely random decision. In case of AI, it’s a decision based on a US or Chinese ideological foundation . . . AI is not impartial or fair. It is only obscure, which sometimes might look like impartiality because we don’t see how its decisions come about.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WL6263QWAFCIJJNP7FCKVW24O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871873},"content":"While Matthias doesn’t see any upside to the responsibility gap, he does agree it should be seen in a wider context.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RX6YWHMAM5HLHLWKCPQFDFIV2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871874},"content":"“Most of what keeps our societies running is now already far removed from the possibility of responsibility ascription. We blindly trust that somehow things will work.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MSG73LZHVNHURCFCMHTODMSD2I","additional_properties":{"_id":"SPWMCKGJYBGURFXS5V2GLRIWDE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"K4N6P76PAFA2DNFH2HG47VF2K4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871875},"content":"He cites the example of Google Maps which we assume to be infallible until it sends us the wrong way. The last major financial crash, and a failure to hold those responsible to account, also comes to mind as we reach the 15th anniversary of Ireland’s bank guarantee this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXIPDTZEP5ATZIAS7EOPKPLAMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871876},"content":"“Our societies have already sleepwalked into a responsibility gap that is much bigger than that generated by AI,” says Matthias.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKCZZMZ4IRABPN3CLBO4PGG5EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871877},"content":"An open question is whether the responsibility gap is having a knock-on effect on human behaviour. When <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2023/08/21/gardai-not-investigating-any-theft-or-fraud-allegations-linked-to-atm-glitch/\" target=\"_blank\">Bank of Ireland’s ATM glitch struck last month</a>, for example, there were queues of people seeking to take out money that wasn’t theirs. Is the general lack of accountability in society making us less ethical?","type":"text"},{"_id":"6CHII6HAORDQ5KMUCU6GVZD23M","additional_properties":{"_id":"RCVZNWGOKJC2HFQDHPEGBJNUJI"},"content":"Have I got your attention? Seven ways to tell if someone is really listening to you","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UP2JN43F3ZCT7HOA3PANYTWUNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871878},"content":"More specifically, could the spread of algorithmic decision-making give rise to a kind of moral cynicism?","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDMP66QKZVA35A3CG2W5IMVYBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871879},"content":"“I think that we are past that stage already,” Matthias replies. “We are used to things happening every day for which no one is held responsible.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6A4UORFO5H4DP6AGAMXDT6VNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1695406971687},"content":"He points to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/05/26/eu-campaign-on-apples-irish-taxes-helped-boost-states-coffers-even-if-its-case-fails/\" target=\"_blank\">€13 billion Apple tax dispute</a>, and says “while people everywhere are harassed by their governments every year if they fail to declare a few hundred euros in income”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTUX3OOOBZF4TJQAJFTFOATWAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871880},"content":"He namechecks German multinational BASF, <a href=\"https://www.ft.com/content/197ca0c8-0a4d-4794-bc46-796139821f3d\" target=\"_blank\">among the world’s largest chemical producers</a>, which along with other industry giants have successfully <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/11/eu-to-drop-ban-of-hazardous-chemicals-after-industry-pressure\" target=\"_blank\">stymied regulation of “forever chemicals”</a>. Such firms “can go on <a href=\"https://www.euronews.com/2023/05/01/its-time-to-tackle-basfs-legacy-of-pollution-and-end-its-burden-shifting\" target=\"_blank\">producing poisonous chemicals in the EU</a>, while I will be fined if a few drops of oil leak from the bottom of my car . . . We live in a very unequal world, and this is why many people have already given up on it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXFKE7GWTJDHZC4EUS34DX2HZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871881},"content":"Having AI act with impunity can only make matters worse. But since he first wrote about the responsibility gap, Matthias is more firmly of the view “AI is not our main problem”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMEVTMESD5BXNHZQ32YTCCDB6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1693500871882},"content":"“The problem is to straighten our capitalist system in general, to bring social justice back, to re-introduce a sense of responsibility and accountability to society that does not exclude industry lobbies, politicians, multinational companies like BASF, Apple and Google, and the rich who can afford to ignore every rule.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Humphreys"}},"name":"Joe Humphreys"}]},"description":{"basic":"Unthinkable: Things happen every day for which no one is held responsible and artificial intelligence is set to make things worse"},"display_date":"2023-09-25T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"This philosopher foresaw the biggest problem with AI. Now he’s sounding another warning","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Unthinkable"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IXZI5VBWSAUERZXTXVTRT4RFDU","auth":{"1":"8ef823931efc6fa88136156a4e38a87b4ff046fa6076cee08e3f13b6b24ef731"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IXZI5VBWSAUERZXTXVTRT4RFDU.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"},{"name":"Culture"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2023/09/25/this-philosopher-foresaw-the-biggest-problem-with-ai-now-hes-sounding-another-warning/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"6CMTP3XSF5BELDVPAVBYGENO5M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":85,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8640369/media/f02ca2b246b5d517c9079a125796849a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/23/microsoft-reaches-milestone-in-lauralynn-fundraising/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CTOTV2LZW5C7RENULNEHBM4KV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1695395167583},"content":"Microsoft Ireland has reached a milestone in fundraising for children’s hospice charity LauraLynn, raising more than €1.1 million over the past decade as part of an annual cycling fundraiser.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3L5H4OR4FEN5LUX32KNMRLCAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1695395167585},"content":"Staff at the company have raised more than €291,000 this year, with the bulk coming from the cycling challenge that took place earlier this month along the Wild Atlantic Way. A group of 100 Microsoft Ireland cyclists and support crew took part in the 400km cycle from Clifden, Co Galway, to Ballina, Co Mayo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QNDLT3BDFAKZNYSKORIID3VJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1695395167586},"content":"“Since the first cycle back in 2014, our teams have been inspired by LauraLynn and the vital care they provide on a daily basis to children with life-limiting conditions and their families,” said James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland site lead and vice-president for Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre. “Through the additional €291,000 raised this year, LauraLynn will continue to support increasing numbers of children across the country who are most in need of their help.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UCI536X5QBDRFOFAQLCG7AKVQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1695395167587},"content":"The money raised goes to supporting the palliative care and support offered by LauraLynn, including music therapy, play therapy and bereavement support, and short hospice stays for families in need of respite or crisis care.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJVBDMI5TNDQJMSWEDGLDIVYHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1695395167588},"content":"LauraLynn chief executive Kerry McLaverty said partners such as Microsoft are vital to its continued growth.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Staff at the company have raised more than €1.1 million over a decade"},"display_date":"2023-09-23T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Microsoft reaches fundraising milestone for children’s hospice charity LauraLynn ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EL232AAMXBEQZE5JATIKLOWAWM","auth":{"1":"c3906339c1e7fb2d2c7da1b6afe0e0d0758d45e89a0b7af00490468f878076d1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EL232AAMXBEQZE5JATIKLOWAWM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/23/microsoft-reaches-milestone-in-lauralynn-fundraising/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"C3RTQP4T5JA4FG7EDHZLYT2DLE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":195,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8623052/media/cf38fd375c988c9c01486576fe63342c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/21/microsoft-plans-data-centre-campus-for-kildare/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XZI6XACGKVGALLGKIOXLZN3Q6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1695294724674},"content":"Tech giant <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/microsoft/\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft</a> is planning a new data centre campus in Co Kildare, as it seeks to expand its data centre footprint in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKNM5W3C2ZGB3FXMAGHCHNQPV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1695294724675},"content":"The company said it was in the early stages of developing plans for the campus, which would be located near Jigginstown, Naas, on a site specifically earmarked for data centre use by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kildare-county-council/\" target=\"_blank\">Kildare County Council</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5O4FLVSYFVERTIPVOEPKVPMZ6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1695294724676},"content":"The company said the plan was part of deepening its ties with Kildare, where it already has relationships with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/maynooth-university/\" target=\"_blank\">Maynooth University</a>, Connected Hubs in Kildare and through the Dream Space initiative and ETB partnerships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAYURLHBUJGKNKJ2LHCZMGL2PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1695295230058},"content":"“Microsoft has commenced initial pre-planning consultation with relevant authorities which will help to inform the evolution of the design process. As project plans develop, Microsoft will embark on an extensive engagement process with local residents, businesses and community groups,” the company said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXDXQPKEYFB7XCVD7Z4EK5W7VI","additional_properties":{"_id":"BPWLDLGZPZDYZFIXJNFZB2QGWU"},"content":"Q&A: How sustainable is the State as a data centre hub?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J2RQO7M23RD3JBFVXGBBWBEC6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1695294724678},"content":"The groups will commit to using 100 per cent renewable energy to power the centre, along with the construction of greenway walking routes, cycle tracks and recreational amenities for the local community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQU4SBWAVJH2XOFR4A66ZERHDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1695294724679},"content":"“It is our ambition that this project will be designed and developed in line with the six guiding principles included in the Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development set out by Government in its 2022 policy statement on the role of data centres in Ireland’s enterprise strategy,” Microsoft said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUZ5G4REJVDL3GMBC2QCL2M3HE","additional_properties":{"_id":1695297624271},"content":"Microsoft has committed to powering all of its data centres in Ireland with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025. The company last year signed a number multi-year corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs) with energy companies to create new renewable energy contracts and add more than 900MW of wind and solar energy to Ireland’s energy grid. Using CPPAs, businesses can buy renewable electricity directly from a generator and bring additional green energy capacity to the grid. Under the Government’s Climate Action Plan, 15 per cent of electricity demand is to be delivered from renewable energy CPPAs by 2030. Those contracts will bring Microsoft’s contribution to close to 30 per cent of that target.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4TMHS2GJNC7VO4O7JBAKNUW2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1695294724681},"content":"Microsoft said the planned Kildare campus would create a “large number of permanent jobs” once fully operational, in addition to supporting engineering, electrical, logistics and construction jobs during its building phase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"75HIFZPMV5CFPPRYFGYLTCOIVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1695294724682},"content":"“The proposed development is part of the company’s strategy to unlock the opportunities of the digital economy and further strengthen Ireland’s technology sector,” the company said. “The selection of Naas will also help to build its reputation as a regional digital hub at the forefront of Ireland’s digital economy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSMF64ISXFCNDO5STTQ3MFCPFM","additional_properties":{"_id":"JUO4ABAOQNDW5EEQL4IUE774SQ"},"content":"Ryan says data centres are a key component of Ireland's infrastructure","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BM273G3HAZAEPPPHJ7AUD67RA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1695295641775},"content":"The news of Microsoft’s plans comes only days after <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a> was granted planning permission for an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/09/20/amazon-to-build-three-data-centres-in-dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">additional three data centres</a> at its campus in north Dublin. The centres were approved despite objections raised by environmental groups, amid concerns about the environmental impact of the project.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLLEMYNQQBERTAQF7TU2QTXDDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1695295755146},"content":"Minister for the Environment <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eamon-ryan/\" target=\"_blank\">Eamon Ryan</a> said data centres would remain a key component of Ireland’s infrastructure, despite growing worries over the pressure they are putting on the State’s energy supply. However, he stressed data centre companies would have to play a role in decarbonisation.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giant says the facility will create a ‘large number of permanent jobs’ once fully operational"},"display_date":"2023-09-21T11:19:19.532Z","headlines":{"basic":"Microsoft plans data centre campus in Co Kildare","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7YXILSJI5ZO2GZ2NGB7H55UAQ4","auth":{"1":"af6ccf36f61b03a402ee3bd1b5c929349b2d231f84b2dbc24a0eba0bd0669ff1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7YXILSJI5ZO2GZ2NGB7H55UAQ4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/21/microsoft-plans-data-centre-campus-for-kildare/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"25FRDYXRKVGMTFN5XKHMO4YFWI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":383,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8588006/media/c68bc8263261bb359e626b052e84a9f0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/21/how-geopolitics-threatens-apples-dependence-on-china/","content_elements":[{"_id":"M5O6GWBYOVFIXKP762O3MH2IDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579842},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJ6SXOOYOJCFNE3Y2JGMVJIP6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579843},"content":"In March, Tim Cook was among the first batch of foreign executives to land in Beijing to court high-level officials after the lifting of pandemic-era restrictions, with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a>’s chief lauding how the company and China had grown together in a “symbiotic relationship”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXTBTC5KIJDQNEWU2MHAENDWYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579844},"content":"Six months on, that relationship is under strain. Apple is facing new competitive pressures in a country that is not only its largest manufacturing hub but also its biggest international market, responsible for nearly 20 per cent of sales in its last quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Z6NQMGVCNG5LN5IGN54B3HJPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579845},"content":"A share sell-off cut almost $200 billion (€187 billion) from Apple’s market capitalisation this month after news that various government agencies had imposed bans on the use of Apple products in government departments and state-owned enterprises. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday denied any formal prohibition but alluded to iPhone-related “security incidents” and told smartphone makers to comply with the law.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLQFSLV7A5DDPN26NELFU37KBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579846},"content":"The US was “watching with concern”, a spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council responded, adding that China’s actions appeared to be in line with retaliation against other US companies as tensions increased between the two superpowers. Apple declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BBAQIDFD5ED3JZVVREOBMARNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579847},"content":"Thus far, the company has retained an exalted status in China, avoiding the fate of other US tech titans, including Google, Meta, Twitter and Micron, which have seen products restricted or outright banned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3OE5HVF55FTJNE3FMAN2C7QAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"XJXNUJ6MHVANTJHIPIYRCJL2K4"},"content":"Apple cuts Irish prices for its new iPhones","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3FTWB4VQ5JGYTI74Q7FDIEPPIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579848},"content":"Cook, chief executive since 2011, has been praised as the “architect” of Apple’s production shift to China after originally being hired by Steve Jobs in 1998 to run worldwide operations. Under Cook’s leadership, years of investment, marketing and careful corporate diplomacy allowed Apple to orchestrate a manufacturing powerhouse while generating more China-based profit than any other company, western or Chinese.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLCMWZPEZBFWZD6R4KVNHSXJQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZJBS2UAKBJDAPMMNC5U6SUKE7M"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-60222","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RXF3MCEFLFDWPPDJCRTS53VM74","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579849},"content":"Paul Triolo, an associate partner at advisory group Albright Stonebridge, said the company “invested a lot in its relationships with both the central... and municipal governments, particularly in Zhengzhou”, where it has partnered with Foxconn and created hundreds of thousands of jobs. He added that Apple had been “very careful” to abide by local regulations, taking down politically sensitive apps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFJF3FCV3NCEZNT5CNBH24GSX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579850},"content":"Along with concerns over possible curbs on Apple products, a fresh competitive threat has emerged with the unexpected launch of a new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/huawei/\" target=\"_blank\">Huawei</a> smartphone in China at the end of August. The Mate 60 Pro sold out immediately on a patriotic wave of enthusiasm, as teardown experts revealed it was running advanced Chinese chips inside. US sanctions against Huawei had previously crippled the capabilities of its handsets and enabled Apple to dominate sales of high-end smartphones in China.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T276MVIUQZEPXJ2DCLOGHEMQG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579851},"content":"Apple shares fell further after the less than overwhelming launch on Tuesday of the iPhone 15 series, but industry experts said the recent share falls due to events in China were overdone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEZ7OJWQYNC3NM4M6GMOTRQJ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579852},"content":"Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, said a “worst case” was that the ban inside government would cut global iPhone sales by 2 per cent and overall revenues by 1 per cent in 2024. The Financial Times previously reported that restrictions on government employees using Apple devices already stretched back several years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D4CXB5NO2BFYLMVJBZQIQMGH74","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579853},"content":"“Beijing will be very reluctant to take further actions that weaken Apple’s position in China because this would have a very negative impact on the business climate,” said Triolo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXQWULGVPBEBHP636WDSIFNEHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579854},"content":"The Apple-China relationship had been a “win-win” for both parties, he added. Apple had upgraded Chinese manufacturers’ production standards and processes while protecting its intellectual property by diversifying its supply chain to ensure no single supplier could replicate its products.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DU6TTWAL7RB3LKNYNUPY5274ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":"EE5EVQR3MNGV7PTRBPZCQ2SFBY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"I7RBG2AK3VBXZJ45TTTE64SWKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579855},"content":"Three former Apple employees with experience in China suggested the company was unlikely to be worried and that Beijing appeared to be engaging in some tit-for-tat action to counter the US’s hardening anti-China policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LFG4TUCQQFF5PAJZOKQQVKH7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579856},"content":"“This shot across the bow wasn’t really to Apple,” one of the people said. “It was to the US government. This is China flexing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KK5OIB5EDZAJ7H2PHBVWIWKPQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579857},"content":"China’s lack of any public directive against Apple also contrasts with its explicit stance when it banned US memory-chip maker Micron from key infrastructure in May, saying it posed “serious network security risks”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWAESIFQDFCFHKDKERX4PTUH2U","additional_properties":{"_id":"WNXK2TWJDRGW7HXPLMEXUD5SMM"},"content":"Apple’s Vision Pro feels as potentially transformative as the iPhone once did","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"YI7YSJ2ZT5EDPDRWBCUTSDTJSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579858},"content":"Even so, Cook faces a “delicate balancing act” to diversify more production outside of China while maintaining close ties with Beijing, said one former executive of Foxconn, the Taiwanese company that assembles the bulk of Apple’s iPhones in China.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5TQ4IAG3VFI3EKGJD2L4MLDC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579859},"content":"Apple has 14,000 direct employees in China, but experts estimate it supports more than 1.5 million jobs in the country. Under the strain of US-China tensions, Apple has begun shifting parts of its production to Vietnam and India.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4RVUTIU3ZAGJAF5SXUS7DDIYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579860},"content":"Against this backdrop, experts said Beijing would be keen to support home-grown alternatives to Apple such as Huawei – which was briefly the biggest-selling phonemaker in the world before US sanctions banned it from accessing certain foreign components, forcing it to discontinue sales of its 5G smartphones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAJO6IFEEBDPTAPORN7COWU45E","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579861},"content":"The Shenzhen-based company’s China sales are now supported by its perceived status as a “national champion” by consumers, but even its top-of-the-range Mate Pro still lags the iPhone in technical aspects.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2WPIX4DYZDLZMPLBDCHVII2YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579862},"content":"“Huawei has delivered something that is a generation behind. They’re going to be playing catch-up for a long time,” said Ivan Lam, analyst at Counterpoint Research in Hong Kong, who added that Apple had 80 per cent of the market for phones priced at more than $800.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCL54FWAPZDBXNRDE3YUFEZ2TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1695113579863},"content":"“For Huawei to convert that back to 50:50 will be very challenging, or not even possible.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Patrick McGee"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Eleanor Olcott"}]},"description":{"basic":"Beijing’s restrictions on government use of Apple products and Huawei’s resurgence pose problems for Tim Cook"},"display_date":"2023-09-21T04:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How geopolitics threatens Apple’s dependence on China","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"NFAFPVQFLL27IUAAFQNYCSLV6I","auth":{"1":"c4a66fc7ca37339995e0bb4684c891126064acf718837f60e5a7ec36abbca995"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/NFAFPVQFLL27IUAAFQNYCSLV6I.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/21/how-geopolitics-threatens-apples-dependence-on-china/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"QYFJMOI6KBGKXBRD43BKOIPCLA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":174,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8592924/media/ae719f1f8beb56aa234c879a10cedb8c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/19/elon-musk-says-x-formerly-twitter-moving-to-charging-small-monthly-payment-for-site/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BGFHFY7MWZBOTABUICPQPDW3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967325},"content":"Elon Musk has indicated that X, formerly known as Twitter, is considering charging all users for accessing the platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLDN2CA3AJFDVDJKL6PNWO5W7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967326},"content":"The X owner said erecting a paywall around the business would ward off the bots, or automated accounts, that have become a bugbear for Musk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QRL3LSI6SND6FEVAV3NM5SFBUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967327},"content":"Speaking in a meeting with Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, the Tesla chief executive and world’s richest person suggested that X was going to charge its user base. Currently, Twitter only charges users for its subscription service X Premium, which offers perks such as a verified account checkmark and costs $11 a month in the US for iPhones and £11 in the UK.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSAYIO65HNCZBKL2CXKHJZGH3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967329},"content":"“We’re moving to having a small monthly payment for use of the system,” Musk said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KFNKW7TPNGDRKC4AMEA4FQ7XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967330},"content":"Saying that bots cost “a fraction of a penny” to set up, Mr Musk added that raising the cost of an account to “a few dollars or something” could put off operators of the software. He added: “Plus, every time a bot creator wanted to make another bot, they would need another new payment method.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETCIOQOB6JBTPHKTG3FRFJB6UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967331},"content":"Mr Musk, who has a history of making impromptu statements, did not confirm whether X would definitely push ahead with a charging policy. X has been contacted for further comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOVOBRDEIJDWLPUNDT5N44UHMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967332},"content":"Mr Musk also said X had 550 million monthly users generating up to 200 million posts a day. Previously, the platform had measured its user base by a different method, monetisable daily active users, which stood at 238 million before Mr Musk bought the business in October 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WX4UKTU4YRF3NNDN7Y3AF2GF5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967333},"content":"Mr Musk has raised the prospect of a paywall as the platform battles an entrenched decline in advertising, its main source of income. Mr Musk has said an advertiser boycott, spurred by concerns over his leadership of the platform and its management of inappropriate or hateful content, has caused ad revenue to decline by 60 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YFFAY2LJMFF4PIDXLR66VWZPAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967334},"content":"Mr Musk’s conversation with Mr Netanyahu was billed as a discussion about technology and artificial intelligence but it quickly turned to free speech and anti-Semitism amid accusations that X was not doing enough to tackle racist speech on the platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2UB77M2IZA2VFL6YOA6R4IX4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967335},"content":"Mr Netanyahu said he hoped Mr Musk would find ways within the confines of the first amendment to clamp down on anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred on X.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZPV2B6K5NA3HP5DJI6S4VU2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967336},"content":"“I encourage you and urge you to find the balance,” Mr Netanyahu said. “It’s a tough one.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWC4R4FRCZFZTAUYFRDGUEZ2UM","additional_properties":{"_id":1695138967337},"content":"Musk has used his account on X to say that he is “pro-free speech, but against anti-Semitism of any kind”. – Guardian","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Dan Milmo"}]},"description":{"basic":"World’s richest person, who has history of making impromptu statements, says paywall for platform would ward off automated accounts"},"display_date":"2023-09-19T16:37:36.902Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk says X, formerly Twitter, moving to charging ‘small monthly payment’ for site","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"73C7YFJV34P3BSHLMZUGHVKJRU","auth":{"1":"54d527f45e31e40bde883e2e730f251ff020d23b1ba1233b0804bfd5bc1bac4b"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/73C7YFJV34P3BSHLMZUGHVKJRU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/19/elon-musk-says-x-formerly-twitter-moving-to-charging-small-monthly-payment-for-site/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"WTLJGUAM45H3BPK6ICKP3R26I4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":253,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8544239/media/cafc46b4ea545d1348c220756900102c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2023/09/16/tiktok-motivates-millions-of-children-to-skip-privacy-setting-irish-regulator-finds/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FSDGJDMMU5AL5OZM4737DQAEYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895935},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok/\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok </a>incentivised millions of children to “skip” private settings on its video-sharing app, according to a damning report that found adults using public settings could enable direct messages for certain teenagers with whom they had no family connection.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTUBF4MJ7RESTEE25ODDQIU7QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895937},"content":"As <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/data-protection-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">Ireland’s data protection commissioner </a>(DPC) Helen Dixon imposed a €345 million fine on the Chinese-owned company for multiple breaches of children’s privacy, a report stated TikTo used language that seemed “to trivialise the decision to opt for a private account” in favour of public settings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WGRTYPAIBB6VKZMIS47XF6YMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895938},"content":"TikTok was also found to have used “vague and opaque” language when failing to inform children that public-by-default processing meant “an indefinite audience, including non-registered users, would be able to view their personal data”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNI2RTUL3NH7LFHNS6RWTYQGOE","additional_properties":{"_id":"KJUVZY7KFFHBTFE35FFKO64SVI"},"content":"TikTok fined €345m by Ireland’s data regulator for violating children’s privacy","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AYBRA2AHIRFLBKNB44GLK4RT6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"7FS6VUAGQZHH7GI7R53DWGHTTY"},"content":"Subscriber Only: TikTok ruling raises more questions about Chinese company’s safety standards","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QYTCYKPDBBAF7G3BK2QKFREWC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694801300022},"content":"The case against the social media giant showed how the “family pairing” feature on TikTok’s app could link children’s accounts to “unverified” adults who were not their parents or guardians.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKZRP3I4KRHX7CQ2ZTTY2MGU6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895940},"content":"“The decision further details that non-child users had the power to enable direct messages for child users above the age of 16, thereby making this feature less strict for the child user,” said Ms Dixon’s office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERTHF6DHPNCU5AVLXXM6LD2NVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895941},"content":"She has sweeping powers under Europe’s general data protection regulation (GDPR) to supervise the pan-European operations of large tech groups such as TikTok that have their EU headquarters in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WAPCU7G3PBAXVL6ES4ANNHDUN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895942},"content":"In findings endorsed by the Brussels-based <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-data-protection-board/\" target=\"_blank\">European Data Protection Board</a>, TikTok was reprimanded for eight breaches EU data law in relation to teenagers and criticised for failing to protect preteens.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITQYVYDXTNAWPBXMX5NC5NKT6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895943},"content":"Even though TikTok requires all users to be aged 13 and above, the report cited a “particularly high number of users” below that age and said pre-teens entering ages above 13, 16 or 18 gained access to app settings for such ages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2457MNH33ZFOPJQNWWUHRTJDX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895944},"content":"Rapid growth","type":"header"},{"_id":"2LEG4WKLXVG7XGDWNBYM5J3KQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694801300028},"content":"The company “did not properly take into account” the risks posed to pre-teens who gained access by the default account setting, allowing anyone on or off TikTok to view content they posted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HFBTYVQKBGW5MTVXV73PZ6744","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895945},"content":"TikTok has grown rapidly after the three-minute limit on viral dance videos, comedy skits and lip-sync routines proved a worldwide hit. But in a case highlighting “risks” to young TikTok users, Ms Dixon examined how children signed up “in such a manner that their accounts were set to public-by-default” on the app.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHX5TFMGWBGXLNT74Q5FWQJB7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895946},"content":"The ruling met a frosty response from TikTok. “We respectfully disagree with the decision, particularly the level of the fine imposed,” said the company. “The DPC’s criticisms are focused on features and settings that were in place three years ago, and that we made changes to well before the investigation even began, such as setting all under-16 accounts to private by default.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4KHQE23ONHOTOJ4LNBGVE7DY4","additional_properties":{"_id":"LU3COZAQLJCRJC4LYEA27LH6FA"},"content":"TikTok begins moving European data to Dublin centre","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"B4LJVV746NAKNGCWNCUTIBGZDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694801300032},"content":"Anu Talus, chairwoman of the European board, said: “Social media companies have a responsibility to avoid presenting choices to users, especially children, in an unfair manner — particularly if that presentation can nudge people into making decisions that violate their privacy interests. Options related to privacy should be provided in an objective and neutral way, avoiding any kind of deceptive or manipulative language or design.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDOF6VYADNGCXFQOAYRITYXY5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895950},"content":"After resistance from Italian and German regulators, the TikTok sanction was settled only after a dispute in the Brussels board. The settlement increased the number of GDPR violations from seven to eight but objecting regulators failed to force an increase in the fine Ms Dixon proposed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I474LZDIPBHVTPJNEEWGIRIW2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1694798895951},"content":"CyberSafeKids chief executive Alex Cooney — a lobby group — said TikTok must do “much more” to tackle underage use. “Our most recent data shows that 37 per cent of eight- to 12-year-olds are using TikTok, so the platform’s failings represent a clear danger to a large number of Irish children.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Arthur Beesley"}},"name":"Arthur Beesley"}]},"description":{"basic":"Data Protection Commissioner imposes €345m fine on Chinese-owned company for privacy breaches"},"display_date":"2023-09-16T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"TikTok motivates millions of children to ‘skip’ privacy setting, Irish regulator finds","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ME6FM2WQGNASPKTKAC5H4RQBDQ","auth":{"1":"3559ffb228fa4ac1f358a1a1ddac31b78c61065d7a4b34f28ebb7733fdf63f25"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ME6FM2WQGNASPKTKAC5H4RQBDQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Data & Security"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2023/09/16/tiktok-motivates-millions-of-children-to-skip-privacy-setting-irish-regulator-finds/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"4E2N3M53HFHWVJCY6KMYH3PB7I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":160,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8538529/media/63d966aeb901f93fc7e54e4543e9785d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/15/apple-bows-to-pressure-from-france-with-iphone-12-software-update/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EYQE5REU6ZHLDHFLBQ7SM7ATW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125330},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNEFGNK5ORHPDAIOYRSJGTL63I","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125331},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a> will issue a software update for the iPhone 12 after several European countries indicated they could follow <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/france/\" target=\"_blank\">France</a> in taking action over allegations of elevated radiation emissions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGASGC2KFFB7LLY5WDBMVVXYVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125332},"content":"The update could end a spat that had put regulators in EU members including Belgium, Germany and Italy on alert after ANFR, France’s national frequency agency, on Tuesday ordered Apple to stop selling the 2020 iPhone 12 model in stores and online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4EIFWZZFVCCTDOOB4TSL5WJ24","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125333},"content":"“We will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators,” Apple said in a statement on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LFEKGUGNVDZRFTTJVI442DD5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125334},"content":"“This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern,” the company added. “Since it was introduced in 2020, iPhone 12 has been certified and recognised as meeting or exceeding all applicable SAR regulations and standards around the world.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIDNMZSKYJG4LGKM6S7TZHR3IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125335},"content":"Apple had disputed the findings of the French agency, saying the three-year-old model had been certified by global bodies and found to be compliant. It added that it had worked closely with the French agency to provide it with information for its testing procedures over recent months as well as on compliance from independent labs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANDFSFUNMRAELBY7ML3ATFJWGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125336},"content":"Jean-No<i>ë</i>l Barrot, France’s junior minister for digital affairs, welcomed Apple’s decision after he had given the company a 15-day deadline to make changes. “Since the decision to withdraw the iPhone 12 from the French market, I have spoken several times with the Apple teams,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVGAR3VAZJERRJPOXBGDKDDKAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125337},"content":"“ANFR is preparing to quickly test this update which would ultimately make the model compliant with European standards applied in France and lift the withdrawal from marketing,” Barrot added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLKL24CINZGGJOJCRW7RBVWGQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125338},"content":"On Thursday, Belgium said it would follow France in reviewing any health risks linked to the iPhone 12, while the German regulator said it would watch to see how the French situation developed, according to Reuters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AD5PF74ATZBKVCRGUXLO6WFZAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125339},"content":"Apple is in the process of phasing out sales of the iPhone 12 in favour of newer models, including the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/2023/09/13/hands-on-with-the-brand-new-iphone-15-pro-and-pro-max/#:~:text=Both%20cameras%20are%20excellent%2C%20but,It%20is%20impressive%20in%20person.\" target=\"_blank\">iPhone 15</a>, which it launched this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRZHAUN46VF57GLQIY4I2NGJRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125340},"content":"ANFR regularly purchases and tests iPhones sold across France to check for conformity with EU standards. Once its experts discovered the anomalies, it informed Apple and asked it to make changes but was rebuffed. It subsequently opened the enforcement action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXJHSBL2SRH7TP3WDLZHH2E7QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694789125341},"content":"Smartphones emit low levels of radiation when in use. The World Health Organisation has said: “To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.” - Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Adrienne Klasa"}]},"description":{"basic":"Decision follows spat with country’s regulator over radiation levels that put other EU members on alert"},"display_date":"2023-09-15T14:59:01.749Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple bows to pressure from France with iPhone 12 software update","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"Q6XXXU474MMDUG4ZZS32OWZR74","auth":{"1":"d1d8548c1a17dc6657ab8cc188b37bd1ad25850c4f87bf4305b3f5c0113bc704"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/Q6XXXU474MMDUG4ZZS32OWZR74.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/15/apple-bows-to-pressure-from-france-with-iphone-12-software-update/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"D3L4IZHCPRGIFFU2SZ23RFRYIE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":300,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8533973/media/47a54715d00aeb3df07a06865c729565_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/15/tiktok-fined-345m-by-irelands-data-regulator-for-violating-childrens-privacy/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RMSKEAU5IRB7JDKQ5E74AQLACY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160805},"content":"Ireland’s data regulator has slapped a €345 million fine on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tik-tok\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a> for violating children’s privacy on its video-sharing app, after finding adults could enable direct messages for certain teenagers with whom they had no family connection.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6JNVXLJIAJBYBG327XUGRBXBVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160807},"content":"The case against the Chinese-owned tech giant also showed how TikTok’s “family pairing” feature could link children’s accounts to “unverified” adults who were not their parents or guardians.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6GN3KRX75E2JGVLR2I6IPMRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853366},"content":"“The decision further details that non-child users had the power to enable direct messages for child users above the age of 16, thereby making this feature less strict for the child user,” said the office of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/data-protection-commissioner\" target=\"_blank\">Data Protection Commissioner (DPC)</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/helen-dixon\" target=\"_blank\">Helen Dixon</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUUXKJTKXRHUXKQHPH7ODNNNUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853367},"content":"In an investigation raising serious concerns over an app used by more than a billion people, TikTok was reprimanded for multiple breaches of EU data law in relation to teenagers and criticised for failing to protect preteens.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R77GABPEIVF25L57SDBADNMVCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853368},"content":"TikTok has been growing rapidly after the three-minute limit on viral dance videos, comedy skits and lip-sync routines proved a worldwide hit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHGKU6J2JBC3BOXLPZDDFT5C6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160810},"content":"But in a case highlighting “risks” to TikTok’s young users, Ms Dixon examined how children signed up to the app “in such a manner that their accounts were set to public by default” on the system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MSLIB2DC3BAR7L4A54XRTLYN2E","additional_properties":{"_id":"OCG3PRWR5VGB5EZHNR3K2VKX6Q"},"content":"Who’s afraid of TikTok? ‘The main concern should be about privacy more generally’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZE4GM7ELSRBTDGMYI4T4MGD4JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160811},"content":"“This also meant that, for example, videos that were posted to child users’ accounts were public by default, comments were enabled publicly by default, the Duet and Stitch features were enabled by default,” Ms Dixon’s office said. These two features allow users to incorporate videos from other creators into their posts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EC45VFWB4BE7DILC44BPCB7LHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160812},"content":"The decision also said the company “did not properly take into account” the risks posed to children under 13 who gained access to the app by the default account setting, allowing anyone on or off TikTok to view content they posted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDP7WU3DOJE5DFWGDUQPFEH3HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160813},"content":"Ms Dixon initiated a “large-scale” investigation two years ago into TikTok, which employs 3,000 people in Ireland. The inquiry centred on EU law breaches in July-December 2020, although TikTok said it cut the offending features long ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L3ZLARJFXVATVA3EAFMS6RGH2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160814},"content":"The Irish regulator has issued “an order requiring [TikTok Technology Ltd] to bring its processing into compliance by taking the action specified within a period of three months from the date on which the DPC’s decision is notified” to the company, which happened on September 1st.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6SVWGNN7VGLBLDRPZMZFOQ4HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853374},"content":"The ruling met a frosty response from TikTok. “We respectfully disagree with the decision, particularly the level of the fine imposed,” the company said in a Friday statement from its London office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WH3TPPFUVVGRFLXUWMWG6UPFZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853375},"content":"“The DPC’s criticisms are focused on features and settings that were in place three years ago, and that we made changes to well before the investigation even began, such as setting all under-16 accounts to private by default.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTJMLK5Z7ZDDTGKZKUOWXTE4VE","additional_properties":{"_id":"KERAOX45QJHEJENIA5KDAEWZ6U"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-77051","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DZD6Y23YGNC47GKIPJJUEIVMSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853376},"content":"TikTok’s spokesman said “we are evaluating our next steps” when asked whether it would appeal the DPC ruling in the High Court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DI6OAF3THZE7XC4I7ESXCXEOOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853377},"content":"In addition to the fine for eight breaches of European law over children’s data, TikTok is under separate DPC investigation for personal data transfers to China in a case examining whether it met legal requirements for transfers to third countries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3YLHWXSIJDOBPGKNJHK7IVBUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160817},"content":"Ms Dixon has sweeping powers under Europe’s general data protection regulation (GDPR) to supervise the pan-European operations of large tech groups such as TikTok that have their EU headquarters in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6623TVGLNDADPBEUO6GVIL4CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160819},"content":"The TikTok fine follows a succession of huge GDPR penalties against Facebook owner Meta and its subsidiaries, which now total some €2.5 billion. Meta has appealed such rulings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AG2VDRCLQFF75IQ4IUBGNIDZRE","additional_properties":{"_id":"AX3ECSHG5VCM5GR4PMHSD5APT4"},"content":"GDPR complaints system is an unfair burden on Ireland and a weakness for Europe","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"N5OQCPMFPJCQ3BDZPGUDUAKTV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160820},"content":"When it was introduced five years ago, the GDPR regime was billed as a significant step in the drive to control how businesses exploit consumers’ personal information, although critics say enforcement should be sharper and swifter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHTYPSJKHFCDZIJYEFCJE72NB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694778915837},"content":"Penalties proposed by the Irish regulator must be approved by fellow regulators who sit with her in the Brussels-based European Data Protection Board.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ML5L5PWHLVELNAF2JUAXEBHN4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160821},"content":"Just as many of Ms Dixon’s draft rulings against <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a> were challenged in the European board, the sanction against TikTok met resistance and was settled only after a dispute resolution procedure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TCHIH2SSHRGWZPNKTOPE2M5NOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694771853383},"content":"The objectors in this case were Italy’s national regulator and two regional German bodies, although Ms Dixon’s office said there was “broad consensus” on her original proposal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVSXVBXNWNDZRIQDLLVRFPK2RI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694767160822},"content":"The European board directed Ms Dixon to amend the draft decision to include a new GDPR infringement of the principle of fairness and to extend a compliance order on TikTok processing to embrace that finding.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Arthur Beesley"}},"name":"Arthur Beesley"}]},"description":{"basic":"Data Protection Commissioner’s case highlights ‘risks’ to Chinese-owned tech giant’s young users"},"display_date":"2023-09-15T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"TikTok fined €345m by Ireland’s data regulator for violating children’s privacy","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ME6FM2WQGNASPKTKAC5H4RQBDQ","auth":{"1":"3559ffb228fa4ac1f358a1a1ddac31b78c61065d7a4b34f28ebb7733fdf63f25"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ME6FM2WQGNASPKTKAC5H4RQBDQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/15/tiktok-fined-345m-by-irelands-data-regulator-for-violating-childrens-privacy/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"AFUHCWVJEVBQBDQB64GZ7ENPBM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":279,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8510844/media/4ee169f1a63fac73a9f389747cb93306_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/14/apple-tries-to-move-beyond-just-iphone-sales-as-smartphone-market-stagnates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CXZWT4FNTNFDTD5P5MQUEZ2XCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1662464094180},"content":"Are we suffering from smartphone fatigue? The data indicates we may be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SP43GIVQMFB2JLIS5BFUFJDIBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697609},"content":"Shipments of the devices are falling globally, with some analysts predicting that in 2023 they would hit a decade low. According to IDC, the drop could be close to 5 per cent year on year as consumers continue to hang on to their phones for longer. The days of the yearly or even two-yearly upgrades are gone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIMWA74CQRGHHOA2GWKZDLML2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697610},"content":"That’s a good trend to have though, as environmental awareness increases and the cost of living crisis indicates that priorities have shifted, and having the latest, greatest smartphone isn’t always one of them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBQVXJRVKRGW7A2SIVDOW5W6UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697612},"content":"It’s against this backdrop that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a> unveiled its latest iPhones, touting faster chips and improved cameras, alongside updated Apple Watch and Watch Ultra that come with more advanced features, but no “one more thing” mic-drop moment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UCVQS3ZJ5BCDBCRBVUWT54MG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697611},"content":"It’s a tough job to impress a crowd these days. Smartphones have become so advanced that it is difficult to come up with a new idea that really grabs attention in the way it may have done a decade ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QRHRDRAQB5FFHNV4VN3BJJSZ2U","additional_properties":{"_id":"3X7P6Y32KRHMROV3NDNJCRNJVI"},"content":"Hands-on with the brand new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JBQVXJRVKRGW7A2SIVDOW5W6UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697612},"content":"“The lack of headline-grabbing updates will disappoint some, but isn’t a surprise given the maturity of the iPhone and Watch. It reflects just how refined the iPhone and Watch devices are and how tough it has become to deliver truly disruptive updates every year,” said Ben Wood, analyst with CCS Insight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4LKBMJKHFBANDCHWTF42HTHCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694634800892},"content":"It is worth noting that Apple continues to ship millions of handsets every quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R52EYCQE3RATDFJQ2YZIPKGWG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697614},"content":"Apple has long since abandoned the “tick/tock” approach to its phones, where one year would be the big bang upgrade, followed by a year of incremental changes. The updates now are less flashy, but arguably more valuable, even if we don’t realise it. A more efficient chip that can process Siri requests on the device, a better camera that can capture enough information that you can turn your quick shot into a stunning portrait with a few taps. A lighter, easier to handle design that happens to be more repairable than before.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OV77C36IVJCATJVCXIE2KJXDDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697615},"content":"Last year, Apple introduced satellite SOS, designed to be used to send distress messages if you need help but are out of mobile range. The technology has already been put to good use, leading to the rescue of a family stuck in the wildfires in Maui earlier this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNVZGUGZEBEYBK3ZGGVVYWVXWY","additional_properties":{"_id":"4YFYKMPOURALFMJLQDTS7EGC6I"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-83042","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"E5VYVVI475BZJCYULPWXYESYXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697616},"content":"The company is developing that further, to include roadside assistance via AAA in the United States, which seems like the logical next step, but it has yet to discuss rolling it out any further than that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFRMWZWQ5FAZPOFJU7COCWNDZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697617},"content":"One of the biggest changes was also the most widely flagged: the adoption of USB-C for the iPhone. That change wasn’t a move dictated by the company’s roadmap; instead, it was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/2022/10/26/apple-will-comply-with-iphone-usb-c-charger-law-executive-says/\" target=\"_blank\">European Union regulators that forced Apple’s hand</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"573YWYIQXVCTLIGWV3C2J6QMJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694635384342},"content":"“It will irk some people, but ultimately, it’s a victory for common sense becoming the standard connector for all consumer electronics devices,” said Mr Wood.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2KVDPFSEBF75LZPR4YBTEJ7SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697619},"content":"But there were other interesting aspects to the Apple Wonderlust event that may have got overlooked. The Apple Watch Series 9, for example, now has a chip that can process Siri requests on board. That means no sending to the cloud, which makes it faster and more secure, and also opens up your health data to Siri. It is a small move that helps protect your privacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDG66OLB6RDCRLUR6SQJRTNWYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694634800899},"content":"Another was the changes to iCloud+, with Apple adding new storage plans to the online service – important as we produce ever more data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OST7YU3C5HFVJ3F3ELONHT36U","additional_properties":{"_id":"PRNRNKNK7NHRXG4G5NREWXX6MM"},"content":"Apple goes carbon neutral on new Watch, with more products on the way","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WSRQNH6W7BBCJMHREHCTMCAR3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1694632697620},"content":"One thing that we didn’t hear much about was artificial intelligence, although there was plenty of talk around the topic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SX5YPKXNGNHQVD2TZTE7JHVULQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694634800901},"content":"“It positioned itself as an AI leader without mentioning AI,” said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Yory Wurmser. “The presenters mentioned machine learning, neural engines and GPUs repeatedly that enable all types of improvements. Apple clearly is accelerating its AI initiatives with the A17 and S9 chips.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZRIWQ5DN5CCVBNEQCUAHQ7A4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694634800902},"content":"“It’s getting ready for Vision Pro. The event mentioned Vision Pro at the outset but went into no details,” said Mr Wurmser. “But several of the product announcements clearly come from that product’s development, or will be critical for it. Double tap, the new control via finger gesture in Apple Watch, seems pretty similar to some of the controls developed for Vision Pro. And a lot of the camera improvements, such as 48MP pictures and the spatial video recording, are meant for playback on Vision Pro. The advancements in ultra-wideband (UWB) chips also could enable better augmented reality down the line.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YRWDRBBV3NGFXPIK6BCYTUTHQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694634800903},"content":"A few subtle design changes aside, it seems Apple is concentrating more on what is under the hood – for now at least.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giant introduces smaller yet valuable updates to hardware and services"},"display_date":"2023-09-14T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple tries to move beyond just iPhone sales as smartphone market stagnates","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YKIYEFZ25ODDB4K5DNBBQ2JTYQ","auth":{"1":"625aa689a10f66381d814e4cb26453fe0dba2bcd09395d6e15650879f84b2f6d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YKIYEFZ25ODDB4K5DNBBQ2JTYQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/14/apple-tries-to-move-beyond-just-iphone-sales-as-smartphone-market-stagnates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"3OR47B2WBFG7JP4CHTG4NRJ4PY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2023/09/13/apple-goes-carbon-neutral-on-new-watch-with-more-products-on-the-way/","content_elements":[{"_id":"55IWFVBUFJGK5A3N65WTDEFNAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694556777069},"content":"When Apple unveiled its new iPhones and watches, it made another key announcement too: it has developed its first carbon neutral product.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKJUSFUN3NEF3M47FUUNRUC2NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694556777070},"content":"The latest Apple Watch is the first product that Apple point to as carbon neutral, a development that has come years ahead of schedule for the tech giant. It is likely to only be the beginning for Apple products though, with the group’s ambitious targets for its environmental impact set to spur more such innovation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ROHNHUJHERAVNOKTQHILFUL6QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069001},"content":"“We believe Apple chose Watch as a beachhead for carbon neutrality because the small size of these products makes their manufacturing process less intensive,” said Leo Gebbie, principal analyst, connected devices for CCS Insight. “However, lessons learned will be applied elsewhere and we think Apple is striving to offer carbon-neutral options for all its products by the end of the decade.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNRSDGRGJ5HQFKHYPJEEBLJFYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069002},"content":"Apple has been trying to improve its environmental impact for some time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAYLNPJQAJERBMCUXOZ73KWPKU","additional_properties":{"_id":"7DSL2QSM6VEJNKAPT2XONHTBFM"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-71460","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HQVQSZEPUBANRMSZ5NBSMZKCTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"WB3K3NXGT5E5HHC2TXFPRO64HQ"},"content":"Hands on with the brand new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RF4PJAVVUJATNIDEHYBDNNKR4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069003},"content":"In July 2020, it pledged to make its products and supply chain carbon neutral by 2030, reducing emissions by 75 per cent and relying on carbon removal solutions to take care of the remaining 25 per cent that cannot yet be avoided or reduced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASZSCIWHM5BD3MGSCBWA3T342E","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069004},"content":"Over the past couple of years, it has increased the use of renewable energy at its corporate offices and facilities, redesigned product packaging to eliminate as much plastic as possible, and increased the use of recycled materials in its products. The Series 9 case, for example, uses 100 per cent recycled aluminium, and the Ultra 2 has 95 per cent recycled titanium.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGP36NME2EQ6UKJF7VA2N5LHBA","additional_properties":{"_id":"5H26DQA2QZBWFPPB7ADG64YRUI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"RXNT4JTUGJE6DAHCHIZBVQIETA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069005},"content":"The new iPhone 15 uses 100 per cent recycled gold in the camera wiring and circuit board plating, recycled rare earth elements in magnets, along with 100 per cent recycled cobalt in the battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUUYLSXC25HQ3INLUG5VSWMVKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069006},"content":"As part of its environmental focus, Apple is also eliminating leather accessories for its products, including watch straps and phone cases, choosing more sustainable materials instead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IM5VVZE5JGODGAD54MSSDAIKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069007},"content":"“It will be fascinating to see how customers and the industry responds to Apple’s carbon-neutral branding. Our research consistently shows that consumers care about the green agenda and want tech companies to play their part here, but it’s not yet clear whether putting environmental credentials on the box will directly influence buying decisions,” said Mr Gebbie. “The decision to eliminate leather could also create some tension with partners such as Hermes, which will continue to offer ‘official’ leather straps for the Watch at the same time Apple is moving away from the material.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLJLUIDL2NBVPHQZJEIKS7QPNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069008},"content":"The shift is especially important in the light of Apple’s own heritage. The company is based in California, where it was holding the launch event, in a part of the US that has been hit by raging wildfires and increasing drought, which is being attributed in part to climate change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ADKBZ7OVUNFKBG2XWP77QXPUXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694556777072},"content":"With the problems on its doorstep, it is not enough to talk the talk; Apple has to show it means business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHYJRGTEZBEZRNDQGINKGEZ62U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069010},"content":"Apple says it has managed to reduce total emissions by more than 45 per cent since 2015. In that period, revenue has grown 65 per cent, proving that for Apple at least, this doesn’t have to be an either/or situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLOXWJUQX5AMHPMMGTSFH3LHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069011},"content":"Apple’s environmental shift is marked in comparison to pre-2010, when it was criticised by environmental group Greenpeace on recycling and concerns over the use of toxic substances in its electronics. By 2017, the group’s scorecard on tech companies rated Apple at B-, just below Fairphone and ahead of rivals Samsung and Huawei.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHXXY5QFP5A55FWC35AMIWTZBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069012},"content":"The tech giant has made further progress since then, and in recent years has moved to make its products more repairable, something that had attracted criticism. The iPhone 15 Pro advances that further, with a new structural frame that allows the back glass to be easily replaced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2O7BNRZL7VCGTH3JERW4LT2FGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069013},"content":"The shift to USB C should also help ease the e-waste deluge, with Apple now adopting the charger that European authorities have decreed should be the standard for portable electronics in the EU.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJDTJGQECJHFHKFRGS6YK67NJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069014},"content":"But not everybody is convinced of the green credentials of the new electronics. On one hand, Apple is shifting more and more to recycled components and green energy. But on the other, it ships millions of iPhones every quarter, not to mention headphones and other devices, all of which will help contribute to electronic waste in the future if not recycled correctly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OCXOIJQPVDRZHVECTXDO4NRKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069015},"content":"Peter Windischhofer, co-founder and chief executive of online marketplace Refurbed, noted electronic waste is a growing issue, with the production of electronics such as smartphones contributing to the exploitation of the planet’s resources.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5KQHDRHNFHN3BLPDKJYC33KR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069016},"content":"“Innovation and further development are important, especially when it comes to technology. But even more important are responsible actions and responsible consumption. It is therefore time for us, the consumers, to rethink,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HIQBBINWXVGHVBY675S6SVJSIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069017},"content":"“A refurbished iPhone/device consumes 86 per cent less water in the refurbishment process compared to a new purchase, 78 per cent less CO2 is emitted and, most importantly, 71 per cent less e-waste is produced on our planet (based on research completed on the iPhone 11) when compared to a new device.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDD6DBJAWRBA3HJBYAT3CZZOUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694613069018},"content":"“It can be as simple as that, without any sacrifices, if we just think of ‘new’ in a new way; and not equate ‘new’ with new gadgets that we don’t really need.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giant has pledged to make all its output carbon neutral by 2030"},"display_date":"2023-09-13T14:07:22.110Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple goes carbon neutral on new Watch, with more products on the way","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PICGSKRUTJJCQHFNASBSVQH54A","auth":{"1":"fe8e635ca5377981df94897682f3850a056162f2f26451e896c2342715eff542"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PICGSKRUTJJCQHFNASBSVQH54A.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2023/09/13/apple-goes-carbon-neutral-on-new-watch-with-more-products-on-the-way/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"UVTAMALDY5DKFCSEF2WSIXYAJ4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":275,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8520351/media/4e2421ee0aa4f6aa9d7747f484f8f4f1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2023/09/13/hands-on-with-the-brand-new-iphone-15-pro-and-pro-max/","content_elements":[{"_id":"6QLQZWX7M5BTVGAAZZ5KTTDB4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1662464094180},"content":"Faster, stronger and now with added USB C, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a>’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max should be in consumers’ hands by the end of next week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5C3CNNDVZVA2LOMTWRJCXOJOQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621516},"content":"The tech giant announced its latest smartphones at its Wonderlust event in California, focusing on the shift to titanium that makes the phones lighter, the new A17 chip that powers the premium devices, and the more powerful zoom on the Pro Max’s camera.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMSJJEZ25VAM7KGGU7SGDMWBSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621517},"content":"Immediately after the event concluded, attendees got a chance to get a brief look at the devices and form some initial opinions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGYTMHQTVBG3HB5HUMB2M73VYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621518},"content":"The first thing you notice is how light the phones are. Stripping out the stainless steel elements from the 15 Pro models has made a real difference to their weight; the 15 Pro Max weighs 221g, significantly lighter than the 240g of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, while the 15 Pro is only 187g, compared with the 206g of the iPhone 14 Pro.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QZCP2RWRMZHG7BANBMTOGI3464","additional_properties":{"_id":"PFXLA6U52NEXHAGCNKLLAURL6E"},"content":"Apple cuts Irish prices for top of the range iPhones","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"EFCKSAVEAFEIHPTA6XRVVYTN64","additional_properties":{"_id":"FH76OP54NZGWTMRG64HIUMBXKM"},"content":"Apple disputes French radiation findings on its iPhone 12 model","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"B3OEXTFGBRENJCANSP5MHBFIXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"XNMDGMMN4BE7NEGDE3NDHFY7AM"},"content":"Apple goes carbon neutral on new Watch","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UJI2FPJFSNBOPNDWT5TKHX6Z4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1694617081536},"content":"The titanium frame is also supposed to be more durable than anything that has gone before it, although we didn’t get to test that particular claim, and the slight redesign makes it fit more easily in your hand. It helps that Apple has shaved a fraction of an inch off the height and width of both models while managing to keep the screen sizes the same. Once again, the titanium frame is responsible for this development.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIJW2J4PF5G57KWIWL3K3WRZ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621520},"content":"The camera was also an area of focus during the event. Both the Pro and Pro Max have a 48 megapixel camera, the same as last year, but with a bigger sensor. The main camera lets you easily switch between different focal lengths – 24mm, 28mm and 35mm – and super high-resolution photos are available in 24 megapixel and 48 megapixel resolutions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INFCCUFZ34TZH6XXX3XF3QME5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"KKKY2TMKYFEJ3DAWLL3CY5UJWQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"76KW6TCUKJFM5IITBB36OTH3NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621521},"content":"The two models get the improved portrait photography capabilities that allow you to change the focus of the shot after you’ve taken it, and better night photography for lowlight shots. The camera will also capture more information when you are taking a normal photograph, recognising if there is a person or animal inside the frame so you can create a portrait shot from it after the fact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PEIGR6ONNCPPP474RRHVPRJKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621522},"content":"Both cameras are excellent, but during the brief demo, the capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro Max really stood out, with the new 5x zoom sure to grab attention. This tech is similar to what you see in Samsung’s flagship smartphones, with the S23 having 10x optical zoom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNBGQ2E3IRHSDNAYYJ6YSBQ6MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621523},"content":"It is impressive in person. The zoom is smooth and there is a noticeable difference between the 14 Pro Max’s capabilities and those of this latest smartphone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3CMCERKXBAFLNRYBLHIVGHSVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621524},"content":"Other features coming to the 15 Pro and Pro Max include the ability to shoot spatial videos – essentially 3D videos – that can be used for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, due for launch next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HGVW7VLR5GVZDEKBOQCVSOEGI","additional_properties":{"_id":"LMI4KEOA5ZHKLC326Z7J65WNIQ"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-11665","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"QYUOC46QXJDFZMM3R3KA2FADFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621525},"content":"The action button is another interesting development. Replacing the mute slider on the side of the phone, the key thing about the action button is that it is customisable. Out of the box, it will remain a mute button; one press will show the phone’s status, a long press will mute or unmute the phone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFZRXEUKOBAKLFWEKM2WC5VPFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621526},"content":"But you might not need a mute button. You might prefer to have a dedicated camera button, for example, or to start voice memos with a single press. Apple has a series of suggestions for its core functions, but it’s essentially open to anything thanks to the inclusion of Siri shortcuts. You can map that button to any Siri shortcut you can create, and third-party developers will also work to create potential functions that users can access on the phone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PN2AT2Z3TZH2RFQH3QF4OZ4XEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621527},"content":"A new iPhone means a new chip, and the 15 Pro models will get the latest A17 Pro chip, adding an extra core to the graphics processing unit. On paper, that won’t mean much, but in practice, the A17 Pro powers some impressive features, such as processing Siri requests on the device, and ray tracing for gaming, a technique that is used to simulate real-world light. A brief gaming demo showed the developments, with graphics and effects you would expect to see in a console brought to the small screen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NJD3IZFBNER3LT4ICVEVD27S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694602621528},"content":"A more extensive review of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will follow in the coming weeks.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"The new iPhones are lighter and have better camera capabilities plus more customisable features"},"display_date":"2023-09-13T11:55:51.100Z","headlines":{"basic":"Hands-on with the brand new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BID4CR7M2CY3AN5K75OZOOUQB4","auth":{"1":"d90f49e5bd028a4383515bd2780503e196700a4f5272fb770a2bd38414086a3f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BID4CR7M2CY3AN5K75OZOOUQB4.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2023/09/13/hands-on-with-the-brand-new-iphone-15-pro-and-pro-max/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"YZBKBOPQ6JEVHO352ZT3DHBBDQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":233,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8520338/media/15fba171b034e644f6aaf221629bf46c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2023/09/13/apple-disputes-french-radiation-findings-on-its-iphone-12-model/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BRGNNMPIVJDKPFZGJJBBS26GWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669136},"content":"Apple said on Wednesday its iPhone 12 model was certified by multiple international bodies as compliant with global radiation standards after a French watchdog ordered it to stop selling the handset on the grounds it breaches European exposure limits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTBX7D4PDNGIRDCKVRJ6TVVIQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669145},"content":"The ANFR radiation watchdog told Apple on Tuesday to halt sales of iPhone 12s in France after tests which it said showed the phone’s specific absorption rate (SAR)- a measure of the rate of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body from a piece of equipment – was higher than legally allowed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRPXUOSPJVGOLD72FPWATNEHJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669146},"content":"The Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) said it would send agents to Apple stores and other distributors to check the model was no longer being sold.","type":"text"},{"_id":"427RAVVNXBDJVA67FLH2GRDIVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669147},"content":"The agency, which manages France’s radio frequencies and periodically tests phones to check human exposure to electromagnetic waves, said it expected Apple “to deploy all available means to put an end to the noncompliance”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYGMXXFEMRCJDJTJURBY44DSGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669148},"content":"A failure to act would result in the recall of iPhone 12s already sold to consumers, it added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BIHRK5H2REPBO3T2NE6PORB7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669149},"content":"Apple said it had provided ANFR with multiple Apple and independent third-party lab results proving its compliance with all applicable SAR regulations and standards in the world. It said it was contesting the results of AFNR’s review and would continue to engage with the agency to show it is compliant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLQ3MA4BKJB4DIRD4H6NOCW3XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669151},"content":"The AFNR said accredited labs had found absorption of electromagnetic energy by the body at 5.74 watts per kilogram during tests simulating when the phone was being held in the hand or kept in a trouser pocket. The European standard is a specific absorption rate of 4.0 watts per kilogram.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKAW34OIDBHS3KBOKXLZMBTJG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669152},"content":"ANFR added the tests showed the phone complied with so-called body-SAR standards when it was in a jacket pocket or bag.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P25P6DCRNVA2POPON7YPBPNJKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669153},"content":"France’s junior minister for the digital economy, Jean-Noel Barrot, said a software update would be sufficient to fix the radiation issues linked to the phone which the US company has been selling since 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYK5V3ZUAFEAVARVANXLTA7N3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669154},"content":"“Apple is expected to respond within two weeks,” he told daily Le Parisien in an interview late on Tuesday, adding: “If they fail to do so, I am prepared to order a recall of all iPhones 12 in circulation. The rule is the same for everyone, including the digital giants.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CILARLBHFRB45JKS2K3AEFQHCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669155},"content":"Apple doesn’t break out its sales by country or model. Its revenues totalled about $95 billion (€88.2 billion) in Europe last year, making the region its second biggest behind the Americas. Some estimates say it sold over 50 million iPhones last year in Europe. The company launched the iPhone 15 on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CY5RUEEOZFC5RFK32NCONEFGMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669156},"content":"The ANFR said it had recently tested 141 mobile phone models, including the iPhone 12. “If Apple chooses to update its telephones, it shall be verified by the ANFR,” the agency said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UCLKHKNCV5ASVLOIT7MGJ3NT5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669157},"content":"The European Union has set safety limits for SAR values linked to exposure to mobile phones, which could increase the risk of some forms of cancer, according to scientific studies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFTJ5IDXRZFP3EGBENJCW52JZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669158},"content":"The French watchdog will now pass on its findings to regulators in other European Union member states. “In practical terms, this decision could have a snowball effect,” said Mr Barrot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DUXUZRKFOZHYXPTFJFMPS6FLRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694598669159},"content":"In 2020, France widened regulations requiring retailers to display the radiation value of products on packaging beyond cell phones, including tablets and other electronic devices. – Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"French authorities have ordered a halt to sales on the model and threatened a full recall"},"display_date":"2023-09-13T09:58:36.718Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple disputes French radiation findings on its iPhone 12 model ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"O2UK6H6AQRBNRBM6KR25YDVBEI","auth":{"1":"065d783e34d60e08ba92e87b8ca5f16d770cfdcd748f6171164b6688b5035aa0"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/O2UK6H6AQRBNRBM6KR25YDVBEI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2023/09/13/apple-disputes-french-radiation-findings-on-its-iphone-12-model/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"NGAWY4ZC2RCMTNGCIFTDITRQ2A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":332,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8495022/media/2812474999816096c73dc17b81ebbcaa_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2023/09/12/apple-cuts-irish-prices-for-top-of-the-range-iphones/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MZZH7PTLAVGYBHJGHPUGT56J3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599820},"content":"Apple will cut the price for its latest iPhones, as the tech giant unveiled its latest line of phones and smart watches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TI2IVCPX35BCNHOGA7PRVKDABA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694545888056},"content":"While the company increased the price in the US, Irish users will get something of a discount; the iPhone 15 Pro starts at €1,239, a €100 price cut from last year’s iPhone. The Pro Max starts at €1,489, the same as last year’s cheapest model, but doubles the storage to 256GB.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCYUHKRYPFFTHN7HXTHHNTXRDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694596854118},"content":"The iPhone 15 meanwhile will start at €979 compared to €1,029 a year ago, while the iPhone 15 Plus has its price cut to €1,129 from €1,179.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6C4BYUU2DNDEPMMPSRQEU4VHKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599821},"content":"“Convincing users to fork out for these new devices will not be easy during a cost-of-living crisis,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pascatore. “Some will see the new features as incremental, collectively they enhance the overall experience, which is priceless among Apple’s core user base.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEZ3CBTLIZBIDDXXYTXPPMPKPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694545888058},"content":"Apple officially unveiled its new iPhone 15 range, promising better call quality and improved photography, and finally adopting the standard USB charging port.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWI2TY624BGKZLC3XJTCKVJA2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599806},"content":"The company also debuted the Apple Watch Series 9 at the event in California, and showed off the follow-up to its rugged Ultra watch, both of which can now process Siri requests on-device.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QHHPA62S5EEJFDOTVSR2755EM","additional_properties":{"_id":"URMPHKVMNZENTD654QRNGIV7EI"},"content":"Hands on with the brand new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XBI4XH74DZEKHGJV77QSP45ONI","additional_properties":{"_id":"I2G3XWHPERC6DPNNCL5YUH5KQ4"},"content":"Apple disputes French radiation findings on its iPhone 12 model","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DEZUPLBTGRH6DKUEP66VXDM4PU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many of the changes to the iPhone 15 had been leaked in advance of the event, including the introduction of a customisable action button that replaces the mute switch on the phone. Although it remains a mute switch by default, users can swap it to another function, for example, starting a voice memo at a single press.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBX454NHC5CFNAHQJCEZX66QCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599808},"content":"But the feature will only be available on the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro models. Apple has been trying to draw a more obvious line between the base iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro models in recent years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YEIBYVC2CRE6HMS6VWJGLIYPEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599809},"content":"This year, the iPhone 15 will get the A16 chip, while the Pro will be upgraded to the A17, Apple’s 3nm cutting-edge silicon that is its most powerful and efficient.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODMC3YFZYNBUHMGBRI3EOLDHNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599810},"content":"“These are the best and most capable iPhones we’ve ever made,” chief executive Tim Cook said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUBTQF5VWVDV7FDZWITBWLMWGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599811},"content":"As expected, the iPhone 15 has adopted the USB C connection for charging and data transfer, in advance of a 2024 deadline imposed by the EU to standardise charging. But the Pro and Pro Max will get faster data transfer speeds, supporting USB 3 with an optional extra cable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZSDMG3O2ZDB5EYRP344LBJ5NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599812},"content":"The iPhone 15 Pro will swap out the stainless steel for a more durable titanium design, allowing the company to shrink the borders on the phone and make it lighter without losing any screen space. The top-end smartphone is also more repairable, the company said, with a new structural frame that allows the backglass to be easily replaced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7P5KGGPJIRGTBEFCRPUXWCYNZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599813},"content":"The iPhone 15 also brings improvements to the cameras with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus getting upgraded to a 48 megapixel main camera, improving the phone’s ability to shoot in bright sunlight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAMX54ZSRJCFLEXSWCUAPGEQ4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599814},"content":"But the Pro models get an improved main camera, and the Pro Max introduces what the company referred to as a “tetra prism design” lens that will increase its optical zoom to 5x.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6WM2LKNEZHFBJ2FLTAU6QCLVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599815},"content":"It is similar to the technology behind the powerful zoom in Samsung’s Galaxy S23 and other models that use a periscope lens to cram better zoom capabilities into the small case on a smartphone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OI6HXFFRIFGXVEI77WY74RUKNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599818},"content":"“The Pro Camera System is a big reason why users choose our pro iPhones,” said Apple’s Greg Joswia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K32SX6WKRVHIZO4W4DZIAWB6OU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WZU6ZZQMUBGGZGIQUSTNVAGY3E"},"content":"Apple issues emergency patch after Pegasus spyware breach","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KLKSU2M745FEHIYYXOJKHLTM5I","additional_properties":{"_id":"QBZMCQCZCRBYLJP3QLFBIDWKEI"},"content":"Irish consumers seek out folding phones as Samsung orders rise","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3744HVB5ORDUPNUJFK7S2YJ6QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694547468353},"content":"Apple also expanded the iPhone’s emergency satellite capabilities, adding Roadside Assistance via satellite, initially available in the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPPOL6YJGVFXDF7JXTYLZDYJJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599822},"content":"The company also unveiled the next generation of Apple Watch, the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HYYCAPCM5CKDECF4FA4OBDYN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599824},"content":"Among the new features are a gesture that allows users to control some of the key functions on the watch without ever touching the screen, and processing Siri requests on the watch rather than in the cloud.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YB43EDIENAG7NUDSA7M2T4IV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599828},"content":"With Siri requests processed on the watch, they will be faster and more secure as the cloud is no longer required. That opens up access to health data through voice assistant Siri, a feature that will be available later this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWH5YXH7QZHRHO2OVRFY2HQ2XI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599829},"content":"The new Series 9 also has a second-generation ultra-wide band chip that enables more accurate finding for iPhones with the same chip through the Find My app.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPRRPUDK75G7RLKGVHSJX5HFQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599830},"content":"It also allows new integration between Apple Watch and HomePod, with media suggestions automatically appearing on the watch when you get close to Apple’s smart speaker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SN4PX7PBZ5BRHGDCJR5VFU4BRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599831},"content":"However, it failed to improve on battery life, with the same 18-hour battery life as its predecessor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKTEJZIJONCANFDVD6PJWEHJRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599832},"content":"Apple also unveiled the second generation of its Watch Ultra, the Ultra 2, which gets all the new features for the Series 9, with the same S9 chip and a brighter display for harsh sunlight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELLCIZERCNGA3OX6A3QZD2VDZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599833},"content":"The company also emphasised its progress in making its devices more sustainable, with Apple on track to eliminate all plastic from its packaging by the end of next year. The company is also using 100 per cent recycled aluminium in the enclosures of all MacBooks, and runs its offices and data centres on “clean’ energy. Suppliers have also committed to using 100 per cent clean, renewable electricity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZVK6O7PJVHUXHMXRZBM7AAI2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694544599834},"content":"The Apple Watch has also been made carbon-neutral, Apple’s first product to get that designation, with redesigned packaging and recycled components.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giant unveils slew of updates to its key iPhone and watch lines"},"display_date":"2023-09-12T19:03:01.074Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple cuts Irish prices for its new iPhones ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"JOJRXQZTLMG3MFJQKCQ7CUJSEM","auth":{"1":"d400f02c53f339af53414146740be8ce68e37a7f7c213728866cca2bea51e8c9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JOJRXQZTLMG3MFJQKCQ7CUJSEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2023/09/12/apple-cuts-irish-prices-for-top-of-the-range-iphones/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"XHEJXGOZ6JHG3MEGJHOUN2FH2M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":199,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8492816/media/fc87b749b9c872e482445cd688584363_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/12/us-says-google-pays-10bn-a-year-to-maintain-search-dominance/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FXF3AH5ALJBCVC6NRR5SZZPLMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304961},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZL5AISDAUJDE3KONG2MAOT75W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304965},"content":"US prosecutors alleged that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alphabet/\" target=\"_blank\">Google </a>pays more than $10 billion (€9 billion) annually for agreements that ensure it is the default search engine on mobile phones and computers, as the most significant antitrust monopoly trial in 25 years got under way in Washington.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJRT5QLEAFF4RHKSHHYFRKEWMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304966},"content":"“This case is about the future of the internet and whether Google’s search engine will ever face meaningful competition,” Kenneth Dintzer said during the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) opening statements in a case accusing Google of dominating internet search via anticompetitive agreements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIOOUPR3YJFJJGCHVFOR6R5AEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304967},"content":"Mr Dintzer said the tech group in 2010 began to “illegally maintain” the monopoly it had established. It represented about 89 per cent of the internet search market, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOVURZRPF5H45NONBNP72KFWCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304968},"content":"Google’s opening argument was expected later on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6N2E42PWZCV3DW4PM4LCKXV2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304969},"content":"It is the most high-profile monopoly trial since the DoJ accused <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/microsoft/\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft </a>in the 1990s of seeking to quash then-pioneering web browser Netscape with its Windows dominance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7KTA2QUBGRDOTCJIT5IHB4BBME","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304970},"content":"Almost three decades later, a new generation of progressive officials appointed by the US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/joe-biden/\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Biden</a> – including Jonathan Kanter, the head of the DoJ’s antitrust unit – have vowed to rein in<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/\" target=\"_blank\"> Big Tech</a>. They argue that insufficient legal challenges in recent decades have allowed anticompetitive conduct to proliferate across the US economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LWINIYQMBGOZFNPWOY3HRRM7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304971},"content":"Mr Kanter, who was in the Washington courtroom on Tuesday as an observer, inherited the Google case from the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump administration</a>, which first filed it in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YW7KVVXALZBOXLTCP7M6DTAGHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304972},"content":"“The case against Google is the largest monopolisation case since Microsoft,” said Sean Sullivan, professor at the University of Iowa College of Law. It could be the kind of landmark trial that produces “judicial opinions that provide new or better ways of understanding and applying antitrust law”, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MP4XTHFZXVE5NEW574LYRSHEXE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NLUGKGNMEBEADELFPK6OZRK4PM"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-74420","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AQA7HQAJIRBOPLDCCCIVWIDZSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304973},"content":"The DoJ’s complaint alleged Google sidelined competitors by paying wireless carriers, browser developers and device manufacturers billions of dollars via deals that ensure its search engine features prominently on mobile phones and computers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H67OVRFO65B5FECQRKPPDTRWKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304974},"content":"Google has argued that it offers a good product that the public chooses to use. It has also said the agreements in question are mainly set by its counterparts, companies such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple </a>or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/samsung/\" target=\"_blank\">Samsung</a>, and that other players can join the bidding process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQWA5YB7CVE3HN64WLND43JELU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304975},"content":"“It is not enough for the DoJ to show that Google is very large or that its competitors have struggled to make inroads against it,” Mr Sullivan said. “The government bears the burden of showing that Google has maintained a monopoly position through anticompetitive conduct.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ROZAZ4YLZ5EITNLEF5YVIZPLR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304976},"content":"Witness lists have not yet been set for the bench trial, which is expected to last about 10 weeks, but the DoJ is expected to call on companies involved in Google’s deals. Apple failed to stop three of its top executives from being called to testify, including Eddy Cue, head of its services business. Other tech executives including Google’s chief executive Sundar Pichai are also expected to appear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFK7PYQ57ZC63BOWGQTL74JBPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694535304977},"content":"The DoJ in January filed a separate antitrust lawsuit against Google for dominance in the digital advertising market, one of multiple cases that antitrust enforcers in the Biden administration have brought in an effort to counter Big Tech. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stefania Palma"}]},"description":{"basic":"High-stakes antitrust trial begins as US enforcers look to rein in Big Tech’s power"},"display_date":"2023-09-12T16:29:38.799Z","headlines":{"basic":"US says Google pays $10bn a year to maintain search dominance","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"P3H6HTKD6K5UKBD4Q2G6O7TEYU","auth":{"1":"aacd4ed22c1f32e6724c14beb9a80a8e317bc5373d27c8eaf00de70bed039099"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/P3H6HTKD6K5UKBD4Q2G6O7TEYU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/12/us-says-google-pays-10bn-a-year-to-maintain-search-dominance/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"4VU6PRDWYZGJ3N4HLEYWFEJJGM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":196,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8520306/media/4bdda08d675d7701fa6b1d7d6d3e8392_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/12/elon-musk-ignored-pleas-to-stop-alienating-advertisers-new-book-says/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XK3MY3HE4JA7FNAQAZTE7IE2QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962468},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> ignored warnings from confidantes including Warner Brothers, Discovery’s David Zaslav and his own brother that he was driving advertisers away with his erratic behaviour, according to an upcoming biography.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAI33YTZHRDY3IQRCJY665MARA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962469},"content":"The billionaire owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, has a long list of wealthy, powerful advisers he habitually ignores, according to Walter Isaacson’s new biography.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUOHTEPKXFHULAHK62MFQD5FRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694513952073},"content":"In the months surrounding Musk’s chaotic takeover of Twitter – when he was sending out provocative tweets – Mr Zaslav cautioned about “self-destructive” behaviours that were spooking advertisers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HOYY6YVJPFABNLREISLGDZ4QYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962470},"content":"Mr Musk should instead focus on improving video and making better ads, the executive counselled, according to the book, which is coming out this week. The board of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a>, chairman Robyn Denholm and his brother Kimbal Musk also warned Mr Musk that controversies at X were hurting the car company’s brand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FC47DOE3UZFV7KIQOZN3BP5NMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962471},"content":"But the billionaire didn’t seem to think his behaviour was a problem and pushed back. He ignored former Intel chief executive Bob Swan, who advised Mr Musk about financing the Twitter deal, and repeatedly dismissed the views of lawyer Alex Spiro and wealth manager Jared Birchall, according to the book.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7B4Z4PYZREQ3EAD7WIK4X6Y2U","additional_properties":{"_id":"YJGH4IDRMRBNPBAUSLWIPO64ME"},"content":"Elon Musk takeover costs Twitter €12.7m in Irish redundancy costs","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VDUQEFG3IBBSDAZSPBXQAZELJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962473},"content":"Mr Musk’s $44 billion (€41 billion) takeover of the social media institution once known as Twitter has drawn criticism from an array of groups, from users for allegedly degrading the experience to advertisers and interest groups for allowing hate speech to flourish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTOON2H6RZB5BOLAEI63GQBKKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962474},"content":"Twitter made a series of changes under Mr Musk, such as laying off trust and safety employees, reinstating accounts previously banned for violating the platform’s policies and removing verification labels on high-profile accounts that don’t pay for a checkmark.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HXCUJIPCUVAITCHRFX4KHEARKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694513952079},"content":"Those changes, in addition to turning off advertisers, have alienated many users. Twitter’s advertising revenue had fallen by half, Mr Musk posted on X in July. The company has countered by saying it’s addressing harmful content in a number of ways.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6R7Z7FPHJVECVD4ACPVI5DKFEE","additional_properties":{"_id":"O74EVDG3PNH6RL6LB6QKH2CODI"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-61976","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"Z7MAJQZPNJC7VFRY5DKVN3PL6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962475},"content":"Around that time, X’s owner did heed the advice of Oracle co-founder <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/larry-ellison/\" target=\"_blank\">Larry Ellison</a>, who told him to avoid getting into a fight with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VP3XZP2FZGZJARCQIELXWJSOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962476},"content":"Mr Musk had called out the iPhone-maker for pausing advertising on his platform last November. But Mr Ellison cautioned him against damaging that relationship since Apple was a major marketer and X needed to stay on the iPhone’s App Store. Mr Musk then reached out to Apple’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tim-cook/\" target=\"_blank\">Tim Cook</a> to make amends.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NC7FRULMCNCK3NTH5OZ3VDXBF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962477},"content":"The billionaire’s other influential advisers included venture capitalists David Sacks and Marc Andreessen. Isaacson’s book paints Mr Musk as a largely impulsive decision-maker who oscillates between listening to their advice and ignoring them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLZPLBNBFRGU3FWCYGGTR7CPGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694511962478},"content":"At times, he even seemed to derive pleasure from going against their advice, Isaacson wrote. The consistent theme was that when Mr Musk has his mind set, not even those closest to him can change it. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Aisha Counts"}]},"description":{"basic":"Billionaire owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, has long list of wealthy, powerful advisers he habitually ignores"},"display_date":"2023-09-12T10:19:32.547Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk ignored pleas to stop alienating advertisers, new book says","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EWBYQYBVC42Z7CEXSKOICLQJDQ","auth":{"1":"7d93bbef37ba6ae42351499d9a3ce96bd5d3aad596429456b16b1443fe93c312"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EWBYQYBVC42Z7CEXSKOICLQJDQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/12/elon-musk-ignored-pleas-to-stop-alienating-advertisers-new-book-says/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"MOQJG2KUKJCCVOXBRSACZH7WAY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":275,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8520291/media/67e4b7f4da5222648d287b091afa4d33_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2023/09/11/new-chips-periscope-cameras-and-the-end-of-lightning-what-to-expect-from-apples-new-iphone-15/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AIWICUG5OVGWPPJHDHQW232EFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279160},"content":"Apple’s regular products event is set to take place on Tuesday, with the company almost certain to unveil its latest smartphones. A number of leaks in recent weeks have revealed what could be some of the main details of the phones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K46JMN6IYNCFXLNSPKJFY6RXWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279161},"content":"But the tech giant undoubtedly has one or two surprises up its sleeve too. Apple sent out the usual cryptic invitations, with “Wonderlust” as the theme, and as usual, very little else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RW4SAMPANF6VJLUS46N6LOHKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279162},"content":"The event will be live-streamed <a href=\"https://www.apple.com/apple-events/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and begins at 6pm Irish time. So what should we expect to see?","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7PS5HAUTRBN5OUBDABP7KGV3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279163},"content":"The iPhone 15","type":"header"},{"_id":"NFYJOTOSLZBFPKGNWZW34OELHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279164},"content":"New iPhones are a given at this stage. Apple nearly always announces its new smartphones in September – aside from 2020, when the pandemic forced everything to a virtual platform – so expect to see the iPhone 15 announced at this week’s event.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGXKGIT5ONCL3P76URABRQBLQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279165},"content":"Four different models are expected: the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro and the 15 Pro Max, assuming there are no surprise name changes. So far, nothing out of the ordinary; the screen sizes are also expected to remain the same, at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W37AOH2FK5AUPPGD2RWI2RUAPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279166},"content":"If the company follows its form from previous years, we will see the A17 chip make an appearance in the Pro models, with the 15 and 15 Plus likely to get last year’s A16 chip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4F2UCNPBVBBLGORY3SHU4C7KM","additional_properties":{"_id":"XGFTRY4GCBC2HFAX5XSYK6KW44"},"content":"Apple issues emergency patch after Pegasus spyware breach","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"35EQZQQQUJGPXDIVZ3SOJIEGHU","additional_properties":{"_id":"D2UAL6T4KJHRZC4P6JD72IHMDI"},"content":"European shares fall again as Apple weighs on US equities","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DX5RIEG6RZEVNHWHFMANXOIMOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694700384534},"content":"Apple has been trying to draw a more obvious line between the base 15 and the 15 Pro models in recent years, and this year may see more of that. The Pro models are expected to get a bit of a redesign, with some expecting the stainless steel to be replaced with titanium, making the device a bit lighter and thinner, and a few more curves thrown into the mix if online leaks are correct.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMVEJPVM6BD43JL44VSEEBEOIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279168},"content":"The biggest difference though could come with the camera. While the base iPhone 15 models are expected to get an upgrade to the 48 megapixel camera, the Pro Max may win the battle here, with talk of a periscope camera that would bring more powerful zoom capabilities to the iPhone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4DY32ELT2RCY5BHXVQWFGAGCIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279169},"content":"It won’t be the first smartphone with the new camera, with the technology behind the powerful zoom in Samsung’s Galaxy S23 and other models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3IEI5522RAJHKFRM4LUWO7ISE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279170},"content":"The iPhone 15 is almost certain to ditch the lightning charging port, with moves by the EU to force electronics makers to standardise charging ports finally forcing Apple to change to USB C ahead of a 2024 deadline. That change will be implemented across the iPhone 15 range, although the capabilities of the port may be expanded for the Pro models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DEB2ZCUHRBR7HHNRJDTOGBYZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279171},"content":"Speaking of ditching things, the underused mute switch on the side of the iPhone could also be in for a change. Instead, it looks set to become an action button that you could assign to shortcuts","type":"text"},{"_id":"URPED23PH5BORLIEVX3NJCC7RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279172},"content":"Dynamic Island – that much-mocked feature on the Pro that displays content and apps running in the background, such as Maps or Music – could also be coming to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. That means saying goodbye – permanently – to the notch that has divided iPhone fans since the company introduced it in 2017.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQEJXP7JN5GKZD2N72VKY2DM4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279173},"content":"Dynamic Island may not have set the world on fire, but it you are an iPhone 14 owner there is a good chance that you’ve made a lot more use of the feature than you originally thought you would.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCL7CLCVFZH2HJILFYBVO6LDXY","additional_properties":{"_id":"JB63RTFK7ZEO5MSZRLKDRS7HFI"},"content":"Why iPhone design is no longer the gold standard for usability","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RHQ7GN6H2VF5NJCKIQZXQGD77I","additional_properties":{"_id":"T4V7QAKZKVGU3FRKVXR63PG4EQ"},"content":"Fintan O’Toole: Murky links between your iPhone, our tax take and companies drilling in Carlow","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"I6VW6MPQBJFEFH3U2D5SN6N4EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694700384543},"content":"But the always-on display and the promotion technology that have been a staple of the Pro models in recent years are not likely to be extended to the entire range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBVMSXYUYZFWFJYWT5DQ3TXDSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279175},"content":"And lastly, there will almost certainly be new colours brought in, with blue and coral looking the most likely additions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6S5OONXFPNCWNCH5PR2USN4ZV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279176},"content":"Apple Watch","type":"header"},{"_id":"JBUXWY73A5CERDKR26L6NUMEIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279177},"content":"With a big update expected for the Series 10 next year, Apple isn’t predicted to do anything major with the Apple Watch Series 9. We should get some small updates, including the new S9 chip that sources say will not only make the watch run faster and more smoothly, but could be better for battery life too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUB54B6TCVCPNCHSZ2LMD55P64","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279178},"content":"We could also see the second series of Apple’s adventure-focused watch introduced last year, the Ultra, unveiled, although details around that are sparse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBMF6QW5WRE6BGY2SBGPVAYW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279179},"content":"AirPods","type":"header"},{"_id":"Y5YA5BXVC5HENB4FTHIVBT65CM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279180},"content":"There are suggestions that AirPods could feature at this week’s event. Don’t get your hopes up for drastically new ear buds though; any updates are likely to be around the case, and specifically the replacement of lightning with USB C.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YS3XSUOB7BDMXKUKQ4BLAIAZTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694461279181},"content":"That leave the AirPods Max, which haven’t had an update since they launched in 2020. With the EU seeking to impose USB C for headphones before the end of 2024, it is logical to think the AirPods Max will be getting an update sooner rather than later.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Apple will unveil its latest iPhone at an event in Cupertino, California on Tuesday"},"display_date":"2023-09-11T19:58:00.543Z","headlines":{"basic":"New chips, periscope cameras and the end of lightning charging? What to expect from Apple’s new iPhone 15 ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"NKNIEBJ37EKOYFNSRGOYFKGZF4","auth":{"1":"8349d6c5ff95ebc7eee97985e4240e8d93dfba11033e54b6261a3bd924ddd75e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/NKNIEBJ37EKOYFNSRGOYFKGZF4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2023/09/11/new-chips-periscope-cameras-and-the-end-of-lightning-what-to-expect-from-apples-new-iphone-15/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"3UXWLEOPORAG5AUTMMACWHHLFA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":287,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8478816/media/08fd986a8f558450e5461ec7b2dabee4_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/11/google-faces-landmark-monopoly-case-in-us/","content_elements":[{"_id":"G4BEBTAVKRBBLIUBGDZNEEFND4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934051},"content":"A landmark court action brought by the US government against Google, which will get under way on Tuesday, could have a key impact in determining the landscape of the tech sector for the years ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKPHJXOTPNG5XNTAGRMZKCVGBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934052},"content":"The US department of justice and a group of attorneys general in states across the country will contend that Google abused its dominant position in the search engine market in effect to stifle competition from rival operators.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FASN6GJF55CW5BFN2IQRRFWHPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934053},"content":"In the case, which was originally filed under the Trump administration in 2020, the department alleged multiple violations of federal antitrust legislation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OY5JY5VSEJCDDPO5PTGBCLJ3PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934054},"content":"The department under the Biden administration subsequently filed a second antitrust case against Google which is based on the company’s market dominance in advertising technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJRE2FNHVNESDLFGWQABI57VDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934055},"content":"The US government’s action against Google represents the first monopoly trial against a tech giant since the proceedings against Microsoft more than 20 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLGSD6VO5RHB3DP5D7OPVN3WHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934056},"content":"The case this week centres on whether Google has locked in its dominant position and hobbled competition by paying companies such as Apple to make its product the default search engine on the iPhone as well as on other devices and platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QFL5YF7YFBGRTKHCG6LRLA6HI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934057},"content":"In essence, the US government argues that deals between Google and Apple and other companies directed billions of web queries to its search engine every day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XM4OHNKXVGYHLA7JGFGNC3ECU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934058},"content":"It contends that this reduced choice for users, hurt innovation in the industry and prevented other search engines such as Microsoft Bing and DuckDuckGo from building up market share.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHCLHWC3FJHTZLZ6ZZ3QO5XH2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934059},"content":"Google has strongly denied the accusations. It maintains it did not violate antitrust law. The company said in a January court filing that its browser agreements were “legitimate competition” and not “illicit exclusion”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"75CHTPL2FNHVTOHADI32HT3YKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934060},"content":"Google is expected to argue in the case that customers prefer its products because of their quality. The company is expected to maintain that people use Google’s search engine because they want to rather than because they have to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XOM6JAEULFAQNPU6MFOADUBWIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934061},"content":"It is also likely to contend that it is easy to switch default search engines on devices and users could do easily if they wanted to use another product.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JFRV76NVZEWNGHM37T6U3WOGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934062},"content":"In the original complaint to the court filed in 2020 the department of justice and attorneys general in several states maintained that two decades ago, Google became the darling of Silicon Valley as a scrappy start-up with an innovative way to search the emerging internet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FESWU4RRYVFNLFHASTDCFSY2JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934063},"content":"“That Google is long gone. The Google of today is a monopoly gatekeeper for the internet, and one of the wealthiest companies on the planet, with a market value of $1 trillion and annual revenue exceeding $160 billion.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VS4SXHM7MBD75HNHSRTC6XKT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934064},"content":"“For many years, Google has used anticompetitive tactics to maintain and extend its monopolies in the markets for general search services, search advertising, and general search text advertising – the cornerstones of its empire.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KX4J4A4K7NCQFFEFCG2ZKD2AR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934065},"content":"The department complaint said that for years, Google had entered into exclusionary agreements, including tying arrangements, and engaged in anticompetitive conduct to lock up distribution channels and block rivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRABUWH5VJGILOTJB2E3GUIKRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934066},"content":"“Google pays billions of dollars each year to distributors – including popular-device manufacturers such as Apple, LG, Motorola and Samsung; big US wireless carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon; and browser developers such as Mozilla, Opera and UCWeb – to secure default status for its general search engine and, in many cases, to specifically prohibit Google’s counterparties from dealing with Google’s competitors. Some of these agreements also require distributors to take a bundle of Google apps, including its search apps, and feature them on devices in prime positions where consumers are most likely to start their internet searches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AC7BON6YW5DOFC6YM4ATNS77GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934067},"content":"The department case maintained that Google’s exclusionary agreements covered just under 60 per cent of all general search queries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7XN6JD6SZDCBPVX7GXC3LPTNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934068},"content":"“Nearly half the remaining queries are funnelled through Google-owned and -operated properties (eg, Google’s browser, Chrome). Between its exclusionary contracts and owned and operated properties, Google effectively owns or controls search distribution channels accounting for roughly 80 per cent of the general search queries in the United States. Largely as a result of Google’s exclusionary agreements and anticompetitive conduct, Google in recent years has accounted for nearly 90 per cent of all general-search-engine queries in the United States, and almost 95 per cent of queries on mobile devices.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E36LWISPURA6JD7KCJ4ABDEJPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934069},"content":"The case, which is before a judge in Washington, is expected to run for about 10 weeks with a ruling likely to be handed down sometime next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQRJ6GCO6JAP3KSWRNY6OZKBHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934070},"content":"The US government and the state attorneys general are not seeking a monetary penalty, but rather an injunction barring Google from continuing the alleged anticompetitive practices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFQWGKGPGNEDDMRYUH3IO4RKQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694454934071},"content":"Such an order could have significant business implications for Google including potentially some form a structurally breaking up the company.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giant faces action from US department of justice and states"},"display_date":"2023-09-11T14:23:46.585Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google faces landmark monopoly case in US","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GETE6T6ERAHJSVN4RWLZ3FUJEE","auth":{"1":"13ac3558cef3b0788157a5bef1c585b25bdbdffea4d7e7b404897b0cb07423aa"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GETE6T6ERAHJSVN4RWLZ3FUJEE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/11/google-faces-landmark-monopoly-case-in-us/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"G2B5U3SSGZDAHNY3R3P4L45OCU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":552,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8520108/media/71830ca82455727843c78464a67b4293_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/11/visionary-or-reckless-wrestling-with-elon-musks-competing-character-traits/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZGWBJXHO7ZCQJGZX5F57KSDXWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783410},"content":"For two years, Walter Isaacson embedded himself with Elon Musk to research his biography of the world’s richest man. Revelations from the book, which will be released on Tuesday, have already generated headlines: the psychological scars Musk carries from the way his father treated him as a child; his decision to limit Ukrainian access to the Starlink satellite network to prevent military operations; and his last-minute move to fire Twitter’s top executives before their stock options could vest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LK3QNUOLVVELJO4WSIUC7J4PKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783411},"content":"Isaacson wrestles with Musk’s competing character traits. He is a remarkably talented, tenacious entrepreneur who has led some of the most transformative companies of our age. But he also lacks empathy for many around him, and his impetuous behaviour has raised questions about how he manages his extraordinary power.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VS3NV5U7RAY5C2E47AOFGJLPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783412},"content":"Isaacson spoke to DealBook in advance of publication. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34UG7FTD4FERFI2HC5OY3WY6VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783413},"content":"<b>Q: </b>Has Musk read the book yet?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UAZPKQYZBABLOVMUG7FXJKC3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783414},"content":"<b>A: </b>I don’t know. He didn’t ask for a copy and I didn’t send him one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WENIC7FXQZEWBOUVD3CFBJFFEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783415},"content":"<b>Q: </b>Have you heard from him since some excerpts have been published?","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVNU5OYAGJDIXJ7KUEE3LMMOHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783416},"content":"<b>A: </b>Yeah, but he’s not given me any strong reactions. He seems remarkably sanguine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZNFNQ67QZDAZIRLLJUT5ROHKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783417},"content":"<b>Q: </b>What did you think of him before you began working on the book?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BT4J34WXKFDKFJTQLUWD6P3RAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783418},"content":"<b>A: </b>It began before his Twitter adventure – as somebody who had become Time magazine’s Person of the Year, and had made an electric car company that was worth more than all other car companies combined and had gotten astronauts into orbit. Obviously, it became much more interesting and provocative when he started buying Twitter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2VZTDR4MFE73FM36KFBYGQTLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783419},"content":"<b>Q: </b>How did your view of him change?","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3NFQ5OISJDY3IK3EZ63BAF5UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783420},"content":"<b>A: </b>I knew he was mercurial. I knew he had an impulsiveness. But seeing it up close, especially after he swerved into the Twitter lane, made for a much more exciting rollercoaster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODGG6C7S2VETJI2S3RMFL6WBHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783421},"content":"<b>Q: </b>How does he think about the power and influence he has accumulated from the success of Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink and the enormous megaphone that is X, the company formerly known as Twitter?","type":"text"},{"_id":"EEBZBJOSGRHQNJ2G33GO4ZVG5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783422},"content":"<b>A: </b>He has an epic sense of himself, almost as if he’s a comic book character wearing his underpants on the outside, trying to save the world. But I was surprised as he suddenly realises the difficulty of having so much power – such as control over where Starlink can be used by Ukraine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5W5KDOSF5DARP22KAUPTHCMXE","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZFU45G4IQJDSRBTKJE3A67PNIU"},"content":"Kyiv lambasts Elon Musk over claims he blocked drone strike on Russian navy","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"X3QMYMFYORDBLOVFTVJ5WOWG4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783423},"content":"<b>Q: </b>Do you think that he senses the enormity of the power and, therefore, the responsibility?","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMBSEDUGDFBYZNL3WK62P7YPEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783424},"content":"<b>A: </b>I don’t think he understands it when it comes to X. He’s impulsive and sometimes contradictory in how he deals with the moderation issues. On the other hand, I do think that he is fully aware of the power and responsibility that comes from being the only entity that can get US astronauts and military satellites into orbit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AYSW5QLU5AV5HN5E4UGAGGFCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783425},"content":"<b>Q: </b>Does he relish that power or consider it a weight?","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGKOMSNMKBAQPPXYJNXQFISS3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783426},"content":"<b>A: </b>There’s no one Elon Musk. He has multiple moods. There’s times when he sees himself in epic terms, and there’s times when he says, “All right, I have to be more careful.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKVNQ7EMFRFTRDB5HL3DX3JAFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783427},"content":"<b>Q: </b>Given how much time you’ve spent with him, do you think you now understand what drives him?","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KA3VF36JJGQFD6VOK5IAWGRWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783428},"content":"<b>A: </b>We all have some demons in our heads from childhood, and he’s got two orders of magnitude more than most of us. He’s been able to harness those demons into drive. “I have to make humans get to Mars, and I’ve got to bring us into the era of electric vehicles, and I’ve gotta make sure AI is safe.” These are three grand missions that I thought was just him spouting off, but he really gets motivated by that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QZDMN6KKNNBJRMHWWNMK4HTCAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694445133464},"content":"He also just so craves excitement, drama and risk that whenever things are going well, he can’t leave well enough alone or savour it. He’s got to push all of his chips back on the table, which means you can either go into orbit or you can melt down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZYF646PPBAXJJCMU775T7PTAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783429},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4SOXPTLF5VH5ZFKVZLLCPCKYJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783430},"content":"<b>Q: </b>You write a lot about his interest in getting attention, including an anecdote early in his career when he was pushed out of the CEO role at PayPal and the one thing he asked to do was remain the face of the company. What’s behind that?","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X6SKLTTFVBHNPG3WBN3MTRED4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783431},"content":"<b>A: </b>He does have this epic hero complex that he jokes about and is self-aware about. I don’t think he would have let me ride by his side for two years if he didn’t crave to have the story of his life – warts and all – out there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVLUVLJBVFH5RJXKQQTRNH4QEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783432},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"CI3HQOFRFJGZJPJDSJDP4FX7AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783433},"content":"<b>Q: </b>Was there ever a moment where you thought, “He’s going to push me out of the room” or “I’m going to lose access to him” in the middle of the project?","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBIILR3WQVAYTNFF5XJDL7VDQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783434},"content":"<b>A: </b>I kept waiting for that and was genuinely surprised when it never happened. I kept waiting for him to say, “You’ve got to go now.” It happened only at moments around questions involving SpaceX and classified information. He would say, “Can you leave the room for this? You don’t have the security clearance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PPMNTBJR4NEWBPW3SP6ZM7BR2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783435},"content":"<b>Q: </b>You saw a lot of headlines get made from the inside. How aware were you of the magnitude of the news being made?","type":"text"},{"_id":"INYYV4RN6JFMNPEIJYHDMKMSXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783436},"content":"<b>A: </b>There was one Friday night when I had just spent a lot of time with him, and I went back home to New Orleans. I was at a football game at my old high school, and my phone started vibrating. It was the night that Musk was dealing with the Starlink and Crimea issues with Ukraine. I remember standing behind the bleachers being somewhat amazed that all this was happening in real time. Then he showed me the encrypted text messages that he was exchanging with Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian vice-premier.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMZGJ3CL2VA3NAB5H5KUACIXPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783437},"content":"But I was also just as amazed when I sat through multiple meetings each week, where they would discuss how, once they had colonised Mars, what the government would look like, how decisions would be made, how and where people would live, who would control the robots. And I’m saying, “This is insane.” You know, here I am a normal person, and these people are talking about how to do governance in communities on Mars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCOZBJRJZVFFDOU3M6IRE4MD4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783438},"content":"<b>Q: </b>You describe Musk as being almost gleeful when he fired the CEO of Twitter and his lieutenants to prevent them from collecting compensation when the deal closed. This is now the subject of court cases. What did you think as you were watching this play out?","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBLBJP33WBCCVOZBMAKKLWDNP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783439},"content":"<b>A: </b>He thought they had misled him. And like a kid going to wilderness camp, he learned, “I’ve gotta punch people in the nose when they do that.” He’s a person who is gleeful in loving combat, whether it’s playing Elden Ring on his phone, or engaging in combative battles on Twitter. Disrupters tend to be really disruptive. And it doesn’t excuse the fact that they do things like that, but it is part and parcel of who they are.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56XHQFOXYVFJDPMNB53AAOJO6E","additional_properties":{"_id":"7UGP3YRD4FDNFOVVGLLGXS2TBE"},"content":"There’s Elon Musk, the second most dangerous thing known to humanity","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XUAVN74P7VEDTAKNQO76NYSPEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783440},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GYFZCB7A5GM5CJG7FL7DV4Z3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783441},"content":"<b>Q: </b>Musk is one of the richest people in the world. He has told me he doesn’t really care about money – that to the extent he has money, he wants to use it to get people to Mars. Do you believe that?","type":"text"},{"_id":"XS7YDIO5RFDJXMQBII4XP6FE5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783442},"content":"<b>A: </b>I know that sounds weird, but he said it to you and he said it to me, and I actually believe it. That’s why he has gotten rid of all of his houses. That’s why he puts all of his chips back on the table. And why it so pained him that his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, rejected him because he was a billionaire and she had become a socialist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WLGZMOTE3VCCTI2QN7KBSWNPDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783443},"content":"<b>Q: </b>When you think about Musk 20, 30, 40 years from now, how would you expect he might change?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKMB4TAAGRGORBQPXQUUTXIJ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783444},"content":"<b>A: </b>I don’t think he’s going to change. He’s not somebody who says, “I’m getting older, I’m going to be more cautious.” At a certain point, he will probably bite off more than he can chew.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSGNOOF3NFC3ZIM4LXY4M7WV2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783445},"content":"<b>Q: </b>You’ve written about a number of people – Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs among them – who have, in one way or the other, changed the world. Where does Musk rank among that cast?","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHSFZS2G45GCLEMY32TIKN6PVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783446},"content":"<b>A: </b>There have been three people who have deeply affected our age that I’ve written about. One is Steve Jobs, who brings us into the digital age with human-friendly computers and a thousand songs in our pocket and smartphones. Another is Jennifer Doudna, who helped discover the tool called Crispr that allows us to edit our own genes. And now Musk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPMYWNGIUFBSRBRIWRDXJPRIT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694445133483},"content":"I think he will have a lasting impact by having, more than anybody else, moved us into an era of electric vehicles, when the major car companies had given up on that, and into space. But in the meantime, I also think he has some downsides. I think in 10, 20 years, he will be seen as somebody who was both consequential and controversial.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WEAQUG6GGBAUHEIIJCQTGKQ7GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694424783447},"content":"<i>This article originally appeared in the </i><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/business/dealbook/walter-isaacson-elon-musk-biography.html\"><i>New York Times</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Andrew Ross Sorkin"}]},"description":{"basic":"Biographer Walter Isaacson spent two years embedded with the Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter boss as he researched his book"},"display_date":"2023-09-11T10:28:15.917Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk’s biographer: ‘He has an epic sense of himself, as if he’s a comic book character’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EWBYQYBVC42Z7CEXSKOICLQJDQ","auth":{"1":"7d93bbef37ba6ae42351499d9a3ce96bd5d3aad596429456b16b1443fe93c312"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EWBYQYBVC42Z7CEXSKOICLQJDQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/11/visionary-or-reckless-wrestling-with-elon-musks-competing-character-traits/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"FY5EFGXJEZFXXMOJ6WQV2OKPOQ","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/08/apple-issues-emergency-patch-after-pegasus-spyware-breach/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QQ2PRV5N6VFVBNIFPDED6GIWKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775532},"content":"Apple has issued an emergency software update after being warned that a previously unknown vulnerability allowed Israel’s NSO Group to inject its Pegasus spyware remotely and surreptitiously on to iPhones and iPads.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTZIP3AI45HNJKB2EPS4E5H4HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775539},"content":"The weakness in the iOS code, called a zero-day, appears to have allowed NSO customers, which include Saudi Arabia, Rwanda and Mexico, to hide code within images sent via iMessage that would allow the military-grade Pegasus spyware to take over a phone’s functions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JQVZA46B5JB2JDUZOIKKGSRKDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775540},"content":"Pegasus is able to surreptitiously read encrypted messages stored on the phone, turn on its camera and microphone remotely and continuously track the phone’s location, and has been tied to human rights abuses from Mexico to east Africa, resulting in the Israeli company being blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VX7VHMRO7BFOVK2K4G52GUV3FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775541},"content":"The patch also addresses a vulnerability that affected the Apple Wallet, where people store payment cards, the company said in a brief statement on Thursday night without providing more details as it pushed the update out to billions of phones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLJTQC7WKJB7JAJCTOZX4SHJJY","additional_properties":{"_id":"BUDHLV3DVBBJHAFBTIL5RHCIXU"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-16010","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SES6O2LD6ZGWPKMMAJQTOY5O3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775542},"content":"This latest patch, among a handful that Apple has issued in recent years, continues a cat-and-mouse game between leading US tech companies and spyware manufacturers, many of them based in Israel, which weaponise and then commercialise unknown vulnerabilities in smartphones so that their clients, which tend to be government agencies, can surveil thousands of targets without being detected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYSBIAKCPZHA3MFKARULTNWHWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775543},"content":"NSO said: “We are unable to respond to any allegations that do not include any supporting research.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HT73D37GXFGGJHVNVWGDLZO3YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775544},"content":"While NSO has maintained that its product is only meant to be used to monitor potential terrorists and fight organised crime, this vulnerability was discovered by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, which said it found it on the phone of a Washington, DC-based employee of a “civil society” organisation with international offices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5JPP2LIPJEFXO3I7DNSSWWXUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775545},"content":"Citizen Lab has previously traced the spyware to the phones of hundreds of dissidents, journalists, lawyers and opposition leaders in countries with poor human rights records. This current breach would have been blocked if people at risk of government surveillance had enabled Lockdown Mode on their iPhones, which severely restricts some functions, including attachments to messages and incoming FaceTime calls from unknown numbers, Citizen Lab said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GY2PWKALHFCYRGWNMIUCXJRWB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775546},"content":"“Apple has gotten much more aggressive in its tempo of hunting (for vulnerabilities) and patching, and have also done remarkable work with Lockdown Mode,” said John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the watchdog. “This exerts substantial pressure on the mercenary spyware ecosystem and companies like NSO.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUEV24OBZJHUVBAFJNP6F2NXJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775547},"content":"The US government blacklisting was prompted by the discovery of Pegasus on the phones of US embassy employees in Uganda, leading to spyware such as that of NSO being listed as a major counter-intelligence and national security threat to the American government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXXNTKZUURB5JB6B4IKVXWWACY","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775548},"content":"The discovery of the latest vulnerability underlines how NSO continues to find rare weaknesses in some of the sophisticated operating systems, despite dire financial problems stemming from the US government’s sanctions against it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZBARKHUZNDT5GF2X2JQLDE45U","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775549},"content":"Staffed almost entirely by veterans of the Israeli army’s elite signals intelligence units, the company was once valued at $1bn by its London-based private equity backers, Novalpina Capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVOIXMZZT5GYZC3OEVIIJIV2VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775550},"content":"But a 2019 hack engineered by NSO to inject its spyware using a vulnerability in the ubiquitous WhatsApp messaging platform, resulted in a lawsuit in a California court by WhatsApp’s owner Meta, joined by Apple, Amazon and other tech giants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJ2QWZXUEBETJHCWWRHBK3P2EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775551},"content":"In that lawsuit, which is continuing, NSO has argued that its actions should be immune from legal scrutiny since its software is used by sovereign nations, and the company does not have visibility on who the targets are.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMUFVMWCNJCHJNYVJUAUEF44ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775552},"content":"In recent weeks, at least three other people, including a UK-based political reporter for the Daily Mail, received notifications from Apple that their phones had been attacked by “state actors”. It’s not yet clear if those attacks originated from NSO’s systems or those of its competitors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B36FFUWJBD3NFGFTLRILYIQQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694196775553},"content":"“These attackers are likely targeting you individually because of who you are or what you do,” the notification read. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Mehul Srivastava"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech company warned that iPhones and iPads were open to being targeted by state-level clients of Israeli group NSO"},"display_date":"2023-09-08T18:16:42.358Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple issues emergency patch after Pegasus spyware breach","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"57EGXD7QCCHEC3KGANEDNAOV3M","auth":{"1":"3af30acc7d5657b65bc96971c8341a6b81c0aa21968556525ed950d0edb3cd36"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/57EGXD7QCCHEC3KGANEDNAOV3M.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Data & Security"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/08/apple-issues-emergency-patch-after-pegasus-spyware-breach/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"A3QSH6BG3JC27HKXVF7UKENYVQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":452,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8405520/media/b208e8d7383b4a39a943d132e13df085_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/07/the-high-costs-and-slow-take-up-of-virtual-reality-for-employee-training/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2JUPUQGZPNBGTHBPJ6VRSZV3EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981719},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4FR7NJSETZFLXJTUCDUV7JNLWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981720},"content":"Back in the 1950s, cinematographer Morton Heilig developed the Sensorama. Roughly the size of two washing machines stacked on top of each other, this early example of virtual reality (VR) technology offered users a simulated motorcycle ride through New York City, including the smell of petrol fumes and pizza.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CSQH32ZPK5GBRHUNPFWWIYDZGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981721},"content":"Six decades later, similarly immersive experiences – albeit without the odours – can be delivered by a portable headset that can almost fit in a shoebox.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4256LLHVZBYLEDAKCOAIMCDO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981722},"content":"Such convenient access to simulations where workers can experiment and familiarise themselves with different scenarios in a controlled environment seems ideal for employee training and development. Uptake, however, is patchy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BPMWVN5XNHN5J2DCPV4GX4ZA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981723},"content":"In some industries VR is already common – flight simulators to train airline pilots are an obvious example. It is also used in sectors where workers need to learn how to operate in hazardous environments, such as the oil and gas industry. But many companies and organisations are still trying to figure out how best to use VR for training.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMRDAQRKMBH37F4XKLALC2KMC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981724},"content":"A key benefit is that it can really make an impact, says Bernadett Koles, associate professor and academic director at France’s Iéseg School of Management. “VR is great to give people more confidence in experimenting, in trial and error, without the actual consequences of failure.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPQEZSNWHNHLZMVANHV2BIGVJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981725},"content":"She says it is particularly effective for training service staff, as they can quickly learn to deal with difficult customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNOAMK6E6BEJZCOUYYTOKCV4VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981726},"content":"US retailer Walmart is one company that uses VR in this way. “Associates use it to role-play real-life scenarios like showing empathy to a customer who is having a tough day or delivering groceries inside a customer’s home,” says Jimmy Carter, a spokesperson for the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6SXYLSJLZDXVENISMXG62GAXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981727},"content":"Staff have, he adds, “told us these experiences help them feel more confident and prepared to interact with customers”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T46CQVCLKRDUVGVYRK62A4TSMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981728},"content":"However, numerous hurdles continue to slow wider adoption of VR for staff training. Factors such as cost, logistics and unrealistic avatars all conspire to put companies off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YAFVXPMXVCE3MDO3OWOJ3PLMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981729},"content":"Headsets may be smaller and less expensive than they once were, as well as able to operate wirelessly, but they are still not cheap. The Meta Quest Pro headset, for example, costs just under £1,000 (€1,170). But more expensive still is the content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6VVDNWUJZDSJN6EKKFVOJA2Q4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981730},"content":"Taking soft skills as an example, where people take courses to improve their ability to communicate and to deal with others, “there are many off-the shelf solutions”, says Alexandra Ruhl, UK head of metaverse technologies at professional services group PwC. “But if a company wants something more specific, then bespoke content needs to be developed, which is still expensive.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BB2AKLWIR5BK7KVDG4EJAVIFKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981731},"content":"VR hardware and software “require[s] a lot of investment . . . it requires maintenance and competence. You need people who can build these [environments]”, says Shirish Srivastava, professor of information systems and operations management at Paris-based HEC business school. Further, if cloud-based technology is being used, or a third-party provider, privacy and security are another consideration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Z6I6MYS3RE2FJGWQ6TDJCPASA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981732},"content":"And while some VR avatars are high quality, unrealistic ones can be off-putting. Filippo Rizzante, chief technology officer at Reply, a digital services consultancy, says a cartoonish environment can distract users from the learning content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CU2TLHHH5NE27HOXRUQYMU6TFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981733},"content":"But such environments and avatars, he adds, are a “technical compromise” because “running a realistic environment costs a lot” both in terms of computing resources and energy consumption. That in turn also raises the question of sustainability.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH567DLQDBBANMEQMJW7R2FZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981734},"content":"There are also other practical problems. Koles says that headsets can cause motion sickness, and are still not always the ideal fit, especially for women. And where companies have thousands of employees, the logistics of a mass rollout can be complicated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BK4LWSSGWBEB7ER3B4FEWQSTZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981735},"content":"In the long term, however, VR’s role in upskilling employees could grow significantly, especially if VR headsets become ubiquitous among consumers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E246XJZJAVAC3DXFEPJGHOO7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981736},"content":"Derek Belch, founder and chief executive of Strivr, a VR training company that has worked with US retailer Walmart, sees a correlation with job type. “Where a frontline worker is an end user, [VR] adoption is much more significant,” he says. “But where the knowledge worker is an end user, it’s not as significant.” That will change, Belch thinks, because of the growth of soft skills training, although proving the return on investment is a challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z3ZNNA2URDUNDVDG46JEDOQAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981737},"content":"Widespread use of VR for training will take time, he adds, but Apple’s launch of an augmented reality headset and Meta’s continued investment are significant. “Meta is certainly going to push very hard on the consumer side,” he says. “Consumer ubiquity is coming in the next three to five years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZY2O3HV3ZGJNMY7JVSQAW5RQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981738},"content":"Ruhl suggests that if a headset can be used in other contexts, such as for meetings or other collaborative work, then there is a wider case for investment. Generative artificial intelligence could also bring down the cost, as “it allows users to tailor the training to their specific needs . . . within minutes, rather than having to build a bespoke module”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBS7TH7O6BE5PNKNT3DBYFVLEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981739},"content":"Meanwhile, companies are also assessing the possibilities of so-called augmented reality. This technology – where digital images and information are displayed over the user’s actual surroundings – can be used for fixing live problems in real time, says Kamran Malik, global people advisory services learning and digital engagement leader at EY, the professional services firm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYQD677TGRCVRPF3PNMTW67IHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1694005471206},"content":"He cites manufacturing and heavy industry as examples. “You may have a problem with a piece of machinery, AR can literally take you through what to do,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2R36YOMK5FOZIM3UFVRGPLYBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981740},"content":"Andy Lancaster, head of learning at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, says that because AR, enabled by devices such as smartphones and smart glasses, can improve proficiency and productivity by providing guidance and support in the moment, “it offers immersive solutions that are transferable to most workplaces, using technology that is already familiar to staff. That has huge benefits in speeding [up] adoption”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PONQ2GNYJBX5FFILKRH4D4FAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693989981741},"content":"However, VR is a different proposition, and while many companies continue to develop and experiment with immersive training, Belch wonders whether the biggest barrier of all “is just basic human laziness”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5K3KLND7LNAJ7BGB7INB7VB7LM","additional_properties":{"_id":1694005471209},"content":"“That sounds a little harsh but it’s true,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDLOSHFLYBFTLI5I5X4NJMNRWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1694005471210},"content":"“People pick the path of least resistance in life, and the resistance to change is very real. This is a very different way of doing things and a different way of thinking. It requires change management.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Janina Conboye"}]},"description":{"basic":"Widespread use of VR for training will take time but Apple’s launch of an augmented reality headset and Meta’s continued investment are described as ‘significant’"},"display_date":"2023-09-07T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The high costs and slow take-up of virtual reality for employee training","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GQRI53AOX5CNVFHUNSFEX3TW3A","auth":{"1":"a47030da5b9a57f1535a2756f5e2e41bdf70227b6a6e85d88499e3c6962a2043"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GQRI53AOX5CNVFHUNSFEX3TW3A.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/07/the-high-costs-and-slow-take-up-of-virtual-reality-for-employee-training/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"ZE7RDG3POJHN3DY3UV32BFYVPI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/06/big-tech-faces-new-legal-duties-as-brussels-lists-services-bound-by-new-rules/","content_elements":[{"_id":"I2M2GZGCIVD7FMPOCK7WTL2N6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800640},"content":"Some of the world’s biggest tech companies and more than 20 of their services will have to overhaul how they do business under new EU laws, it has emerged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENCTPWEOLVEN7CQS67ETHNPYWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800641},"content":"Under the new Digital Markets Act, six companies, including Microsoft and TikTok, will have to share data with rivals, make their services interoperable with rival apps and link to competitors, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DC6JUNN3VJEDVD6ZKBSEXMFMSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800642},"content":"Amazon Marketplace, Apple’s App Store, Meta’s WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram and Google’s Search and YouTube are among the services set to be affected by the new law, which is designed to foster greater competition in the sector in Europe, the people said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYPN43GA4VELTC2UNSBNS5FSVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800643},"content":"The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, has yet to decide if Apple’s iMessage and Microsoft’s Bing will be designated “gatekeeper” services after the companies pushed back, two people with knowledge of the matter said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSNX5X3UQNH6ZIUF6UBODNP3SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800644},"content":"Under the act, so-called gatekeepers must have a yearly turnover of more than €7.5 billion, a market cap above €75 billion and active monthly users in the EU of 45 million, though EU regulators have discretion over the designation beyond these metrics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIRC26RT3ZBFHOI3OM44R4QSTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800645},"content":"Microsoft has said Bing should not be subject to the same obligations as its larger competitor, Google Search. Apple has also argued that iMessage does not have the numbers required to fall within the scope of the new rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NVVDNAJQ2FHN7E4H4RTRHSLIC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800646},"content":"The commission is already braced for legal challenges by some of these large tech companies, multiple people with knowledge of the EU’s thinking said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPBE7ZEJANCWFMHOGE6BYUWUB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800647},"content":"Retailers Amazon and Zalando have taken Brussels to court over their obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a separate piece of legislation aimed at clarifying how Big Tech should police the internet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LV5HLHVSFZDOFJ2BVNSX6SFPG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800648},"content":"The DSA imposes new standards for policing hate speech, disinformation and counterfeits online that all large digital platforms must comply with. These platforms argue they have been unfairly targeted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUK6F4OVUBD45IOZC3DB2IOWPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800649},"content":"Details of the services covered by the new rules came as Margrethe Vestager, a former competition commissioner, became an official candidate for the presidency of the European Investment Bank. Belgian commissioner Didier Reynders will take over her competition portfolio while she takes unpaid leave from the commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKWIA77SYRDQPCJ5XQMKZLYGQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693982800650},"content":"New obligations for tech companies also come at a time of heightened scrutiny of their actions in Europe. Ms Vestager this year threatened to break up Google, and the EU is set to block Booking’s acquisition of Etraveli as regulators take a closer look at tech deals. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Javier Espinoza"}]},"description":{"basic":"Apple’s App Store and Google’s YouTube among those that will need to overhaul practices as EU competition law bites"},"display_date":"2023-09-06T06:51:03.342Z","headlines":{"basic":"Big Tech faces new legal duties as Brussels lists services bound by new rules","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2BXTQSTOY5CJFJZTDSXJB3VWMU","auth":{"1":"a877a4f663baf96010e6f23ec7be0656fad8b550f3ebaa3242a0b026a5614da8"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2BXTQSTOY5CJFJZTDSXJB3VWMU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/06/big-tech-faces-new-legal-duties-as-brussels-lists-services-bound-by-new-rules/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"X7L4DYHZM5GQBNF52PNAYGQPBE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":122,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8436747/media/ba732a86d75660ee24e77bae17596463_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/05/elon-musk-threatens-to-sue-civil-rights-group-over-anti-semitism-accusation/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3J2IUXJ2DFC3DDYW6TOEKPT5AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086652},"content":"Elon Musk has threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) after accusing the US-based civil rights group that campaigns against anti-Semitism and bigotry of trying to “kill” his social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGVWMG5IY5CYXG6MTR5467C644","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086653},"content":"He said the ADL was trying to shut down his company by “falsely accusing it and me of being anti-Semitic”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJ2EUL2LE5EFZPBCGA6QNXTZPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086654},"content":"In a series of posts on X, Mr Musk said advertising sales at the social media giant were down 60 per cent and “based on what we’ve heard from advertisers, ADL seems to be responsible for most of our revenue loss”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7G5LHRU5VZDLHESES3EJ22HTA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086655},"content":"“To clear our platform’s name on the matter of anti-Semitism, it looks like we have no choice but to file a defamation lawsuit against the Anti-Defamation League ... oh the irony!” Mr Musk tweeted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIBEFTJZ2NHUVJQ6BA5HKAVTKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086656},"content":"Alerted to a 2020 lawsuit in Colorado where the ADL was fined $10.5 million for defamation, Mr Musk responded: “Interesting. In our case, they would potentially be on the hook for destroying half the value of the company, so roughly $22 billion.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AUAUA72VBVAS3PNWZDL7HDBVXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086657},"content":"Earlier in the summer, Mr Musk had said Twitter’s advertising business was on the upswing. “Almost all advertisers have come back,” Mr Musk said at that time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMRTJRPPIBA33IJNBRKOT4MFHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086658},"content":"He recently sued another anti-hate speech group, the Center for Countering Digital Hate, in a lawsuit accusing it of damaging X’s relationship with advertisers. CCDH has said it will fight the lawsuit and keep holding “Twitter’s feet to the fire”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQGP3K5H4BGYVNVIOTUMWX5MUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086659},"content":"“ADL seems to be responsible for most of our revenue loss,” the businessman said. “Giving them maximum benefit of the doubt, I don’t see any scenario where they’re responsible for less than 10 per cent of the value destruction, so $4 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKAGVW6UYRD6JMTLXQTAP2H7J4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086660},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSALH3CN7FHBHI5XGWGGSSWYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086661},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MATEIFBSYJA3TMHXNLSTCSHFZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086662},"content":"The ADL describes itself as the world’s leading anti-hate organisation and says its mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all”. – Guardian","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSZHYZOOJFHWBDJ4HYYFEA75ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086663},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZAIN5M44VGXPDR5KEYQY3L2BA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086664},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UQ5HESFKJHZLBQPZEIF7PGLGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693935086665},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Owner of social media group X says campaign is to blame for most of $60m fall in advertising revenue"},"display_date":"2023-09-05T17:31:31.079Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk threatens to sue civil rights group over anti-Semitism accusation","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MVUG66HXN6XKCGIGE3OZN2WOFY","auth":{"1":"66ad8322b7e13b79b6075f61eb19f57fc7f3e93e4a2c89b9913f2b01f4dc4511"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MVUG66HXN6XKCGIGE3OZN2WOFY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/09/05/elon-musk-threatens-to-sue-civil-rights-group-over-anti-semitism-accusation/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"KLE4XI3XFJAIDJ53HRKPWAQT2E","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/09/05/apple-and-microsoft-fight-brussels-over-gatekeeper-label-for-imessage-and-bing/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HNKZW7WSP5E4JJ4DIJLM52CKCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775078},"content":"Apple and Microsoft have argued with Brussels that some of their services are insufficiently popular to be designated as “gatekeepers” under new landmark EU legislation designed to curb the power of Big Tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DCPFMNQT35DKTPA6QRL2S6CXCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775079},"content":"Brussels’ battle with the two US companies over Apple’s iMessage chat app and Microsoft’s Bing search engine comes ahead of Wednesday’s publication of the first list of services to be regulated by the Digital Markets Act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4I3FTFMOBFJ5IBL3ZVMJQLWUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775080},"content":"The legislation imposes new responsibilities on tech companies, including sharing data, linking to competitors and making their services interoperable with rival apps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M67VGONHONGJTBLKN6DLXHNVKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775081},"content":"Platforms with an annual turnover of more than €7.5 billion, a market cap above €75 billion and active monthly users in the EU of 45 million will fall under the rules, though Brussels has some discretion over the designation beyond these metrics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXR7BAJMWVG3NOVZQ6V6IWXPXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775082},"content":"Microsoft had rejected the idea that Bing should be subject to the same obligations placed on its much larger rival, Google Search, said two people with direct knowledge of the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7GASEJ36JBRHD3IJ6KHBMNDGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775083},"content":"Microsoft was unlikely to dispute the designation of its Windows operating system, which dominates the PC industry, as a gatekeeper, these people said. But it has argued that Bing has a market share of just 3 per cent and further legal scrutiny would put it at a greater disadvantage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB7AIYGLJZENVJK4ON4SDKOSB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775084},"content":"If covered by the new rules, Bing would need to give users a choice of other search engines, including Google’s. Advisers have argued in Microsoft’s defence that this could end up boosting Google’s market share.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGT7BPD2ARBRJAMVTOV3GNPVH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775085},"content":"Separately, Apple argued that iMessage did not meet the threshold of user numbers at which the rules applied and therefore should not comply with obligations that include opening the service to rival apps such as Meta’s WhatsApp, said the two people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQ76S3TIBBCBPKNIQBLAJLJQ5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775086},"content":"Analysts have estimated that iMessage, which is built into every iPhone, iPad and Mac, has as many as 1 billion users globally, but Apple has not disclosed any figures for several years. The decision is likely to hinge on how Apple and the EU define the market in which iMessage operates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DH4CBOIVENANHM54HFQW62ONEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775087},"content":"The European Commission, Apple and Microsoft declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXWY4ISQBJE4HKJKCSYIFYRHRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775088},"content":"All large US tech companies, including Amazon, Google and Meta, will have several of their services regulated under the DMA, people familiar with the legislation said. Chinese-owned TikTok will also be part of the list.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3EMYLU5ABFWJNO4CH62WAR3GI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775089},"content":"Meta’s Instagram and Facebook and Google’s search engine are all expected to be covered by the new rules, which are aimed at opening up markets and enabling competition from European start-ups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVQW7PRT2RC4PEM7E2SSEGPRQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775090},"content":"Brussels is still deliberating over the inclusion of iMessage and Bing in the final list. The European Commission may open a probe to determine if these services should face the new obligations set out in the DMA.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOJIW73Y4NECVLWLOZDILQ7X7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775091},"content":"The designation of the services is part of a long-running process of implementing the landmark rules, which become fully applicable next spring. The commission is already bracing itself for legal challenges before the EU courts in Luxembourg over its decisions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZN7EHD4AVREUDOZ6VVAEU75OGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775092},"content":"“The DMA will bring new competition to digital markets in Europe and now it is up to the commission to make it work,” said Andreas Schwab, the MEP who led negotiation of the rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYXH53NKCBCDZEUHS4W7QF2CN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775093},"content":"This is not the first time tech companies have openly defied the European Commission, the EU executive, over digital rules. German online retailer Zalando and US tech giant Amazon have already taken the commission to court over allegations they are being unfairly targeted by the Digital Services Act, a second piece of digital legislation designed to set new standards to police the internet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A345NZASMBHYLHSXRWGBZXZRCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775094},"content":"Legal fights between tech giants and EU regulators come at a time of heightened scrutiny over their alleged anti-competitive behaviour. This year Brussels threatened to break up Google over its alleged illegal practices in the adtech space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CT3N24DBFZF5TFV2O5X4PWVMWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693901775095},"content":"Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Javier Espinoza"}]},"description":{"basic":"EU aims to curb Big Tech as it lists services to be regulated under Digital Markets Act"},"display_date":"2023-09-05T08:16:37.290Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple and Microsoft fight Brussels over ‘gatekeeper’ label for iMessage and Bing","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"57EGXD7QCCHEC3KGANEDNAOV3M","auth":{"1":"3af30acc7d5657b65bc96971c8341a6b81c0aa21968556525ed950d0edb3cd36"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/57EGXD7QCCHEC3KGANEDNAOV3M.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/09/05/apple-and-microsoft-fight-brussels-over-gatekeeper-label-for-imessage-and-bing/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"OD67YSTF5NG4BFN54HMB5QMHWM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":280,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8176628/media/cd775d30839422d8350e7eb91ff4faeb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2023/08/30/facebook-seeks-to-have-discrimination-claim-by-dublin-man-addicted-to-litigation-thrown-out/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2UIV5C22RBAFNKXAAB4J7V6TXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692160},"content":"Facebook owner Meta says a religious discrimination claim by an evangelical Christian over his site ban should be thrown out because it is frivolous – submitting that the complainant is “addicted to litigation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QNJSS45LJFMNLUOXPDH2L2YUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692161},"content":"In a complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000, north Dublin man Mark J Savage has accused Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd of subjecting him to religious discrimination, victimisation and harassment by blocking his account on October 21st 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLOPYEC5AVGV5OQOSUXUOT7KQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692162},"content":"Meta’s legal team said on Tuesday that Mr Savage had made 14 posts on the social media site between April 2020 and October 2021 accusing employees of a north Dublin retailer of child sexual abuse which breached its terms of use, hate speech or bullying and harassment policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7U3PWYPKRCNZHSZ4KTHMNGOLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692163},"content":"Mr Savage claimed Facebook’s policies were “in line with the woke agenda”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NVN7LW5LFC4FFOLLMMMSEODME","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692164},"content":"The firm’s barrister, Claire Bruton BL appearing instructed by A&L Goodbody, said the Facebook posts were linked to “Mr Savage’s attempts to post certain matters at a [retail] store alleging a [politician] was a sexual offender” in February 2020 and his belief that there were “a number of ‘gay perverts’ at a toilet in [north county Dublin]”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GR2B62525AHLG2627KYXPJBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692165},"content":"After staff at the store took down a notice posted by Mr Savage and prevented him putting it back, Mr Savage proceeded to accuse them of child sexual offences, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIIAKIFPLNDUZP6QS2JZS77EIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692166},"content":"The social media posts were not opened to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday at the Workplace Relations Commission, but Ms Bruton said they included “hate speech” in the form of a “harmful stereotype ... that all homosexual men are gay perverts by virtue of their actions”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD7SHTLUBNGAVOU3IRLKVJFXZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692167},"content":"The posts also included “defamatory” statements and had come to her client’s attention when the retailer commenced legal proceedings against Meta, Ms Bruton added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRNFHJDMMBGHFCT44OSLDSHT34","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692168},"content":"Counsel said Mr Savage had already brought discrimination complaints against the politician and the retail store which had both been ruled “frivolous and vexatious” by the WRC in separate proceedings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZL2SPDL2BHELL6KPJGFWUYP5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692169},"content":"Lawyers for Meta told the Workplace Relations Commission on Tuesday that by their count, Mr Savage had made 42 previous discrimination complaints and had admitted to a reporter from the Sunday World newspaper in 2021 that he was “addicted” to litigation – calling it “better than heroin”, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMZZ6ODM4NF5DEZZMRXH5WHWXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692170},"content":"“So is going to the gym,” Mr Savage countered, also stating he thought he had only taken around “two dozen” such complaints.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSGHRWKFFNGTNBERZ24NWQZT7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692171},"content":"Citing a 2021 ruling against Mr Savage in a prior claim against the retailer, Ms Bruton said the WRC adjudicator in that matter had found that “not the remotest suggestion, even by the complainant that these allegations are true” and that they were “of the most vile and repugnant character”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBYCI22VRFHCDMYMPMJ573LFVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692172},"content":"“We sought for this complaint to be dismissed without a hearing. My application is for this complaint to be decided on the grounds of it being frivolous and vexatious. Mr Savage’s claim, we say, is an abuse of process,” Ms Bruton said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2OX7EFUKNBTPAT7PIB6IBSTFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692173},"content":"Mr Savage said: “I believe this was a child safety issue. My religious belief is bearing witness to truth – highlighting a child safety issue. I bought all these textbooks. I studied them. I even played devil’s advocate to see if there was any hole in my reasoning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QEXE65PXBCL5F4VOA43P3245A","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692174},"content":"“I exercised my Constitutional right to expression, my freedom of expression in public, as an evangelical Christian,” he said, adding that it was part of his religious expression to “bear witness to truth”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VC3NSIBWURA6HC26RBXIACEND4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692175},"content":"After swearing an oath, Mr Savage claimed that various parties he had named were “guilty” of offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2017, including a WRC adjudicating officer who had ruled on another of his complaints.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VY5YIISIEZGVHKJ4CSVLGXI7BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692176},"content":"Mr Savage also said he “should have known better” than to make an “offhand comment” about heroin addiction in a doorstep interview, and complained that a reader might be left with the incorrect impression he had used the drug in the past.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN43V7PZXJEQNMJFX3F5LHB4CY","additional_properties":{"_id":1693398692177},"content":"“I’m going to adjourn this, without prejudice to any decision ... I’ll consider everything that’s been put to me,” adjudicating officer Roger McGrath said, thanking the parties for their submissions and closing the hearing.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Evangelical Christian Mark J Savage accuses Meta of subjecting him to religious discrimination and victimisation"},"display_date":"2023-08-30T13:08:03.377Z","headlines":{"basic":"Facebook seeks to have discrimination claim by Dublin man ‘addicted to litigation’ thrown out","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UACBIPXJNNBOLKFHNP7YLEQ43M","auth":{"1":"f343c2aa85c61e57ec92df9ac06c85b2775ec002eac144439a7fd4f2f3e85871"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UACBIPXJNNBOLKFHNP7YLEQ43M.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2023/08/30/facebook-seeks-to-have-discrimination-claim-by-dublin-man-addicted-to-litigation-thrown-out/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"76NMA637T5HNVKOJ6BLTLCJ5PI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":229,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8770562/media/59ef83fa057f886c9ec412e5d01f2489_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/29/elon-musk-takeover-costs-twitter-127m-in-irish-redundancy-costs/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KG7EL7UEWVFX5ANC5YCS4THQBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989238},"content":"The Irish operation of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>’s social media giant, X, formerly<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/twitter\" target=\"_blank\"> Twitter</a>, has incurred <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/11/18/twitter-to-make-140-of-its-irish-staff-redundant/\" target=\"_blank\">redundancy costs</a> of €12.7 million at its Dublin base since his acquisition of the business last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5GPAHK7XZDMFLGTLMJ3XDSLRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989239},"content":"Twitter established its European headquarters in Ireland in 2011 and, according to accounts just filed by Twitter International Unlimited Company, the company “has taken significant steps to reduce its cost base and improve its financial performance, including workforce reduction and discontinuing the use of office space that is no longer required” since Mr Musk’s takeover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVQRYEOBMRB7ZORBVQWMQ5SI4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989240},"content":"“These actions are expected to lower the company’s expenses going forward,” they say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTQPFMT62FBFJEJX3FTB5KTLVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"A2F2WHWHOZBG3I6YNMUEPVTMTE"},"content":"Redundancy: How much will I get – and what should I do with it?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UNMZFCM7SBETPCHCBJIG7XY3DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989241},"content":"A note attached to the accounts says that, alongside the redundancy costs of €12.7 million, the company discontinued using office space on January 26th this year. It says this may be deemed to be an onerous contract with a value of €9.2 million at that date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UD6RF7I3HND7VJHJ5C3FQPBNO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989242},"content":"It says following acquisition and restructuring, there may be a material impairment of the firm’s intellectual property and in investment in subsidiaries though a detailed forecast at company level has not yet been prepared.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQ2GSHFSDZCQ5BVJTZXGK5NTPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989243},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"URNWBMP4OVDBFDWVDBQWH2AYBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989244},"content":"Mr Musk acquired Twitter’s global business on October 28th, 2022, in a deal worth $44 billion (€42.6 billion). Within weeks, Twitter confirmed that 140 employees at the Dublin base were being made redundant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFKXCY3JENGYDL2AVFLDF5XJYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989245},"content":"Those to depart included <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinead-mcsweeney\" target=\"_blank\">Sinéad McSweeney</a>, one of Twitter’s top executives in Ireland. She settled with the group last December after previously securing a<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2022/11/30/dublin-based-senior-executive-restored-to-position-at-twitter-social-media-firm-says/\" target=\"_blank\"> temporary High Court injunction</a> stopping the social media giant from terminating her employment. The details of the settlement were not disclosed to the High Court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHXOGQNJKVCWLLA7D5SNKISONI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989246},"content":"At the end of 2021, headcount at the Dublin operation had increased by 82 to 325, the accounts said, comprising 127 people in sales and marketing, 174 in general and administrative and 24 in research and development (R &D).","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUHMEZ6V6JEDXEECA7RNOF72GI","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989247},"content":"Wages and salaries of €34.03 million along with share-based compensation of €9.49 million brought staff costs to €43.5 million in that year – or an average of €133,926 per employee.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5NFUA3ZQZCL7L6ZGBAML5FVCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989248},"content":"The pay package for directors in 2021 totalled €1.67 million, including “emoluments” of €613,000 and a €1.06 million gain on the exercise of restricted stock units.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKOCNDQ65VDBLLGOLSCGIOPAVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989249},"content":"None of the directors who served during 2021 remain in place today. The three directors now in charge were appointed in February and April of this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYLX6S6T3RFETJJJFX47EX2YLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989250},"content":"The accounts – signed off on May 23rd – show that pretax losses at Twitter International UC increased by 10.5 per cent to €657.8 million in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MPIDE3Z4RDLVMT5EKGJZ7UPRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989251},"content":"The loss chiefly arose from the firm’s non-cash amortisation costs of intellectual property of €530.2 million for 2021 and came despite a 35 per cent rise in revenue to €1.45 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MPIDE3Z4RDLVMT5EKGJZ7UPRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989252},"content":"The directors say in the accounts that the business “had a strong balance sheet” at year end with net assets of €6.99 billion and cash of €43 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73YFIM5FM5B6VNDVO5THIDFNLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989253},"content":"The directors state that the company is the subject of inquiries by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) here over its compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).","type":"text"},{"_id":"3K3D2DODUNBQXK5KTUQJPKURPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1693310989254},"content":"Twitter said that it was not aware of any noncompliance with laws and regulations that would see company subject to a potential fine that would have a material adverse impact on the business.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Gordon Deegan"}},"name":"Gordon Deegan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company also faces potential €9.2m bill for office space that it is no longer using, accounts state"},"display_date":"2023-08-29T12:12:33.371Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk takeover costs Twitter €12.7m in Irish redundancy costs ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ULWRL7FBYDH4PEIT5OGLJ523B4","auth":{"1":"4bbeed9ab49e71320974fc4224544e694efd3ad5d67f6b088c39b21f78b1256a"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ULWRL7FBYDH4PEIT5OGLJ523B4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Media"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/29/elon-musk-takeover-costs-twitter-127m-in-irish-redundancy-costs/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"X7ZJ3WUAUBFJXN7OUO4ZBN6QLE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/26/collisons-among-elite-silicon-valley-investors-in-plan-to-build-a-city-from-scratch/","content_elements":[{"_id":"6AH344MXUZDKPLFFS7TMD3C4HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532832},"content":"In 2017, Michael Moritz, a billionaire venture capitalist, sent a note to a potential investor about what he described as an unusual opportunity: a chance to invest in the creation of a new California city.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOQFP3DQVVHSZI5ZFDEVZAARRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532833},"content":"The site was in a corner of the San Francisco Bay Area where land was cheap. Moritz and others had dreams of transforming tens of thousands of acres into a bustling metropolis that, according to the pitch, could generate thousands of jobs and be as walkable as Paris or the West Village in New York.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VP4BJSL7I5DJDH4NNTZ2ECQ4GQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532834},"content":"He painted a kind of urban blank slate where everything from design to construction methods and new forms of governance could be rethought. And it would all be a short distance from San Francisco and Silicon Valley. “Let me know if this tickles your fancy,” he said in the note, a copy of which was reviewed by The New York Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UTXM7BH3P5ETTGRRXQOGAI5KHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532835},"content":"Since then, a company called Flannery Associates began buying large plots of land in a largely agricultural region 60 miles northeast of San Francisco. The company, which has little information public about its operations, has committed more than $800 million (€741 million) to secure thousands of acres of farmland, court documents show. One parcel after another, Flannery made offers to every landowner for miles, paying several times the market rate, whether the land had been listed for sale or not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P3EQJVACE5BMHJMWHYYDLKTOWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532836},"content":"The purchases by a company that no one in the area had heard of and whose business was a mystery have become the subject of heavy speculation and developing news stories, rattling landowners, local supervisors, the nearby Air Force base and members of Congress. Was Disney buying it for a new theme park? Could the purchases be linked to China? A deep-water port?","type":"text"},{"_id":"CE2A2EVSDBHBTOGZLPO3G3YWAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532837},"content":"Flannery is the brainchild of Jan Sramek, 36, a former Goldman Sachs trader who has quietly courted some of the tech industry’s biggest names as investors, according to the pitch and people familiar with the matter. The company’s ambitions expand on the 2017 pitch: Take an arid patch of brown hills cut by a two-lane highway between suburbs and rural land, and convert it into a community with tens of thousands of residents, clean energy, public transportation and dense urban life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QE7CR7EAT5DFTCDMWGHH5CIK6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532838},"content":"The company’s investors, whose identities have not been previously reported, comprise a who’s who of Silicon Valley, according to three people who were not authorised to speak publicly about the plans. They include Moritz; Patrick and John Collison, the Irish co-founders of payments company Stripe; Reid Hoffman, the LinkedIn co-founder, venture capitalist and Democratic donor; Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon, investors at the Andreessen Horowitz venture capital firm; Laurene Powell Jobs; and Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross, entrepreneurs-turned-investors. Andreessen Horowitz is also a backer. It was unclear how much each had invested.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDOFNZZVHAXP6ZERHHSE3H2F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":"SYTM7FEKOBGE5CWCNPX6NXUHY4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WFBO3XLLTBAYTJPJ6W67N42YOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532839},"content":"Brian Brokaw, a representative for the investor group, said in a statement that the group was made up of “Californians who believe that Solano County’s and California’s best days are ahead.” He said the group planned to start working with Solano County residents and elected officials, as well as with Travis Air Force Base, next week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUDXJDD7GFF5LP4A73VEHMC7FU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532840},"content":"As Flannery began seeking property, it bought so much land, so fast, that it spooked locals who had no idea who the buyer was or the plans they had in mind. Catherine Moy, mayor of Fairfield, California, started posting about the project on Facebook several years ago after she got a call from a farmer about some mystery buyer making offers throughout the county. In an interview, Moy said she went to the county assessor’s office and found that Flannery had purchased tens of thousands of acres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLP5J5MDOFFMHDLLI5NKTPHCFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532846},"content":"John Garamendi, who along with Mike Thompson, a Democrat, represents the surrounding region in US Congress, said that he has been trying to figure out the company’s identity for four years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FZE3RPVGVDIDFXYJ3LSBN4HIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532847},"content":"“I couldn’t find out anything,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"64XJSFJLKJHF3OPVOXL4XL5GT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532848},"content":"On Friday, he said that had suddenly changed. This week, representatives for Flannery reached out to him and other elected officials requesting meetings about their plans. That meeting is now being scheduled, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"63EGLWACP5HCRKLEJSB477VGLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532849},"content":"“This is their first effort, ever, to talk to any of the local representatives, myself included,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJ3FXLXEGRBLDJ4KPS5ADF5IAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532850},"content":"The land that Flannery has been purchasing is not zoned for residential use, and even in his 2017 pitch, Moritz acknowledged that rezoning could “clearly be challenging” – a nod to California’s notoriously difficult and litigious development process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5K5XGDILFFHWRHU3IC4PSEXBRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532851},"content":"To pull off the project, the company will almost certainly have to use the state’s initiative system to get Solano County residents to vote on it. The hope is that voters will be enticed by promises of thousands of local jobs; increased tax revenue; and investments in infrastructure like parks, a performing arts centre, shopping, dining and a trade school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RX2QALSGNBYLEK3LVLCGEFV2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532852},"content":"The financial gains could be huge, Moritz said in the 2017 pitch. He estimated the return could be many times the initial investment just from the rezoning, and far more if and when they started building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTNTIPJCLVE27DUTB5P2JMSPO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532854},"content":"“If the plans materialise anywhere close to what is being contemplated, this should be a spectacular investment,” Moritz wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6KP2NEJOBHXXJZTMZ2LGYNCRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532855},"content":"The Bay Area is among the country’s most expensive regions, even after falling in the pandemic. Economists and housing experts have for decades blamed this on a long-standing housing shortage and California’s inability to build enough to meet demand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TP2ZLXC57NAZHJMVOL4ANQPNP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532857},"content":"Moritz nodded to this in the email to the investor, arguing “this effort should relieve some of the Silicon Valley pressures we all feel – rising home prices, homelessness, congestion etc.” He added that his group had secured some 1,400 acres for less than $5,000 per acre. The price per acre has since escalated, and the company’s most recent purchases have neared $20,000 per acre, according to court documents and people familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4QP3V26LZEJFIEUAJMWKSHEME","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532858},"content":"The purchases burst into public view this spring, when lawyers for Flannery filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, accusing landowners of colluding to inflate prices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TCLGENJ3ABESZK5DV3YPFALUVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532859},"content":"The group focused on Jepson Prairie and Montezuma Hills, an agricultural patch of eastern Solano County between the cities of Fairfield and Rio Vista, according to the lawsuit. This area is mostly unpopulated and covered with ranches, windmills and power lines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKOVWB3XERCL3KBGVCIWGWEMZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532860},"content":"In November 2018, the company sent offers to “most landowners in this area,” the lawsuit said, and included incentives such as allowing sellers to retain income from wind turbines, as well as stay on the properties rent-free under long-term leaseback agreements. Over the five years, the company purchased some 140 properties from 400 owners, the lawsuit said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"65ZNBDLCZBH6RONKWMJ7BIBDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532861},"content":"This month, a lawyer representing landowners jointly filed a motion to dismiss the case. In July, three landowners said that they had reached a potential settlement with Flannery. Other owners could not be reached for comment this week or had declined to do so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMVKCFJ6V5GT3CIDBWYYWETXCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532863},"content":"As the offers continued and prices escalated, landowners in Solano County started buzzing about who was buying so much land for so much money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RS2VFAODYFABLAHIWYMM3QSFX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532864},"content":"“They would come with an offer of four and five times over the market at the time,” Moy said. “They were deals that they couldn’t pass up.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Z55EJOGTVFMNIWI4PFOG6XUDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532866},"content":"Flannery’s offers were creating multimillionaires across the county, but no one seemed to know what the mysterious company intended to do with land that now amounted to a large chunk of the entire county.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZZ7VMZ7I5FAXJKC4636RD2VLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532867},"content":"That changed last week, when residents started receiving texts and emails with a poll gauging their opinions on a number of questions. One asked them to rate the favorability of several names including “Joe Biden,” “Donald Trump” and “Flannery Associates.” Another question began with a description of a possible ballot initiative for a project that “would include a new city with tens of thousands of new homes, a large solar energy farm, orchards with over a million new trees, and over 10,000 acres of new parks and open space.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXAWDP6NWNBLJPU6C2BJQ2W2BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532868},"content":"Moy cited poor infrastructure, including the two-lane highway bisecting the region that she said was already clogged by super-commuters driving to the edges of the Bay Area and beyond. The area is also prone to regular droughts and is at high risk for wildfires.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7F7ZXBSBM5BVJFVYFWZLNVXYRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532869},"content":"“It seems very pie in the sky,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TD4KFCZKBDIPOD7TR34SHQ2VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692996532870},"content":"This article originally appeared in <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/25/business/land-purchases-solano-county.html\">The New York Times</a>.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Conor Dougherty"},{"name":"Erin Griffith"}]},"description":{"basic":"A mysterious company has spent $800m to buy thousands of acres of San Francisco Bay Area land"},"display_date":"2023-08-26T05:02:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Collisons said to be among elite tech investors in plan to build a city from scratch","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7U3KK2MO6GS6QBPSWFD7YAIEJU","auth":{"1":"be314e0a85e3b101e94c158e63892740c1bf50b4745fac34cbf2f70eeea2c7d4"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7U3KK2MO6GS6QBPSWFD7YAIEJU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/26/collisons-among-elite-silicon-valley-investors-in-plan-to-build-a-city-from-scratch/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"UGFVXGZ33NH73KYSOLAFSCTANQ","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/24/local-facebook-groups-exposed-to-hundreds-of-hoax-posts-study-shows/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EX3BTUNCHFG55KTLX2TXBSKFHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972117},"content":"Members of local Facebook groups have been exposed to hundreds of hoax posts, including false reports of missing children or deadly snakes on the loose, a study shows.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JXWJE5PDVFNRO4CRLWCAMTM7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972125},"content":"The UK fact-checking charity Full Fact found more than 1,200 false posts on the social media site’s community groups across the world, and warned that these were probably just “the tip of the iceberg”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XM4IGTHTBZCKJGPBP4HGUEO4QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972126},"content":"These posts could lead to people becoming “overwhelmed with false information” and were “designed to terrify local communities”, Full Fact said. The charity said it could mean genuine posts about dangers were more likely to be ignored.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGJYKWEXEFA2DOOOGF3GOKSE44","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972127},"content":"It is unclear why this content is being spread, although Full Fact said it could be a way of making money or promoting a product or service. Often a post is edited after it has gained likes and engagement to promote everything from cashback sites to nappy giveaways. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNKU5FYZZRCVHM5YILIXH6AN5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Full Fact’s investigation found misinformation was present in more than 100 areas in the UK from Dundee in Scotland to Bicester in Oxfordshire. In Dundee, it was claimed that a serial killer may be at large last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLK5TK7Y6ZEOBBEQAIDN6FMQFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972130},"content":"People have also been falsely begging for help to find missing dogs or children. Hundreds of people shared a hoax Facebook post about an injured dog apparently found after a “hit and run incident” in Dunfermline.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFZ7TRXDNZETJCMSTUCLNZSCOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972133},"content":"Full Fact found a lot of the shared content focused on missing children and pensioners. Other reports claimed serial killers and men with knives were stalking the streets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJGWFT2YT5F7DBTE7NMGPMRLMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972134},"content":"The investigation exposed multiple posts claiming that a man armed with a knife was attacking people in Northern Ireland, Aberdeenshire, Bicester, Chesterfield and Glasgow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OVSEXLXWZEMXFEZATZPIVVH4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972137},"content":"The charity found dozens more examples of the same post from further afield, including in the US and Australia. The claim was confirmed to be false by multiple police departments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2TUWGAPRFERJB2PSXRHUVQAOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972138},"content":"In April, Full Fact raised the alarm about these hoaxes with the Facebook owner, Meta, stressing “the risks posed by these posts are pernicious and frequent enough to merit stronger action from Meta in terms of proactively identifying and tackling this growing trend”. It did not receive a response.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3J5W7RTG6ZGGREKMQRCFLUYAPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972139},"content":"In 2021, Facebook introduced changes to the way its public groups were run. The new system made it possible for members to join without approval by administrators.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI7NQRLZB5FVFLTSIJDLQUH3PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972142},"content":"Full Fact warned this change potentially made some local groups more accessible to those from outside the area. Administrators are still able to restrict posts and comments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJZH3SRDQJC25C6WDV27SHOHRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972143},"content":"Steve Nowottny, the editor of Full Fact, said the “sheer scale” of the hoax posts it found “is hard to fathom” and said they were likely to be “the tip of the iceberg”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PS4EHFLGABC2TNT7E7NYZ2SSIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972144},"content":"He added: “The hoaxers have clearly identified the massive reach these posts can have and local Facebook groups across the world are now becoming overwhelmed with false information.” These posts “sow needless fear and confusion” and “terrify” local communities, Mr Nowottny said, adding: “Genuine warnings about dangers and genuine posts from people desperately appealing for help, such as those looking for missing loved ones or missing pets, are now at a much higher risk of being ignored.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4N4ZFU6NXJHBBOTZJOLG6XF3QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972151},"content":"A Meta spokesperson said: “We’ve built the largest global fact-checking network of any platform, partnering with more than 90 independent fact-checking organisations including Full Fact, to tackle misinformation online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4FEJXL2FJGXNHLMOFGH3WZV2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972152},"content":"“Fraudulent activity is not allowed on our platforms and we removed the posts Full Fact brought to our attention for violating our Community Standards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SN47LILOLFDHVAOCSJL7BSFDOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692872972153},"content":"“While no enforcement is perfect, we continue to invest in new technologies to stop scams and the people behind them.” – Guardian service","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Jasmine Belle"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sarah Marsh"}]},"description":{"basic":"Charity Full Fact finds more than 1,200 false posts on topics from deadly snakes to serial killers at large"},"display_date":"2023-08-24T10:38:04.760Z","headlines":{"basic":"Local Facebook groups exposed to hundreds of hoax posts, study shows","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"O6IBRSMVEBOOYH5KGQTCRMO6DQ","auth":{"1":"17c382ec6513fc4d0686b6b47c25f24f6f5e5a2d372d8c0a30f2d769bc8a3738"},"focal_point":{"x":2453,"y":1179},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/O6IBRSMVEBOOYH5KGQTCRMO6DQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/24/local-facebook-groups-exposed-to-hundreds-of-hoax-posts-study-shows/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"SKF73USH2JFPVC7GP5ENLBQKLI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/24/big-tech-braces-for-roll-out-of-eus-digital-services-act/","content_elements":[{"_id":"F4TMOWQP5NHWVNRUKDT7BNSJ6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908029},"content":"More than a dozen of the world’s biggest tech companies face unprecedented legal scrutiny, as the European Union’s sweeping Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes new rules on content moderation, user privacy and transparency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOUB3R4CUFB7BMZ24RYZYH6AE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908032},"content":"From Friday, a host of internet giants – including Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms, Apple's online App Store, and a handful of Google services – will face new obligations in the EU, including preventing harmful content from spreading, banning or limiting certain user-targeting practices, and sharing some internal data with regulators and associated researchers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HXNTN4B72ZG5VNMBCTS25KAMV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908033},"content":"The EU is seen as the global leader in tech regulation, with more wide-ranging pieces of legislation – such as the Digital Markets Act and the AI Act – on the way. The bloc's success in implementing such laws will influence the introduction of similar rules around the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHPVSLGHXFHHJB2S4ZZB2HWXWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908034},"content":"But researchers have raised questions over whether these companies have done enough to meet lawmakers' expectations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JIUCYWVZVGHFJJR7P3IF53M4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908035},"content":"For now, the rules only apply to 19 of the largest online platforms, those with more than 45 million users in the EU. From mid-February, however, they will apply to a variety of online platforms, regardless of size.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3YYWS3WWJELXNW33PD2RJ2RHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908036},"content":"Any firm found in breach of the DSA faces a fine worth up to 6 per cent of its global turnover, and repeat offenders may be banned from operating in Europe altogether.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BJ2WGSEK5FGRIPUBSYHV2KKCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908037},"content":"Reuters asked each company designated under the DSA to discuss changes they had made. Most pointed to public blog posts on the matter, declining to comment further, or did not respond at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26QJQYA6ZBB5FOYSIFPPYKUDYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908038},"content":"Two of the companies singled out for early regulation – ecommerce giant Amazon and German fashion retailer Zalando – are currently challenging their inclusion on the list in court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FKJF6GCWZECBPNVJHMVWPDUZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908039},"content":"“We can expect that platforms will fight tooth and nail to defend their practices,” said Kingsley Hayes, head of data and privacy litigation at law firm Keller Postman. “Especially when new compliance rules encroach on their core business models.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"33NF2BWKCJHNLBRBXQ573YWJZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908041},"content":"Over the past few months, the European Commission said it had offered to conduct DSA “stress tests” with the 19 platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYTDNMDYJFHBPNQ3IWAL3PV76I","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908042},"content":"Such tests assessed whether these platforms could “detect, address and mitigate systemic risks, such as disinformation,” a commission spokesperson said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOD5JEMT35CXJFQYP7VSDLVLJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908043},"content":"At least five platforms have participated in such tests – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Snapchat. In each case, the commission said more work was needed to prepare for the DSA.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKTNEIZKSRGYVIX524UORKN4CM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908044},"content":"Now, just as the rules come into effect, research published on Thursday by non-profit Eko shows Facebook was still approving online ads containing harmful content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXJKLH3CKNBEDFZ6GJ6NJK4WHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908045},"content":"The organisation submitted 13 ads containing harmful content for approval, including one inciting violence against immigrants and another calling for the assassination of a prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP).","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUQ7WJXTU5GMXBDTWBSZY5IAMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908046},"content":"Eko said Facebook approved eight of the submitted ads within 24 hours and rejected five. Researchers removed the ads before they were published, so no Facebook users saw them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STSLX2C4NNCV7FU3SIMVNC4YNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908047},"content":"In response to the Eko research, Meta said, “This report was based on a very small sample of ads and is not representative of the number of ads we review daily across the world.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVCM7CLUPJB5PB5IQPYW6DVOXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908048},"content":"This year Global Witness, another non-profit, claimed Facebook, TikTok and Google’s YouTube had all approved ads inciting violence against the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4EQVIQSOXNBSNE7PV37AHB5KOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908049},"content":"Responding to the Global Witness research, both Meta and TikTok said at the time that hate speech had no place on their platforms, and that they regularly review and improve their procedures. Google did not respond to a request for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HU2QI7YHAVD55HXTCK3UXABTSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908051},"content":"While none of the designated companies have said they will disobey the DSA, Amazon and Zalando have disputed their inclusion on the list.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7CGR4ROKBA7HNZIOET5I2MRCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908052},"content":"In July, Amazon filed a legal challenge with the Luxembourg-based General Court, Europe's second highest, arguing that bigger rivals in these countries had not been designated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYUBHD7KVVEV7OW5XQF3TUJUAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908053},"content":"It has still introduced a number of new features as part of its DSA compliance programme, such as a new channel for users to report incorrect product information.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUXI3VL2CVFPFP4CTBRCBFLEB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908054},"content":"Fashion retailer Zalando launched a similar legal challenge, arguing that because only 31 million monthly active users bought from third-party sellers on its platform, it fell below the 45 million user threshold.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y57HFXVH6FEHJPAEX5OYACMYCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692867908055},"content":"It will soon become obvious if any of the designated companies had “skirted their legal responsibilities,” said Hayes. “Ironing these obligations out will be a tricky business for any platform with a large user base.” – Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Law kicking in on Friday includes new obligations on content moderation, user privacy and transparency"},"display_date":"2023-08-24T09:24:18.912Z","headlines":{"basic":"Big Tech braces for roll-out of EU’s Digital Services Act","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KVVUUB33FBEROFKZSQ7OPENDDM","auth":{"1":"0f061c86277ae09e14a953249556449100d4b012286ce22967b1153ff95e4c5b"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KVVUUB33FBEROFKZSQ7OPENDDM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/24/big-tech-braces-for-roll-out-of-eus-digital-services-act/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"762CNPO6IJG6ZGNJ5JTQPNODGQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":164,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7904974/media/245741baf27839f50efe836ba54254e7_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/23/elon-musks-x-formerly-twitter-to-strip-headlines-and-other-text-from-news-links/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PZRRLYNORZAF3C5EACYSV2WMNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964323},"content":"Social media platform X, formerly known as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/twitter/\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a>, is to strip headlines and other text from news links and show only the main image in the latest change spearheaded by owner <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> to impact news publishers on the site.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZYOBWJ5BFAKROR2IQG7SDCKCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964324},"content":"The news was first reported by Fortune on Monday and confirmed in a post from Mr Musk later in the day: “This is coming from me directly. Will greatly improve the esthetics [sic],” he wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDLIMG44F5FJ7LRX5TLQEHI6AM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The platform will no longer display headlines and other text from news links and show only the main image, limiting a user’s ability to see the contents before clicking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBN6M2ZEXVEEHMVO7EGPHJGAGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964325},"content":"Currently, news links come up on the timeline of users as “cards” along with an image, source address and an abridged headline. Such a packaging helps draw clicks and helps publishers gain readers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TDGVERREZC23DHFECBU4JMRFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964327},"content":"The move may be an attempt to drive people to sign up for X’s premium service. With the shortened links, users could be inclined to include more text along with their posts. The premium service allows a single post of up to 25,000 characters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BC42PUUGNZBSHGGQIDLUQF46YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964328},"content":"It is not immediately clear how it will impact advertisers on the platform, which Mr Musk claimed in July had 540 million monthly users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZI4ONKHENDKTP5DJLHD2D7QEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964329},"content":"With the changes, Mr Musk is pitching X as a more relevant platform for content creators. Premium subscribers can now post longer videos, their posts are shown higher up and they also receive a cut of ad sales.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKXRXR5ISBFUTDO3BYN54DN4AY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964330},"content":"Mr Musk has made a number of abrupt changes to Twitter since he took over as owner in October 2022, many of which have negatively impacted the news media that make up a large portion of its user base. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"37AMVSSEU5FIZPYS5665FNQTSA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The billionaire has suspended journalists from the platform, removed verification from many media figures, and attempted to launch his own journalistic endeavours with a project called the Twitter Files, in which he had reporters publish “investigations” directly on the platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2ELIZGLVJAGPB3RQNP3FSA3B4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692790964331},"content":"“If you’re a journalist who wants more freedom to write and a higher income, then publish directly on this platform!” he posted this week. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQCJUAIHKZGFBOM4LHSIQO2N64","additional_properties":{},"content":"After taking over the platform formerly known as Twitter, Mr Musk largely dissolved its public relations department and stopped responding to media requests from reporters. Previously, requests for comment were answered with a poop emoji. When contacted for comment on Tuesday, X responded with an automated reply. – Guardian","type":"text"},{"_id":"52I3WETA6FAF5HDBTFB27I7YD4","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Kari Paul"}]},"description":{"basic":"Platform will only show main image of news links, limiting users’ ability to see the contents before clicking"},"display_date":"2023-08-23T12:06:09.751Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, to strip headlines and other text from news links ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LR7FYL6C5WFX7QFB47ZPWAGTEA","auth":{"1":"dda77008b79169f14431a396e6939984dd58ecb6536d9ba4cfda5639578a4e19"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LR7FYL6C5WFX7QFB47ZPWAGTEA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/23/elon-musks-x-formerly-twitter-to-strip-headlines-and-other-text-from-news-links/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"T5XIQUXNAZELRBT2HJDH3EI26I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":130,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7853666/media/22b6cb8751c0a286e40ac9bb591ae263_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/19/elon-musk-to-remove-ability-to-block-accounts-on-twitter/","content_elements":[{"_id":"GLGRGFTSKNDHVB6IQX6TUHN5BY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625020},"content":"Social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, will remove a protective feature that lets users block other accounts, owner Elon Musk said on Friday, in another controversial move for the company he bought last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUEXZCBHTZDWJMTLS6745V4JYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625021},"content":"The block function allows users to restrict specific accounts from contacting them, seeing their posts or following them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDP6EXCTUBBANFWN65YLGSMWJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625022},"content":"“Block is going to be deleted as a ‘feature’, except for DMs,” Musk said in a post on the platform, referring to direct messages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHCUD23IAFBJVKPCDON7CDJDMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625023},"content":"He said X would retain the mute function, which screens a user from seeing specified accounts but, unlike blocking, does not alert the other account to the action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWDKPRX6CFE7ZAVU3H3XGB336A","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625024},"content":"The billionaire owner has described himself as a free speech absolutist but some critics have said his approach is irresponsible. Researchers have found an increase in hate speech and anti-Semitic content on the platform since he took over and some governments have accused the company of not doing enough to moderate its content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GP2KBHJQVNF6NIUQ4UCHCYDPAE","additional_properties":{"_id":"BVNPNW25ZZALXKBC44XTSBBM7Q"},"content":"Don’t let the Zuckerberg-Musk cagefight nonsense distract from the real issues","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"U7I6SGIMCJAOJOTUENJSIZUE6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625025},"content":"Removing or limiting the block feature might bring X into conflict with guidelines incorporated by Apple's App Store and Alphabet's Google Play.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEAH6EXPYNAOVGTXT2U557SY4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625026},"content":"Apple says apps with user-generated content must have the ability to block abusive users. Google Play Store says apps must provide an in-app system for blocking user-generated content and users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D757PNZTFZAFJE3BWQYKPX45RY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625027},"content":"X, Google and Apple did not immediately reply to requests for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LXMEX4PY25ASNJBIQV6JGBHGEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625028},"content":"Responding to a post from anti-bullying activist Monica Lewinsky urging X to keep the “critical tool to keep people safe online”, chief executive, Linda Yaccarino, defended Musk’s move.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFNYOMWUP5FKFB3DTOJW6A5A2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625029},"content":"“Our users' safety on X is our number one priority. And we're building something better than the current state of block and mute. Please keep the feedback coming,” Yaccarino posted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGYYDCOXMBFTXG3RZF7MTKUSLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692432625030},"content":"The company has said Musk would lead the product and engineering teams, while Yaccarino would lead all other teams, including legal and sales. – Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Removing feature could bring X into conflict with Apple and Google store guidelines"},"display_date":"2023-08-19T08:37:56.484Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk to remove ability to block accounts on Twitter","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5HTUEXF5DJEBCVDQOH42XZFIUM","auth":{"1":"a03b579bf6799341c5727396eee3389a116b9e5f02aac63d1316ea6869e40df3"},"focal_point":{"x":2938,"y":2768},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5HTUEXF5DJEBCVDQOH42XZFIUM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/19/elon-musk-to-remove-ability-to-block-accounts-on-twitter/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"SN5P7RGSNNGJRA45WBCPZGBELI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/17/lenovo-drops-6-after-profit-miss-amid-prolonged-pc-downturn/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VWJEVUGSH5EZDLYSYIK5E4FCEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755170},"content":"Lenovo Group’s profit missed estimates for a second straight quarter after the global PC market slid deeper into a demand slump.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIXREEAF2ZBFBHMU6RKZEFV264","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755171},"content":"The world’s biggest PC maker reported net income fell 66 per cent to $176.5 million €162.1 million) in the three months ended June, compared with the average analyst estimate of $235 million. Revenue also declined and didn’t meet consensus expectations, at $12.9 billion, according to a company filing on Thursday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QH67I3HKCRA75CRTQD24BSSBCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755172},"content":"Shares fell as much as 6.1 per cent, their biggest intraday drop in nearly three months, after the results were released.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDCBKSDFU5GYNHO55IH75B5PYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755173},"content":"Lenovo fended off HP to keep the top position in global PCs during the past quarter but also saw shipments shrink 18.4 per cent, according to IDC. The company said the unusual action of clearing inventory weakened profitability for its main business unit. Chinese consumers are increasingly reluctant to buy smartphones, laptops and other devices as the world’s second-largest economy slides into deflation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N42UUWDONVDCLDM575B3TIGRUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755174},"content":"“The intelligent devices group, which sells PC and smartphones and is the biggest source of revenue, is poised to be the main drag due to sluggish consumer demand and ongoing inventory digestion,” Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Steven Tseng wrote in a memo before results were released.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNKJXRDJJZBNHLYNFFVFENLPX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755175},"content":"Uncertainties in the timing of a recovery in demand for PCs and storage gear could further cloud Lenovo’s business prospects, Goldman Sachs analysts Verena Jeng and Allen Chang wrote in a note ahead of the earnings release. Fiercer-than-expected competition in smartphones and AI servers could also weigh on the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T36COZ2CG5GEDPER5NA6X4VQDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755176},"content":"On the bright side, a demand surge for AI servers could kickstart another round of growth for Lenovo. The Beijing-based company introduced a server brand tailored for the Chinese market, where a slew of local companies from Baidu to SenseTime Group are developing ChatGPT-like AI services. The company sees the rapid development of AI applications generating numerous new opportunities, it said in its statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KF4PTBSAVNEWDGOZGVXUVWTULY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692257755177},"content":"“AI’s higher requirements of computing power and new AI functions will support demand for Lenovo’s end devices,” the Goldman analysts said. “In overseas market, Lenovo is well positioned with global leading clients and for overall servers business, we expect Lenovo to grow on market share gain, product mix upgrade and product lines expansion.” - Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Bloomberg News"}]},"description":{"basic":"Net income slid 66% but Lenovo remains top PC maker"},"display_date":"2023-08-17T08:01:31.657Z","headlines":{"basic":"Lenovo drops 6% after profit miss amid prolonged PC downturn","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"74G2IJFZMNEN3CGFEJOABGYHQQ","auth":{"1":"928bce5f7b41c40e87509ce1d080d474f435ba2e96617cc20e1ab10b36687ca5"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/74G2IJFZMNEN3CGFEJOABGYHQQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/17/lenovo-drops-6-after-profit-miss-amid-prolonged-pc-downturn/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"IQ7BKWALRBEZXJFDNPQOVG7TQM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":117,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7805226/media/77d2227496ab0c104e20ac44064d40a3_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/16/twitter-appears-to-delay-links-by-five-seconds-to-sites-elon-musk-dislikes/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SQDLCQFWBNELLPAMJ3PG33HJIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692165277796},"content":"Social media giant Twitter appeared to apply a five-second delay that would slow access to sites including to the New York Times, Reuters, Instagram and social media network Blue Sky, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HD6EB2D7DJA63O7LOXTBU56F44","additional_properties":{"_id":1692165277797},"content":"The sites with slowed links – a process known as throttling – included competitors to Twitter and news publications that have been on Twitter owner Elon Musk’s bad side due to critical reporting. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y44STLPLFZF2XOJ2RE3RKMPORQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Washington Post tested the delays and found that if someone clicked a link on Twitter that would send them to another site, the link would open to a blank screen that lasted for a few seconds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7H4POLU6BC27BZ2WC2SKKP36A","additional_properties":{"_id":1692165277799},"content":"The delay seemed to involve only t.co links, a service that processes and abbreviates links posted to Twitter. By Tuesday afternoon, the issue appeared to be fixed with links opening within a second of clicking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLCAXH7SGRETPP74J5INIP6GO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692165277800},"content":"Mr Musk has waged an ongoing battle on his detractors in the press. In April, Twitter labelled the BBC and NPR as ‘state-affiliated media’, a move that drew outcry from the outlets and their staff. On April 12th, NPR announced it was quitting Twitter, and its flagship page has not seen a new post since then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDQ2JJOQHBEDZFDBK7U46GX3HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692165277801},"content":"That same month Twitter began marking links to Substack, an independent content publishing platform, as unsafe. This move came after Substack announced a new feature, Substack Notes, that offered a Twitter-like experience for the company’s user base of newsletter authors and their readers, some of whom are paying subscribers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YM334SSJANFI7HRHU42GETNRTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Substack argued Notes and Twitter do not have to be competitors but should instead complement each other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IWT22CON2ZHPJAOJ6M7QLCT3PU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692165277802},"content":"Twitter, now known as X, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian. – Guardian ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Abené Clayton"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media giant applied ‘throttling’ process to the New York Times, Reuters and Instagram, the Washington Post reports"},"display_date":"2023-08-16T06:04:24.270Z","headlines":{"basic":"Twitter appears to delay links by five seconds to sites Elon Musk dislikes","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LR7FYL6C5WFX7QFB47ZPWAGTEA","auth":{"1":"dda77008b79169f14431a396e6939984dd58ecb6536d9ba4cfda5639578a4e19"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LR7FYL6C5WFX7QFB47ZPWAGTEA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/16/twitter-appears-to-delay-links-by-five-seconds-to-sites-elon-musk-dislikes/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"WPGYXWY74FCZZKCWU22BFCOP6E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":184,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9212390/media/62f167e9a569669c3fda1985a6536734_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/15/youtube-to-clamp-down-on-medical-misinformation-with-fresh-policy-change/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TFZ5NNHOQNGSJCRHYECZZTRKTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1662464094180},"content":"Video-streaming giant YouTube is targeting medical misinformation on its platform, taking down videos that publish false claims that could cause harm, as part of a wider push to simplify guidelines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I6UAT4IIUNC5DGBHA7KGJYSEOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1692099469728},"content":"The Google-owned site said this would include removing false information about cancer treatments from the platform, misinformation on approved vaccines, content that discourages people from seeking medical attention and content that denies the existence of certain medical conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z22DAP3YWRGE7BYRWD4EJTNCKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692102257467},"content":"YouTube is trying to strike a balance between removing harmful content while retaining space for debate and discussion. The platform already had dozens of guidelines on medical misinformation, covering vaccines, reproductive health and Covid. These will be streamlined to fall into three categories – prevention, treatment and denial – and applied to health conditions, treatments and substances where the content contradicts medical advice from local health authorities or the World Health Organisation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q35WZ47X5VAMRBCUNP5GA674SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692099469729},"content":"The problem of medical misinformation was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The bigger picture is how do you evolve medical misinformation beyond just Covid and get into other illnesses that are affecting the population?” YouTube’s global head of healthcare and public health partnerships, Dr Garth Graham, said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTY73WKQNREILHOYNIN2AT6YTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692102257469},"content":"“As Covid has hit a more chronic steady state, we’re looking to evolve our medical misinformation approach beyond just that. We’re looking at this concept of a general framework for how we look at and how we identify key areas that are ripe for medical misinformation but that are also impactful globally.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3SIVUA3N5GYZBQUABBBPFVLWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"T3MGY7RTTBEVNBNBC5C7R5IVDU"},"content":"‘My 12-year-old son wants to start posting videos on YouTube’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OKLOORS2ERHD5N2VCXSR5ONLBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692099469731},"content":"Dr Graham said the platform was concentrating on areas prone to misinformation, where there may be information out there that is harmful and associated with a high public health risk and where there is stable consensus. “There are a lot of health and medical topics where there’s ongoing researchbut there are many components of cancer, for instance, where there is a lot of stable consensus and, globally, we’ve made a lot of progress.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJ34DNK2CZC25CGKJHMEDH55EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692099469732},"content":"The platform will tap medical experts both in the World Health Organisation and locally for expertise, evolving a wider framework that will govern different types of medical information on the website. Content that breaches the guidelines will be removed, unless it is deemed to be in the public interest, such as public hearings or comments made by national political candidates that disputes health authority guidance. Dr Graham said, however, the content may be age restricted or have additional information provided to give important context to a video.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNBBSQFEFVD3ZDJL4MQWSISDOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692102257472},"content":"“We’ve been walking this fine line on a number of other topics because we believe that the ability to openly debate political ideas, even those that are controversial, is core to a functioning democratic society overall,” said Dr Graham.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LE3IQZXW2ZBZHJPJLR3C3YI37E","additional_properties":{"_id":1692102257473},"content":"Policies will also be adapted in line with public health guidance, YouTube said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MNNXFAR6WRGDHEKYOBRBXRA6MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692102257474},"content":"“Our goal is to make the rules of the road clearer and have a more transparent framework in place for evaluating whether certain diseases or conditions would be included in the future,” the platform wrote in a blog post.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Service grappling with issue, which was highlighted during pandemic"},"display_date":"2023-08-15T12:29:09.167Z","headlines":{"basic":"YouTube to clamp down on medical misinformation with fresh policy change","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FGWUMU73FBBQRDVZSOCLYJBB2Q","auth":{"1":"f7846303e2fc0022323b555f8027bc60c69c178ef8060e8511d77bb59d016791"},"focal_point":{"x":1700,"y":891},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FGWUMU73FBBQRDVZSOCLYJBB2Q.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/15/youtube-to-clamp-down-on-medical-misinformation-with-fresh-policy-change/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"TBO3DARXBNFGVHPI5DKEO5D56I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":177,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/7801350/media/f34be17a61204a4f425848a0553866c9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/15/zoom-eyes-up-irish-real-estate-in-return-to-office-push/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5FYN56KJEZEJ3B4OC5H3A6YWHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456852},"content":"Zoom, the video communications company, is assessing real estate opportunities in Ireland after it instituted a return-to-office policy for its employees. Last week Zoom, whose services soared in usage during Covid-19 lockdowns, told staff that they would be expected to report to physical offices at least two days a week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHA6DKRQJRD4JLG5DBRK4WNAPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456854},"content":"During the pandemic Zoom began hiring in Ireland and is thought to have 20 staff here currently. The company does not have an office space in the country but earlier this year it acquired Cork-based employee communications software company Workvivo, with the transaction expected to close in early 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34CTA2HQNNHW7N4KUJXNYXWJD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456855},"content":"A spokesperson for Zoom said that Workvivo continues to operate as an “independent business unit” but Workvivo was being factored into discussions about Zoom’s Irish operations. Workvivo had 140 employees at the time of the deal being announced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJORTVSI3BF35K5GZTPYJISIXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456856},"content":"“We are currently evaluating our real estate and workplace strategy in Ireland, looking at the Workvivo spaces in Cork and Dublin. Our goal is really to get the best out of the workspaces for Workvivo staff and Zoomies, bringing them closer together,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGGCMRGWVZEWJEYDS4K7ZLO2VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692120018454},"content":"“Zoomies” is the term the company uses for its employees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJGKOB763NGTHCL4WY2I7JU32M","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456857},"content":"“Prior to Workvivo’s acquisition we did not have an office in Ireland, hence Zoom employees have been working remotely,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XWM4RAUNTNAJDIMBX5VCWVIAHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456858},"content":"She said that Irish staff, who cover functions like sales and customer support, will continue to work remotely until a decision has been made on locations. “Most likely that will be in places where we already have the Workvivo presence.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AYAOWYJQK5EZZAZPH7WB4HG2ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456860},"content":"The company recently opened a new office in London as it begins this new phase in its policy for employees. It also plans to use flexible office service providers for employees to meet and work together.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KS5S3TRYQFD43NANBIAIQIBLCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456861},"content":"Zoom has followed the trend of other major US tech companies that have dialled back their remote work policies and ordered staff to attend offices, at least for a few days a week. Meta, Amazon and Salesforce have all issued similar notices to staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5J346YZN5A35NKHIASPDJGNDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456863},"content":"Zoom was one of the biggest beneficiaries of Covid-19 lockdowns when many industries were forced into remote working. The company once boasted a market cap over $100 billion (€91.4bn) at the height of Covid restrictions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SIEDEMGGVJAXDLJNY4J6WS6JSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456865},"content":"But it has not emerged unscathed from the tech downturn in the past year that has seen several high profile tech firms shedding thousands of employees. In February Zoom announced that it would be laying off 1,300 people, about 15 per cent of its workforce.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFLMARVRA5EFXNNVXCJEXNLKZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692096456866},"content":"Zoom is due to release its latest quarterly earnings report next week. The company, which currently has a market cap of just under $20 billion, reported revenue of $1.1 billion for the three months ended April of this year with profits of $15.4 million, down from $113.7 million a year prior.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Jonathan Keane"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company currently has Irish presence through its Workvivo business"},"display_date":"2023-08-15T11:06:35.483Z","headlines":{"basic":"Zoom eyes up Irish office","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PAV72XQ6PZC2DHAWUHTJI3RTIY","auth":{"1":"4a10c1a710b3834a4c8a29cdb14464d30ad793a8f48535d741309b2702f5c882"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PAV72XQ6PZC2DHAWUHTJI3RTIY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/15/zoom-eyes-up-irish-real-estate-in-return-to-office-push/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"UOV5RAIFDZCW5ADPCBMTMRF43Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":119,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7789205/media/c46b4cbabca62dd3f73e40f3a02e84a6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/15/proposed-cage-fight-now-seems-unlikely-between-giants-of-the-tech-world/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DOHQSBRSJZBTHPWSJKRJT7YLLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1651765292377},"content":"With a bit of luck the door is about to shut on one of the weirder episodes in the technology sector. Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg has acknowledged a proposed cage fight with Elon Musk is unlikely to happen, concluding the Tesla boss “isn’t serious” about it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E55LJCGQJBDZNFFLG66EGGZBFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1692039816238},"content":"Musk has made a habit of making grand plans only to try to back out at the last minute. Even his much publicised purchase of Twitter (since rebranded as X) only came about because the social network took a court case to force the deal through. So the fact that Musk is now proposing a backyard practice match should come as no surprise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5RCGX3UQZAUFPSRMLQ6EG2GOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692039816240},"content":"He had talked a good game, suggesting the fight could be held at a location in Italy and talked about streaming options. But when it came down to it the billionaire seems unable to commit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2RXNBJZCJD2NJPZ6TRVSHNJSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1692039816241},"content":"“I offered a real date. Dana White [UFC boss] offered to make this a legit competition for charity,” Zuckerberg said in a post on Threads. “If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event he knows how to reach me. Otherwise time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMZTWGUNS5C63GWKGXFCZWTL4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1692039816242},"content":"The fact that Musk suggested it could be streamed on the platform formerly known as Twitter should have been a clue that the fight was unlikely to happen. Zuckerberg shot back that a more stable platform would probably be a better idea.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DU6ARW7XAZC3PHEOWVSWJ3Q6UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1692039816243},"content":"But in the grand scheme of things the best option is none at all. This fight, while it might draw a crowd, would make no one look good, even the eventual winner. This is all coming at a point where Zuckerberg is looking like the more mature one in the room. Getting drawn into the weirdly petty world of Elon Musk is something that he should rise above if he wants to keep it that way.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cantillon"}},"name":"Richard Cantillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Mark Zuckerberg has concluded the Tesla boss ‘isn’t serious’ about a fight"},"display_date":"2023-08-15T04:12:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Proposed cage fight now seems unlikely between giants of the tech world","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GRED4KR6X5BWG23NTDZVNQ7HZY","auth":{"1":"f2dbb58daf1be66f85d82aab58d01634b9fc2eed700b0b59335d5c5ea1018d0d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GRED4KR6X5BWG23NTDZVNQ7HZY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/15/proposed-cage-fight-now-seems-unlikely-between-giants-of-the-tech-world/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"7OBLFCLETRFS5F3DM4XVHMV5CE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":132,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7777375/media/c6136a2d6cf27b8c7f95cc263ce9b770_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/world/us/2023/08/14/mark-zuckerberg-moving-on-from-rumoured-cage-fight-with-elon-musk/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VLUAOWPABFA3DL2FZKMDHS52RE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897495},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mark-zuckerberg/\" target=\"_blank\">Mark Zuckerberg</a> has said he is moving on from a rumoured cage fight with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> after claiming the Tesla boss “isn’t serious”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJTU2AKHYJCJVA4RZVPSB6HSTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897496},"content":"The rival billionaire tech bosses seemingly agreed to a brawl in June when Mr Musk tweeted that he was “up for a cage fight”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQSY7JOOSBHBDH6UKRWOHKAK2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897497},"content":"Mr Zuckerberg, who manages Facebook and Instagram, took a screenshot of Mr Musk’s tweet, replying “send me location”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQMWWSMZBNDBBBRBFOGFTZY57Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897498},"content":"However, on Sunday the Meta CEO said on social media platform Threads: “I think we can all agree Elon isn’t serious and it’s time to move on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOLIAQJ355EYVETC3R7YWMXPZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897499},"content":"“I offered a real date. Dana White (UFC boss) offered to make this a legit competition for charity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"32NQLKQBOJDD5HAQ5GYMCL5SP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897500},"content":"“Elon won’t confirm a date, then says he needs surgery, and now asks to do a practice round in my backyard instead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2PMWEDOL5HEXMBLHNFFS6RQXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897501},"content":"“If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLULBBQW2VDWTEVT2LF322NCHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897502},"content":"Mr Musk, owner of social media platform X, formerly named Twitter, appeared to suggest the fight would be held in an “epic location” in Italy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMNIFDQOOVE75FOW25RPI7KSKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897503},"content":"He outlined streaming options and an ancient setting for the proposed event, claiming he had spoken to Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJYIOB6PLRBD5ELFZXXGMNOERI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897504},"content":"Tensions have been high between the two tech billionaires’ companies after the launch of Threads, a text-based conversation app, by Mr Zuckerberg’s Meta in July.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XEAHI3FJRGKZCN6QRE5F6LLYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897505},"content":"Twitter sent a cease-and-desist letter to Mr Zuckerberg after the launch, claiming Meta had made “unlawful misappropriation of Twitter’s trade secrets and other intellectual property”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIDF2DLTE5DBNJECDDP47EMWRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897506},"content":"Mr Zuckerberg is trained in mixed martial arts, posting about completing his first jiu jitsu tournament earlier this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZM4WIVPRVDYBJ3J7NJC6AVPRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691991897507},"content":"Mr Musk said last week he was training for the fight by lifting weights. He wrote on X: “Don’t have time to work out, so I just bring them to work.” – PA","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Meta CEO says Tesla boss ‘isn’t serious’ about proposed brawl in post on Threads platform"},"display_date":"2023-08-14T05:56:05.839Z","headlines":{"basic":"Mark Zuckerberg ‘moving on’ from rumoured cage fight with Elon Musk","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4ZMZFK2LD5G7NIGYAXIJXRDRBA","auth":{"1":"067eb79dab6ecfe53cf3bef7bfcdb136c5d6978817a26000254ceb41f1623dae"},"focal_point":{"x":616,"y":190},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4ZMZFK2LD5G7NIGYAXIJXRDRBA.webp"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"US"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"World"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/world/us/2023/08/14/mark-zuckerberg-moving-on-from-rumoured-cage-fight-with-elon-musk/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/us","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"US"}}}},{"_id":"H6PTICCRZFECTKZVLZO3CF4XAE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":190,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/7750411/media/4d5bf674931915665cf4c539177c7e44_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/11/profits-at-whatsapp-ireland-soar-as-it-cuts-provision-for-regulatory-breaches/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4HM3WIM5WND5VKDSN76XR7JZSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786482},"content":"Profits at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/whatsapp/1/\" target=\"_blank\">WhatsApp</a> Ireland soared last year after the company sharply cut the amount of cash it had set aside to deal with fines for regulatory breaches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D4KDDMVFENDNJBML67Q4X2BYSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786483},"content":"Accounts for 2022 filed with the Companies Registration Office show the Meta-owned unit’s profit before tax amounted to €40.8 million, which was up on the €1.3 million it generated in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHS2UQDHVBBOFJO2633YPULWH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786485},"content":"After receiving a tax credit of €300,000, its after-tax profit totalled €41.1 million, up from €1.8 million a year earlier. The company said the profits had been “credited to reserves”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYWFD4Z4UNAUTCUMX7PQLOMO3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786486},"content":"The jump in profit is down to an increase in the group’s turnover, as well as a sharp drop in administrative expenses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HEFZ7X3HCJHZNLXFMZUZJSV63M","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786487},"content":"Turnover increased from €41 million in 2021 to €56.1 million in 2022, an increase of 37 per cent or €15.1 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBOR3SFN5BCUHPFHEIF7GCCXZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786488},"content":"The group said the increase in turnover was driven by a jump in service fees received from another group company as a result of an increase in business activity during the year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFGNI72SPZBJZFXA2LBUUNAEGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786489},"content":"Administrative expenses decreased from €39.3 million in 2021 to €15.8 million in 2022, which was a drop of €23.5 million. The fall was driven by a decrease in the group’s regulatory compliance provisions, which the company cut from €238.8 million to €193.4 million over the course of the year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"242CYSAB2ZGFBLYEGFAOJJUHEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786491},"content":"Regulatory compliance provisions are company estimates for administrative fines arising from various ongoing regulatory investigations or decisions by relevant data protection supervisory authorities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMOKLUFB6ZAEZNJNFNXNMN6JN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786492},"content":"The provisions represent the “present value of the best estimate of the expenditure required to discharge these obligations”, the company said in a note attached to the accounts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q22YEOQOCVGVPLAY46M4SD5WAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786493},"content":"WhatsApp Ireland is challenging the Data Protection Commissioner’s decision of January 12th to<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/01/19/data-protection-commission-hands-whatsapp-additional-55m-gdpr-fine/\" target=\"_blank\"> fine it €5.5 million for GDPR breaches</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUY2Q7OJEZB47CVNSW3IS2SJ5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786495},"content":"The company employed an average of 80 people during the year, which was up from 69 a year earlier. Salaries, wages and bonuses came in at €9.15 million, with staff earning on average €114,412. In addition, €1.6 million was recorded as the cost of share-based payments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQI4IOKKFFGXHPSXPV7H62YYKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786494},"content":"The directors did not recommend payment of a dividend for the year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVHBAI37PRGMFGOVCLHWTMGRXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691762893526},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>, the group’s parent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/05/24/meta-to-cut-almost-500-jobs-at-its-irish-operation/\" target=\"_blank\">announced in May that it expects to cut up to 490 jobs from its Irish operation</a> in what was the latest round of redundancies to hit the social media giant, which also owns Instagram. The anticipated job losses here would equate to about 18 per cent of roles at its Irish hub.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGQUX7NOR5AGRG2XXLZVXR4LBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786498},"content":"It comes on top of hundreds of previous job cuts at Meta, as well as losses in other tech companies such as Microsoft, Twitter and Indeed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZE5SDKKVMJA3NJBEQPKZETDUR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691747786499},"content":"The cuts are being seen by the Government as part of a broader readjustment of the tech industry’s global workforce after its growth during the Covid-19 pandemic rather than being down to any specific “Irish issue”.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colin Gleeson"}},"name":"Colin Gleeson"}]},"description":{"basic":"Meta-owned firm’s after-tax profit totalled €41.1m last year, up from €1.8m a year earlier"},"display_date":"2023-08-11T10:05:08.979Z","headlines":{"basic":"WhatsApp Ireland’s profits soar as it cuts provision for regulatory breaches","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"Y7SIKPRY6366UIXASKONCGGTVI","auth":{"1":"1ea531fc15ad691040fb125c33cde87e0d5f55d03e80328dca3689f82bb6e83e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/Y7SIKPRY6366UIXASKONCGGTVI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/11/profits-at-whatsapp-ireland-soar-as-it-cuts-provision-for-regulatory-breaches/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"JFHOZGPAJFBXHOE5KO7QBU3J3M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":147,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7738241/media/d5aca8e5094f186b359dc6c55b982340_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/10/amazon-tracks-and-targets-us-staff-over-three-days-in-office-rule/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UPWKZK2IV5HQZNRE3DBYPMSGFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959203},"content":"Amazon has tracked the attendance of US-based workers and targeted those who appeared to fail to comply with its hybrid working policy, sparking concerns about privacy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGYXYZH7WVAMBEY2UJJMYVVQBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959211},"content":"The Seattle-based online retailer this week singled out some staff members to tell them they were “not currently meeting our expectation of joining your colleagues in the office at least three days a week”, according to an email seen by the Financial Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6OMJH6O3NEBLOI6ZDH64AA7ZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959212},"content":"“We expect you to start coming into the office three or more days a week now,” the email said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KW4KMZZAHJBLPG2TMBLJ3WX2IE","additional_properties":{"_id":"3E6JDUAGJFH5NKU456FQC4TX54"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-64061","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"FV5A4HA72JB7FF3BHHVALT24WQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959213},"content":"The email to a select number of employees prompted some to raise concerns about privacy while others said they had received the email in error.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43WWATHBB5GK3GFV4ESZBIMJUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959214},"content":"The monitoring of attendance in the US appeared to be linked to the use of staff identification badges. Amazon, in response to staff complaints over the targeted emails, this week admitted “there may be instances where we have it wrong”, adding that it had “taken several steps” to ensure the email “went to the correct recipients”, according to a note seen by the Financial Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAWRXTD35REQVJ5YBBAUORYSMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959215},"content":"Amazon said the email had been sent to employees who had “badged in fewer than three days a week for five or more of the past eight weeks [or] have not badged in three days a week for three or more of the past four weeks”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3IY2TJMWJFG37OQJFB4TY756OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959216},"content":"The company declined to comment on Thursday about the internal communication.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAWIJLPXCNCGNOSE2RBIX6T3BA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959217},"content":"Amazon and other tech companies are among a growing list of employers worldwide that have in recent months asked staff to return to the office more regularly following years of disruption and remote working during the coronavirus pandemic. Amazon’s three-day policy began on May 1st.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XJQWUN74RGIDFL2IAKJRT4YOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959218},"content":"Staff at Google are expected to be in the office three days a week, while video conferencing company Zoom told employees this week that employees living within 80km of one of its offices had to attend in person at least two days a week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IBCUGG2WRBFTRAPLC265D5PWOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691672959219},"content":"The upset over attendance monitoring at Amazon follows a difficult few months for the retailer, which laid off almost 30,000 employees this year following a downturn in consumer spending. In March, the company paused construction of its second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, as part of a broader cost-cutting drive. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Camilla Hodgson"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Akila Quinio"}]},"description":{"basic":"Email to some employees sparks concerns about privacy"},"display_date":"2023-08-10T13:56:13.534Z","headlines":{"basic":"Amazon tracks and targets US staff over three days in office rule","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GCUENXJKU2BMVGMMGMIRTGOT64","auth":{"1":"adb3e41555cf743917c3397e0c2f0c53013afc7ac7a3c6bd582ffe3ffbc30c7c"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GCUENXJKU2BMVGMMGMIRTGOT64.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/10/amazon-tracks-and-targets-us-staff-over-three-days-in-office-rule/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"WFFOEUS6BFHCDFKDZL2DDPZK2I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":416,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7660563/media/d36673d0ffb96a52ca0af8a7638fdc22_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/07/ireland-risks-becoming-complacent-about-the-need-for-fresh-foreign-direct-investment/","content_elements":[{"_id":"GU3DANYUNBFAVA4LY5RCSNVIAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943814},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/31/accenture-cuts-almost-one-in-seven-irish-staff/\" target=\"_blank\">job losses announced at Accenture</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/02/salesforce-to-cut-as-many-as-50-more-jobs-from-irish-operation/#:~:text=Company%20confirms%20plan%20for%20redundancies,sales%20and%20customer%20success%20teams&text=Global%20software%20company%20Salesforce%20is,operation%2C%20The%20Irish%20Times%20understands.\" target=\"_blank\">Salesforce</a> in the past week are, first and foremost, significant life events for those directly involved and their families. Their impact should not be underestimated, notwithstanding that this is an economy operating at full employment, and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/02/ida-pledges-to-help-accenture-workers-who-get-laid-off/\" target=\"_blank\">job prospects for many of those involved will be positive</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YYASFCONZGYZGKBWETDKK7CS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943815},"content":"These job losses are likely a downstream effect of the technology reset under way globally since the latter half of last year. In reality, technology is a catch-all phrase from semiconductor engineering and software to platform advertising sales.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7L26O5PZ5BSHBXR5U3CTSSPGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943816},"content":"It is in the platform companies where most of the resizing has occurred. Some of the losses relate to excessive optimism on the back of pandemic growth resulting in over-hiring, some are related to specific companies and challenges to their business models, and some relate to global headwinds including inflation and higher interest rates to combat that inflation dampening consumer demand. There will be new opportunities in the technology sector, too, including in areas such as AI as the use cases around that technology develops. The point is that it is a mixed bag, making it more difficult to discern long-term trends.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SH2DVJTR3JCBFPGSOM474PIHP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943817},"content":"The core question is how this reset impacts the foreign direct investment (FDI) model that has served Ireland so well and looks more fragile than it has been for some time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W2ZYVIAURRG5ZJ6X3566T46Y6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943818},"content":"The answer is that FDI is a continued opportunity for this country, but we face many challenges in continuing to attract, retain and grow multinational companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QR7DXICLVFZVC34RQJUCA6CY4","additional_properties":{"_id":"57R5CB4TXBE2NN77B2K22HWPWA"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"24ZHU3NYP5AM3JGQOF3W4O4JEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943819},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVCW4M5GF5F6JCRKRLASY246QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943820},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3S5LCF34BFXTCRE2TT4VZ4I6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943821},"content":"Relative to our size, Ireland continues to outperform in attracting FDI, capturing about seven to eight times our expected share of investment into Europe. There are now close to 1,800 multinational companies employing over 300,000 people directly. Exporting multinational companies spend over €30 billion within the economy on payroll and materials and services procured from Irish companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NCFMYJTJZGPBNM3YTEQUM5GEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943822},"content":"These companies are also responsible for an estimated 80 per cent of corporation tax, and about 40 per cent of all income tax comes from employees of multinational companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRSJVTAKDJEO3AYJPCBHDGFJLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691157797280},"content":"No inherent right","type":"header"},{"_id":"DPZ6RKES4RBPJH56267SWAFOQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943823},"content":"The single biggest threat to industrial development and the FDI model successfully employed here over recent decades is not a technology reset or the external environment; it is domestic complacency. That complacency is manifested in recent calls from some quarters to stall FDI while we play catchup on the infrastructure and on the housing front. Those calls speak to a lack of understanding as to how FDI works.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCTDGMEOUFBBDBV3JSTEL4UVDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943824},"content":"Ireland has no inherent right to the FDI we win annually. We must be competitive as a country to win it. FDI is not a tap we can choose to turn on and off as it suits. Ireland stepping out of the FDI attraction competition could result in decades of investment losses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNMHUUDPGNFS5J4HOEBAGSGIOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943825},"content":"Too much time is spent hand-wringing over whether we are too dependent on FDI or whether corporation tax receipts will remain stable. Instead, our focus should be on ensuring that global companies see Ireland as a competitive and compelling location to invest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VWSNN46LZAZNA5Q5REJNVSVJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943826},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWL5E47JGNDO3MKICIERDFNTAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943827},"content":"I fear that past success is now taken for granted. It appears that a future/alternate scenario where we do not have this investment is absent from the general consciousness. For those of us who grew up in the era of high unemployment in the 1970s and 1980s, we know what the alternative looks like, and those memories and the associated images are not pretty. We have seen some reminders in recent months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJDNGQY3FFDTPEAVCGYHJILIS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943828},"content":"The<a href=\"https://www.imd.org/centers/wcc/world-competitiveness-center/rankings/world-competitiveness-ranking/2023/\" target=\"_blank\"> IMD 2023 global competitiveness report</a> has ranked Ireland second out of 64 countries. While this is a cause for optimism, it is a lagging indicator. Our recent economic performance is flattering us in these rankings, and we cannot rest on our laurels. FDI flows globally have yet to return to the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. Therefore, we are fishing in a smaller pool. That makes what we do domestically<b> </b>even more important.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PDW7JXIQQZDQXFHDHJP7GIC2LI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943829},"content":"Challenges include the availability of housing, sustainable energy and water infrastructures, and issues relating to the planning system that have an impact on infrastructural delivery and the development of plant and facilities for multinationals. There is potential for economic growth to be curtailed by these capacity issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAEBBC52RVD2HL2OL3PLCAYWVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943830},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"UA3EFRQQTVC2ZAHNULCCIE734U","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943831},"content":"Ireland also has growing issues relating to the supply of talent. Relatively speaking, Ireland has done well at aligning the output of its education system with the needs of companies and in attracting highly skilled talent to Ireland. However, it is imperative that our third level sector is funded appropriately to deliver the required output at the necessary level, so that we can continue to compete internationally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDFRLS4PTRH5LJOEG6YB2LF5SY","additional_properties":{"_id":"EJKL4ZKLLRCJJN5ZE5JFOYD5SI"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"6IKQY7WOLFHO3MTZ5UWO6CLGCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943832},"content":"The cost and availability of housing is now a serious deterrent to those who wish to make a home and work in Ireland. Our ability to grow, attract and retain talent will dictate our success in the future in both growing Irish businesses and our ability to attract and develop FDI.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XLY3EV5UJAQ5E6H43K6NIO3YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691157797292},"content":"Intense competition","type":"header"},{"_id":"5F7RYPMCLBHCTD6OWURR5EJ2RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943833},"content":"While FDI has proven very sticky, if Ireland does not deliver, companies can go elsewhere and the global competition for FDI has never been so intense.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNPXJXR5OFCLZCOYW4UUUDAT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943834},"content":"Much of the discussion between now and Budget 2024<b> </b>will be centred on the size of the budget, on the balance between tax cuts and additional expenditure and within that, how the pie is divided. Unfortunately, there will be less interest and attention in measures designed to keep the economy performing at a high level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DUSTTVD3BNCGFMDL2LFBXUNBJI","additional_properties":{"_id":"T3K3V33XQRB3ZN4NCO7H2XTO44"},"content":"Coveney warns of challenges to maintaining foreign investment in State","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ANFNUEAHPJAEBE7ACKENKHBWQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691158682046},"content":"Ultimately, we depend on industry to drive the economy and provide the Government with the wherewithal to meet citizens’ needs in education, health, social supports and infrastructural investment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVGGEI75HFCK7C3JQPMQQ6UPZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943836},"content":"We need to urgently address our domestic competitiveness challenges to continue to make progress economically and societally because, ultimately, that is what will dictate how big the pie is in the future. If there are any positives from the recent technology reset, it might serve as a wake-up call that we cannot take economic development for granted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"526NTE52FZHOXO4PMBNO4VKMMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691147943837},"content":"<i>Martin Shanahan is head of industry and FDI at Grant Thornton and a former CEO of IDA Ireland</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Martin Shanahan"}]},"description":{"basic":"The availability of housing, sustainable energy and water infrastructures, and issues relating to the planning system all need to be addressed if the State is to continue to attract multinational companies to invest here"},"display_date":"2023-08-07T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ireland risks becoming complacent about the need for fresh foreign direct investment","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CPNJOIUCQZDGRFUHBNXWFNISI4","auth":{"1":"75290a186d76c9fba30ce6faafa18847f0ec6e8ac3cb54d34fd06f03ffe51ae1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CPNJOIUCQZDGRFUHBNXWFNISI4.jpg"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Economy"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/07/ireland-risks-becoming-complacent-about-the-need-for-fresh-foreign-direct-investment/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"BWVXUCLFBZBP7AQJ6JUCLNTXHA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":147,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7676859/media/b02edc5e6df36e00ccd8522153672b6c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/06/musk-says-x-will-pay-legal-bills-of-people-unfairly-treated-over-posts-on-platform/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IW6ESYNJ3JABPI6GNTULJ7MFSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691308334085},"content":"Elon Musk has said his X social media platform will pay legal bills and sue on the behalf of people who have been treated unfairly by employers because of posting or liking something on the platform formerly known as Twitter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FY2SKYA32ZDHPBQK2TQLOHBHYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691308334087},"content":"“If you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform, we will fund your legal bill,” Mr Musk said in a post on X late on Saturday, adding that there will be no limits to funding the bills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABSTACWS75HAZFSZM3C2QJDFMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691308334088},"content":"“And we won’t just sue, it will be extremely loud and we will go after the boards of directors of the companies too,” he added later in response to a post about nothing changing behaviour in the US faster than a threat of legal action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDIP2TKZAZC5ZFIYVK4BYZ4IZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691308334089},"content":"Late last month, Mr Musk said that monthly users of X had reached a “new high” and shared a graph that showed the latest count at more than 540 million. The figures came as the company goes through organisational changes and seeks to boost falling advertising revenue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ZG6HH2QRZD7XI4P4GQDJT3M4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1691308334091},"content":"<b>Competing platform</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"GK4EQPW5OFC7TGZ42ABOE4WJDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691310890549},"content":"It was also the latest in a series of comments from X executives claiming strong traction in usage, after Meta Platforms launched a competing platform called Threads on July 5th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G56TIDFDO6FZQVOZAV2H4IT6IA","additional_properties":{"_id":"2ZJ6BKW3E5CEPH2BDEE6I47J2M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LAL2VHJ5VVHX5ATP6NNGPV72NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691310890551},"content":"Mr Musk said in another post that a mooted fight with Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg would be live-streamed on X. The two have been egging each other into a mixed martial arts cage match in Las Vegas since June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKQT7L26KRAD5FW2ULTAGYTEGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691310890552},"content":"“Zuck v Musk fight will be live-streamed on X. All proceeds will go to charity for veterans,” Mr Musk said in post on X early on Sunday, without giving any further details. Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the post.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSL54H5I5ZEIHAGPK6NK2A4QOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691310890553},"content":"After 17 years with an iconic blue bird logo that came to symbolise the broadcasting of ideas to the world, Mr Musk renamed Twitter as X and unveiled a new logo last month, marking a focus on building an “everything app”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHNBKIGLQ5A6VN3C6XXV7ATZ6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1691308334093},"content":"The billionaire had earlier in July said that the platform’s cash flow remains negative because of a nearly 50 per cent drop in advertising revenue and a heavy debt load. An upturn in advertising revenue that was expected in June failed to materialise. - Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Billionaire says mooted fight with Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg to be live streamed on his social media platform"},"display_date":"2023-08-06T08:23:19.520Z","headlines":{"basic":"Musk says X will pay legal bills of people ‘unfairly treated’ over posts on platform","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YX3OB5RNA6NMRQWPH7TICXN2P4","auth":{"1":"00aafdc9b38858b3c2f0823e2b86b609d4d27f52c44d5df0212758bc990346d3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YX3OB5RNA6NMRQWPH7TICXN2P4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/06/musk-says-x-will-pay-legal-bills-of-people-unfairly-treated-over-posts-on-platform/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"L2LC6ZVMCNAB3BSOZSO7LVDFOE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/04/amazons-online-sales-lift-earnings-and-send-shares-higher/","content_elements":[{"_id":"LGEVUC4T3VGBJHQAAKSS526EVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005975},"content":"Stronger-than-expected online sales and signs that the slowdown in its cloud computing division had bottomed out lifted Amazon’s sales and earnings well above Wall Street predictions in the latest quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YS4PJPECSVBTDCTS3BB4W4DQIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005976},"content":"The revenue acceleration, along with cost-cutting that included large-scale lay-offs earlier this year, also boosted Amazon’s profit margins and contributed to after-tax earnings that were nearly double expectations. The news lifted Amazon’s share price more than 9 per cent in after-market trading on Thursday evening, adding to a stock rebound that has added 50 per cent this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XHRZTWDIJDK5DJL2UR5ZH3TM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005977},"content":"Much of Wall Street’s attention this year has been on a sharp slowdown at its cloud division, Amazon Web Services, as customers have grown more cautious in the face of economic uncertainty.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFU65IF4O5AQLHNFS3U44PY5FU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005978},"content":"Revenue growth at AWS slowed to 16 per cent in the first quarter, compared to 29 per cent for all of 2022. The company said earlier this year that growth at the division had slackened to just 11 per cent in April.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPEYTZBYE5GVNAOBQ54X2FRJLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005979},"content":"For the second quarter as a whole, however, Amazon said AWS’s revenue had climbed 12 per cent, beating most analysts’ forecasts by two percentage points and feeding hopes that the cloud division has turned a corner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AYQARBZLANGG7EYIUDUVC6NUHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005980},"content":"Chief financial officer Brian Olsavsky said the performance reflected a “stabilisation” in the cloud business, and that while customers were still trying to squeeze more out of their cloud spending, Amazon was seeing increasing demand for new computing workloads, with generative AI contributing to the recovery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7T4UFIPMFHTXGBVFWRX3BMFYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005981},"content":"Microsoft and Google both beat Wall Street expectations last week with revenue growth of more than 20 per cent in their cloud businesses, though both also said customers were still trying to seek greater savings on their existing cloud spending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEHT24ISVFC43KTIXDJ5IIGHBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005982},"content":"Job cuts and other cost reductions also contributed to better profits for the period than expected, after a jump in spending last year. The company has shed around 27,000 jobs in two rounds of cuts this year. Mr Olsavsky said Amazon had also benefited from greater flexibility in its workforce as it had increased the number of contract workers relative to employees, reversing a trend during the pandemic when it had cut back on contractors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOSWEMA72FDTVDJA6BSUGUHXVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005983},"content":"Amazon’s operating profit margin increased 3 percentage points from a year before, to 5.7 per cent, well ahead of expectations. Renewed confidence that the company has got to grips with its ballooning costs has been a big factor in this year’s share price rebound.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EA2P5SKFRNALJAVFF3FCXR674E","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005984},"content":"Andy Jassy, Amazon chief executive, said the stronger margins reflected the company’s move to split its logistics networks into eight different regions, resulting in lower delivery costs as goods are stored closer to customers. “Regionalisation is working,” he said, adding that shorter routes and faster delivery times had also lifted demand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKMQAE6JTBC7BO7SMFDRYFNM3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005985},"content":"Excluding currency movements, revenue from Amazon’s online stores increased 5 per cent to $53 billion (€48.38 billion) in the quarter, faster than the 3.5 per cent growth that had been expected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAVPR6ARXFGEDEMZYWPZJIWFP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005986},"content":"Mr Olsavsky said pressure on consumer spending remained intense following a difficult start to the year. “Household budgets are very tight [and] people will trade down,” he said, leading to a shift in spending patterns. He added, though, that Amazon’s wide range, as well as demand for same-day delivery, had helped it withstand the more difficult conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQ3KPAX2VVCOJKXSN6MP5MPMKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691130005987},"content":"Overall, the US ecommerce company reported an 11 per cent increase in revenue, to $134.4 billion, while earnings per share reached 65 cents, compared to a loss of 20 cents the year before. Wall Street had been expecting revenue of $131.5 billion, with earnings per share of 35 cents. – The Financial Times Limited","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Slowdown in growth at ecommerce company’s cloud division proves less severe than anticipated"},"display_date":"2023-08-04T06:23:43.636Z","headlines":{"basic":"Amazon’s online sales lift earnings and send shares higher","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"M2MF3YW2WWMEEWCFAJWZRAP6JQ","auth":{"1":"55f7d4b564edb4effcb9ba9dda6e4044642f50d92176313e90d37634430a8d97"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/M2MF3YW2WWMEEWCFAJWZRAP6JQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/04/amazons-online-sales-lift-earnings-and-send-shares-higher/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"MQPCMS2MO5GNRPQYSBQZIKZWRE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/04/apple-sluggishness-to-persist-after-third-quarter-of-falling-sales/","content_elements":[{"_id":"66I6FZ67TZCO7AHICJLYHCG7LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329610},"content":"Apple posted its third straight quarter of declining sales and predicted a similar performance in the current period, hurt by an industry-wide slump that has sapped demand for phones, computers and tablets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRI3EBN7EZGU3PEM2FQC3QWSNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329612},"content":"After the company reported a revenue decline of 1.4 per cent in the fiscal third quarter, chief financial officer Luca Maestri said on a conference on Thursday evening call that Apple’s performance would be similar this period. An additional drop would mark the longest streak of declines in two decades – a startling slowdown for the world’s most valuable company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQVUS7JEQNC7PMXVUPYKKTGXU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329613},"content":"“The environment is challenging,” Daniel Flax, a senior research analyst at Neuberger Berman, said in an interview with Scarlet Fu on Bloomberg Television. “Consumers face pressure from general interest rates, higher inflation. There are a lot of cross currents that Apple, like a lot of other companies, cannot outrun.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTSHYEHXSNEIVB5J4KRGHC435Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329614},"content":"Though Apple’s overall revenue of $81.8 billion (€74.68 billion) came in just above Wall Street estimates last quarter – helped by record-setting services sales – iPhone demand was weaker than predicted. That jarred investors, who sent the shares down as much as 3.2 per cent in extended trading. Apple had been up 47 per cent in 2023 through the close, part of a broader tech-fuelled rally this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPERA5RIZNAV7OKOLWAQKWN4BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329615},"content":"The results showed that Apple’s much-prized iPhone hasn’t evaded a downturn that has rattled Apple’s rivals and partners. Qualcomm, a mobile-device chipmaker and iPhone supplier, had sparked fears about demand with its earnings Wednesday, sending its shares plunging ahead of Apple’s report.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXORR32A3JCP7NCI3XFKQJTRLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329616},"content":"It didn’t help that Apple had a dearth of new products last quarter – beyond marginal updates to its high-end desktop computers and a larger MacBook Air. The current quarter will be a different picture, with the new iPhone 15 and Apple Watches set to be unveiled during the period.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GYJOGBSHVFERNMYCOF3VL32SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329617},"content":"Sales of the iPhone, Apple’s biggest moneymaker, slipped 2.4 per cent to $39.7 billion last quarter, compared with a $39.8 billion estimate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULQ5U7MBSJEHFAHM5XNQCD6VLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329618},"content":"Demand for the iPhone 14 model are tapering off as the company prepares to unveil the next version, which promises to be the most significant iPhone upgrade in three years. New iPhones typically debut in September, a few weeks before the fourth quarter ends. That means the bulk of sales comes in the following period, Apple’s fiscal first quarter, which is invariably its most lucrative time of year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2RCWCVOCFDXLDED7NEOSQJZEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329619},"content":"The iPhone 15 Pro models will add new features like a titanium frame, thinner borders around the screen and a faster processor. But given the sluggish state of consumer spending, it may still be hard to entice some consumers to upgrade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVQM3VL2I5E4VGDI35YCXB5EGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329620},"content":"Apple has informed suppliers that it expects shipments of the device to remain flat with the year before through the balance of 2023, at about 85 million units. Other phone makers, including Samsung Electronics, have also seen sales of their devices slow or remain flat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSZYJTOPAZG7LB3EZMSVZQURGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329621},"content":"The iPad, meanwhile, suffered a sales decline of 20 per cent last quarter. That business generated $5.79 billion, versus calls for about $6.33 billion. Apple hasn’t updated any of its tablets since last year and won’t make any significant changes to the line-up until 2024. The company is preparing to announce a revamped iPad Pro with a superior display in the first half of that year, Bloomberg has reported.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4NJCWZJUBGPBOOZ7SOVV4264I","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329622},"content":"The Mac is showing signs of recovering from a deep downturn. Though its sales fell 7.3 per cent to $6.84 billion, that topped an average estimate of $6.37 billion. The only major new products that Apple launched in the third quarter were Macs: The new larger MacBook Air and pro-focused desktop machines were introduced in June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CLNX6IA75BLDEJIGEQGINUA2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329623},"content":"The wearables, home and accessories segment, which includes the Apple Watch and AirPods, brought in $8.28 billion. That missed estimates of $8.38 billion. Apple is preparing to release new watches in September with better performance and new colours – though not much in the way of new features. Last fall, the company launched three new models, including a high-end Ultra version, that helped boost the average selling price of the devices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2IEHVYLF6ZAITJRNW6GXZFOIN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329624},"content":"Services revenue was the bright spot, climbing 8.2 per cent to $21.2 billion. That topped estimates of $20.8 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5AFI3QLZNCWVPTRCH4EHN5LC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691129329625},"content":"The growth was “driven by over 1 billion paid subscriptions,” Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in the statement. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giant reported 1.4% dip in sales amid weaker demand for iPhones"},"display_date":"2023-08-04T06:16:19.048Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple sluggishness to persist after third quarter of falling sales","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4R33ERQCCYHNUZMXOLJEHEGVDI","auth":{"1":"bab5a64373a30032dec35e7563de2789850c36b27604c6b9091c4c02d450fda5"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4R33ERQCCYHNUZMXOLJEHEGVDI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/04/apple-sluggishness-to-persist-after-third-quarter-of-falling-sales/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"7FVBKVWO2FERBIMYS4PWFPMHJE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":187,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7644886/media/5ff21725a64f0905e3454b0a41c5475b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/04/dramatic-fall-in-number-of-ict-work-permits-issued-to-foreign-workers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TZP5QRVMT5G2HMSZX5K47CAAT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578189},"content":"There has been a substantial drop in the number of employment permits issued to foreign workers in the first six months of 2023 with the most dramatic fall in the information, communications and technology (ICT) sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5CQLUDHONDX7BULN4QJ2245VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578190},"content":"On a like-for-like basis, there has been a 25 per cent drop in the number of permits issued between January and June this year, compared with the first six months last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LR2S5YLK5AS5HSIMQ3CZYSMCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578191},"content":"A total of 15,338 permits were issued until June 30th in 2023 compared with 20,160 in the same period last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWIMQ3I2W5DOJDT3BVSHQ2WO24","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578192},"content":"In the ICT sector, the figure for permits issued in the first half of the year was 5,333. This represented a massive 50 per cent drop compared with the same period in 2022, when 10,832 permits were issued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Y3S3CVABNGKHN2BB4362ZAFJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578193},"content":"The reduction reflects the contraction of the ICT sector in Ireland over the past year. In the past week, Accenture, which supplies consultancy services to the technology industry, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/31/accenture-cuts-almost-one-in-seven-irish-staff/\" target=\"_blank\">announced it intends to implement a further 900 redundancies in its Irish operations</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3OK74NDSNGUPP7RAL4JY2NDG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578194},"content":"There were reductions too in the number of permits issued in the construction, finance, insurance and agricultural sectors, although they were relatively small compared with that for ICT.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DKMQQZGZ25H6PPDGDBY7EUBZMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578195},"content":"The only sector that has bucked the trend is health: some 5,128 permits have been issued in 2023, which represents an increase of about 5 per cent over 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEXGSLHLAZEUNBL6XULTLC5K5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578196},"content":"However, the figures indicate that 2022 was something of an outlier as they were partly attributable to a post-Covid bounce.","type":"text"},{"_id":"632BHJ3BVNBK5I5WIJVBBBLGPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578197},"content":"“The surge in 2002 was heavily tech-related,” said Danny McCoy, chief executive of the business representative group Ibec.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWCHKPR4GRC4FHH3V72NUHWL4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578198},"content":"“Processing delays were also overcome compared to 2021 when Covid was a factor,” he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VY5A76565GIFOIUDELAJS3IC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578199},"content":"He said the fall in numbers was consistent with the tech sector overestimating the ecommerce “new normal” during Covid.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6FC7ZUKHRRGOLBGQT2PX6L2SUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"SMRZCERDWJAPJPKPLALO4VIYN4"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-63368","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6OURBIK7DRFP3EMZGAPWCPY5WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578200},"content":"India remains the country to which most work permits are issued, with 15,650 in 2022 and a further 6,868 to date in 2023. Many of those permits were issued to people working in the technology sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIV7NCNNO5EG7NST6JHLV3Z7EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578201},"content":"More than 1,000 permits have been issued to workers from each of Brazil, the Philippines and Pakistan so far this year, with almost 900 to Chinese workers. South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have also been issued with more than 500 permits, as has North Macedonia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2YTQD6ZDFEIXDYHI5PDQHOWZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691066578202},"content":"More than 900 applications for work permits were refused. The highest numbers of refusals were in relation to workers from India and Brazil.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Fifty per cent reduction in ICT permits issued in first six months of 2023"},"display_date":"2023-08-04T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dramatic fall in number of ICT work permits issued to foreign workers","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"E2725IM6HNAS5O6DWI6C2B6UYM","auth":{"1":"b9e25dcfd057a02e006c594ce6452c62d291cb958d53b6359807016333b6244f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/E2725IM6HNAS5O6DWI6C2B6UYM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/08/04/dramatic-fall-in-number-of-ict-work-permits-issued-to-foreign-workers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"SVC5ZW2Y4ZDBRLYQVD7MOTJLRM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":367,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/7651656/media/b4becc406873dcfbf312a5c40b229acc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/08/03/inside-accenture-a-lot-of-us-are-aware-that-our-jobs-are-going-to-be-redeployed-to-lower-cost-countries/","content_elements":[{"_id":"I65BYAMTDFCUDLSZEZ3YCL3K5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405664},"content":"On Monday workers in professional services giant <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/accenture/\" target=\"_blank\">Accenture</a> which has its global headquarters in Dublin’s docklands were <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/31/accenture-cuts-almost-one-in-seven-irish-staff/\" target=\"_blank\">notified of 890 redundancies</a> at its Irish operation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5X77FN43JBMBGWWUMQONF2DOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691082684486},"content":"The move has created an “atmosphere of uncertainty”, say staff and follows 400 redundancies announced in March. The latest job losses mean Accenture will have axed just under 20 per cent of the 6,500 employees in Ireland this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPW6HPSEF5BHJD5YI6PQEKYTUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691076321481},"content":"Speaking to The Irish Times, several staff complained about the lack of communication regarding who was in the frame for the global redundancy programme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"75CL3JYUFRFE5E2NKMU64ARPX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691085136053},"content":"“It’s not so much job eliminations, although there may be some,” says one long-term Accenture employee. “A lot of us are aware that our jobs are going to be redeployed” to lower-cost countries. Accenture employees believe their jobs will be relocated to countries with lower wages such as India, Romania, Argentina, and the Philippines, which are labelled internally as “strategic countries”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFASK6D62NAZPHZSPLN6SYME2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1691076321484},"content":"Accenture was approached for comment on this and other matters relating to the redundancies but declined to go beyond a statement issued earlier this week. Since the first announcement of job cuts across the company in March, “we’ve had a four to five-month limbo of waiting to hear what the outcome of that will be for us, with a lot of radio silence from the company”, says the staff member.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QED3MNPY5ZF3LGYJ6OJKLMPB4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405668},"content":"On the day 400 job losses were announced in March, as part of a 19,000 global cull, employees received an email informing them that they were either in the scope of the lay-offs or had survived. One employee said they were told originally via email that their job was not going to be made redundant in April.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PWRCQU2R3FFYPGUWJB2WLMW57I","additional_properties":{"_id":"QFMZYYAAJRBFDHOWJGU5ZUVOWQ"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-36283","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UEWUADTNMVCTPHMICSOI2HLHYE","additional_properties":{"_id":"TKFOWKE3MBGOXP4M2WELWGGSXE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"U6E7MLVX25B6DHHJVG6VQIXQS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691085136057},"content":"The next day, however, employees said the company held a meeting across their high-cost divisions and told some staff the communication that their job was safe was erroneous. One employee said senior staff explained there “was an ongoing transformation” of the company “and that Accenture needed to bite-size the company by moving a number of roles from Europe and North America to lower-cost areas”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XNWRTMGZFAXLP6BMJDOX7BAYE","additional_properties":{"_id":"GJJTVP2ZS5CPDP6GEIWPUBWZ7E"},"content":"Accenture gets its sums wrong as Dublin staff take a hit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"FAL6C2BIMFDWHLFTN4GDMOS2HA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405670},"content":"Accenture assured staff who were affected by these announced lay-offs that there would be support from the company over the ensuing period, but “leadership literally went silent for five months. So we’ve spent the last five months going, ‘what’s happening? Who is going?’,” says another Accenture employee.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN5WLV7HFZDWTLB45Z2PJAMBTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405671},"content":"A week ago, staff in the company’s North American offices began to be laid off, ringing the alarm bells for staff in the UK and Ireland. “So you’re hearing from your colleagues, a week earlier, what your fate is going to be a week later,” says a staff member.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VR6SAAZWKNH2LODRGSU4Z6AOSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691076321490},"content":"The employee describes the treatment they received from the company during this transitionary period as “hideous”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JPPN56G4YVBOVDNANPYIMSVUCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405673},"content":"Employees found out about the 890 job losses on Monday via a company-wide email, which explained there would be significant job cuts. Half an hour later the people affected received another fateful email notifying them of redundancy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIAZMJISNBFI7BSZYQMOZFIORA","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405674},"content":"“People are shocked and quite devastated,” says a staff member. “We knew the cuts were coming for a long time, but the size and scale took everyone by surprise. In some cases, entire teams are gone or gutted as they are being moved offshore so loads of people are rallying around to help each other deal with a really tough time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIICELN7VBC73KNPSJZRYZYEO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405676},"content":"“I’ve seen parts of the business moved to Mauritius and then moved back — I know how multinationals work — but what has really taken everyone by surprise is the size of it. My colleagues in other functions that are impacted, they’re all gone, the numbers are huge.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUDNNP2VUZEX7BD2FQALWV4FOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691076321494},"content":"Accenture has been tight-lipped about the specifics of the redundancy programme. But it is understood that roles in content moderation — outsourcing roles for big tech companies — legal and marketing/communications are among those being cut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMRSAHBT55CWLLX4H7ENXOTXC4","additional_properties":{"_id":"QUW3GMDIKBDDPBK7Z4NWULFG5Q"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"JX2VJEWWRZHWXNVUMR4M4GUMTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691085136067},"content":"While the prevailing narrative around Accenture blames these lay-offs on the general trends in the tech sector, a senior employee told The Irish Times that “while the company has been impacted by the recent turbulence in the sector, Accenture was taking advantage of this perception to perform lay-offs and cut costs on wages”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MAWOB4E2VFHD7BCZ56KB5KDFVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405678},"content":"Some employees found out they would be let go from colleagues before receiving an official communication.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GOSJAD2EBA4PAPNZNSKLDAGIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691085136069},"content":"“There were rumours spreading from our other offices in the UK and North America that the scope of these lay-offs was going to be large and that almost every department would be hit,” says one staff member “On Monday we were all reaching out to each other, and we are beginning to be made aware of the size and scale of it where every person I’ve known and worked with in Accenture across the years are all on the list.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QRH474DNRFMDN6CAAH6FDMVQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405681},"content":"Morale in the company is extremely low, say the employees who spoke to The Irish Times. “People who’ve been told their jobs are safe, don’t really feel that their jobs are safe. Anyone whose job is safe does not feel that, culturally, the environment in Accenture is somewhere they want to continue working.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTMI2D3RDJBMVEJLSLBV5MWISU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405682},"content":"Echoing issues seen in March, some of those notified this week that they were at risk of being laid off were later told of an error and that they were actually safe, leading to an “atmosphere of uncertainty”, according to one employee not being laid off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQCVKOUZKVDJXKOMHAGUGM3NJA","additional_properties":{"_id":"IG2RG2BEUBB35E57U3LPUVVSBQ"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"7IM62D23CVFUZGBDBZPN6LFV3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1691085136073},"content":"Those affected by the lay-offs were shocked: “I feel completely blindsided by the lay-offs. I moved to Ireland to take on this job and now it seems that the job I’m going to lose may be outsourced back to my own country. You have to laugh. I don’t know what I’ll do when it is finalised but this is not what I was expecting when I came to Ireland.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"THH7SPNRDVAN5NRTBHCEDTW5XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405686},"content":"Another employee says they had taken the job in Accenture hoping to stay in the company long-term: “The more I am thinking about it, it is sad that we are just a number” to Accenture. “We don’t know how this decision has been made or thought through so people are really upset and taken aback”, adding that Accenture had been a good place to work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQ6S7PSYYBHELIPMQAREAHVQEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1691076321504},"content":"With more than 3,000 staff in Ireland laid off by big tech employers over the past year, amid a slowdown in activity in the sector, those affected by the Accenture cuts are worried about being able to find jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VRWZUFLKWBEZFGD4VHBK4HDMEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1691060405687},"content":"“It’s not the best time to be looking for a new job, it’s difficult. I know so many people who are in the same boat as I am. We just have to push through it.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Hugh Dooley"}]},"description":{"basic":"As firm moves to lay off almost 900 people in Ireland, staff reveal ‘atmosphere of uncertainty’ at professional services giant"},"display_date":"2023-08-03T17:50:02.737Z","headlines":{"basic":"Inside Accenture: ‘A lot of us are aware that our jobs are going to be redeployed’ to lower-cost countries","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"52OX6UUKYERLRENXXSTH3JHCIM","auth":{"1":"1dc636201adcc0c0e5974652bb0dd4bc28f06b69ab5f4493e51710aeedf76d04"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/52OX6UUKYERLRENXXSTH3JHCIM.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/08/03/inside-accenture-a-lot-of-us-are-aware-that-our-jobs-are-going-to-be-redeployed-to-lower-cost-countries/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"ZPOMLJULTRF6LGDEDVJPVT3EOI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":292,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7622128/media/9c41cd71e993f98fa5fd4a937d11f9d4_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2023/08/02/google-celebrates-20-years-of-life-outside-the-us/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VFWENKAWRBEAFOJEL4JAT2IZ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909711},"content":"This year marks 20 years since global tech giant Google opened its first operations centre outside of the United States on Dublin’s Barrow Street.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJNASMAQZRD2NN3NDJL4RJCWVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909712},"content":"Originally employing just five employees at the Docklands site, Google now directly employs about 5,000 people across Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDPLWDZIAJE7VERBWEJ2TCRY5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909713},"content":"A lot more than just the company’s employee numbers have changed over the past 20 years though. Its name is now a verb in the Oxford dictionary for example, with the ability to surf the web synonymous with the search engine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTUD253ZIJGQXFVFQRAQL2YA24","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909714},"content":"To mark its 20th Irish anniversary, Google has taken a look back at some of Ireland’s biggest search trends and tabulated what exactly Irish people have been typing into the search engine bar for the past two decades.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJV4GK5Y4BHRXIFQYOERHM5AQI","additional_properties":{"_id":"2MDMH3GAORDL5GQKSTPRJEDCLU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"RIIIP4O62BAANCAV3534W4NZIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909720},"content":"Ireland’s weather obsession","type":"header"},{"_id":"2RHH5F43GVBEBDEKEZNA3B2AXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909716},"content":"Unsurprisingly, one of the most googled terms in Ireland over that time was the weather. A meteorologically obsessed nation, people from across the country searched for the latest weather conditions at an expeditious rate. The weather in Co Leitrim’s Carrick-on-Shannon proved to be the most searched town, followed by Tramore in Co Waterford and New Ross in Co Wexford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWRV7VAX4ZF6REDCF2F4HUOYPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909717},"content":"This summer, the term “heatwave” has seen a surge in search activity, with the phrase not seeing such use since 2018. The most frequent heatwave-related searches include “When will the heatwave end?” and “Heatwave memes”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXDLK4GDAVGAFCEA5QOTINNQWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909718},"content":"Conversely, in 2011, Ireland was hit by a series of floods, which affected towns across the country, and famously the Dundrum Town Centre too, with the term “Dundrum floods” placing second on the list of weather-related searches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCHZG24FYNHFHPO4GRDY4LFWM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909719},"content":"The year 2015 continued on in a similar vein, as the country’s malleable weather once again dominated the public consciousness. That year was particularly memorable on the climate front, as Met Éireann and the UK Met launched the “Name Our Storms” campaign. Since the introduction of this scheme, the nation’s most googled storm has been 2017’s Storm Ophelia, closely followed by 2019’s Storm Lorenzo and 2018’s Storm Callum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIIIP4O62BAANCAV3534W4NZIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909720},"content":"Ireland’s sports obsession","type":"header"},{"_id":"PURMK3245ZGGRJWRUYXUBWKPPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909721},"content":"Sport is another pivotal talking point within Irish life, and this fact was borne out by Google searches over the previous 20 years. The year 2012 saw the London Olympic Games dominate the back pages, and Google’s search bar too, with the term “Olympics” having been searched more that year than any other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2IE2AQRFLZGHZDHQFNJJEWMSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909722},"content":"The year 2012 saw Katie Taylor top the Irish Olympian search charts, with sailor Annalise Murphy claiming that title at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Additionally, Michael Phelps did not just seal five gold medals in the pool, but also the prize of the most Googled Olympian overall in Ireland that year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WC3TRRWWCNB53P55HQT26BX4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909723},"content":"Next month sees Ireland travel to France in search of World Cup glory, but back in 2009 Declan Kidney’s historic Six Nations winning side ensured the term “Grand Slam” featured heavily on the Google search charts for that year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MNWRXDTVKZFZLEXTXENSNGL3MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909724},"content":"Similarly, Ireland’s final day victory over England back in March was this year’s most Googled rugby match in Ireland so far, with the question “What’s a Grand Slam in rugby?” spiking by over 700 per cent over the course of the tournament.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXQRUQCUBFFC5JH7HWYQKD2Q6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909725},"content":"Irish Google users’ curiosity","type":"header"},{"_id":"UQMEG6DVHZHHTAKCFVC5PDSBME","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909726},"content":"Irish Google users don’t just use the search engine for weather and sports updates though, with millions of “How to” and “What is” questions answered each day. Ireland’s love for culinary delights is borne out by “How to make pancakes” regularly topping trending searches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ER4IPFGKZRDEDFQCQKTVMCTURA","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909727},"content":"The Google trends can also offer a glimpse back in time, reminding people of the nation’s obsessions over the course of the past 20 years. In 2014, Irish people’s most searched question was “How to make loom bands”. Moreover, in 2015, the nation’s most frequently asked question was “How to use new Snapchat”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2K2UKJXBS5D4BIUEBTWMUQUJHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909728},"content":"“What is” is another prominent question on the trends charts, with 2008’s top “What is” being “What is the Lisbon Treaty?”, while 2018’s was “What is blasphemy?”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOMV2I5IDVDCVGXHC2YMFZP5DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690908909729},"content":"Google’s trending searches can also aid in the recollection of culturally significant moments and events. In 2013, “twerk” topped the search charts. “Despactio” claimed the crown in 2017, while the era of Donald Trump’s US presidency saw the term “impeachment” top Irish Google searches in 2019.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Rory Fleming"}]},"description":{"basic":"To mark its anniversary in Dublin, the tech giant reflects on some of Ireland’s biggest search trends over the past two decades"},"display_date":"2023-08-01T23:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Most-Googled over past 20 years shows Ireland’s obsession with weather","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"A5IMUB7EMBEKPGFLMJZKYOKFTQ","auth":{"1":"0acc05e82093d032a50e18dfd387bf9927968b16e0e4bc33fb7270f787ba456c"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/A5IMUB7EMBEKPGFLMJZKYOKFTQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2023/08/02/google-celebrates-20-years-of-life-outside-the-us/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"MIF7SH4JDVDFJB4GPHGRSVX64I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":173,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7595874/media/5ebb2c7b97207ad35d7d3fe5e2fb86f3_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/07/31/musk-draws-heat-from-san-francisco-over-giant-x-logo/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZI4AJNY7K5ESHFXLF7WVR2FAWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150263},"content":"A giant, glowing X marks the San Francisco spot where Elon Musk says he plans to keep his company, the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, but city officials and some residents are unhappy with the display.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLXQBWXPVBA3PLE2JQSW6KFN7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150265},"content":"On Friday, the company erected an X logo on the roof of its Market Street headquarters, to the chagrin of neighbours who complained about intrusive lights, and San Francisco’s Department of Building Inspection (BID), which said it is investigating the structure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6R74NWM52ZBORHRWO3CFONGWBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150266},"content":"The move followed a post from Mr Musk, the billionaire who acquired the company in October, announcing the newly named firm would remain in San Francisco despite what he termed the city’s recent “doom spiral, with one company after another left or leaving”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKALB3GIBNCBLGU6H27X2OY5LM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150267},"content":"Mr Musk, who also is CEO of electric car maker Tesla, moved that company’s headquarters from California to Texas in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2EG2FRHWQZDRLLZ3AVKNFDULMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150268},"content":"San Francisco’s downtown region is struggling with job cuts in the tech sector, the departure of major retailers, and reduced tourism. Traffic has fallen as more people work from home, while high-profile crime and homelessness have tarnished the city’s image.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYCEK4ULEVCVXJSMSF7N5TSXUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150269},"content":"“Beautiful San Francisco, though others forsake you, we will always be your friend,” Mr Musk wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OLU7T23XVETLLX7DOS5XNGQCQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"VORTRNI4TVG6LFVDYLJR6XFV2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150270},"content":"Yet not all San Franciscans are keen for Mr Musk’s friendship. Locals over the weekend recorded video of the giant X glowing, pulsing and strobing, with some criticising its intrusive lights.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TUY3WEWV5A5VHUWQEQYGZIWBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150271},"content":"X user @itsmefrenchy123 said they would be “LIVID” over the bright logo, imagining it “right across from your bedroom.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXA5QDFDGNEFBIN5IGR5RULMM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150272},"content":"“I’m just astounded at the flagrant lack of consideration for anyone ever,” wrote X user @DollyMarlowe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XHGC4IR7PFCH5CAJ5ML3P2FZM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150273},"content":"San Francisco’s Department of Building Inspection, meanwhile, opened an investigation into the structure, saying it might be in violation of permitting rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DUZJN4S2ABAMPKAU6PL5V2422U","additional_properties":{"_id":1690780150274},"content":"A BID inspector said in a written report that company representatives denied roof access, twice, to BID officials seeking to inspect the logo. The inspector noted one representative said the sign was temporary. –","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDLNVCPKQBDLHKLKK2ZH5MZD5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1690781538905},"content":"Last Monday San Francisco police interrupted the removal of the Twitter signage from Mr Musk’s office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GMD7QUNL5DMZHI4KYH2DA7MTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1690781538906},"content":"Work had to be stopped because although X apparently had the necessary work order to take the sign down, this had not been communicated to security or the landlord, prompting confusion and a phone call to the police.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6AWRPQDKZBSXP2F5LYUQCPIUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690781538907},"content":"This meant the Market Street side of the double-fronted sign was left intact, while on the 10th Street side, only the blue bird logo and an “er” remained. – Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"City officials are unhappy with new glowing sign on roof of the company’s Market Street headquarters"},"display_date":"2023-07-31T05:29:37.238Z","headlines":{"basic":"Elon Musk draws heat from San Francisco over giant X logo","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IHZ3YATWHXH3VK6NRJLW5RWS7M","auth":{"1":"b9e500e10bc8d324d96e4a8f5906ed1f05e9e888c61491af70498658097bcb06"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IHZ3YATWHXH3VK6NRJLW5RWS7M.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"US"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/07/31/musk-draws-heat-from-san-francisco-over-giant-x-logo/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"ABBYXKPUWRCIZKUVYDQFCWT3YA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":137,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/7555128/media/45bfa4bf5ed60961ba628f0425a800a4_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/07/27/tiktok-plan-to-close-cafe-to-public-at-dublin-office-undesirable-says-council/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JYHBB4U3C5FLPI2S76ZQ2AJ2FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584719},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"CM2JK5ZEGJF65KHFNHQPNPTXLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690471279546},"content":"Dublin City Council has told TikTok that its plan to close off a planned cafe to the public at its Dublin HQ “is likely to create a precedent for similar type undesirable development”. TikTok Technology Ltd is seeking a change of use from the permitted cafe/restaurant to office floor space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AXGN7IGS25EL7MUN32R6ZOUF6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584720},"content":"Documents associated with TikTok’s planning application also show that the council told the social media giant in a pre-planning meeting that its application to close off the cafe to the public at TikTok’s Tropical Fruit Warehouse (TFW) on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay due to security considerations “will not be encouraged”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTNWIILBYRAEXJLPYXDSD7CZ2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584721},"content":"The council record of the pre-planning meeting noted that “the loss of a public accessible cafe/restaurant is regrettable and not considered a planning gain”. It added that “a key positive in the original proposal was the possibility the cafe/restaurant would have on the animation and vibrancy of this quayside space”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSNPIJWPJJFMPGNIHRUDJQCJMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584723},"content":"The note added that “the closing off of this space is likely to create a precedent for similar type undesirable development and will not be encouraged”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDBA6POHLJGELCLZCSFODXNSWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584724},"content":"The council acknowledged that TikTok mentioned allowing some events to take place at the location, but said this would be “occasional” and “would not sufficiently replace the vibrancy or amenity a working cafe would bring to this context”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAL2MABKMJHB5IOJOLIIDPKBNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690470384086},"content":"In a letter to Dublin City Council as part of the application, the billionaire co-founder of social media giant ByteDance, which owns TikTok, Rubo Liang said TikTok was not in a position to facilitate open public access to the planned ground floor cafe and requested planning permission to allow the use of the cafe “for employees and designated visitors to our building only”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKXCT4VSO5HORMDSGL23BGVTOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584726},"content":"In his letter, Mr Liang cited security considerations due to the sensitive nature of some of the work that would take place within the TFW building, coupled with the desire to provide openness and interaction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCFQ7O7RFBABPCBBRGTFGCFZME","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584727},"content":"Director at planning consultants Tom Phillips + Associates John Gannon told the council that “security and data protection are of utmost importance to the company and with this in mind, TikTok is not in a position to facilitate open public access to the planned ground floor cafe/restaurant”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVUONQUUK5H3FJN2SI67SR7NFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690462584729},"content":"No objections have been lodged against the proposal and the council is due to make a decision on the application next week.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Gordon Deegan"}},"name":"Gordon Deegan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media giant cites ‘security considerations’ as it seeks permission to use space for employees and designated visitors only"},"display_date":"2023-07-27T13:47:21.071Z","headlines":{"basic":"TikTok plan to close cafe to public at Dublin office ‘undesirable’, says council ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5ESY3QAWJ4YPQDIRNX64V3FLA4","auth":{"1":"c8ca836b87363e43b375872d048454de82f7861300d7fb90536baf573b7e38d2"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5ESY3QAWJ4YPQDIRNX64V3FLA4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/07/27/tiktok-plan-to-close-cafe-to-public-at-dublin-office-undesirable-says-council/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"WQ73NFJXZJDNFKB5SUIXOHXFAI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2023/07/27/eu-investigates-microsofts-bundling-of-teams-with-office-software-package/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AZI5ASG7XJDBTAUOZMJXPTT3NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020280},"content":"EU regulators have opened a formal investigation into claims that Microsoft is unfairly bundling its Teams video conferencing app with its popular Office software as Brussels intensifies its scrutiny of big technology groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LXVE4HGVHZAT5OB3RF2QLQTEOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020287},"content":"The European Commission, the executive body of the EU, said on Thursday that it feared Microsoft “may be abusing and defending” its market dominance in productivity software “by restricting competition”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WN7ZG2ZGUBCMTOKYUSBTYZVF64","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020288},"content":"It was concerned the US tech giant may grant Teams “distribution advantages by not giving customers the choice” over access to the product, the statement said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QD7VAU3AS5AJ3K322OKPPI6MS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020289},"content":"The move is the first such investigation against Microsoft in more than a decade and comes after rivals said the group’s concessions to stop tying in Teams with its Office 365 software in Europe were insufficient for fair competition, according to multiple people with direct knowledge of Brussels’s thinking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVKDNRTFXFHW3IFQOCEAH65LWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020290},"content":"The investigation could lead to formal charges against Microsoft as early as the autumn, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter. The Financial Times first reported that the EU was poised to open a formal probe into the matter last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEKMFUGVK5H5RBLP4CWCCZKHFI","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZZMQALMBPRE7RFVMYWE7HPNYNM"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-83229","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ABFQCXHJWFDENFCBK2KDFCZEEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020291},"content":"“We respect the European Commission’s work on this case and take our own responsibilities very seriously,” Microsoft said. “We will continue to co-operate with the commission and remain committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKOHDCY57BHXJIKUW5NZMYEW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020292},"content":"The EU has stepped up its actions against Silicon Valley giants in recent years. Margrethe Vestager, the bloc’s executive vice-president in charge of competition and digital policy, last month threatened to break up Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUKHKFWHVZCJDAMOCMIEZABZX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020293},"content":"The investigation into Microsoft comes three years after Slack, now owned by Salesforce, filed a complaint with the EU. The workplace messaging app accused Microsoft of using its dominance to crush competitors by tying Teams to its Office 365 tools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCK22A5T2JEG7OFQ3I6ZGKHPI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020294},"content":"Microsoft, as part of its negotiations with antitrust investigators, had agreed to stop forcing users to have Teams automatically installed on their devices. But talks stalled over whether Microsoft will implemented globally or only in the bloc’s 27 member states.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXPIGWAEQFFL5NEJHG3EBMEWOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020295},"content":"Regulators and rivals have concerns over the price Microsoft should charge for Teams if it is no longer linked to Office software. Rivals, such as Slack, fear being undercut by Microsoft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUHHQKKO5JAATGML7OOPGZ5GMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020296},"content":"But if Microsoft raises prices, such a move may be considered bad for consumers. “It puts the commission in a difficult position,” said a person with knowledge of the talks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFSPIN3HIZAUDD53SJL72MFGDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020297},"content":"The move against Microsoft, the first such Brussels investigation against the group since the commission charged it with tying Internet Explorer to its Windows operating system in 2009, comes after a prolonged truce between the company and the competition watchdog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"63L6XAW5VJCT3FWFEZWK5UOQE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690456020298},"content":"Microsoft then reached a settlement with the commission, offering users a choice of browsers. However, in 2013, the EU imposed a €561mn fine on the company for failing to fulfil its promise. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Javier Espinoza"}]},"description":{"basic":"Concerns tech giant will gain distribution advantages by not allowing choice over access to video conferencing app"},"display_date":"2023-07-27T11:21:47.880Z","headlines":{"basic":"EU investigates Microsoft’s bundling of Teams with Office software package","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GISMLBDEDN7H6NV43FJUZJT6VI","auth":{"1":"7e5ba24244a3b05cbb5cff7e4291c5b54f18e9838e7c9e92c709c491e343ca91"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GISMLBDEDN7H6NV43FJUZJT6VI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2023/07/27/eu-investigates-microsofts-bundling-of-teams-with-office-software-package/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"OYJ5DJZXQBEQ7KXT3MMXHQYYKY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":484,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7534908/media/43b10706d88ebb375eb9aacbabbed652_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/07/27/meta-unfriends-news-media-in-growing-rift-with-publishers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"6765XBCHJZBFLB2UHVXQQRNHGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908974},"content":"Meta is shunning the news business, giving lower priority to current affairs and politics on its social media platforms while refusing to engage with efforts from governments to make the US tech giant pay more to media organisations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPOFPSPSDFDHBPWDJNJMQZ3IZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908976},"content":"Facebook’s parent company, after years of attempting to placate powerful publishers by funding non-profit journalism projects and striking deals with groups such as Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, is toughening its stance towards the sector, according to people familiar with the company’s strategies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BBC4LZYPNE57GXAISIQWEVSZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908977},"content":"Meta’s latest snub came this month when the company launched Threads, a text-based app to challenge its struggling rival Twitter. Threads drew in 100 million users within a record five days of launch, linking profiles to existing accounts on Meta’s popular photo-sharing app Instagram.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AATISQ42MNC55JUGXNAHYTQG6I","additional_properties":{"_id":"KQEUQ7ICSFBWTF55VHSV5CSSAE"},"content":"Norway regulator to fine Meta over privacy breaches unless action taken","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HHLSQ6CAU5DV7LQHY5FY5D5RSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908978},"content":"The Instagram algorithm, which prioritises content posted by creators and friends over hard news or politics, has largely been replicated in Threads, according to two people familiar with the move. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said it was “not going to do anything to encourage” news on the platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTJIUVN7QZBRHJZWPFB6IA2VCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908979},"content":"Meta is in a stand-off with Canada’s government, having said it would cull news from its feeds in the region shortly, as legislation comes into force mandating platforms to pay publishers and broadcasters for their content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"64K3Q2O2I5HQPMGNEJYSMU3BOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908980},"content":"The law was designed to boost the fortunes of smaller news groups with less negotiating power. It is also targeted at Google, which said it would bring in a news blackout. Canadian publishers that already had content licensing agreements with Meta have been told those deals will be terminated by the beginning of August, according to two people with knowledge of the move.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZESDYCBEDJFZ7MIYGP7JVN6ZNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908981},"content":"Meta briefly pulled news from Facebook in Australia in 2021 after a similar dispute, prompting critics to accuse it of using its power to undermine a sovereign nation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MVIYZU4FVBKFDZHSEFKVEZW7U","additional_properties":{"_id":"T6H2VXEMKNEGLAAVI72MVFQWGI"},"content":"Meta to block news in Canada after government passes online content bill","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MTUKA7DBPRB6BKDQMRQZRQSUJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908982},"content":"More than 30 advertisers in Canada – including the federal, Quebec and British Columbia governments – say they will pull advertising in protest at the move, said Paul Deegan, chief executive of trade association News Media Canada. Canada accounted for about $3 billion (€2.7 billion) of Meta’s $117 billion annual revenues in 2022, according to regulatory filings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBQBI6I3TJCMFKQWUNPTGMV6AQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908983},"content":"“The company is running the very real risk of losing more in revenue than they would pay news businesses under the Online News Act,” Deegan said, adding that he expected other advertisers to follow in the coming weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBIDOW72TFEB3JGU3DT4RJD6PU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908984},"content":"“We’re going to hit a tipping point where the decision to ‘unfriend’ Canada is going to be bad for users, bad for shareholders, and bad for Meta’s reputation globally,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6M4QHCNW6BBWZIB6GBS2QNWWNE","additional_properties":{"_id":"S7K3PGOXJNGSPEH2EKMPDRZD54"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96337","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5I56HAL5YZF5VFIMA75Z4CMUVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908985},"content":"Meta has at times sought to court publishers, with brief initiatives around video clips, for example, or, in 2019, with deals for content to run on the Facebook News Tab product.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYA6GYZNS5HG7HIZQ4U6DWEMFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908986},"content":"However, its senior executives have concluded there is a clash of interests with the news industry, with the growth of the social media giant’s digital advertising business resented as one of the reasons for a global decline in revenues at newspaper groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TVQPUYKTFBMFNLIK6LFNOI4KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908987},"content":"According to people familiar with the shift in strategy, Meta found that its three billion users prefer short-form videos and content from influencers over news and politics. From 2021 it began reducing the amount of political content in users’ feeds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVYS2AVX7RFFXCTPO3VGB2K63Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908988},"content":"Research commissioned by Meta and published in March found that posts linked to current events accounted for less than 3 per cent of people’s Facebook feeds. About a fifth of users in the US, UK and Canada consider that “too much” news.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVGNGUR7YJCGXIQSHIBNJBUJJI","additional_properties":{"_id":"GIIRESM74VCERKJLU5QURBUPGE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QHMPT22ANNGBFLEZO34SA6HBYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908989},"content":"The report, by NERA Economic Consulting, stated that “news content from traditional publishers is of low value to Meta and declining” – a claim that publishers strongly dispute. They argue instead that it boosts engagement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ET2B3N5QNE7RLSDI6SG7MAZME","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908990},"content":"These findings partly explain Meta’s increasingly combative approach, particularly its opposition to Canada’s law to support the news industry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AOANOVQ43FCIXFJYHKWJLE2J6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908991},"content":"“The Online News Act is based on the incorrect premise that social media companies benefit unfairly from news content shared on our platforms, when the reverse is true,” says Meta, adding that news outlets are able to wield social media to expand their audiences and “help their bottom line”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3JX34YBTVCQNEMOFFEUSCABJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908992},"content":"It adds: “Unfortunately, the regulatory process is not equipped to make changes to the fundamental features of the legislation that have always been problematic, and so we plan to comply by ending news availability in Canada in the coming weeks.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"R336XN6CDFELPGWAZVHFNB4OVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908993},"content":"Meta is assessing whether the legislation would compel it to also remove news links and content on Threads for Canadian users, one person familiar with the plans has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYQQLOLTWJA3VIUVDR56ZXUYYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"XHFFEF5XOVGJFHQDWNTIWRVPT4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FBTYQ6SUS5EANH7SNT3YPO7XLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908994},"content":"Andrew MacLeod, the chief executive of Postmedia, a big Canadian news network, says the company has been “modelling out a short-term reduction in traffic” for when Meta’s news blackout comes into force.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BCBVAIMIZGGJGL7QTJAGHMUA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908995},"content":"But he adds: “It’s good that we are shaking up the industry [as] it might create outcomes for a more viable structural future.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6RODAWHV5BCXNPBDT2ZG4GR74","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908996},"content":"Pablo Rodriguez, the minister for Canadian heritage, says in a statement to the Financial Times that the government was “deeply convinced that Google’s and Facebook’s concerns can be resolved through the regulatory process”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMOKV2BYJ5BPPD5I7S6E255Z4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908997},"content":"“If Facebook truly believes that news has no value, they can say so at the negotiating table. Threats to pull news instead of complying with the laws in our country only highlight the power that platforms hold over news organisations, both big and small,” he adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXANWA6PTRFJPKPYEOAU2U6KZI","additional_properties":{"_id":"2523IMV2DVBQVKTO6PACJ4VPEM"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"ZYMTYG23JFCS7A4RPBHVOZHXEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908998},"content":"Meta’s retreat from news comes in the wake of allegations that its failures to moderate its apps sufficiently contributed to discord around former US president Donald Trump’s election as well as the riots in January 2021, when a mob stormed the Capitol building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DP662DU3IFDZHKJ2KLSDLZX3PM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279908999},"content":"Sandra Matz, associate professor of business at New York’s Columbia Business School, says Meta appears to be discouraging news and politics from Threads as a business decision to avoid more scandals over misinformation and election denial, and to facilitate moderation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHJKJORG6RDYHEJLXNHAAMRAPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279909000},"content":"Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, insists Threads will be a “friendly” space in contrast to Twitter, which has loosened its moderation since Elon Musk bought the platform for $44 billion in October, frustrating some users and advertisers. Meta has not hired new moderators for Threads but is relying on those at Instagram.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVZ6XTY4AJFOREA7B5DHR3NJ6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279909001},"content":"“If they succeed in setting it up the way they want, it’s going to become a cultural platform,” Matz said. But, she added, “negative content and emotional content ... is addictive. It’s going to be interesting to see if Threads can pull this off.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLYPCBM4CZCK7BDGDBVOF7OVFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279909002},"content":"Pinar Yildrim, associate professor of economics and marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, notes that “news is not as monetisable as some of the other content” such as fashion, which can link to shoppable products. Meta has indicated plans to run advertising on Threads.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2NLLQXJKFD3NFKPN2GUQIU4MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279909003},"content":"The industry’s defenders claim Meta will be worse off as the rift deepens.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZEFOKG7ABGWXAJHUPUNOXWUKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690279909004},"content":"“Without trusted news and being able to share that, you’re cutting out what is going on in the real world,” says Jason Kint, chief executive of Digital Content Next, a trade association representing the digital news industry. “Long term, the question is whether it’s sustainable for them.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2023","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Hannah Murphy and Cristina Criddle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Facebook’s parent company downgrades current affairs on Threads app and refuses to engage with Canadian law designed to fund media groups"},"display_date":"2023-07-27T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meta unfriends news media in growing rift with publishers","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3E34EOWNKW4AB4A6M2QHNRHCGU","auth":{"1":"adc6c30c878b848202b3b284e88933905f34f1a0ce6c07dd38f89ca76a762628"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3E34EOWNKW4AB4A6M2QHNRHCGU.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/07/27/meta-unfriends-news-media-in-growing-rift-with-publishers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"PYERFP4KRNETDLOPPKKOUDPHTA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/07/26/meta-forecasts-third-quarter-revenue-above-expectations/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EJOMZBXZ5VFAHBJSSKG6G4EQIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1690402796612},"content":"Meta Platforms forecast third-quarter revenue above market expectations on Wednesday, anticipating higher ad spending on signs of improving macroeconomic environment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F2SJVT4NOVBYVBFQDKTMKWQGKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1690402796613},"content":"The owner of Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp expects July-September revenue in the range $32 billion (€28.9 billion) to $34.5 billion, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $31.30 billion, according to Refinitiv data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OM2YGSB5MBD6RDHSTHNUXFFAUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1690402796614},"content":"Meta employs more than 2,000 people in Ireland, even after cutting close to 900 jobs at the operation over the last year. The group’s Dublin base, headed by former Vodafone boss Anne O’Leary, remains its international headquarters and it is engaged in a significant investment in its Ballsbridge campus. – Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Facebook-owner expecting quarterly income of up to $34.5bn, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $31.3bn"},"display_date":"2023-07-26T20:19:01.517Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meta forecasts third-quarter revenue above expectations","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DTTTS6SHFV3N44NRGFPB4THJPM","auth":{"1":"b36ff3ffaafacc79ddefa177b7c91e85d894635e564820e558d4413ee3056f7d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DTTTS6SHFV3N44NRGFPB4THJPM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2023/07/26/meta-forecasts-third-quarter-revenue-above-expectations/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}}],"count":853,"_id":"a3c6dc2df69273177a55bb298598eec873fee05950806ccbebff673f656e86be"},"expires":1733287169096,"lastModified":1733286868613}},"most-popular":{"{\"feature\":\"numbered-list\",\"section\":\"\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"AAGTMLVP4RHNVNJ6KZZRGZ2SWE","headlines":{"basic":"My brother is doing the Trump dance"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WJWR4NI45CG6MIX66WPSEZX6TU","auth":{"1":"a114cc709b6772f6aec7abe7209d38097cf7464da7ebdb2c666d9608593bcc43"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WJWR4NI45CG6MIX66WPSEZX6TU.jpg"}},"websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_url":"/world/americas/2024/11/30/my-brother-is-doing-the-trump-dance/"}}},{"_id":"YN4BD3I3URAGTEUUNYOBU4QM3U","headlines":{"basic":"‘A beautiful girl, full of life, full of energy’: Tributes paid to eight-year-old girl killed in New Ross as man arrested"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MA3QKPOYQBHSNBPO2SNE5XHDMA","auth":{"1":"2003f7bb4067be3abfcdfc07997ab2e6a2980d1c40812bac8b3a13bfc14a082a"},"focal_point":{"x":232,"y":248},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MA3QKPOYQBHSNBPO2SNE5XHDMA.jpg"}},"websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_url":"/crime-law/2024/12/03/a-beautiful-girl-full-of-life-full-of-energy-tributes-paid-to-eight-year-old-girl-killed-in-new-ross-as-man-arrested/"}}},{"_id":"2ORVN2SFUZFMLCC6AQ2244RIHU","headlines":{"basic":"Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s son on his parents: ‘Kids were second to their drinking and partying’"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QJMIYZ25Q5GTXPT6K7EOZJZXDE","auth":{"1":"ffb6ade9a585f16e9b32af07b0b1857814be4edbce7af0434735ebb1c5b5126e"},"focal_point":{"x":2044,"y":1487},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QJMIYZ25Q5GTXPT6K7EOZJZXDE.jpg"}},"websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_url":"/culture/film/2024/12/03/humphrey-bogart-and-lauren-bacalls-son-on-his-parents-kids-were-second-to-their-drinking-and-partying/"}}},{"_id":"TH776QCSPFCEDF5HMXXRVC2PAA","headlines":{"basic":"RIP.ie removes condolences page for Padraig Nally over anti-Traveller comments"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UZJGMSSFQVB5PKXCRAUDAQ5GTU","auth":{"1":"552d525927e47a256d8f405d981a4d705b06ef44ed3d0b503f67b6b90706c5bd"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UZJGMSSFQVB5PKXCRAUDAQ5GTU.jpg"}},"websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_url":"/ireland/2024/12/03/ripie-removes-condolences-pages-for-padraig-nally-over-anti-traveller-comments/"}}},{"_id":"BXEPDKVSYFDEVPQ2LN7U6FG64Y","headlines":{"basic":"Ireland has ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chance to fuel EU hydrogen network "},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MQCRQDNY4ND73NLL2OILFAXQSA","auth":{"1":"b290ce9c522c8f6e5705e70b09a0f6312fbc622c215ff47f69d1d98fb2408387"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MQCRQDNY4ND73NLL2OILFAXQSA.jpg"}},"websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_url":"/business/2024/12/03/ireland-has-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-to-fuel-eu-hydrogen-network/"}}}],"_id":"ac566ab83a5220539064e81270fa83acb3dfed18181daef835413fd19c53bc75"},"expires":1733286997236,"lastModified":1733286696618}}};Fusion.layout="right-rail-advanced";Fusion.metas={"page-type":{"value":"section","html":true},"paywall-status":{"value":"{{content.Paywall['paywall-status']}}","html":true},"description":{"value":"{{site.site_description}}","html":true}};Fusion.outputType="default";Fusion.template="template/td2IIiiWVxtbioXDt";Fusion.tree={"collection":"layouts","type":"right-rail-advanced","props":{"collection":"layouts","type":"right-rail-advanced","id":"right-rail-advanced","childProps":[{"collection":"sections","id":0},{"collection":"sections","id":1},{"collection":"sections","id":2},{"collection":"sections","id":3},{"collection":"sections","id":4},{"collection":"sections","id":5},{"collection":"sections","id":6},{"collection":"sections","id":7},{"collection":"sections","id":8}]},"children":[{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":0},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"@wpmedia/header-nav-chain-block/header-nav-chain-block","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"@wpmedia/header-nav-chain-block/header-nav-chain-block","id":"c0fa7nkHgH464Du","customFields":{"hierarchy":"hamburger-menu","logoAlignment":"center","showHorizontalSeperatorDots":true,"leftComponentMobile1":"menu","rightComponentMobile1":"custom","rightComponentCustomIndexMobile1":3,"menuComponentMobile1":"custom","menuComponentCustomIndexMobile1":2,"menuComponentMobile2":"queryly","leftComponentDesktop1":"queryly","leftComponentDesktop2":"menu","rightComponentDesktop1":"custom","rightComponentCustomIndexDesktop1":1,"rightComponentDesktop2":"custom","rightComponentCustomIndexDesktop2":3,"menuComponentDesktop1":"none","menuComponentDesktop2":"none"},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0f1j0n1myTR7B9-0-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"<iframe scrolling=\"no\" id=\"fw-desktop\" data-src=\"https://lw.foreca.com/v3/en/site/irishtimes/widget/?name=Dublin&id=102964574\" style=\"width: 85px; height: 40px; border:0; margin: 0; display: flex; align-items: center;\"></iframe>","pbInternal_cloneId":"f0f1j0n1myTR7B9"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"subscribe-button/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"subscribe-button/default","id":"f0fcuF3rugfL8OV-0-0-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"customTopHtml":"<iframe scrolling=\"no\" id=\"fw-mobile\" data-src=\"https://lw.foreca.com/v3/en/site/irishtimes/widget/?name=Dublin&id=102964574\" style=\"width: 85px; height: 40px; border:0; margin: 0;\"></iframe>"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"signin-subscribe/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"signin-subscribe/default","id":"f0fe6HNJvtOK8J1-0-0-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"loggedInNavigationTitle":"Logged-in-navigation"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/alert-bar-block/alert-bar","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/alert-bar-block/alert-bar","id":"f0f2yh0SgH464db","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":1},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fwlLn0hH4648M","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"970x250|970x90|728x90|320x50","lazyLoad":false,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/section-title-block/section-title","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/section-title-block/section-title","id":"f0flhSy3hH464UB","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":false},"customFields":{"inheritGlobalContent":false,"sectionContentConfig":{"contentService":"site-service-hierarchy-it","contentConfigValues":{"hierarchy":"section-page-subnavs","sectionId":"/technology/big-tech"}}},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{"items":{}},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","id":"f0fgz5E6hH464b0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0flPkKVsYu170e"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":2},"children":[]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":3},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","id":"f0fxMXociH464cm","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"itemContentConfig":{"contentService":"story-feed-sections","contentConfigValues":{"includeSections":"/technology/big-tech","feedSize":50,"feedOffset":350}},"offsetOverride":null,"sizeOverride":null,"allowSpeechKit":false,"overlineAlignment":"Left","showCloseButton":true,"fontSize":"Medium","headlineWeight":"Bold","headlineTextAlignment":"text-align_left","showHeadline":true,"showOverline":false,"showByline":false,"showDateTime":false,"showLiveStoryTimeline":false,"liveStoryEntriesCount":4,"showImageDesktop":true,"imageRatioDesktop":"16:9","imagePositionDesktop":"left","showImageMobile":true,"imageRatioMobile":"16:9","imagePositionMobile":"right","paywallStatus":"free","lastBottomDividerDesktop":true,"lastBottomDividerTablet":true,"lastBottomDividerMobile":true,"bottomDividerDesktop":true,"bottomDividerTablet":true,"bottomDividerMobile":true,"itemsPerPage":50},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":4},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"sticky-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"sticky-chain","id":"c0fzCExMiH464B3","customFields":{"stickyItem":3},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","id":"f0fdtA37suth74f-4-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"text":"MOST READ","link":"/most-read/","size":"Small","lightFontWeight":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/numbered-list-block/numbered-list","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/numbered-list-block/numbered-list","id":"f0fT6eSZkVlD6qv-4-0-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"listContentConfig":{"contentService":"most-popular","contentConfigValues":{"size":5,"section":""}},"showHeadline":true,"showImage":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fvYtLWRYJ38bq-4-0-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250|300x600","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":5},"children":[]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":6},"children":[]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":7},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0fsnjoXiH464it","customFields":{"layout":"[[12],[12],[]]","column1":2,"column2":0,"column3":0,"column4":0,"column5":0},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","id":"f0fJRcvZHCYp5hP-7-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","id":"f0fo9BQ2IF9q5vY-7-0-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"size":"Small","text":"YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...","lightFontWeight":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0f7ifTqjH464co","customFields":{"lazyLoad":false,"lazyLoadApp":false,"layout":"[[4,4,4],[12,12,12],[]]","column1":2,"column2":2,"column3":3,"column4":0,"column5":0,"showDividersDesktop":true},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","id":"f0fMbpQfLXzMah0-7-1-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"headline":"Crosswords & Puzzles","description":"Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained","imageURL":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QF3X7Z2CJNEZHPDUSBJU7N52M4.png","linkURL":"/crosswords-puzzles/","showHeadline":true,"showImage":true,"showDescription":true,"imageRatio":"3:2"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0fD0fkQ5DvG2Oj-7-1-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"<div align=\"center\">\n <iframe src=\"https://www.recruitireland.com/embed/search/jobs \"\n width=\"100%\"\n height=\"380px\"\n frameBorder=\"0\"\n loading=\"lazy\"\n style=\"min-width: 300px; max-width: 450px; display: block\">\n </iframe>\n</div>"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0fYXt8xLXzMaAS-7-1-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"<b><center>The Irish Times ePaper</center></b>"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0fOERSALXzMa3N-7-1-3","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"<style>\n a.epaper-link {\n text-decoration: none;\n }\n\n .epaper-bg {\n background-color: #f1f1f1;\n width: 100%;\n margin: auto;\n padding: 2px;\n }\n\n .epaper {\n width: 100%;\n height: 530px;\n margin: 20px auto;\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/WoiCg-HuQT0vbRYhs9ZZLxsEyBc=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/SFHQMXWUAJB6THFBFIMLCTEGPE.png\");\n background-position: center;\n background-repeat: no-repeat;\n background-size: contain;\n animation: epaper--animation 30s ease forwards 5;\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n @keyframes epaper--animation {\n 0% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 3% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 7.5% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/WoiCg-HuQT0vbRYhs9ZZLxsEyBc=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/SFHQMXWUAJB6THFBFIMLCTEGPE.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 7.6% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/o1nhqi_gxGQqIGONiXa2Gh5bgQs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/H2CCKPCMV5HI3DMOFUHTAUMTLE.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 12% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 25% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 30.5% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/o1nhqi_gxGQqIGONiXa2Gh5bgQs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/H2CCKPCMV5HI3DMOFUHTAUMTLE.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 30.6% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/uXAw0csJa4oy9GEtudqVFYJz7xs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/3HMM3WSTX5EGJDLXI7DC67ANCQ.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 35% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 55% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 60.5% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/uXAw0csJa4oy9GEtudqVFYJz7xs=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/3HMM3WSTX5EGJDLXI7DC67ANCQ.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 60.6% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/pY4nBgIYPKMSvjqcnzXqjMk52Gg=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/WYQ7LHQVD5AYXKU3CEQADTD44Y.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 65% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 85% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 90.5% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/pY4nBgIYPKMSvjqcnzXqjMk52Gg=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/WYQ7LHQVD5AYXKU3CEQADTD44Y.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 90.6% {\n background-image: url(\"https://irishtimes-irishtimes-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/WoiCg-HuQT0vbRYhs9ZZLxsEyBc=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/SFHQMXWUAJB6THFBFIMLCTEGPE.png\");\n opacity: 0;\n }\n\n 95% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n\n 100% {\n opacity: 1;\n }\n }\n</style>\n\n<div class=\"epaper-bg\">\n <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/epaper\"\n class=\"epaper-link\" target=\"_blank\">\n <div class=\"epaper\"></div>\n </a>\n</div>","pbInternal_cloneId":"f0ffBDyzX4Hz4Oo"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","id":"f0ffKRbNKxrw1m0-7-1-4","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"headline":"Election 2024","description":"Full general election coverage including analysis and results for all 43 constituencies","imageURL":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg","linkURL":"/election2024/","showHeadline":true,"showImage":true,"showDescription":true,"imageRatio":"3:2"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","id":"f0f5sy0ELXzMakt-7-1-5","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"headline":"Common Ground","description":"How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands","imageURL":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TKVFY64P25HALODOK466CJOPKA.png","linkURL":"/common-ground/","showHeadline":true,"showImage":true,"showDescription":true,"imageRatio":"3:2"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/medium-manual-promo-block/medium-manual-promo","id":"f0fimOFZUNzQ205-7-1-6","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"headline":"Family Notices","description":"Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices","imageURL":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6RIXRYTX4RC4FOGBX6TGGNZHDU.jpg","linkURL":"https://notices.irishtimes.com/","showHeadline":true,"showImage":true,"showDescription":true,"imageRatio":"3:2"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","id":"f0fTSmrvjH464AX","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fC3hLxjH464Ww","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"970x250|970x90|728x90|300x250","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","id":"f0fdXvtAjH4646D","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fmydUBIEVbcHi"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":8},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0fjhydRjH464Ly","customFields":{"layout":"[[12],[12],[]]","column1":4,"column2":1,"column3":1,"column4":1,"column5":1,"lazyLoad":null,"linkText":null,"linkUrl":null,"showDividersDesktop":null,"showDividersTablet":null,"showDividersMobile":null,"lazyLoadApp":true},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0fbv2KMxkeL6rG-8-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"<style>\n/*Override copyright*/\n.copyright-column p,\n.copyright,\n/*Footer*/\nfooter .footer-header,\nfooter .footer-section ul,\n[aria-label=\"our-partners\"],\n[aria-label=\"our-partners\"] span,\n.b-links-bar span,\nfooter span {\n font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;\n color: #575757;\n}\n\n/* Change the order in the footer*/\nfooter .legacy-footer-row {\n position: relative;\n}\n\n/*Hide the logo from the footer*/\nfooter .primaryLogo,\nfooter hr {\n display: none!important;\n}\n\n/* Hide the top border in the footer*/\nfooter .section-separator {\n border-top: none;\n}\n\nfooter .socialBtn-container,\nfooter .socialBtn-container a {\n border: none;\n}\n\n/*Copyright*/\n.copyright-column {\n width: 82%!important;\n}\n\n.copyright-column p {\n text-align: right!important;\n}\n\n.copyright {\n font-size: small;\n padding: 0;\n}\n\n/* Style our partners*/\n[aria-label=\"our-partners\"] {\n background-color: #f1f1f1;\n padding-top: 0.75rem;\n padding-bottom: 0.75rem;\n margin-bottom: 1rem;\n}\n\n[aria-label=\"our-partners\"] hr,\n {\n display: none;\n}\n\n[aria-label=\"our-partners\"]:before {\n font-size: small;\n content: 'Our partners: ';\n font-weight: bold;\n color: #575757;\n text-transform: uppercase;\n}\n\n\n/*Mobile styles*/\n@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {\n footer {\n margin-bottom: 0 !important;\n }\n\n footer .layout-section>* {\n margin-bottom: 0;\n }\n\n .legacy-footer-row {\n display:flex;\n flex-direction: row;\n /*background-color:#f1f1f1;*/\n width: 100vw;\n position: relative;\n left: -20px;\n padding-top: 2rem;\n }\n\n .footer-header {\n text-align: center;\n }\n\n .footer-item {\n text-align: center;\n font-size: 14px;\n }\n\n [aria-label=\"our-partners\"] {\n display: block;\n text-align: center;\n color: #000;\n margin-bottom: 0;\n }\n\n [aria-label=\"our-partners\"]:before {\n text-align: center;\n display: block;\n }\n\n [aria-label=\"our-partners\"] .b-links-menu {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n text-align: center;\n visibility: hidden;\n height: 40px;\n }\n\n\n [aria-label=\"our-partners\"] .b-links-menu a {\n visibility: visible;\n }\n\n .apps {\n padding-top: 0.75rem;\n border-top: 2px solid #000;\n border-bottom: 2px solid #000;\n padding-bottom: 1rem;\n }\n[aria-label=\"our-partners\"] .c-separator\n {\n --separator-content: var(--c-separator-content, none);\n display: block;\n margin-bottom: 0.2rem;\n}\n .static-footer-links {\n background-color: #333;\n padding: 1rem;\n display: block !important;\n margin-bottom: 0 !important;\n }\n\n .static-footer-links .static-footer-links-item {\n border-right: none;\n }\n\n .static-footer-links a {\n color: #fff !important;\n border-right: none;\n padding: 0.5rem;\n }\n\n}\n\n</style>"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/footer-block/footer","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/footer-block/footer","id":"f0flUJg92ynm6Pm-8-0-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"navigationConfig":{"contentService":"site-service-hierarchy","contentConfigValues":{"hierarchy":"footer"}},"lazyLoad":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0fcSRSNS9zi6b4-8-0-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"<div class=\"apps text-align_center\" style=\"margin:0 auto;text-align:center;\">\n <span class=\"font_bold\" style=\"display:block;\"><b>Download the app</b></span>\n <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://apps.apple.com/ie/developer/the-irish-times-ltd/id365544597\">\n <img alt=\"Download on the App Store\" src=\"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BJJKNJJHDJDGDDODHEER7FDH44.png\" width=\"108\" height=\"34\" loading=\"lazy\"></a>\n \n <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=The+Irish+Times+Ltd\">\n <img alt=\"Download on Google Play\" src=\"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T2XGUGDSUZCOZAYIQEKG2TWML4.png\" width=\"108\" height=\"34\" loading=\"lazy\"></a>\n</div>\n<style>\n.apps img{\nmargin-top:0.55rem;\n}\n.apps span{position:relative;display:block;margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0;color:#575757;font-size:1rem; }\n</style>"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/links-bar-block/links-bar","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/links-bar-block/links-bar","id":"f0fUmIxk2ynm6t2-8-0-3","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"navigationConfig":{"contentService":"site-service-hierarchy-it","contentConfigValues":{"hierarchy":"our-partners","sectionId":""}},"ariaLabel":"our-partners"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]}]}]};Fusion.spa=false;Fusion.spaEnabled=false;</script><script type="application/javascript"> setTimeout(function () { var permutiveSdk = permutive || window.permutive; if (permutiveSdk) { var cookieArr = document.cookie.split(';'); for (var i = 0; i < cookieArr.length; i++) { var cookiePair = cookieArr[i].split('='); if ('blaize_tracking_id' === cookiePair[0].trim()) { var blaizeTrackingIdCookie = decodeURIComponent(cookiePair[1]); permutiveSdk.identify(blaizeTrackingIdCookie); break; } } } }, 100); setTimeout(function () { var permutiveSdk = permutive || window.permutive; if (permutiveSdk) { permutiveSdk.segments(function (segments) { var retrieveSegmentsXhr = new (XMLHttpRequest || ActiveXObject)('MSXML2.XMLHTTP.3.0'); retrieveSegmentsXhr.open('POST', '/plugins/public/permutive/update-segments', true); retrieveSegmentsXhr.setRequestHeader('Content-type', 'application/json'); retrieveSegmentsXhr.withCredentials = true; retrieveSegmentsXhr.send(JSON.stringify(segments)); }); } }, 1000); </script></body></html>