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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 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The former chief executive of chip design software company Cadence had been charged with overseeing its crucial chip manufacturing strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFREMOZQPJCWPGHBE4TB3YBDUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442980},"content":"As part of the changes announced on Monday, Ms Johnston Holthaus will take a newly created position as chief executive of Intel Products, a unit that encompasses its AI, data centre and client computing groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDPJ5N2OQJDK3PJZPQYO5DLANA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442981},"content":"Frank Yeary, who was independent chairman of Intel’s board but will become interim executive chairman as it looks for a new chief, added: “While we have made significant progress in regaining manufacturing competitiveness and building the capabilities to be a world-class foundry, we know that we have much more work to do at the company and are committed to restoring investor confidence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3CDDC4DMYZFERFJI3FW4MCPMLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442982},"content":"“As a board, we know first and foremost that we must put our product group at the centre of all we do,” he said. “Our customers demand this from us, and we will deliver for them.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Oliver Ralph"}]},"description":{"basic":"Semiconductor company appoints interim co-chiefs while it searches for a permanent replacement"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T16:04:36.06Z","headlines":{"basic":"Intel chief Pat Gelsinger to quit with US chipmaker in crisis","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7FKHTRMLN2DCT2JFNG56HUUILI","auth":{"1":"84be884323a3008b0208b30905b9660bd1c03601795a31ad1858457aed627e57"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7FKHTRMLN2DCT2JFNG56HUUILI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/12/02/intel-chief-pat-gelsinger-to-quit-with-us-chipmaker-in-crisis/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"L7UAWO2XCFFXBF75HM325BVUKQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":352,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-h0e8gjgjaqe0egb7.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9ae2b7c1-a515-46df-8b73-008ae28b78f8/versions/1732971362/media/5931a31ee8092d9c150b4d537b2dd6a5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/12/02/its-cool-isnt-a-good-reason-for-scientists-to-develop-harmful-technologies/","content_elements":[{"_id":"43STSW4R55BGNCLVUIPKQD3Q74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896268},"content":"The device on which you may be reading this owes its existence to an experiment roughly 55 years ago. A <a href=\"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241028-the-failure-that-started-the-internet\" target=\"_blank\">team of university researchers</a>, with some funding from the United States department of defence, established a connection between two computers 560km apart in the US. It was the first demonstration of the Arpanet, what would become the internet – a technology that was revolutionised in 1989 when English scientist <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tim-berners-lee/\" target=\"_blank\">Tim Berners-Lee</a> not only created the world wide web, but gave his invention away for free.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z3OVTJ2ZNCE3OINXEVNPHPOIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732666779198},"content":"This kind of innovation now seems lost forever. Scientific research has been overwhelmingly privatised. The 1980 US Bayh-Dole Act, which allowed private firms to patent inventions that were created with public funds, is regarded as a key turning point. Gradually, intellectual property – like other types of property – has become concentrated in the hands of the super-wealthy. From healthcare and energy security to space exploration and the new frontier of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a> (AI), multibillionaire tech moguls have become gatekeepers of scientific discovery. (Discovery on their own – profitable – terms, naturally.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVN2C4OCLRAVLE5NE6WWI4UQPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896272},"content":"What’s more, they can rely on what philosopher of science Heather Douglas calls<b> </b>the “old social contract for science” to minimise accountability for their actions. This “contract” is based on three assumptions. First, that basic science (like splitting the atom) should be distinguished from applied research (like developing an atomic bomb). Second, that scientists doing basic, or “pure”, research are free from responsibility. And third, that public funding should go to basic science, regardless of how industries use scientific discoveries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKTX6U7MZNCJ5LXHVIRMRYB4QM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896274},"content":"This “old contract” – tacitly accepted in the western world since the industrial revolution – was always self-serving for scientists. It allowed people like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/j-robert-oppenheimer/\" target=\"_blank\">J Robert Oppenheimer</a> to race to develop nuclear weapons with a supposedly clear conscience. But it was also naive, allowing capitalist “innovators” to use the blanket of science to cover up social harms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLEB2ATVYBD2BAJ36PKNKZJCUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896275},"content":"You might think <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jeff-bezos/\" target=\"_blank\">Jeff Bezos</a>, the world’s second-richest man, has lined his pockets on back of union-busting activities and ruthlessly crushing independent retailers. But the executive chairman of Amazon <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/feb/03/jeff-bezos-and-the-world-amazon-made\" target=\"_blank\">reveals in his memoir</a> that he wants to be known as “inventor Jeff Bezos”, likening himself to a modern-day Thomas Edison.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62GKI2IF6FAAHNL22AASQG5TUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896276},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>, the world’s richest man, also likes to portray himself as a scientific frontiersman for whom traditional rules do not apply. He is leading the charge to Mars, designing bulletproof cars for Earth, and reinventing democracy – all in one go. His nutty professor act – “I’m dark gothic Maga!” – is a great way of deflecting attention from corporate responsibilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZ3B65D32ZAX3DX4KWCEXY35UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896277},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sam-altman/\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Altman</a> – chief executive of Open AI, the company behind ChatGPT – has been more direct in exploiting the “old social contract” for profit. Government policy should come “downstream of the science”, he said <a href=\"https://www.hbs.edu/bigs/tech-policy-works-best-downstream\" target=\"_blank\">in an interview</a> earlier this year. Relying on the distinction between pure and applied research, he argues that oversight should be limited to something like “the equivalent of weapons inspectors” for AI.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HN3CVRQ4FNE6HCVJV3NGKUK2QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"JHCWPQLTMFFJTI3FWAVASA3ZDI"},"content":"We are up to our necks in a rising tide of AI-generated slop","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DLES4L3ARJFWFCU3SJ3XBLX6KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896278},"content":"Just how committed either he or other tech entrepreneurs would be to even this level of supervision is unclear, given Altman had previously <a href=\"https://www.reuters.com/technology/openai-ceos-threat-quit-eu-draws-lawmaker-backlash-2023-05-25/\" target=\"_blank\">threatened to cease OpenAI operations</a> in Europe because of the European Union’s relatively timid new AI rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BTS4SY2EFRBFPJKF5XYTHL5ZMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896279},"content":"“Scientists cannot operate in a responsibility-free manner,” says Douglas, who is calling for a “new social contract for science”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCUIJ74LGZH23HCTLWWVKRCGYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"3FYF26MI6NCDVPZNSVMLFKDJ5A"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QMTLGFJZUNCYRN6M2U6YEB7DBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896280},"content":"Accountability mechanisms should be tied to “clear and precise responsibility floors”, she told The Irish Times on a visit to Dublin recently for a <a href=\"https://peritia-trust.eu/\" target=\"_blank\">conference on science and democracy</a> hosted by the UCD school of philosophy. The main floor she would set is “don’t make the world worse”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7GVT4IXPZA27JL2DMCU7RFVTY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZIZDBCMWWZHT3L634RA42B7GPM"},"content":"Consequences of making AI central to legal decision-making ‘terrifying’, says human rights commissioner","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TNRN763W2VGRDOPZJDFH3PNTRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732629072631},"content":"Applying such standards would allow us to judge something like generative AI, the technology behind ChatGPT and similar tools designed to mimic human functions. While it may prove to be useful in “narrow” applications like cancer screening, Douglas says: “the overwhelming uses tend to be harmful, from generative ‘deep fake’ porn, revenge porn, to generative ‘deep fake’ political ads ... There are so many harms, and the benefits are not coming to fruition, partly because the levels of hallucination [nonsensical or inaccurate outputs] are so high.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EM6AE5G7VZDL5BTULA763RSRBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896282},"content":"“I think it’s really up to the scientists who are pushing these things to make arguments that this technology is actually beneficial – not just ‘I think it’s cool’ – and, if not, there is no reason why we can’t just shut them down.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCPTF7DR4BGOJCDLGU3MRVSPRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732629072633},"content":"Regulating generative AI is important in its own right, but it also matters because it is a dummy run for what is being billed the existential threat of artificial general intelligence (AGI). This goes beyond mimicking human intelligence to conquering it: humans will be in a position to AI as we are to non-human animals. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/geoffrey-hinton/\" target=\"_blank\">Geoffrey Hinton</a>, the “godfather of AI” who shared this year’s Nobel Prize for physics, says AGI “<a href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/video/godfather-of-artificial-intelligence-talks-impact-and-potential-of-new-ai/\" target=\"_blank\">may be fewer than 20 years away</a>”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YPAJJFTZZAM5GHOJVQOM2UXJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732629072634},"content":"Hinton – who has <a href=\"https://fortune.com/2024/10/09/openai-sam-altman-geoffrey-hinton-nobel-prize-physics-ilya-sutskever-toronto/\" target=\"_blank\">publicly questioned Altman’s fitness to run OpenAI</a> – says scientists need to be protected from themselves. When challenged on the threats posed by AI while he was working for Google, he used to paraphrase Oppenheimer: “When you see something that is technically sweet, you go ahead and do it.” Hinton no longer says this, admitting he didn’t take ethical concerns seriously enough at Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTOBZW7YBBBMBPZOGSYDXUVHVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896285},"content":"“I think the old contract really undermined public trust in science by embracing a model of responsibility-free,” says Douglas. “Why should the public trust a scientific community who don’t care about the impact of their science on society?”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Humphreys"}},"name":"Joe Humphreys"}]},"description":{"basic":"Unthinkable: Regulating generative AI is important in its own right, but it’s also a dummy run for the existential threat of artificial general intelligence. This will go beyond mimicking human intelligence to conquering it"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T05:45:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘It’s cool’ isn’t a good reason for scientists to develop harmful technologies ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TDRHP62B55BYHHIP6V4QXKQQYI","auth":{"1":"ebc2066c1428e79ae63ee105af61864106f0b030bc440fe9048135fd865d24f1"},"focal_point":{"x":687,"y":279},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TDRHP62B55BYHHIP6V4QXKQQYI.JPG"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Science"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/12/02/its-cool-isnt-a-good-reason-for-scientists-to-develop-harmful-technologies/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"HJK7J3M6ZBHHFE7H7WCEBLGLYM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":123,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8b58db40-b724-4e5f-a1a6-c592839c459e/versions/1732881865/media/5a4a45212b97b71ec1c9144d242755d0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/12/01/builder-knows-best-the-apple-gamble-that-paid-off-big/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EVS7MNK35JDP7DNHI3VHOI2M5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877896611},"content":"Are stock tips from random builders the secret to stock market fortunes? Apparently so, in the case of American football star Rob Gronkowski, who has been in the headlines after talking about his “best investment” – a $69,000 bet on Apple in 2014 that is now worth over $600,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PRNIPEMXBBYDFTKQ4JO4XTJRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346695},"content":"The NFL star got the tip from his housebuilder, who told him Apple was “where it’s at”. After repeated urgings to “get Apple”, Gronkowski decided to “go big”, instructing his financial adviser to buy $69,000 worth of stock.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGP7QGPASNAABB5AY4WR3GZKDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346696},"content":"He soon forgot about the purchase, before discovering over two years later that his shareholding was worth about $250,000. He took some profits, but let most of his position run.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NTS7BCFDNCZRLIVPETYO3ASMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346697},"content":"Gronkowski admits he had “no idea” what he was doing, but that didn’t stop CNBC publishing a piece suggesting that his strategy “mirrored Warren Buffett’s”. Berkshire Hathaway’s $31 billion purchase of Apple shares in 2016 wasn’t Buffett’s idea, noted CNBC, but that of his lieutenant, Ted Weschler (disclosure: I own shares in Berkshire).","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNWD2ZAEZJE2HPCPJDDBM5QCUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346698},"content":"Additionally, Gronkowski’s forgetfulness is “not far off” Buffett’s advice to everyday investors to buy and hold for the long term, ignoring short-term movements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PBD3XO4QZDOXPCZXPBQUYEHQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346699},"content":"Is this a stretch? Perhaps. The real moral of the story: you can sometimes make lots of money doing stupid things. Countless studies confirm that acting on stock tips, whether from analysts, financial magazines, or investment newsletters, is a bad idea. Perhaps tips from builders are different, but don’t bet on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}},"name":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}]},"description":{"basic":"NFL star Rob Gronkowski has seen the value of his accidental investment multiply over the last decade"},"display_date":"2024-12-01T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Builder knows best? The Apple gamble that paid off big","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SO4POZPZSXVT3K45N46EYRMTEU","auth":{"1":"fa0f3594ec77d562080cee83af383a5fe4b58f08b0e85e26f5b71f54acbd8039"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SO4POZPZSXVT3K45N46EYRMTEU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Markets"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/12/01/builder-knows-best-the-apple-gamble-that-paid-off-big/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"ACKCBND74NATHLG4OLXDH5PMUI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/29/dell-products-hit-by-demand-slump-reports-revenue-drop/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VD6F3NOEMJFUFKEYNUKQ6XA2MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333966},"content":"Revenue fell at one of Dell’s main subsidiaries last year with the company hit by ongoing uncertainty in the wider economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZHBVRFWVNGPFKO5F4FTYKUVN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333967},"content":"Dell Products, which sells and distributes the group’s products in Europe, the Middle East and Asia (EMEA), said its revenue slid 14 per cent as ongoing economic difficulties hit demand. Total revenue for the period was $14.5 billion (€13.75 billion), down from more than $16 billion (€15 billion) in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVQDDP5RGFBJXMSHDHVNZYZZYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732901652310},"content":"Hardware sales remained the largest proportion of revenue. Dell said that fell to $13.5 billion for the year down from just under $16 billion a year earlier. Software sales totalled $401 million in the same period, while support service revenue was $573.5 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVGLAKMCPFFJVFFXRLWGBMR76E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732901652311},"content":"The bulk of revenue – $13.9 billion – came from its European customers, the accounts noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QX3EUWHCGVAT3LMJOEKJOYVNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333968},"content":"Operating profit was $82.6 million for the year to February 2nd, 2024, down from $90.8 million in 2023. A fall in input costs helped raise gross margins slightly, while profit on ordinary activities before interest and taxation fell $8 million year-on-year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4OER4RZKVFMZDPVV7OMNG4RAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333969},"content":"Pretax profit slumped as the company wrote down the value of its investments by $115 million. That brought pretax profit to $18.7 million, down from $130.3 million the previous year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TF73KUCNUJC6DK6J4ZEMDPKX6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333970},"content":"In note on the accounts, Dell said it had received a capital contribution from fellow group member Dell International Holding in October 2018. That $557.7 million contribution was a transfer of shares in a subsidiary company, Dell GmbH. An assessment by directors of their value determined the carrying value was in excess of the recoverable value, leading to the write-down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUKFSUQ5LNG7LLKQCU7ERRZ6NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333971},"content":"A dividend of $47 million was paid to Dell Products by Dell GmbH, in line with the prior year. Dell Products also paid out a dividend of $47 million to Dell Global, which owns 99 per cent of the company, and Dell International Holding, which owns the remaining 1 per cent. That was a fraction of the $160 million recorded a year earlier.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IMAPSQ24ZAFXFK6CBIAG4SKRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333972},"content":"Dell Products also received a capital contribution from its parent company of $589.8<b> </b>million, in line with the previous year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7522PJZ4HJFFBJIDIJSUAXD24E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333973},"content":"The company paid $11.6 million in tax, including $9.6 million in Irish corporation tax, and the remainder in foreign and other tax charges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBMLTW3ZE5H7JONYSIS45EPY4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333974},"content":"Dell Products employs close to more than 2,100 people, down from almost 2,200 in 2023. That was split between sales and distribution, which employed 1,220 people, and administration, which had 900 staff. The wage bill for the year was $240.4 million, up from $209.4 million, despite staff numbers dropping.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZ3B3TDCKJENNE6FG5C5KZSL6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732901652319},"content":"Including pensions and other remuneration, the total bill was €286.9 million for the year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company’s $11.6m tax bill included $9.6m in Irish corporation tax"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T17:50:05.579Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dell Products hit by demand slump, reports revenue drop","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EXVZQUS3QNBP7DFBTPOKRCJSHI","auth":{"1":"bd9071f69b429abb086e8e970e295aba8935ddc029ac953b9263d48981dd9fe2"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EXVZQUS3QNBP7DFBTPOKRCJSHI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/29/dell-products-hit-by-demand-slump-reports-revenue-drop/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"37LUF5PPUREALCQD5MBOOGUZPE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":430,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7cff346e-9bcc-45a0-b3da-a07946b715bd/versions/1732632027/media/6b377c11ae6eb360c251681b2d9d373f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/28/margrethe-vestager-the-worlds-pioneering-tech-cop-is-making-her-exit/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XIVGX6WNGVB7ND4HMV6VWUAFGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438678},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/margrethe-vestager/\" target=\"_blank\">Margrethe Vestager</a>, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-union/\" target=\"_blank\">European Union</a> antitrust enforcer who has been the world’s foremost critic of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/\" target=\"_blank\">tech industry</a>, recently walked through her Brussels office wondering what to do with the stuff she had accumulated during a decade in that role, which ends late this month. At one point, she paused to lift a sculpture of a hand holding up its middle finger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CN4ARXPGWBGB5PHS3B3GYULU3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438679},"content":"“What should I do with this?” Vestager (56) asked. The middle finger, she has said, was a reminder not to let critics get you down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJXJNSLFRZCQ3GYF4OLZDGZ42M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438680},"content":"Vestager, a Danish politician who was the rare EU official to become known globally, has faced plenty of detractors over the years. When she was appointed to police antitrust in 2014, she became one of the first government officials in the world to aggressively bring cases and fines against <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a> for conducting illegal business practices and trying to block competition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7IMXC5VB5GPNIQK4DK227YPBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438681},"content":"At the time, the US digital titans were growing quickly and were highly popular for their innovations. Vestager grappled with backlash for her actions, with tech leaders saying she was stymieing Europe’s economy by scaring off start-ups from building in the region. In 2018, then US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Donald Trump</a> reportedly said she “really hates” America.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXZ4KSO7XRAPRJA7RKX2MGMCMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438682},"content":"But as Vestager closes out her era in Brussels, regulating the tech industry has become more mainstream around the world. Thanks to her, Europe is now widely seen as the pioneer of the toughest laws against tech. US regulators have in recent years followed Europe by bringing antitrust lawsuits against Google, Apple, Meta and Amazon. Regulators in South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Canada and elsewhere are also taking on the tech giants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HGHPGHPNJDZLHOUPN2ERF7NYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438683},"content":"“It is extremely satisfying,” Vestager told the New York Times, adding that she cried when the European Union’s highest court gave her an unexpected victory in August in a protracted tax avoidance case against Apple. “People thought that we were crazy because, 10 years ago, Big Tech was untouchable. They were the most admired, the most innovative, the most promising companies that you could think of.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBSNRMMHQFFA7K3VIWRVNDJZ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":"UC3NXZJTR5DODG65D7X4YUNHLI"},"content":"The Irish Times view on regulation of big tech: a high stakes game","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DTY7LYTGZ5AMPBDD7QA437UY6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438685},"content":"Even in Washington, Vestager has gone from outcast to trailblazer. In September, when she made a final visit to her counterparts at the US justice department, staff members there packed a room to hear her speak and gave her a standing ovation as she exited.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLUCOPOVRREFVKWNKY2XUDXSVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438686},"content":"“She is a transformational figure,” said Jonathan Kanter, the head of the department’s antitrust division, who has a framed picture in his office of a cartoon mouse giving the middle finger as a homage to Vestager. “She came into office at a time when not a lot of people were talking about the importance of strong oversight of digital gatekeepers. Because of her, it’s an important and relevant topic of conversation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLOMDB66IJG23G6ZZFGRCRTFDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438688},"content":"Vestager is now preparing to take a role at a university in Denmark. Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, a Spanish official, is set to take over as the European Union’s top antitrust regulator.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6XGZDTVORBPTHUHBT2KJLEJKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438689},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDP7HBJALBH4PG7LDGXQY4EU5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438690},"content":"Many techies have criticised Vestager’s tough approach, saying she harmed Europe’s tech industry and enlarged its reputation as a creator of bureaucratic rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGD4VGU5WJB4BLZJA5ABNFFWTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732619295907},"content":"But some former colleagues said the region’s regulations did not go far enough. Google, Apple, Amazon and others have grown even more powerful over the past decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NM3KHT6KTZFKLB5SV3HKYEO7XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438693},"content":"“Have we moved the dial and changed the system? Only at the margins,” said Tommaso Valletti, who was a top economist under Vestager and praised her commitment to the issue in the face of adversity. “Did we change Big Tech? My answer is no.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEGWOFY4SZGHTJT3APYFSGGPMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438694},"content":"Vestager said that she was proud of her tenure, but that it had been only “partly successful”. She said she wished her office could have moved faster and that she had pushed for companies to make tougher structural changes in addition to issuing fines. She urged regulators everywhere to be “bolder”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SLGQ2R5PKZFSNGZAVWQ2FUVY5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438695},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"YRS7NFH67BH5HOBJAOEEP2BUFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438696},"content":"Until recently, the United States was known for its hands-off oversight of the tech industry. Vestager praised the Biden administration’s more aggressive approach, which has included overseeing antitrust trials against Google. In one case, the justice department is currently pushing for a break-up of the internet giant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G525AY327FDMFM7JATIIYCKWSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438697},"content":"For a US regulator to take such a big step would have ripple effects globally and could change industry behaviour, Vestager said. “We are in the business of deterrence,” she said. “And if we do not once in a while use our most powerful tools, there’s no deterrence.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TMGHRMTW5APNAI2PHUMBE2R6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438699},"content":"The departing commissioner said it was “very difficult to say” how things would change under Trump when he returns to the White House in January, but she noted how quickly tech leaders had congratulated him on his election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAXLG6SYCFDOJITV42OXIJDKBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438700},"content":"“When you saw how fast tech leaders congratulated president-elect Trump, you see that there was a strong hope that this will all change,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNY4R36PL5GM5PZ775VJWTHOFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438701},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3CKNCD2DJFEJTNR4ZYYDWA76NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438703},"content":"Vestager said she avoided reading toxic comments online, which she added had a dangerous effect on democracy because people – particularly women – were being scared away from participating in politics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEHPLMVRMNCKVK2ZCPWXAHH2PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438704},"content":"“There’s one purpose for this: ‘You, woman, shut up. Go home. Keep quiet. We don’t want to know of you,’” she said. “I’ve heard so many young, talented, passionate, ambitious women say, ‘I don’t want that to be part of my life.’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AX3NUURPQJFEDKZKI7FGHGRVYE","additional_properties":{"_id":"FTHBL5GWUVH4HJ46JGAE6RTD5U"},"content":"Will Wall Street allow Big Tech to make AI work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NX53VLFBHZADVO5M5NIPOQAKKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438705},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XBALRI5PFER3K5AXZIDV5MYFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438706},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDAWN3LENNDAVJGUVP4CZEJDSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438707},"content":"Vestager said a new European law, the Digital Services Act, gave EU authorities critical new powers to regulate social media platforms. She said internet companies did not always appreciate that European laws differed from those in the United States over what constituted illegal speech, including racism, anti-Semitism and terrorist content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3HTJZ27ZZEMRBLJVNHQSUSGUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438708},"content":"“If a platform is used to undermine democracy, well, then clearly it is not in compliance with the Digital Services Act,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SIU2MFAJNFZ3DTAMOHSZMWUOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438709},"content":"She said the new law was needed to take on companies, including X and Telegram, that didn’t do enough to police their platforms for harmful and illicit material.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4QF7Y2C75ADFL6LE4KQBGRHQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438710},"content":"“I find it completely legitimate that, for instance, my home country, Denmark, passes a law that makes hate speech illegal,” she said. “What I find to be not legitimate is not wanting to respect those laws.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXQAOWNKUJGHZHYEEFLU56QYRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732619295924},"content":"Vestager said Elon Musk’s closeness to Trump must not influence regulation of his companies, including X, which is under investigation by the European Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBBIQMD3IRE4XH5XJ2FUTB7T74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438711},"content":"“One of the fundamentals of the European model is rule of law and equal treatment, and that must be for everybody,” she said. – This article originally appeared in <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/technology/margrethe-vestager-eu-antitrust.html\">The New York Times</a>.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Adam Satariano"}]},"description":{"basic":"EU’s antitrust enforcer leaves Brussels proud of her tenure but conscious that it had been only ‘partly successful’"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Margrethe Vestager, the world’s pioneering tech cop, is making her exit","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HBVMSMIEEQJ6BMXEDKJDG4OZ2I","auth":{"1":"2c1af583e07e55d6ba7027d0050d2ff2c1de1aa15504c69825022d285723187a"},"focal_point":{"x":2233,"y":2023},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HBVMSMIEEQJ6BMXEDKJDG4OZ2I.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/28/margrethe-vestager-the-worlds-pioneering-tech-cop-is-making-her-exit/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"6GP6IPHQFNCAPFBBEWQ6QSAO4M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":228,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/bcc2a57a-856f-45e9-a68a-5cb324a175df/versions/1732638426/media/cb72ab720805b5d448fae11043c3b135_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/26/facebook-parents-irish-arm-pays-900m-dividend-as-profit-rises/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KB4F4VQBE5BDDNXPEORJKONRCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320685},"content":"The Irish-based European headquarters of Facebook and Instagram’s owner paid a €900 million dividend last year to its immediate parent last year as sales and net profit rose.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCPY6NDTURGB3AIPJQTDDFOE4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320686},"content":"Meta Platforms Ireland’s turnover, almost all of which was generated by advertising across its social media and messenger platforms, rose 20 per cent in 2023 to €69.7 billion, according to accounts filed this week with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYF2YE5QNNDOHAQZOZMEXOUSVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320687},"content":"Net profit for the year rose 29 per cent to €1.56 billion, after the company recorded a €288.4 million tax charge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62FQ75QGDZCZ3K7H3OM4NZOGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320688},"content":"Still, the dividend payout was down from €3.7 billion handed over to it immediate parent, Facebook International Operations, a year earlier. The statement also shows that Meta Platform Ireland’s board approved a further €600 million distribution in March.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWC2POEZYBGJVPTSVXZT5KGR4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320689},"content":"Meta Platforms Ireland, led by chief executive Anne O’Leary, also disclosed it booked €143.7 million of provisions to cover potential administrative fines stemming from regulatory compliance investigations. The figure was down from €2.91 billion set aside in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAKWY3TRXNBTNLNIVIJ73RY7UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320690},"content":"The company also either used up or released some €613.6 million of provisions that had previously been set aside. However, it did not provide further details.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWJMES22JFEGBILO3OYSHYJ7OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320691},"content":"The firm is currently pursuing a High Court challenge against a decision by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in May last year to imposed a record €1.2 billion fine on it for violating European privacy rules. It followed a long investigation into transfers by Facebook of Europeans’ personal data to the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYY65KKVRVCRFBLW6ZZMVZGPQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320692},"content":"The Irish watchdog had not proposed a financial penalty against Meta in its original draft decision in the case but was “instructed” to impose a fine after a dispute resolution process at the European Data Protection Board, the body of almost 50 national and regional data regulators that must approve any cross-border penalties for data violations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIFSC73U7VEPFBDV7M46BOQBAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320693},"content":"Separately, the DPC reprimanded and imposed a fine of €91 million the company two months ago for improperly storing user passwords.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSCTZ5OHWBCNZPJVUNJSFWBQUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320694},"content":"Average headcount at Meta Platforms Ireland fell by 18 per cent last year to 2,171 in 2023 amid cost-cutting across the wider Meta group. It recorded €40.4 million of severance expenses, up from €22.5 million for the previous year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYHUEYLX3BDD3OEVZFMJPBXMNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320695},"content":"Meta entered a 25-year lease in 2018 for the 34,838 sq m (375,000 sq ft) Fibonacci Square office project on the grounds of AIB’s former headquarters in Ballsbridge, but decided in late 2022 not to occupy the space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGW7N4O6DRD5JHD62DGXOFWXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320696},"content":"However, the US tech giant leases and occupies 31,536 sq m of office space across the four existing blocks behind the Fibonacci Square development. This was officially opened in October 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHNRBHSTZBC37JBRFS23IREOGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320697},"content":"Meanwhile, Google Ireland, the European base for US internet search giant Alphabet, this week reported that its net profit jumped 91 per cent last year to €2.98 billion. It paid a €5 billion dividend during the period and followed up with an interim payment of €4.5 billion this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media giant sees turnover near €70bn"},"display_date":"2024-11-26T16:21:55.793Z","headlines":{"basic":"Facebook parent’s Irish arm pays €900m dividend as profit rises","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"X3EJORAN73B3DQOE3I3NCG5EI4","auth":{"1":"ae6e17f29af18bb6d2676fb5cb99daf25313cf5002a0fbdc42162c828835968d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/X3EJORAN73B3DQOE3I3NCG5EI4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/26/facebook-parents-irish-arm-pays-900m-dividend-as-profit-rises/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"AHNEZIM2ZRFSRKCT5NXPX3IVQA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/11/25/microsoft-outage-hits-customers-email-accounts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QF4JNBH4D5DMBFJF6AJDBQLVWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732527725725},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"T25HCGLOIJGO3P2WAEWUJ672TE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Microsoft users have been hit with a new outage on Monday that left many unable to access email or certain functions in the company’s collaborative messaging software.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2YBSDCHOFE73JRJSTFKZXUSKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732527815124},"content":"Reports surged online of problems from users all over Europe, with some reporting problems access the web version of Microsoft’s email. Visitors to <a href=\"http://outlook.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Outlook.com</a> said they were encountering an error page saying the website was taking too long to respond.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLS2IYZXMRDTLELDYKKM5R7EGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079222},"content":"“We’re investigating an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar,” the company posted on its X account, directing users to a note in its admin centre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TYH4XWAMJB3FKJD6T2BNEEQHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079223},"content":"That note warned users may be unable to access online mailboxes through Outlook on the web, desktop and Exchange ActiveSync, and could also have difficult in accessing or modifying calendars in Microsoft Teams, including creating or joining meetings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"REGT4NTSPFHSZF2AKOUS2T5FPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079224},"content":"The number of reports on DownDetector, which tracks outages in tech services worldwide, surged around 9am, but the impact seemed relatively limited compared to other issues in recent months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5E7YJCDPRBSBNFLXO7CPNBFIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079225},"content":"Microsoft’s software is used by millions of customers worldwide, which means any interruption in services can have a widespread impact. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWY7JYIE5FFJTAFZOS3MO4FTV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In July, an update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike crashed its clients’ Windows computers, grounding flights and causing chaos for businesses as they struggled to regain access to systems. 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","type":"text"},{"_id":"327WNXLF7FHKPJMULFID7ZYTAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The agency recommended investigating the two companies’ activities under tougher digital markets competition rules, which will come into force next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAAKZB66Y5FETPAFB46MHEDAUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056044},"content":"Apple and Google can manipulate consumer choices to make their own browsers Safari and Chrome, “the clearest or easiest option,” the UK regulator said in a statement on its interim findings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJNNG4NDP5HRBOLTFYFGGYUIX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056045},"content":"Most concerns centred on Apple’s mobile browser, which it said “is holding back innovation in the browsers we use to access the web on mobile phones.” A revenue-sharing agreement between Google and Apple also significantly reduces financial incentives to compete in mobile browsers on the Apple devices, the regulator said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5W767C4NDBALFH6EHQ647SWMGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056046},"content":"“Apple and Google earn significant revenue when their key rival’s mobile browser is used on iOS, reducing their financial incentives to compete,” the watchdog added. “In fact, the extent of this revenue-sharing is so large that the revenue share they earn from their competitor’s product is lower but similarly significant to the revenue share they earn from their own, so that the incremental revenue from winning customers, and therefore the financial incentive to compete, is limited.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGXDGZX3ORBSLOWGCUSGWUAL5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056047},"content":"The CMA’s move is among a series of high-profile investigations as regulators across the planet seek to break tech monopolies and anticompetitive practices. Apple and Google are under intense scrutiny in the European Union, under the bloc’s new digital antitrust rule book, the Digital Markets Act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB6JI5LUEBDSLPV7QMOE7E52BA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056048},"content":"Apple is facing a potential fine over its App Store rules, while Google is under pressure to re-engineer its search services to step into line with the rules. The US Department of Justice recently proposed to sell Alphabet’s Chrome.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QQCCPLILNEBDPGCXSXBEZKNMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056050},"content":"Apple disagreed with the findings, it said in a statement. The interventions “would undermine user privacy and security and hinder our ability to make the kind of technology that sets Apple apart,” it said. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VB3RLZ7ZH5FUBPX4T6YZ36BVMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056051},"content":"The new rules on digital markets will give the CMA the power to label companies as having Strategic Market Status. The agency must undertake a formal investigation to designate a firm, it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCQ6FYQAYBGHNJ4OBEOO222CQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056052},"content":"The probe started in 2022 after a separate study concluded the duo have a “vice-like grip” over operating systems, app stores and web browsers on mobile devices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U57KM2LMJ5E7ZAQZ77C6K6TWMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056053},"content":"The watchdog will drop the investigation into cloud gaming on mobile as Apple has made changes during the investigation to allow cloud gaming apps to be sold on its App Store. – Bloomberg ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giants can manipulate consumer choices to make Safari and Chrome ‘clearest, easiest option’, UK regulator says"},"display_date":"2024-11-22T13:53:30.67Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple and Google facing UK probe over mobile browser dominance","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"75KJ5PF6ZPO5NWC42H4ZSWCFZM","auth":{"1":"33f26b09504f5127cf2b198b0da4552f3d5211738d9cf1a0bd5d353ae0ffbbb4"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/75KJ5PF6ZPO5NWC42H4ZSWCFZM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/22/apple-and-google-facing-uk-probe-over-mobile-browser-dominance/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"6YMICSH2VZALHLJLVOKY2I5MCY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/22/how-google-spent-15-years-creating-a-culture-of-concealment/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ORSKGPA7E5H47GDRR7N7JW3QDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409231},"content":"In late 2008, as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a> faced antitrust scrutiny over an advertising deal with its rival <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/yahoo/\" target=\"_blank\">Yahoo</a> and confronted lawsuits involving patent, trademark and copyright claims, its executives sent out a confidential memo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVWPBMUWDVDZXNGMNGR7LYEOOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409232},"content":"“We believe that information is good,” the executives told employees in the memo. But, they added, government regulators or competitors might seize on words that Google workers casually, thoughtlessly, wrote to one another. To minimise the odds that a lawsuit could flush out comments that might be incriminating, Google said, employees should refrain from speculation and sarcasm and “think twice” before writing to one another about “hot topics”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6AXZTVYTNBBFLGYHZ3HAZ24CI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409233},"content":"The technology was tweaked, too. The setting for the company’s instant messaging tool was changed to “off the record”. An incautious phrase would be wiped the next day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7KSLEFKDRGGNIAC67ZAJJ7ECI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409234},"content":"The memo became the first salvo in a 15-year campaign by Google to make deletion the default in its internal communications. Even as the internet giant stored the world’s information, it created an office culture that tried to minimise its own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4AA7DOB665BU3BGEUQRTAHQFO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409235},"content":"Among its tools: using legal privilege as an all-purpose shield and imposing restraints on its own technology, all while continually warning that loose lips could sink even the most successful corporation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTUWM57JR5GTTJBTSOE6ABMJ4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409236},"content":"How Google developed this distrustful culture was pieced together from hundreds of documents and exhibits, as well as witness testimony, in three antitrust trials against the Silicon Valley company over the last year. The plaintiffs – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/epic-games-takes-apple-fight-to-eu-antitrust-regulators-1.4487303\" target=\"_blank\">Epic Games in one case</a>, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/09/11/google-faces-landmark-monopoly-case-in-us/\" target=\"_blank\">US department of justice</a> in the other two – were trying to establish monopoly behaviour, which required them to look through emails, memos and instant messages from hundreds of Google engineers and executives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UHPCS2FMJFFTFD4PTJP4DMMLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409237},"content":"The exhibits and testimony showed that Google took numerous steps to keep a lid on internal communications. It encouraged employees to put “attorney-client privileged” on documents and to always add a Google lawyer to the list of recipients, even if no legal questions were involved and the lawyer never responded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KI5LLHCGFBGE7MLSPIJEOOWHYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409238},"content":"Companies anticipating litigation are required to preserve documents. But Google exempted instant messaging from automatic legal holds. If workers were involved in a lawsuit, it was up to them to turn their chat history on. From the evidence in the trials, few did.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LKJ7PPSV6NEUJHWTGD3ABAT3SM","additional_properties":{"_id":"4NCJD3XQ2NDORMVAW52SE57XWM"},"content":"Owning the world’s most popular web browser has been key for Google’s ads business","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RVFXO7YJOVGBRKT74AZRY23CXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409239},"content":"Google is far from the only company trying to keep newer forms of communication out of the courtroom. But it has faced the broadest criticism for its actions, with the judges in all three antitrust cases chastising the company for its communications practices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXJLEJUHLVFOXJDPPZQ5NOO4WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409245},"content":"Judge James Donato of US district court for the northern district of California, who presided over the Epic case, said there was “an ingrained systemic culture of suppression of relevant evidence within Google” and that the company’s behaviour was “a frontal assault on the fair administration of justice”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZNBXCWLRFFOXANH7VLPVM57U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409246},"content":"Judge Leonie Brinkema of US district court for the eastern district of Virginia, who is overseeing Google’s antitrust case involving advertising technology, said at a hearing in August that the company’s document retention policies were “not the way in which a responsible corporate entity should function”. She added: “An awful lot of evidence has likely been destroyed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTUBAII5ENF5BDQG2UUV52YYTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409247},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UZMDYAQF5GIRPBHTCLIBR3STM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409248},"content":"In a statement, Google said it took “seriously our obligations to preserve and produce relevant documents. We have for years responded to inquiries and litigation, and we educate our employees about legal privilege”. The company said it had provided “millions of documents” in the justice department cases alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZ3H2QABQBCINH3OIK574XODYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409249},"content":"From Google’s point of view, it was the Marie Kondo of corporations, merely tidying up its records and files. But it did this so comprehensively and obsessively that it created the illusion of deceit that it was trying so hard to dispel, said Agnieszka McPeak, a professor at Gonzaga University School of Law who has written about evidence destruction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FZEIC3NJRGSFHKRTDPVETQSWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"LXF56OP2UVDH3POAEYTXPFVPIY"},"content":"Meta fined nearly €800m for breaking EU law over classified ads practices","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KHGR6YLAPNE43CZV2YGTJVCBSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409250},"content":"“Google had a top-down corporate policy of, ‘Don’t save anything that could possibly make us look bad,’” she said. “And that makes Google look bad. If they’ve got nothing to hide, people think, ‘Why are they acting like they do?’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2TRDCPOQJFN5KA3BKWDG47PIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409251},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDBZRGAR45HCJCY3I6IOLAIK74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409252},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"73HVWIXW4NGKVDO3Q7KU2FTCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409253},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6M3M6D32JGZRIY6PYW6EM24SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409254},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPMDN7YDINCEHOZUE62E6YWKIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409255},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPZZIZ5KFBCIXFSYNE7VCDBYQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409256},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHIOS36YKBFVDM653GPUWFUXMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409257},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMYAEMRKYVB73IF2U654EDD3BY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409258},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUOX3AR225G4PMM2A3X7SWCL3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409259},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZNBJ6WH75C2RI3EERD4ZHB574","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409260},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNLXWGLOZNAUFEGK46VSFTNGPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409261},"content":"As Google became bigger, its vocabulary became smaller. In a memo from 2011 titled Antitrust Basics for Search Team, the company recommended avoiding “metaphors involving wars or sports, winning or losing”, and rejecting references to “markets”, “market share” or “dominance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJQ6GFVPTNCGXES6STDB4PZVDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409262},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPVDE7S3BJCAHM3Y5QFDPFVELA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409263},"content":"And if using the right words and deleting messages did not keep Google out of the courthouse, the company concluded, invoking the lawyers would.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWEDQHI7IBFDPJLTSNS5J2U654","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409264},"content":"In the Epic case, the plaintiff contended that Google’s many evocations of attorney-client privilege were merely for show, to keep the documents out of the courtroom. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sundar-pichai/\" target=\"_blank\">Sundar Pichai</a>, Google’s chief executive, wrote in one 2018 email to another executive, “Attorney Client Privileged, Confidential, Kent pls advice,” referring to Kent Walker, Google’s top lawyer. The email, about a non-legal issue, was withheld by Google and stripped of its privilege only after Epic challenged it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DKTDH46I35FOZGRQOAG7LDNGAE","additional_properties":{"_id":"DKZ2QD5T3REFNFJ3MHUF7CMNQ4"},"content":"It turns out your air fryer might be listening, sending data to China","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RKP2Z3ZYCJFN7L7O34TE7HRR6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409265},"content":"Walker was asked to explain Google’s behaviour to the judge. He denied that there was “a culture of concealment” but said one problem was Googlers unsure of the meaning of certain words. “They think of the word ‘privilege’ as similar to ‘confidential’,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HVADU2A6BGATOYQPVMOM77LDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409266},"content":"A message surfaced in the Epic trial in which a Google lawyer identified the practice of copying lawyers on documents as “fake privilege” and seemed rather amused by it. Walker said he was “disappointed” and “surprised” to hear that term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2FKKTSUK5FD3EOXFDUGHQKOGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409267},"content":"The jury hearing the case ruled in favour of Epic on all 11 counts in December 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7Q5UPW73RC6NAF3FQYKHH74A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409268},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZO3JEIWSNBW7GQLCK4PERTUKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409269},"content":"In September 2023, as Google went on trial in an antitrust case over its dominance in internet search, the justice department asserted that the company had withheld tens of thousands of documents, saying they were privileged. When the documents were reviewed by the court, they were deemed not privileged after all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYEPO2U6Q5F65CWXUGRTDN37OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409270},"content":"“The court is taken aback by the lengths to which Google goes to avoid creating a paper trail for regulators and litigants,” Judge Amit Mehta of US district court for the District of Columbia wrote. Google, he noted, had clearly learned Microsoft’s lesson: It had effectively trained its employees not to create “bad” evidence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7MEXYM53BHADOTWQONG2YZDJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409271},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEPI4QOF4JAOBIWMXZVLX3FFLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409272},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCSMZHHLRVGJ5FFZJTUGXV4CSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409273},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HFTFFWTPFHGJAI3GEX6SPHRSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409274},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCDHLB2XHRHUBCR7PDWQFBLBJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409275},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJT3SXXOWFDTJJHFTUAOX6NVLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409276},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHZ4SXF5E5C4XOAKTEOIEOHPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409277},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5OGTKGFKZAXJHLCSXB3UMPC34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409278},"content":"Julia Tarver Wood, a justice department lawyer, said at an August hearing in the ad-tech case that Google employees referred to their off-the-record chats as ‘Vegas’: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUJEAWBSIJBAXG56R7IJOMWQBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409279},"content":"Google maintained that it did its best to provide the government with the documents it could, and that, in any case, the justice department did not establish that the deleted conversations were crucial to its case. The justice department said it could not do that because the material had been deleted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QPIFS7IW5AIPM3QKTCVNHNYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409280},"content":"Regulators have recently underlined that there is no “Vegas” in chats. This year, the Federal Trade Commission and the justice department’s antitrust division made it “crystal clear” in an enforcement memo: Communications through messaging apps are documents and must be preserved if there is threat of litigation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SIVP52C6P5CAJANBIUIVFUVLLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409281},"content":"Last year, Google changed its procedures. The default became saving everything, including chats. Employees on litigation holds can no longer turn chat history off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3RFVWM2CJDEHAHFLOCK4LWKTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409282},"content":"Old habits die hard, however. In one chat, employees responded to the news by forming a group to secretly communicate on WhatsApp, Meta’s secure messaging app. – This article originally appeared in <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/technology/google-antitrust-employee-messages.html\">The New York Times</a>.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"David Streitfeld"}]},"description":{"basic":"Evidence in three trials shows that even as the internet giant stored the world’s information, it created an office culture that tried to minimise its own"},"display_date":"2024-11-22T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How Google spent 15 years creating a culture of concealment","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PLDMFUJSJ3B57TC4VEMYELW5WE","auth":{"1":"f9903ddd7c00dcf5322e9e3ea99cc89178bc2f56d8ba621ac190b7e15b7e5d4b"},"focal_point":{"x":2152,"y":1172},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PLDMFUJSJ3B57TC4VEMYELW5WE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/22/how-google-spent-15-years-creating-a-culture-of-concealment/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"FOXADKLPAFDC7K2TCGYGHKAZUI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/20/ai-chip-leader-nvidia-forecasts-fourth-quarter-revenue-above-estimates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"K7XBWV7ODVCQLBZ3WG4NYZXLYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168769},"content":" Nvidia forecast fourth-quarter revenue slightly above estimates on Wednesday, betting on robust sales of its coveted AI chips, but still failed to meet lofty expectations of investors who have made it the world’s most valuable firm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"THAS5Z767VFWJIXYNPY4CEMBHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168771},"content":"Shares of the Santa Clara, California-based company fell 2 per cent in extended trading. They had closed down 0.8 per cent on Wednesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MANNKMZJXBEKHE4GLRQKGK5TXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168772},"content":"The company forecast revenue of $37.5 billion (€35.5 billion), plus or minus 2 per cent for the fourth quarter, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $37.09 billion according to data compiled by LSEG.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL7HGWBGJBBYJPFSYJ3VQ752TA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168773},"content":"Expectations ran high in advance of the results, with Nvidia shares up more than 20 per cent over the last two months. The stock has nearly quadrupled so far this year and is up more than nine-fold over the last two years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOSYQUFGKBCQ7LQK4YQQCUIKUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168774},"content":"While demand is soaring for the company's chips that make up the brains of complex generative AI systems, supply-chain snags have made it harder for Nvidia to report the big beats on revenue that have helped make it a Wall Street darling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5HJZPMPGBEUHNIMGWLBJULZRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168775},"content":"One of the bottlenecks for its chip supply has been the limited capacity for advanced manufacturing techniques at the company's manufacturing partner TSMC SMC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ANDOV6JJBDPNDLAEPYWBLIAZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168776},"content":"The company recorded third-quarter adjusted earnings of 81 cents per share, compared to estimates of 75 cents per share. – Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Shares fall 2% in extended trading"},"display_date":"2024-11-20T21:39:48.532Z","headlines":{"basic":"AI chip leader Nvidia forecasts fourth-quarter revenue above estimates","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6ODS3CZHEESSQ4FECMXHFZOJBU","auth":{"1":"3b67cc8298e374ec3e634de4f2a1c0854d0be9f9e2ea13a58f6760d655531570"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6ODS3CZHEESSQ4FECMXHFZOJBU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/20/ai-chip-leader-nvidia-forecasts-fourth-quarter-revenue-above-estimates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"LKNDAIN4IBES7FIHIM4OL4FZ24","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/19/instagram-to-let-users-reset-their-content-recommendations/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DODUP7EGFBEYLC42ZCXRFYCNBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941972},"content":"Instagram will let some users reset their content recommendations, essentially restarting the algorithm that determines what types of posts and videos they see in their feed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3WYKML72ZA6LCBFUQ5W3B2OLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941973},"content":"The change, which is just a test for now but will soon roll out globally, is designed to give people more control if they find the content in their Instagram feed no longer matches their interests. Earlier this year, Instagram announced new privacy controls that let teen users choose the topics they want to see more regularly, such as books, travel, cooking or sports. Instagram already allows people to share whether they are interested in videos that are recommended to them, and takes into account other signals, like whether a person likes or shares a post, to help decide what to show them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BNNL7LGXJAIRAJX65YVJVCCJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941974},"content":"Resetting the recommendation algorithm will also give users a chance to review the accounts they follow in case they wish to drop people. “We want to make sure everyone on Instagram – especially teens – has safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences and feels the time they’re spending on Instagram is valuable,” Meta wrote Tuesday in a blog post. “We want to give teens new ways to shape their Instagram experience, so it can continue to reflect their passions and interests as they evolve.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUZLYVLTTZHMTB2RWH4VZWB6RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941975},"content":"Meta has been recommending more content related to entertainment on Instagram, moving away from news and politics, as it seeks to increase the amount of time young people spend on its apps and avoid confrontational posts. The company has also been recommending more content from strangers, or people that users don’t already follow, as it tries to compete with TikTok.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2AXLDTIVBAQZDBUNZQDD4CWDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941976},"content":"TikTok’s algorithm, which is credited for the app’s swift rise, is known for its ability to help people go “viral” by recommending their content to people that don’t already follow them. More than 1 billion people worldwide use TikTok, many of them teenagers who spend hours each day watching video content. Last year, TikTok also introduced a feature to let users reset their video feeds, along with an update that showed teens less potentially harmful content, such as videos related to sadness, extreme dieting or sexually suggestive topics. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Aisha Counts"}]},"description":{"basic":"Move would essentially allow users to start from zero on the site again"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T14:07:05.444Z","headlines":{"basic":"Instagram to let users reset their content recommendations","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BEOHADCIPZFIZBRMFGFTBJP3XY","auth":{"1":"d27e71ffe31de752726e4bd9c4c7e71f0dbfd2bf3ad27285b012a6a2d1b05397"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BEOHADCIPZFIZBRMFGFTBJP3XY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/19/instagram-to-let-users-reset-their-content-recommendations/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"BA3QLH25ZNFBLCSYMKEXJJXOXE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/19/us-regulators-will-push-google-to-sell-chrome-browser/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DZL26HVFOBFQLDXA4WGD6SOVFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146881},"content":"Top US Justice Department antitrust officials have decided to ask a judge to force Google to sell off its Chrome browser in what would be a historic crackdown on one of the world’s biggest tech companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUXP4QULYRESZL2LRUT5LGAJTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146882},"content":"The department will ask the judge, who ruled in August that Google illegally monopolised the search market, to require measures related to artificial intelligence and its Android smartphone operating system, according to people familiar with the plans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGIWYGYTMNH37KHOJW62OKWCE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146883},"content":"Antitrust officials, along with states that have joined the case, also plan to recommend Wednesday that federal judge Amit Mehta impose data licensing requirements, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWZ4BUW3WFE65IR26NW2CJH4WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146884},"content":"If Mehta accepts the proposals, they have the potential to reshape the online search market and the burgeoning AI industry. The case was filed under the first Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden. It marks the most aggressive effort to rein in a technology company since Washington unsuccessfully sought to break up Microsoft two decades ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXG2HJY7KJC5NEGS2SYE6YXO5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146885},"content":"Owning the world’s most popular web browser is key for Google’s ads business. The company is able to see activity from signed-in users, and use that data to more effectively target promotions, which generate the bulk of its revenue. Google has also been using Chrome to direct users to its flagship AI product, Gemini, which has the potential to evolve from an answer-bot to an assistant that follows users around the web.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWTJJ3SZ4ZCCFA4OJFGOVWNLJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146886},"content":"Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice-president of regulatory affairs, said the Justice Department “continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.” She added, “the government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RODTB5QF4NDCDAB3DSLNLGCDFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146887},"content":"The Justice Department declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OS4YAG2HSJHPJFLSMILXZGUQ74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146888},"content":"Google shares fell as much as 1.8 per cent to $172.16 in late trading. They had been up 25 per cent this year through the close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VND7RMHDMNEHFODPJLC7MBCJSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146890},"content":"Antitrust enforcers want the judge to order Google to sell off Chrome – the most widely used browser worldwide – because it represents a key access point through which many people use its search engine, the people said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HI3AFB235FEI7HQ7KR2TG4VMTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146891},"content":"The government has the option to decide whether a Chrome sale is necessary at a later date if some of the other aspects of the remedy create a more competitive market, the people added. The Chrome browser controls about 61 per cent of the market in the US, according to StatCounter, a web traffic analytics service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCFCHMMO6NGFZIP6GAXKAOFJME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146892},"content":"Government attorneys met with dozens of companies over the past three months as they prepared the recommendation. States are still considering adding some proposals and some details could change, the people said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5D6TGYXEYNCUJP46GCEIMMEE24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146893},"content":"The antitrust officials pulled back from a more severe option that would have forced Google to sell off Android, the people said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYB2VOAIJNDRNIMKMZG3L5AU5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146896},"content":"Mehta’s August ruling that Google broke antitrust laws in both online search and search text ads markets followed a 10-week trial last year. The company has said it plans to appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7DTDQIEO5GPZGKR3E22KKTWVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146897},"content":"The judge has set a two-week hearing in April on what changes Google must make to remedy the illegal behaviour and plans to issue a final ruling by August 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5BW2KRPRFH4TKIG7PMPLEJD6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146898},"content":"The agency and the states have settled on recommending that Google be required to license the results and data from its popular search engine and give websites more options to prevent their content from being used by Google’s artificial intelligence products, said the people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JE3I5PMD3VDKZEP2OEVZKDYQFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146899},"content":"The antitrust enforcers are set to propose that Google uncouple its Android smartphone operating system from its other products, including search and its Google Play mobile app store, which are now sold as a bundle, the people said. They are also prepared to seek a requirement that Google share more information with advertisers and give them more control over where their ads appear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3MM3FRAVFAP3FUMI6THJNMXWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146900},"content":"Lawyers from the Justice Department and state attorneys general included all of those options in an initial filing in October, as well as a ban on the type of exclusive contracts that were at the centre of the case against Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXCZZL4JBVHRZH3GSCPTHJ5LGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146901},"content":"A forced spin-off, if it happens, would also hinge on finding an interested buyer. Those who could afford and might want the property, like Amazon, are also facing antitrust scrutiny that may prevent such a mega-deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHYD6RBBCBHMBCCFQDZSF5WMRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146902},"content":"“My view is this is extremely unlikely,” Mandeep Singh, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, said in an email. But, he added, he could see a buyer like OpenAI, the maker of artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. “That would give it both distribution and an ads business to complement its consumer chatbot subscriptions.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFQBH5ETMFE5NIROTU6UJCWFX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146904},"content":"Google now displays artificial intelligence-based answers at the top of its search pages billed as “AI Overviews.” While websites can opt-out of having their information used by Google to create AI models, they can’t afford to opt out of the overviews because that would risk pushing them down in search results, making it harder to reach their customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCZB6FVGAVCANIZ5QY4HWSOS7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146905},"content":"Website publishers have complained that the feature dampens traffic and advertising dollars since users rarely click through to see the data being used to power those results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CD6GWT5TLZDDLJNKKOQDMQJRZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146907},"content":"Regarding data licensing, the antitrust enforcers plan to propose two options: That Google sell the underlying “click and query” data and also separately syndicate its search results, according to the people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZXDUKZOURHDLLZU3WZDXABHAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146908},"content":"The company currently sells syndicated search results, but with restrictions, such as preventing their use on mobile. Forcing Google to syndicate its search results would allow rival search engines and AI start-ups to quickly improve their quality, while the data feed would allow others to build their own search index. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Leah Nylen and Josh Sisco"}]},"description":{"basic":"Owning the world’s most popular web browser has been key for Google’s ads business"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T09:27:52.584Z","headlines":{"basic":"US regulators will push Google to sell Chrome browser ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"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/2024/11/19/us-regulators-will-push-google-to-sell-chrome-browser/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"PTVRO6RXJVHXRCW7DNFFJGCYJA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":384,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9a2eec1f-ca20-48ad-a712-7659d5c0e817/versions/1731954285/media/fbb0193571d539a7de6977187d79dfce_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/19/bluesky-has-had-a-glow-up-but-is-the-butterfly-app-here-to-stay/","content_elements":[{"_id":"S7L5O66XL5F3POCXS5FYBEDH54","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850783},"content":"My favourite fact about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bluesky/\" target=\"_blank\">Bluesky </a>is that chief executive Jay Graber’s Chinese mother named her Lantian, which means blue sky in Mandarin, but this is not why Bluesky is called Bluesky. It’s a coincidence, or nominative determinism, or both. Either way, she seems cool.","type":"text"},{"_id":"52HLKONTNRCCVDRCJUSPM5Q35M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850784},"content":"I don’t really want to bang on too much about Graber, a software engineer from Oklahoma who was appointed by then <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/twitter/\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter </a>chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-dorsey/\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Dorsey </a>to lead his new Bluesky project in 2021 and is now reported to be its primary owner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"42NN72VBGBEXNB67RZOL2RG34I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850785},"content":"But, as a woman, she’s bound to pick up much less of a cult-like following than certain male app proprietors — Dorsey himself once attracted an intense mix of worship and derision — so it seems safe enough to say that she’s refreshing, without this tempting fate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WSABMTINNA55HSKFVDG2URUCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731952828682},"content":"So far, at least, her approach to online public conversation, supported by “anti-toxicity” features, feels like a blessed relief, and given the motivation for the great “X-odus” that’s not unimportant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5L6YYJQHZFALHIEZFCUKKAELCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850787},"content":"Bluesky is having a glow-up and the question now, as ever with social media, is how long it can hang on to it and where it goes next.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDRAN2LSKVCARLLOZCTOYHBHFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850788},"content":"I’ve been on it, sporadically, since September 2023, hoping that others would see its potential as the app most likely to replicate the useful interaction and fun knowledge exchange of early-days Twitter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OU52CNE4CNDD3HOAWVS4WHP73E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850789},"content":"Engagement was low to non-existent, but the void was a pleasant one. My first post was “I was looking for a creperie but I accidentally ended up in an ancient fortress”, which was not a crossword clue or a metaphor for anything, just an accurate description of my morning, liked by three strangers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQ5RCWK4VZCXJO2NEIP4UKA2FA","additional_properties":{"_id":"VYEUX56O2BENFCIH75UXJWNCOQ"},"content":"Tech giant X challenges Ireland’s new online safety rules","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3LQZ3YBEPNAVLC4O5KTR57RHLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850790},"content":"As an alternative to the fast-deteriorating environment offered by Elon Musk’s Twitter/X, I preferred Bluesky to Meta’s Threads, which was all white space and algorithms, and Mastodon’s Mastodon, which was insular by design and heavy on localised etiquette.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXT5VMW3ZZHDNMHPX426M3SFRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850791},"content":"Crucially, as much as Bluesky’s interface resembled the Twitter one, and as close as its white-and-blue logo was to Twitter’s – with a butterfly in lieu of a bird – Bluesky no longer had anything to do with Musk’s poisonous soapbox. Dorsey also stepped down from its board in May this year, urging people to stay on X as he went.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LG7NOLOO4FAQ3E24BKQU6KZ4XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850792},"content":"By this point, Bluesky’s numbers were already tipping up with each unfavourable change inflicted upon X. Now the re-election of Donald Trump, achieved with the assistance of “first buddy” Musk, has proven the catalyst for an astonishing influx of disaffected X users and former X users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHLLKEMKVNFNRAXLZAFVROCHHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850793},"content":"Bluesky added one million users in the week after the election result. Now it is adding one million of them a day and the small team that runs and owns the app is busy ironing out creaks, eliminating bugs and dealing with outages as its user count surges up to 20 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBO2MB3ZDBBIZNO6BO2E7RKMEY","additional_properties":{"_id":"UAJ5KF5GURDKPO4BCZM2POW4FE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-87833","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"4IZVNYZFQBGHLC2CKWOWZI7MJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731952828691},"content":"The contrasts drawn can feel over-simplistic. Bluesky isn’t an “echo chamber”, just as pre-Musk Twitter was never really one — not unless echo chambers often host massively bitter arguments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLLUFFZEAJBYBKTU6NHRHON6NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850795},"content":"And while X’s “cesspit” tag is fully deserved, it has remained possible, with considerable and increasing effort, to stay off the radar of fascists, bots and fascist bots. Exposure to abject nonsense and hostility can be limited, for some people anyway, by avoiding the “for you” tab, consuming only self-curated feeds, sticking a padlock on your account and never letting your eye drift down to replies. It can be done. But why try?","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHPS7YRK5NBB5LQHSUK5GWVRQE","additional_properties":{"_id":"I22LI2UUBFFB3HA2BJYSI53P5A"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"WYBI2IJTUNHYNLYGNQJILJJVIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850796},"content":"Like Silicon Republic, the Irish tech news site that followed the Guardian out the X door last Wednesday, many have “stayed in the hope it might one day be saved”, only to conclude that hope was no longer tenable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PM7FIWFRSZGSXKQWYLN23NFBYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732007957630},"content":"The more people leave, the easier it becomes for others to go. This doesn’t necessarily come down to a dilemma between fleeing toxicity versus “staying and fighting”, which is a rather grandiose way of describing having a social media account. The migration to Bluesky is now just logical. Start again, move on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MCEI7MIFRFQNAPM7JWS2EZ6RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850798},"content":"Some context on its scale: Bluesky is still a minnow compared to Threads, which has more than 275 million users and was adding them at a rate of more than one million a day even before the presidential election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"475D6ZUVGFBW3IZUFAIATRYJL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850799},"content":"But Threads is annoying. It’s annoying from the second you open the app and it defaults to the algorithmic “for you” feed. True, active moderation means it isn’t hate-filled like X. But idiocy on Threads inevitably garners the attention of people who feel compelled to correct it, then the sprawling Meta machine shovels the original idiocy into Instagram feeds, giving Threads the power to irritate across platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JQZFDT77VCG7IDMCXBV6LYXDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731952828698},"content":"The result is that Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, last seen covering rap hit Get Low under the name Z-Pain, is worth almost $200 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN3SHIY5H5AEVGS2KQRFY77WPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850801},"content":"I don’t know if Graber has any plans to record rap covers or if Bluesky is really as “billionaire-proof” as it claims. I’ll also have to leave it to either time or tech experts to assess whether its belief in a “marketplace of algorithms” and mission to let independent developers build their own social networks using its open protocol will succeed in ushering in a glorious new age of transparency and user-control.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYTLHHBKGJEBDFMF7IW5ABL6CU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850802},"content":"But two concrete statements appeal. The first is that it has no plans at the moment to introduce advertising, signalling that it will instead explore making some features subscription-only. The second is that it does not use content on the platform to train generative artificial intelligence and has “no intention of doing so”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3UCPGU3NVB5VL6OLNW52UODRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850803},"content":"The slow death of X does not guarantee that any single app will take its place as a quasi-public square. Social media Stockholm syndrome is over. And yet isn’t it nice to have the option of one that isn’t rotting from the head down?","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGHKFP23BVEFZPUNHTCRUFPPXU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Laura Slattery"}},"name":"Laura Slattery"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media app that feels a lot like early Twitter has attracted millions of new users this month and, so far, is not annoying like Threads"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T06:05:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Bluesky, the non-toxic alternative to X, has had a glow-up. But is the app here to stay?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VGAVPRWGKVDF7GNXVUDSRRAYAI","auth":{"1":"8b6bd53f5ab0b60899c796d79edcc6e23c3c41436e7cfe4ddb59a6ded6e88c66"},"focal_point":{"x":1463,"y":1193},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VGAVPRWGKVDF7GNXVUDSRRAYAI.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/19/bluesky-has-had-a-glow-up-but-is-the-butterfly-app-here-to-stay/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"TNN7RGHKGJA4TPWVERMW3AKV4Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":212,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e41fc379-15bf-4fd3-a089-197ab004048d/versions/1731863364/media/e28fdb5bbb1b991550a20820759e1bb1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/tech-giant-x-challenges-states-new-online-safety-rules/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731850253781},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVYSZF2OYFCMPLWJVTK2LW4674","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686976},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x/\" target=\"_blank\">Tech company X </a>is challenging in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/high-court/\" target=\"_blank\">High Court </a>the State’s new online safety rules put in place for video-sharing platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UINIAGJGRG7VAKEL7MRIBFRQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686977},"content":"On Friday Twitter International Unlimited Company initiated judicial review proceedings against media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a>. Twitter is the former name of the social media platform X which was renamed in July 2023 following its acquisition by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFWGGK2A4NB4TBJFAHIN5NAPR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686978},"content":"The new online safety code was launched by Coimisiún na Meán on October 21st with Government backing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2LKBZSBO5CYNAYSPJOXB4MSOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686979},"content":"The code is a legally binding set of rules regulating content on video-sharing platforms with their EU headquarters in Ireland, to protect users from harmful content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FN63YMIXGNBRFKM3LFDRTLIVEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686980},"content":"Companies such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit will be obliged to comply with the new code or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55EB4SOBSVEILFOCR3MKJJNJQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686981},"content":"Under legislation, there is a 28-day window for those who believe they are affected by decisions of the commission to seek judicial review in the courts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NWJ2J7NZNDTXIYIQAMLHQOXLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686982},"content":"The online safety code was developed following the enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. The code gives effect to certain obligations on the State outlined in the European Commission’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJP2WPQXK5HXRHUZDWVEI5W6NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686983},"content":"The details of the case being taken to the High Court by Twitter International Unlimited Company are not yet known.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LS7WZI27GZHVHBL6O7UDTST4UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686984},"content":"But in a submission to the commission on August 12th, Twitter International Unlimited Company said it strongly supported “the co-regulatory approach encouraged by the AVMSD, to achieve protection of all users, including children and young people, from harmful online content. However, we view that it is important that Ireland’s transposition of the AVMSD does not impose obligations which go beyond what is required by the AVMSD and which potentially conflict with the Digital Services Act.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5UX732OYZF7HDCDWP5RKKF6PM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731862568626},"content":"It argued there were opportunities to address these issues without undermining the policy intent and effectiveness of the code.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBDRQ3H7UBFVVJWH2WES3TSN5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686986},"content":"“Twitter International Unlimited Company reserves its right to challenge the lawfulness of the code. We reserve our position and all rights at this time, regarding Coimisiún na Meán’s legislative and procedural approach, including in relation to further guidance being issued.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BN2KVMFC6RGARO2QD7HT6HT54A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686987},"content":"Under the new code content constituting cyberbullying, promoting self-harm or suicide and promoting eating or feeding disorders, incitement to hatred or violence, terrorism, child sex-abuse material, racism and xenophobia is prohibited.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVMJMZ6EW5G6BATWCSG46HVR74","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686988},"content":"The code also compels platforms to enact age assurance controls where appropriate — including the prevention of children encountering pornography or gratuitous violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F2L7A5NGIBB4XPPZZA2RFJFP2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686989},"content":"Minister for Media Catherine Martin said that the adoption of the code is a “major step forward in online safety”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"735Y7UYZEFAUBB3C6XULRT2SUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686990},"content":"The commission said it did not comment on matters before the courts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBPW3BNKCJF5VKCF63QZYHBDNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686991},"content":"A spokesman for Ms Martin said the Department of Media was aware of the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"}]},"description":{"basic":"Judicial review proceedings against media regulator Coimisiún na Meán initiated by Twitter International Unlimited Company"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tech giant X challenges Ireland’s new online safety rules","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM","auth":{"1":"5fec8152bb54f95657cd4448c59f8e90edc8d15c8804b2f2c9b70a647a63a230"},"focal_point":{"x":980,"y":903},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/tech-giant-x-challenges-states-new-online-safety-rules/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"ZXG5J3DIHJGZJFEHPSUQKQMGQ4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":505,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/99ad8853-6a0f-4101-9bb0-e9704b6cdd72/versions/1731875605/media/605e5e18a8a95f62a4a0d6048037a492_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/bluesky-the-fast-growing-social-media-platform-where-users-continue-to-flock-to-from-x/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MEFT3UQP25ETVAMQ3OISMT2JTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500739},"content":"In February 2023, a half-dozen techies introduced a social network prototype in an invitation-only launch. They deliberately debuted their creation, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bluesky\" target=\"_blank\">Bluesky</a>, with little fanfare so that they could closely manage its growth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXKA5GQPSZH2TNOV42MRXLNI6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500740},"content":"But lately, it has been anything but slow and steady.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIY24MUWC5HNXPRIM632QBIFU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500741},"content":"Over the past week, Bluesky’s growth has exploded, more than doubling to 15 million-plus users as people seek alternatives to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x\" target=\"_blank\">X</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/facebook\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/threads\" target=\"_blank\">Threads</a>. It has rocketed to the top of Apple’s and Google’s app stores as the most downloaded free app. Its ascent has been so rapid that the company has been forced to grow up practically overnight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVIR2RMXNRBM3IHGK4I5Z2OPEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500742},"content":"Bluesky’s 20 full-time employees have been working around the clock to deal with the issues that come with hypergrowth: site outages, glitches in the code and content moderation issues. Most importantly, they have been trying to keep early users happy as new members have flooded in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFRC4T6RSNGQJI7CJVH456RONQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500743},"content":"“We as a team take pride in our ability to scale quickly,” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" target=\"_blank\">Jay Graber</a> , chief executive of Bluesky, said in an interview. “But there’s always some growing pains.” She added that the app – which is still dwarfed by Facebook, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/instagram\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a> and X – was adding more than 1 million new users a day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCASIE4KIRE7XJZOU3VEY5ZIXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500744},"content":"Bluesky is surging amid upheaval in the social media world. After <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> bought Twitter in 2022, he morphed it into X, changing many of its functions and alienating some of its most loyal users. Threads, an app similar to X that Meta introduced last year, relies mostly on an opaque algorithmic curation that excises politics from people’s feeds. That has caused some people to head to other networks, including Bluesky, to discuss hot-button social issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TROGU4CBVA5PM3VGFO3LYZJ24","additional_properties":{"_id":"XWTTYYCJDBAIZO6GEWRJ77ZBV4"},"content":"As X declines, the social media echo chamber is back in vogue","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"U3EHY2ZJEVFCPK42U66OF7QUMU","additional_properties":{"_id":"GHAAYX3O2JH4FH6HXX7AWQ7URA"},"content":"New media start-ups are reimagining the newsroom despite existential crisis in journalism","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WACBXCQ2TZEP3FDKEEGC5O7MZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500745},"content":"From its beginning, Bluesky aimed to separate itself from other social media. The project grew out of an idea from Jack Dorsey, a founder of Twitter, who said he hoped to build a “decentralised” social network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POATAD3R7BG6JDAFAGJYWOPRBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500746},"content":"That meant building the app with an “open protocol”, which keeps the social network’s power and decision-making out of the hands of any one company or group of people. Dorsey called the project “Bluesky”, and it eventually became a public benefit corporation, a type of for-profit company that aims to have a positive impact on society rather than focus on maximising shareholder value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3SV36HR6BE23IM2MIR4RM4M74","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500747},"content":"Bluesky was initially financed with a grant from Twitter under Dorsey but Musk cut ties with the Bluesky team after he bought Twitter. Bluesky later raised more than $23 million in two rounds of venture funding from private investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ORVR2P3XFVHNDEYWY3RTCJGASM","additional_properties":{"_id":"YOBKVJSH4NGJRCK5YF2BNCGYN4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MADLVEQBDJEVHBS5VQ36I2JUWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500748},"content":"From there, a team of about a half dozen, led by Graber, began building the “AT protocol”. That is a technical term for the code that would essentially let independent developers create their own social networks atop it, while allowing people to carry their digital identities and information across different platforms. Using this technology, Bluesky executives say, people can tailor their own algorithms to show themselves the kinds of social media posts they want to see.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PM6REBTL2JCFDLHD7RLLZ47HFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500749},"content":"In contrast, Facebook and TikTok lock people into their platforms and make it difficult for them to migrate to competitors. The apps are known as “walled gardens”, meaning that what is posted on individual platforms remains only on that platform. (In March, Meta loosened this stance by allowing users to turn on an option that syndicates their Threads posts to other social networks, like Mastodon.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFLA43H5X5ACFBXSCZFMBCHOFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500750},"content":"With Bluesky, “you’re no longer tied to a dominant algorithm that promotes either the most polarising posts and/or the biggest brands”, Rose Wang, Bluesky’s chief operating officer, said in a recent video explaining the site to new users. She added, “It’s built by the people, for the people.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CF7EJ36YSBBODAPAHVC2UCREDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500751},"content":"Bluesky gained traction after Musk began making major changes to X, including promoting accounts that paid for “blue check” verification status and eliminating content moderation rules. As he put fewer limits on speech across X, some people sought a less noxious online atmosphere in Bluesky.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6IWMVKTGRAWTNDHIAO6BJEP7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500752},"content":"In September, Bluesky’s popularity rose after X was banned in Brazil when Musk refused to comply with a court order to suspend certain accounts. More than 3 million people joined Bluesky during the three weeks that X was banned in the country, before Musk reversed course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TGASVVJSBDHLP3JVIPEGBOQ44","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500753},"content":"The last week and a half has been an inflection point. Since Donald Trump won the presidential election, some X users have abandoned the platform because of Musk’s close ties with Trump. Often they have flocked to Bluesky.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGLOWLJ4HDZPEOXWD5T6SCPKGM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NUH3SWMZM5H3TMOTE3J7ZHCCDM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"E5ZJJBLC6RFJBKF77QPJZ3O6ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500754},"content":"More than 116,000 people in the United States deactivated their X accounts on the web the day after the election – the most US deactivations in a single day under Musk – according to data compiled by Similarweb, which analyses websites. Total deactivations could be much higher because Similarweb does not track how many users deactivated their mobile X app accounts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUEB5OVERA7LEMU4EKS4HOWDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500755},"content":"As people gravitated to Bluesky, problems piled up. The site went down at times Thursday, causing new users to frantically refresh until it came back online. Graber said the glitches were partly due to issues with a major internet service provider that also affected other sites. Bugs persisted, including one that affected how usernames were displayed in profiles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NVFMR5I4VBGURNDYAOEWN2EVXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500756},"content":"New users clashed with existing ones. Some new users complained that Bluesky users were too earnest, a reflection of a different era of social media. Early adopters bristled, saying the newbies needed to adapt to Bluesky’s social norms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WE3DVKDO5JDTNFTY3LEIMDNI5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500757},"content":"“Every time there’s a big influx in users in general, everyone expects it to be like the last place they came from,” said Chris Vinson, a digital marketer from Evansville, Indiana, who has used Bluesky since its early days. “They want it to be the new Twitter or whatever, even if it isn’t supposed to be.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BSSCKDVEJAKFPHUHWMDK5MP2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500759},"content":"Graber referred to the culture clash as the “eternal September” problem, an allusion to how universities turn over their student population every year, resulting in drastic changes to the culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27T2WRDZGJBBNGB3JLMQUIAFIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500760},"content":"Her solution has been to build more features into the app, such as allowing people to create custom feeds based on different topics or groups, and to build up automated content moderation tools that can hide or remove posts that break Bluesky’s rules, such as harassment, incitement to violence or hate speech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L26YTN4YWJADRFEVK5A7HGD2UM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500761},"content":"Rivals have taken notice. Last week, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, noted that Threads had added more than 15 million new users – or an entire Bluesky – in the first half of November. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief, said on Friday that Threads would test ways for users to create their own custom feeds, copying one of Bluesky’s popular features.","type":"text"},{"_id":"42K4FA6ULZCH7MAKMQTWBJIXZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500762},"content":"Graber is positioning Bluesky as a David taking on Goliaths by differentiating itself further. On Friday, the company said it would never use people’s posts to train generative artificial intelligence technology, a contrast to practices at Meta, X and Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEM5R7JKURHD3IDWNYIOYCWSMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500763},"content":"She said she hoped that independent developers could build atop Bluesky’s technology to make the social network even better. That’s different from Facebook and X, which have had hot-and-cold relationships with the developer community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUQMN42WX5HQDJKNVVKGXIOXIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500764},"content":"“The state of most social platforms right now is that users are locked in and developers are locked out,” Graber said. “We want to build something that makes sure users have the freedom to move and developers have the freedom to build.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIKDGKHUT5HUDHVRBAUPBJEQZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500765},"content":"“Fundamentally, we did this because we want to build an ecosystem that developers can put their trust in, and if anyone has an idea for improving the state of social media, they don’t have to lobby us to change things,” she added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOO74J6QD5BAHDM5U2FJY5YWM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731879664953},"content":"“They can just do it themselves.” – This article originally appeared in <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/17/technology/bluesky-growing-pains.html\">The New York Times</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Mike Isaac"}]},"description":{"basic":"Network, which grew from an off-shoot of Jack Dorsey’s Twitter, experiencing ‘growing pains’ of popularity as membership passes 15m"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Bluesky is starting to surge amid upheaval in the social media world","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RZWBTDNO4VV2ILVR6ROZQYDDME","auth":{"1":"25f050f1d4a299de4b1f1f95e248c86d339d84d991ac7cf65a7a6b116f420113"},"focal_point":{"x":4620,"y":1761},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RZWBTDNO4VV2ILVR6ROZQYDDME.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature-smaller","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/bluesky-the-fast-growing-social-media-platform-where-users-continue-to-flock-to-from-x/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"V5GHLONG7RDZVKZYIKE2JYNBZY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/14/meta-fined-nearly-800m-for-breaking-eu-law-over-classified-ads-practices/","content_elements":[{"_id":"52SGT6OVYVGTLLCPUBBBLNAP6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934265},"content":"Meta has been fined nearly €800 million by Brussels after regulators accused Facebook’s parent company of stifling competition by “tying” its free Marketplace services with the social network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6D5IQ3CACZGQTDIMZI5ARU34O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934266},"content":"Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s outgoing competition chief, said on Thursday that by linking Facebook with its classified ads service Meta had “imposed unfair trading conditions” on other providers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULDXYDUPVVEU5PHMMBWG5EERWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934267},"content":"She added: “It did so to benefit its own service Facebook Marketplace, thereby giving it advantages that [others] could not match. This is illegal.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"45EAQUBXZFHTVNUDQNTUJT346M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934268},"content":"Meta said it would appeal against the €797.72 million fine levied by regulators. “We built Marketplace in response to consumer demand – this decision ignores the market realities, and will only serve to protect incumbent marketplaces from competition.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UQXUM5CBHNGHDGKCURBLYVZIZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934269},"content":"It added: “The European Commission’s decision provides no evidence of competitive harm to rivals or any harm to consumers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVMMHR56XBF5XO7XENWUBTTJZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934270},"content":"The EU’s long-running antitrust probe into Meta was launched in 2019 following accusations from rivals that the tech giant was abusing its dominant position by offering free services while profiting from data it collects on the platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UL52Y7JSDJEMPLEQQDJB4V5FR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934271},"content":"In December 2022, the European Commission issued initial charges against Facebook for allegedly using the data it gathered for free – mostly from businesses – to then sell ads to users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUZEVKHGRBACTIUHMAEU4DR64Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934272},"content":"It also marks one of the final investigations overseen by Vestager, who is set to leave the commission in the next few weeks after a decade of antitrust enforcement against Big Tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"32BV7AQD3VB2LI26XVLV2ZC5OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934273},"content":"During her tenure, Vestager has repeatedly targeted the world’s biggest tech companies, with some of the toughest actions against tech giants such as Apple, Google and Microsoft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UX2XFKX4WVAH5H4L777STSJXVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934274},"content":"The EU Commission on Thursday said Meta is “dominant in the market for personal social networks...as well as in the national markets for online display advertising on social media”. Facebook Marketplace, launched in 2016, is a popular platform to buy and sell second-hand goods, especially household items such as furniture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CB72UTWZJHIDIZWFTTAR5KHVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934275},"content":"Meta has argued that it operates in a highly competitive environment. In a post published on Thursday, the tech giant said marketplaces in Europe continue “to grow and dominate in the EU”, pointing to platforms such as eBay, Leboncoin in France, and Marktplaats in the Netherlands, as “formidable competitors”. Meta’s fine comes at a period of political transition both in the EU and the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJSXAGGLD5FONBICJAGCDNYSKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934276},"content":"Brussels officials have been aggressive both in their rhetoric and their antitrust probes against Big Tech giants as they sought to open markets for local start-ups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXHTN7I4FVGRZMPHJZSZRUESYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934277},"content":"In the past five years, EU regulators have also passed a landmark piece of legislation – the Digital Markets Act – with the aim to slow down dominant tech players and boost the local tech industry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZQN2SE4DNBGLDV4FTGPCGYNJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934278},"content":"However, some observers expect the new commission, which is set to start a new five-year term in weeks, to strike a more conciliatory tone over fears of retaliation from the incoming Trump administration. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Facebook is undermining rivals by ‘tying’ its free Marketplace services with the social network, Brussels says"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T17:46:24.487Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meta fined nearly €800m for breaking EU law over classified ads practices","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HU6C2LKKGOIMJ5V3YD4D4N3JYI","auth":{"1":"ff0b4984d910526b978dfe387379472046c04353202fb0a0730414c4e2c1a63e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HU6C2LKKGOIMJ5V3YD4D4N3JYI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/14/meta-fined-nearly-800m-for-breaking-eu-law-over-classified-ads-practices/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"J7MJYCNAAZE23GV5YWMVZCGNSU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":286,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/0d2ca663-aa5e-484b-a979-c6171679a120/versions/1731517681/media/3503f421b3efab67d0552353dcab4274_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/14/the-very-human-problem-with-not-quite-self-driving-cars/","content_elements":[{"_id":"V4553K6LXZFN5CLB57MVGWZL7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343124},"content":"As I climbed under the kitchen table with my five-year-old this weekend, she explained that we were in a car, but “it can drive itself, so we can just relax, OK?”. We settled down for a pretend nap on the way to the pretend beach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZXGG4P4IRA35OCJFEUJ5PBWQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343125},"content":"I didn’t tell her that grown-ups are really struggling to turn this vision into reality. Even Waymo, the company that is furthest ahead, still has self-driving taxis in only a handful of US cities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WAOYW6CGFGS3HXOUEQXFIPGXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343128},"content":"In the meantime, car makers are packing many of their new models with so-called “Level 2″ partial automation features instead. These can do a certain amount of driving in some circumstances, but require the human driver to pay attention and take over when necessary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMY3U2MB4FCBFH7T6TK6TSSIO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731515960747},"content":"Yet this halfway-house, which relies on humans and machines, is proving troublesome. And it is trouble worth noting, even if you have no interest in cars, because other sectors are also beginning to embrace the concept of automated “co-pilots” to help everyone from coders to doctors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX3ROHSHJVGULBKOTYUEPXPNLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343129},"content":"The big problem is known as “automation complacency”. People have been studying the phenomenon for decades in all kinds of partially automated systems, from aviation to manufacturing processes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YO5VGSRSGNCBPKWV2BIQYKQPKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343130},"content":"When you ask humans to supervise automated systems, their attention starts to wander – which means they don’t always notice in time when a problem does arise, nor are they aware enough of the context to immediately take over. And the better an automated system performs most of the time, the more complacent we humans become.","type":"text"},{"_id":"THKDLOC3YZCUJKO3THWPJNOQDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343131},"content":"Mica Endsley, a former chief scientist at the US Air Force, has made a career of studying these issues after first encountering them in the 1980s. “The public don’t quite understand the subtle ways that automation affects their attention [but] it’s like giving people a sedative,” she told me. “They’re going to find something else to do or they’re going to zone out, and neither is good.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JP4UCN4BHNFRRCH76WHEWSG46U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343132},"content":"Car drivers, it turns out, are not immune.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWNU5HFVK5CFVDRNNBEYLI3Z6A","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q5FXQYP42FAI5LP3YZCTFBBQLE"},"content":"Investors should be wary of Tesla’s robotaxi hype","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JB42VPZGNFEAVHFLJJSDUT6BDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731515960752},"content":"Studies of various partial-automation systems have found that drivers become increasingly likely to disengage the longer they use them. In the US, the National Transportation Safety Board has blamed automation complacency for a number of car crashes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQQB7YKYNVGCNJNQGWB5XPYP4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343133},"content":"If humans are notoriously poor monitors, the solution, apparently, is to monitor the monitors. Safety bodies and regulators have pushed for steering wheels that detect whether people are holding them, and driver-facing cameras that detect the direction of the driver’s gaze and head posture at all times. Most provide visual, audio and even seat-vibration alerts that increase in intensity to warn distracted drivers to return their attention to the road. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a> cars have a disciplinary system whereby, if drivers accumulate too many “strikeouts”, the partial-automation system is suspended for a week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXYTPZ6NHJH2PFAWTXV43WZCZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343134},"content":"But bullying drivers to pay attention doesn’t seem to be sufficient. When Mikael Ljung Aust, a driver-behaviour specialist at Volvo Cars, ran a study on a test track with employees, he found that distraction alerts did successfully make people keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. But even then, almost 30 per cent of them allowed the car to crash straight into an object in the road.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HH3GWEPUARGLDPN7F2EJKFR6MA","additional_properties":{"_id":"JQILYIA555A4RA7QAPOIHCPYEE"},"content":"Could ride-sharing robo-pods be the future of cities?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZBG36N76DBGXBHQASNHIKOUG5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343135},"content":"In follow-up interviews, the drivers said they saw the object coming, but they trusted the car to deal with it, at least until it was too late. “Even if you write very clearly in the manual, ‘the car cannot see these objects’ and you show them pictures, once they get out on the road – for some people ... it seems like they can’t help trusting the car.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZPQHTUOWRBUBDXC2YCEAF6J7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343136},"content":"He and several other safety experts said the best solution to the dangers of automation complacency seemed to be to keep the driver more actively involved in the steering and driving, with the partially automated system on in the background, gently guiding when necessary rather than taking over.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLJ2HSLTHVF3RAY5Q7KSBAVPUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343137},"content":"In other words, if you imagine automation as a scale with humans doing everything on one end and machines doing everything on the other, the best course might actually be to edge back slightly towards maintaining more human control, at least until the technology is good enough to leapfrog over to the other end of the scale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYKUMD2LTBEMTE3T6LGOXCZX7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343138},"content":"Otherwise, we face a partially automated middle, where a car journey looks less like having a nap and more like watching the road anxiously with your eyes wide open and your neck straight, for fear that your car will shout at you again to pay attention. Is that the kind of future any five-year-old ever dreamt about? – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sarah O'Connor"}]},"description":{"basic":"The better an automated system performs, the more complacent – and dangerous – we become behind the wheel"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The very human problem with not-quite-self-driving cars","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"B6234FCVIFC7BOU5TJVRVMDMYQ","auth":{"1":"128888941f9524fe1d3d9350695a800445bf363e3646602d54ddc7f44768dd5c"},"focal_point":{"x":1695,"y":1078},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/B6234FCVIFC7BOU5TJVRVMDMYQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/14/the-very-human-problem-with-not-quite-self-driving-cars/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"OZTI6J2H5RB37EVVTDQFNVJ4HA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/12/huawei-in-ireland-sees-turnover-drop-as-work-continues-on-irish-5g-network/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UIE5KQHEMNB7TK6TLQM63DTKPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534651},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG3B4HX42VAU5O2PEHXWCKZ374","additional_properties":{},"content":"Huawei Technologies (Ireland), the Irish subsidiary of the Chinese multinational that has been the focus of national security concerns internationally, saw a drop in turnover last year, new accounts show.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMTTVSZQFNCPPENIRVEDXEDMCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534652},"content":"Turnover dropped to €176.6 million, from €195.7 million in 2022, according to the accounts, which say the company is “continuing to develop Ireland’s 5G network infrastructure”. Pretax profits in 2023 were €7.6 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7RDGMOZSEJGPXNT24IPQ2RDL6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534653},"content":"Turnover in 2022 was a substantial jump on turnover in 2021 (€132 million) but the trend changed during 2023. The review of principal risks and uncertainties facing the group in the accounts does not mention geopolitical tensions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YEMBZCS5JFETZOSSI6EUJREKNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534654},"content":"Last year the Government introduced the Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 which includes national security measures recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre. The Chinese ambassador to Ireland, He Xiangdong, publicly criticised the legislation as it was passing through the Oireachtas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASHNH5JDRVBHNFK2KALB7MLKLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534655},"content":"The move came as a number of European Union (EU) countries introduced laws enabling their governments to restrict access to their 5G network by companies deemed to be a national security risk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQQIG7CH3FFPVOT4IKJ7YPUI5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":" In the UK, the government opted to remove Huawei equipment from the core 5G network and in the US the Government has banned products by Huawei and other Chinese telecoms companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2KB3WGZZFALDOC7KLH4K57XVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534656},"content":"Ireland accounted for €98.8 million of the turnover of Huawei Technologies (Ireland) in 2023, the accounts show, with the rest of Europe accounting for €41 million, and the rest of the world €38.5 million. The previous year had a similar spread of turnover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6GQHIX3BNCSHFEYYQRFCQEGHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534657},"content":"The company “has helped to build Ireland’s digital infrastructure through fibre broadband networks, 4G networks and the company is continuing to develop Ireland’s 5G network infrastructure,” according to the accounts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XWUSLFGAXJEEPNOBNNECIIYDJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534658},"content":"The principal activities of the company during 2023 were “the provision of telecommunications equipment and services to the Irish carrier network and enterprise market,” they say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6GQHIX3BNCSHFEYYQRFCQEGHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534659},"content":"The IDA-supported company received government grants of €2 million, according to the accounts. In 2022, Huawei announced it was establishing its first European cloud hub in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"335EN3BNYFB3LLXXVEQPFDPMXA","additional_properties":{},"content":" It has research links with Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Dublin, University College Cork, and University of Limerick, and also works with Science Foundation Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQARCTKFQJGJ5MZ6J4FZR2P5QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534660},"content":"<i>Sign up for the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/business-today-newsletter/\"><i>Business Today</i></a><i> newsletter and get the latest business news and commentary in your inbox every weekday morning</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colm Keena"}},"name":"Colm Keena"}]},"description":{"basic":"Chinese communications multinational has been the target of national security concerns in US and EU"},"display_date":"2024-11-12T16:29:03.681Z","headlines":{"basic":"Huawei in Ireland sees turnover drop as work continues on Irish 5G network","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4ZBTHAJ2ABFRFP5WX46KGG35BM","auth":{"1":"1c943059cc84bf4565ed4e56ca880dc79c110e7b90af86e033695a0e86349756"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4ZBTHAJ2ABFRFP5WX46KGG35BM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Data & Security"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/12/huawei-in-ireland-sees-turnover-drop-as-work-continues-on-irish-5g-network/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"6BKZCH7BPBGYFAH5IG3U57X63I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":806,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/55dae0f8-11af-4e24-9496-29ef10a6e61d/versions/1730823880/media/e96ca7c5e4c3eab0808e47de45ca54f6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3OP5VLCIRJAARBGEZEMZQJG6QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595714},"content":"“This is an extraordinary moment to take on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a> Ireland,” says Vanessa Hartley, Google Ireland’s new boss. Despite uncertainty over political volatility, Ireland’s infrastructure deficit, securing staff for her growing business and harnessing AI, she is optimistic about the tech company’s future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7AJTL2HJFEU3MRX2D4HLUHRZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595715},"content":"From modest origins as a small search engine that began in a garage in Menlo Park in the late 1990s, Google has grown to a multinational that employs around 180,000 worldwide and dominates its sector. Around 5,000 of those staff are in Ireland, where Google first opened an office in 2003. It is now the search giant’s Europe, Middle East and Africa headquarters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJ3LGBPLM5C6PNMURZM347DLPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595716},"content":"Walk down Barrow Street in Dublin and it is clearly Google country. The company occupies several buildings – Google Docks at one end, the Foundry across the street and the newly-opened Bolands Mills at the other end, a building steeped in Dublin’s history. The last of these will house Google’s engineering centre of excellence, and hundreds of staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHG2BSTOORDKLL2F6YQEPIUX74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595717},"content":"A few months after taking over the role from Adaire Fox-Martin, who left to head up Equinix, Hartley is ready to talk about how she will leave her mark on the company. Originally from Waterford, she is not what you would describe as a typical tech executive. Her college degree from DCU is in international marketing. And before she joined Google, she says she didn’t pay close attention to the sector – just enough to see the way things were shifting to mobile.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVCXKCGZSBGGHP5HWVGQKVGS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595719},"content":"A decade ago, Hartley was working as head of personal banking and product strategy at what was then Permanent TSB. Prior to that, she had been founding commercial director of health insurer GloHealth (now known as Irish Life Health), following stints as group marketing director at Aviva Ireland and head of current accounts and savings at Halifax.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGVSJCKRNBAOBLS2RMUYA4IERQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292604},"content":"But when the Google opportunity came up, she was intrigued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YBKAAQGMFDHZNZPNE6HMSBPWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595720},"content":"“At the time, I could see a massive shift from digital to mobile, and the potential to go and work with EMEA-based retailers on that, I just thought it was fascinating,” she explains. “It was a really extraordinary global view of the world. And the fact that, as Dublin is the EU headquarters, you’ve just got this outsize influence on what happens across the EU.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIHPTMKZ35EA5ER2AWXT736JHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595721},"content":"In her 10 years with the business, Hartley has seen a transformation in Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVTPOMJUQJFLPBB2IQNRLK2GJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292607},"content":"The company was once known for its novel approach to interviewing, often asking candidates head-scratchers such as “How many golf balls can you fit in a school bus?” and “Why are manhole covers round?”. It spawned a series of copycats, a few books and a series of online guides in how to crack the interview process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6ETP33W55FCNPSPEM2QKHVYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7NDDXNQBYBCPVP7EYNZSBT2BXY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"MLYTZV46I5BRLE7SHURYIYNTGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595723},"content":"It seems the brain teasers have gone the way of other Silicon Valley trappings, such as cinema rooms, on-site massages and unlimited snack bars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUBDATVFJVHEPF46L2DMUIDUVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595724},"content":"“We’ve stopped that. It was a little bit nonsensey, and the world has changed,” Hartley laughs. “But it was through the interview process that I met people who were the reason I came to work here: super-smart, hard-working, really kind people. And that, for me, is the essence of what Google is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXMQJRIALJBWHID3MEI5JP4BO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595725},"content":"It has been, she says, an incredible experience – six jobs across Google Ireland, the most recent looking after advertising sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. That remains her core role. Now she is heading up the Irish arm of the business at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3XB7AUUWVCOBBMON274IWM2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":"MTGSWHUNJNEIJLRPSXQ3IM3YPE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"TESHIJ577RG75FBTNFQVAY7D6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595726},"content":"The reason? Artificial intelligence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZT3A6SEBWZH4ZH2BBTWOCXA3WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292612},"content":"Google has been working on artificial intelligence for years, but it is no secret that the release of OpenAI’s generative AI ChatGPT caught it on the back foot. While the tech giant had been proceeding cautiously, the release of ChatGPT and the buzz it created, pushed Google to launch Bard, now known as Gemini.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVA4IUYLV5EQ5G5LTL4E2HWRKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292613},"content":"There have been some public missteps – the “glue in pizza sauce” recommendation is often used as a cautionary tale of why we shouldn’t blindly trust AI – but Google has pushed ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z22AIZZAERFXHEHRLHDWAZUKEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595727},"content":"In August, the company unveiled its new Pixel devices built with AI in mind, stealing a march on rival Apple that was still weeks away from announcing a date for the availability of its own AI technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJHAGP7VGNGSTAZVYI3GBRTVQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595728},"content":"But it is not solely about winning over consumers. Hartley sees AI as bringing big benefits to the economy here. A recent study published by Google estimated that the new generation of AI could bring a 7 per cent bump in GDP to Ireland in the coming years. Fail to implement correctly, and we stand to miss out to the tune of several billion euro.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRPBUHORFVHEVIM57R3AZHUM7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595729},"content":"Hartley wants to see that capability come to Ireland; in fact, she is making it one of her priorities in her role as head of the Irish business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXG66FSMC5FXPMKYQIIHQHJAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595730},"content":"“Number one is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland, and that we bring it to not just our large businesses but into SMEs, making sure that we also continue to build skills for AI and that AI is accessible to everyone,” she says. “We know that there is a big opportunity for AI in Ireland. But we’re only going to realise that if we get into the hands of people who really need it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLI5BKAFWFCA7COM3NKNOTQBEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595731},"content":"That means training, into which Google has ploughed resources, and regular contact with the SME community to demonstrate the power and business benefits of the technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TK34GFX22RG6ZD6NSR52A3FPUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595732},"content":"But it won’t be an easy task. Although people are warming to the idea of AI, there is still a reasonable level of suspicion that the technology will ultimately lead to the replacement of human jobs - something which, historically, has never been welcomed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGOENM5EBBDZ5N7POPWMUYB4ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595733},"content":"Another obstacle may be the resistance to data centres in Ireland. While our national data centre footprint has grown in recent years, there has been a pushback against their development in this country, amid concerns about the environmental impact of the facilities and grid capacity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZM4E33SABAWDAXNHMRPUIUFBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595734},"content":"Google has come up against it first-hand, with plans to expand its data centre in Dublin currently going through the courts. The initial planning application, submitted earlier this year, was for a third phase of its data centre campus at Grange Castle, a 72,400 sq m facility in west Dublin with eight data centre halls. Once fully operational, it would create 50 jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHCWDUKCBZAOJPI742HJTO3ZRY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GEA6ZZE4B5C6RCXV7Q7FACAHCY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"BFTJWN6HBZCVTLUJ3BNVEEIMZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595735},"content":"But South Dublin County Council (SDCC) refused it, citing the “existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network [grid] and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data centre”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVJB4WVBUZGDZDU74J7SX75DCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595736},"content":"The case is ongoing and, as such, Hartley does not want to comment specifically about it. However, she says, the decision was a “surprise and a disappointment”, and that Google is “very invested” in the Dublin data centre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5PUWCSBIFCRZF2UUIWUGYDLTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595737},"content":"“We have global access to data centres; every country in the world is looking for data centres,” she says. “So I’m confident that we can work with the SDCC and An Bord Pleanála to address the concerns.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"462FPPBGZ5BGZIRTPHNXG6ZT2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595738},"content":"That isn’t the only challenge Google faces. On top of the data centre refusal, the company has also found itself in the wrong side of a judgment in the US that ruled it had monopolised the online search market. It has been subject to increasing regulation in the EU, with the Digital Markets Act, the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act all seeking to regulate various aspects of its business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OR7EJVZAMRASBB43NGHUEPQBWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595749},"content":"Hartley says the company welcomes the regulation. In a previous life, she worked in banking, which is no stranger to regulation either. “I think it’s a really important moment to get the regulation right.,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YFAYGHIFFHDLELDPTU4WCEM2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595750},"content":"Some of that burden clearly falls on the Irish business, acting as a gateway between what the EU decrees and what US-based engineers are building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5YHYVNP4FHMTJU5GD2G6HE5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292628},"content":"Talk of Ireland’s infrastructure issues have dominated the public discourse this year, and you can’t help but wonder if multinationals will reconsider further investment as a result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXJX2WTS5BFOXFE4FDA4NYZ6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595739},"content":"She acknowledges there is work to do, but isn’t convinced there is a perception problem with Ireland, and expects investment to continue. Since Brexit, Ireland has been viewed as a gateway for US companies into the EU. Despite its problems – a housing crisis, the spiralling cost of living, anti-immigration protests – the idea of Ireland as an attractive location for investment has not waned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZXR2G5XCZEVPEUP7MQQG2LBLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595740},"content":"“I’m always struck by the optimism and the confidence in Ireland as that EU headquarters for Google,” says Hartley. “Every single large city in the world faces these challenges.” She also notes that the company is building a global centre of excellence in engineering that will be housed in Bolands Mills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG2BNEOBZBHQNH3ABHFZDZELKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292632},"content":"“We’ve already recruited more than 1,000 engineers, and will continue to do that. So there is incredible confidence that we can continue to attract the best engineers in the world, notwithstanding the fact that we know that large cities like Dublin do have challenges,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHFPRZHF6FDEDFFT5MLLH5MG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595748},"content":"“My job is going to be to work with Government policymakers to make sure we are really clear on the next five to 10 years and what we need to do in order to make sure we capitalise like we did in the 1980s and the 1990s on these opportunities that are ahead.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUMRCDAFWJHXHO2FPVYO62RJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595743},"content":"Part of that will not only be getting the right staff in the right place, it will be keeping them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNGKTATREVDC3JOUMA4C6QMP24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595744},"content":"Amazon has broken ranks in terms of remote working, with the tech giant requiring staff to be back in the office five days a week. As yet, Google has no plans to follow suit. Not only would it be a big change to how the company works, with staff currently in the office three days per week, but it would also undermine its own message that its tools can be used to work from anywhere at any time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCAZXRPKORHUDDKA4NC3JJXJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595745},"content":"Hartley quite likes the flexibility of remote working herself, describing herself as a “massive proponent” of it. Having a young family, she benefits from Google’s policy of “work from anywhere” weeks, where staff can work from anywhere in the world, tying in family obligations with their work commitments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRIEOTHIOVFUHBYTNTEDDY2TCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595746},"content":"“We’re really happy with how hybrid’s working for us. It gives us the right flexibility in order to hire and retain the best talent. For now, I don’t see that changing,” she says, adding that it does come up in the course of conversations at professional events, but not so much in-house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BFCLQNWXNBLXKVBHGJTMHXE2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292638},"content":"“It’s the number one question being asked. It is, interestingly, not the number one question being asked by Googlers. I think they recognise that, actually, we give them a lot of flexibility.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7LCA6G6RFEVLJLTZ25PIE5KVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595747},"content":"Part of that is being clear about the expectations around hybrid work arrangements. Hartley describes it as an adult conversation. “I see it as a leadership challenge, rather than a productivity challenge,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2PAYZMBFVFXTLGEVNHAA7Y65A","additional_properties":{"_id":"AEUEK2KYTNBRDKKF53NXUI3WQU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QP2SGOLLXJFQZNJQIY4J7HTW5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292640},"content":"Getting that balance right, though, is crucial, and Hartley has learned how to detach from work when it is appropriate. Living in Clontarf, she is a stone’s throw from the sea, where she swims four times a week. Having three children under 12 means life is busy for the Google boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVUT3FDNQND4VB3O5QSYFOJH4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595752},"content":"“All I want to do when I’m not here is just to be with the kids, with them in the kitchen or on the beach. I’m very good at detaching,” she says. “I think that’s been a key learning that has come over the last 10 years. When you’re off, you’re off, and you’ve got to make sure that you build in rest time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWD5YHQMINBENOYM2MRY3G7ADA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595753},"content":"That is something she says she has picked up from younger Google staff, who can do much more purpose-driven work. “We need to learn, particularly with our Irish psyche of ‘I have to do everything’. You don’t, actually; you have to do the right things really well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCGPD52TBRG5JE24A4INR4C3RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595755},"content":"<b>CV</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFOHNRJWEFDQRFOIAKUQ7T7NJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292645},"content":"<b>Name:</b> Vanessa Hartley","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5UY4OSL3ZCHXB7CEELFD7OVVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595756},"content":"<b>Age:</b> 47","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMS6DTPK3VEZLPRMDP7QSHXA3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595757},"content":"P<b>osition:</b> Head of Google Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIJJBHNFANBK5NFO4VNED6QBGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292648},"content":"<b>Lives: </b>Dublin","type":"text"},{"_id":"SH55NAFE7JDYZELINGIEKIYJTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595758},"content":"<b>Family:</b> Married to Ross, with three children under 12","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAXLL4AXTZC5PALSIMN5WAMVNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292650},"content":"<b>Outside interests: </b>Sea swimming close to her Clontarf home","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPZO3B7K35B4BCBXNYFSNVHQI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595759},"content":"<b>Something you would expect:</b> She has become the de facto tech support for everyone even vaguely in her social orbit. Requests for help with Google services are common. “Can I remove their house from Google Maps?” she laughs. “You get your mam’s bridge friend called Nick, asking: ‘Can you take that picture of me down’. Which, again, is kind of funny to people who know me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVGL2QYR3VHQTHQDBIOKXLL5NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595761},"content":"<b>Something that might surprise:</b> She isn’t a techie at heart, which makes it all the more amusing that she heads up one of the largest tech companies in Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"V34BDHLQS5EGHJGCHGK7Q6ZHC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Waterford native is taking the helm of the search engine giant’s Irish arm at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for the company"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google Ireland head Vanessa Hartley: ‘Number one priority is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU","auth":{"1":"adbd2d399c7a07ec0082eab2aae9918f5a455484669c205b98ae9d12bd2ceb8d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"JLK7DFV5DNDIJCB7URU62KVSQY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/05/apple-warns-investors-future-products-may-never-be-as-profitable-as-iphone/","content_elements":[{"_id":"GU44FIXFCBELZB75UFCWD2IE6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769528},"content":"Apple has warned investors that future products may never be as profitable as its iPhone business, as it pushes into unproven new markets such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality headsets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YBTXHR5O5HDBKY4OTUMP3TBBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769529},"content":"The iPhone maker added the new warning on growth and profit margins to its latest annual report, in the list of “risk factors” facing the tech group’s business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BB7VBJWRYJGEXKKRPNPHBZX7KU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769530},"content":"“New products, services and technologies may replace or supersede existing offerings and may produce lower revenues and lower profit margins,” Apple said, “which can materially adversely impact the company’s business, results of operations and financial condition”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMIFQMLGY5HQLFE4WNAEEJYC5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769531},"content":"Apple routinely warns investors in its annual reports that competition, foreign exchange, supply chain issues and other factors can put “volatility and downward pressure” on its margins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEPMQHJDRJFL5P54FBNTPWPHAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769532},"content":"The same 10-K regulatory filing in previous years suggested that new product introductions could have “higher cost structures”. But until now, Apple has not been so direct in addressing the financial profile of its future products.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7XBX2EGQJDVFH5CKTEQ4COMKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769533},"content":"Elsewhere in the new filing, Apple added new warnings about the potential impact of “geopolitical tensions” – a phrase that has been absent from its risk factors for several years – as well as safety risks from new AI features.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYENHG7V3BBBJE2RWAMDU6ZRHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769534},"content":"The disclosures come as Apple is investing heavily in AI to catch up with rivals such as Google and Meta, as well as in its new Vision Pro “spatial computing” headset.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSXKG4IIZJD7TGIPMD2EF24OKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769535},"content":"Its first “Apple Intelligence” features launched last week, with more – including the integration of ChatGPT to its Siri assistant – expected in the coming months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"35NMILZCRNCEHHWG4RAUCVVOTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769536},"content":"Apple is also facing regulatory pressure on its App Store and other parts of its high-margin services business, while the recent US antitrust victory against Google threatens to cut off billions of dollars in licensing revenues that Apple currently makes from the search group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYV4EBU7GNEQDNMMUX57BDH2PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769537},"content":"Warren Buffett revealed on Saturday that his Berkshire Hathaway had cut its stake in Apple by almost two-thirds in just over a year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQ5OAJLTPVDNFDYTGGPJKSHZO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769538},"content":"Apple last week reported a 6 per cent rise in revenue to $94.9 billion (€86.8 billion) for the quarter to September 28, with record gross margins of 46.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDSUU6GKYJEEDP3U7MIBDNRN7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769539},"content":"According to consensus forecasts collected by Visible Alpha, most Wall Street analysts predict Apple’s gross margins will rise in the coming years, reaching 49 per cent by the end of the decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S26RG42H7NBHDH4U636B44STLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769540},"content":"But some analysts say Apple’s new products are not certain to match the margin profile of the iPhone and its associated services, which range from music and video subscriptions to mobile payments and cloud storage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXSMVCDSDJCUTMA7UC5PTVJASQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769541},"content":"“We are sitting at a point where there are a lot of unknowns,” said Gene Munster at Deepwater Asset Management, as Apple moves into new product categories.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE7GKNNK2FDYZC4A5A7LU3UUNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769542},"content":"Apple’s Vision Pro headset, its first new computing device in years, comes with a $3,499 price tag and has experienced limited sales so far.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFPPBXEQEZFIVNOZFJS4ZGSQOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769543},"content":"Munster also raised the question of how Apple’s services business would make money from generative AI, beyond using the new features to drive device sales. Apple does not currently charge a separate fee for access to its AI features, which run only on its latest iPhones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMSSQRT64BF5FGHVZGQ4A7E3MA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769544},"content":"“AI is transformative, and the first cut at how they approach this isn’t going to be their last,” Munster said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHMUJSWY4RFUDKZU62R4K3MHIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769545},"content":"Apple’s gross margin has expanded from 33 per cent in 2007, the year the iPhone launched, holding at about 38 per cent or above for the past decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LB73SIS7MRDZBOV6EW5FYXXOFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769546},"content":"Despite intense competition from lower-cost rivals in the smartphone market, where growth has slowed in recent years, Apple’s gross margin has grown to more than 40 per cent since 2021 as more customers opt for higher-priced iPhones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GKQDEVVCNDB3BBIPCLULG7GXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769547},"content":"The growth of Apple’s services business, which is now on pace to make $100 billion in revenues a year, has boosted that margin, in part thanks to payments from Google to be the iPhone’s default search engine. Apple’s services gross margin is above 70 per cent, compared with 36-37 per cent for its hardware products.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKDG6GY5P5DFJEHPVPN6ZVXROE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769548},"content":"“It’s kind of an interesting time for Apple,” said Dan Newman, chief executive of the Futurum Group, noting that while the company is richly valued at around $3.4 trillion, its growth rate is in the mid-single-digits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYKDQ6PL4BCIRANLR73EDLMP24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769549},"content":"Apple had traditionally focused on making hardware improvements to each new generation of iPhone, Newman said. With AI software now the big selling point for its latest phones, the company needed to cover itself, he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6HHYBDPOZALPD3SOGRS3OOWF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769550},"content":"“I think Apple’s business model is changing and they are probably putting in some legal protective language that reflects that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKO265P64BAMXMWMZT2CAI5U7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769551},"content":"Apple declined to comment. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Analysts say artificial intelligence and virtual reality headsets might have lower margins than smartphones and App Store"},"display_date":"2024-11-05T18:53:41.681Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple warns investors future products may never be as profitable as 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claims.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S7P6PDRJLFE37C3SIYM7G4HE7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981697},"content":"While these three were chosen as representative, it was on the understanding that they were not binding directly on the remaining cases but that these cases would provide some assistance in the resolution of the balance of the actions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKPUYNRZRNEUND6QUCQM335JSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981698},"content":"All three people were content moderators, later called a “subject matter experts”, who ensured compliance with Meta/Facebook’s implementation standards for online content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PC3Q7RZVRBFATMUH2TXYDCNJQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981699},"content":"In a ruling relating to whether CCC should make discovery of certain documents for the purpose of the court dealing with the jurisdictional issue, Mr Justice Conleth Bradley refused the discovery sought.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNAC52SG4VHENPBPJAAHOK7Z7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981700},"content":"Referring to the first plaintiff’s proceedings, the judge said this case was against both the employing company (CCC) and Meta as it was claimed that Meta was the “anchor defendant” for the purposes of meeting the criteria under which jurisdiction in the EU certain civil cases can be heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5CNRMMET5AJPBU3VOYY5KIQSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981701},"content":"It is alleged that, by reason of the unique and comprehensive degree of control which Meta/Facebook exercised over the system of work implemented by CCC Essen, it has a liability where there is alleged negligence in respect of the injuries suffered in the course of the plaintiff’s work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2423KFWCSRANDFVYYOIRA3HMXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981702},"content":"As part of his case, the man sought discovery of documents from CCC including the contracts governing the relationship between CCC and Meta and documents on any associated policies ad procedures governing what content moderation was.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4LHZ5WT5BBARF24PGH6FTGG7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981703},"content":"CCC opposed the application.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOUV4PQZTBBLDKI3S3YZPJOHRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981704},"content":"The judge said that having regard to the applicable legal principles relating to the exercise of what the authorities suggest is an exceptional jurisdiction, he considered that the discovery sought by the plaintiff, at this juncture, was not necessary for the fair disposal of the jurisdictional issue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTD2FX2EKRER7OENLUNHPF7X7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981705},"content":"The full hearing of the jurisdictional issue is yet to take place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSB3LJZHUFDPVP22EIG2OELGMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>This story was updated on 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That has presented “an unusually large, maybe once in a lifetime opportunity” for Amazon’s cloud business, said Andy Jassy, the company’s chief executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6LHV4SHERE2DLLTGSGSC45T5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918301},"content":"Sales at Amazon Web Services, a crucial profit engine for the ecommerce group, were up 19 per cent year-on-year, to $27.5 billion (€25.3 billion). Mr Jassy said AWS already had a “multibillion-dollar” AI business, which was seeing “triple digit” revenue growth, although he did not give specific figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O37PLL4PIVHVNP2LS2QXEK6XSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918302},"content":"The AI rush has also meant significant capital expenditure. Amazon spent $22.6 billion on property and equipment in the quarter, up from $12.5 billion a year before. “The faster we grow demand, the faster we have to invest capital in data centres and networking gear and hardware,” said Mr Jassy, estimating that Amazon would spend $75 billion this year and more next.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6CHIELCQNFQLES7ILIABIEEEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918303},"content":"“Our customers, businesses and shareholders will feel good about this long term, that we’re aggressively pursuing it,” he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3VZVEM6R5CMHG6ONFPPMKR4UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918304},"content":"The Seattle-based ecommerce company’s overall revenues increased 11 per cent year-on-year to hit $159 billion, beating analyst estimates. Amazon expects net sales in the current quarter – which includes the holiday shopping season – to come in between $181.5 billion – $188.5 billion, in line with analyst forecasts for $186.4 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2GVOFMQIBBT7DPE6KK3I6C5RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918305},"content":"Net income of $15.3 billion for the period was comfortably in advance of analysts’ estimates of $12.2 billion and up more than 50 per cent on a year earlier, and revenue from Amazon’s advertising business jumped 19 per cent to $14.3 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZ2JWFPGJRDWZPD3KPZWQUIHZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918306},"content":"Shares of Amazon, which are up almost 25 per cent in the year to date, rose 6 per cent in after-hours trading, which would push the company’s market valuation past $2 trillion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMJKCBGOABCNXN5JNOTZLWF6ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918307},"content":"Amazon’s market capitalisation has more than doubled over the past five years, propelled by growing cloud and advertising businesses as well as expanding margins in its core retail business. Wall Street reacted negatively to Amazon’s operating margins shrinking last quarter, but the company rebounded from 10 per cent to 11 per cent in the current quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YGI2YVNSKZBGFLY7QAXGXD6B4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918308},"content":"The group is now eyeing generative AI as the primary source of future growth. Amazon, which recently summoned workers back to the office for five days a week, is in a fierce race with rival “hyperscalers” Meta, Microsoft and Alphabet for a share of the booming AI market.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNXWQC4QBBDUFBV4ZG2LXCAHNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918309},"content":"Generative AI is “cloud 2.0″, according to Gary Robinson, partner at Edinburgh-based asset manager Baillie Gifford, an Amazon investor. The technology had the potential to dramatically reduce operational expenditure and could ultimately create trillions of dollars of value, “expanding the total addressable market for hyperscalers by an order of magnitude”, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5TXVOJMWBCZZCEBCYK4PKHOSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918310},"content":"But investors are also looking for evidence that the outlay will be recouped. Microsoft’s share price fell 6 per cent on Thursday, despite reporting double-digit gains in quarterly profits, after the company warned AI spending would continue to rise and said growth in its cloud division had cooled in the current quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VBQPDB3DZCP3IOIBSUJILXNBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918311},"content":"On the back of its results and Meta’s, US stocks suffered their worst day in almost two months on Thursday, with Big Tech companies dragging down the Nasdaq and S&P 500. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Market capitalisation more than doubled over past five years from growing cloud and advertising businesses as well as expanding margins in retail"},"display_date":"2024-11-01T10:25:41.211Z","headlines":{"basic":"Amazon revenues jump on back of AI-fuelled cloud demand ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OHQGTDEB4WBGCLCCE5VHWRHCP4","auth":{"1":"027a1dd9a6d81ffccfcf4b9fcd721119b175038fbbd570a23242839e31fc3954"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OHQGTDEB4WBGCLCCE5VHWRHCP4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/01/amazon-revenues-jump-on-back-of-ai-fuelled-cloud-demand/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"PKL2YSHSZRASFJMSGHKWENBSRM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":248,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/944edd2c-3719-4acd-b21d-4a7c76e83bd9/versions/1730400566/media/335aee37f73c540b0eaeeb1ec7198dd0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/11/01/microsoft-to-add-550-jobs-in-ireland-covering-ai-and-cybersecurity-roles/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QF4JNBH4D5DMBFJF6AJDBQLVWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730385390735},"content":"Tech giant <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/microsoft/\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft </a>is to create up to 550 jobs in Ireland over the next three to four years as the company invests heavily in its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence </a>(AI) operations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLHSLHKJE5E2PDJWQQIFN2N3LY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677769},"content":"The investment comes as Ireland has been chosen as a key location for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/microsoft/\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft</a>’s global AI innovation ambitions, aiding in the development of new technologies for its global operations and spanning some of the company’s key focus areas for the future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYUV2AWTKFBMBBMDDGE4Y2JLAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677770},"content":"The tech company said it would recruit for 120 jobs immediately. The jobs will be in software engineering, applied sciences, security research, product management and programme management, with about 15 to 20 per cent of the roles set aside for graduates or those early in their career. The remaining 430 jobs will be added in the next three to four years depending on customer demand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAVHZSROIZAKVMNPLGA36L24ZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677771},"content":"James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland site leader and corporate vice-president of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said Ireland had been chosen because of the availability of talent, and noted that new recruits would play a key role for Microsoft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDW7YMQB2ZAIPCUDUMYGJTNDKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677772},"content":"Aside from creating teams in Azure networking and infrastructure, cyber security, investigating groundbreaking technologies and developing AI infrastructure, the teams will also create new AI-enabled products and internal solutions for Microsoft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IYX7CIRYBCZFONLFR7ATK4EKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677773},"content":"“They will be working on AI technologies as well as advancing and enhancing our cybersecurity capabilities,” Mr O’Connor said. “They are going to be working on core technologies across all our key products. This is really going to enable industrial-level AI innovation here across those functions and teams, and do it in a scalable way.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIEZWYYHC5CHZK7ZML6A4OZ25U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677774},"content":"The recruitment drive will bring to more than 4,000 the number of people employed by Microsoft directly in Ireland, with the total growing to 6,000 when <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/linkedin/\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn </a>is included. It also erases some of the overall losses experienced by the tech giant, which is celebrating 40 years in Ireland next year, when it was hit by the wave of redundancies seen in the tech sector in 2022 and 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SMM76VOKJAYJI2VMKPFY4BPW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677775},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris </a>welcomed the investment. “Not only does this highlight Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment destination, it also promises a significant boost for the AI ecosystem in Ireland,” Mr Harris said. “Fostering AI skills and advancing capabilities in the field are core to the Government’s national artificial intelligence strategy, and this project will help develop new specialist skills and expertise, thereby positioning Ireland for further investment in this critical area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIEZWYYHC5CHZK7ZML6A4OZ25U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677776},"content":"The jobs are being supported by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ida-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">IDA Ireland</a>. Chief executive Michael Lohan said: “Ireland continues to prove itself as a location where the world’s most innovative AI companies build groundbreaking technologies.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HVDXFU2NCBCT3ERJFP6XPQE2SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677777},"content":"The move comes as tech companies continue to bet heavily on AI to help fuel the next phase of their business’ growth, investing in AI data centres in a bid to meet flourishing demand for the technology. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta </a>and Microsoft on Wednesday said their capital expenses were rising due to AI investments, while <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google’s </a>parent Alphabet said it would also continue to have higher spending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JWASC37KUFF3JCILPTDEN6CWAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677778},"content":"Microsoft said capital spending rose 5.3 per cent to $20 billion in its first fiscal quarter, and predicted increased spending on AI in the second. 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Samsung this month issued a rare public apology for its weak performance as it has struggled to catch up with SK Hynix in high bandwidth memory chips used in AI hardware.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGJIMERU5ZAQZKYXNRV4RV25ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297848},"content":"Samsung has not managed to pass industry leader Nvidia’s qualification tests for advanced HBM chips, but the company said on Thursday it had made “meaningful progress” in winning approval from a “major customer” and expected HBM chip sales to increase in the fourth quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXXGAPCEYFDVHDTZIS7F7MLYUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297849},"content":"Samsung’s share price has fallen more than 30 per cent from its July peak on heavy foreign selling, but the shares gained 2 per cent on Thursday morning amid hopes Samsung could regain lost ground in HBM chips.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQ4LMK6CXRCOTJ25G4AY4NQTSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297850},"content":"The company expects limited earnings growth in the fourth quarter due to falling demand in mobile and computer Dram memory chips and a rising supply of legacy chips in China.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXH4READQFFVBMWC7Z2ZIIYOOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297851},"content":"Analysts have expressed scepticism about Samsung’s business prospects in HBM and expect a major shake-up among its chip executives next month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFDAXFELOBA3VAQQJLGZ6RAWHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297852},"content":"“Samsung remains optimistic about the HBM outlook, but it won’t be easy to pass the qualification test and increase HBM yields,” said an analyst at a foreign brokerage, referring to Samsung being able to produce more of the chips without flaws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEDL4FYDJBFCBE7CTU7IHKGMRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297853},"content":"“It is too early to talk about Samsung regaining HBM competitiveness,” the analyst added. “Some of its key memory executives will likely be replaced for the weak performance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JZZVDKKS5AFTPUL5NZRJ2RRHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297854},"content":"In May, Samsung replaced its semiconductor chief in an effort to overcome what it described as a “chip crisis”. The company expects increased sales of its most advanced HBM3E chips in the fourth quarter and plans to mass-produce next-generation HBM4 chips in the second half of next year. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Shares at the world’s biggest memory-chip maker have fallen more than 30% July peak but there is hope of regaining lost ground"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T10:12:10.473Z","headlines":{"basic":"Samsung Electronics’ failure to fully embrace AI reflected in results ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PAMOTYC3HX66TUSPV7QDCD4AIU","auth":{"1":"6837435c6751d189fc7356bc70be38308348b4efbd1341dd46337756f076f652"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PAMOTYC3HX66TUSPV7QDCD4AIU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/31/samsung-electronics-failure-to-fully-embrace-ai-reflected-in-results/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"MZU6IESIG5HW7EVOO5IVHSZZQY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":312,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/86fab6e0-f158-4bb6-9abc-fd8ec9fd8d29/versions/1730308512/media/abc5812fbb43e2371660713a59ddfdb5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/financial-services/2024/10/31/the-cautionary-tale-of-goldman-and-apples-credit-card/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CQAN5RBFOVCEREQMM5KNW4URIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548971},"content":"To think it all started out so well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDL5XZYLUFEQBMKJL3IQLD7JJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548972},"content":"When <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/goldman-sachs/\" target=\"_blank\">Goldman Sachs </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple </a>teamed up to launch a credit card in 2019, neither the storied investment bank nor the technology giant had much experience with consumer banking. That did not stop them from dreaming big.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4FAORODH5BKLAZ5AUVIXMK7PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548973},"content":"They promised to offer “an innovative, new kind of credit card” with no fees and a cutting-edge app “designed to help customers lead a healthier financial life”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UQXZF3WWFRDU3LJWH26NLJBGIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548974},"content":"Goldman chief executive David Solomon hailed the Apple Card as the “most successful credit card launch ever”, and analysts predicted that the partnership would shake up financial services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CFPACNDKVRECDJKBRBJ2MDEJB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548975},"content":"Five years on, the double act is a cautionary tale about what can go wrong when big companies try to reinvent retail finance on the fly without thinking through all of the ramifications.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHGPKWU7VZEQ5OMWD6XKF5E2TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548976},"content":"The top US consumer finance watchdog last week declared that Apple and Goldman had “illegally sidestepped” obligations to consumers in their haste to create a novel product. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered the two groups to pay a combined $89 million (€82 million) for mishandling disputed charges and misleading customers about interest-free payment plans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3GGDDN6CANC3DF6SU4RPBQRXR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548977},"content":"The partnership has also turned financially sour for Goldman Sachs, which is now trying to exit as it shuts down an ill-fated push into consumer banking that racked up billions in losses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CF6U5AUBW5CRPPWFFJW564R2ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548980},"content":"The saga is partly a warning about hubris. Retail banking is not only harder than it looks but also heavily regulated by watchdogs who take their duties very seriously. That can put the regulators at odds with buccaneering entrepreneurs who want to shake up existing ways of doing business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I33NL67OMVG37NHLUN66RQYC24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548981},"content":"Tech firms are used to launching in beta, a fancy way of saying that they put out a lightly-tested product and then modify and improve it as problems are discovered. That attitude spilled over into the Apple Card. Goldman’s board was warned in advance of its August 2019 launch that the system for dealing with disputed charges was “not fully ready”. The bank, which would have had to pay penalties to Apple for a delay, opted to push ahead anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMJUWTUJ2BGWPPB2L7JL2QOQSI","additional_properties":{"_id":"LJ2FGX4MYNDHFEVOODLBLFMPZ4"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-56112","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EORWVB4OGRF2TEO4TH6UZJ2Q2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730307794147},"content":"In the first two years of the card’s existence, more than 150,000 customer-reported billing errors fell between the cracks in some way, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said. Apple often failed to send the reports to Goldman. When they did arrive, Goldman often failed to respond within legal deadlines — or at all. Customers were left on the hook for tens of thousands of charges that they disputed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TCXKBSBI3JDXPL2NMCS5KTPDUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548983},"content":"The watchdog also fined the partnership for the “confusing” way in which it offered a free instalment plan, saying that thousands of customers wrongly ended up paying interest anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGJZMOLBNRACZFXLDRENBUBE3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548984},"content":"Innovations contributed to the issues. Apple designed a distinctive user interface and integrated the card into other iPhone apps. It also insisted that everyone’s billing cycle coincide with the calendar month, because that was simpler for customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKUD6LJFDZAZPBZXPBM7KARB24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548985},"content":"The card won top rankings in customer satisfaction surveys. But some cardholders got lost in key processes and failed to file forms or tick particular boxes. The single billing date led to huge surges in disputed charges that overwhelmed Goldman’s customer service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZHEQZ5RZBFVLFKAEVEAIPIKBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548986},"content":"“You want to differentiate the product, but when you deviate from the norm, it can be confusing,” says Jason Mikula, a fintech consultant who previously worked at Goldman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5SRI2PCV5VHYXOZ22MDOH3EYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548987},"content":"Entrepreneurs are often willing to pay that price for innovation. Financial watchdogs take a different view.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S23R5D5ZUJGRBNZ4XU44HOKKMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837629},"content":"There is a reason for that. If a fledging web search engine or a shaky chatbot offers less than perfect responses, where is the real harm? But charging customers unfairly or wrecking their credit scores causes measurable pain that regulators have a duty to prevent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODSFN333JJCGBGKAYIOS3G6ZXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548988},"content":"The episode carries lessons that another group of swashbuckling financial groups should heed: money managers racing to sell alternative assets to wealthy individuals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CK2CTNVTQREXPEQEUCZTB76WSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548989},"content":"Until recently, private equity and private credit firms took money almost exclusively from big pension funds and endowments and avoided most oversight that way. But now that the institutional market is saturated, they are jostling to offer largely untested products to retail investors who may or may not understand what they are buying.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUYMWHFYFZHYJGSCG5XYGLTH6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548990},"content":"Some alts firms have partnered with traditional asset managers, others are opting to charge ahead on their own. I hope these new funds and model portfolios work brilliantly. If not, you can be sure that the watchdogs are going to be waiting with bared teeth. — Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YLETNB42NETZKCIGTBMU4DPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837633},"content":"* Sign up for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/media/2023/11/07/stay-informed-with-push-alerts-from-the-irish-times-delivered-straight-to-your-phone/\">Business push alerts</a> and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOGUDXVCYBBY7HVOGO3FBIB3HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837634},"content":"* Find <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/media/2023/10/27/find-the-irish-times-on-whatsapp-and-stay-up-to-date/\">The Irish Times on WhatsApp</a> and stay up to date","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBOXZO3QANCEFOH5UBLPQKBKGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837635},"content":"* Our Inside Business podcast is published weekly – Find the latest episode <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-business/\">here</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Brooke Masters"}]},"description":{"basic":"Retail banking is not only harder than it looks but also heavily regulated by watchdogs who take their duties very seriously"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The cautionary tale of Goldman and Apple’s credit card","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AJFU7HXEYJAWPB3KUG6WUEDVJ4","auth":{"1":"cde721f8016c8e95adee8ffbac416dd4cfdc0105b122449fa1c500e01a04a379"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AJFU7HXEYJAWPB3KUG6WUEDVJ4.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big 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social media in February 2024 because of the harm he felt it had been inflicting on his <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mental-health/\" target=\"_blank\">mental wellbeing</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRENXJFH2ZBC7CYNGK3WXEUYKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365160},"content":"Minish described feeling constantly “anxiety-ridden”, but said he now finds “much more meaning and equilibrium in my life after ... removing the overbearing influence it had”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOE2CVVQ3JHXPPXBKUDQN7VY7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731287},"content":"“It often felt like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Tech</a> didn’t want me to be a functional person,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JA2NIWDMFJCFPGNNTD6HD3BUYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365162},"content":"Campaign group <a href=\"https://www.uplift.ie/about/\" target=\"_blank\">Uplift</a>, which says it wants to see “progressive change across Ireland”, held what it called a “People’s Inquiry on Big Tech Harms” in Dublin on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOQ6KSMVHJEVHN53RUQFDU2ANY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365163},"content":"The event followed the publication by media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\">Coimisiún na Meán</a> of its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/online-safety-code-will-bring-end-to-era-of-social-media-self-regulation-media-regulator-vows/\" target=\"_blank\">online safety code</a>, promising “an end to the era of social media self-regulation”, on Monday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ZMUUGGPRJH73EOSXSB5SQTRSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365164},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/facebook/\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/instagram/\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/youtube/\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok/\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/linkedin/\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x/\" target=\"_blank\">X</a>, Pinterest, Tumblr and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/reddit/\" target=\"_blank\">Reddit</a> will be obliged to comply with the new code, or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater. Taoiseach Simon Harris chaired an online safety meeting in Government Buildings on Thursday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBCYLD4TJRHTTCSAAYE6JBS52A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365165},"content":"Human rights lawyer <a href=\"https://www.ihrec.ie/about/chief-commissioner-members-of-ihrec/noeline-blackwell/\" target=\"_blank\">Noeline Blackwell</a> chaired Uplift’s event, hearing testimony from activists and academics on the harms that can be caused by social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCHWIWEYYZCJTIXTEBM3VNZUME","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731281},"content":"Blackwell said the event was “a chance to focus” on the ways in which Government can co-ordinate with tech corporations to significantly reduce the harm being done in digital spheres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7BUIVVDCRAORNMIBLOL6XPI4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731282},"content":"“We get drawn into looking at what the victim can do, what the person who’s being harmed can do along the way. The word that’s coming through the whole time is systemic issues, there are things wrong with the system, with the structures, in a way that is helping or contributing to the harm at least or maybe even causing the harm,” Blackwell said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWV2NMQ3UNBJBL3I5OWLHX25DI","additional_properties":{"_id":"DRKWBNTPDFBJFMVVB4QNPU4KYQ"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"L7NMOH33UZA77HFEAHUXWZVFQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365168},"content":"Attendees heard about the impact a lack of regulation had on democracy, the environment and mental health, as well as the extent of online abuse being directed towards minority groups such as LGBTQ+ people and migrants. Panellists included tech and democracy campaigner Liz Carolan, race relations consultant Dr Ebun Joseph, SpunOut’s Ian Power and tech policy adviser Tanya O’Carroll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCHWIWEYYZCJTIXTEBM3VNZUME","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731281},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7BUIVVDCRAORNMIBLOL6XPI4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731282},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUTC5PLL3FED5K4QIPKLYMZSWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731283},"content":"Sharon Mpofu, a member of the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, spoke about the online abuse people seeking safety in this country can be subjected to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SBWRM5FQVRBGNHPKYUUHE7SJBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731284},"content":"“Social media hate speech is really affecting a lot of migrants here in Ireland. They are being shut down, they are being insulted, they’re being picked on, because of the hate speech that is being spread on social media platforms,” Mpofu said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFPMVEEJUVHFBGXSD3G2JJOZ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731285},"content":"“People are being attacked on their way to work, they’re being attacked on buses. Kids are being bullied at school due to social media. Yes, social media has its good side and its bad side – it can help somebody, and it can destroy somebody.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PU4TYPANJDFPOEUJ34HXT7VEU","additional_properties":{"_id":"CUI4SYZUPREMLHPJVUUK5EG4UI"},"content":"The Irish Times view on the regulation of social media: first, enforce the rules that are there","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZFPMVEEJUVHFBGXSD3G2JJOZ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731285},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOE2CVVQ3JHXPPXBKUDQN7VY7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731287},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJLJNOOA4BEQVCRD5VTDROGADU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731288},"content":"Uplift’s digital campaigns and support worker Jacob Sosinsky offered his perspective as a transgender man and member of the LGBTQ+ community. “Those platforms can really be breeding grounds for radicalised content, where attacks on LGBTQ+ rights are organised and amplified. They are not accidental,” Sosinsky said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KJ4YACZEJFWRDYGW5PQK2APPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731289},"content":"“As a trans man myself, I needed to delete my social media accounts as hate was flowing my direction for just existing. It was really affecting my mental health.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CI55QA2OEVDDXLKRPRJ57RQWAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731290},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMCPVS6CIJCUTAPIVXONT3VHPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731291},"content":"Siobhán O’Donoghue, executive director at Uplift, said that “a handful of big tech corporations ... are manipulating our digital spaces for their private profit”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOSMH24JJNHBZMG4ROTP6GXY3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731292},"content":"Uplift says it intends to submit a report to the Government outlining how the internet can be made “a better and safer place for us all”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EBAPEGPGZERRFOXYHI6N3T6II","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731293},"content":"It will “also seek to put questions to leaders of big tech companies about the harms they’re causing to people and communities across Ireland”, O’Donoghue added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXB6SEYK45DVFG4MQ6CQWTSEY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731294},"content":"“We hope the People’s Inquiry on Big Tech Harms will mark a turning point.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ella Sloane"}},"name":"Ella Sloane"}]},"description":{"basic":"People’s Inquiry on Big Tech Harms event in Dublin hears of mental health effects of social media"},"display_date":"2024-10-26T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Digital damage: ‘It often felt like Big Tech didn’t want me to be a functional person’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DFAQFVQH4FCOBAI54A3GC2AMYQ","auth":{"1":"aed9079ac4f0357e2b423afbdcccf878a29fe781c5385d4cbc41983249bf1e8d"},"focal_point":{"x":4293,"y":1981},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DFAQFVQH4FCOBAI54A3GC2AMYQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2024/10/26/it-often-felt-like-big-tech-didnt-want-me-to-be-a-functional-person/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"RUNQJ3HR4VCFTHH34KCNCNGUHY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/24/microsoft-owned-linkedin-fined-310m-by-irish-data-protection-commission/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903676},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/data-protection-commission\" target=\"_blank\">Data Protection Commission</a> (DPC) has reprimanded and fined <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/linkedin\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn</a> Ireland €310 million and ordered it to bring its data processes into line with European law after finding fault with the legal basis the Microsoft-owned social media company relied upon to process its members’ data for advertising and to track behaviours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRLQVKF3WBHDVGVQCGUUJN6CME","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903677},"content":"The DPC – the lead European supervisory authority for LinkedIn, which has its EU headquarters in Dublin – issued the ruling on foot of an investigation based on a complaint originally made to the French data watchdog in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AFRI4XG2NDMJNC7HRO37THI5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903678},"content":"In a statement on Thursday, the DPC said LinkedIn had obtained the consent of its users for their personal data to be sent to third parties for the purposes of generating targeted advertising. However, it found that consent was not “freely given, sufficiently informed or specific, or unambiguous”, as is required under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), for the information to be used for these purposes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LHAQWXVPBH4RMJFIQDNC6LH5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729773330283},"content":"It is the fifth-largest fine the Irish regulatory body has issued under GDPR and the sixth largest by any EU authority since the regime was introduced in 2018. LinkedIn Ireland, which was notified of the DPC decision on Tuesday, has 30 days to appeal the decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PWEXKAX6Y5HJBKFO2RHGNGC4A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903679},"content":"“The lawfulness of processing is a fundamental aspect of data protection law and the processing of personal data without an appropriate legal basis is a clear and serious violation of a data subjects’ fundamental right to data protection,” said Graham Doyle, DPC deputy commissioner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N566Q7L33FDHLN3WMISQLEWCLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764374550},"content":"Following the DPC’s statement, a spokeswoman for LinkedIn said: “Today the Irish Data Protection Commission (IDPC) reached a final decision on claims from 2018 about some of our digital advertising efforts in the EU. While we believe we have been in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we are working to ensure our ad practices meet this decision by the IDPC’s deadline.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAXBXPO5JZDPDPGZ72NQBXKHSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729778459089},"content":"Asked whether the company intends to appeal the decision, a spokeswoman for LinkedIn said: “Our focus right now is on ensuring our ad practices meet this decision by the IDPC’s deadline.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPDHI7MFRFH7BHRQ2EDDXLI7M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729776435786},"content":"“This is another substantial fine issued by the DPC which aligns with similar European enforcement against Meta and other companies for targeted advertisements sent without the requisite consent meeting GDPR standards,” said David Hackett, partner and head of Data Protection at law firm Addleshaw Goddard Ireland. “GDPR introduced strict requirements that consent for processing of personal information needs to demonstrate that such consent was freely given and fully informed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BB6UOLY7BNAXFDZ472BEMKTG4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960685},"content":"The fine is lower than the $425 million (€393.4 million) Microsoft said it had set aside last year to cover the cost of penalties arising from the case, which kicked off in 2018 with a complaint from a French non-profit to that country’s data protection regulator.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GE3PP7JPJBFNHE7QB72LLX5UL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960686},"content":"The tech giant told investors in an update in June 2023 that it had seen a non-public version of the DPC’s draft decision, indicating the level of penalty it could face. Microsoft said it would “dispute the legal basis for, and the amount of, the proposed fine and will continue to defend its compliance with GDPR”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOEDJIV3ZVF73FVXTCXNM34JJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960687},"content":"Revenues at the main Irish unit of LinkedIn – which also manages the company’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa – jumped more than 15 per cent to $5.3 billion (€4.97 billion) in 2022. The most recent accounts for LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company show a 45 per cent decline in pretax profits to $99.5 million (€93.4 million) in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRW4KJQU4ZETDATATSTBOKRKU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960688},"content":"In a note attached to the accounts, the Irish unit’s directors said LinkedIn’s ultimate parent, Microsoft, has indemnified the company against all potential fines directed by the DPC. “Accordingly, there is no financial impact on the company,” they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ian Curran"}},"name":"Ian Curran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Penalty relates to social media platform’s processing of its members’ data for targeted advertising"},"display_date":"2024-10-24T10:00:03.849Z","headlines":{"basic":"Microsoft-owned LinkedIn fined €310m by Irish Data Protection Commission","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U3NDCTIZ4ZGPDN3DFCSPEUE52A","auth":{"1":"2f1e9a38571c7357d85e8d1fdd23da0d77ab22227a59c1cbff819eca45f4041f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U3NDCTIZ4ZGPDN3DFCSPEUE52A.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Data & Security"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/24/microsoft-owned-linkedin-fined-310m-by-irish-data-protection-commission/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"CQPELXWALZH7JDZ5ANAEFSA65I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":210,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/99342f80-b96a-4664-8735-6be0ce084c54/versions/1729532325/media/6032f81534b676013937e90afe2822c6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/regulating-social-media-is-an-impossible-job-but-someone-has-got-to-at-least-try/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TSYI7DIMMVETHC37UTBP5Y24WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729503192007},"content":"The era of social media self-regulation is over. That, at least, is the message from both Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a>’s online safety commissioner, Niamh Hodnett, the regulator with ambition to place some semblance of moral obligation and compliance on the internet‘s notorious free-for-all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRXGIJEFLNGV7BEXRU7T66MCJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879411},"content":"It’s an impossible job, but someone has got to at least try to do it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FPOGYWV6VBLXDSY6L6UFV5G5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879412},"content":"That much of the now-finalised online safety code is about protecting children in a world that exposes them to harm on an almost routine basis lends the code a better-late-than-never dimension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4UVRO6J2RFBFPFADBF7BZ3X64","additional_properties":{"_id":"TDWWHB3WHNDI7OV5ETL2IUKRKA"},"content":"New online safety code to protect children on social platforms including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"GYUD6C245JFQPFANDBXQB6LCVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879413},"content":"With an election nearing, it is a low-risk strategy for Harris to personally associate himself with a bid to do something about harmful and illegal online content, even if that bid faces immense hurdles – not least the likely recalcitrance of some of the nine online platforms covered by the code and the openly rogue behaviour of one, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x\" target=\"_blank\">X</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDGTQABPFRARFGDTUL6L4NQMAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879414},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán has been careful to outline what the code doesn’t do. This includes anything at all to tackle the urgent problem of toxic algorithms – “recommender systems” that can send vulnerable people, such as those with eating disorders, down damaging online rabbit-holes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TRBFZGP3S5BWDJD7KHRWOQ4XVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879415},"content":"They may be addressed eventually under the Digital Services Act, with the European Commission recently opening up investigations into those used by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>. But anyone worried about their effects will have to wait.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4OD725DVJVDXTLL6WWZOBPILUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879416},"content":"The regulator doesn’t mandate specific age assurance or age verification methods for use in situations where those new obligations apply, though it has suggested various techniques, including two dubious ones: the uploading of documentary evidence and/or live selfies, in the hope that this will limit child access to pornography and “gratuitous violence” online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUMV3X5OZ5B2RCP4XQY2TFULEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879417},"content":"Information obtained as part of this process cannot be used to profile users for advertising purposes, it stresses. But this element of the code is controversial. The regulator is asking users to place their trust in platforms that no one has much reason to trust.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5KOFH2KMNEZHNKOPR2C4TATI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879418},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán is not a content moderator, nor an appeals body for moderation decisions made by platforms. But it can accept complaints about their systems and processes. It will track particular issues and it will not be afraid to sanction, it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXPQRLPGX5AXDGKOKJZB3WFQD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879419},"content":"One of the difficulties here is fatigue: our fatigue. Users are so jaded by platforms’ see-no-evil complaints mechanisms, that many have given up reporting hate speech and other harmful content. Digital services commissioner John Evans hopes people will try to get past this. “There is value in reporting,” he says. If nothing else, it triggers platforms’ legal obligations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CABRBAJRHZBKFDQHYF66ZT6QTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879420},"content":"The regulator is seeking “a step-change in platform behaviour”, says Hodnett. The effort involved is considerable. But amid an explosion of ever more sophisticated <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) tools, the lag between cultural change and the starting gun on regulators’ race to catch up is grimly clear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"576PXK7NYNAUPKNYYWJDZZBJSQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Laura Slattery"}},"name":"Laura Slattery"}]},"description":{"basic":"Coimisiún na Meán’s online safety code is as much about what it doesn’t do as what it does"},"display_date":"2024-10-21T17:24:13.371Z","headlines":{"basic":"Regulating social media is an impossible job but someone has got to at least 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Tech"}}}},{"_id":"TYTMTT4TC5F4LOKL2HFQHGRMOA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":212,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f56f032a-151e-483e-ba88-1d2e34be292c/versions/1729508741/media/f8c4614c93b88fd6ed014411fcb5a6cc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/online-safety-code-will-bring-end-to-era-of-social-media-self-regulation-media-regulator-vows/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729502984286},"content":"The media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a> has published its online safety code, promising “an end to the era of social media self-regulation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBVD2UVA6BEUZEBCH4EG2RLXIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729509010756},"content":"The code is a legally binding set of rules regulating content on video-sharing platforms with their EU headquarters in Ireland, with the expressed aim of protecting users from harmful content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILSCN65L7JBBRBYHXLGA3WMZZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746853},"content":"Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit will be obliged to comply with the new code, or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPQFLDE3DBHULIPDWLHYJ4R3XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115405},"content":"Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Niamh Hodnett, Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Commissioner, said she hoped the new code would prompt “behavioural change” at social media platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LNBSX2LIREOJM3U4DRW6IKW4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746854},"content":"“For too long, people have felt that the online world was the Wild West, or there are no effective measures in place [to tackle harmful 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violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWJZDJUL3NHCNAMTZIJFF2KYEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115410},"content":"The code does not mandate a particular age verification method, although self-declaration alone “is not sufficient” to comply with its rules, Ms Hodnett said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YKOGNQ4RRFJJDJIFYGXPHY36U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746857},"content":"Platforms must also offer users channels whereby they can report breaches of the code, and must subsequently act on those reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLB2NVAOARA4NC5GSNWSNZCHMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729521074428},"content":"General obligations of the code will come into effect from next month, but platforms will enjoy a grace period before some more detailed provisions are enforced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRNTX7DCYVA45LZWR3SZYJJRZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746860},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán will take a “supervisory approach” to enforcing the code, according to the regulator, “ensuring that platforms implement appropriate systems to comply with the provisions of the code”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YKOGNQ4RRFJJDJIFYGXPHY36U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746857},"content":"John Evans, Coimisiún na Meán’s Digitial Services Commissioner, said the regulator’s role was to ensure that platforms operate mechanisms where content can be reported by users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GBRGSNJJRDSZC6RPAEBDUYBWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115415},"content":"Ms Hodnett said all platforms engaged with Coimisúin na Meán during the development of the code, but noted that “engagement is a very different matter to compliance”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHBB7YEXBNGU5IZUFM6EVDWEVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115416},"content":"Tumblr and Reddit both challenged the regulator’s decision to subject them to the new rules outlined by the code, but the High Court in June threw their separate cases out. Ms Hodnett said Reddit is currently appealing that decision in the Court of Appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDDP4XEDJNGBRAJGGWXJN4VNWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746861},"content":"Una Fitzpatrick, director of Ibec’s Technology Ireland interest group, said the tech industry “strongly supports a co-regulatory approach to achieve the protection of all users, including children and young people, from harmful online content”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4BN67MMJZFPFJ4XWSI5UZAR2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115418},"content":"A spokeswoman for TikTok said: “We welcome Coimisiún na Meán’s adoption of the Online Safety Code.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJITVLBYZZFL5EZSJJCYYKUAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115419},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris said the new code will send “a strong message to social media platforms that they will be held accountable for how they protect those who use their sites from harmful video content”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQCMGPB5L5H2FHG5PHAGYB74HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746865},"content":"Minister for Media Catherine Martin said in a statement that the adoption of the code is a “major step forward in online safety”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDDP4XEDJNGBRAJGGWXJN4VNWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746861},"content":"The online safety code was developed following the enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. The code gives effect to certain obligations to the State outlined in the European Commission’s Audiovisual Media Servcies Directive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQHAXKVNZFCPNG57J4RXFFJ2CQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746862},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Fiachra Gallagher"}},"name":"Fiachra Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"Coimisiún na Meán’s code will affect all video-sharing platforms with EU headquarters in Ireland"},"display_date":"2024-10-21T11:00:32.6Z","headlines":{"basic":"New online safety code to protect children on social platforms including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"37TJHJCFJMKIBG2BF3E53DPSHU","auth":{"1":"c76715720d89f007be79e5568653b5498421f7b050623d0520c2236d21acd82c"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/37TJHJCFJMKIBG2BF3E53DPSHU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/online-safety-code-will-bring-end-to-era-of-social-media-self-regulation-media-regulator-vows/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"GC2XQ6PDGNAITPMMNVIJMAYHNI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/17/meta-staff-fired-for-abusing-free-food-vouchers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7KSAPR3VSBGVRGJYJMT2GWMRT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354857},"content":"Meta has fired about two dozen staff in Los Angeles for using their $25 (€23) meal credits to buy household items including acne pads, wine glasses and laundry detergent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2ONPV3ZJZEMTMBR2Z7YDKNNLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354858},"content":"The terminations took place last week, just days before the $1.5 trillion social media company separately began restructuring certain teams across WhatsApp, Instagram and Reality Labs, its augmented and virtual reality arm, on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLKRFVS4FVCODG66MNDNHURJOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354859},"content":"The revamp has included cutting some staff and relocating others, several people familiar with the decisions said, in a sign that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg’s recent efficiency drive is still under way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOHOGZT3RNFL5CYTIKZGTFVUAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354860},"content":"Like most Big Tech companies, Meta offers free food to employees based out of its sprawling Silicon Valley headquarters as a perk. Staff based in smaller offices without a canteen are offered Uber Eats or Grubhub credits, for example, for food to be delivered to the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPD73STGZ5GJZMQ74DKSEUQMXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354861},"content":"Staff are given daily allowances of $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $25 for dinner, with meal credits issued in $25 increments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5CWS3P7RNDZJHGZ7XNC3OTV6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354862},"content":"Those who were fired were deemed to have abused the food credit system over a long period of time, said one person familiar with the matter. Some had been pooling their money together, they said, while others were getting meals sent home even though the credits were intended for the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLRF66KKAJH4TDABYKFZEZ3364","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354863},"content":"Those who only violated the company rules on occasion were reprimanded but not terminated, the person added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMQF2ZOUBJERHPADVEGKBIPC2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354864},"content":"In one post on anonymous messaging platform Blind, seen by the Financial Times, one former Meta staffer wrote they had used $25 credits on items such as toothpaste and tea from the pharmacy Rite Aid, adding: “On days where I would not be eating at the office, like if my husband was cooking or if I was grabbing dinner with friends, I figured I ought not to waste the dinner credit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUZ5B5FMW5DHPMW7ND7OADDAOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354865},"content":"The person, who indicated they had a salary of about $400,000 at Meta and worked “nights [and] weekends”, wrote they had admitted to the oversight when human resources investigated the practice, before later being unexpectedly fired. “It was almost surreal that this was happening,” the person wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3MUUNX5KHJCSNCUNMQQTXCYE6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354866},"content":"Blind verifies that a user works for a particular company but does not require them to disclose their identity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33VAATFVCFDTNCJL4OLSSTD3M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354867},"content":"Meta declined to comment on the firings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GOYNRBMTZJFCBPMLITSYESYYWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354868},"content":"However, the company said of the wider lay-offs: “Today, a few teams at Meta are making changes to ensure resources are aligned with their long-term strategic goals and location strategy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6LDYYTARZE6NGJ3YHVPFA2ILI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354869},"content":"It added: “This includes moving some teams to different locations, and moving some employees to different roles. In situations like this when a role is eliminated, we work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEETKU2X25HFJIZNDX5CID3QAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354870},"content":"Zuckerberg announced about 21,000 job cuts in two rounds of lay-offs in 2022 and 2023, dubbing the latter a “year of efficiency”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BTRMRAVGTRAPFHXGAOS6JHSYSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354871},"content":"He also cancelled low-priority projects in an attempt to boost sluggish growth and alleviate investor concern over his costly bet on the metaverse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CA7C5P465BCTVPVOZYWGLYXMZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354872},"content":"Wall Street has welcomed the cuts together with a renewed focus on artificial intelligence. The company’s shares are now trading around all-time highs of $577 each. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Staff given daily meal allowances for breakfast, lunch and dinner as a perk common in Big Tech companies"},"display_date":"2024-10-17T10:31:48.323Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meta staff fired for misusing free food vouchers ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AWDLLO33GQHQCBJT2YXDJAH3U4","auth":{"1":"262f63e480b4eb9453a2c2a80bebf8b99426809b218dc652baa694455d184851"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AWDLLO33GQHQCBJT2YXDJAH3U4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/17/meta-staff-fired-for-abusing-free-food-vouchers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"GC76GK4MERAZBDUEMO4YIPIHIA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":327,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f03c9e15-309a-4db4-b307-a84648e88665/versions/1729102226/media/374e6c51d03efbc59385888d351031bb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/10/17/investors-should-be-wary-of-teslas-robotaxi-hype/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PY4T53YPP5FXDHEANUXUSN5OJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113341},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> has said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a>’s valuation could go as high as $5 trillion (€4.6 trillion) as it pivots to autonomous driving and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) – seven times its value today. The company’s shares are down more than 10 per cent in the past week after its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/10/11/elon-musk-unveils-teslas-long-promised-cybercab/\" target=\"_blank\">robotaxi event</a> disappointed investors. But even if Tesla had delivered on the hype, should robotaxis be that big a deal for investors today?","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3IQKIFGYZEFTK7ACEVDUTJRS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113347},"content":"Despite recent declines, Tesla shares trade at 80 times forward earnings – a steep premium to global peers. That reflects hopes that its heavy AI spending will make it a key beneficiary of a shift to fully self-driving cars and that the transformation will arrive fairly quickly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAT5LS5IYJG4VHHDC2FF6FYJCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729088323498},"content":"But the pay-off is likely to take much longer than expected, with the beneficiaries spread out over a wide range of industries and companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NM3PNT6ENBB3LDASBZ3BOCNEWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113348},"content":"Robotaxis have the potential to be transformative – should they become mainstream. For that to happen, mass production and commercialisation must come first, which will mean many more years of development and testing. It could also require a whole new approach to car manufacturing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISTCLZXSOJBX7IFMEZPQSHZZC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113349},"content":"Musk did not provide details on the technology behind the robotaxis or how he would cut the cost of self-driving cars. The latter is key: carmakers need to offer a compelling cost advantage for customers and robotaxi operators to justify the cost per mile of an unproven technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKF6GSGWPZH7JJSDJRUL2EEUPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113350},"content":"Critics have been sceptical about how soon Tesla’s promised self-driving taxi, priced under $30,000, less than its cheapest Model 3, will hit markets. It has taken Chinese tech group Baidu, which operates fully driverless cabs in China, seven years of development, extensive road testing and six generations of robotaxis to get its latest model down to around $28,500.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIWKD2E2DBC3XMIJCQHA5HSJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113351},"content":"For now, the economic argument for robotaxis remains weak. There is a limit to how low costs can go because of the high prices of the cameras, radars, chips and lidar sensors that are in them. Traditional automakers would need to invest heavily in software development to catch up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7T2OTYKI55GZZJAM6UTTHA3DWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"ANRNDHDE3BBIPCDELSU7SBIUGQ"},"content":"Elon Musk’s Tesla teams up with China’s Baidu for driver assistance","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KZ3TEPACDRBP5CDV3ETTAT2N4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113352},"content":"Mass adoption is also a long way off. Development and testing will take time. Addressing safety concerns will require even more. Operating driverless cars on highways and in urban environments, with pedestrians, animals, bicycles and other hard-to-predict obstacles, comes with a high safety bar.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TL2USDTCLBA4JOCLEHJFNTUXCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113353},"content":"Meanwhile, fares for robotaxi rides are typically lower than for traditional cabs. Robotaxi networks, which also need to provide cleaning and remote assistance, are not yet profitable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PGQ7GNZOVHJRJ7JKG6KUTLLNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729088323505},"content":"Baidu’s operation, which has completed seven million rides as of July, has yet to break even despite using its own robotaxis at rock-bottom prices. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waymo/\" target=\"_blank\">Waymo</a>, which runs more than 100,000 paid robotaxi rides per week in the US, is also loss-making. GM’s autonomous vehicle business, Cruise, booked a $5.8 billion loss from 2021 to 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4DEO5BM4RCQNBNJFELUD73FHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113354},"content":"With economic returns sufficiently uncertain, makers of self-driving cars will end up competing on cost for mass-market adoption. That could require a wholly different approach to making <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric vehicles</a> (EVs). Instead of each carmaker building their own from scratch, as Tesla is doing, outsourcing manufacturing will start making more sense. Standardising as much hardware production as possible and focusing on differentiation through software would squeeze costs down faster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24GZNCQUGRHETHYRG5SQAEOMCA","additional_properties":{"_id":"IITSFOTV7RFYHLR5HQEUNFMSO4"},"content":"Thinking of switching to an electric vehicle? Here’s what you need to consider","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LLWC2XR4TJF5RDHX2UOULEZAQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113355},"content":"Waymo, the driverless car company owned by Google’s parent company <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alphabet/\" target=\"_blank\">Alphabet</a>, is an example of the right path. It entered a partnership with Hyundai Motor this month to integrate Waymo’s fully autonomous technology into Hyundai’s EVs. Elsewhere, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/foxconn/\" target=\"_blank\">Foxconn</a>, the world’s largest contract assembler for Apple, has set up a platform to tailor-make EVs on contract, offering autonomous driving modifications.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S37J66TMZJGEDJSPWGZ2H5PLJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113356},"content":"Foxconn already supplies parts to EV makers including Tesla and makes EV car parts such as camera modules, electronic control units and sensors at high volumes. Its scale means stable, low-cost parts procurement for clients.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6TCN4UT5RH7LOYZSVWCME2AUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729088323509},"content":"Such EV outsourcing is expected to reach $144 billion, or 3.2 million EVs, by 2030, according to Goldman Sachs. That also means new growth for suppliers of autonomous driving-related components, for which the total market is expected to hit as high as $80 billion by 2030, according to McKinsey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"36R5NFA35BH6NGQFTGUNI35PG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113357},"content":"Despite the impressive speed at which EVs and self-driving functions have progressed, great areas of the nascent technology, especially around safety and regulation, remain sketchy. Given all the present uncertainties, the adoption of robotaxis in everyday life is likely to remain slow and cautious. That path is one that investors should follow. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"June Yoon"}]},"description":{"basic":"The pay-off from fully self-driving cars is likely to take much longer than expected"},"display_date":"2024-10-17T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Investors should be wary of Tesla’s robotaxi hype","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XF7KMCBWJVRVOHM5PGKGX53DGM","auth":{"1":"1ece7d44fa5f1df309806f48490c5b7181e3b18005f375af4a3d189876a53637"},"focal_point":{"x":1341,"y":2159},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XF7KMCBWJVRVOHM5PGKGX53DGM.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2024/10/17/investors-should-be-wary-of-teslas-robotaxi-hype/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"DNIANKBXGJEXNGZV52MHWFZRSI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/10/10/competition-and-the-clock-how-google-plans-to-deflect-and-delay-a-historic-break-up-threat/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TJ3X3BASMNES7HZCUYHCTBXOJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600277},"content":"A court-ordered break-up of Google would be unprecedented in modern American corporate history, delivering a blow to the Big Tech company that even Microsoft ultimately dodged when it lost its own US antitrust case two decades ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2ODNQ7ALJFWBEVVPFN6H3JDTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600278},"content":"Yet for the legal team tasked with mounting Google’s response to the potential sanctions that the Department of Justice revealed on Tuesday night, the case could hardly have landed at a better time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TEW2R5H6ZDUDJ563F7L2HR7ZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600279},"content":"Google’s initial response to the DoJ’s proposals — that competition is “thriving” in search ads and “fierce” in artificial intelligence — would have been less convincing even two years ago, before OpenAI’s launch of the breakthrough ChatGPT chatbot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O57DJ3CE65CLXESYNXXHMCTHVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600280},"content":"Spinning out its arguments through the appeals courts will be crucial to Google’s strategy as it looks to deflect or delay the effects of August’s landmark ruling by a federal judge that it maintained an illegal monopoly by paying billions of dollars to device makers, mobile carriers and browser developers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5UR3WORK5GITI3WOYGE46IRHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600281},"content":"The legal timelines involved in such a complex and high-stakes case are likely to allow Google to put off any impact on its business for years. It plans to appeal the liability decision when the judge rules on remedies, which is likely to be in mid-2025, and may then also contest the remedies themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2PQ232HOC5CU3DUZQN5CBOBYN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600282},"content":"Google executives are feeling a degree of whiplash after a period of heightened anxiety from investors that the company was falling behind in the AI race, just as it faced three separate lawsuits accusing it of abusing its dominance in search, advertising and mobile platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"23KEQJYAGNGXTEL2HROKHQWCGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600283},"content":"With new search advertising competitors, such as Amazon and TikTok, emerging and widespread disruption to its core business from AI start-ups, including OpenAI and Perplexity, Google can argue that it is facing the stiffest competition since Microsoft’s Bing launched 15 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KTLDQ6W7BG5HGZO65YU5XC5JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600284},"content":"On Tuesday, for example, Google pointed to an Emarketer forecast that its share of US search advertising spending would fall below 50 per cent next year for the first time since the research group started tracking the market in 2008 — primarily due to rapid growth in Amazon’s marketing business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFH5OJOBKRCQBIWIDIB4LCEL5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600285},"content":"However, the DoJ successfully made the case that Google monopolises a narrower market for general search engines, making Amazon’s inroads irrelevant from the court’s point of view. Google still handles more than 90 per cent of online search queries, according to StatCounter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCMCMRCWSNFTNF5Z3UBBCOMULI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600286},"content":"Broadly, Google’s argument focuses on what it describes as regulatory “over-reach” following a case about the impact of its distribution agreements. Forcing it to divest assets or share data with competitors would “go far beyond the specific legal issues in this case”, it said in a blog post on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQGNJKGYT5BGBN3F5VEOWSF4LU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600287},"content":"Requiring Google to split off its Chrome browser or Android operating system, or other “structural” remedies, would “tilt the field at the precise moment that competition is thriving”, the company said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFZGO3FOINEYXJF2T2IW26GY7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600288},"content":"Instead, Google would prefer any remedies to focus on the contracts it strikes with the likes of Apple and Mozilla, the Firefox browser maker, the company said. Even then, Google argues it should still be allowed to pay those partners for distribution, as long as those deals do not demand exclusivity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQK6T5GQ75A4RIV4K7BI26NGBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600289},"content":"John Kwoka, professor at Northeastern University, disagreed, saying Google was “a complicated company that has an awful lot of operating levers to achieve what it wants, and so it needs to be matched with an equally wide set of complementary remedies, up through and including divestitures where necessary”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UH3ZSGNBSZECFI2FQF7LDWRTTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600290},"content":"He pointed to a long history of companies evading the effects of regulators’ “conduct” remedies — a risk raised by the DoJ, which warned that “mechanisms and incentives for circumvention are endless”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZVJXALAJBDK5PLR722DFZQ6EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600291},"content":"“This filing is an important stake in the ground and says ‘if we need to, we’re going to take a crack at this’,” Kwoka said. The DoJ was likely to argue that structural remedies were “necessary, that nothing else will work”, he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LC2CCTOLQ5AKVEXUXSXOAWIZCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600292},"content":"Google has meanwhile invoked the spectre of AI competition from China — without mentioning the country directly — to argue that weakening the Silicon Valley company would amount to undermining the US on the international stage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBO5KW2VRVHYBFX3DBFM6MWOSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600293},"content":"Forcing it to share the “secret sauce” behind its search engine, such as data and algorithms, could put sensitive consumer information in the hands of China’s Baidu or Russia’s Yandex, Google suggested. Such companies might not uphold its own standards of privacy or security, it added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJX2IUXDVZCP7FKBZDIVFYUT44","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600294},"content":"“Government over-reach in a fast-moving industry may have negative unintended consequences for American innovation and America’s consumers,” it wrote in its blog post. “It’s hard to think of a technology more important for America’s technological and economic leadership [than AI].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJ6HN5T27RGXFJ2PGFUG3JZS5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600295},"content":"The DoJ saw things differently, arguing that the company’s “ability to leverage its monopoly power to feed artificial intelligence features ... risks further entrenching Google’s dominance”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NV3KMNU2VDSBGLQ4RVYGSGVOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600296},"content":"The company is likely to appeal its antitrust cases all the way up to the US Supreme Court. “This is the start of a long process,” it said in Tuesday’s blog post.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDPTIZ2465F25INERMKOYIOXNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600297},"content":"Yet Jason Kint, a Big Tech critic who leads the Digital Content Next trade group of online publishers, said it was not a given that the Supreme Court would take up the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVSQ2I6EMNBSLKLNTLUNSYLJYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600298},"content":"He estimated that it could take two or three years for any remedies to be enforced if the case proceeds through the courts, adding: “The reality is Google is racking up [legal] losses, they have a difficult set of facts along with spoliation from purging evidence and they may try to settle or proactively make moves to control the outcome.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IR37DNG72JFWNJUB5TOLU6H7UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600299},"content":"The case is one of the most high-profile legal challenges overseen by Jonathan Kanter, one of the progressive antitrust officials appointed by President Joe Biden who has clamped down on anticompetitive conduct across the US economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DM6NTHSKJVDOTALPFXDSPFFIUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600300},"content":"Considering Google’s willingness to file appeals against the judge’s ruling, Kanter may no longer be heading the DoJ’s antitrust division by the time the case reaches completion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSE5T5WBIZGI3GAKSHJLF7MSRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600301},"content":"November’s presidential election could also affect the outcome. Microsoft was able to reach a settlement with the George W Bush administration in 2001, less than a year after the Republican president had been elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4255URTQXZCS5PQDSHTCYRPHNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600302},"content":"However, any new Republican administration next year may not necessarily threaten the tougher policy introduced under Biden. Big Tech has attracted bipartisan ire in Washington in recent years, and a new generation of populist conservatives — including JD Vance, Republican candidate Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick — have praised Washington’s more aggressive antitrust stance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A3VMWJZQHVH4BHU5GYZ2PAFONM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600303},"content":"A second Trump White House may avoid undermining the Google search case in particular as it was originally filed during his first administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ABUPI55LJHL7MXPEMSVRJTXX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600304},"content":"There was a possibility that new DoJ officials might “go soft” on remedies or in a potential appeals process, Kwoka said, citing Trump’s unpredictability and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s apparent openness to meeker antitrust policy. But, he added, “Big Tech doesn’t have the deference it did five years ago from either party, so ... some version of this will probably go ahead.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUFB4GSMHNAY3ELCTCG5L4VCQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600305},"content":"Google also faces other threats. Earlier this week, a California judge ordered it to open Android to rivals so they can create their own app marketplaces to compete with Google Play. The DoJ is separately suing Google for its alleged monopolistic control over digital advertising.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TJVIHBK5RCQPJAEH3YOZTX3SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600306},"content":"Yet, despite these blows, Wall Street’s reaction has been sanguine. Shares in Alphabet, Google’s parent company, fell only 1.5 per cent on Wednesday, leaving its market capitalisation just below $2tn, and maintaining its position as the world’s fourth-largest listed company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HE2QYGAQLBFIFOOGK45H2ZOWEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600307},"content":"The DoJ’s proposal “goes a mile wide and an inch deep”, analysts at Bernstein said: “As expected, the remedy set was far-reaching and light on specifics, though we remind readers that this is only the first inning of the battle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXGJDCTUGZD2XIBCEDHMPBA2N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600308},"content":"– Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Tim Bradshaw"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Morris"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stefania Palma"}]},"description":{"basic":"Search group claims regulators are overreaching just as foreign and domestic rivals are gaining ground"},"display_date":"2024-10-10T06:44:36.613Z","headlines":{"basic":"Competition and the clock: how Google plans to deflect and delay a historic break-up threat","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AKD2GR5T3YZMZ7GVICBKB4S3DY","auth":{"1":"99ff330c21606eba728eff947e0de718c343ae794ebbdb9e4916c2e4471cd794"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AKD2GR5T3YZMZ7GVICBKB4S3DY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2024/10/10/competition-and-the-clock-how-google-plans-to-deflect-and-delay-a-historic-break-up-threat/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"XWCHHFYC4VAMPETGYQ5GMOI7AI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/10/10/what-online-scams-should-we-be-on-the-lookout-for/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727981584079},"content":"It feels a bit like the scams are coming thick and fast these days. If it’s not criminals trying to clean out your bank account, it is hackers trying to get into your online accounts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EYIYR63BVAIDOXUZ7UAUOPEYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452634},"content":"This week alone, I’ve won several million in an electronic sweepstake, had a surprise tax credit I must claim on my account, and at least two phone calls claiming to be from Revolut about my bank account. All clearly fake, in this case, but the scams are getting better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMBR3B55ZNE63FU3BPSH5MCLGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452635},"content":"So what scams should we be on the lookout for, and how can we avoid falling victim to them?","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPRFN2VHLRHTZOIRUH2LJUAIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630450},"content":"WhatsApp scammers","type":"header"},{"_id":"7WKHTLU2CVF27CKCNCASE4C254","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630451},"content":"We got used to being targeted by well-meaning representatives of long-dead relatives, or opportunistic businessmen claiming to have a fortune waiting for the right investor (ie you). So now that the scams are coming from what we thought was a trusted contact, it can be a little disconcerting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T44SEYNZHBCSDPOYENCSJKK57Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630452},"content":"Take the recent WhatsApp scam, for example. A resurgence of an old trick, the main aim is to gain access to your WhatsApp account, and by extension your contacts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7W73FLAH5B7DECQQ5LVKJMGY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452639},"content":"When Sarah [not her real name] got a message from a family member asking for a security code he had “accidentally” sent to her, she was instantly suspicious. Something about the message didn’t ring true, so she messaged back, inquiring further. In the meantime, a text message from WhatsApp arrived, with a security code.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QH32FPO4WJEE3LACM4HQAOSWR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452640},"content":"If that hadn’t confirmed her suspicions, the contact with the scammers certainly had. Several messages in, she knew it wasn’t her friend she was talking to, and any calls she placed through WhatsApp went unanswered, despite the account clearly being online. So she called him through a regular voice service, and he confirmed that he had been locked out of his account after falling for the same scam. It took a couple of hours to get back into the account, but by then the scammer had sent the same urgent request for help to all of his WhatsApp contacts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XZZBHDTX4JBCPFHVGH3Q2ZD5HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452641},"content":"It isn’t always as obvious though, especially if you are distracted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFA6UKAKYVAPXEH7GEEEKBQNLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452642},"content":"It has become so widespread that the National Cyber Security Centre issued a warning about the scam a few weeks ago, outlining what users should do to avoid it, and next steps if they have fallen victim to it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U52X6LXXMBB4RKEZ3SBDZTVLXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452643},"content":"The motivation behind the scam varies. At best, it puts your contacts’ details at risk of being compromised by scammers; at worst, it could lead to financial loss or reputational damage for businesses who use WhatsApp to communicate with customers. And the latter should also be aware of the GDPR obligations on data breaches. Once the scammer has access to your WhatsApp account they can then repeat the process with your contacts, in the hopes of hooking someone else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPBXJINQ7JFNRDBRVO2IMPHOCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452644},"content":"If you are hit by this scam, your first contact should be to WhatsApp directly. You can contact the company via email at support@whatsapp.com. The NCSC also recommends contacting An Garda <i>Síochána</i>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBLBANU6CFH75GBFBW2EYVPH3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452645},"content":"How to avoid it","type":"header"},{"_id":"N5R7AO5SQBC4LDRK5IRWZKWYX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452646},"content":"Be suspicious, especially if the request is unusual or seems urgent. Scammers try to play on our fears and desire to help loved ones; it is okay to take a minute or two to verify a request.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEKBT45JENBYRKRIEREW36B6V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452647},"content":"Use two factor authentication on your WhatsApp account. This will allow you to set a passcode on your account that only you know. If you want to transfer your WhatsApp account to a new phone, you will need to enter the passcode to do so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZG3X5PFJ5FKXMZZ7LQ6HZRWLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630454},"content":"Never hand over your security codes to anyone, even if the message seems to come from a friend. And if in doubt, call the person who is asking for the information – but do it outside of WhatsApp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QP54HZ3Q35ECNMQP62GBL2AEF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452649},"content":"Customs charges","type":"header"},{"_id":"5D2LCLFITVAXPJSB74C62K7LV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452650},"content":"Ah, Brexit. If it is not causing queues at Dover and delays on deliveries, it is changing the grocery shopping aisles across the Border. It has also been fertile ground for scam artists. A bit of disruption plays right into the hands of fraudsters, who will exploit it to their advantage. And for people who regularly receive packages from the UK, there certainly has been a lot of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAS2DHPVOZANXPLCHLHYADAKCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452651},"content":"The flow of messages informing you about your package stuck at customs may have slowed a bit, but as Christmas approaches, expect it to ramp up again. You know the drill by now: a text arrives to tell you that you have a package with customs charges due, and here is the link that allows you to pay. Oh, and if you don’t pay by [insert terrifyingly close date here], your package will be returned without delivery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKEJVJW5WJC45OFNO42V3S4VHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452652},"content":"So you follow the link to what looks like a genuine site, pay the fee and no package arrives. But mysterious charges begin appearing on your account.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNO5LFAKMVGUVOUO7KOCSS4QO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452653},"content":"What to do now? If you suspect you have been scammed, alert your bank. They can help you take the necessary steps to secure your account. You may also want to contact An Garda <i>Síochána</i>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYLCR474KJC3VLSSWHP5MSJMU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452654},"content":"How to avoid it","type":"header"},{"_id":"RHXB25DGZVFWXH6TNHR7QIJRUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452655},"content":"To avoid falling for the scam, never click a link that arrives in a text message. The fake websites have become very good at mimicking the genuine article, so it isn’t as easy to tell at first glance if a message is a fraud or not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XJ32ZPRWZAUHMKRA4WAP2Q3JM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452656},"content":"If you do get a message alerting you to customs charges due, visit the delivery company’s website by typing the address – DHL, DPD, An Post, FedEx – into the address bar. All requests for customs payment will have a reference or tracking number included in the text; put that into the website, and if it is a genuine delivery, it will show up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BCAX7KQKFG4RCQFNYWO4Q25YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452657},"content":"Deals","type":"header"},{"_id":"KMPIUWN4IZEKTKQF3TMFXVIZBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452658},"content":"When John [not his real name] was looking for a specific gift for his granddaughter, it was proving extremely hard to find in real-world stores. But a website based in Dublin showed that they had it in stock, and it wasn’t too expensive, so he ordered it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMK25IFVZJH3RI4GP4VDIIFVS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452659},"content":"The payment option seemed odd – PayPal, but not as “goods and services” which one expect when buying from a trader – but he didn’t want to miss out, so he sent the money. The promised toy never arrived. And because he hadn’t paid for the transaction as goods and services, he had little recourse to claiming his money back. The website disappeared shortly afterwards too, confirming – as if there was any doubt – that this was a scam.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IKT2LSMWNCHRBCHP2UERNDS7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452660},"content":"John views it as a cheap lesson. All the warning signs were there, he says, but he ignored them. Chalk this one up to experience and move on, and next time he will listen to his instincts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMC325P7HZCWZGEHPPENYLKT7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452661},"content":"How to avoid it","type":"header"},{"_id":"PM7AHOG3BBGILNRD7SL5YU47IE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452662},"content":"In this case, it was a small amount of money. But small sums add up to a nice profit for scammers. The main lesson here is that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Do your homework on the retailer in question; a quick search online could reveal previous complaints of scams. And never pay for goods from a business (alleged or otherwise) as anything other than “goods and services” on PayPal, if you want to be covered by its fraud protection policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7UPKEZPWZH5NLRSV5BDATXB4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452663},"content":"Other scams to be wary of","type":"header"},{"_id":"SDO5OBB5LZAXFGFIBZPK56G3PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452664},"content":"Tax credits: A text claiming to be from MyGov, alerting you that your “preapproved” tax credit can’t be processed, and directing you to a scam site to resolve it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NSV4JTT7JRHNTDZBZ6TQIQDEVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452665},"content":"Phone plans: A scam text claims your phone service will be disabled as you have not accepted new terms of service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2S34D3VDCFEXLC6N6YKSSN5UZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452666},"content":"Hi Mum: A text message claiming to be from a family member, saying they have smashed or lost their phone, and this is their new contact number. Inevitably followed by a request for financial help.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V34BDHLQS5EGHJGCHGK7Q6ZHC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"And how can we avoid falling victim to them?"},"display_date":"2024-10-10T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The online scams to avoid in Ireland: A new WhatsApp trick, MyGov texts and what to look out for","native":"Online scams: How to avoid having your WhatsApp account taken over by a scammer"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GXTJA4MXBZCTZDKLMVX7LHQ4VQ","auth":{"1":"53b75f7a639900754b89f42d3f972d2948e844066145dd50f61be1c7abc295bb"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GXTJA4MXBZCTZDKLMVX7LHQ4VQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big 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of justice on Tuesday and comes after federal prosecutors won a landmark case in August, when a judge ruled Google had violated US antitrust law and branded the company a “monopolist”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFLYOQOT7BEVVHD4LQZSQFEEU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538301},"content":"In a court document detailing the sanctions that the DoJ might seek from Amit Mehta, the judge presiding over the case, prosecutors said they were “considering behavioural and structural remedies” that would prevent Google from using products such as the Chrome browser, Play app store and Android operating system to give its search engine an edge over competitors or new entrants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQAMJRTC6FDPNE2YEXOCBTSTLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538302},"content":"The DoJ could also seek to force Google to share users’ search data with rivals and restrict its ability to use search results to train new generative artificial intelligence models and 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tomorrow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVBGL22Z3BEQTLXQD4PDQX65MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538305},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RK6UEJA3NFBHFFQ4O4CQIBKSWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538306},"content":"In August, Judge Mehta ruled that Google had spent tens of billions of dollars on exclusive deals to maintain an illegal dominance over search.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHHDP4QKCFA3LMS3Q22KZRH2CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538307},"content":"Google hit back at the proposed remedies, calling them “radical and sweeping”, beyond the scope of the legal issues in the case and a threat to “consumers, businesses and American competitiveness”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHJY6ARCSZA73HQY2TOUBVZTDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538308},"content":"Shares of Alphabet were little changed in after-hours trading on Tuesday and have risen 19 per cent this year to give it a market value of $2 trillion (€1.8 trillion), the fourth largest for a listed company in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ITNJ4UGDBFZ5LN7LQFQT55E3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538309},"content":"The Google case could potentially be the biggest antitrust victory for the DoJ since a judge ordered the break-up of Microsoft 24 years ago for illegally squashing competition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CMMKXFEHWRAFXJE7OEYFSZDU5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538310},"content":"However, that ruling was overturned on appeal a year later, making the Google lawsuit a second chance for the DoJ to fundamentally dismantle a Big Tech company’s dominance of a key sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIQ67MJ5VRH6FNFH7M7OEGCG4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538311},"content":"As part of the second phase of the Google trial, the DoJ and Google are set to file their proposed final judgments and witness lists on November 20th and December 20th, 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Google has vowed to appeal against the decision as far as the US supreme court, which could take years longer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHUIHJOI7FDSHL3EFCFI6W7VXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538313},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5V27VP47RDMDIMUSZNGP26DHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538314},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVXWV4HGVFDF3MHREZ3FECXJPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538315},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"T26EW34LOBEALH72JEIU2Z2JEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538316},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MU6T2F2EEBARRDOZ2DKJBNU2LI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538317},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"CC264VDERBCI5C2ABFFVLQATE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538318},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNRYW4CERNBUJM2IWQ5BD4HEAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538319},"content":"The second phase of the trial will be a critical test for Jonathan Kanter, who inherited the case and has ushered in a tougher enforcement policy in the past three years as head of the DoJ’s antitrust unit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQ5R5J46URARPGZTP7VEFUR5ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538320},"content":"Mr Kanter has sued Apple and has a second case against Google’s ad tech business in progress. Big Tech critic Lina Khan, chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission, has challenged Amazon and Meta in separate cases. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stefania Palma"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Morris"}]},"description":{"basic":"Justice department could seek ‘structural remedies’ such as forced product sales after judge’s ruling of illegal monopoly in search"},"display_date":"2024-10-09T15:34:29.199Z","headlines":{"basic":"US weighs Google break-up in landmark antitrust case","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3S2CBJIXOXADQT72QBR5ABPPHE","auth":{"1":"d4144d41c11d354717af2f5ef6be7aa4baa5949c62f3553e2f79c7900dbb31fd"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3S2CBJIXOXADQT72QBR5ABPPHE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/09/us-weighs-google-break-up-in-landmark-antitrust-case/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"XACILE2LYRCJTEAYMQ643NKKPA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":179,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f0e3687b-8986-4d39-ab32-e4e0c644b7d8/versions/1728055416/media/e779d7a092b523a4ff8aa5e8ed73f456_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/06/budget-2025-had-more-to-say-about-aib-than-ai/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IKKZVWCXNFC5DGRJQYMIOY23HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812700},"content":"Two words were missing in action in the budget day speeches of Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and his designated driver, Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Paschal Donohoe: artificial intelligence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOIL2XTOQBB57HJH3B7CMEEUPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812701},"content":"This is likely a good sign. Generative AI in particular – in other words, large language models (LLMs) from ChatGPT onwards – have been the locus of intense hype, propelling a raft of tech companies with a fair chance of profiting from the upside to wild new stock market valuations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTBWEOZCIND4RKBYTABIX2DPDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812702},"content":"That much of the business model of LLMs hangs on the wholesale theft of intellectual property doesn’t seem to bother too many people beyond the relatively powerless creative community. It certainly doesn’t seem to be on the radar of too many politicians. Sure, it would be nice to think that both regulators’ concerns and investors’ second thoughts might mount in line with the various lawsuits, but that’s far from guaranteed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5EDE4WFSZA3DESBW5UJIK36A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812703},"content":"To date, there has been little evidence of any checks and balances. The EU’s AI Act is a regrettably confused mess. In the US, a proposed Californian AI safety law, dubbed an anti-deepfake bill, has been blocked by state governor Gavin Newsom amid intense pressure from technology companies reluctant to comply with even cursory governmental oversight, or concede the principle that they should.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6DHU3SFJVDLTA2MAEG74UPTMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812704},"content":"In the UK though, one of the first things Keir Starmer did after becoming prime minister was pull the plug on a £1.3 billion (€1.55 billion) investment in AI drawn up by Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives; he’s made up for it since with plenty of AI rhetoric, lest anyone think the UK less innovative than AI-friendly governments in France and Germany.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZJHJECN3RBIFHLOI7XHIE36ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812705},"content":"Last week, Starmer suggested that London “stands on the foothills of a productivity revolution, powered by AI”, which makes AI sound like the magic remedy for economic stagnation. The cliched phrase “game-changer”, meanwhile, is often invoked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKHXGXN52BCIBJTTON7HTKXLNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812706},"content":"In this context, it is a blessed relief that Budget 2025 was, as it turns out, more about AIB than AI, and that rather than resorting to buzzwords, there was a sensible announcement that €1.5 billion would be released from the National Training Fund between now and 2030 to boost skills development across sectors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSSL3RJEG5GEVFTGIAQXYLIILM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812707},"content":"There will naturally be an AI-inflection to this. But there is a difference between recognising the need to support upskilling and lazily thinking that generative AI – and the Big Tech companies behind it – is the easy answer to everything.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSNEKINYZNGYDIWUBNU7SFUN7Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cantillon"}},"name":"Richard Cantillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Chambers or Donohoe can’t be accused of perpetuating the hype swirling around generative AI"},"display_date":"2024-10-06T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Budget 2025 had more to say about AIB than AI","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TAYCOP5TYZD6BP24JNE4MECGMY","auth":{"1":"1938a533b17ea26af0218f5243f134ae99eeaca2adf878a56a4a74e566a8ad73"},"focal_point":{"x":959,"y":618},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TAYCOP5TYZD6BP24JNE4MECGMY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/06/budget-2025-had-more-to-say-about-aib-than-ai/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"Z2CXA5TWONELRBVOIGCSXSSBIM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":172,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f1b7acdc-9907-4383-891b-dbc78fb2fcf9/versions/1727897304/media/b3c5aaadabee71425b8548406946c6a4_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/03/budget-pair-tread-softly-around-apple/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5NYDWBZEQFF3JDD33IICZQN3VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727880257456},"content":"There is a long standing superstition among thespians that you never refer to Shakespeare’s Macbeth by its name, instead calling it the Scottish play, due to some mythical curse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GHYGMFUBVA4FHTKXOGWMOMECY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727896772511},"content":"A similar affliction seemed to befall <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/budget/\" target=\"_blank\">budget</a> ministers <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-chambers/\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Chambers</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/author/paschal-donohoe/\" target=\"_blank\">Paschal Donohoe</a> on Tuesday as they gave <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2024/10/01/plans-for-transformational-apple-tax-money-to-be-announced-in-early-2025/\" target=\"_blank\">a vague outline of how the €14 billion Apple cash windfall</a> (it will go on housing, transport water and the electricity grid) would be put to use by the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QS5CE7BSY5GFVFNDC6TSLH4S7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1727881300935},"content":"Across almost 90 minutes of speeches, the pair never once mentioned <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a> by name, instead referring to it on four separate occasions as either the “recent judgment” or “recent decision” from “the Court of Justice of the European Union”. Chambers didn’t even mention the €14 billion figure, perhaps not wanting to rile the tech giant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DPIBUOCRSFFYZKPDYJHYXSTMRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727881300936},"content":"An accompanying document on how the windfall might be used was blandly titled Use of the Escrow Receipt, A Framework . Some €14.1 billion is in the escrow account, which is invested in “highly credit rated and liquid fixed income instruments”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VYKGDKKHORFPFPPKRI5MDT42SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909379},"content":"The sum is the equivalent of just one year’s National Development Plan spending, the paper informs us. It also notes that since 2019, current expenditure has grown by 51 per cent to €105 billion, that the economy is at full employment and “one-off current spending would add to inflation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUSEYWXHLFDZXPCPXOEFJX3KLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909380},"content":"Some €2.2 billion was earmarked in Budget 2025 for one-off <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cost-of-living/\" target=\"_blank\">cost-of-living</a> measures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PX42RCAPGJEUTKPXZWL6SKHILM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909381},"content":"It describes Ireland’s narrow tax base as a “serious vulnerability”, adding that “near-term reductions in tax would add to demand and inflation”. A €1.4 billion package of tax cuts was included in this week’s budget.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3JXREUQ6FE6DCZELZOR373EDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909382},"content":"It also notes that with the economy at full-employment, the construction sector was “maxed-out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6AJKCVECOFE3ZBZ5BCDRAN7QI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909383},"content":"“In order to avoid fuelling inflation ... increased capital spending must be accompanied by control improvements: focus on value-for-money/productivity, improving planning infrastructure,” it adds. Good luck with that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RU625IH4LFDKHKQBCHDVRALOQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909384},"content":"On foreign direct investment here, it says “poor infrastructure has reduced Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for mobile FDI” and that “boosting the capital stock – especially strategic assets – would yield a significant return”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UK7GGDC7SNADFEGYS3EHLPVVTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909385},"content":"“This would send a positive signal to the multinational sector,” the paper adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INJPWDZ7KRDYJLHQJEVQEOOFPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909386},"content":"Apple would probably just prefer to get its money back.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSNEKINYZNGYDIWUBNU7SFUN7Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cantillon"}},"name":"Richard Cantillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"They didn’t even mention the €14 billion figure, perhaps not wanting to rile the tech giant"},"display_date":"2024-10-03T05:15:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Budget pair tread softly around Apple","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SJOKHWZUCEJRWWKAP7Y4OX2BEY","auth":{"1":"fc6886b9aec70f63e62f3abbb8a70d7d2c01f4919f8d314a1782f4c339426491"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SJOKHWZUCEJRWWKAP7Y4OX2BEY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/03/budget-pair-tread-softly-around-apple/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"LMTYAUE3UVDGPJL2EZB2CJFBUY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/02/openai-closes-66-billion-funding-haul-with-investment-from-microsoft-and-nvidia/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EI4IUG6LNRAFNI2CBW5WKIU7SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952911},"content":"OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has raised $6.6 billion (€5.9 billion) from investors, which could value the company at $157 billion and cement its position as one of the most valuable private companies in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNRXZ57XO5GCTKWUATWV4TJABQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952920},"content":"The funding has attracted returning venture capital investors including Thrive Capital and Khosla Ventures, as well as OpenAI's biggest corporate backer Microsoft, and new participation from Nvidia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7KNUUMTIKFE23H6FCFOP4YIKRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952921},"content":"The closing of the funds coincides with the company’s continuing restructuring efforts and executive changes, including the abrupt departure of its long-time chief technology officer, Mira Murati, last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BS647ZGV2VCCPHMJF7CV42VX44","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952922},"content":"Altimeter Capital, Fidelity, SoftBank, and Abu Dhabi's state-backed investment firm MGX also participated in the round.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2X3GFYJ65AVDJT56D2Q5O3LSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952923},"content":"Thrive Capital, which committed about $1.2 billion from a combination of its own fund and a special purpose vehicle for smaller investors, also negotiated the option to invest another $1 billion next year at the same valuation if the AI firm hits a revenue goal, sources added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BONYEOAWIVEI3BAJJQZ7LQAEMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952924},"content":"Apple, which was in talks to invest in OpenAI, did not end up joining the funding, said sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JM3NTQ37NAMPPXXWD3RKKXX3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952925},"content":"The funding came in the form of convertible notes, and the conversion to equity hinges on a successful structural change into a for-profit that would no longer be controlled by the non-profit board and the removal of cap on returns for investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6HNU5CYBRDMHEVKGFK7XXFCGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952926},"content":"The personnel changes haven’t dampened enthusiasm from most investors, who are anticipating significant growth based on the projections by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and chief financial officer Sarah Friar.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YOQ3BQYCVGUZKJLYVSBAUWXJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952927},"content":"The company is on pace to generate $3.6 billion in revenue this year on mounting losses of more than $5 billion. It projects a big revenue jump next year to $11.6 billion, according to sources familiar with the figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB44VVSA7JATLJE6YDTMD5Q2BY","additional_properties":{"_id":"OHXHKGJR2RDOREY4V3PZ7VBP5Y"},"content":"OpenAI shifts to for-profit model, may give CEO Altman 7% stake","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RRZGFMUFFJDCBFL22E47KQKWQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952928},"content":"Investors have also secured some protections as OpenAI undergoes the complex corporate restructuring that would grant Altman equity. The talks are still in progress, and no timeline has been determined yet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F7N5R32ZXJAWNFOR3SE2SE2G4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952929},"content":"Investors have negotiated terms that would allow them to claw back their capital or renegotiate the valuation if the changes are not implemented within two years, sources said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VZOY7VBAWVBZJH7GLN5SIBIF6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952930},"content":"OpenAI's meteoric rise in terms of product popularity and valuation has captured the world's imagination. Since the launch of ChatGPT, it has attracted 250 million weekly active users. 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You can ask it here.","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QNFGD7JZHFFP7GSMV7X6WSTZEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727435677884},"content":"“It must be borne in mind, that the passwords [that were] the subject of consideration in this case, are particularly sensitive, as they would enable access to users’ social media accounts.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAGAEDFOJZHE7FSMUXA7EM3JVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727435677885},"content":"The commission said it will publish the full decision and further related information in due course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BR6UG5CQORARLIFBTQOSQOTJ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727450534921},"content":"The fine is the latest imposed by the DPC on Meta. The most significant penalty was imposed in May 2023, when Meta was fined a record €1.2 billion for violating European privacy rules, following a long investigation into transfers by Facebook of Europeans’ personal data to the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDILHYYHINGGTGPUNLT5GT6NIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727455326369},"content":"A fine of €265 million was imposed the year before over a “collated” set of Facebook personal data that had been uploaded onto an online forum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colin Gleeson"}},"name":"Colin Gleeson"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media group inadvertently stored certain passwords of social media users in ‘plaintext’ on its internal systems"},"display_date":"2024-09-27T11:20:45.755Z","headlines":{"basic":"Facebook owner Meta fined €91m by Irish Data Protection Commission","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4Q2I34YUMP5MX5QEJS7VI65ZUE","auth":{"1":"0b1c917acca2b5bc2c87d3f484368038e197278de5355f1096377a8d31059ab3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4Q2I34YUMP5MX5QEJS7VI65ZUE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/27/facebook-owner-meta-fined-91m-by-irish-data-protection-commission/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"G3PLX2DXPND6JDDZ5LJQLJ6OP4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":251,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a7f70f2e-3aba-4af4-b29f-7d2dd8d0023d/versions/1727440453/media/bc54246644bdf1814f3b193c10e6e846_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/27/intel-rebuffs-arm-approach-for-product-unit/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Z2VGHJKZQ5HRZB3YL2KESM2YFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780314},"content":"Arm Holdings approached Intel about potentially buying the ailing chipmaker’s product division, only to be told that the business isn’t for sale, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTWFN7CZPZEOJPBW22HGI3RHO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780315},"content":"In the high-level inquiry, Arm didn’t express interest in Intel’s manufacturing operations, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions were private. 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It’s also scaling back factory expansion plans and halting its long-cherished dividend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N32D7IKV4BBL7HAB5NVGR4CJ7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Arm’s move is the latest in a string of potential M&A events at Intel which could have significant ramifications for the 5,000 Irish-based staff, most of whom are in Leixlip. Rival chipmaker Qualcomm is reported to have weighed a takeover bid for the entire company, while private equity giant Apollo has also pitched a multibillion investment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3JC7WBBEZG65BKW3VK3CNLUFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780318},"content":"As part of its turnaround efforts, Intel is separating the chip product division from its manufacturing operations. 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The company currently licenses technology and designs to customers, who then turn them into complete components. Its client list includes the biggest names in technology, such as Amazon, Qualcomm and Samsung.","type":"text"},{"_id":"52WRN7ZULRDKBEYNQ5TN73DXJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780321},"content":"Under Mr Haas, the company has moved more in the direction of offering fully formed products – potentially putting it in competition with its licensees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OK7A3DGEQBC6JEKS4IRYPLCGPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780322},"content":"Arm, based in Cambridge, England, only has a fraction of the revenue of Intel. But its valuation has soared since an initial public offering last year and now stands at more than $156 billion (€139.7 billion). Investors see the company as a beneficiary of the AI spending boom, especially as it moves further into data centre chips. Arm also has the backing of Japan’s SoftBank, which owns an 88 per cent stake, potentially giving the company additional financial clout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELR4OSKYDJEBHH6EGCFQFRTXLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780323},"content":"Intel, in contrast, has lost more than half its value this year and has a current market capitalisation of $102.3 billion. But the company has other options to consider. Apollo Global Management offered to make an investment in the company. The firm indicated in recent days that it would be willing to put inasmuch as $5 billion, marking a vote of confidence for CEO Pat Gelsinger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43XMTJOHGBFEFH5ACM5VV3I4HA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780324},"content":"Intel also plans to sell part of its stake in semiconductor maker Altera to private equity investors. That business, which the chipmaker bought in 2015, was separated from Intel’s operations last year with the goal of taking it public. 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The transition is still under discussion and a timeline has not been determined, one of the people said. In a statement, a spokesperson said OpenAI remains “focused on building AI that benefits everyone,” adding, “the non-profit is core to our mission and will continue to exist.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UJHPW4PMZEVTMC7RM7WQAONSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077526},"content":"OpenAI is mulling these changes against the backdrop of an exodus of senior managers. Chief technology officer Mira Murati said on Wednesday she is leaving, a surprise move that marks the latest high-profile departure from the start-up. In the months after it suddenly fired and then rehired Altman last year, OpenAI has been in a state of flux – losing multiple managers and shifting the structure of some of its teams.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAIZFN7ESBBJ5HRWHBX4S57J6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077527},"content":"The possible equity holding, which is still under negotiation and could change or not materialise, would give Altman an ongoing financial stake in the success of OpenAI. Many investors favour the idea of a founder owning at least part of the businesses they run.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKOYSWH4SVF7JGGULDMO743ERI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077528},"content":"In a statement on X, Murati said she was “stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration.” In response, Altman expressed “tremendous gratitude” for Murati’s contributions, writing, “It’s hard to overstate how much Mira has meant to OpenAI, our mission, and to us all personally.” He also said that he would share more with employees about transition plans soon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46UBCYE7FJBSFHSYVFEPL6NTAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077529},"content":"Murati does not yet have an exit date at the company, according to a person familiar with the matter. She is still speaking with OpenAI’s leadership about plans for her replacement, including the timeline. In the post, she wrote, “For now, my primary focus is doing everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the momentum we’ve built.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVUET5G3XJALHESG7LEDS7J3FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077531},"content":"Representatives for OpenAI and Murati declined to provide further comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DF3HWUO2T5CDJD3USRE3OMFHTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077532},"content":"OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a non-profit research organisation with the goal of building artificial intelligence that would be safe and beneficial to humanity. The company created a for-profit subsidiary in 2019 in order to help fund the high costs of AI model development, and has since drawn billions in outside investment from Microsoft Corp. and others. This month, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is currently working to raise $6.5 billion (€5.9 billion) at a $150 billion valuation, making it one of the most valuable start-ups in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QL4ATHEX5FHRHN7AKUW7IAH7PU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077533},"content":"In keeping with the company’s non-profit origins, Altman had famously not taken equity, stressing that the company was meant to broadly benefit society, and that he had enough money. But he has also occasionally said in interviews that he wished he had taken equity so that people would stop asking him about it. Reuters earlier reported on the company’s plan to restructure and give Altman equity for the first time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FM3YTHD6ZBZ5CIEBIVPZWYS6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077534},"content":"On Wednesday, many employees were shocked by the announcement of Murati’s departure. On the company’s internal Slack channel, multiple OpenAI employees responded to the news with a “WTF” emoji, according to a person familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2FVPWSBJJESDJVM4AVF2JELXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077535},"content":"Murati, an Albanian-born Dartmouth-educated engineer, played a key role in shepherding major product releases, including OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT chatbot, its DALL-E image generation software, and its recently released advanced voice mode that lets users talk to ChatGPT in essentially real time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKHL7DETPBHJDLSJZVJ7BU3C4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077536},"content":"This spring, Murati came under fire for saying in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that she wasn’t sure whether Sora, a text-to-video generator that OpenAI has showed off but not yet released, was trained on user-generated videos from YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Such a use of YouTube content would be an infraction of the platform’s terms of service, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan later told Bloomberg.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GPDP36XEVAVRPWH2QBO3NWYZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077537},"content":"After Altman’s ouster, Murati gained a higher profile when she was appointed as interim CEO – but she quickly joined a group of executives pushing for Altman to be reinstated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BY3UJPGELFF23KHUB66AASYMW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077538},"content":"Her departure marks the latest executive exit at OpenAI since Altman’s firing and rehiring last year. Ilya Sutskever, the company’s chief scientist, left in May. In August, co-founder Greg Brockman said he would go on leave until the end of the year and researcher John Schulman left for AI rival Anthropic. The departures leave only two members of OpenAI’s original founding team at the start-up: Altman and Wojciech Zaremba.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YMIR75ZMFDEPMRZ6TCJZI6L64","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077539},"content":"In her post on X, the text of which she earlier sent to employees at the company, Murati said she was grateful to have worked with the OpenAI team. “Together we’ve pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding in our quest to improve human wellbeing,” she wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QS36ID3TGRCEXLHQDUXFPRMSXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077540},"content":"The company currently has about 1,700 employees, more than double the roughly 770 it had in late 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGK457WNXJDXFCDEG4SZUNRSUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077541},"content":"Altman subsequently announced additional changes to OpenAI’s management. In a memo to OpenAI he also posted to X on Wednesday, he wrote that Chief research officer Bob McGrew is leaving, along with Barret Zoph, a vice-president of research who worked on products like ChatGPT.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGGDK2LRJNGE3B2HJNKMJAPMO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077542},"content":"In his own post on X, Zoph said it was a “very difficult decision” to leave and he plans to “explore new opportunities” outside the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RTH3HOO6ZBK5KHVPPDSBXSFWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077543},"content":"“OpenAI is doing and will continue to do incredible work and I am very optimistic about the future trajectory of the company and will be rooting everybody on,” he wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D65O2VYVRJFIDEUYVBQOAWYAXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077544},"content":"Altman also named six existing employees who will now report directly to him, some in new roles, including Matt Knight as chief information security officer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5DNB4KKUJCSDA3WBNFVHTLR4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077545},"content":"“I have over the past year or so spent most of my time on the non-technical parts of our organisation; I am now looking forward to spending most of my time on the technical and product parts of the company,” the CEO wrote, adding that there will be an all-hands meeting Thursday to answer employee questions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLBIXWPIWRBMNLGORYA6VFSVIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077546},"content":"“Leadership changes are a natural part of companies, especially companies that grow so quickly and are so demanding,” Altman wrote. “I obviously won’t pretend it’s natural for this one to be so abrupt, but we are not a normal company.” – Bloomberg L.P.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Rachel Metz, Dina Bass, Ed Ludlow and Shirin Ghaffary"}]},"description":{"basic":"Move is latest shakeup at artificial intelligence firm"},"display_date":"2024-09-26T11:00:26.775Z","headlines":{"basic":"OpenAI shifts to for-profit model, may give CEO Altman 7% stake","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM","auth":{"1":"9f82ec44c322230e31f55befb779bff5194b78dc396d077145038087e060adf9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/26/openai-shifts-to-for-profit-model-may-give-ceo-altman-7-stake/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"5JUKVLVDQFD2VKV4PWFY2H6MIU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":314,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/229aeec9-c8a7-4e35-afa2-a35cdf233d51/versions/1727283050/media/ebad4f4bb3664b185ebc1c582763f1f1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/26/as-x-declines-the-social-media-echo-chamber-is-back-in-vogue/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QTHXFRAHBBHBRO2ZOOD4UOQYPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387055},"content":"“There is currently great danger,” a man wrote two years ago, “that social media will splinter into far right wing and far left wing echo chambers that generate more hate and divide our society”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLTUCEPTQ5G5RDOZ2VMXTKZSMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387056},"content":"It may surprise you to learn that the man in question was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>, who wrote these words when he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/how-elon-musk-pulled-off-his-stunning-twitter-coup-1.4862222\" target=\"_blank\">bought the social media platform formerly known as Twitter</a> back in October 2022, stressing the need for humanity to have a “common digital town square” that was “warm and welcoming to all”, not a “free-for-all hellscape”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6SF3L5FK5HXTDFJTQOMUUT5NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387057},"content":"And yet ... and yet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQRV7TARKFFDVDLBKOFFQ3BAVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387058},"content":"Repelled by the direction that both the site now called <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x/\" target=\"_blank\">X</a> and its owner have taken, an exodus from the platform is under way. That exodus – oh go on then, Xodus – has been particularly apparent in Britain, having gathered steam since Musk started posting things like “civil war is inevitable” during the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2024/08/06/the-irish-times-view-on-the-uk-riots-a-fracture-in-the-social-fabric/\" target=\"_blank\">riots</a> that broke out over the summer. Many have left the platform entirely, while others merely lurk. “I have an answer to this, but discussion only on Bluesky these days am afraid [sic],” I saw someone reply on X recently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMGWPC24JRDUHC3UIA2HNT2E3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387059},"content":"Either way, activity has fallen discernibly. Data from Similarweb shows active daily users in the UK have dropped from eight million a year ago to only about 5.6 million now, with more than a third of that fall coming since the summer riots. The same thing is happening elsewhere, and not just in places where the platform has been banned, such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/09/03/brazilians-flock-to-bluesky-after-court-bans-elon-musks-x/\" target=\"_blank\">Brazil</a>. Over the same 16-month period, X’s active users in the US have fallen by about a fifth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7W6KB5V645AZNGYER5NUVWRAVI","additional_properties":{"_id":"SULYIUQ4MRBEFI3P2PL7AXX4TE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-22920","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AQ2PMKM4YVBSJO3LDQKYBG52QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387060},"content":"As disillusioned X users become, yes, ex-X-users, they are finding their way on to alternative sites. With Mastodon having proved off-puttingly techy for many, that tends to either be <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/threads/\" target=\"_blank\">Threads app</a>, or Bluesky, the platform that Twitter founder <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-dorsey/\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Dorsey</a> helped to start. But while the former is winning in terms of absolute numbers – about 1.4 million daily active users of Threads in the UK, compared with just more than 100,000 for Bluesky – it is the latter that has grown the most rapidly over the past six weeks, and that is cementing itself as the top choice for media types, policy wonks, academics and the broader chatterati.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6M66TCXFJVAGDHJATOCT4A5QDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387061},"content":"That there is a new place for such people to congregate is all well and good, but the problem is that the chatterati – very nice and non-conspiracy-theorising and non-overtly-racist though they may be – tend to coalesce around some quite similar viewpoints, which makes for a rather echoey chamber. I’m not sure I have ever felt more like I’m at a Stoke Newington drinks party than when I’m browsing Bluesky (including when tucking into Perelló olives and truffle-flavoured Torres crisps in actual N16).","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKIHGAABUJDGJJK5EFSCP6FF2A","additional_properties":{"_id":"QXDG52EIKNDNHDJSLBOEVOARVA"},"content":"No, Elon Musk will not be a trillionaire by 2027","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OF44SMWYKBHLBGYNMP4AKEWKCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387062},"content":"An even more fundamental problem is that nobody on Bluesky seems to actually mind that they are in an echo chamber. When I told a friend, who happens to be an enthusiastic Bluesky user, what I was writing about this week, she replied “oh yes, but it is an echo chamber, that’s what people like about it, it’s lovely”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZQNLR3BXNFIZDWHI3KF3D5GGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387063},"content":"Many enthuse about how like “old Twitter” Bluesky is, which is telling in itself: in the old days of Twitter, progressives far outnumbered their conservative counterparts in terms of how much they posted about politics on the platform, but that share has fallen dramatically since Musk took it over. According to the British Election Study, in the run-up to both the 2015 and 2019 elections, about 30 per cent of the most progressive Britons posted about politics on the platform. This year, while the most conservative Britons remained no less likely to post than before, the share of progressives posting on X had halved to 15 per cent; presumably that has since fallen much further, given that this survey preceded the riots.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZDU7M7OG5C65HRA2B5UTWNEXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387064},"content":"In many ways this is all fair enough. Many of us use video-first platforms such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/instagram/\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok/\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a> as procrastination-cum-entertainment; why shouldn’t the text-based social media sites be a place for procrastination-cum-cosy-filter-bubbling? Why not have a place on the internet that you can go and have a nice, civilised chat with someone who shares your worldview without the risk of coming across a load of vile racist content?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZZSOSBWX2VD5ZCRY6AMN5IHNEI","additional_properties":{"_id":"QHI5DFFJCNETZNQBKE3J6FK774"},"content":"Who’s afraid of X owner Elon Musk?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OE27EAIALFG5FNHFUACXLRVRJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387065},"content":"It comes down, in the end, to whether or not you believe that the “digital town square” Musk talked about when he bought Twitter can really exist and, if it can, whether it is of any benefit to anyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJW3XMSFXBEDBN6VXZSKIWPPPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387066},"content":"I have previously argued that a “digital town square” is a contradiction in terms – the internet is never going to enable the kind of engagement and understanding that comes from coming up against a real person in all their raw and imperfect humanity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S752TYQMRJCL5AER3RKXQCEMFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387067},"content":"But while it will always be much messier and more maddening than we might like, I believe such a place is preferable to a series of siloed echo chambers. The irony is that it is the man who warned of the “great danger” of a splintering-off who is most responsible for making that a reality. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Jemima Kelly"}]},"description":{"basic":"The great migration from Elon Musk’s X has seen users, especially progressives, retreat into one particular silo at Bluesky"},"display_date":"2024-09-26T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"As X declines, the social media echo chamber is back in vogue","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM","auth":{"1":"5fec8152bb54f95657cd4448c59f8e90edc8d15c8804b2f2c9b70a647a63a230"},"focal_point":{"x":1297,"y":1023},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/26/as-x-declines-the-social-media-echo-chamber-is-back-in-vogue/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"Z7B3UKJWIZAYXBXIGMK5Y6HRFM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/25/google-claims-legal-error-in-refusal-of-data-centre-application/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2XK7DDP3RFHPBH5VVPFJPCKQCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727269845649},"content":"Lawyers for Google Ireland Ltd (GIL) have claimed South Dublin County Council (SDCC) erred in fact and law in refusing planning permission for the firm’s proposed new data centre for Grange Castle Business Park in south Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ILOM2NMXBHXNFGOF3MXCFCFBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782343},"content":"A four-page letter from Google Ireland’s legal representatives, AL Goodbody, forms part of a comprehensive appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the council’s refusal issued last month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7Y7VCHOVDBATTC4PWKEI6PMQNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782344},"content":"In its decision, the council cited what it called “the existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network (grid) and the lack of significant on site renewable energy to power the data centre” as reasons for refusal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCESYFPK5RFZBP4PVQRGWXKCL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782345},"content":"However, AL Goodbody has pointed out that GIL had already secured a grid connection for the data centre extension from EirGrid in 2021 and said the council was not the appropriate body to determine whether or not there is sufficient capacity on the network to accommodate the data centre. It “has made a clear error on the facts and circumstances related to the proposed development”, it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XD62YNFNCFCJLHHXE5E3UYMA2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782346},"content":"AL Goodbody stated that “EirGrid had already contracted with GIL to provide it with import capacity for the proposed development and therefore has already factored this demand into its capacity/demand forecasts”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRWVIF4U6ZEP7HFRNDLLN4KHMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782347},"content":"GIL is planning that the application is to be the third phase of the Google Ireland data centre campus at Grange Castle Business Park and involves the creation of 800 construction jobs and 50 jobs when operational.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2HXWF4AJRBN7D7R57WS2MWFUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782348},"content":"In the main 42 page appeal document drawn up by planning consultants ARUP, they state that despite recognition in the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 of the need for data centres, the council has refused planning to every new data centre application submitted since the plan’s commencement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWUBQ4RHGVAH5FWQ5M455D4L64","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782349},"content":"ARUP states that the council error over its claim that there is insufficient grid capacity to allow the development “goes to the central pillar of SDCC’s decision”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3U7BOYY73ZAD5HYHGB2H3ZHZ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782350},"content":"It argued that it did not appear that any consultation was undertaken with EirGrid by the council before the refusal was issued. According to ARUP, “this suggests that SDCC reached its decision without access to comprehensive and authoritative information regarding the electricity network’s capacity”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TT7BAGLNFBMTJTNFOQKOKIM3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782352},"content":"The appeal states that “this approach raises clear concerns about the accuracy and validity of its conclusions and how well informed its decision was”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XPE54KASKFCXFM6F7PEZ2TBQD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"South Dublin County Council has been approached for comment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRAGHZKUIVA6FJNI63RZGZOSVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782353},"content":"The Google appeal states that the data centre “is needed to meet the growing demand for computing power, arising from increased internet use and adoption of Artificial Intelligence”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHBI2NKVEVFI5MGM475LGB4GKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782354},"content":"The appeal says that it is correct to acknowledge that data centres do consume a large amount of energy. It adds however that “it should also not be overlooked that they contributed to carbon de-intensification in other ways.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BK3OYQQ2HVDSXAJKBTVTCUJWGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782356},"content":"These include the widespread use of video-conferencing and facilitating remote working capabilities which help to reduce emissions from business travel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Gordon Deegan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech firm says it secured grid connection from EirGrid in 2021 despite South Dublin County Council’s concern over insufficient network capacity and onsite renewable energy"},"display_date":"2024-09-25T13:12:16.47Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google claims legal error in refusal of data centre application ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WCUAJYSYWFKXJDDMKPF6L6CJJU","auth":{"1":"0dd810c62fb9cccebba6fb45f05582c4876bea6191485276c1c1ec19eb97f92e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WCUAJYSYWFKXJDDMKPF6L6CJJU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/25/google-claims-legal-error-in-refusal-of-data-centre-application/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"4YGBRDJYPZAG7JDA7QLYPPPKAE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/25/openai-pitched-us-on-unprecedented-data-centre-buildout/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XA5DWPTJZBCIDB5USO5ANW4ZSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907286},"content":"OpenAI has pitched the Biden administration on the need for massive data centres that could each use as much power as entire cities, framing the unprecedented expansion as necessary to develop more advanced artificial intelligence models and compete with China.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J57C3OTEPRGTHMVIEEA5YJDH7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907287},"content":"Following a recent meeting at the White House, which was attended by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and other tech leaders, the startup shared a document with government officials outlining the economic and national security benefits of building 5 gigawatt data centres in various US states, based on an analysis the company engaged with outside experts on. To put that in context, 5GW is roughly the equivalent of five nuclear reactors, or enough to power almost 3 million homes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYWIGWZYANHILJ7GAJNGQ5V2QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907288},"content":"OpenAI said investing in these facilities would result in tens of thousands of new jobs, boost the gross domestic product and ensure the US can maintain its lead in AI development, according to the document, which was viewed by Bloomberg News. To achieve that, however, the US needs policies that support greater data centre capacity, the document said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33GQMLQP4VDTJKHZH35IV5EFHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907289},"content":"Altman has spent much of this year trying to form a global coalition of investors to fund the costly physical infrastructure required to support rapid AI development, while also working to secure the US government’s blessing for the project. But the details on the energy capacity of the data centres Altman and OpenAI are calling for have not previously been reported.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TA22MNVOTBCA5E7WTAUBV56ZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907290},"content":"“OpenAI is actively working to strengthen AI infrastructure in the US, which we believe is critical to keeping America at the forefront of global innovation, boosting reindustrialization across the country, and making AI’s benefits accessible to everyone,” a spokesman for OpenAI said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFDJQ6VGP5AFRJHFBKAJTGSPLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907291},"content":"The push comes as power projects in the US are facing delays due to long wait times to connect to grids, permitting delays, supply chain issues and labour shortages. But energy executives have said powering even a single 5 gigawatt data centre would be a challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBQ273ERENDBTP7H67DFTHBJV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907292},"content":"Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation Energy, said he has heard Altman is talking about building 5 to 7 data centres that are each 5GW. The document shared with the White House does not provide a specific number. OpenAI’s aim is to focus on a single data centre to start, but with plans to potentially expand from there, according to a person familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WEZRWPJLTFEZBAPG3M7XEWGDNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907293},"content":"“Whatever we’re talking about is not only something that’s never been done, but I don’t believe it’s feasible as an engineer, as somebody who grew up in this,” Dominguez said, “It’s certainly not possible under a time frame that’s going to address national security and timing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AICHL6DKBDCVMARQ3QIOWXHCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907294},"content":"The US has a total of 96GW of installed capacity of nuclear power. Last week, OpenAI’s biggest investor, Microsoft, struck a deal with Constellation in which the nuclear provider will restart the shuttered Three Mile Island facility solely to provide Microsoft with nuclear power for two decades.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5IBWHHXBY5HPLD54XCOQYHCALY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907295},"content":"In June, John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, said the clean-energy giant had received requests from some tech companies to find sites that can support 5GW of demand, without naming any specific firms. “Think about that. That’s the size of powering the city of Miami,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMMLGAZY4FFDPKRUQN5D7V5BNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907296},"content":"That much power would require a mix of new wind and solar farms, battery storage and a connection to the grid, Ketchum said. He added that finding a site that could accommodate 5GW would take some work, but there are places in the US that can fit one gigawatt. – Bloomberg ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Shirin Ghaffary"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sam Altman’s firm wants centres that could use same amount of energy as entire cities"},"display_date":"2024-09-25T06:33:33.445Z","headlines":{"basic":"OpenAI pitched US on unprecedented data centre buildout","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM","auth":{"1":"9f82ec44c322230e31f55befb779bff5194b78dc396d077145038087e060adf9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big 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target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a> earlier this year as controversy raged over videos featuring on the platform relating to self-harm and misogyny.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUQOKL3TCNFADC5Z3LHGO7MTLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975385},"content":"“The gravity of these matters, with particular regard to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, cannot be understated,” Coimisiún na Meán told the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVBYSUDRERALHMLUPCU7BBIIFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975386},"content":"Just before 9.30am on April 16th, hours before <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte/\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a> Prime Time broadcast an investigation into younger users being exposed to harmful videos, the regulator contacted the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3MCONOY4HRFURGGBC7AFF4FE4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975387},"content":"“I am very concerned about the report on RTÉ concerning self-harm and suicide on TikTok,” Niamh Hodnett, online safety commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán, wrote in an email.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AK5ENHRU7VBT7GEF3OVNMZVTRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975388},"content":"“Could you please call me on this and provide me with an update on what steps TikTok is taking to address the promotion of self-harm or suicide on its platform.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD4HVQJI3BAW7BDW4GD2SIDU7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975389},"content":"Prime Time had created three TikTok accounts, ostensibly operated by users who were 13 years of age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKELDD2DZ5ATNOEMFQUYJ7OJXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975390},"content":"RTÉ said that within a few minutes the actual operator of the accounts had come across a stream of content related to depression, self-harm and suicide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGMFU3JOZZC2ZE7E7H2FD6QSNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975391},"content":"Around the same time in mid April, separate research carried out by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dcu-anti-bullying-centre/\" target=\"_blank\">Anti-Bullying Centre</a> at Dublin City University (DCU) showed TikTok and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/youtube/\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube</a> users were being fed “masculinist, antifeminist and other extremist content, irrespective of whether they sought out general or male supremacist-related content, and that they all received this content within the first 23 minutes of the experiment”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZK2FQGGRIFGLFOVNKKHVJEVCUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"3NAU4NMDDBHPBEM2PVDRGWFW4A"},"content":"Teenage boys ‘bombarded’ with misogynist content within minutes of signing up to TikTok and YouTube Shorts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"633KF6DCFFFNNGBCTTFTZZE4ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975392},"content":"Documents released by Coimisiún na Meán show that it had met TikTok management on April 18th, the day after DCU published its research and two days after 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priority”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HW46GK6QVHCLA32JLWFW26ZAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975396},"content":"TikTok said that “content depicting, promoting, normalising or glorifying activities that could lead to suicide or self harm is a direct breach of our community guidelines”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJE6IIZWDJAOFLOS32XIX5WVVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975397},"content":"“We do not permit TikTok community members to share content depicting them partaking in, or encouraging others to partake in, dangerous activities that may lead to serious injury or death,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B76LSKHL6RAGLBI42BULGH55EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975398},"content":"The company said that more than 98 per cent of content that was in violation of these guidelines was proactively removed, with over 77 per cent being taken down before it received a single 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Intel executives have been weighing Apollo’s proposal, the people said. The size of Apollo’s potential investment could change or discussions could fall apart, they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKIO6JEWFBBRVNHH7M6CQP7ZEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073037},"content":"The development comes after San Diego-based Qualcomm floated a friendly takeover of Intel, people with knowledge of the matter said on Saturday, raising the prospect of one of the biggest ever M&A deals. Neither deal has been finalised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNH6VBINTZGVRBMXZI2NSOS77A","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073038},"content":"Representatives for Apollo and Intel declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFTZB6FEOBFZRCLUTWUJGGJO7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073039},"content":"The potential investment may have a big impact at Intel’s Irish base in Leixlip, where it employs most of its 5,000 staff in Ireland. The company is expected imminently to make known how many jobs are set to go at its Irish operation as part of its global cost-cutting programme. Intel has already confirmed it will close a research and development facility in Shannon. While that move won’t result in additional job losses at the Irish business, it is indicative of the scale of retrenchment at Intel’s operations here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBS6FNY44VGBJJREICQ3UF4F5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727105103917},"content":"Intel and Apollo already have a relationship. Santa Clara, California-based Intel agreed in June to sell a stake in a joint venture that controls a plant in Ireland for $11 billion to Apollo, bringing in more external funding for a large expansion of its factory network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJ473N2IA5HHPODS2RMKNN7NAY","additional_properties":{"_id":"5ONB6A7BERCODD2C7ZZQUBP4L4"},"content":"Chipmaker Qualcomm floats friendly takeover plan for Intel","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7WKNNCSOMNBV3GFVJP5VETSAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"C3M3XAL2NBEWZAIOIZY3BEJINA"},"content":"Intel's Irish staff consider redundancy and early retirement offer","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CEVSTQVG6ZEFXDVSDELGUOUCWY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7QZGTHKCOVAL3MUIHCHYEPYAIM"},"content":"Apollo takes 49% stake in Leixlip joint venture with Intel ","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BIZ4YKP2IJHFNKUB3VWVDLC25E","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073044},"content":"Under chief executive Pat Gelsinger, Intel has been working on an expensive plan to remake itself and bring in new products, technology and outside customers. Still, the company is headed for its third consecutive year of shrinking sales, and its shares have lost more than 50 per cent of their value this year. While Apollo may best be known today for its insurance, buyout and credit strategies, the firm started out in the 1990s as a distressed-investing specialist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4KVWEP2J5AA5CLGKU4QO6WVOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073045},"content":"Intel’s shares rose about 3 per cent in New York on Monday. The stock had closed 3.3 per cent higher at $21.84 on Friday, giving the company a market value of $93.4 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y37RV6FIRBBNVM67NJ6GL2HQZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073046},"content":"The company’s shares bounced last week after Mr Gelsinger made a series of announcements to accelerate the turnaround. Those included a multibillion-dollar deal with <a href=\"http://amazon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a>’s Amazon Web Services cloud unit to co-invest in a custom AI semiconductor and a plan to turn its ailing manufacturing business into a wholly-owned subsidiary. Intel also said it would pull back on some projects, including shelving plans for new factories in Germany and Poland for now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBS6FNY44VGBJJREICQ3UF4F5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727105103917},"content":"Apollo also has other experience in the chipmaking space. Last year the New York-based firm agreed to lead a $900 million investment in Western Digital, buying convertible preferred stock. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Potential investment is struggling chipmaker comes as rival Qualcomm floats idea of a friendly takeover"},"display_date":"2024-09-23T06:42:46.696Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apollo to offer multibillion-dollar investment in Intel","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WTBJ7AIBLBHRNM3P4FRFCDGOUY","auth":{"1":"308cb3896b084d7e061f6cd0bf7ee1aea28eb2a7838949f559da39bb73ac0a2d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WTBJ7AIBLBHRNM3P4FRFCDGOUY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/09/23/apollo-to-offer-multibillion-dollar-investment-in-intel/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"XYDN22FNXJHPHDKYMFKJXEWPVA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":223,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7d3bdcd7-cbe5-4a51-aa5c-c887bb54bb66/versions/1727013885/media/783b8c9ca1165d67b77ec7ecbd9a821f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/22/chipmaker-qualcomm-to-explore-takeover-of-intel/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4LS2TILZJZAKXG7G7WDXMPNAD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935949},"content":"Qualcomm has approached <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/intel/\" target=\"_blank\">Intel</a> to discuss a potential acquisition of the struggling chipmaker, people with knowledge of the matter said, raising the prospect of one of the biggest-ever M&A deals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KBHCXJTIVBMPEVEV3XK7MYAHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935950},"content":"California-based Qualcomm proposed a friendly takeover for Intel in recent days, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. The approach is for all of the chipmaker, though Qualcomm hasn’t ruled out buying or selling parts of Intel in a combination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQZ6UETB4JFIZA6NJ5KVC5RGCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727007180924},"content":"Intel employs about 5,000 people in Ireland, mostly at its Leixlip headquarters. It is in the process of rolling out redundancies there as part of a global restructuring which is expected to cut staff numbers by about 15 per cent worldwide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXZZS2IYRBDOHFH532B73XA4NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935951},"content":"It’s uncertain whether the initial approach will lead to an agreement and any deal is likely to come under close antitrust scrutiny and take time to complete, the people said. Qualcomm has been speaking with US regulators and believes an all-American combination could allay any concerns, they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYHCN6FPQRCQ7HHTJKQELT7FV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935952},"content":"Qualcomm is looking at Intel at a time when its smaller rival is in the midst of the most difficult period in its 56-year history. Under chief executive Pat Gelsinger, Intel is working on a plan to reshape the company and revive its flagging share price.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VK4JV6MGNNASJH4QS225QJZNIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935953},"content":"While Gelsinger still believes the turnaround plan could be sufficient for Intel to remain an independent company, he is open to considering the merits of different transactions, the people said. Both companies will now assess various options with advisers, they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJLGDXN5WFFHFMFKTB3OU76CNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935954},"content":"Intel’s shares have fallen about 37 per cent over the past 12 months, giving it a market value of about $93 billion (€83.3 billion). Qualcomm’s stock has risen more than 50 per cent over the same period for a market capitalisation of about $188 billion. At such values, any deal between Qualcomm and all of Intel would rank among the largest on record, Bloomberg-compiled data show.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS4XHHD7EBH2HA5XE67GIQXWLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935955},"content":"The Wall Street Journal first reported Qualcomm’s interest. Representatives for Qualcomm and Intel declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQH54C7YTJBMLCUCBN5CAF4DRM","additional_properties":{"_id":"VEDF43UTYND35GM2UGQPFMJ75E"},"content":"Intel to make custom AI chip for Amazon, delay German plant","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"62B4N2HI5VHFZJZ2R2AWNUS6O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935956},"content":"While Qualcomm’s approach raises the prospect of others entering the fray, at least one large rival is opting to sit on the sidelines for now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYRIM7NOUBFVRKFJ5ZZNVNUUPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935957},"content":"Broadcom isn’t currently evaluating an offer for Intel, people familiar with the matter said. The company had previously been assessing whether to pursue a deal, the people added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DCSQWSFRJBEZPXN5EOIRAISBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935958},"content":"Advisers continue to pitch ideas to Broadcom, the people said. A representative for Broadcom declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNRHEEWRT5B3ZBNUQECYKGZQW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935959},"content":"Intel is headed toward its third consecutive year of shrinking sales, estimated to make $52 billion in revenue in 2024, just 70 per cent what it brought in back in 2021. The stock did receive a bounce this week after the company made a raft of announcements that spurred optimism in Gelsinger’s turnaround plan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6BL34RM3VA45KBBZRIQKIZED4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935960},"content":"In the most notable move, Intel struck a multibillion-dollar deal with Amazon’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon-web-services/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon Web Services</a> cloud unit to coinvest in a custom AI semiconductor and outlined a plan to turn its ailing manufacturing business, or foundry, into a wholly owned subsidiary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIHFFCUVWJCCLEOTYJTWR3IA6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935961},"content":"The decision to separate Intel’s foundry operations from the rest of the company is aimed in part at convincing prospective customers – some of whom compete with Intel – that they are dealing with an independent supplier. 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The experience of listening to more audiobooks, audio articles and podcasts has been mixed, but it has opened my eyes (metaphorically) to the rapid developments taking place in text-to-audio services and in audio-to-text: virtually all sound-editing software now comes with sophisticated and remarkably accurate transcription built in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCJSTQDBXRCPJOTJT4OGM3QSS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771050},"content":"For several years now, newspapers, including this one, have been generating automated audio versions of their articles. The initial impetus came from the belief of publishers that media consumption would be dominated by devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant. It turns out that most of us are not as keen on having an always-on spy in our homes as the tech companies hoped.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCSSIHDC6REIJIMTFSXBRBXVJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771051},"content":"But, regardless of the hardware, the quality of automated audio is bounding forward, propelled by generative <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a>. Until very recently the ghost of Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey hung over these products. Not any more. The previous uncanny valleys, weird intonations and mispronunciations are a thing of the past. The new generation of automated voices are so close to pitch-perfect that you’ll be hard pressed to tell them apart from an actual human being.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QITLDGZWVF5VAUNODX37SJTKM","additional_properties":{"_id":"SG5L2PXWQFF3NN5J2SABDUWZBM"},"content":"The best AI tools for future-focused companies: chatbots, writing assistants, productivity boosters and more","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QAHNDORFLFDOLBS5CIAIXRPRIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726687791992},"content":"All of which, of course, will give rise to further disquiet among actual human beings like you and me who fear being left on the scrapheap. Slowly but steadily, the massed army of audio bots is coming over the hill to take the jobs of call-centre workers, DJs, weather forecasters, news-bulletin readers, university tutors and who knows who else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJYBO323JFEIJBLJABAYMZPBTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771053},"content":"As a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/\" target=\"_blank\">podcast presenter</a> I was not delighted when a colleague shared a trial sample of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a>’s experimental <a href=\"https://blog.google/technology/ai/notebooklm-audio-overviews/\" target=\"_blank\">Audio Overview</a> feature. Using the company’s artificial-intelligence tool Gemini, “two AI hosts” turn your “documents, slides, charts and more into engaging discussions” in which they “summarise your material, make connections between topics, and banter back and forth”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SA6U6LBFGBH6XAFY6FOKUXNNIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"BMBINH4IGNCPPE42NYLQADS2UM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EEXJEMB62JG7TOJYYUR55A5EPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726664754380},"content":"Applied to a recent Irish Times article about the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/09/16/can-i-afford-to-let-religious-ethos-be-a-factor-in-choosing-a-school-for-my-child/\" target=\"_blank\">Catholic Church’s domination of Irish primary schools</a>, the results were simultaneously under- and overwhelming. Like most AI, it was impressively mediocre. Two American voices (no local accents available yet) mulled over the issue, offering a half-decent summary of the article in a conversational mode that wouldn’t be out of place on a mid-morning magazine radio show. You can see how some people might prefer it, once the tech gets better, to a simple read-out of the original text. But it was no Socratic dialogue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQ75QFW5DRFDZAPAYUSAIGX5S4","additional_properties":{"_id":"A7ULCIN55FDTXFWFUK5ESPYSW4"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"LBEO2OILBJFIJIM6R2KTWYP6YM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726687791996},"content":"Nevertheless, Socrates might have approved. In the Phaedrus he worried that written texts were replacing oral culture. Writing, he predicted, “would create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls, because they will not use their memories; they will trust to the external written characters and not remember of themselves”. Similar dire predictions would be made two and a half millenniums later about the internet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XICNEAFM45GYZEZXFQT566URB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771056},"content":"But despite Socrates’s fears, a sense is deeply embedded in contemporary culture (and shared by me) that reading a text involves a more profound, more immersed engagement than hearing the same words spoken aloud. Reading requires full attention, after all; listening can be done while making the dinner or walking the dog. And the voice itself, whether bot or human, acts as an intermediary and, inevitably, sometimes as a distraction from the words themselves. For our current age of distraction, it seems the more appropriate medium.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS2BDXDMMNFD7FWKFTPLQILM3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1726664754382},"content":"We hear a lot about how our culture is becoming more visual and less literate. We hear less about how it is becoming more aural and less textual. Or, perhaps more accurately, how the written and spoken word are merging, presented side by side. You can read a TikTok or a Netflix release or an Apple podcast. You can listen to this article.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ4QTGHGAJA3JH7VRYL5734VI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771058},"content":"This coming together of speech and text applies to production as well as to consumption. I’m tapping this column out as usual on a keyboard. But it would be just as easy to dictate it, using one of the many free programs now available. Would that make the process or the result any different? Writers from John Milton to Barbara Cartland have dictated their work, so there’s nothing new there. But some suggest that the progression from quill to typewriter to word processor has changed the way writers write, just as other technologies have changed the way readers read. The end of the keyboard may seem hard to imagine, but it’s not so long ago that many would have said the same about the end of handwriting,","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6MC5RP4JBAN5C7XCPCG5BUNYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726664754383},"content":"One might as well bow to the inevitable. Clears throat. Taps mic. Is this thing on?","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Hugh Linehan"}},"name":"Hugh Linehan"}]},"description":{"basic":"You’d be hard pressed to tell latest AI voices from the real thing. It’s bad news for actual human beings who fear being left on scrapheap"},"display_date":"2024-09-21T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A massed army of audio bots is coming over the hill. What will it do to us? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZBGJPZGVSRC5BPVC45EKHDCVLA","auth":{"1":"2c62f47604a8f7aaf9d094c17cbabd6d7d62a7a864951dccec9b5ab813a87a33"},"focal_point":{"x":1370,"y":460},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZBGJPZGVSRC5BPVC45EKHDCVLA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/09/21/hugh-linehan-a-massed-army-of-audio-bots-is-coming-over-the-hill-what-will-it-do-to-us/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"RNFIMSLZOVFGNMH5YOW2BIOXBA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":565,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a82697ff-758b-4aa4-8fd7-593031a8e93c/versions/1726499279/media/f21c4ef1cb5fa41431716b7052ea034b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/19/the-ai-bill-driving-a-wedge-through-silicon-valley/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CZXIGDWKFNASDLF4JLK6XL43NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340732},"content":"California’s push to regulate artificial intelligence has riven Silicon Valley, as opponents warn the legal framework could undermine competition and the US’s position as the world leader in the technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2H2DQTZ6MJFUPKC65ERJCHMPV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340734},"content":"Having waged a fierce battle to amend or water down the Bill as it passed through California’s legislature, executives at companies including OpenAI and Meta are waiting anxiously to see if Gavin Newsom, the state’s Democratic governor, will sign it into law. He has until September 30th to decide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7CTT2NZGVH73FBLGUNKBMCCCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340735},"content":"California is the heart of the burgeoning AI industry, and with no federal law to regulate the technology across the US – let alone a uniform global standard – the ramifications would extend far beyond the state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ORHQHEANOJHMNESSUQAZDMKEF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340736},"content":"“The rest of the world is certainly paying close attention to what is happening in California and in the US more broadly right now, and the outcome there will most likely have repercussions on other nations’ regulatory efforts,” says Yoshua Bengio, a professor at the University of Montreal and a “godfather” of AI.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PBA4WEPKBGSTFLMCIHURRMOKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340737},"content":"Why does California want to regulate AI?","type":"header"},{"_id":"J6T4VIBXRZFBBAYUBFNB6M2KH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340738},"content":"The rapid development of AI tools that can generate humanlike responses to questions has magnified perceived risks around the technology, ranging from legal disputes such as copyright infringement to misinformation and a proliferation of deepfakes. Some even think it could pose a threat to humanity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWYVIVPSJJAZBA3PGCUTAVNJB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340739},"content":"US president Joe Biden issued an executive order last year aiming to set national standards for AI safety, but Congress has not made any progress in passing national laws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3RFETDXKGZDXFMWEX4B5U4YRG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340740},"content":"Liberal California has often jumped in to regulate on issues where the federal government has lagged behind. AI is in focus with California’s Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Systems Act, which was put forward by state senator Scott Wiener. Of the various Bills filed in different states, the one in California is the most likely to have a real impact, because the state is at the centre of the technological boom, home to top companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3F2IDEUF2FHODJSFUAZ5TOAPU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340741},"content":"Bengio said: “The big AI companies which have been the most vocal on this issue are currently locked in their race for market share and profit maximisation, which can lead to cutting corners when it comes to safety, and that’s why we need some rules for those leading this race.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MIPIKZWYVFSRFU72RW4YDJDTE","additional_properties":{"_id":"LOKSAUVPRNDLBFI4VYE6I3YPEY"},"content":"Using fear to sell AI is a bad idea","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RF7C4NSUWVFOPE5HZSIDDGTQNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340742},"content":"What does the Bill say?","type":"header"},{"_id":"EZFWJRM4LFHBPLD7YRPOEYUKFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340743},"content":"Wiener has said his Bill “requires only the largest AI developers to do what each and every one of them has repeatedly committed to do: perform basic safety testing on massively powerful AI models”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQOEIPCWA5D4ZDHUQPMXRC4JZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340744},"content":"The Bill would require developers building large models to assess whether they are “reasonably capable of causing or materially enabling a critical harm”, ranging from malicious use or theft to the creation of a biological weapon. Companies would then be expected to take reasonable safeguards against those identified risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J224US57VBC2VH4TJQUVYZLLDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340745},"content":"Developers would have to build a “kill switch” into any new models over a certain size in case they are misused or go rogue. They would also be obliged to draft a safety report before training a new model and to be more transparent – they would have to “report each artificial intelligence safety incident” to the state’s attorney-general and undertake a third-party audit to ensure compliance every year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZF33VPD6JCRJN5IO4XU2Q34A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340746},"content":"It is directed at models that cost more than $100 million (€90 million) to train, roughly the amount required to train today’s top models. But that is a fast-moving target: Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei has predicted the next group of cutting-edge models will cost $1 billion to train and $10 billion by 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CSU56GDORAE3LGROOZYZTW7XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340747},"content":"The Bill would apply to all companies doing business in California, regardless of where they are based, which would in effect cover every company currently capable of developing top AI models, Bengio said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAOO3BLYQNEPPII4YXSPI2R7UM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340748},"content":"It would introduce civil penalties of up to 10 per cent of the cost of training a model against developers whose tools cause death, theft or harm to property. It would also create liabilities for companies offering computing resources to train those models and auditing firms, making them responsible for gathering and retaining detailed information about customers’ identities and intentions. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $10 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UW6KIQORGFB27PPIODW4WTTCLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340749},"content":"Who is for the Bill and who is against it?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4FWTG7ZQ2JHX5LWLEWILIIQ4W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340750},"content":"Wiener and his colleagues say there is strong public support for new AI guardrails. He has also won qualified support from leading AI start-up Anthropic and Elon Musk, as well as actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and two women’s groups. On Monday, 100 employees at top AI companies including OpenAI, xAI and Google DeepMind signed a letter calling on Newsom to sign the Bill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXSI3TBI4RGYZBVEBPVUSYX5XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340751},"content":"“It is feasible and appropriate for frontier AI companies to test whether the most powerful AI models can cause severe harms, and for these companies to implement reasonable safeguards against such risks,” they wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45AKW4LW35HODGDUUAXDPUSGDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340752},"content":"Critics – including academics such as Stanford AI professor Fei-Fei Li, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and start-up accelerator Y Combinator – argue the Bill would hobble early-stage companies and open-source developers who publicly share the code underlying their models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDU4BTKSL5BUVCGP5VAMEDHE6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340753},"content":"Senate Bill SB 1047 would “slow the pace of innovation, and lead California’s world-class engineers and entrepreneurs to leave the state in search of greater opportunity elsewhere”, warned OpenAI chief strategy officer Jason Kwon in a letter to Wiener last month. He echoed one of the most common complaints: that the senator was meddling in an area that should be dealt with at the federal level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AR4HM2DMRFOFAXGNHFXLKLUJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"D3PKT2WJ6RCBZLQM77FL4TJVVY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"ADP7AM7PBJCXLPMVULOZ7V6ZDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340754},"content":"Opponents also say it would stifle innovation by piling onerous requirements on to developers and making them accountable for the use of their AI models by bad actors. It legislates for risks that do not yet exist, they add.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PA476P6N5VCH7PM3YWMNSNDSAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340755},"content":"Dario Gil, director of research at IBM, said: “Philosophically, anticipating the consequences of how people are going to use your code in software is a very difficult problem. How will people use it, how will you anticipate that somebody will do harm? It’s a great inhibitor. It’s a very slippery slope.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZ3SGO4YS5AQJLB362DMS5U634","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340756},"content":"Dan Hendrycks, director of the Center for AI Safety, which played a critical role in formulating the Bill, said opponents “want governments to give them a blank cheque to build and deploy whatever technologies they want, regardless of risk or harm to society”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6EYE3TNTBHQDBIPQM3IRRQTNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340757},"content":"Hendrycks, who is also an adviser to Musk’s xAI, has come under fire from critics who cast the CAIS as a fringe outfit overly concerned about existential risks from AI. Opponents also expressed concerns that CAIS had lobbied for influence over a “Board of Frontier Models” that the Bill would create, staffed with nine directors drawn from industry and academia and tasked with updating regulations around AI models and ensuring compliance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHLMZ7BAL5BC5PBV3GJBJG6FAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340758},"content":"Wiener rejected those arguments as “a conspiracy theory”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2ZOGPRWV5HO3L3G7A7MV66DMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340759},"content":"“The opposition tried to paint anyone supporting the Bill as ‘doomers’,” he said. “They said these were science fiction risks; that we were focused on The Terminator [film]. We’re not, we’re focused on very real risks like shutting down the electric grid, or the banking system, or creating a chemical or biological weapon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MYRKNSUUNAZLJZSS4XMUEQHDU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WQ3Z7MCWERH3LEZZRPE7KAGP3E"},"content":"To make artificial intelligence safer, use it more","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"F6PJGUCMJVG2VMXVAEHTUVIOPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340760},"content":"How have the Bill’s authors tried to address concerns?","type":"header"},{"_id":"MBQ6PJSC25EPBCL2JUEQNDSKNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340761},"content":"Wiener said he and his team have spent the past 18 months engaging with “anyone that would meet with us” to discuss the Bill, including Li and partners at Andreessen and Y Combinator.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4KL7TECIJBLPNXNZEIGEG3XHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340762},"content":"One of their concerns was that requiring a kill switch for open-source models would prevent other developers from modifying or building on them for fear they might be turned off at a moment’s notice. That could be fatal for young companies and academia, which are reliant on cheaper or free-to-access open-source models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKRNEZHURVGY5JINLLC3QTSAHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340763},"content":"Wiener’s Bill has been amended to exclude open-source models that have been fine-tuned beyond a certain level by third parties. They will also not be required to have a kill switch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5X6EME6BJEPNM7QZ4UIIJ44T4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340764},"content":"Some of the Bill’s original strictures have also been moderated, including narrowing the scope for civil penalties and limiting the number of models covered by the new rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6Q5GM2SZZACZDSLG7SABBG4KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340765},"content":"Will the Bill become law?","type":"header"},{"_id":"44YLZQZAI5BK7IFQQ5VQZVONJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340766},"content":"SB 1047 easily passed the state’s legislature. Now Newsom has to decide whether to sign the Bill, allow it to become law without his signature or veto it. If he does veto, California’s legislature could override that with a two-thirds-majority vote. But, according to a spokesperson for Wiener, there is virtually no chance of that happening. The last time a California governor’s veto was overridden was in 1980.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZ7JXMU275GZJBP7M5MRFIIR6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340767},"content":"The governor is in a tough spot, given the importance of the tech industry to his state. But letting AI grow unchecked could be even more problematic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RVELVUM3ZDMDKSUOODWSY6IN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340768},"content":"Wiener said: “I would love for this to be federal legislation: if Congress were to act in this space and pass a strong AI safety Bill I’d be happy to pack up and go home. But the sad reality is that while Congress has been very, very successful on healthcare, infrastructure and climate, it’s really struggled with technology regulation ... Until Congress acts, California has an obligation to lead because we are the heartland of the tech industry.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"George Hammond"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Cristina Criddle"}]},"description":{"basic":"California’s Gavin Newsom has until September 30th to decide whether to sign legislation that will reach far beyond the state"},"display_date":"2024-09-19T04:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Will California pass an AI law that is dividing Silicon Valley?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OZCOI6XZE5GBWIVMRASNRRIZTI","auth":{"1":"f65242d3710ce59977aff399b99176530758f0345e88ba9b912c189bd15322f1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OZCOI6XZE5GBWIVMRASNRRIZTI.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/19/the-ai-bill-driving-a-wedge-through-silicon-valley/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"JEMF3VFLY5G6FIV6IKFMPVO7UE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":203,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3f383e33-ae06-4df1-9f4d-972890b05cd4/versions/1726687264/media/23c3cb3ff522f7369c088bfb459323da_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/09/19/irelands-tech-regulators-and-gardai-to-brief-ministers-on-improving-online-safety/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CLQG3AYF4BGJNKXBROALLJ52YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846685},"content":"Ireland’s tech regulators and representatives of the Garda will on Thursday brief Taoiseach Simon Harris and several senior Ministers on efforts to improve online safety.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWR6JG4EXZD57EJ6TS7YF62UKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846686},"content":"The meeting is said to be aimed at ensuring a collective focus across Government on the effective implementation of a new Online Safety Framework.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26TBMENRARD3ZAH5XH53EEAJ64","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846687},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán (the Media Commission), the Data Protection Commission, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, ComReg and An Comisiún Toghcháin (the Electoral Commission) will all attend the first summit of its kind to be hosted by the Department of the Taoiseach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHQHO2STD5GXTAJFG2R43YRCUM","additional_properties":{"_id":"Y6WRAYGIUJF7PIAM7GA6MFRQIE"},"content":"Children’s exposure to harmful online content a ‘public health crisis’, says Minister","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OZUGBTRRLFEX5I2WR24VV6EZBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846688},"content":"In advance of the summit, Mr Harris said: “We find ourselves at an important juncture in terms of regulating the digital world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4J4MKFZLVHELN32UV4ODYLJII","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846689},"content":"“We have an opportunity now to make a difference and ensure we get this right, in particular, for more vulnerable users such as children and young people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAFAIUMQXJDZTK74RIN3W3GJ3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846690},"content":"“I want to make sure that there’s a very clear legal understanding in Ireland and across the European Union that the online world does not operate in some sort of parallel universe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3L4PGRTKJBFNOMJSQMAKKGBFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846691},"content":"“The obligations that apply offline in terms of abiding by the laws of the land also need to apply online.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GSPC2TGGNHBVKIFAT2FQL2UKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846692},"content":"He said the upcoming new Online Safety Code and the Digital Services Act were “significant tools at our disposal” and “We must now make sure we are using these effectively.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6D3PMMGYFBUZMOXNPSGDWWRLI","additional_properties":{"_id":"AXVIKG44VBHA3BAUOZODYEDIQM"},"content":"Media regulator opens review into how social media platforms deal with illegal online content","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"GA7FDR6FYNG5NARZQD7GS6CAPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846693},"content":"Minister for Media Catherine Martin said Coimisiún na Meán had a central role in developing and enforcing a new Online Safety Framework, including a new Online Safety Code, which it planned to adopt in October.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEZJJUWWXBGNHHITFFACSMROJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846694},"content":"She described this as “an important milestone in addressing illegal and harmful online content and behaviour, including the exposure of children to harmful content”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUO5TSKQC5HSHMPRGKMRVKJLUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846695},"content":"Separately, Minister for Children and Equality Roderic O’Gorman briefed Cabinet on new childminding regulations which will come into force on September 30th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W25CPUV6BRFQLIESTIRSBKNJZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846696},"content":"The regulations will see childminders regulated by Tusla while parents who use them will be able to avail of National Childcare Scheme subsidies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG7YSCATQZFY5G4X4CS7WEMJQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EZJ5T2T7YBDHVLWWQ3RW6GG7WM"},"content":"Roblox and YouTube main sources of online content which ‘bothered or upset’ primary school children - report","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6I7W3LH65NGONF2IGWEST7WUD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846697},"content":"There will be a three-year lead-in period to give childminders time to meet the requirements under the regulations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3H2EC2MOIVDKFDTTZWSFWYSJNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846698},"content":"Also at Cabinet, Mr O’Gorman recommended the appointment of Liam Herrick as chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC).","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQQ7EUUDO5AX7DIUVYLU76TMJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846699},"content":"Mr Herrick has most recently worked as executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and he was previously an adviser to President Michael D Higgins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BDEVGBZQZBRZJDUY2CCNYUJRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846700},"content":"Government chief whip Hildegarde Naughton updated Ministers on the autumn legislative programme with 29 Bills prioritised for publication and 32 for drafting in the new Dáil session.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWJT6KYWANGUPO7VGGHW745NHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846701},"content":"She said the drafting of the Life Sentences Bill would progress during the new Dáil term and this law was being developed to allow judges to recommend a minimum period to be served in custody before a person was released on parole.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4ICEKSWBVCWBDU6WUA4BRFYBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726683846702},"content":"The Government is also to prioritise the publication of a Bill that will remove the ability of employers to force workers to retire once they reach State pension age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"‘We find ourselves at an important juncture in terms of regulating the digital world,’ Taoiseach says"},"display_date":"2024-09-18T23:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ireland’s tech regulators and gardaí to brief Ministers on improving online 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Nvidia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAQ6KOYCZJHD7H4OMXR7NKYUA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1733153067418},"content":"The California-based company said on Monday that the 63-year-old would be replaced by chief financial officer David Zinsner and executive vice-president Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who will be interim chief executives until a permanent appointment is made.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TTJN37KBBDG3GI4JKKB7DSZ4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1733153067419},"content":"Mr Gelsinger described the decision as “bittersweet”, adding that it had been “a challenging year for all of us as we have made tough but necessary decisions to position Intel for the current market dynamics”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6BQUGWRVJGULCQJHMJR7ER7HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733153067420},"content":"Appointed chief executive in 2021, Mr Gelsinger was more than three years into his five-year plan to turn Intel into a chipmaking powerhouse to rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHTXTGDQ6NA3VITTLUK2REYCAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733153067421},"content":"Under his direction, the group announced plans to build new factories in the United States and Europe, sought to catch up with the most advanced manufacturing processes, and separated the company’s chip design business from its manufacturing arm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZBT4QQL4FAE3GOFZ4LPKLV5K4","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442975},"content":"But the strategy had come under increasing pressure, with the company rocked by the departures of executives, thousands of lay-offs and a plunging share price.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ENRM6U3OBCQXNFYSVBFYRTQNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159637895},"content":"That has hit its Irish operations in Leixlip, Co Kildare, where the company recently invested $17 billion (€16.2 billion) in a new cutting-edge chip manufacturing plant, Fab 34, doubling the tech giant’s Irish manufacturing space and taking on 1,600 extra staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQGVEDJPHBDIJHCLUCBUEBQHHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159637896},"content":"Intel is one of Ireland’s major employers, with more than 5,000 staff here. But in the past couple of years, the company has implemented a number of cost-cutting measures that hit benefits such as free food and car allowances, and reduced jobs at the chip giant’s Irish operations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6H6F4VTUXRBJBH7P5MRBDEPFJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159637897},"content":"In August, the company said it would seek cost cutting of about €10 billion before the end of 2025, with a number of redundancies sought at the Irish operation as part of a 15 per cent cut being sought companywide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSQIB3R6FBCEXL5LLDWI4IO7WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159637898},"content":"In September, Intel said it would close its research and development facility at Shannon next year, moving the base for the operation to Kildare and offering staff there the same early retirement and redundancy options open to staff in Kildare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UAQOKOHAVGTRNKXZJRH42SW5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159637899},"content":"That followed the loss of 130 jobs in the previous round of cuts announced in 2022, and a voluntary, unpaid scheme that allowed staff to take up to three months off work before returning to their position.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XC6ZXRASWNGRLICZXC2UIRWCKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442976},"content":"Over the past year, Intel’s share price has dropped more than 40 per cent, falling to a market capitalisation of just over $103.7 billion. By contrast, shares in Nvidia, which has cornered the market for cutting-edge AI chips, have risen more than 200 per cent over the same period, reaching a market cap of $3.35 trillion. Intel’s share price jumped almost 4 per cent in pre-market trading following the news of Mr Gelsinger’s retirement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WZLNWQKXNC2DKLHTE3DQ3UBBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1733153067422},"content":"In October, Intel announced $18.7 billion in restructuring and asset impairment charges in its latest effort to rebuild its competitiveness.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5R5XU5JVJD5TLMCY5D6TQJGAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1733153067423},"content":"The charges included $2.8 billion of expenses tied to a previously announced reorganisation and cost-cutting programme designed to cut spending by $10 billion a year. Intel also took $15.9 billion of impairment charges on equipment and goodwill writedowns.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FKBHJIFXDBGOTFRBAJNSD46M24","additional_properties":{"_id":1733153067424},"content":"Attention had recently turned to Mr Gelsinger’s relationship with his board, from which Lip-Bu Tan resigned in August. The former chief executive of chip design software company Cadence had been charged with overseeing its crucial chip manufacturing strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFREMOZQPJCWPGHBE4TB3YBDUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442980},"content":"As part of the changes announced on Monday, Ms Johnston Holthaus will take a newly created position as chief executive of Intel Products, a unit that encompasses its AI, data centre and client computing groups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDPJ5N2OQJDK3PJZPQYO5DLANA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442981},"content":"Frank Yeary, who was independent chairman of Intel’s board but will become interim executive chairman as it looks for a new chief, added: “While we have made significant progress in regaining manufacturing competitiveness and building the capabilities to be a world-class foundry, we know that we have much more work to do at the company and are committed to restoring investor confidence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3CDDC4DMYZFERFJI3FW4MCPMLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733158442982},"content":"“As a board, we know first and foremost that we must put our product group at the centre of all we do,” he said. “Our customers demand this from us, and we will deliver for them.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Oliver Ralph"}]},"description":{"basic":"Semiconductor company appoints interim co-chiefs while it searches for a permanent replacement"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T16:04:36.06Z","headlines":{"basic":"Intel chief Pat Gelsinger to quit with US chipmaker in crisis","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7FKHTRMLN2DCT2JFNG56HUUILI","auth":{"1":"84be884323a3008b0208b30905b9660bd1c03601795a31ad1858457aed627e57"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7FKHTRMLN2DCT2JFNG56HUUILI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/12/02/intel-chief-pat-gelsinger-to-quit-with-us-chipmaker-in-crisis/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"L7UAWO2XCFFXBF75HM325BVUKQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":352,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-h0e8gjgjaqe0egb7.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9ae2b7c1-a515-46df-8b73-008ae28b78f8/versions/1732971362/media/5931a31ee8092d9c150b4d537b2dd6a5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/12/02/its-cool-isnt-a-good-reason-for-scientists-to-develop-harmful-technologies/","content_elements":[{"_id":"43STSW4R55BGNCLVUIPKQD3Q74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896268},"content":"The device on which you may be reading this owes its existence to an experiment roughly 55 years ago. A <a href=\"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241028-the-failure-that-started-the-internet\" target=\"_blank\">team of university researchers</a>, with some funding from the United States department of defence, established a connection between two computers 560km apart in the US. It was the first demonstration of the Arpanet, what would become the internet – a technology that was revolutionised in 1989 when English scientist <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tim-berners-lee/\" target=\"_blank\">Tim Berners-Lee</a> not only created the world wide web, but gave his invention away for free.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z3OVTJ2ZNCE3OINXEVNPHPOIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732666779198},"content":"This kind of innovation now seems lost forever. Scientific research has been overwhelmingly privatised. The 1980 US Bayh-Dole Act, which allowed private firms to patent inventions that were created with public funds, is regarded as a key turning point. Gradually, intellectual property – like other types of property – has become concentrated in the hands of the super-wealthy. From healthcare and energy security to space exploration and the new frontier of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a> (AI), multibillionaire tech moguls have become gatekeepers of scientific discovery. (Discovery on their own – profitable – terms, naturally.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVN2C4OCLRAVLE5NE6WWI4UQPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896272},"content":"What’s more, they can rely on what philosopher of science Heather Douglas calls<b> </b>the “old social contract for science” to minimise accountability for their actions. This “contract” is based on three assumptions. First, that basic science (like splitting the atom) should be distinguished from applied research (like developing an atomic bomb). Second, that scientists doing basic, or “pure”, research are free from responsibility. And third, that public funding should go to basic science, regardless of how industries use scientific discoveries.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKTX6U7MZNCJ5LXHVIRMRYB4QM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896274},"content":"This “old contract” – tacitly accepted in the western world since the industrial revolution – was always self-serving for scientists. It allowed people like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/j-robert-oppenheimer/\" target=\"_blank\">J Robert Oppenheimer</a> to race to develop nuclear weapons with a supposedly clear conscience. But it was also naive, allowing capitalist “innovators” to use the blanket of science to cover up social harms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLEB2ATVYBD2BAJ36PKNKZJCUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896275},"content":"You might think <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jeff-bezos/\" target=\"_blank\">Jeff Bezos</a>, the world’s second-richest man, has lined his pockets on back of union-busting activities and ruthlessly crushing independent retailers. But the executive chairman of Amazon <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/feb/03/jeff-bezos-and-the-world-amazon-made\" target=\"_blank\">reveals in his memoir</a> that he wants to be known as “inventor Jeff Bezos”, likening himself to a modern-day Thomas Edison.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62GKI2IF6FAAHNL22AASQG5TUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896276},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>, the world’s richest man, also likes to portray himself as a scientific frontiersman for whom traditional rules do not apply. He is leading the charge to Mars, designing bulletproof cars for Earth, and reinventing democracy – all in one go. His nutty professor act – “I’m dark gothic Maga!” – is a great way of deflecting attention from corporate responsibilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZ3B65D32ZAX3DX4KWCEXY35UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896277},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sam-altman/\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Altman</a> – chief executive of Open AI, the company behind ChatGPT – has been more direct in exploiting the “old social contract” for profit. Government policy should come “downstream of the science”, he said <a href=\"https://www.hbs.edu/bigs/tech-policy-works-best-downstream\" target=\"_blank\">in an interview</a> earlier this year. Relying on the distinction between pure and applied research, he argues that oversight should be limited to something like “the equivalent of weapons inspectors” for AI.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HN3CVRQ4FNE6HCVJV3NGKUK2QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"JHCWPQLTMFFJTI3FWAVASA3ZDI"},"content":"We are up to our necks in a rising tide of AI-generated slop","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DLES4L3ARJFWFCU3SJ3XBLX6KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896278},"content":"Just how committed either he or other tech entrepreneurs would be to even this level of supervision is unclear, given Altman had previously <a href=\"https://www.reuters.com/technology/openai-ceos-threat-quit-eu-draws-lawmaker-backlash-2023-05-25/\" target=\"_blank\">threatened to cease OpenAI operations</a> in Europe because of the European Union’s relatively timid new AI rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BTS4SY2EFRBFPJKF5XYTHL5ZMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896279},"content":"“Scientists cannot operate in a responsibility-free manner,” says Douglas, who is calling for a “new social contract for science”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCUIJ74LGZH23HCTLWWVKRCGYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"3FYF26MI6NCDVPZNSVMLFKDJ5A"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QMTLGFJZUNCYRN6M2U6YEB7DBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896280},"content":"Accountability mechanisms should be tied to “clear and precise responsibility floors”, she told The Irish Times on a visit to Dublin recently for a <a href=\"https://peritia-trust.eu/\" target=\"_blank\">conference on science and democracy</a> hosted by the UCD school of philosophy. The main floor she would set is “don’t make the world worse”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7GVT4IXPZA27JL2DMCU7RFVTY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZIZDBCMWWZHT3L634RA42B7GPM"},"content":"Consequences of making AI central to legal decision-making ‘terrifying’, says human rights commissioner","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TNRN763W2VGRDOPZJDFH3PNTRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732629072631},"content":"Applying such standards would allow us to judge something like generative AI, the technology behind ChatGPT and similar tools designed to mimic human functions. While it may prove to be useful in “narrow” applications like cancer screening, Douglas says: “the overwhelming uses tend to be harmful, from generative ‘deep fake’ porn, revenge porn, to generative ‘deep fake’ political ads ... There are so many harms, and the benefits are not coming to fruition, partly because the levels of hallucination [nonsensical or inaccurate outputs] are so high.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EM6AE5G7VZDL5BTULA763RSRBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896282},"content":"“I think it’s really up to the scientists who are pushing these things to make arguments that this technology is actually beneficial – not just ‘I think it’s cool’ – and, if not, there is no reason why we can’t just shut them down.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCPTF7DR4BGOJCDLGU3MRVSPRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732629072633},"content":"Regulating generative AI is important in its own right, but it also matters because it is a dummy run for what is being billed the existential threat of artificial general intelligence (AGI). This goes beyond mimicking human intelligence to conquering it: humans will be in a position to AI as we are to non-human animals. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/geoffrey-hinton/\" target=\"_blank\">Geoffrey Hinton</a>, the “godfather of AI” who shared this year’s Nobel Prize for physics, says AGI “<a href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/video/godfather-of-artificial-intelligence-talks-impact-and-potential-of-new-ai/\" target=\"_blank\">may be fewer than 20 years away</a>”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YPAJJFTZZAM5GHOJVQOM2UXJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732629072634},"content":"Hinton – who has <a href=\"https://fortune.com/2024/10/09/openai-sam-altman-geoffrey-hinton-nobel-prize-physics-ilya-sutskever-toronto/\" target=\"_blank\">publicly questioned Altman’s fitness to run OpenAI</a> – says scientists need to be protected from themselves. When challenged on the threats posed by AI while he was working for Google, he used to paraphrase Oppenheimer: “When you see something that is technically sweet, you go ahead and do it.” Hinton no longer says this, admitting he didn’t take ethical concerns seriously enough at Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTOBZW7YBBBMBPZOGSYDXUVHVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732616896285},"content":"“I think the old contract really undermined public trust in science by embracing a model of responsibility-free,” says Douglas. “Why should the public trust a scientific community who don’t care about the impact of their science on society?”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Humphreys"}},"name":"Joe Humphreys"}]},"description":{"basic":"Unthinkable: Regulating generative AI is important in its own right, but it’s also a dummy run for the existential threat of artificial general intelligence. This will go beyond mimicking human intelligence to conquering it"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T05:45:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘It’s cool’ isn’t a good reason for scientists to develop harmful technologies ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TDRHP62B55BYHHIP6V4QXKQQYI","auth":{"1":"ebc2066c1428e79ae63ee105af61864106f0b030bc440fe9048135fd865d24f1"},"focal_point":{"x":687,"y":279},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TDRHP62B55BYHHIP6V4QXKQQYI.JPG"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Science"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/12/02/its-cool-isnt-a-good-reason-for-scientists-to-develop-harmful-technologies/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"HJK7J3M6ZBHHFE7H7WCEBLGLYM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":123,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8b58db40-b724-4e5f-a1a6-c592839c459e/versions/1732881865/media/5a4a45212b97b71ec1c9144d242755d0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/12/01/builder-knows-best-the-apple-gamble-that-paid-off-big/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EVS7MNK35JDP7DNHI3VHOI2M5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877896611},"content":"Are stock tips from random builders the secret to stock market fortunes? Apparently so, in the case of American football star Rob Gronkowski, who has been in the headlines after talking about his “best investment” – a $69,000 bet on Apple in 2014 that is now worth over $600,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PRNIPEMXBBYDFTKQ4JO4XTJRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346695},"content":"The NFL star got the tip from his housebuilder, who told him Apple was “where it’s at”. After repeated urgings to “get Apple”, Gronkowski decided to “go big”, instructing his financial adviser to buy $69,000 worth of stock.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGP7QGPASNAABB5AY4WR3GZKDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346696},"content":"He soon forgot about the purchase, before discovering over two years later that his shareholding was worth about $250,000. He took some profits, but let most of his position run.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NTS7BCFDNCZRLIVPETYO3ASMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346697},"content":"Gronkowski admits he had “no idea” what he was doing, but that didn’t stop CNBC publishing a piece suggesting that his strategy “mirrored Warren Buffett’s”. Berkshire Hathaway’s $31 billion purchase of Apple shares in 2016 wasn’t Buffett’s idea, noted CNBC, but that of his lieutenant, Ted Weschler (disclosure: I own shares in Berkshire).","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNWD2ZAEZJE2HPCPJDDBM5QCUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346698},"content":"Additionally, Gronkowski’s forgetfulness is “not far off” Buffett’s advice to everyday investors to buy and hold for the long term, ignoring short-term movements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PBD3XO4QZDOXPCZXPBQUYEHQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881346699},"content":"Is this a stretch? Perhaps. The real moral of the story: you can sometimes make lots of money doing stupid things. Countless studies confirm that acting on stock tips, whether from analysts, financial magazines, or investment newsletters, is a bad idea. Perhaps tips from builders are different, but don’t bet on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}},"name":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}]},"description":{"basic":"NFL star Rob Gronkowski has seen the value of his accidental investment multiply over the last decade"},"display_date":"2024-12-01T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Builder knows best? The Apple gamble that paid off big","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SO4POZPZSXVT3K45N46EYRMTEU","auth":{"1":"fa0f3594ec77d562080cee83af383a5fe4b58f08b0e85e26f5b71f54acbd8039"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SO4POZPZSXVT3K45N46EYRMTEU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Markets"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/12/01/builder-knows-best-the-apple-gamble-that-paid-off-big/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"ACKCBND74NATHLG4OLXDH5PMUI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/29/dell-products-hit-by-demand-slump-reports-revenue-drop/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VD6F3NOEMJFUFKEYNUKQ6XA2MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333966},"content":"Revenue fell at one of Dell’s main subsidiaries last year with the company hit by ongoing uncertainty in the wider economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZHBVRFWVNGPFKO5F4FTYKUVN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333967},"content":"Dell Products, which sells and distributes the group’s products in Europe, the Middle East and Asia (EMEA), said its revenue slid 14 per cent as ongoing economic difficulties hit demand. Total revenue for the period was $14.5 billion (€13.75 billion), down from more than $16 billion (€15 billion) in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVQDDP5RGFBJXMSHDHVNZYZZYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732901652310},"content":"Hardware sales remained the largest proportion of revenue. Dell said that fell to $13.5 billion for the year down from just under $16 billion a year earlier. Software sales totalled $401 million in the same period, while support service revenue was $573.5 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVGLAKMCPFFJVFFXRLWGBMR76E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732901652311},"content":"The bulk of revenue – $13.9 billion – came from its European customers, the accounts noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QX3EUWHCGVAT3LMJOEKJOYVNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333968},"content":"Operating profit was $82.6 million for the year to February 2nd, 2024, down from $90.8 million in 2023. A fall in input costs helped raise gross margins slightly, while profit on ordinary activities before interest and taxation fell $8 million year-on-year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4OER4RZKVFMZDPVV7OMNG4RAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333969},"content":"Pretax profit slumped as the company wrote down the value of its investments by $115 million. That brought pretax profit to $18.7 million, down from $130.3 million the previous year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TF73KUCNUJC6DK6J4ZEMDPKX6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333970},"content":"In note on the accounts, Dell said it had received a capital contribution from fellow group member Dell International Holding in October 2018. That $557.7 million contribution was a transfer of shares in a subsidiary company, Dell GmbH. An assessment by directors of their value determined the carrying value was in excess of the recoverable value, leading to the write-down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUKFSUQ5LNG7LLKQCU7ERRZ6NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333971},"content":"A dividend of $47 million was paid to Dell Products by Dell GmbH, in line with the prior year. Dell Products also paid out a dividend of $47 million to Dell Global, which owns 99 per cent of the company, and Dell International Holding, which owns the remaining 1 per cent. That was a fraction of the $160 million recorded a year earlier.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IMAPSQ24ZAFXFK6CBIAG4SKRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333972},"content":"Dell Products also received a capital contribution from its parent company of $589.8<b> </b>million, in line with the previous year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7522PJZ4HJFFBJIDIJSUAXD24E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333973},"content":"The company paid $11.6 million in tax, including $9.6 million in Irish corporation tax, and the remainder in foreign and other tax charges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBMLTW3ZE5H7JONYSIS45EPY4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732898333974},"content":"Dell Products employs close to more than 2,100 people, down from almost 2,200 in 2023. That was split between sales and distribution, which employed 1,220 people, and administration, which had 900 staff. The wage bill for the year was $240.4 million, up from $209.4 million, despite staff numbers dropping.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZ3B3TDCKJENNE6FG5C5KZSL6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732901652319},"content":"Including pensions and other remuneration, the total bill was €286.9 million for the year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company’s $11.6m tax bill included $9.6m in Irish corporation tax"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T17:50:05.579Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dell Products hit by demand slump, reports revenue drop","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EXVZQUS3QNBP7DFBTPOKRCJSHI","auth":{"1":"bd9071f69b429abb086e8e970e295aba8935ddc029ac953b9263d48981dd9fe2"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EXVZQUS3QNBP7DFBTPOKRCJSHI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/29/dell-products-hit-by-demand-slump-reports-revenue-drop/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"37LUF5PPUREALCQD5MBOOGUZPE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":430,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7cff346e-9bcc-45a0-b3da-a07946b715bd/versions/1732632027/media/6b377c11ae6eb360c251681b2d9d373f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/28/margrethe-vestager-the-worlds-pioneering-tech-cop-is-making-her-exit/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XIVGX6WNGVB7ND4HMV6VWUAFGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438678},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/margrethe-vestager/\" target=\"_blank\">Margrethe Vestager</a>, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/european-union/\" target=\"_blank\">European Union</a> antitrust enforcer who has been the world’s foremost critic of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/\" target=\"_blank\">tech industry</a>, recently walked through her Brussels office wondering what to do with the stuff she had accumulated during a decade in that role, which ends late this month. At one point, she paused to lift a sculpture of a hand holding up its middle finger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CN4ARXPGWBGB5PHS3B3GYULU3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438679},"content":"“What should I do with this?” Vestager (56) asked. The middle finger, she has said, was a reminder not to let critics get you down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJXJNSLFRZCQ3GYF4OLZDGZ42M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438680},"content":"Vestager, a Danish politician who was the rare EU official to become known globally, has faced plenty of detractors over the years. When she was appointed to police antitrust in 2014, she became one of the first government officials in the world to aggressively bring cases and fines against <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a> for conducting illegal business practices and trying to block competition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7IMXC5VB5GPNIQK4DK227YPBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438681},"content":"At the time, the US digital titans were growing quickly and were highly popular for their innovations. Vestager grappled with backlash for her actions, with tech leaders saying she was stymieing Europe’s economy by scaring off start-ups from building in the region. In 2018, then US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Donald Trump</a> reportedly said she “really hates” America.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXZ4KSO7XRAPRJA7RKX2MGMCMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438682},"content":"But as Vestager closes out her era in Brussels, regulating the tech industry has become more mainstream around the world. Thanks to her, Europe is now widely seen as the pioneer of the toughest laws against tech. US regulators have in recent years followed Europe by bringing antitrust lawsuits against Google, Apple, Meta and Amazon. Regulators in South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Canada and elsewhere are also taking on the tech giants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HGHPGHPNJDZLHOUPN2ERF7NYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438683},"content":"“It is extremely satisfying,” Vestager told the New York Times, adding that she cried when the European Union’s highest court gave her an unexpected victory in August in a protracted tax avoidance case against Apple. “People thought that we were crazy because, 10 years ago, Big Tech was untouchable. They were the most admired, the most innovative, the most promising companies that you could think of.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBSNRMMHQFFA7K3VIWRVNDJZ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":"UC3NXZJTR5DODG65D7X4YUNHLI"},"content":"The Irish Times view on regulation of big tech: a high stakes game","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DTY7LYTGZ5AMPBDD7QA437UY6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438685},"content":"Even in Washington, Vestager has gone from outcast to trailblazer. In September, when she made a final visit to her counterparts at the US justice department, staff members there packed a room to hear her speak and gave her a standing ovation as she exited.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLUCOPOVRREFVKWNKY2XUDXSVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438686},"content":"“She is a transformational figure,” said Jonathan Kanter, the head of the department’s antitrust division, who has a framed picture in his office of a cartoon mouse giving the middle finger as a homage to Vestager. “She came into office at a time when not a lot of people were talking about the importance of strong oversight of digital gatekeepers. Because of her, it’s an important and relevant topic of conversation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLOMDB66IJG23G6ZZFGRCRTFDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438688},"content":"Vestager is now preparing to take a role at a university in Denmark. Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, a Spanish official, is set to take over as the European Union’s top antitrust regulator.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6XGZDTVORBPTHUHBT2KJLEJKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438689},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDP7HBJALBH4PG7LDGXQY4EU5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438690},"content":"Many techies have criticised Vestager’s tough approach, saying she harmed Europe’s tech industry and enlarged its reputation as a creator of bureaucratic rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGD4VGU5WJB4BLZJA5ABNFFWTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732619295907},"content":"But some former colleagues said the region’s regulations did not go far enough. Google, Apple, Amazon and others have grown even more powerful over the past decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NM3KHT6KTZFKLB5SV3HKYEO7XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438693},"content":"“Have we moved the dial and changed the system? Only at the margins,” said Tommaso Valletti, who was a top economist under Vestager and praised her commitment to the issue in the face of adversity. “Did we change Big Tech? My answer is no.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEGWOFY4SZGHTJT3APYFSGGPMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438694},"content":"Vestager said that she was proud of her tenure, but that it had been only “partly successful”. She said she wished her office could have moved faster and that she had pushed for companies to make tougher structural changes in addition to issuing fines. She urged regulators everywhere to be “bolder”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SLGQ2R5PKZFSNGZAVWQ2FUVY5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438695},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"YRS7NFH67BH5HOBJAOEEP2BUFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438696},"content":"Until recently, the United States was known for its hands-off oversight of the tech industry. Vestager praised the Biden administration’s more aggressive approach, which has included overseeing antitrust trials against Google. In one case, the justice department is currently pushing for a break-up of the internet giant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G525AY327FDMFM7JATIIYCKWSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438697},"content":"For a US regulator to take such a big step would have ripple effects globally and could change industry behaviour, Vestager said. “We are in the business of deterrence,” she said. “And if we do not once in a while use our most powerful tools, there’s no deterrence.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TMGHRMTW5APNAI2PHUMBE2R6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438699},"content":"The departing commissioner said it was “very difficult to say” how things would change under Trump when he returns to the White House in January, but she noted how quickly tech leaders had congratulated him on his election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAXLG6SYCFDOJITV42OXIJDKBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438700},"content":"“When you saw how fast tech leaders congratulated president-elect Trump, you see that there was a strong hope that this will all change,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNY4R36PL5GM5PZ775VJWTHOFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438701},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3CKNCD2DJFEJTNR4ZYYDWA76NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438703},"content":"Vestager said she avoided reading toxic comments online, which she added had a dangerous effect on democracy because people – particularly women – were being scared away from participating in politics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEHPLMVRMNCKVK2ZCPWXAHH2PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438704},"content":"“There’s one purpose for this: ‘You, woman, shut up. Go home. Keep quiet. We don’t want to know of you,’” she said. “I’ve heard so many young, talented, passionate, ambitious women say, ‘I don’t want that to be part of my life.’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AX3NUURPQJFEDKZKI7FGHGRVYE","additional_properties":{"_id":"FTHBL5GWUVH4HJ46JGAE6RTD5U"},"content":"Will Wall Street allow Big Tech to make AI work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NX53VLFBHZADVO5M5NIPOQAKKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438705},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XBALRI5PFER3K5AXZIDV5MYFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438706},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDAWN3LENNDAVJGUVP4CZEJDSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438707},"content":"Vestager said a new European law, the Digital Services Act, gave EU authorities critical new powers to regulate social media platforms. She said internet companies did not always appreciate that European laws differed from those in the United States over what constituted illegal speech, including racism, anti-Semitism and terrorist content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3HTJZ27ZZEMRBLJVNHQSUSGUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438708},"content":"“If a platform is used to undermine democracy, well, then clearly it is not in compliance with the Digital Services Act,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SIU2MFAJNFZ3DTAMOHSZMWUOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438709},"content":"She said the new law was needed to take on companies, including X and Telegram, that didn’t do enough to police their platforms for harmful and illicit material.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4QF7Y2C75ADFL6LE4KQBGRHQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438710},"content":"“I find it completely legitimate that, for instance, my home country, Denmark, passes a law that makes hate speech illegal,” she said. “What I find to be not legitimate is not wanting to respect those laws.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXQAOWNKUJGHZHYEEFLU56QYRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732619295924},"content":"Vestager said Elon Musk’s closeness to Trump must not influence regulation of his companies, including X, which is under investigation by the European Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBBIQMD3IRE4XH5XJ2FUTB7T74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732618438711},"content":"“One of the fundamentals of the European model is rule of law and equal treatment, and that must be for everybody,” she said. – This article originally appeared in <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/technology/margrethe-vestager-eu-antitrust.html\">The New York Times</a>.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Adam Satariano"}]},"description":{"basic":"EU’s antitrust enforcer leaves Brussels proud of her tenure but conscious that it had been only ‘partly successful’"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Margrethe Vestager, the world’s pioneering tech cop, is making her exit","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HBVMSMIEEQJ6BMXEDKJDG4OZ2I","auth":{"1":"2c1af583e07e55d6ba7027d0050d2ff2c1de1aa15504c69825022d285723187a"},"focal_point":{"x":2233,"y":2023},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HBVMSMIEEQJ6BMXEDKJDG4OZ2I.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/28/margrethe-vestager-the-worlds-pioneering-tech-cop-is-making-her-exit/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"6GP6IPHQFNCAPFBBEWQ6QSAO4M","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":228,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/bcc2a57a-856f-45e9-a68a-5cb324a175df/versions/1732638426/media/cb72ab720805b5d448fae11043c3b135_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/26/facebook-parents-irish-arm-pays-900m-dividend-as-profit-rises/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KB4F4VQBE5BDDNXPEORJKONRCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320685},"content":"The Irish-based European headquarters of Facebook and Instagram’s owner paid a €900 million dividend last year to its immediate parent last year as sales and net profit rose.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCPY6NDTURGB3AIPJQTDDFOE4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320686},"content":"Meta Platforms Ireland’s turnover, almost all of which was generated by advertising across its social media and messenger platforms, rose 20 per cent in 2023 to €69.7 billion, according to accounts filed this week with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYF2YE5QNNDOHAQZOZMEXOUSVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320687},"content":"Net profit for the year rose 29 per cent to €1.56 billion, after the company recorded a €288.4 million tax charge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62FQ75QGDZCZ3K7H3OM4NZOGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320688},"content":"Still, the dividend payout was down from €3.7 billion handed over to it immediate parent, Facebook International Operations, a year earlier. The statement also shows that Meta Platform Ireland’s board approved a further €600 million distribution in March.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWC2POEZYBGJVPTSVXZT5KGR4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320689},"content":"Meta Platforms Ireland, led by chief executive Anne O’Leary, also disclosed it booked €143.7 million of provisions to cover potential administrative fines stemming from regulatory compliance investigations. The figure was down from €2.91 billion set aside in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAKWY3TRXNBTNLNIVIJ73RY7UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320690},"content":"The company also either used up or released some €613.6 million of provisions that had previously been set aside. However, it did not provide further details.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWJMES22JFEGBILO3OYSHYJ7OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320691},"content":"The firm is currently pursuing a High Court challenge against a decision by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in May last year to imposed a record €1.2 billion fine on it for violating European privacy rules. It followed a long investigation into transfers by Facebook of Europeans’ personal data to the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYY65KKVRVCRFBLW6ZZMVZGPQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320692},"content":"The Irish watchdog had not proposed a financial penalty against Meta in its original draft decision in the case but was “instructed” to impose a fine after a dispute resolution process at the European Data Protection Board, the body of almost 50 national and regional data regulators that must approve any cross-border penalties for data violations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIFSC73U7VEPFBDV7M46BOQBAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320693},"content":"Separately, the DPC reprimanded and imposed a fine of €91 million the company two months ago for improperly storing user passwords.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSCTZ5OHWBCNZPJVUNJSFWBQUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320694},"content":"Average headcount at Meta Platforms Ireland fell by 18 per cent last year to 2,171 in 2023 amid cost-cutting across the wider Meta group. It recorded €40.4 million of severance expenses, up from €22.5 million for the previous year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYHUEYLX3BDD3OEVZFMJPBXMNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320695},"content":"Meta entered a 25-year lease in 2018 for the 34,838 sq m (375,000 sq ft) Fibonacci Square office project on the grounds of AIB’s former headquarters in Ballsbridge, but decided in late 2022 not to occupy the space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGW7N4O6DRD5JHD62DGXOFWXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320696},"content":"However, the US tech giant leases and occupies 31,536 sq m of office space across the four existing blocks behind the Fibonacci Square development. This was officially opened in October 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHNRBHSTZBC37JBRFS23IREOGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732637320697},"content":"Meanwhile, Google Ireland, the European base for US internet search giant Alphabet, this week reported that its net profit jumped 91 per cent last year to €2.98 billion. It paid a €5 billion dividend during the period and followed up with an interim payment of €4.5 billion this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media giant sees turnover near €70bn"},"display_date":"2024-11-26T16:21:55.793Z","headlines":{"basic":"Facebook parent’s Irish arm pays €900m dividend as profit rises","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"X3EJORAN73B3DQOE3I3NCG5EI4","auth":{"1":"ae6e17f29af18bb6d2676fb5cb99daf25313cf5002a0fbdc42162c828835968d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/X3EJORAN73B3DQOE3I3NCG5EI4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/26/facebook-parents-irish-arm-pays-900m-dividend-as-profit-rises/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"AHNEZIM2ZRFSRKCT5NXPX3IVQA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/11/25/microsoft-outage-hits-customers-email-accounts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QF4JNBH4D5DMBFJF6AJDBQLVWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732527725725},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"T25HCGLOIJGO3P2WAEWUJ672TE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Microsoft users have been hit with a new outage on Monday that left many unable to access email or certain functions in the company’s collaborative messaging software.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2YBSDCHOFE73JRJSTFKZXUSKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732527815124},"content":"Reports surged online of problems from users all over Europe, with some reporting problems access the web version of Microsoft’s email. Visitors to <a href=\"http://outlook.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Outlook.com</a> said they were encountering an error page saying the website was taking too long to respond.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLS2IYZXMRDTLELDYKKM5R7EGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079222},"content":"“We’re investigating an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar,” the company posted on its X account, directing users to a note in its admin centre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TYH4XWAMJB3FKJD6T2BNEEQHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079223},"content":"That note warned users may be unable to access online mailboxes through Outlook on the web, desktop and Exchange ActiveSync, and could also have difficult in accessing or modifying calendars in Microsoft Teams, including creating or joining meetings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"REGT4NTSPFHSZF2AKOUS2T5FPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079224},"content":"The number of reports on DownDetector, which tracks outages in tech services worldwide, surged around 9am, but the impact seemed relatively limited compared to other issues in recent months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5E7YJCDPRBSBNFLXO7CPNBFIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732529079225},"content":"Microsoft’s software is used by millions of customers worldwide, which means any interruption in services can have a widespread impact. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWY7JYIE5FFJTAFZOS3MO4FTV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In July, an update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike crashed its clients’ Windows computers, grounding flights and causing chaos for businesses as they struggled to regain access to systems. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LU6EASVDCZFYFGTHQWLVMOB6LI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Shortly afterwards, its Azure cloud service was affected by a distributed-denial-of-service cyberattack, triggering an outage of cloud applications caused by an error in Microsoft’s automated protection mechanisms that worsened the impact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Software is used by millions of customers worldwide"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T10:25:08.095Z","headlines":{"basic":"Microsoft outage hits customers’ email accounts","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7QTRAHDBF344EW66O4VCELFII4","auth":{"1":"0bec2806b419531624ccad199804cada80f8da150a664e4f9f7e376cee1094bb"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7QTRAHDBF344EW66O4VCELFII4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2024/11/25/microsoft-outage-hits-customers-email-accounts/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"PBJKESSUJRHYFFAFMH4UYRYATA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/22/apple-and-google-facing-uk-probe-over-mobile-browser-dominance/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4C4AP3TYINCUNGM5KIGUTVBDHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056042},"content":"Apple and Alphabet risk a formal UK investigation over their dominance of web browsers on cell phones, according to a provisional decision targeting the tech giants’ stranglehold on mobile operating systems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RNHDEY5IRFDLAGBAWUOR3CXSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056043},"content":"Mobile browser markets aren’t working well for businesses and millions of phone users in the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority said in a statement on Friday. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"327WNXLF7FHKPJMULFID7ZYTAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The agency recommended investigating the two companies’ activities under tougher digital markets competition rules, which will come into force next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAAKZB66Y5FETPAFB46MHEDAUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056044},"content":"Apple and Google can manipulate consumer choices to make their own browsers Safari and Chrome, “the clearest or easiest option,” the UK regulator said in a statement on its interim findings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJNNG4NDP5HRBOLTFYFGGYUIX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056045},"content":"Most concerns centred on Apple’s mobile browser, which it said “is holding back innovation in the browsers we use to access the web on mobile phones.” A revenue-sharing agreement between Google and Apple also significantly reduces financial incentives to compete in mobile browsers on the Apple devices, the regulator said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5W767C4NDBALFH6EHQ647SWMGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056046},"content":"“Apple and Google earn significant revenue when their key rival’s mobile browser is used on iOS, reducing their financial incentives to compete,” the watchdog added. “In fact, the extent of this revenue-sharing is so large that the revenue share they earn from their competitor’s product is lower but similarly significant to the revenue share they earn from their own, so that the incremental revenue from winning customers, and therefore the financial incentive to compete, is limited.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGXDGZX3ORBSLOWGCUSGWUAL5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056047},"content":"The CMA’s move is among a series of high-profile investigations as regulators across the planet seek to break tech monopolies and anticompetitive practices. Apple and Google are under intense scrutiny in the European Union, under the bloc’s new digital antitrust rule book, the Digital Markets Act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB6JI5LUEBDSLPV7QMOE7E52BA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056048},"content":"Apple is facing a potential fine over its App Store rules, while Google is under pressure to re-engineer its search services to step into line with the rules. The US Department of Justice recently proposed to sell Alphabet’s Chrome.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QQCCPLILNEBDPGCXSXBEZKNMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056050},"content":"Apple disagreed with the findings, it said in a statement. The interventions “would undermine user privacy and security and hinder our ability to make the kind of technology that sets Apple apart,” it said. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VB3RLZ7ZH5FUBPX4T6YZ36BVMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056051},"content":"The new rules on digital markets will give the CMA the power to label companies as having Strategic Market Status. The agency must undertake a formal investigation to designate a firm, it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCQ6FYQAYBGHNJ4OBEOO222CQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056052},"content":"The probe started in 2022 after a separate study concluded the duo have a “vice-like grip” over operating systems, app stores and web browsers on mobile devices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U57KM2LMJ5E7ZAQZ77C6K6TWMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732283056053},"content":"The watchdog will drop the investigation into cloud gaming on mobile as Apple has made changes during the investigation to allow cloud gaming apps to be sold on its App Store. – Bloomberg ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giants can manipulate consumer choices to make Safari and Chrome ‘clearest, easiest option’, UK regulator says"},"display_date":"2024-11-22T13:53:30.67Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple and Google facing UK probe over mobile browser dominance","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"75KJ5PF6ZPO5NWC42H4ZSWCFZM","auth":{"1":"33f26b09504f5127cf2b198b0da4552f3d5211738d9cf1a0bd5d353ae0ffbbb4"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/75KJ5PF6ZPO5NWC42H4ZSWCFZM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/22/apple-and-google-facing-uk-probe-over-mobile-browser-dominance/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"6YMICSH2VZALHLJLVOKY2I5MCY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/22/how-google-spent-15-years-creating-a-culture-of-concealment/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ORSKGPA7E5H47GDRR7N7JW3QDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409231},"content":"In late 2008, as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a> faced antitrust scrutiny over an advertising deal with its rival <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/yahoo/\" target=\"_blank\">Yahoo</a> and confronted lawsuits involving patent, trademark and copyright claims, its executives sent out a confidential memo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVWPBMUWDVDZXNGMNGR7LYEOOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409232},"content":"“We believe that information is good,” the executives told employees in the memo. But, they added, government regulators or competitors might seize on words that Google workers casually, thoughtlessly, wrote to one another. To minimise the odds that a lawsuit could flush out comments that might be incriminating, Google said, employees should refrain from speculation and sarcasm and “think twice” before writing to one another about “hot topics”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6AXZTVYTNBBFLGYHZ3HAZ24CI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409233},"content":"The technology was tweaked, too. The setting for the company’s instant messaging tool was changed to “off the record”. An incautious phrase would be wiped the next day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7KSLEFKDRGGNIAC67ZAJJ7ECI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409234},"content":"The memo became the first salvo in a 15-year campaign by Google to make deletion the default in its internal communications. Even as the internet giant stored the world’s information, it created an office culture that tried to minimise its own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4AA7DOB665BU3BGEUQRTAHQFO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409235},"content":"Among its tools: using legal privilege as an all-purpose shield and imposing restraints on its own technology, all while continually warning that loose lips could sink even the most successful corporation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTUWM57JR5GTTJBTSOE6ABMJ4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409236},"content":"How Google developed this distrustful culture was pieced together from hundreds of documents and exhibits, as well as witness testimony, in three antitrust trials against the Silicon Valley company over the last year. The plaintiffs – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/epic-games-takes-apple-fight-to-eu-antitrust-regulators-1.4487303\" target=\"_blank\">Epic Games in one case</a>, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/09/11/google-faces-landmark-monopoly-case-in-us/\" target=\"_blank\">US department of justice</a> in the other two – were trying to establish monopoly behaviour, which required them to look through emails, memos and instant messages from hundreds of Google engineers and executives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UHPCS2FMJFFTFD4PTJP4DMMLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409237},"content":"The exhibits and testimony showed that Google took numerous steps to keep a lid on internal communications. It encouraged employees to put “attorney-client privileged” on documents and to always add a Google lawyer to the list of recipients, even if no legal questions were involved and the lawyer never responded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KI5LLHCGFBGE7MLSPIJEOOWHYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409238},"content":"Companies anticipating litigation are required to preserve documents. But Google exempted instant messaging from automatic legal holds. If workers were involved in a lawsuit, it was up to them to turn their chat history on. From the evidence in the trials, few did.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LKJ7PPSV6NEUJHWTGD3ABAT3SM","additional_properties":{"_id":"4NCJD3XQ2NDORMVAW52SE57XWM"},"content":"Owning the world’s most popular web browser has been key for Google’s ads business","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RVFXO7YJOVGBRKT74AZRY23CXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409239},"content":"Google is far from the only company trying to keep newer forms of communication out of the courtroom. But it has faced the broadest criticism for its actions, with the judges in all three antitrust cases chastising the company for its communications practices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXJLEJUHLVFOXJDPPZQ5NOO4WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409245},"content":"Judge James Donato of US district court for the northern district of California, who presided over the Epic case, said there was “an ingrained systemic culture of suppression of relevant evidence within Google” and that the company’s behaviour was “a frontal assault on the fair administration of justice”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZNBXCWLRFFOXANH7VLPVM57U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409246},"content":"Judge Leonie Brinkema of US district court for the eastern district of Virginia, who is overseeing Google’s antitrust case involving advertising technology, said at a hearing in August that the company’s document retention policies were “not the way in which a responsible corporate entity should function”. She added: “An awful lot of evidence has likely been destroyed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTUBAII5ENF5BDQG2UUV52YYTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409247},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UZMDYAQF5GIRPBHTCLIBR3STM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409248},"content":"In a statement, Google said it took “seriously our obligations to preserve and produce relevant documents. We have for years responded to inquiries and litigation, and we educate our employees about legal privilege”. The company said it had provided “millions of documents” in the justice department cases alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZ3H2QABQBCINH3OIK574XODYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409249},"content":"From Google’s point of view, it was the Marie Kondo of corporations, merely tidying up its records and files. But it did this so comprehensively and obsessively that it created the illusion of deceit that it was trying so hard to dispel, said Agnieszka McPeak, a professor at Gonzaga University School of Law who has written about evidence destruction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FZEIC3NJRGSFHKRTDPVETQSWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"LXF56OP2UVDH3POAEYTXPFVPIY"},"content":"Meta fined nearly €800m for breaking EU law over classified ads practices","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KHGR6YLAPNE43CZV2YGTJVCBSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409250},"content":"“Google had a top-down corporate policy of, ‘Don’t save anything that could possibly make us look bad,’” she said. “And that makes Google look bad. If they’ve got nothing to hide, people think, ‘Why are they acting like they do?’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2TRDCPOQJFN5KA3BKWDG47PIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409251},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDBZRGAR45HCJCY3I6IOLAIK74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409252},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"73HVWIXW4NGKVDO3Q7KU2FTCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409253},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6M3M6D32JGZRIY6PYW6EM24SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409254},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPMDN7YDINCEHOZUE62E6YWKIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409255},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPZZIZ5KFBCIXFSYNE7VCDBYQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409256},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHIOS36YKBFVDM653GPUWFUXMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409257},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMYAEMRKYVB73IF2U654EDD3BY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409258},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUOX3AR225G4PMM2A3X7SWCL3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409259},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZNBJ6WH75C2RI3EERD4ZHB574","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409260},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNLXWGLOZNAUFEGK46VSFTNGPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409261},"content":"As Google became bigger, its vocabulary became smaller. In a memo from 2011 titled Antitrust Basics for Search Team, the company recommended avoiding “metaphors involving wars or sports, winning or losing”, and rejecting references to “markets”, “market share” or “dominance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJQ6GFVPTNCGXES6STDB4PZVDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409262},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPVDE7S3BJCAHM3Y5QFDPFVELA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409263},"content":"And if using the right words and deleting messages did not keep Google out of the courthouse, the company concluded, invoking the lawyers would.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWEDQHI7IBFDPJLTSNS5J2U654","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409264},"content":"In the Epic case, the plaintiff contended that Google’s many evocations of attorney-client privilege were merely for show, to keep the documents out of the courtroom. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sundar-pichai/\" target=\"_blank\">Sundar Pichai</a>, Google’s chief executive, wrote in one 2018 email to another executive, “Attorney Client Privileged, Confidential, Kent pls advice,” referring to Kent Walker, Google’s top lawyer. The email, about a non-legal issue, was withheld by Google and stripped of its privilege only after Epic challenged it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DKTDH46I35FOZGRQOAG7LDNGAE","additional_properties":{"_id":"DKZ2QD5T3REFNFJ3MHUF7CMNQ4"},"content":"It turns out your air fryer might be listening, sending data to China","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RKP2Z3ZYCJFN7L7O34TE7HRR6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409265},"content":"Walker was asked to explain Google’s behaviour to the judge. He denied that there was “a culture of concealment” but said one problem was Googlers unsure of the meaning of certain words. “They think of the word ‘privilege’ as similar to ‘confidential’,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HVADU2A6BGATOYQPVMOM77LDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409266},"content":"A message surfaced in the Epic trial in which a Google lawyer identified the practice of copying lawyers on documents as “fake privilege” and seemed rather amused by it. Walker said he was “disappointed” and “surprised” to hear that term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2FKKTSUK5FD3EOXFDUGHQKOGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409267},"content":"The jury hearing the case ruled in favour of Epic on all 11 counts in December 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7Q5UPW73RC6NAF3FQYKHH74A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409268},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZO3JEIWSNBW7GQLCK4PERTUKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409269},"content":"In September 2023, as Google went on trial in an antitrust case over its dominance in internet search, the justice department asserted that the company had withheld tens of thousands of documents, saying they were privileged. When the documents were reviewed by the court, they were deemed not privileged after all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYEPO2U6Q5F65CWXUGRTDN37OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409270},"content":"“The court is taken aback by the lengths to which Google goes to avoid creating a paper trail for regulators and litigants,” Judge Amit Mehta of US district court for the District of Columbia wrote. Google, he noted, had clearly learned Microsoft’s lesson: It had effectively trained its employees not to create “bad” evidence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7MEXYM53BHADOTWQONG2YZDJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409271},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEPI4QOF4JAOBIWMXZVLX3FFLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409272},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCSMZHHLRVGJ5FFZJTUGXV4CSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409273},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HFTFFWTPFHGJAI3GEX6SPHRSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409274},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCDHLB2XHRHUBCR7PDWQFBLBJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409275},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJT3SXXOWFDTJJHFTUAOX6NVLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409276},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHZ4SXF5E5C4XOAKTEOIEOHPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409277},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5OGTKGFKZAXJHLCSXB3UMPC34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409278},"content":"Julia Tarver Wood, a justice department lawyer, said at an August hearing in the ad-tech case that Google employees referred to their off-the-record chats as ‘Vegas’: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUJEAWBSIJBAXG56R7IJOMWQBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409279},"content":"Google maintained that it did its best to provide the government with the documents it could, and that, in any case, the justice department did not establish that the deleted conversations were crucial to its case. The justice department said it could not do that because the material had been deleted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QPIFS7IW5AIPM3QKTCVNHNYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409280},"content":"Regulators have recently underlined that there is no “Vegas” in chats. This year, the Federal Trade Commission and the justice department’s antitrust division made it “crystal clear” in an enforcement memo: Communications through messaging apps are documents and must be preserved if there is threat of litigation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SIVP52C6P5CAJANBIUIVFUVLLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409281},"content":"Last year, Google changed its procedures. The default became saving everything, including chats. Employees on litigation holds can no longer turn chat history off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3RFVWM2CJDEHAHFLOCK4LWKTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732189409282},"content":"Old habits die hard, however. In one chat, employees responded to the news by forming a group to secretly communicate on WhatsApp, Meta’s secure messaging app. – This article originally appeared in <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/technology/google-antitrust-employee-messages.html\">The New York Times</a>.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"David Streitfeld"}]},"description":{"basic":"Evidence in three trials shows that even as the internet giant stored the world’s information, it created an office culture that tried to minimise its own"},"display_date":"2024-11-22T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How Google spent 15 years creating a culture of concealment","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PLDMFUJSJ3B57TC4VEMYELW5WE","auth":{"1":"f9903ddd7c00dcf5322e9e3ea99cc89178bc2f56d8ba621ac190b7e15b7e5d4b"},"focal_point":{"x":2152,"y":1172},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PLDMFUJSJ3B57TC4VEMYELW5WE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/22/how-google-spent-15-years-creating-a-culture-of-concealment/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"FOXADKLPAFDC7K2TCGYGHKAZUI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/20/ai-chip-leader-nvidia-forecasts-fourth-quarter-revenue-above-estimates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"K7XBWV7ODVCQLBZ3WG4NYZXLYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168769},"content":" Nvidia forecast fourth-quarter revenue slightly above estimates on Wednesday, betting on robust sales of its coveted AI chips, but still failed to meet lofty expectations of investors who have made it the world’s most valuable firm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"THAS5Z767VFWJIXYNPY4CEMBHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168771},"content":"Shares of the Santa Clara, California-based company fell 2 per cent in extended trading. They had closed down 0.8 per cent on Wednesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MANNKMZJXBEKHE4GLRQKGK5TXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168772},"content":"The company forecast revenue of $37.5 billion (€35.5 billion), plus or minus 2 per cent for the fourth quarter, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $37.09 billion according to data compiled by LSEG.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL7HGWBGJBBYJPFSYJ3VQ752TA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168773},"content":"Expectations ran high in advance of the results, with Nvidia shares up more than 20 per cent over the last two months. The stock has nearly quadrupled so far this year and is up more than nine-fold over the last two years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOSYQUFGKBCQ7LQK4YQQCUIKUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168774},"content":"While demand is soaring for the company's chips that make up the brains of complex generative AI systems, supply-chain snags have made it harder for Nvidia to report the big beats on revenue that have helped make it a Wall Street darling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5HJZPMPGBEUHNIMGWLBJULZRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168775},"content":"One of the bottlenecks for its chip supply has been the limited capacity for advanced manufacturing techniques at the company's manufacturing partner TSMC SMC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ANDOV6JJBDPNDLAEPYWBLIAZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732138168776},"content":"The company recorded third-quarter adjusted earnings of 81 cents per share, compared to estimates of 75 cents per share. – Reuters","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Shares fall 2% in extended trading"},"display_date":"2024-11-20T21:39:48.532Z","headlines":{"basic":"AI chip leader Nvidia forecasts fourth-quarter revenue above estimates","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6ODS3CZHEESSQ4FECMXHFZOJBU","auth":{"1":"3b67cc8298e374ec3e634de4f2a1c0854d0be9f9e2ea13a58f6760d655531570"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6ODS3CZHEESSQ4FECMXHFZOJBU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/20/ai-chip-leader-nvidia-forecasts-fourth-quarter-revenue-above-estimates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"LKNDAIN4IBES7FIHIM4OL4FZ24","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/19/instagram-to-let-users-reset-their-content-recommendations/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DODUP7EGFBEYLC42ZCXRFYCNBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941972},"content":"Instagram will let some users reset their content recommendations, essentially restarting the algorithm that determines what types of posts and videos they see in their feed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3WYKML72ZA6LCBFUQ5W3B2OLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941973},"content":"The change, which is just a test for now but will soon roll out globally, is designed to give people more control if they find the content in their Instagram feed no longer matches their interests. Earlier this year, Instagram announced new privacy controls that let teen users choose the topics they want to see more regularly, such as books, travel, cooking or sports. Instagram already allows people to share whether they are interested in videos that are recommended to them, and takes into account other signals, like whether a person likes or shares a post, to help decide what to show them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BNNL7LGXJAIRAJX65YVJVCCJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941974},"content":"Resetting the recommendation algorithm will also give users a chance to review the accounts they follow in case they wish to drop people. “We want to make sure everyone on Instagram – especially teens – has safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences and feels the time they’re spending on Instagram is valuable,” Meta wrote Tuesday in a blog post. “We want to give teens new ways to shape their Instagram experience, so it can continue to reflect their passions and interests as they evolve.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUZLYVLTTZHMTB2RWH4VZWB6RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941975},"content":"Meta has been recommending more content related to entertainment on Instagram, moving away from news and politics, as it seeks to increase the amount of time young people spend on its apps and avoid confrontational posts. The company has also been recommending more content from strangers, or people that users don’t already follow, as it tries to compete with TikTok.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2AXLDTIVBAQZDBUNZQDD4CWDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732024941976},"content":"TikTok’s algorithm, which is credited for the app’s swift rise, is known for its ability to help people go “viral” by recommending their content to people that don’t already follow them. More than 1 billion people worldwide use TikTok, many of them teenagers who spend hours each day watching video content. Last year, TikTok also introduced a feature to let users reset their video feeds, along with an update that showed teens less potentially harmful content, such as videos related to sadness, extreme dieting or sexually suggestive topics. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Aisha Counts"}]},"description":{"basic":"Move would essentially allow users to start from zero on the site again"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T14:07:05.444Z","headlines":{"basic":"Instagram to let users reset their content recommendations","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BEOHADCIPZFIZBRMFGFTBJP3XY","auth":{"1":"d27e71ffe31de752726e4bd9c4c7e71f0dbfd2bf3ad27285b012a6a2d1b05397"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BEOHADCIPZFIZBRMFGFTBJP3XY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/19/instagram-to-let-users-reset-their-content-recommendations/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"BA3QLH25ZNFBLCSYMKEXJJXOXE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/19/us-regulators-will-push-google-to-sell-chrome-browser/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DZL26HVFOBFQLDXA4WGD6SOVFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146881},"content":"Top US Justice Department antitrust officials have decided to ask a judge to force Google to sell off its Chrome browser in what would be a historic crackdown on one of the world’s biggest tech companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUXP4QULYRESZL2LRUT5LGAJTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146882},"content":"The department will ask the judge, who ruled in August that Google illegally monopolised the search market, to require measures related to artificial intelligence and its Android smartphone operating system, according to people familiar with the plans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGIWYGYTMNH37KHOJW62OKWCE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146883},"content":"Antitrust officials, along with states that have joined the case, also plan to recommend Wednesday that federal judge Amit Mehta impose data licensing requirements, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWZ4BUW3WFE65IR26NW2CJH4WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146884},"content":"If Mehta accepts the proposals, they have the potential to reshape the online search market and the burgeoning AI industry. The case was filed under the first Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden. It marks the most aggressive effort to rein in a technology company since Washington unsuccessfully sought to break up Microsoft two decades ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXG2HJY7KJC5NEGS2SYE6YXO5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146885},"content":"Owning the world’s most popular web browser is key for Google’s ads business. The company is able to see activity from signed-in users, and use that data to more effectively target promotions, which generate the bulk of its revenue. Google has also been using Chrome to direct users to its flagship AI product, Gemini, which has the potential to evolve from an answer-bot to an assistant that follows users around the web.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWTJJ3SZ4ZCCFA4OJFGOVWNLJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146886},"content":"Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice-president of regulatory affairs, said the Justice Department “continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.” She added, “the government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RODTB5QF4NDCDAB3DSLNLGCDFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146887},"content":"The Justice Department declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OS4YAG2HSJHPJFLSMILXZGUQ74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146888},"content":"Google shares fell as much as 1.8 per cent to $172.16 in late trading. They had been up 25 per cent this year through the close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VND7RMHDMNEHFODPJLC7MBCJSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146890},"content":"Antitrust enforcers want the judge to order Google to sell off Chrome – the most widely used browser worldwide – because it represents a key access point through which many people use its search engine, the people said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HI3AFB235FEI7HQ7KR2TG4VMTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146891},"content":"The government has the option to decide whether a Chrome sale is necessary at a later date if some of the other aspects of the remedy create a more competitive market, the people added. The Chrome browser controls about 61 per cent of the market in the US, according to StatCounter, a web traffic analytics service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCFCHMMO6NGFZIP6GAXKAOFJME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146892},"content":"Government attorneys met with dozens of companies over the past three months as they prepared the recommendation. States are still considering adding some proposals and some details could change, the people said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5D6TGYXEYNCUJP46GCEIMMEE24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146893},"content":"The antitrust officials pulled back from a more severe option that would have forced Google to sell off Android, the people said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYB2VOAIJNDRNIMKMZG3L5AU5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146896},"content":"Mehta’s August ruling that Google broke antitrust laws in both online search and search text ads markets followed a 10-week trial last year. The company has said it plans to appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7DTDQIEO5GPZGKR3E22KKTWVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146897},"content":"The judge has set a two-week hearing in April on what changes Google must make to remedy the illegal behaviour and plans to issue a final ruling by August 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5BW2KRPRFH4TKIG7PMPLEJD6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146898},"content":"The agency and the states have settled on recommending that Google be required to license the results and data from its popular search engine and give websites more options to prevent their content from being used by Google’s artificial intelligence products, said the people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JE3I5PMD3VDKZEP2OEVZKDYQFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146899},"content":"The antitrust enforcers are set to propose that Google uncouple its Android smartphone operating system from its other products, including search and its Google Play mobile app store, which are now sold as a bundle, the people said. They are also prepared to seek a requirement that Google share more information with advertisers and give them more control over where their ads appear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3MM3FRAVFAP3FUMI6THJNMXWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146900},"content":"Lawyers from the Justice Department and state attorneys general included all of those options in an initial filing in October, as well as a ban on the type of exclusive contracts that were at the centre of the case against Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXCZZL4JBVHRZH3GSCPTHJ5LGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146901},"content":"A forced spin-off, if it happens, would also hinge on finding an interested buyer. Those who could afford and might want the property, like Amazon, are also facing antitrust scrutiny that may prevent such a mega-deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHYD6RBBCBHMBCCFQDZSF5WMRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146902},"content":"“My view is this is extremely unlikely,” Mandeep Singh, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, said in an email. But, he added, he could see a buyer like OpenAI, the maker of artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. “That would give it both distribution and an ads business to complement its consumer chatbot subscriptions.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFQBH5ETMFE5NIROTU6UJCWFX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146904},"content":"Google now displays artificial intelligence-based answers at the top of its search pages billed as “AI Overviews.” While websites can opt-out of having their information used by Google to create AI models, they can’t afford to opt out of the overviews because that would risk pushing them down in search results, making it harder to reach their customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCZB6FVGAVCANIZ5QY4HWSOS7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146905},"content":"Website publishers have complained that the feature dampens traffic and advertising dollars since users rarely click through to see the data being used to power those results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CD6GWT5TLZDDLJNKKOQDMQJRZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146907},"content":"Regarding data licensing, the antitrust enforcers plan to propose two options: That Google sell the underlying “click and query” data and also separately syndicate its search results, according to the people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZXDUKZOURHDLLZU3WZDXABHAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732008146908},"content":"The company currently sells syndicated search results, but with restrictions, such as preventing their use on mobile. Forcing Google to syndicate its search results would allow rival search engines and AI start-ups to quickly improve their quality, while the data feed would allow others to build their own search index. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Leah Nylen and Josh Sisco"}]},"description":{"basic":"Owning the world’s most popular web browser has been key for Google’s ads business"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T09:27:52.584Z","headlines":{"basic":"US regulators will push Google to sell Chrome browser ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"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/2024/11/19/us-regulators-will-push-google-to-sell-chrome-browser/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"PTVRO6RXJVHXRCW7DNFFJGCYJA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":384,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9a2eec1f-ca20-48ad-a712-7659d5c0e817/versions/1731954285/media/fbb0193571d539a7de6977187d79dfce_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/19/bluesky-has-had-a-glow-up-but-is-the-butterfly-app-here-to-stay/","content_elements":[{"_id":"S7L5O66XL5F3POCXS5FYBEDH54","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850783},"content":"My favourite fact about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bluesky/\" target=\"_blank\">Bluesky </a>is that chief executive Jay Graber’s Chinese mother named her Lantian, which means blue sky in Mandarin, but this is not why Bluesky is called Bluesky. It’s a coincidence, or nominative determinism, or both. Either way, she seems cool.","type":"text"},{"_id":"52HLKONTNRCCVDRCJUSPM5Q35M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850784},"content":"I don’t really want to bang on too much about Graber, a software engineer from Oklahoma who was appointed by then <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/twitter/\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter </a>chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-dorsey/\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Dorsey </a>to lead his new Bluesky project in 2021 and is now reported to be its primary owner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"42NN72VBGBEXNB67RZOL2RG34I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850785},"content":"But, as a woman, she’s bound to pick up much less of a cult-like following than certain male app proprietors — Dorsey himself once attracted an intense mix of worship and derision — so it seems safe enough to say that she’s refreshing, without this tempting fate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WSABMTINNA55HSKFVDG2URUCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731952828682},"content":"So far, at least, her approach to online public conversation, supported by “anti-toxicity” features, feels like a blessed relief, and given the motivation for the great “X-odus” that’s not unimportant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5L6YYJQHZFALHIEZFCUKKAELCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850787},"content":"Bluesky is having a glow-up and the question now, as ever with social media, is how long it can hang on to it and where it goes next.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDRAN2LSKVCARLLOZCTOYHBHFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850788},"content":"I’ve been on it, sporadically, since September 2023, hoping that others would see its potential as the app most likely to replicate the useful interaction and fun knowledge exchange of early-days Twitter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OU52CNE4CNDD3HOAWVS4WHP73E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850789},"content":"Engagement was low to non-existent, but the void was a pleasant one. My first post was “I was looking for a creperie but I accidentally ended up in an ancient fortress”, which was not a crossword clue or a metaphor for anything, just an accurate description of my morning, liked by three strangers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQ5RCWK4VZCXJO2NEIP4UKA2FA","additional_properties":{"_id":"VYEUX56O2BENFCIH75UXJWNCOQ"},"content":"Tech giant X challenges Ireland’s new online safety rules","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3LQZ3YBEPNAVLC4O5KTR57RHLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850790},"content":"As an alternative to the fast-deteriorating environment offered by Elon Musk’s Twitter/X, I preferred Bluesky to Meta’s Threads, which was all white space and algorithms, and Mastodon’s Mastodon, which was insular by design and heavy on localised etiquette.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXT5VMW3ZZHDNMHPX426M3SFRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850791},"content":"Crucially, as much as Bluesky’s interface resembled the Twitter one, and as close as its white-and-blue logo was to Twitter’s – with a butterfly in lieu of a bird – Bluesky no longer had anything to do with Musk’s poisonous soapbox. Dorsey also stepped down from its board in May this year, urging people to stay on X as he went.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LG7NOLOO4FAQ3E24BKQU6KZ4XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850792},"content":"By this point, Bluesky’s numbers were already tipping up with each unfavourable change inflicted upon X. Now the re-election of Donald Trump, achieved with the assistance of “first buddy” Musk, has proven the catalyst for an astonishing influx of disaffected X users and former X users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHLLKEMKVNFNRAXLZAFVROCHHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850793},"content":"Bluesky added one million users in the week after the election result. Now it is adding one million of them a day and the small team that runs and owns the app is busy ironing out creaks, eliminating bugs and dealing with outages as its user count surges up to 20 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBO2MB3ZDBBIZNO6BO2E7RKMEY","additional_properties":{"_id":"UAJ5KF5GURDKPO4BCZM2POW4FE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-87833","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"4IZVNYZFQBGHLC2CKWOWZI7MJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731952828691},"content":"The contrasts drawn can feel over-simplistic. Bluesky isn’t an “echo chamber”, just as pre-Musk Twitter was never really one — not unless echo chambers often host massively bitter arguments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLLUFFZEAJBYBKTU6NHRHON6NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850795},"content":"And while X’s “cesspit” tag is fully deserved, it has remained possible, with considerable and increasing effort, to stay off the radar of fascists, bots and fascist bots. Exposure to abject nonsense and hostility can be limited, for some people anyway, by avoiding the “for you” tab, consuming only self-curated feeds, sticking a padlock on your account and never letting your eye drift down to replies. It can be done. But why try?","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHPS7YRK5NBB5LQHSUK5GWVRQE","additional_properties":{"_id":"I22LI2UUBFFB3HA2BJYSI53P5A"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"WYBI2IJTUNHYNLYGNQJILJJVIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850796},"content":"Like Silicon Republic, the Irish tech news site that followed the Guardian out the X door last Wednesday, many have “stayed in the hope it might one day be saved”, only to conclude that hope was no longer tenable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PM7FIWFRSZGSXKQWYLN23NFBYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732007957630},"content":"The more people leave, the easier it becomes for others to go. This doesn’t necessarily come down to a dilemma between fleeing toxicity versus “staying and fighting”, which is a rather grandiose way of describing having a social media account. The migration to Bluesky is now just logical. Start again, move on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MCEI7MIFRFQNAPM7JWS2EZ6RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850798},"content":"Some context on its scale: Bluesky is still a minnow compared to Threads, which has more than 275 million users and was adding them at a rate of more than one million a day even before the presidential election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"475D6ZUVGFBW3IZUFAIATRYJL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850799},"content":"But Threads is annoying. It’s annoying from the second you open the app and it defaults to the algorithmic “for you” feed. True, active moderation means it isn’t hate-filled like X. But idiocy on Threads inevitably garners the attention of people who feel compelled to correct it, then the sprawling Meta machine shovels the original idiocy into Instagram feeds, giving Threads the power to irritate across platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JQZFDT77VCG7IDMCXBV6LYXDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731952828698},"content":"The result is that Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, last seen covering rap hit Get Low under the name Z-Pain, is worth almost $200 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN3SHIY5H5AEVGS2KQRFY77WPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850801},"content":"I don’t know if Graber has any plans to record rap covers or if Bluesky is really as “billionaire-proof” as it claims. I’ll also have to leave it to either time or tech experts to assess whether its belief in a “marketplace of algorithms” and mission to let independent developers build their own social networks using its open protocol will succeed in ushering in a glorious new age of transparency and user-control.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYTLHHBKGJEBDFMF7IW5ABL6CU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850802},"content":"But two concrete statements appeal. The first is that it has no plans at the moment to introduce advertising, signalling that it will instead explore making some features subscription-only. The second is that it does not use content on the platform to train generative artificial intelligence and has “no intention of doing so”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3UCPGU3NVB5VL6OLNW52UODRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731950850803},"content":"The slow death of X does not guarantee that any single app will take its place as a quasi-public square. Social media Stockholm syndrome is over. And yet isn’t it nice to have the option of one that isn’t rotting from the head down?","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGHKFP23BVEFZPUNHTCRUFPPXU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Laura Slattery"}},"name":"Laura Slattery"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media app that feels a lot like early Twitter has attracted millions of new users this month and, so far, is not annoying like Threads"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T06:05:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Bluesky, the non-toxic alternative to X, has had a glow-up. But is the app here to stay?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VGAVPRWGKVDF7GNXVUDSRRAYAI","auth":{"1":"8b6bd53f5ab0b60899c796d79edcc6e23c3c41436e7cfe4ddb59a6ded6e88c66"},"focal_point":{"x":1463,"y":1193},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VGAVPRWGKVDF7GNXVUDSRRAYAI.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/19/bluesky-has-had-a-glow-up-but-is-the-butterfly-app-here-to-stay/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"TNN7RGHKGJA4TPWVERMW3AKV4Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":212,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e41fc379-15bf-4fd3-a089-197ab004048d/versions/1731863364/media/e28fdb5bbb1b991550a20820759e1bb1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/tech-giant-x-challenges-states-new-online-safety-rules/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731850253781},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVYSZF2OYFCMPLWJVTK2LW4674","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686976},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x/\" target=\"_blank\">Tech company X </a>is challenging in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/high-court/\" target=\"_blank\">High Court </a>the State’s new online safety rules put in place for video-sharing platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UINIAGJGRG7VAKEL7MRIBFRQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686977},"content":"On Friday Twitter International Unlimited Company initiated judicial review proceedings against media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a>. Twitter is the former name of the social media platform X which was renamed in July 2023 following its acquisition by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFWGGK2A4NB4TBJFAHIN5NAPR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686978},"content":"The new online safety code was launched by Coimisiún na Meán on October 21st with Government backing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2LKBZSBO5CYNAYSPJOXB4MSOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686979},"content":"The code is a legally binding set of rules regulating content on video-sharing platforms with their EU headquarters in Ireland, to protect users from harmful content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FN63YMIXGNBRFKM3LFDRTLIVEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686980},"content":"Companies such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit will be obliged to comply with the new code or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55EB4SOBSVEILFOCR3MKJJNJQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686981},"content":"Under legislation, there is a 28-day window for those who believe they are affected by decisions of the commission to seek judicial review in the courts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NWJ2J7NZNDTXIYIQAMLHQOXLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686982},"content":"The online safety code was developed following the enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. The code gives effect to certain obligations on the State outlined in the European Commission’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJP2WPQXK5HXRHUZDWVEI5W6NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686983},"content":"The details of the case being taken to the High Court by Twitter International Unlimited Company are not yet known.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LS7WZI27GZHVHBL6O7UDTST4UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686984},"content":"But in a submission to the commission on August 12th, Twitter International Unlimited Company said it strongly supported “the co-regulatory approach encouraged by the AVMSD, to achieve protection of all users, including children and young people, from harmful online content. However, we view that it is important that Ireland’s transposition of the AVMSD does not impose obligations which go beyond what is required by the AVMSD and which potentially conflict with the Digital Services Act.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5UX732OYZF7HDCDWP5RKKF6PM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731862568626},"content":"It argued there were opportunities to address these issues without undermining the policy intent and effectiveness of the code.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBDRQ3H7UBFVVJWH2WES3TSN5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686986},"content":"“Twitter International Unlimited Company reserves its right to challenge the lawfulness of the code. We reserve our position and all rights at this time, regarding Coimisiún na Meán’s legislative and procedural approach, including in relation to further guidance being issued.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BN2KVMFC6RGARO2QD7HT6HT54A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686987},"content":"Under the new code content constituting cyberbullying, promoting self-harm or suicide and promoting eating or feeding disorders, incitement to hatred or violence, terrorism, child sex-abuse material, racism and xenophobia is prohibited.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVMJMZ6EW5G6BATWCSG46HVR74","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686988},"content":"The code also compels platforms to enact age assurance controls where appropriate — including the prevention of children encountering pornography or gratuitous violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F2L7A5NGIBB4XPPZZA2RFJFP2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686989},"content":"Minister for Media Catherine Martin said that the adoption of the code is a “major step forward in online safety”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"735Y7UYZEFAUBB3C6XULRT2SUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686990},"content":"The commission said it did not comment on matters before the courts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBPW3BNKCJF5VKCF63QZYHBDNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731854686991},"content":"A spokesman for Ms Martin said the Department of Media was aware of the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"}]},"description":{"basic":"Judicial review proceedings against media regulator Coimisiún na Meán initiated by Twitter International Unlimited Company"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tech giant X challenges Ireland’s new online safety rules","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM","auth":{"1":"5fec8152bb54f95657cd4448c59f8e90edc8d15c8804b2f2c9b70a647a63a230"},"focal_point":{"x":980,"y":903},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/tech-giant-x-challenges-states-new-online-safety-rules/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"ZXG5J3DIHJGZJFEHPSUQKQMGQ4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":505,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/99ad8853-6a0f-4101-9bb0-e9704b6cdd72/versions/1731875605/media/605e5e18a8a95f62a4a0d6048037a492_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/bluesky-the-fast-growing-social-media-platform-where-users-continue-to-flock-to-from-x/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MEFT3UQP25ETVAMQ3OISMT2JTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500739},"content":"In February 2023, a half-dozen techies introduced a social network prototype in an invitation-only launch. They deliberately debuted their creation, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bluesky\" target=\"_blank\">Bluesky</a>, with little fanfare so that they could closely manage its growth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXKA5GQPSZH2TNOV42MRXLNI6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500740},"content":"But lately, it has been anything but slow and steady.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIY24MUWC5HNXPRIM632QBIFU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500741},"content":"Over the past week, Bluesky’s growth has exploded, more than doubling to 15 million-plus users as people seek alternatives to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x\" target=\"_blank\">X</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/facebook\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/threads\" target=\"_blank\">Threads</a>. It has rocketed to the top of Apple’s and Google’s app stores as the most downloaded free app. Its ascent has been so rapid that the company has been forced to grow up practically overnight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVIR2RMXNRBM3IHGK4I5Z2OPEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500742},"content":"Bluesky’s 20 full-time employees have been working around the clock to deal with the issues that come with hypergrowth: site outages, glitches in the code and content moderation issues. Most importantly, they have been trying to keep early users happy as new members have flooded in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFRC4T6RSNGQJI7CJVH456RONQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500743},"content":"“We as a team take pride in our ability to scale quickly,” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" target=\"_blank\">Jay Graber</a> , chief executive of Bluesky, said in an interview. “But there’s always some growing pains.” She added that the app – which is still dwarfed by Facebook, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/instagram\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a> and X – was adding more than 1 million new users a day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCASIE4KIRE7XJZOU3VEY5ZIXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500744},"content":"Bluesky is surging amid upheaval in the social media world. After <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> bought Twitter in 2022, he morphed it into X, changing many of its functions and alienating some of its most loyal users. Threads, an app similar to X that Meta introduced last year, relies mostly on an opaque algorithmic curation that excises politics from people’s feeds. That has caused some people to head to other networks, including Bluesky, to discuss hot-button social issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TROGU4CBVA5PM3VGFO3LYZJ24","additional_properties":{"_id":"XWTTYYCJDBAIZO6GEWRJ77ZBV4"},"content":"As X declines, the social media echo chamber is back in vogue","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"U3EHY2ZJEVFCPK42U66OF7QUMU","additional_properties":{"_id":"GHAAYX3O2JH4FH6HXX7AWQ7URA"},"content":"New media start-ups are reimagining the newsroom despite existential crisis in journalism","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WACBXCQ2TZEP3FDKEEGC5O7MZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500745},"content":"From its beginning, Bluesky aimed to separate itself from other social media. The project grew out of an idea from Jack Dorsey, a founder of Twitter, who said he hoped to build a “decentralised” social network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POATAD3R7BG6JDAFAGJYWOPRBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500746},"content":"That meant building the app with an “open protocol”, which keeps the social network’s power and decision-making out of the hands of any one company or group of people. Dorsey called the project “Bluesky”, and it eventually became a public benefit corporation, a type of for-profit company that aims to have a positive impact on society rather than focus on maximising shareholder value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3SV36HR6BE23IM2MIR4RM4M74","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500747},"content":"Bluesky was initially financed with a grant from Twitter under Dorsey but Musk cut ties with the Bluesky team after he bought Twitter. Bluesky later raised more than $23 million in two rounds of venture funding from private investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ORVR2P3XFVHNDEYWY3RTCJGASM","additional_properties":{"_id":"YOBKVJSH4NGJRCK5YF2BNCGYN4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MADLVEQBDJEVHBS5VQ36I2JUWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500748},"content":"From there, a team of about a half dozen, led by Graber, began building the “AT protocol”. That is a technical term for the code that would essentially let independent developers create their own social networks atop it, while allowing people to carry their digital identities and information across different platforms. Using this technology, Bluesky executives say, people can tailor their own algorithms to show themselves the kinds of social media posts they want to see.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PM6REBTL2JCFDLHD7RLLZ47HFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500749},"content":"In contrast, Facebook and TikTok lock people into their platforms and make it difficult for them to migrate to competitors. The apps are known as “walled gardens”, meaning that what is posted on individual platforms remains only on that platform. (In March, Meta loosened this stance by allowing users to turn on an option that syndicates their Threads posts to other social networks, like Mastodon.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFLA43H5X5ACFBXSCZFMBCHOFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500750},"content":"With Bluesky, “you’re no longer tied to a dominant algorithm that promotes either the most polarising posts and/or the biggest brands”, Rose Wang, Bluesky’s chief operating officer, said in a recent video explaining the site to new users. She added, “It’s built by the people, for the people.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CF7EJ36YSBBODAPAHVC2UCREDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500751},"content":"Bluesky gained traction after Musk began making major changes to X, including promoting accounts that paid for “blue check” verification status and eliminating content moderation rules. As he put fewer limits on speech across X, some people sought a less noxious online atmosphere in Bluesky.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6IWMVKTGRAWTNDHIAO6BJEP7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500752},"content":"In September, Bluesky’s popularity rose after X was banned in Brazil when Musk refused to comply with a court order to suspend certain accounts. More than 3 million people joined Bluesky during the three weeks that X was banned in the country, before Musk reversed course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TGASVVJSBDHLP3JVIPEGBOQ44","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500753},"content":"The last week and a half has been an inflection point. Since Donald Trump won the presidential election, some X users have abandoned the platform because of Musk’s close ties with Trump. Often they have flocked to Bluesky.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGLOWLJ4HDZPEOXWD5T6SCPKGM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NUH3SWMZM5H3TMOTE3J7ZHCCDM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"E5ZJJBLC6RFJBKF77QPJZ3O6ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500754},"content":"More than 116,000 people in the United States deactivated their X accounts on the web the day after the election – the most US deactivations in a single day under Musk – according to data compiled by Similarweb, which analyses websites. Total deactivations could be much higher because Similarweb does not track how many users deactivated their mobile X app accounts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUEB5OVERA7LEMU4EKS4HOWDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500755},"content":"As people gravitated to Bluesky, problems piled up. The site went down at times Thursday, causing new users to frantically refresh until it came back online. Graber said the glitches were partly due to issues with a major internet service provider that also affected other sites. Bugs persisted, including one that affected how usernames were displayed in profiles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NVFMR5I4VBGURNDYAOEWN2EVXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500756},"content":"New users clashed with existing ones. Some new users complained that Bluesky users were too earnest, a reflection of a different era of social media. Early adopters bristled, saying the newbies needed to adapt to Bluesky’s social norms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WE3DVKDO5JDTNFTY3LEIMDNI5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500757},"content":"“Every time there’s a big influx in users in general, everyone expects it to be like the last place they came from,” said Chris Vinson, a digital marketer from Evansville, Indiana, who has used Bluesky since its early days. “They want it to be the new Twitter or whatever, even if it isn’t supposed to be.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BSSCKDVEJAKFPHUHWMDK5MP2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500759},"content":"Graber referred to the culture clash as the “eternal September” problem, an allusion to how universities turn over their student population every year, resulting in drastic changes to the culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27T2WRDZGJBBNGB3JLMQUIAFIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500760},"content":"Her solution has been to build more features into the app, such as allowing people to create custom feeds based on different topics or groups, and to build up automated content moderation tools that can hide or remove posts that break Bluesky’s rules, such as harassment, incitement to violence or hate speech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L26YTN4YWJADRFEVK5A7HGD2UM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500761},"content":"Rivals have taken notice. Last week, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, noted that Threads had added more than 15 million new users – or an entire Bluesky – in the first half of November. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief, said on Friday that Threads would test ways for users to create their own custom feeds, copying one of Bluesky’s popular features.","type":"text"},{"_id":"42K4FA6ULZCH7MAKMQTWBJIXZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500762},"content":"Graber is positioning Bluesky as a David taking on Goliaths by differentiating itself further. On Friday, the company said it would never use people’s posts to train generative artificial intelligence technology, a contrast to practices at Meta, X and Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEM5R7JKURHD3IDWNYIOYCWSMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500763},"content":"She said she hoped that independent developers could build atop Bluesky’s technology to make the social network even better. That’s different from Facebook and X, which have had hot-and-cold relationships with the developer community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUQMN42WX5HQDJKNVVKGXIOXIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500764},"content":"“The state of most social platforms right now is that users are locked in and developers are locked out,” Graber said. “We want to build something that makes sure users have the freedom to move and developers have the freedom to build.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIKDGKHUT5HUDHVRBAUPBJEQZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731865500765},"content":"“Fundamentally, we did this because we want to build an ecosystem that developers can put their trust in, and if anyone has an idea for improving the state of social media, they don’t have to lobby us to change things,” she added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOO74J6QD5BAHDM5U2FJY5YWM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731879664953},"content":"“They can just do it themselves.” – This article originally appeared in <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/17/technology/bluesky-growing-pains.html\">The New York Times</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Mike Isaac"}]},"description":{"basic":"Network, which grew from an off-shoot of Jack Dorsey’s Twitter, experiencing ‘growing pains’ of popularity as membership passes 15m"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Bluesky is starting to surge amid upheaval in the social media world","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RZWBTDNO4VV2ILVR6ROZQYDDME","auth":{"1":"25f050f1d4a299de4b1f1f95e248c86d339d84d991ac7cf65a7a6b116f420113"},"focal_point":{"x":4620,"y":1761},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RZWBTDNO4VV2ILVR6ROZQYDDME.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature-smaller","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/11/18/bluesky-the-fast-growing-social-media-platform-where-users-continue-to-flock-to-from-x/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"V5GHLONG7RDZVKZYIKE2JYNBZY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/14/meta-fined-nearly-800m-for-breaking-eu-law-over-classified-ads-practices/","content_elements":[{"_id":"52SGT6OVYVGTLLCPUBBBLNAP6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934265},"content":"Meta has been fined nearly €800 million by Brussels after regulators accused Facebook’s parent company of stifling competition by “tying” its free Marketplace services with the social network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6D5IQ3CACZGQTDIMZI5ARU34O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934266},"content":"Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s outgoing competition chief, said on Thursday that by linking Facebook with its classified ads service Meta had “imposed unfair trading conditions” on other providers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULDXYDUPVVEU5PHMMBWG5EERWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934267},"content":"She added: “It did so to benefit its own service Facebook Marketplace, thereby giving it advantages that [others] could not match. This is illegal.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"45EAQUBXZFHTVNUDQNTUJT346M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934268},"content":"Meta said it would appeal against the €797.72 million fine levied by regulators. “We built Marketplace in response to consumer demand – this decision ignores the market realities, and will only serve to protect incumbent marketplaces from competition.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UQXUM5CBHNGHDGKCURBLYVZIZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934269},"content":"It added: “The European Commission’s decision provides no evidence of competitive harm to rivals or any harm to consumers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVMMHR56XBF5XO7XENWUBTTJZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934270},"content":"The EU’s long-running antitrust probe into Meta was launched in 2019 following accusations from rivals that the tech giant was abusing its dominant position by offering free services while profiting from data it collects on the platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UL52Y7JSDJEMPLEQQDJB4V5FR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934271},"content":"In December 2022, the European Commission issued initial charges against Facebook for allegedly using the data it gathered for free – mostly from businesses – to then sell ads to users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUZEVKHGRBACTIUHMAEU4DR64Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934272},"content":"It also marks one of the final investigations overseen by Vestager, who is set to leave the commission in the next few weeks after a decade of antitrust enforcement against Big Tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"32BV7AQD3VB2LI26XVLV2ZC5OQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934273},"content":"During her tenure, Vestager has repeatedly targeted the world’s biggest tech companies, with some of the toughest actions against tech giants such as Apple, Google and Microsoft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UX2XFKX4WVAH5H4L777STSJXVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934274},"content":"The EU Commission on Thursday said Meta is “dominant in the market for personal social networks...as well as in the national markets for online display advertising on social media”. Facebook Marketplace, launched in 2016, is a popular platform to buy and sell second-hand goods, especially household items such as furniture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CB72UTWZJHIDIZWFTTAR5KHVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934275},"content":"Meta has argued that it operates in a highly competitive environment. In a post published on Thursday, the tech giant said marketplaces in Europe continue “to grow and dominate in the EU”, pointing to platforms such as eBay, Leboncoin in France, and Marktplaats in the Netherlands, as “formidable competitors”. Meta’s fine comes at a period of political transition both in the EU and the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJSXAGGLD5FONBICJAGCDNYSKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934276},"content":"Brussels officials have been aggressive both in their rhetoric and their antitrust probes against Big Tech giants as they sought to open markets for local start-ups.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXHTN7I4FVGRZMPHJZSZRUESYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934277},"content":"In the past five years, EU regulators have also passed a landmark piece of legislation – the Digital Markets Act – with the aim to slow down dominant tech players and boost the local tech industry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZQN2SE4DNBGLDV4FTGPCGYNJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731605934278},"content":"However, some observers expect the new commission, which is set to start a new five-year term in weeks, to strike a more conciliatory tone over fears of retaliation from the incoming Trump administration. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Facebook is undermining rivals by ‘tying’ its free Marketplace services with the social network, Brussels says"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T17:46:24.487Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meta fined nearly €800m for breaking EU law over classified ads practices","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HU6C2LKKGOIMJ5V3YD4D4N3JYI","auth":{"1":"ff0b4984d910526b978dfe387379472046c04353202fb0a0730414c4e2c1a63e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HU6C2LKKGOIMJ5V3YD4D4N3JYI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/14/meta-fined-nearly-800m-for-breaking-eu-law-over-classified-ads-practices/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"J7MJYCNAAZE23GV5YWMVZCGNSU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":286,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/0d2ca663-aa5e-484b-a979-c6171679a120/versions/1731517681/media/3503f421b3efab67d0552353dcab4274_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/14/the-very-human-problem-with-not-quite-self-driving-cars/","content_elements":[{"_id":"V4553K6LXZFN5CLB57MVGWZL7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343124},"content":"As I climbed under the kitchen table with my five-year-old this weekend, she explained that we were in a car, but “it can drive itself, so we can just relax, OK?”. We settled down for a pretend nap on the way to the pretend beach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZXGG4P4IRA35OCJFEUJ5PBWQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343125},"content":"I didn’t tell her that grown-ups are really struggling to turn this vision into reality. Even Waymo, the company that is furthest ahead, still has self-driving taxis in only a handful of US cities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WAOYW6CGFGS3HXOUEQXFIPGXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343128},"content":"In the meantime, car makers are packing many of their new models with so-called “Level 2″ partial automation features instead. These can do a certain amount of driving in some circumstances, but require the human driver to pay attention and take over when necessary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMY3U2MB4FCBFH7T6TK6TSSIO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731515960747},"content":"Yet this halfway-house, which relies on humans and machines, is proving troublesome. And it is trouble worth noting, even if you have no interest in cars, because other sectors are also beginning to embrace the concept of automated “co-pilots” to help everyone from coders to doctors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX3ROHSHJVGULBKOTYUEPXPNLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343129},"content":"The big problem is known as “automation complacency”. People have been studying the phenomenon for decades in all kinds of partially automated systems, from aviation to manufacturing processes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YO5VGSRSGNCBPKWV2BIQYKQPKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343130},"content":"When you ask humans to supervise automated systems, their attention starts to wander – which means they don’t always notice in time when a problem does arise, nor are they aware enough of the context to immediately take over. And the better an automated system performs most of the time, the more complacent we humans become.","type":"text"},{"_id":"THKDLOC3YZCUJKO3THWPJNOQDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343131},"content":"Mica Endsley, a former chief scientist at the US Air Force, has made a career of studying these issues after first encountering them in the 1980s. “The public don’t quite understand the subtle ways that automation affects their attention [but] it’s like giving people a sedative,” she told me. “They’re going to find something else to do or they’re going to zone out, and neither is good.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JP4UCN4BHNFRRCH76WHEWSG46U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343132},"content":"Car drivers, it turns out, are not immune.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWNU5HFVK5CFVDRNNBEYLI3Z6A","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q5FXQYP42FAI5LP3YZCTFBBQLE"},"content":"Investors should be wary of Tesla’s robotaxi hype","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JB42VPZGNFEAVHFLJJSDUT6BDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731515960752},"content":"Studies of various partial-automation systems have found that drivers become increasingly likely to disengage the longer they use them. In the US, the National Transportation Safety Board has blamed automation complacency for a number of car crashes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQQB7YKYNVGCNJNQGWB5XPYP4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343133},"content":"If humans are notoriously poor monitors, the solution, apparently, is to monitor the monitors. Safety bodies and regulators have pushed for steering wheels that detect whether people are holding them, and driver-facing cameras that detect the direction of the driver’s gaze and head posture at all times. Most provide visual, audio and even seat-vibration alerts that increase in intensity to warn distracted drivers to return their attention to the road. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a> cars have a disciplinary system whereby, if drivers accumulate too many “strikeouts”, the partial-automation system is suspended for a week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXYTPZ6NHJH2PFAWTXV43WZCZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343134},"content":"But bullying drivers to pay attention doesn’t seem to be sufficient. When Mikael Ljung Aust, a driver-behaviour specialist at Volvo Cars, ran a study on a test track with employees, he found that distraction alerts did successfully make people keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. But even then, almost 30 per cent of them allowed the car to crash straight into an object in the road.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HH3GWEPUARGLDPN7F2EJKFR6MA","additional_properties":{"_id":"JQILYIA555A4RA7QAPOIHCPYEE"},"content":"Could ride-sharing robo-pods be the future of cities?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZBG36N76DBGXBHQASNHIKOUG5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343135},"content":"In follow-up interviews, the drivers said they saw the object coming, but they trusted the car to deal with it, at least until it was too late. “Even if you write very clearly in the manual, ‘the car cannot see these objects’ and you show them pictures, once they get out on the road – for some people ... it seems like they can’t help trusting the car.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZPQHTUOWRBUBDXC2YCEAF6J7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343136},"content":"He and several other safety experts said the best solution to the dangers of automation complacency seemed to be to keep the driver more actively involved in the steering and driving, with the partially automated system on in the background, gently guiding when necessary rather than taking over.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLJ2HSLTHVF3RAY5Q7KSBAVPUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343137},"content":"In other words, if you imagine automation as a scale with humans doing everything on one end and machines doing everything on the other, the best course might actually be to edge back slightly towards maintaining more human control, at least until the technology is good enough to leapfrog over to the other end of the scale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYKUMD2LTBEMTE3T6LGOXCZX7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731505343138},"content":"Otherwise, we face a partially automated middle, where a car journey looks less like having a nap and more like watching the road anxiously with your eyes wide open and your neck straight, for fear that your car will shout at you again to pay attention. Is that the kind of future any five-year-old ever dreamt about? – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sarah O'Connor"}]},"description":{"basic":"The better an automated system performs, the more complacent – and dangerous – we become behind the wheel"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The very human problem with not-quite-self-driving cars","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"B6234FCVIFC7BOU5TJVRVMDMYQ","auth":{"1":"128888941f9524fe1d3d9350695a800445bf363e3646602d54ddc7f44768dd5c"},"focal_point":{"x":1695,"y":1078},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/B6234FCVIFC7BOU5TJVRVMDMYQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/14/the-very-human-problem-with-not-quite-self-driving-cars/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"OZTI6J2H5RB37EVVTDQFNVJ4HA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/12/huawei-in-ireland-sees-turnover-drop-as-work-continues-on-irish-5g-network/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UIE5KQHEMNB7TK6TLQM63DTKPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534651},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG3B4HX42VAU5O2PEHXWCKZ374","additional_properties":{},"content":"Huawei Technologies (Ireland), the Irish subsidiary of the Chinese multinational that has been the focus of national security concerns internationally, saw a drop in turnover last year, new accounts show.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMTTVSZQFNCPPENIRVEDXEDMCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534652},"content":"Turnover dropped to €176.6 million, from €195.7 million in 2022, according to the accounts, which say the company is “continuing to develop Ireland’s 5G network infrastructure”. Pretax profits in 2023 were €7.6 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7RDGMOZSEJGPXNT24IPQ2RDL6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534653},"content":"Turnover in 2022 was a substantial jump on turnover in 2021 (€132 million) but the trend changed during 2023. The review of principal risks and uncertainties facing the group in the accounts does not mention geopolitical tensions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YEMBZCS5JFETZOSSI6EUJREKNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534654},"content":"Last year the Government introduced the Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 which includes national security measures recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre. The Chinese ambassador to Ireland, He Xiangdong, publicly criticised the legislation as it was passing through the Oireachtas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASHNH5JDRVBHNFK2KALB7MLKLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534655},"content":"The move came as a number of European Union (EU) countries introduced laws enabling their governments to restrict access to their 5G network by companies deemed to be a national security risk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQQIG7CH3FFPVOT4IKJ7YPUI5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":" In the UK, the government opted to remove Huawei equipment from the core 5G network and in the US the Government has banned products by Huawei and other Chinese telecoms companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2KB3WGZZFALDOC7KLH4K57XVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534656},"content":"Ireland accounted for €98.8 million of the turnover of Huawei Technologies (Ireland) in 2023, the accounts show, with the rest of Europe accounting for €41 million, and the rest of the world €38.5 million. The previous year had a similar spread of turnover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6GQHIX3BNCSHFEYYQRFCQEGHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534657},"content":"The company “has helped to build Ireland’s digital infrastructure through fibre broadband networks, 4G networks and the company is continuing to develop Ireland’s 5G network infrastructure,” according to the accounts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XWUSLFGAXJEEPNOBNNECIIYDJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534658},"content":"The principal activities of the company during 2023 were “the provision of telecommunications equipment and services to the Irish carrier network and enterprise market,” they say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6GQHIX3BNCSHFEYYQRFCQEGHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534659},"content":"The IDA-supported company received government grants of €2 million, according to the accounts. In 2022, Huawei announced it was establishing its first European cloud hub in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"335EN3BNYFB3LLXXVEQPFDPMXA","additional_properties":{},"content":" It has research links with Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Dublin, University College Cork, and University of Limerick, and also works with Science Foundation Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQARCTKFQJGJ5MZ6J4FZR2P5QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731428534660},"content":"<i>Sign up for the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/business-today-newsletter/\"><i>Business Today</i></a><i> newsletter and get the latest business news and commentary in your inbox every weekday morning</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colm Keena"}},"name":"Colm Keena"}]},"description":{"basic":"Chinese communications multinational has been the target of national security concerns in US and EU"},"display_date":"2024-11-12T16:29:03.681Z","headlines":{"basic":"Huawei in Ireland sees turnover drop as work continues on Irish 5G network","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4ZBTHAJ2ABFRFP5WX46KGG35BM","auth":{"1":"1c943059cc84bf4565ed4e56ca880dc79c110e7b90af86e033695a0e86349756"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4ZBTHAJ2ABFRFP5WX46KGG35BM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Data & Security"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/12/huawei-in-ireland-sees-turnover-drop-as-work-continues-on-irish-5g-network/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"6BKZCH7BPBGYFAH5IG3U57X63I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":806,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/55dae0f8-11af-4e24-9496-29ef10a6e61d/versions/1730823880/media/e96ca7c5e4c3eab0808e47de45ca54f6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3OP5VLCIRJAARBGEZEMZQJG6QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595714},"content":"“This is an extraordinary moment to take on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a> Ireland,” says Vanessa Hartley, Google Ireland’s new boss. Despite uncertainty over political volatility, Ireland’s infrastructure deficit, securing staff for her growing business and harnessing AI, she is optimistic about the tech company’s future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7AJTL2HJFEU3MRX2D4HLUHRZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595715},"content":"From modest origins as a small search engine that began in a garage in Menlo Park in the late 1990s, Google has grown to a multinational that employs around 180,000 worldwide and dominates its sector. Around 5,000 of those staff are in Ireland, where Google first opened an office in 2003. It is now the search giant’s Europe, Middle East and Africa headquarters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJ3LGBPLM5C6PNMURZM347DLPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595716},"content":"Walk down Barrow Street in Dublin and it is clearly Google country. The company occupies several buildings – Google Docks at one end, the Foundry across the street and the newly-opened Bolands Mills at the other end, a building steeped in Dublin’s history. The last of these will house Google’s engineering centre of excellence, and hundreds of staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHG2BSTOORDKLL2F6YQEPIUX74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595717},"content":"A few months after taking over the role from Adaire Fox-Martin, who left to head up Equinix, Hartley is ready to talk about how she will leave her mark on the company. Originally from Waterford, she is not what you would describe as a typical tech executive. Her college degree from DCU is in international marketing. And before she joined Google, she says she didn’t pay close attention to the sector – just enough to see the way things were shifting to mobile.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVCXKCGZSBGGHP5HWVGQKVGS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595719},"content":"A decade ago, Hartley was working as head of personal banking and product strategy at what was then Permanent TSB. Prior to that, she had been founding commercial director of health insurer GloHealth (now known as Irish Life Health), following stints as group marketing director at Aviva Ireland and head of current accounts and savings at Halifax.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGVSJCKRNBAOBLS2RMUYA4IERQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292604},"content":"But when the Google opportunity came up, she was intrigued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YBKAAQGMFDHZNZPNE6HMSBPWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595720},"content":"“At the time, I could see a massive shift from digital to mobile, and the potential to go and work with EMEA-based retailers on that, I just thought it was fascinating,” she explains. “It was a really extraordinary global view of the world. And the fact that, as Dublin is the EU headquarters, you’ve just got this outsize influence on what happens across the EU.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIHPTMKZ35EA5ER2AWXT736JHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595721},"content":"In her 10 years with the business, Hartley has seen a transformation in Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVTPOMJUQJFLPBB2IQNRLK2GJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292607},"content":"The company was once known for its novel approach to interviewing, often asking candidates head-scratchers such as “How many golf balls can you fit in a school bus?” and “Why are manhole covers round?”. It spawned a series of copycats, a few books and a series of online guides in how to crack the interview process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6ETP33W55FCNPSPEM2QKHVYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7NDDXNQBYBCPVP7EYNZSBT2BXY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"MLYTZV46I5BRLE7SHURYIYNTGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595723},"content":"It seems the brain teasers have gone the way of other Silicon Valley trappings, such as cinema rooms, on-site massages and unlimited snack bars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUBDATVFJVHEPF46L2DMUIDUVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595724},"content":"“We’ve stopped that. It was a little bit nonsensey, and the world has changed,” Hartley laughs. “But it was through the interview process that I met people who were the reason I came to work here: super-smart, hard-working, really kind people. And that, for me, is the essence of what Google is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXMQJRIALJBWHID3MEI5JP4BO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595725},"content":"It has been, she says, an incredible experience – six jobs across Google Ireland, the most recent looking after advertising sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. That remains her core role. Now she is heading up the Irish arm of the business at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3XB7AUUWVCOBBMON274IWM2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":"MTGSWHUNJNEIJLRPSXQ3IM3YPE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"TESHIJ577RG75FBTNFQVAY7D6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595726},"content":"The reason? Artificial intelligence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZT3A6SEBWZH4ZH2BBTWOCXA3WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292612},"content":"Google has been working on artificial intelligence for years, but it is no secret that the release of OpenAI’s generative AI ChatGPT caught it on the back foot. While the tech giant had been proceeding cautiously, the release of ChatGPT and the buzz it created, pushed Google to launch Bard, now known as Gemini.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVA4IUYLV5EQ5G5LTL4E2HWRKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292613},"content":"There have been some public missteps – the “glue in pizza sauce” recommendation is often used as a cautionary tale of why we shouldn’t blindly trust AI – but Google has pushed ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z22AIZZAERFXHEHRLHDWAZUKEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595727},"content":"In August, the company unveiled its new Pixel devices built with AI in mind, stealing a march on rival Apple that was still weeks away from announcing a date for the availability of its own AI technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJHAGP7VGNGSTAZVYI3GBRTVQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595728},"content":"But it is not solely about winning over consumers. Hartley sees AI as bringing big benefits to the economy here. A recent study published by Google estimated that the new generation of AI could bring a 7 per cent bump in GDP to Ireland in the coming years. Fail to implement correctly, and we stand to miss out to the tune of several billion euro.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRPBUHORFVHEVIM57R3AZHUM7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595729},"content":"Hartley wants to see that capability come to Ireland; in fact, she is making it one of her priorities in her role as head of the Irish business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXG66FSMC5FXPMKYQIIHQHJAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595730},"content":"“Number one is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland, and that we bring it to not just our large businesses but into SMEs, making sure that we also continue to build skills for AI and that AI is accessible to everyone,” she says. “We know that there is a big opportunity for AI in Ireland. But we’re only going to realise that if we get into the hands of people who really need it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLI5BKAFWFCA7COM3NKNOTQBEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595731},"content":"That means training, into which Google has ploughed resources, and regular contact with the SME community to demonstrate the power and business benefits of the technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TK34GFX22RG6ZD6NSR52A3FPUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595732},"content":"But it won’t be an easy task. Although people are warming to the idea of AI, there is still a reasonable level of suspicion that the technology will ultimately lead to the replacement of human jobs - something which, historically, has never been welcomed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGOENM5EBBDZ5N7POPWMUYB4ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595733},"content":"Another obstacle may be the resistance to data centres in Ireland. While our national data centre footprint has grown in recent years, there has been a pushback against their development in this country, amid concerns about the environmental impact of the facilities and grid capacity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZM4E33SABAWDAXNHMRPUIUFBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595734},"content":"Google has come up against it first-hand, with plans to expand its data centre in Dublin currently going through the courts. The initial planning application, submitted earlier this year, was for a third phase of its data centre campus at Grange Castle, a 72,400 sq m facility in west Dublin with eight data centre halls. Once fully operational, it would create 50 jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHCWDUKCBZAOJPI742HJTO3ZRY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GEA6ZZE4B5C6RCXV7Q7FACAHCY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"BFTJWN6HBZCVTLUJ3BNVEEIMZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595735},"content":"But South Dublin County Council (SDCC) refused it, citing the “existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network [grid] and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data centre”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVJB4WVBUZGDZDU74J7SX75DCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595736},"content":"The case is ongoing and, as such, Hartley does not want to comment specifically about it. However, she says, the decision was a “surprise and a disappointment”, and that Google is “very invested” in the Dublin data centre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5PUWCSBIFCRZF2UUIWUGYDLTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595737},"content":"“We have global access to data centres; every country in the world is looking for data centres,” she says. “So I’m confident that we can work with the SDCC and An Bord Pleanála to address the concerns.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"462FPPBGZ5BGZIRTPHNXG6ZT2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595738},"content":"That isn’t the only challenge Google faces. On top of the data centre refusal, the company has also found itself in the wrong side of a judgment in the US that ruled it had monopolised the online search market. It has been subject to increasing regulation in the EU, with the Digital Markets Act, the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act all seeking to regulate various aspects of its business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OR7EJVZAMRASBB43NGHUEPQBWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595749},"content":"Hartley says the company welcomes the regulation. In a previous life, she worked in banking, which is no stranger to regulation either. “I think it’s a really important moment to get the regulation right.,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YFAYGHIFFHDLELDPTU4WCEM2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595750},"content":"Some of that burden clearly falls on the Irish business, acting as a gateway between what the EU decrees and what US-based engineers are building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5YHYVNP4FHMTJU5GD2G6HE5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292628},"content":"Talk of Ireland’s infrastructure issues have dominated the public discourse this year, and you can’t help but wonder if multinationals will reconsider further investment as a result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXJX2WTS5BFOXFE4FDA4NYZ6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595739},"content":"She acknowledges there is work to do, but isn’t convinced there is a perception problem with Ireland, and expects investment to continue. Since Brexit, Ireland has been viewed as a gateway for US companies into the EU. Despite its problems – a housing crisis, the spiralling cost of living, anti-immigration protests – the idea of Ireland as an attractive location for investment has not waned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZXR2G5XCZEVPEUP7MQQG2LBLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595740},"content":"“I’m always struck by the optimism and the confidence in Ireland as that EU headquarters for Google,” says Hartley. “Every single large city in the world faces these challenges.” She also notes that the company is building a global centre of excellence in engineering that will be housed in Bolands Mills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG2BNEOBZBHQNH3ABHFZDZELKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292632},"content":"“We’ve already recruited more than 1,000 engineers, and will continue to do that. So there is incredible confidence that we can continue to attract the best engineers in the world, notwithstanding the fact that we know that large cities like Dublin do have challenges,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHFPRZHF6FDEDFFT5MLLH5MG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595748},"content":"“My job is going to be to work with Government policymakers to make sure we are really clear on the next five to 10 years and what we need to do in order to make sure we capitalise like we did in the 1980s and the 1990s on these opportunities that are ahead.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUMRCDAFWJHXHO2FPVYO62RJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595743},"content":"Part of that will not only be getting the right staff in the right place, it will be keeping them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNGKTATREVDC3JOUMA4C6QMP24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595744},"content":"Amazon has broken ranks in terms of remote working, with the tech giant requiring staff to be back in the office five days a week. As yet, Google has no plans to follow suit. Not only would it be a big change to how the company works, with staff currently in the office three days per week, but it would also undermine its own message that its tools can be used to work from anywhere at any time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCAZXRPKORHUDDKA4NC3JJXJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595745},"content":"Hartley quite likes the flexibility of remote working herself, describing herself as a “massive proponent” of it. Having a young family, she benefits from Google’s policy of “work from anywhere” weeks, where staff can work from anywhere in the world, tying in family obligations with their work commitments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRIEOTHIOVFUHBYTNTEDDY2TCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595746},"content":"“We’re really happy with how hybrid’s working for us. It gives us the right flexibility in order to hire and retain the best talent. For now, I don’t see that changing,” she says, adding that it does come up in the course of conversations at professional events, but not so much in-house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BFCLQNWXNBLXKVBHGJTMHXE2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292638},"content":"“It’s the number one question being asked. It is, interestingly, not the number one question being asked by Googlers. I think they recognise that, actually, we give them a lot of flexibility.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7LCA6G6RFEVLJLTZ25PIE5KVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595747},"content":"Part of that is being clear about the expectations around hybrid work arrangements. Hartley describes it as an adult conversation. “I see it as a leadership challenge, rather than a productivity challenge,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2PAYZMBFVFXTLGEVNHAA7Y65A","additional_properties":{"_id":"AEUEK2KYTNBRDKKF53NXUI3WQU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QP2SGOLLXJFQZNJQIY4J7HTW5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292640},"content":"Getting that balance right, though, is crucial, and Hartley has learned how to detach from work when it is appropriate. Living in Clontarf, she is a stone’s throw from the sea, where she swims four times a week. Having three children under 12 means life is busy for the Google boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVUT3FDNQND4VB3O5QSYFOJH4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595752},"content":"“All I want to do when I’m not here is just to be with the kids, with them in the kitchen or on the beach. I’m very good at detaching,” she says. “I think that’s been a key learning that has come over the last 10 years. When you’re off, you’re off, and you’ve got to make sure that you build in rest time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWD5YHQMINBENOYM2MRY3G7ADA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595753},"content":"That is something she says she has picked up from younger Google staff, who can do much more purpose-driven work. “We need to learn, particularly with our Irish psyche of ‘I have to do everything’. You don’t, actually; you have to do the right things really well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCGPD52TBRG5JE24A4INR4C3RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595755},"content":"<b>CV</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFOHNRJWEFDQRFOIAKUQ7T7NJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292645},"content":"<b>Name:</b> Vanessa Hartley","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5UY4OSL3ZCHXB7CEELFD7OVVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595756},"content":"<b>Age:</b> 47","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMS6DTPK3VEZLPRMDP7QSHXA3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595757},"content":"P<b>osition:</b> Head of Google Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIJJBHNFANBK5NFO4VNED6QBGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292648},"content":"<b>Lives: </b>Dublin","type":"text"},{"_id":"SH55NAFE7JDYZELINGIEKIYJTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595758},"content":"<b>Family:</b> Married to Ross, with three children under 12","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAXLL4AXTZC5PALSIMN5WAMVNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292650},"content":"<b>Outside interests: </b>Sea swimming close to her Clontarf home","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPZO3B7K35B4BCBXNYFSNVHQI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595759},"content":"<b>Something you would expect:</b> She has become the de facto tech support for everyone even vaguely in her social orbit. Requests for help with Google services are common. “Can I remove their house from Google Maps?” she laughs. “You get your mam’s bridge friend called Nick, asking: ‘Can you take that picture of me down’. Which, again, is kind of funny to people who know me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVGL2QYR3VHQTHQDBIOKXLL5NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595761},"content":"<b>Something that might surprise:</b> She isn’t a techie at heart, which makes it all the more amusing that she heads up one of the largest tech companies in Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"V34BDHLQS5EGHJGCHGK7Q6ZHC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Waterford native is taking the helm of the search engine giant’s Irish arm at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for the company"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google Ireland head Vanessa Hartley: ‘Number one priority is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU","auth":{"1":"adbd2d399c7a07ec0082eab2aae9918f5a455484669c205b98ae9d12bd2ceb8d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"JLK7DFV5DNDIJCB7URU62KVSQY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/05/apple-warns-investors-future-products-may-never-be-as-profitable-as-iphone/","content_elements":[{"_id":"GU44FIXFCBELZB75UFCWD2IE6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769528},"content":"Apple has warned investors that future products may never be as profitable as its iPhone business, as it pushes into unproven new markets such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality headsets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YBTXHR5O5HDBKY4OTUMP3TBBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769529},"content":"The iPhone maker added the new warning on growth and profit margins to its latest annual report, in the list of “risk factors” facing the tech group’s business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BB7VBJWRYJGEXKKRPNPHBZX7KU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769530},"content":"“New products, services and technologies may replace or supersede existing offerings and may produce lower revenues and lower profit margins,” Apple said, “which can materially adversely impact the company’s business, results of operations and financial condition”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMIFQMLGY5HQLFE4WNAEEJYC5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769531},"content":"Apple routinely warns investors in its annual reports that competition, foreign exchange, supply chain issues and other factors can put “volatility and downward pressure” on its margins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEPMQHJDRJFL5P54FBNTPWPHAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769532},"content":"The same 10-K regulatory filing in previous years suggested that new product introductions could have “higher cost structures”. 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Apple does not currently charge a separate fee for access to its AI features, which run only on its latest iPhones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMSSQRT64BF5FGHVZGQ4A7E3MA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769544},"content":"“AI is transformative, and the first cut at how they approach this isn’t going to be their last,” Munster said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHMUJSWY4RFUDKZU62R4K3MHIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769545},"content":"Apple’s gross margin has expanded from 33 per cent in 2007, the year the iPhone launched, holding at about 38 per cent or above for the past decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LB73SIS7MRDZBOV6EW5FYXXOFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769546},"content":"Despite intense competition from lower-cost rivals in the smartphone market, where growth has slowed in recent years, Apple’s gross margin has grown to more than 40 per cent since 2021 as more customers opt for higher-priced iPhones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GKQDEVVCNDB3BBIPCLULG7GXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769547},"content":"The growth of Apple’s services business, which is now on pace to make $100 billion in revenues a year, has boosted that margin, in part thanks to payments from Google to be the iPhone’s default search engine. Apple’s services gross margin is above 70 per cent, compared with 36-37 per cent for its hardware products.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKDG6GY5P5DFJEHPVPN6ZVXROE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769548},"content":"“It’s kind of an interesting time for Apple,” said Dan Newman, chief executive of the Futurum Group, noting that while the company is richly valued at around $3.4 trillion, its growth rate is in the mid-single-digits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FYKDQ6PL4BCIRANLR73EDLMP24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769549},"content":"Apple had traditionally focused on making hardware improvements to each new generation of iPhone, Newman said. With AI software now the big selling point for its latest phones, the company needed to cover itself, he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6HHYBDPOZALPD3SOGRS3OOWF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769550},"content":"“I think Apple’s business model is changing and they are probably putting in some legal protective language that reflects that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKO265P64BAMXMWMZT2CAI5U7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730832769551},"content":"Apple declined to comment. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Analysts say artificial intelligence and virtual reality headsets might have lower margins than smartphones and App Store"},"display_date":"2024-11-05T18:53:41.681Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apple warns investors future products may never be as profitable as 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claims.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S7P6PDRJLFE37C3SIYM7G4HE7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981697},"content":"While these three were chosen as representative, it was on the understanding that they were not binding directly on the remaining cases but that these cases would provide some assistance in the resolution of the balance of the actions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKPUYNRZRNEUND6QUCQM335JSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981698},"content":"All three people were content moderators, later called a “subject matter experts”, who ensured compliance with Meta/Facebook’s implementation standards for online content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PC3Q7RZVRBFATMUH2TXYDCNJQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981699},"content":"In a ruling relating to whether CCC should make discovery of certain documents for the purpose of the court dealing with the jurisdictional issue, Mr Justice Conleth Bradley refused the discovery sought.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNAC52SG4VHENPBPJAAHOK7Z7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981700},"content":"Referring to the first plaintiff’s proceedings, the judge said this case was against both the employing company (CCC) and Meta as it was claimed that Meta was the “anchor defendant” for the purposes of meeting the criteria under which jurisdiction in the EU certain civil cases can be heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5CNRMMET5AJPBU3VOYY5KIQSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981701},"content":"It is alleged that, by reason of the unique and comprehensive degree of control which Meta/Facebook exercised over the system of work implemented by CCC Essen, it has a liability where there is alleged negligence in respect of the injuries suffered in the course of the plaintiff’s work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2423KFWCSRANDFVYYOIRA3HMXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981702},"content":"As part of his case, the man sought discovery of documents from CCC including the contracts governing the relationship between CCC and Meta and documents on any associated policies ad procedures governing what content moderation was.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4LHZ5WT5BBARF24PGH6FTGG7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981703},"content":"CCC opposed the application.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOUV4PQZTBBLDKI3S3YZPJOHRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981704},"content":"The judge said that having regard to the applicable legal principles relating to the exercise of what the authorities suggest is an exceptional jurisdiction, he considered that the discovery sought by the plaintiff, at this juncture, was not necessary for the fair disposal of the jurisdictional issue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTD2FX2EKRER7OENLUNHPF7X7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730823981705},"content":"The full hearing of the jurisdictional issue is yet to take place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSB3LJZHUFDPVP22EIG2OELGMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>This story was updated on 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That has presented “an unusually large, maybe once in a lifetime opportunity” for Amazon’s cloud business, said Andy Jassy, the company’s chief executive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6LHV4SHERE2DLLTGSGSC45T5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918301},"content":"Sales at Amazon Web Services, a crucial profit engine for the ecommerce group, were up 19 per cent year-on-year, to $27.5 billion (€25.3 billion). Mr Jassy said AWS already had a “multibillion-dollar” AI business, which was seeing “triple digit” revenue growth, although he did not give specific figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O37PLL4PIVHVNP2LS2QXEK6XSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918302},"content":"The AI rush has also meant significant capital expenditure. Amazon spent $22.6 billion on property and equipment in the quarter, up from $12.5 billion a year before. “The faster we grow demand, the faster we have to invest capital in data centres and networking gear and hardware,” said Mr Jassy, estimating that Amazon would spend $75 billion this year and more next.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6CHIELCQNFQLES7ILIABIEEEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918303},"content":"“Our customers, businesses and shareholders will feel good about this long term, that we’re aggressively pursuing it,” he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3VZVEM6R5CMHG6ONFPPMKR4UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918304},"content":"The Seattle-based ecommerce company’s overall revenues increased 11 per cent year-on-year to hit $159 billion, beating analyst estimates. Amazon expects net sales in the current quarter – which includes the holiday shopping season – to come in between $181.5 billion – $188.5 billion, in line with analyst forecasts for $186.4 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2GVOFMQIBBT7DPE6KK3I6C5RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918305},"content":"Net income of $15.3 billion for the period was comfortably in advance of analysts’ estimates of $12.2 billion and up more than 50 per cent on a year earlier, and revenue from Amazon’s advertising business jumped 19 per cent to $14.3 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZ2JWFPGJRDWZPD3KPZWQUIHZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918306},"content":"Shares of Amazon, which are up almost 25 per cent in the year to date, rose 6 per cent in after-hours trading, which would push the company’s market valuation past $2 trillion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMJKCBGOABCNXN5JNOTZLWF6ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918307},"content":"Amazon’s market capitalisation has more than doubled over the past five years, propelled by growing cloud and advertising businesses as well as expanding margins in its core retail business. Wall Street reacted negatively to Amazon’s operating margins shrinking last quarter, but the company rebounded from 10 per cent to 11 per cent in the current quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YGI2YVNSKZBGFLY7QAXGXD6B4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918308},"content":"The group is now eyeing generative AI as the primary source of future growth. Amazon, which recently summoned workers back to the office for five days a week, is in a fierce race with rival “hyperscalers” Meta, Microsoft and Alphabet for a share of the booming AI market.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNXWQC4QBBDUFBV4ZG2LXCAHNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918309},"content":"Generative AI is “cloud 2.0″, according to Gary Robinson, partner at Edinburgh-based asset manager Baillie Gifford, an Amazon investor. The technology had the potential to dramatically reduce operational expenditure and could ultimately create trillions of dollars of value, “expanding the total addressable market for hyperscalers by an order of magnitude”, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5TXVOJMWBCZZCEBCYK4PKHOSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918310},"content":"But investors are also looking for evidence that the outlay will be recouped. Microsoft’s share price fell 6 per cent on Thursday, despite reporting double-digit gains in quarterly profits, after the company warned AI spending would continue to rise and said growth in its cloud division had cooled in the current quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VBQPDB3DZCP3IOIBSUJILXNBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730455918311},"content":"On the back of its results and Meta’s, US stocks suffered their worst day in almost two months on Thursday, with Big Tech companies dragging down the Nasdaq and S&P 500. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Market capitalisation more than doubled over past five years from growing cloud and advertising businesses as well as expanding margins in retail"},"display_date":"2024-11-01T10:25:41.211Z","headlines":{"basic":"Amazon revenues jump on back of AI-fuelled cloud demand ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OHQGTDEB4WBGCLCCE5VHWRHCP4","auth":{"1":"027a1dd9a6d81ffccfcf4b9fcd721119b175038fbbd570a23242839e31fc3954"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OHQGTDEB4WBGCLCCE5VHWRHCP4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/01/amazon-revenues-jump-on-back-of-ai-fuelled-cloud-demand/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"PKL2YSHSZRASFJMSGHKWENBSRM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":248,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/944edd2c-3719-4acd-b21d-4a7c76e83bd9/versions/1730400566/media/335aee37f73c540b0eaeeb1ec7198dd0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/11/01/microsoft-to-add-550-jobs-in-ireland-covering-ai-and-cybersecurity-roles/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QF4JNBH4D5DMBFJF6AJDBQLVWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730385390735},"content":"Tech giant <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/microsoft/\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft </a>is to create up to 550 jobs in Ireland over the next three to four years as the company invests heavily in its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence </a>(AI) operations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZLHSLHKJE5E2PDJWQQIFN2N3LY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677769},"content":"The investment comes as Ireland has been chosen as a key location for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/microsoft/\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft</a>’s global AI innovation ambitions, aiding in the development of new technologies for its global operations and spanning some of the company’s key focus areas for the future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYUV2AWTKFBMBBMDDGE4Y2JLAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677770},"content":"The tech company said it would recruit for 120 jobs immediately. The jobs will be in software engineering, applied sciences, security research, product management and programme management, with about 15 to 20 per cent of the roles set aside for graduates or those early in their career. The remaining 430 jobs will be added in the next three to four years depending on customer demand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAVHZSROIZAKVMNPLGA36L24ZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677771},"content":"James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland site leader and corporate vice-president of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said Ireland had been chosen because of the availability of talent, and noted that new recruits would play a key role for Microsoft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDW7YMQB2ZAIPCUDUMYGJTNDKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677772},"content":"Aside from creating teams in Azure networking and infrastructure, cyber security, investigating groundbreaking technologies and developing AI infrastructure, the teams will also create new AI-enabled products and internal solutions for Microsoft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IYX7CIRYBCZFONLFR7ATK4EKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677773},"content":"“They will be working on AI technologies as well as advancing and enhancing our cybersecurity capabilities,” Mr O’Connor said. “They are going to be working on core technologies across all our key products. This is really going to enable industrial-level AI innovation here across those functions and teams, and do it in a scalable way.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIEZWYYHC5CHZK7ZML6A4OZ25U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677774},"content":"The recruitment drive will bring to more than 4,000 the number of people employed by Microsoft directly in Ireland, with the total growing to 6,000 when <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/linkedin/\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn </a>is included. It also erases some of the overall losses experienced by the tech giant, which is celebrating 40 years in Ireland next year, when it was hit by the wave of redundancies seen in the tech sector in 2022 and 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SMM76VOKJAYJI2VMKPFY4BPW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677775},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris </a>welcomed the investment. “Not only does this highlight Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment destination, it also promises a significant boost for the AI ecosystem in Ireland,” Mr Harris said. “Fostering AI skills and advancing capabilities in the field are core to the Government’s national artificial intelligence strategy, and this project will help develop new specialist skills and expertise, thereby positioning Ireland for further investment in this critical area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIEZWYYHC5CHZK7ZML6A4OZ25U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677776},"content":"The jobs are being supported by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ida-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">IDA Ireland</a>. Chief executive Michael Lohan said: “Ireland continues to prove itself as a location where the world’s most innovative AI companies build groundbreaking technologies.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HVDXFU2NCBCT3ERJFP6XPQE2SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677777},"content":"The move comes as tech companies continue to bet heavily on AI to help fuel the next phase of their business’ growth, investing in AI data centres in a bid to meet flourishing demand for the technology. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta </a>and Microsoft on Wednesday said their capital expenses were rising due to AI investments, while <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google’s </a>parent Alphabet said it would also continue to have higher spending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JWASC37KUFF3JCILPTDEN6CWAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677778},"content":"Microsoft said capital spending rose 5.3 per cent to $20 billion in its first fiscal quarter, and predicted increased spending on AI in the second. On an earnings call Microsoft said its AI-powered Microsoft 365 Copilot assistant was experiencing the fastest adoption rate of any of its new suites, with almost 70 per cent of Fortune 500 companies using it already.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6BW6THNOZNCT7I7DPRPTWEI3FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730391677779},"content":"“Customer demand is significant and across the board with our Copilot offerings,” Mr O’Connor said. “I’m absolutely convinced it is completely transformative and it is transforming us right now in terms of productivity.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"G5OYEKY5J5BQVCWEOPGO5P5QGE","additional_properties":{"_id":"YE6LJVQPG5FUFN2QHVFUHBZ2BA"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-13067","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech giant to recruit for 120 jobs immediately, with other roles to follow over next three to four years"},"display_date":"2024-11-01T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Microsoft to add 550 jobs in Ireland covering AI and cybersecurity roles ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4L57KUN3WNHOLE4B7N7H6JNR6M","auth":{"1":"d80e9da4df31c3077f82c8a89cf9cf9fab257ddf80486a3f32a151a1682d015c"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4L57KUN3WNHOLE4B7N7H6JNR6M.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2024/11/01/microsoft-to-add-550-jobs-in-ireland-covering-ai-and-cybersecurity-roles/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"GN5RNCATQBHWTGO5I4NKNGMYRE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/31/samsung-electronics-failure-to-fully-embrace-ai-reflected-in-results/","content_elements":[{"_id":"N7K7RWAJKRCKXD45W5BJDFPSX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297845},"content":"Samsung Electronics reported an operating profit of Won3.9 trillion ($2.8 billion) from its chip division in the third quarter, falling far short of analyst estimates and behind its South Korean rival SK Hynix, as the world’s biggest memory-chip maker failed to take full advantage of the artificial intelligence boom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MVZNA53AREK5MSQVRE3WZQTRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297846},"content":"Operating profit in the July-to-September quarter was much lower than the Won6.7 trillion estimate of analysts polled by Bloomberg and the Won6.45 trillion profit reported in the preceding quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PW7LVVVH3RGJNJ4FCHXPCFOHQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297847},"content":"Chip earnings were also much smaller than those of domestic rival SK Hynix, which reported a record Won7tn operating profit last week, highlighting the widening gap in their competitiveness in advanced memory chips. Samsung this month issued a rare public apology for its weak performance as it has struggled to catch up with SK Hynix in high bandwidth memory chips used in AI hardware.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGJIMERU5ZAQZKYXNRV4RV25ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297848},"content":"Samsung has not managed to pass industry leader Nvidia’s qualification tests for advanced HBM chips, but the company said on Thursday it had made “meaningful progress” in winning approval from a “major customer” and expected HBM chip sales to increase in the fourth quarter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXXGAPCEYFDVHDTZIS7F7MLYUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297849},"content":"Samsung’s share price has fallen more than 30 per cent from its July peak on heavy foreign selling, but the shares gained 2 per cent on Thursday morning amid hopes Samsung could regain lost ground in HBM chips.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQ4LMK6CXRCOTJ25G4AY4NQTSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297850},"content":"The company expects limited earnings growth in the fourth quarter due to falling demand in mobile and computer Dram memory chips and a rising supply of legacy chips in China.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXH4READQFFVBMWC7Z2ZIIYOOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297851},"content":"Analysts have expressed scepticism about Samsung’s business prospects in HBM and expect a major shake-up among its chip executives next month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFDAXFELOBA3VAQQJLGZ6RAWHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297852},"content":"“Samsung remains optimistic about the HBM outlook, but it won’t be easy to pass the qualification test and increase HBM yields,” said an analyst at a foreign brokerage, referring to Samsung being able to produce more of the chips without flaws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEDL4FYDJBFCBE7CTU7IHKGMRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297853},"content":"“It is too early to talk about Samsung regaining HBM competitiveness,” the analyst added. “Some of its key memory executives will likely be replaced for the weak performance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JZZVDKKS5AFTPUL5NZRJ2RRHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730369297854},"content":"In May, Samsung replaced its semiconductor chief in an effort to overcome what it described as a “chip crisis”. The company expects increased sales of its most advanced HBM3E chips in the fourth quarter and plans to mass-produce next-generation HBM4 chips in the second half of next year. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Shares at the world’s biggest memory-chip maker have fallen more than 30% July peak but there is hope of regaining lost ground"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T10:12:10.473Z","headlines":{"basic":"Samsung Electronics’ failure to fully embrace AI reflected in results ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PAMOTYC3HX66TUSPV7QDCD4AIU","auth":{"1":"6837435c6751d189fc7356bc70be38308348b4efbd1341dd46337756f076f652"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PAMOTYC3HX66TUSPV7QDCD4AIU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/31/samsung-electronics-failure-to-fully-embrace-ai-reflected-in-results/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"MZU6IESIG5HW7EVOO5IVHSZZQY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":312,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/86fab6e0-f158-4bb6-9abc-fd8ec9fd8d29/versions/1730308512/media/abc5812fbb43e2371660713a59ddfdb5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/financial-services/2024/10/31/the-cautionary-tale-of-goldman-and-apples-credit-card/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CQAN5RBFOVCEREQMM5KNW4URIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548971},"content":"To think it all started out so well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDL5XZYLUFEQBMKJL3IQLD7JJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548972},"content":"When <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/goldman-sachs/\" target=\"_blank\">Goldman Sachs </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple </a>teamed up to launch a credit card in 2019, neither the storied investment bank nor the technology giant had much experience with consumer banking. That did not stop them from dreaming big.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4FAORODH5BKLAZ5AUVIXMK7PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548973},"content":"They promised to offer “an innovative, new kind of credit card” with no fees and a cutting-edge app “designed to help customers lead a healthier financial life”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UQXZF3WWFRDU3LJWH26NLJBGIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548974},"content":"Goldman chief executive David Solomon hailed the Apple Card as the “most successful credit card launch ever”, and analysts predicted that the partnership would shake up financial services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CFPACNDKVRECDJKBRBJ2MDEJB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548975},"content":"Five years on, the double act is a cautionary tale about what can go wrong when big companies try to reinvent retail finance on the fly without thinking through all of the ramifications.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHGPKWU7VZEQ5OMWD6XKF5E2TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548976},"content":"The top US consumer finance watchdog last week declared that Apple and Goldman had “illegally sidestepped” obligations to consumers in their haste to create a novel product. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered the two groups to pay a combined $89 million (€82 million) for mishandling disputed charges and misleading customers about interest-free payment plans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3GGDDN6CANC3DF6SU4RPBQRXR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548977},"content":"The partnership has also turned financially sour for Goldman Sachs, which is now trying to exit as it shuts down an ill-fated push into consumer banking that racked up billions in losses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CF6U5AUBW5CRPPWFFJW564R2ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548980},"content":"The saga is partly a warning about hubris. Retail banking is not only harder than it looks but also heavily regulated by watchdogs who take their duties very seriously. That can put the regulators at odds with buccaneering entrepreneurs who want to shake up existing ways of doing business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I33NL67OMVG37NHLUN66RQYC24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548981},"content":"Tech firms are used to launching in beta, a fancy way of saying that they put out a lightly-tested product and then modify and improve it as problems are discovered. That attitude spilled over into the Apple Card. Goldman’s board was warned in advance of its August 2019 launch that the system for dealing with disputed charges was “not fully ready”. The bank, which would have had to pay penalties to Apple for a delay, opted to push ahead anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMJUWTUJ2BGWPPB2L7JL2QOQSI","additional_properties":{"_id":"LJ2FGX4MYNDHFEVOODLBLFMPZ4"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-56112","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EORWVB4OGRF2TEO4TH6UZJ2Q2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730307794147},"content":"In the first two years of the card’s existence, more than 150,000 customer-reported billing errors fell between the cracks in some way, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said. Apple often failed to send the reports to Goldman. When they did arrive, Goldman often failed to respond within legal deadlines — or at all. Customers were left on the hook for tens of thousands of charges that they disputed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TCXKBSBI3JDXPL2NMCS5KTPDUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548983},"content":"The watchdog also fined the partnership for the “confusing” way in which it offered a free instalment plan, saying that thousands of customers wrongly ended up paying interest anyway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGJZMOLBNRACZFXLDRENBUBE3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548984},"content":"Innovations contributed to the issues. Apple designed a distinctive user interface and integrated the card into other iPhone apps. It also insisted that everyone’s billing cycle coincide with the calendar month, because that was simpler for customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKUD6LJFDZAZPBZXPBM7KARB24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548985},"content":"The card won top rankings in customer satisfaction surveys. But some cardholders got lost in key processes and failed to file forms or tick particular boxes. The single billing date led to huge surges in disputed charges that overwhelmed Goldman’s customer service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZHEQZ5RZBFVLFKAEVEAIPIKBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548986},"content":"“You want to differentiate the product, but when you deviate from the norm, it can be confusing,” says Jason Mikula, a fintech consultant who previously worked at Goldman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5SRI2PCV5VHYXOZ22MDOH3EYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548987},"content":"Entrepreneurs are often willing to pay that price for innovation. Financial watchdogs take a different view.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S23R5D5ZUJGRBNZ4XU44HOKKMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837629},"content":"There is a reason for that. If a fledging web search engine or a shaky chatbot offers less than perfect responses, where is the real harm? But charging customers unfairly or wrecking their credit scores causes measurable pain that regulators have a duty to prevent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODSFN333JJCGBGKAYIOS3G6ZXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548988},"content":"The episode carries lessons that another group of swashbuckling financial groups should heed: money managers racing to sell alternative assets to wealthy individuals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CK2CTNVTQREXPEQEUCZTB76WSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548989},"content":"Until recently, private equity and private credit firms took money almost exclusively from big pension funds and endowments and avoided most oversight that way. But now that the institutional market is saturated, they are jostling to offer largely untested products to retail investors who may or may not understand what they are buying.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUYMWHFYFZHYJGSCG5XYGLTH6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303548990},"content":"Some alts firms have partnered with traditional asset managers, others are opting to charge ahead on their own. I hope these new funds and model portfolios work brilliantly. If not, you can be sure that the watchdogs are going to be waiting with bared teeth. — Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YLETNB42NETZKCIGTBMU4DPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837633},"content":"* Sign up for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/media/2023/11/07/stay-informed-with-push-alerts-from-the-irish-times-delivered-straight-to-your-phone/\">Business push alerts</a> and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOGUDXVCYBBY7HVOGO3FBIB3HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837634},"content":"* Find <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/media/2023/10/27/find-the-irish-times-on-whatsapp-and-stay-up-to-date/\">The Irish Times on WhatsApp</a> and stay up to date","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBOXZO3QANCEFOH5UBLPQKBKGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730306837635},"content":"* Our Inside Business podcast is published weekly – Find the latest episode <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-business/\">here</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Brooke Masters"}]},"description":{"basic":"Retail banking is not only harder than it looks but also heavily regulated by watchdogs who take their duties very seriously"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The cautionary tale of Goldman and Apple’s credit card","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AJFU7HXEYJAWPB3KUG6WUEDVJ4","auth":{"1":"cde721f8016c8e95adee8ffbac416dd4cfdc0105b122449fa1c500e01a04a379"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AJFU7HXEYJAWPB3KUG6WUEDVJ4.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big 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social media in February 2024 because of the harm he felt it had been inflicting on his <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mental-health/\" target=\"_blank\">mental wellbeing</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRENXJFH2ZBC7CYNGK3WXEUYKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365160},"content":"Minish described feeling constantly “anxiety-ridden”, but said he now finds “much more meaning and equilibrium in my life after ... removing the overbearing influence it had”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOE2CVVQ3JHXPPXBKUDQN7VY7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731287},"content":"“It often felt like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/\" target=\"_blank\">Big Tech</a> didn’t want me to be a functional person,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JA2NIWDMFJCFPGNNTD6HD3BUYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365162},"content":"Campaign group <a href=\"https://www.uplift.ie/about/\" target=\"_blank\">Uplift</a>, which says it wants to see “progressive change across Ireland”, held what it called a “People’s Inquiry on Big Tech Harms” in Dublin on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOQ6KSMVHJEVHN53RUQFDU2ANY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365163},"content":"The event followed the publication by media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\">Coimisiún na Meán</a> of its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/online-safety-code-will-bring-end-to-era-of-social-media-self-regulation-media-regulator-vows/\" target=\"_blank\">online safety code</a>, promising “an end to the era of social media self-regulation”, on Monday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ZMUUGGPRJH73EOSXSB5SQTRSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365164},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/facebook/\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/instagram/\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/youtube/\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok/\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/linkedin/\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x/\" target=\"_blank\">X</a>, Pinterest, Tumblr and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/reddit/\" target=\"_blank\">Reddit</a> will be obliged to comply with the new code, or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater. Taoiseach Simon Harris chaired an online safety meeting in Government Buildings on Thursday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBCYLD4TJRHTTCSAAYE6JBS52A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365165},"content":"Human rights lawyer <a href=\"https://www.ihrec.ie/about/chief-commissioner-members-of-ihrec/noeline-blackwell/\" target=\"_blank\">Noeline Blackwell</a> chaired Uplift’s event, hearing testimony from activists and academics on the harms that can be caused by social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCHWIWEYYZCJTIXTEBM3VNZUME","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731281},"content":"Blackwell said the event was “a chance to focus” on the ways in which Government can co-ordinate with tech corporations to significantly reduce the harm being done in digital spheres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7BUIVVDCRAORNMIBLOL6XPI4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731282},"content":"“We get drawn into looking at what the victim can do, what the person who’s being harmed can do along the way. The word that’s coming through the whole time is systemic issues, there are things wrong with the system, with the structures, in a way that is helping or contributing to the harm at least or maybe even causing the harm,” Blackwell said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWV2NMQ3UNBJBL3I5OWLHX25DI","additional_properties":{"_id":"DRKWBNTPDFBJFMVVB4QNPU4KYQ"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"L7NMOH33UZA77HFEAHUXWZVFQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729768365168},"content":"Attendees heard about the impact a lack of regulation had on democracy, the environment and mental health, as well as the extent of online abuse being directed towards minority groups such as LGBTQ+ people and migrants. Panellists included tech and democracy campaigner Liz Carolan, race relations consultant Dr Ebun Joseph, SpunOut’s Ian Power and tech policy adviser Tanya O’Carroll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCHWIWEYYZCJTIXTEBM3VNZUME","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731281},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7BUIVVDCRAORNMIBLOL6XPI4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731282},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUTC5PLL3FED5K4QIPKLYMZSWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731283},"content":"Sharon Mpofu, a member of the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, spoke about the online abuse people seeking safety in this country can be subjected to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SBWRM5FQVRBGNHPKYUUHE7SJBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731284},"content":"“Social media hate speech is really affecting a lot of migrants here in Ireland. They are being shut down, they are being insulted, they’re being picked on, because of the hate speech that is being spread on social media platforms,” Mpofu said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFPMVEEJUVHFBGXSD3G2JJOZ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731285},"content":"“People are being attacked on their way to work, they’re being attacked on buses. Kids are being bullied at school due to social media. Yes, social media has its good side and its bad side – it can help somebody, and it can destroy somebody.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PU4TYPANJDFPOEUJ34HXT7VEU","additional_properties":{"_id":"CUI4SYZUPREMLHPJVUUK5EG4UI"},"content":"The Irish Times view on the regulation of social media: first, enforce the rules that are there","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZFPMVEEJUVHFBGXSD3G2JJOZ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731285},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOE2CVVQ3JHXPPXBKUDQN7VY7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731287},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJLJNOOA4BEQVCRD5VTDROGADU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731288},"content":"Uplift’s digital campaigns and support worker Jacob Sosinsky offered his perspective as a transgender man and member of the LGBTQ+ community. “Those platforms can really be breeding grounds for radicalised content, where attacks on LGBTQ+ rights are organised and amplified. They are not accidental,” Sosinsky said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KJ4YACZEJFWRDYGW5PQK2APPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731289},"content":"“As a trans man myself, I needed to delete my social media accounts as hate was flowing my direction for just existing. It was really affecting my mental health.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CI55QA2OEVDDXLKRPRJ57RQWAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731290},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMCPVS6CIJCUTAPIVXONT3VHPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731291},"content":"Siobhán O’Donoghue, executive director at Uplift, said that “a handful of big tech corporations ... are manipulating our digital spaces for their private profit”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOSMH24JJNHBZMG4ROTP6GXY3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731292},"content":"Uplift says it intends to submit a report to the Government outlining how the internet can be made “a better and safer place for us all”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EBAPEGPGZERRFOXYHI6N3T6II","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731293},"content":"It will “also seek to put questions to leaders of big tech companies about the harms they’re causing to people and communities across Ireland”, O’Donoghue added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXB6SEYK45DVFG4MQ6CQWTSEY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729675731294},"content":"“We hope the People’s Inquiry on Big Tech Harms will mark a turning point.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ella Sloane"}},"name":"Ella Sloane"}]},"description":{"basic":"People’s Inquiry on Big Tech Harms event in Dublin hears of mental health effects of social media"},"display_date":"2024-10-26T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Digital damage: ‘It often felt like Big Tech didn’t want me to be a functional person’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DFAQFVQH4FCOBAI54A3GC2AMYQ","auth":{"1":"aed9079ac4f0357e2b423afbdcccf878a29fe781c5385d4cbc41983249bf1e8d"},"focal_point":{"x":4293,"y":1981},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DFAQFVQH4FCOBAI54A3GC2AMYQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2024/10/26/it-often-felt-like-big-tech-didnt-want-me-to-be-a-functional-person/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"RUNQJ3HR4VCFTHH34KCNCNGUHY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/24/microsoft-owned-linkedin-fined-310m-by-irish-data-protection-commission/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903676},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/data-protection-commission\" target=\"_blank\">Data Protection Commission</a> (DPC) has reprimanded and fined <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/linkedin\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn</a> Ireland €310 million and ordered it to bring its data processes into line with European law after finding fault with the legal basis the Microsoft-owned social media company relied upon to process its members’ data for advertising and to track behaviours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRLQVKF3WBHDVGVQCGUUJN6CME","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903677},"content":"The DPC – the lead European supervisory authority for LinkedIn, which has its EU headquarters in Dublin – issued the ruling on foot of an investigation based on a complaint originally made to the French data watchdog in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AFRI4XG2NDMJNC7HRO37THI5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903678},"content":"In a statement on Thursday, the DPC said LinkedIn had obtained the consent of its users for their personal data to be sent to third parties for the purposes of generating targeted advertising. However, it found that consent was not “freely given, sufficiently informed or specific, or unambiguous”, as is required under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), for the information to be used for these purposes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LHAQWXVPBH4RMJFIQDNC6LH5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729773330283},"content":"It is the fifth-largest fine the Irish regulatory body has issued under GDPR and the sixth largest by any EU authority since the regime was introduced in 2018. LinkedIn Ireland, which was notified of the DPC decision on Tuesday, has 30 days to appeal the decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PWEXKAX6Y5HJBKFO2RHGNGC4A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729763903679},"content":"“The lawfulness of processing is a fundamental aspect of data protection law and the processing of personal data without an appropriate legal basis is a clear and serious violation of a data subjects’ fundamental right to data protection,” said Graham Doyle, DPC deputy commissioner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N566Q7L33FDHLN3WMISQLEWCLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764374550},"content":"Following the DPC’s statement, a spokeswoman for LinkedIn said: “Today the Irish Data Protection Commission (IDPC) reached a final decision on claims from 2018 about some of our digital advertising efforts in the EU. While we believe we have been in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we are working to ensure our ad practices meet this decision by the IDPC’s deadline.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAXBXPO5JZDPDPGZ72NQBXKHSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729778459089},"content":"Asked whether the company intends to appeal the decision, a spokeswoman for LinkedIn said: “Our focus right now is on ensuring our ad practices meet this decision by the IDPC’s deadline.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPDHI7MFRFH7BHRQ2EDDXLI7M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729776435786},"content":"“This is another substantial fine issued by the DPC which aligns with similar European enforcement against Meta and other companies for targeted advertisements sent without the requisite consent meeting GDPR standards,” said David Hackett, partner and head of Data Protection at law firm Addleshaw Goddard Ireland. “GDPR introduced strict requirements that consent for processing of personal information needs to demonstrate that such consent was freely given and fully informed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BB6UOLY7BNAXFDZ472BEMKTG4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960685},"content":"The fine is lower than the $425 million (€393.4 million) Microsoft said it had set aside last year to cover the cost of penalties arising from the case, which kicked off in 2018 with a complaint from a French non-profit to that country’s data protection regulator.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GE3PP7JPJBFNHE7QB72LLX5UL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960686},"content":"The tech giant told investors in an update in June 2023 that it had seen a non-public version of the DPC’s draft decision, indicating the level of penalty it could face. Microsoft said it would “dispute the legal basis for, and the amount of, the proposed fine and will continue to defend its compliance with GDPR”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOEDJIV3ZVF73FVXTCXNM34JJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960687},"content":"Revenues at the main Irish unit of LinkedIn – which also manages the company’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa – jumped more than 15 per cent to $5.3 billion (€4.97 billion) in 2022. The most recent accounts for LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company show a 45 per cent decline in pretax profits to $99.5 million (€93.4 million) in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRW4KJQU4ZETDATATSTBOKRKU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729767960688},"content":"In a note attached to the accounts, the Irish unit’s directors said LinkedIn’s ultimate parent, Microsoft, has indemnified the company against all potential fines directed by the DPC. “Accordingly, there is no financial impact on the company,” they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ian Curran"}},"name":"Ian Curran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Penalty relates to social media platform’s processing of its members’ data for targeted advertising"},"display_date":"2024-10-24T10:00:03.849Z","headlines":{"basic":"Microsoft-owned LinkedIn fined €310m by Irish Data Protection Commission","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U3NDCTIZ4ZGPDN3DFCSPEUE52A","auth":{"1":"2f1e9a38571c7357d85e8d1fdd23da0d77ab22227a59c1cbff819eca45f4041f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U3NDCTIZ4ZGPDN3DFCSPEUE52A.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Data & Security"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/24/microsoft-owned-linkedin-fined-310m-by-irish-data-protection-commission/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"CQPELXWALZH7JDZ5ANAEFSA65I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":210,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/99342f80-b96a-4664-8735-6be0ce084c54/versions/1729532325/media/6032f81534b676013937e90afe2822c6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/regulating-social-media-is-an-impossible-job-but-someone-has-got-to-at-least-try/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TSYI7DIMMVETHC37UTBP5Y24WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729503192007},"content":"The era of social media self-regulation is over. That, at least, is the message from both Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a>’s online safety commissioner, Niamh Hodnett, the regulator with ambition to place some semblance of moral obligation and compliance on the internet‘s notorious free-for-all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRXGIJEFLNGV7BEXRU7T66MCJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879411},"content":"It’s an impossible job, but someone has got to at least try to do it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FPOGYWV6VBLXDSY6L6UFV5G5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879412},"content":"That much of the now-finalised online safety code is about protecting children in a world that exposes them to harm on an almost routine basis lends the code a better-late-than-never dimension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4UVRO6J2RFBFPFADBF7BZ3X64","additional_properties":{"_id":"TDWWHB3WHNDI7OV5ETL2IUKRKA"},"content":"New online safety code to protect children on social platforms including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"GYUD6C245JFQPFANDBXQB6LCVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879413},"content":"With an election nearing, it is a low-risk strategy for Harris to personally associate himself with a bid to do something about harmful and illegal online content, even if that bid faces immense hurdles – not least the likely recalcitrance of some of the nine online platforms covered by the code and the openly rogue behaviour of one, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x\" target=\"_blank\">X</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDGTQABPFRARFGDTUL6L4NQMAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879414},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán has been careful to outline what the code doesn’t do. This includes anything at all to tackle the urgent problem of toxic algorithms – “recommender systems” that can send vulnerable people, such as those with eating disorders, down damaging online rabbit-holes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TRBFZGP3S5BWDJD7KHRWOQ4XVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879415},"content":"They may be addressed eventually under the Digital Services Act, with the European Commission recently opening up investigations into those used by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>. But anyone worried about their effects will have to wait.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4OD725DVJVDXTLL6WWZOBPILUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879416},"content":"The regulator doesn’t mandate specific age assurance or age verification methods for use in situations where those new obligations apply, though it has suggested various techniques, including two dubious ones: the uploading of documentary evidence and/or live selfies, in the hope that this will limit child access to pornography and “gratuitous violence” online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUMV3X5OZ5B2RCP4XQY2TFULEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879417},"content":"Information obtained as part of this process cannot be used to profile users for advertising purposes, it stresses. But this element of the code is controversial. The regulator is asking users to place their trust in platforms that no one has much reason to trust.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5KOFH2KMNEZHNKOPR2C4TATI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879418},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán is not a content moderator, nor an appeals body for moderation decisions made by platforms. But it can accept complaints about their systems and processes. It will track particular issues and it will not be afraid to sanction, it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXPQRLPGX5AXDGKOKJZB3WFQD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879419},"content":"One of the difficulties here is fatigue: our fatigue. Users are so jaded by platforms’ see-no-evil complaints mechanisms, that many have given up reporting hate speech and other harmful content. Digital services commissioner John Evans hopes people will try to get past this. “There is value in reporting,” he says. If nothing else, it triggers platforms’ legal obligations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CABRBAJRHZBKFDQHYF66ZT6QTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729529879420},"content":"The regulator is seeking “a step-change in platform behaviour”, says Hodnett. The effort involved is considerable. But amid an explosion of ever more sophisticated <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) tools, the lag between cultural change and the starting gun on regulators’ race to catch up is grimly clear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"576PXK7NYNAUPKNYYWJDZZBJSQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Laura Slattery"}},"name":"Laura Slattery"}]},"description":{"basic":"Coimisiún na Meán’s online safety code is as much about what it doesn’t do as what it does"},"display_date":"2024-10-21T17:24:13.371Z","headlines":{"basic":"Regulating social media is an impossible job but someone has got to at least 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Tech"}}}},{"_id":"TYTMTT4TC5F4LOKL2HFQHGRMOA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":212,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f56f032a-151e-483e-ba88-1d2e34be292c/versions/1729508741/media/f8c4614c93b88fd6ed014411fcb5a6cc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/online-safety-code-will-bring-end-to-era-of-social-media-self-regulation-media-regulator-vows/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729502984286},"content":"The media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a> has published its online safety code, promising “an end to the era of social media self-regulation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBVD2UVA6BEUZEBCH4EG2RLXIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729509010756},"content":"The code is a legally binding set of rules regulating content on video-sharing platforms with their EU headquarters in Ireland, with the expressed aim of protecting users from harmful content.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILSCN65L7JBBRBYHXLGA3WMZZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746853},"content":"Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit will be obliged to comply with the new code, or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPQFLDE3DBHULIPDWLHYJ4R3XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115405},"content":"Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Niamh Hodnett, Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Commissioner, said she hoped the new code would prompt “behavioural change” at social media platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LNBSX2LIREOJM3U4DRW6IKW4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746854},"content":"“For too long, people have felt that the online world was the Wild West, or there are no effective measures in place [to tackle harmful 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violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWJZDJUL3NHCNAMTZIJFF2KYEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115410},"content":"The code does not mandate a particular age verification method, although self-declaration alone “is not sufficient” to comply with its rules, Ms Hodnett said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YKOGNQ4RRFJJDJIFYGXPHY36U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746857},"content":"Platforms must also offer users channels whereby they can report breaches of the code, and must subsequently act on those reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HLB2NVAOARA4NC5GSNWSNZCHMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729521074428},"content":"General obligations of the code will come into effect from next month, but platforms will enjoy a grace period before some more detailed provisions are enforced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRNTX7DCYVA45LZWR3SZYJJRZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746860},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán will take a “supervisory approach” to enforcing the code, according to the regulator, “ensuring that platforms implement appropriate systems to comply with the provisions of the code”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7YKOGNQ4RRFJJDJIFYGXPHY36U","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746857},"content":"John Evans, Coimisiún na Meán’s Digitial Services Commissioner, said the regulator’s role was to ensure that platforms operate mechanisms where content can be reported by users.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GBRGSNJJRDSZC6RPAEBDUYBWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115415},"content":"Ms Hodnett said all platforms engaged with Coimisúin na Meán during the development of the code, but noted that “engagement is a very different matter to compliance”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHBB7YEXBNGU5IZUFM6EVDWEVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115416},"content":"Tumblr and Reddit both challenged the regulator’s decision to subject them to the new rules outlined by the code, but the High Court in June threw their separate cases out. Ms Hodnett said Reddit is currently appealing that decision in the Court of Appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDDP4XEDJNGBRAJGGWXJN4VNWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746861},"content":"Una Fitzpatrick, director of Ibec’s Technology Ireland interest group, said the tech industry “strongly supports a co-regulatory approach to achieve the protection of all users, including children and young people, from harmful online content”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4BN67MMJZFPFJ4XWSI5UZAR2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115418},"content":"A spokeswoman for TikTok said: “We welcome Coimisiún na Meán’s adoption of the Online Safety Code.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJITVLBYZZFL5EZSJJCYYKUAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729531115419},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris said the new code will send “a strong message to social media platforms that they will be held accountable for how they protect those who use their sites from harmful video content”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQCMGPB5L5H2FHG5PHAGYB74HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746865},"content":"Minister for Media Catherine Martin said in a statement that the adoption of the code is a “major step forward in online safety”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDDP4XEDJNGBRAJGGWXJN4VNWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746861},"content":"The online safety code was developed following the enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. The code gives effect to certain obligations to the State outlined in the European Commission’s Audiovisual Media Servcies Directive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQHAXKVNZFCPNG57J4RXFFJ2CQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729507746862},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Fiachra Gallagher"}},"name":"Fiachra Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"Coimisiún na Meán’s code will affect all video-sharing platforms with EU headquarters in Ireland"},"display_date":"2024-10-21T11:00:32.6Z","headlines":{"basic":"New online safety code to protect children on social platforms including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"37TJHJCFJMKIBG2BF3E53DPSHU","auth":{"1":"c76715720d89f007be79e5568653b5498421f7b050623d0520c2236d21acd82c"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/37TJHJCFJMKIBG2BF3E53DPSHU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/21/online-safety-code-will-bring-end-to-era-of-social-media-self-regulation-media-regulator-vows/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"GC2XQ6PDGNAITPMMNVIJMAYHNI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/17/meta-staff-fired-for-abusing-free-food-vouchers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7KSAPR3VSBGVRGJYJMT2GWMRT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354857},"content":"Meta has fired about two dozen staff in Los Angeles for using their $25 (€23) meal credits to buy household items including acne pads, wine glasses and laundry detergent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2ONPV3ZJZEMTMBR2Z7YDKNNLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354858},"content":"The terminations took place last week, just days before the $1.5 trillion social media company separately began restructuring certain teams across WhatsApp, Instagram and Reality Labs, its augmented and virtual reality arm, on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLKRFVS4FVCODG66MNDNHURJOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354859},"content":"The revamp has included cutting some staff and relocating others, several people familiar with the decisions said, in a sign that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg’s recent efficiency drive is still under way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOHOGZT3RNFL5CYTIKZGTFVUAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354860},"content":"Like most Big Tech companies, Meta offers free food to employees based out of its sprawling Silicon Valley headquarters as a perk. Staff based in smaller offices without a canteen are offered Uber Eats or Grubhub credits, for example, for food to be delivered to the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPD73STGZ5GJZMQ74DKSEUQMXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354861},"content":"Staff are given daily allowances of $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $25 for dinner, with meal credits issued in $25 increments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5CWS3P7RNDZJHGZ7XNC3OTV6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354862},"content":"Those who were fired were deemed to have abused the food credit system over a long period of time, said one person familiar with the matter. Some had been pooling their money together, they said, while others were getting meals sent home even though the credits were intended for the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLRF66KKAJH4TDABYKFZEZ3364","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354863},"content":"Those who only violated the company rules on occasion were reprimanded but not terminated, the person added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMQF2ZOUBJERHPADVEGKBIPC2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354864},"content":"In one post on anonymous messaging platform Blind, seen by the Financial Times, one former Meta staffer wrote they had used $25 credits on items such as toothpaste and tea from the pharmacy Rite Aid, adding: “On days where I would not be eating at the office, like if my husband was cooking or if I was grabbing dinner with friends, I figured I ought not to waste the dinner credit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUZ5B5FMW5DHPMW7ND7OADDAOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354865},"content":"The person, who indicated they had a salary of about $400,000 at Meta and worked “nights [and] weekends”, wrote they had admitted to the oversight when human resources investigated the practice, before later being unexpectedly fired. “It was almost surreal that this was happening,” the person wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3MUUNX5KHJCSNCUNMQQTXCYE6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354866},"content":"Blind verifies that a user works for a particular company but does not require them to disclose their identity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33VAATFVCFDTNCJL4OLSSTD3M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354867},"content":"Meta declined to comment on the firings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GOYNRBMTZJFCBPMLITSYESYYWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354868},"content":"However, the company said of the wider lay-offs: “Today, a few teams at Meta are making changes to ensure resources are aligned with their long-term strategic goals and location strategy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6LDYYTARZE6NGJ3YHVPFA2ILI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354869},"content":"It added: “This includes moving some teams to different locations, and moving some employees to different roles. In situations like this when a role is eliminated, we work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEETKU2X25HFJIZNDX5CID3QAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354870},"content":"Zuckerberg announced about 21,000 job cuts in two rounds of lay-offs in 2022 and 2023, dubbing the latter a “year of efficiency”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BTRMRAVGTRAPFHXGAOS6JHSYSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354871},"content":"He also cancelled low-priority projects in an attempt to boost sluggish growth and alleviate investor concern over his costly bet on the metaverse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CA7C5P465BCTVPVOZYWGLYXMZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729160354872},"content":"Wall Street has welcomed the cuts together with a renewed focus on artificial intelligence. The company’s shares are now trading around all-time highs of $577 each. – Copyright The Financial Times","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Staff given daily meal allowances for breakfast, lunch and dinner as a perk common in Big Tech companies"},"display_date":"2024-10-17T10:31:48.323Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meta staff fired for misusing free food vouchers ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AWDLLO33GQHQCBJT2YXDJAH3U4","auth":{"1":"262f63e480b4eb9453a2c2a80bebf8b99426809b218dc652baa694455d184851"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AWDLLO33GQHQCBJT2YXDJAH3U4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/17/meta-staff-fired-for-abusing-free-food-vouchers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"GC76GK4MERAZBDUEMO4YIPIHIA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":327,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f03c9e15-309a-4db4-b307-a84648e88665/versions/1729102226/media/374e6c51d03efbc59385888d351031bb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/10/17/investors-should-be-wary-of-teslas-robotaxi-hype/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PY4T53YPP5FXDHEANUXUSN5OJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113341},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> has said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a>’s valuation could go as high as $5 trillion (€4.6 trillion) as it pivots to autonomous driving and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) – seven times its value today. The company’s shares are down more than 10 per cent in the past week after its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/10/11/elon-musk-unveils-teslas-long-promised-cybercab/\" target=\"_blank\">robotaxi event</a> disappointed investors. But even if Tesla had delivered on the hype, should robotaxis be that big a deal for investors today?","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3IQKIFGYZEFTK7ACEVDUTJRS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113347},"content":"Despite recent declines, Tesla shares trade at 80 times forward earnings – a steep premium to global peers. That reflects hopes that its heavy AI spending will make it a key beneficiary of a shift to fully self-driving cars and that the transformation will arrive fairly quickly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAT5LS5IYJG4VHHDC2FF6FYJCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729088323498},"content":"But the pay-off is likely to take much longer than expected, with the beneficiaries spread out over a wide range of industries and companies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NM3PNT6ENBB3LDASBZ3BOCNEWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113348},"content":"Robotaxis have the potential to be transformative – should they become mainstream. For that to happen, mass production and commercialisation must come first, which will mean many more years of development and testing. It could also require a whole new approach to car manufacturing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISTCLZXSOJBX7IFMEZPQSHZZC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113349},"content":"Musk did not provide details on the technology behind the robotaxis or how he would cut the cost of self-driving cars. The latter is key: carmakers need to offer a compelling cost advantage for customers and robotaxi operators to justify the cost per mile of an unproven technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKF6GSGWPZH7JJSDJRUL2EEUPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113350},"content":"Critics have been sceptical about how soon Tesla’s promised self-driving taxi, priced under $30,000, less than its cheapest Model 3, will hit markets. It has taken Chinese tech group Baidu, which operates fully driverless cabs in China, seven years of development, extensive road testing and six generations of robotaxis to get its latest model down to around $28,500.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIWKD2E2DBC3XMIJCQHA5HSJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113351},"content":"For now, the economic argument for robotaxis remains weak. There is a limit to how low costs can go because of the high prices of the cameras, radars, chips and lidar sensors that are in them. Traditional automakers would need to invest heavily in software development to catch up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7T2OTYKI55GZZJAM6UTTHA3DWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"ANRNDHDE3BBIPCDELSU7SBIUGQ"},"content":"Elon Musk’s Tesla teams up with China’s Baidu for driver assistance","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KZ3TEPACDRBP5CDV3ETTAT2N4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113352},"content":"Mass adoption is also a long way off. Development and testing will take time. Addressing safety concerns will require even more. Operating driverless cars on highways and in urban environments, with pedestrians, animals, bicycles and other hard-to-predict obstacles, comes with a high safety bar.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TL2USDTCLBA4JOCLEHJFNTUXCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113353},"content":"Meanwhile, fares for robotaxi rides are typically lower than for traditional cabs. Robotaxi networks, which also need to provide cleaning and remote assistance, are not yet profitable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PGQ7GNZOVHJRJ7JKG6KUTLLNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729088323505},"content":"Baidu’s operation, which has completed seven million rides as of July, has yet to break even despite using its own robotaxis at rock-bottom prices. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waymo/\" target=\"_blank\">Waymo</a>, which runs more than 100,000 paid robotaxi rides per week in the US, is also loss-making. GM’s autonomous vehicle business, Cruise, booked a $5.8 billion loss from 2021 to 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4DEO5BM4RCQNBNJFELUD73FHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113354},"content":"With economic returns sufficiently uncertain, makers of self-driving cars will end up competing on cost for mass-market adoption. That could require a wholly different approach to making <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric vehicles</a> (EVs). Instead of each carmaker building their own from scratch, as Tesla is doing, outsourcing manufacturing will start making more sense. Standardising as much hardware production as possible and focusing on differentiation through software would squeeze costs down faster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24GZNCQUGRHETHYRG5SQAEOMCA","additional_properties":{"_id":"IITSFOTV7RFYHLR5HQEUNFMSO4"},"content":"Thinking of switching to an electric vehicle? Here’s what you need to consider","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LLWC2XR4TJF5RDHX2UOULEZAQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113355},"content":"Waymo, the driverless car company owned by Google’s parent company <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alphabet/\" target=\"_blank\">Alphabet</a>, is an example of the right path. It entered a partnership with Hyundai Motor this month to integrate Waymo’s fully autonomous technology into Hyundai’s EVs. Elsewhere, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/foxconn/\" target=\"_blank\">Foxconn</a>, the world’s largest contract assembler for Apple, has set up a platform to tailor-make EVs on contract, offering autonomous driving modifications.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S37J66TMZJGEDJSPWGZ2H5PLJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113356},"content":"Foxconn already supplies parts to EV makers including Tesla and makes EV car parts such as camera modules, electronic control units and sensors at high volumes. Its scale means stable, low-cost parts procurement for clients.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6TCN4UT5RH7LOYZSVWCME2AUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729088323509},"content":"Such EV outsourcing is expected to reach $144 billion, or 3.2 million EVs, by 2030, according to Goldman Sachs. That also means new growth for suppliers of autonomous driving-related components, for which the total market is expected to hit as high as $80 billion by 2030, according to McKinsey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"36R5NFA35BH6NGQFTGUNI35PG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729067113357},"content":"Despite the impressive speed at which EVs and self-driving functions have progressed, great areas of the nascent technology, especially around safety and regulation, remain sketchy. Given all the present uncertainties, the adoption of robotaxis in everyday life is likely to remain slow and cautious. That path is one that investors should follow. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"June Yoon"}]},"description":{"basic":"The pay-off from fully self-driving cars is likely to take much longer than expected"},"display_date":"2024-10-17T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Investors should be wary of Tesla’s robotaxi hype","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XF7KMCBWJVRVOHM5PGKGX53DGM","auth":{"1":"1ece7d44fa5f1df309806f48490c5b7181e3b18005f375af4a3d189876a53637"},"focal_point":{"x":1341,"y":2159},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XF7KMCBWJVRVOHM5PGKGX53DGM.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2024/10/17/investors-should-be-wary-of-teslas-robotaxi-hype/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"DNIANKBXGJEXNGZV52MHWFZRSI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/10/10/competition-and-the-clock-how-google-plans-to-deflect-and-delay-a-historic-break-up-threat/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TJ3X3BASMNES7HZCUYHCTBXOJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600277},"content":"A court-ordered break-up of Google would be unprecedented in modern American corporate history, delivering a blow to the Big Tech company that even Microsoft ultimately dodged when it lost its own US antitrust case two decades ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2ODNQ7ALJFWBEVVPFN6H3JDTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600278},"content":"Yet for the legal team tasked with mounting Google’s response to the potential sanctions that the Department of Justice revealed on Tuesday night, the case could hardly have landed at a better time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TEW2R5H6ZDUDJ563F7L2HR7ZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600279},"content":"Google’s initial response to the DoJ’s proposals — that competition is “thriving” in search ads and “fierce” in artificial intelligence — would have been less convincing even two years ago, before OpenAI’s launch of the breakthrough ChatGPT chatbot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O57DJ3CE65CLXESYNXXHMCTHVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600280},"content":"Spinning out its arguments through the appeals courts will be crucial to Google’s strategy as it looks to deflect or delay the effects of August’s landmark ruling by a federal judge that it maintained an illegal monopoly by paying billions of dollars to device makers, mobile carriers and browser developers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5UR3WORK5GITI3WOYGE46IRHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600281},"content":"The legal timelines involved in such a complex and high-stakes case are likely to allow Google to put off any impact on its business for years. It plans to appeal the liability decision when the judge rules on remedies, which is likely to be in mid-2025, and may then also contest the remedies themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2PQ232HOC5CU3DUZQN5CBOBYN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600282},"content":"Google executives are feeling a degree of whiplash after a period of heightened anxiety from investors that the company was falling behind in the AI race, just as it faced three separate lawsuits accusing it of abusing its dominance in search, advertising and mobile platforms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"23KEQJYAGNGXTEL2HROKHQWCGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600283},"content":"With new search advertising competitors, such as Amazon and TikTok, emerging and widespread disruption to its core business from AI start-ups, including OpenAI and Perplexity, Google can argue that it is facing the stiffest competition since Microsoft’s Bing launched 15 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KTLDQ6W7BG5HGZO65YU5XC5JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600284},"content":"On Tuesday, for example, Google pointed to an Emarketer forecast that its share of US search advertising spending would fall below 50 per cent next year for the first time since the research group started tracking the market in 2008 — primarily due to rapid growth in Amazon’s marketing business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFH5OJOBKRCQBIWIDIB4LCEL5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600285},"content":"However, the DoJ successfully made the case that Google monopolises a narrower market for general search engines, making Amazon’s inroads irrelevant from the court’s point of view. Google still handles more than 90 per cent of online search queries, according to StatCounter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCMCMRCWSNFTNF5Z3UBBCOMULI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600286},"content":"Broadly, Google’s argument focuses on what it describes as regulatory “over-reach” following a case about the impact of its distribution agreements. Forcing it to divest assets or share data with competitors would “go far beyond the specific legal issues in this case”, it said in a blog post on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQGNJKGYT5BGBN3F5VEOWSF4LU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600287},"content":"Requiring Google to split off its Chrome browser or Android operating system, or other “structural” remedies, would “tilt the field at the precise moment that competition is thriving”, the company said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFZGO3FOINEYXJF2T2IW26GY7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600288},"content":"Instead, Google would prefer any remedies to focus on the contracts it strikes with the likes of Apple and Mozilla, the Firefox browser maker, the company said. Even then, Google argues it should still be allowed to pay those partners for distribution, as long as those deals do not demand exclusivity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQK6T5GQ75A4RIV4K7BI26NGBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600289},"content":"John Kwoka, professor at Northeastern University, disagreed, saying Google was “a complicated company that has an awful lot of operating levers to achieve what it wants, and so it needs to be matched with an equally wide set of complementary remedies, up through and including divestitures where necessary”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UH3ZSGNBSZECFI2FQF7LDWRTTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600290},"content":"He pointed to a long history of companies evading the effects of regulators’ “conduct” remedies — a risk raised by the DoJ, which warned that “mechanisms and incentives for circumvention are endless”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZVJXALAJBDK5PLR722DFZQ6EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600291},"content":"“This filing is an important stake in the ground and says ‘if we need to, we’re going to take a crack at this’,” Kwoka said. The DoJ was likely to argue that structural remedies were “necessary, that nothing else will work”, he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LC2CCTOLQ5AKVEXUXSXOAWIZCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600292},"content":"Google has meanwhile invoked the spectre of AI competition from China — without mentioning the country directly — to argue that weakening the Silicon Valley company would amount to undermining the US on the international stage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBO5KW2VRVHYBFX3DBFM6MWOSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600293},"content":"Forcing it to share the “secret sauce” behind its search engine, such as data and algorithms, could put sensitive consumer information in the hands of China’s Baidu or Russia’s Yandex, Google suggested. Such companies might not uphold its own standards of privacy or security, it added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJX2IUXDVZCP7FKBZDIVFYUT44","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600294},"content":"“Government over-reach in a fast-moving industry may have negative unintended consequences for American innovation and America’s consumers,” it wrote in its blog post. “It’s hard to think of a technology more important for America’s technological and economic leadership [than AI].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJ6HN5T27RGXFJ2PGFUG3JZS5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600295},"content":"The DoJ saw things differently, arguing that the company’s “ability to leverage its monopoly power to feed artificial intelligence features ... risks further entrenching Google’s dominance”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NV3KMNU2VDSBGLQ4RVYGSGVOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600296},"content":"The company is likely to appeal its antitrust cases all the way up to the US Supreme Court. “This is the start of a long process,” it said in Tuesday’s blog post.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDPTIZ2465F25INERMKOYIOXNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600297},"content":"Yet Jason Kint, a Big Tech critic who leads the Digital Content Next trade group of online publishers, said it was not a given that the Supreme Court would take up the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVSQ2I6EMNBSLKLNTLUNSYLJYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600298},"content":"He estimated that it could take two or three years for any remedies to be enforced if the case proceeds through the courts, adding: “The reality is Google is racking up [legal] losses, they have a difficult set of facts along with spoliation from purging evidence and they may try to settle or proactively make moves to control the outcome.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IR37DNG72JFWNJUB5TOLU6H7UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600299},"content":"The case is one of the most high-profile legal challenges overseen by Jonathan Kanter, one of the progressive antitrust officials appointed by President Joe Biden who has clamped down on anticompetitive conduct across the US economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DM6NTHSKJVDOTALPFXDSPFFIUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600300},"content":"Considering Google’s willingness to file appeals against the judge’s ruling, Kanter may no longer be heading the DoJ’s antitrust division by the time the case reaches completion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSE5T5WBIZGI3GAKSHJLF7MSRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600301},"content":"November’s presidential election could also affect the outcome. Microsoft was able to reach a settlement with the George W Bush administration in 2001, less than a year after the Republican president had been elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4255URTQXZCS5PQDSHTCYRPHNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600302},"content":"However, any new Republican administration next year may not necessarily threaten the tougher policy introduced under Biden. Big Tech has attracted bipartisan ire in Washington in recent years, and a new generation of populist conservatives — including JD Vance, Republican candidate Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick — have praised Washington’s more aggressive antitrust stance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A3VMWJZQHVH4BHU5GYZ2PAFONM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600303},"content":"A second Trump White House may avoid undermining the Google search case in particular as it was originally filed during his first administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ABUPI55LJHL7MXPEMSVRJTXX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600304},"content":"There was a possibility that new DoJ officials might “go soft” on remedies or in a potential appeals process, Kwoka said, citing Trump’s unpredictability and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s apparent openness to meeker antitrust policy. But, he added, “Big Tech doesn’t have the deference it did five years ago from either party, so ... some version of this will probably go ahead.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUFB4GSMHNAY3ELCTCG5L4VCQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600305},"content":"Google also faces other threats. Earlier this week, a California judge ordered it to open Android to rivals so they can create their own app marketplaces to compete with Google Play. The DoJ is separately suing Google for its alleged monopolistic control over digital advertising.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TJVIHBK5RCQPJAEH3YOZTX3SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600306},"content":"Yet, despite these blows, Wall Street’s reaction has been sanguine. Shares in Alphabet, Google’s parent company, fell only 1.5 per cent on Wednesday, leaving its market capitalisation just below $2tn, and maintaining its position as the world’s fourth-largest listed company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HE2QYGAQLBFIFOOGK45H2ZOWEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600307},"content":"The DoJ’s proposal “goes a mile wide and an inch deep”, analysts at Bernstein said: “As expected, the remedy set was far-reaching and light on specifics, though we remind readers that this is only the first inning of the battle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXGJDCTUGZD2XIBCEDHMPBA2N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728542600308},"content":"– Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Tim Bradshaw"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Morris"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stefania Palma"}]},"description":{"basic":"Search group claims regulators are overreaching just as foreign and domestic rivals are gaining ground"},"display_date":"2024-10-10T06:44:36.613Z","headlines":{"basic":"Competition and the clock: how Google plans to deflect and delay a historic break-up threat","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AKD2GR5T3YZMZ7GVICBKB4S3DY","auth":{"1":"99ff330c21606eba728eff947e0de718c343ae794ebbdb9e4916c2e4471cd794"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AKD2GR5T3YZMZ7GVICBKB4S3DY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/2024/10/10/competition-and-the-clock-how-google-plans-to-deflect-and-delay-a-historic-break-up-threat/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Technology"}}}},{"_id":"XWCHHFYC4VAMPETGYQ5GMOI7AI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/2024/10/10/what-online-scams-should-we-be-on-the-lookout-for/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727981584079},"content":"It feels a bit like the scams are coming thick and fast these days. If it’s not criminals trying to clean out your bank account, it is hackers trying to get into your online accounts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EYIYR63BVAIDOXUZ7UAUOPEYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452634},"content":"This week alone, I’ve won several million in an electronic sweepstake, had a surprise tax credit I must claim on my account, and at least two phone calls claiming to be from Revolut about my bank account. All clearly fake, in this case, but the scams are getting better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMBR3B55ZNE63FU3BPSH5MCLGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452635},"content":"So what scams should we be on the lookout for, and how can we avoid falling victim to them?","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPRFN2VHLRHTZOIRUH2LJUAIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630450},"content":"WhatsApp scammers","type":"header"},{"_id":"7WKHTLU2CVF27CKCNCASE4C254","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630451},"content":"We got used to being targeted by well-meaning representatives of long-dead relatives, or opportunistic businessmen claiming to have a fortune waiting for the right investor (ie you). So now that the scams are coming from what we thought was a trusted contact, it can be a little disconcerting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T44SEYNZHBCSDPOYENCSJKK57Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630452},"content":"Take the recent WhatsApp scam, for example. A resurgence of an old trick, the main aim is to gain access to your WhatsApp account, and by extension your contacts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7W73FLAH5B7DECQQ5LVKJMGY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452639},"content":"When Sarah [not her real name] got a message from a family member asking for a security code he had “accidentally” sent to her, she was instantly suspicious. Something about the message didn’t ring true, so she messaged back, inquiring further. In the meantime, a text message from WhatsApp arrived, with a security code.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QH32FPO4WJEE3LACM4HQAOSWR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452640},"content":"If that hadn’t confirmed her suspicions, the contact with the scammers certainly had. Several messages in, she knew it wasn’t her friend she was talking to, and any calls she placed through WhatsApp went unanswered, despite the account clearly being online. So she called him through a regular voice service, and he confirmed that he had been locked out of his account after falling for the same scam. It took a couple of hours to get back into the account, but by then the scammer had sent the same urgent request for help to all of his WhatsApp contacts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XZZBHDTX4JBCPFHVGH3Q2ZD5HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452641},"content":"It isn’t always as obvious though, especially if you are distracted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFA6UKAKYVAPXEH7GEEEKBQNLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452642},"content":"It has become so widespread that the National Cyber Security Centre issued a warning about the scam a few weeks ago, outlining what users should do to avoid it, and next steps if they have fallen victim to it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U52X6LXXMBB4RKEZ3SBDZTVLXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452643},"content":"The motivation behind the scam varies. At best, it puts your contacts’ details at risk of being compromised by scammers; at worst, it could lead to financial loss or reputational damage for businesses who use WhatsApp to communicate with customers. And the latter should also be aware of the GDPR obligations on data breaches. Once the scammer has access to your WhatsApp account they can then repeat the process with your contacts, in the hopes of hooking someone else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPBXJINQ7JFNRDBRVO2IMPHOCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452644},"content":"If you are hit by this scam, your first contact should be to WhatsApp directly. You can contact the company via email at support@whatsapp.com. The NCSC also recommends contacting An Garda <i>Síochána</i>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBLBANU6CFH75GBFBW2EYVPH3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452645},"content":"How to avoid it","type":"header"},{"_id":"N5R7AO5SQBC4LDRK5IRWZKWYX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452646},"content":"Be suspicious, especially if the request is unusual or seems urgent. Scammers try to play on our fears and desire to help loved ones; it is okay to take a minute or two to verify a request.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEKBT45JENBYRKRIEREW36B6V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452647},"content":"Use two factor authentication on your WhatsApp account. This will allow you to set a passcode on your account that only you know. If you want to transfer your WhatsApp account to a new phone, you will need to enter the passcode to do so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZG3X5PFJ5FKXMZZ7LQ6HZRWLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727982630454},"content":"Never hand over your security codes to anyone, even if the message seems to come from a friend. And if in doubt, call the person who is asking for the information – but do it outside of WhatsApp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QP54HZ3Q35ECNMQP62GBL2AEF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452649},"content":"Customs charges","type":"header"},{"_id":"5D2LCLFITVAXPJSB74C62K7LV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452650},"content":"Ah, Brexit. If it is not causing queues at Dover and delays on deliveries, it is changing the grocery shopping aisles across the Border. It has also been fertile ground for scam artists. A bit of disruption plays right into the hands of fraudsters, who will exploit it to their advantage. And for people who regularly receive packages from the UK, there certainly has been a lot of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAS2DHPVOZANXPLCHLHYADAKCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452651},"content":"The flow of messages informing you about your package stuck at customs may have slowed a bit, but as Christmas approaches, expect it to ramp up again. You know the drill by now: a text arrives to tell you that you have a package with customs charges due, and here is the link that allows you to pay. Oh, and if you don’t pay by [insert terrifyingly close date here], your package will be returned without delivery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKEJVJW5WJC45OFNO42V3S4VHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452652},"content":"So you follow the link to what looks like a genuine site, pay the fee and no package arrives. But mysterious charges begin appearing on your account.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNO5LFAKMVGUVOUO7KOCSS4QO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452653},"content":"What to do now? If you suspect you have been scammed, alert your bank. They can help you take the necessary steps to secure your account. You may also want to contact An Garda <i>Síochána</i>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYLCR474KJC3VLSSWHP5MSJMU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452654},"content":"How to avoid it","type":"header"},{"_id":"RHXB25DGZVFWXH6TNHR7QIJRUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452655},"content":"To avoid falling for the scam, never click a link that arrives in a text message. The fake websites have become very good at mimicking the genuine article, so it isn’t as easy to tell at first glance if a message is a fraud or not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XJ32ZPRWZAUHMKRA4WAP2Q3JM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452656},"content":"If you do get a message alerting you to customs charges due, visit the delivery company’s website by typing the address – DHL, DPD, An Post, FedEx – into the address bar. All requests for customs payment will have a reference or tracking number included in the text; put that into the website, and if it is a genuine delivery, it will show up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BCAX7KQKFG4RCQFNYWO4Q25YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452657},"content":"Deals","type":"header"},{"_id":"KMPIUWN4IZEKTKQF3TMFXVIZBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452658},"content":"When John [not his real name] was looking for a specific gift for his granddaughter, it was proving extremely hard to find in real-world stores. But a website based in Dublin showed that they had it in stock, and it wasn’t too expensive, so he ordered it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMK25IFVZJH3RI4GP4VDIIFVS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452659},"content":"The payment option seemed odd – PayPal, but not as “goods and services” which one expect when buying from a trader – but he didn’t want to miss out, so he sent the money. The promised toy never arrived. And because he hadn’t paid for the transaction as goods and services, he had little recourse to claiming his money back. The website disappeared shortly afterwards too, confirming – as if there was any doubt – that this was a scam.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4IKT2LSMWNCHRBCHP2UERNDS7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452660},"content":"John views it as a cheap lesson. All the warning signs were there, he says, but he ignored them. Chalk this one up to experience and move on, and next time he will listen to his instincts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMC325P7HZCWZGEHPPENYLKT7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452661},"content":"How to avoid it","type":"header"},{"_id":"PM7AHOG3BBGILNRD7SL5YU47IE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452662},"content":"In this case, it was a small amount of money. But small sums add up to a nice profit for scammers. The main lesson here is that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Do your homework on the retailer in question; a quick search online could reveal previous complaints of scams. And never pay for goods from a business (alleged or otherwise) as anything other than “goods and services” on PayPal, if you want to be covered by its fraud protection policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7UPKEZPWZH5NLRSV5BDATXB4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452663},"content":"Other scams to be wary of","type":"header"},{"_id":"SDO5OBB5LZAXFGFIBZPK56G3PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452664},"content":"Tax credits: A text claiming to be from MyGov, alerting you that your “preapproved” tax credit can’t be processed, and directing you to a scam site to resolve it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NSV4JTT7JRHNTDZBZ6TQIQDEVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452665},"content":"Phone plans: A scam text claims your phone service will be disabled as you have not accepted new terms of service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2S34D3VDCFEXLC6N6YKSSN5UZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728289452666},"content":"Hi Mum: A text message claiming to be from a family member, saying they have smashed or lost their phone, and this is their new contact number. Inevitably followed by a request for financial help.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V34BDHLQS5EGHJGCHGK7Q6ZHC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"And how can we avoid falling victim to them?"},"display_date":"2024-10-10T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The online scams to avoid in Ireland: A new WhatsApp trick, MyGov texts and what to look out for","native":"Online scams: How to avoid having your WhatsApp account taken over by a scammer"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GXTJA4MXBZCTZDKLMVX7LHQ4VQ","auth":{"1":"53b75f7a639900754b89f42d3f972d2948e844066145dd50f61be1c7abc295bb"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GXTJA4MXBZCTZDKLMVX7LHQ4VQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big 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of justice on Tuesday and comes after federal prosecutors won a landmark case in August, when a judge ruled Google had violated US antitrust law and branded the company a “monopolist”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFLYOQOT7BEVVHD4LQZSQFEEU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538301},"content":"In a court document detailing the sanctions that the DoJ might seek from Amit Mehta, the judge presiding over the case, prosecutors said they were “considering behavioural and structural remedies” that would prevent Google from using products such as the Chrome browser, Play app store and Android operating system to give its search engine an edge over competitors or new entrants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQAMJRTC6FDPNE2YEXOCBTSTLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538302},"content":"The DoJ could also seek to force Google to share users’ search data with rivals and restrict its ability to use search results to train new generative artificial intelligence models and products.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFJYCEXUXNAZZHFEAMPAJFUXGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538303},"content":"A break-up of Google would reorder a search market in which the company handles more than 90 per cent of online queries and would transform a business that has made its parent company, Alphabet, one of the most valuable in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TL6MWZKCBC7HPKSVI3AA3A5LY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538304},"content":"“For more than a decade, Google has controlled the most popular distribution channels, leaving rivals with little-to-no incentive to compete for users,” the DoJ said. “Fully remedying these harms requires not only ending Google’s control of distribution today, but also ensuring Google cannot control the distribution of tomorrow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVBGL22Z3BEQTLXQD4PDQX65MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538305},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RK6UEJA3NFBHFFQ4O4CQIBKSWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538306},"content":"In August, Judge Mehta ruled that Google had spent tens of billions of dollars on exclusive deals to maintain an illegal dominance over search.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHHDP4QKCFA3LMS3Q22KZRH2CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538307},"content":"Google hit back at the proposed remedies, calling them “radical and sweeping”, beyond the scope of the legal issues in the case and a threat to “consumers, businesses and American competitiveness”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHJY6ARCSZA73HQY2TOUBVZTDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538308},"content":"Shares of Alphabet were little changed in after-hours trading on Tuesday and have risen 19 per cent this year to give it a market value of $2 trillion (€1.8 trillion), the fourth largest for a listed company in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ITNJ4UGDBFZ5LN7LQFQT55E3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538309},"content":"The Google case could potentially be the biggest antitrust victory for the DoJ since a judge ordered the break-up of Microsoft 24 years ago for illegally squashing competition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CMMKXFEHWRAFXJE7OEYFSZDU5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538310},"content":"However, that ruling was overturned on appeal a year later, making the Google lawsuit a second chance for the DoJ to fundamentally dismantle a Big Tech company’s dominance of a key sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIQ67MJ5VRH6FNFH7M7OEGCG4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538311},"content":"As part of the second phase of the Google trial, the DoJ and Google are set to file their proposed final judgments and witness lists on November 20th and December 20th, respectively.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGV7XWRDPBFJJNYGE23N3ZODGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538312},"content":"Judge Mehta has set hearings for the remedy requests in April and has said he aims to hand down a decision by August 2025. Google has vowed to appeal against the decision as far as the US supreme court, which could take years longer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHUIHJOI7FDSHL3EFCFI6W7VXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538313},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5V27VP47RDMDIMUSZNGP26DHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538314},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVXWV4HGVFDF3MHREZ3FECXJPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538315},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"T26EW34LOBEALH72JEIU2Z2JEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538316},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MU6T2F2EEBARRDOZ2DKJBNU2LI","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538317},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"CC264VDERBCI5C2ABFFVLQATE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538318},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNRYW4CERNBUJM2IWQ5BD4HEAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538319},"content":"The second phase of the trial will be a critical test for Jonathan Kanter, who inherited the case and has ushered in a tougher enforcement policy in the past three years as head of the DoJ’s antitrust unit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQ5R5J46URARPGZTP7VEFUR5ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1728487538320},"content":"Mr Kanter has sued Apple and has a second case against Google’s ad tech business in progress. Big Tech critic Lina Khan, chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission, has challenged Amazon and Meta in separate cases. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stefania Palma"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Morris"}]},"description":{"basic":"Justice department could seek ‘structural remedies’ such as forced product sales after judge’s ruling of illegal monopoly in search"},"display_date":"2024-10-09T15:34:29.199Z","headlines":{"basic":"US weighs Google break-up in landmark antitrust case","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3S2CBJIXOXADQT72QBR5ABPPHE","auth":{"1":"d4144d41c11d354717af2f5ef6be7aa4baa5949c62f3553e2f79c7900dbb31fd"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3S2CBJIXOXADQT72QBR5ABPPHE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/09/us-weighs-google-break-up-in-landmark-antitrust-case/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"XACILE2LYRCJTEAYMQ643NKKPA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":179,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f0e3687b-8986-4d39-ab32-e4e0c644b7d8/versions/1728055416/media/e779d7a092b523a4ff8aa5e8ed73f456_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/06/budget-2025-had-more-to-say-about-aib-than-ai/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IKKZVWCXNFC5DGRJQYMIOY23HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812700},"content":"Two words were missing in action in the budget day speeches of Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and his designated driver, Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Paschal Donohoe: artificial intelligence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOIL2XTOQBB57HJH3B7CMEEUPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812701},"content":"This is likely a good sign. Generative AI in particular – in other words, large language models (LLMs) from ChatGPT onwards – have been the locus of intense hype, propelling a raft of tech companies with a fair chance of profiting from the upside to wild new stock market valuations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTBWEOZCIND4RKBYTABIX2DPDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812702},"content":"That much of the business model of LLMs hangs on the wholesale theft of intellectual property doesn’t seem to bother too many people beyond the relatively powerless creative community. It certainly doesn’t seem to be on the radar of too many politicians. Sure, it would be nice to think that both regulators’ concerns and investors’ second thoughts might mount in line with the various lawsuits, but that’s far from guaranteed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5EDE4WFSZA3DESBW5UJIK36A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812703},"content":"To date, there has been little evidence of any checks and balances. The EU’s AI Act is a regrettably confused mess. In the US, a proposed Californian AI safety law, dubbed an anti-deepfake bill, has been blocked by state governor Gavin Newsom amid intense pressure from technology companies reluctant to comply with even cursory governmental oversight, or concede the principle that they should.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6DHU3SFJVDLTA2MAEG74UPTMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812704},"content":"In the UK though, one of the first things Keir Starmer did after becoming prime minister was pull the plug on a £1.3 billion (€1.55 billion) investment in AI drawn up by Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives; he’s made up for it since with plenty of AI rhetoric, lest anyone think the UK less innovative than AI-friendly governments in France and Germany.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZJHJECN3RBIFHLOI7XHIE36ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812705},"content":"Last week, Starmer suggested that London “stands on the foothills of a productivity revolution, powered by AI”, which makes AI sound like the magic remedy for economic stagnation. The cliched phrase “game-changer”, meanwhile, is often invoked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKHXGXN52BCIBJTTON7HTKXLNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812706},"content":"In this context, it is a blessed relief that Budget 2025 was, as it turns out, more about AIB than AI, and that rather than resorting to buzzwords, there was a sensible announcement that €1.5 billion would be released from the National Training Fund between now and 2030 to boost skills development across sectors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSSL3RJEG5GEVFTGIAQXYLIILM","additional_properties":{"_id":1728050812707},"content":"There will naturally be an AI-inflection to this. But there is a difference between recognising the need to support upskilling and lazily thinking that generative AI – and the Big Tech companies behind it – is the easy answer to everything.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSNEKINYZNGYDIWUBNU7SFUN7Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cantillon"}},"name":"Richard Cantillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Chambers or Donohoe can’t be accused of perpetuating the hype swirling around generative AI"},"display_date":"2024-10-06T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Budget 2025 had more to say about AIB than AI","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TAYCOP5TYZD6BP24JNE4MECGMY","auth":{"1":"1938a533b17ea26af0218f5243f134ae99eeaca2adf878a56a4a74e566a8ad73"},"focal_point":{"x":959,"y":618},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TAYCOP5TYZD6BP24JNE4MECGMY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/06/budget-2025-had-more-to-say-about-aib-than-ai/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"Z2CXA5TWONELRBVOIGCSXSSBIM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":172,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f1b7acdc-9907-4383-891b-dbc78fb2fcf9/versions/1727897304/media/b3c5aaadabee71425b8548406946c6a4_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/10/03/budget-pair-tread-softly-around-apple/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5NYDWBZEQFF3JDD33IICZQN3VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727880257456},"content":"There is a long standing superstition among thespians that you never refer to Shakespeare’s Macbeth by its name, instead calling it the Scottish play, due to some mythical curse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GHYGMFUBVA4FHTKXOGWMOMECY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727896772511},"content":"A similar affliction seemed to befall <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/budget/\" target=\"_blank\">budget</a> ministers <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-chambers/\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Chambers</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/author/paschal-donohoe/\" target=\"_blank\">Paschal Donohoe</a> on Tuesday as they gave <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2024/10/01/plans-for-transformational-apple-tax-money-to-be-announced-in-early-2025/\" target=\"_blank\">a vague outline of how the €14 billion Apple cash windfall</a> (it will go on housing, transport water and the electricity grid) would be put to use by the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QS5CE7BSY5GFVFNDC6TSLH4S7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1727881300935},"content":"Across almost 90 minutes of speeches, the pair never once mentioned <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple/\" target=\"_blank\">Apple</a> by name, instead referring to it on four separate occasions as either the “recent judgment” or “recent decision” from “the Court of Justice of the European Union”. Chambers didn’t even mention the €14 billion figure, perhaps not wanting to rile the tech giant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DPIBUOCRSFFYZKPDYJHYXSTMRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727881300936},"content":"An accompanying document on how the windfall might be used was blandly titled Use of the Escrow Receipt, A Framework . Some €14.1 billion is in the escrow account, which is invested in “highly credit rated and liquid fixed income instruments”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VYKGDKKHORFPFPPKRI5MDT42SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909379},"content":"The sum is the equivalent of just one year’s National Development Plan spending, the paper informs us. It also notes that since 2019, current expenditure has grown by 51 per cent to €105 billion, that the economy is at full employment and “one-off current spending would add to inflation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUSEYWXHLFDZXPCPXOEFJX3KLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909380},"content":"Some €2.2 billion was earmarked in Budget 2025 for one-off <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cost-of-living/\" target=\"_blank\">cost-of-living</a> measures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PX42RCAPGJEUTKPXZWL6SKHILM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909381},"content":"It describes Ireland’s narrow tax base as a “serious vulnerability”, adding that “near-term reductions in tax would add to demand and inflation”. A €1.4 billion package of tax cuts was included in this week’s budget.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3JXREUQ6FE6DCZELZOR373EDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909382},"content":"It also notes that with the economy at full-employment, the construction sector was “maxed-out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6AJKCVECOFE3ZBZ5BCDRAN7QI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909383},"content":"“In order to avoid fuelling inflation ... increased capital spending must be accompanied by control improvements: focus on value-for-money/productivity, improving planning infrastructure,” it adds. Good luck with that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RU625IH4LFDKHKQBCHDVRALOQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909384},"content":"On foreign direct investment here, it says “poor infrastructure has reduced Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for mobile FDI” and that “boosting the capital stock – especially strategic assets – would yield a significant return”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UK7GGDC7SNADFEGYS3EHLPVVTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909385},"content":"“This would send a positive signal to the multinational sector,” the paper adds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INJPWDZ7KRDYJLHQJEVQEOOFPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727892909386},"content":"Apple would probably just prefer to get its money back.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSNEKINYZNGYDIWUBNU7SFUN7Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cantillon"}},"name":"Richard Cantillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"They didn’t even mention the €14 billion figure, perhaps not wanting to rile the tech giant"},"display_date":"2024-10-03T05:15:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Budget pair tread softly around Apple","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SJOKHWZUCEJRWWKAP7Y4OX2BEY","auth":{"1":"fc6886b9aec70f63e62f3abbb8a70d7d2c01f4919f8d314a1782f4c339426491"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SJOKHWZUCEJRWWKAP7Y4OX2BEY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/10/03/budget-pair-tread-softly-around-apple/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"LMTYAUE3UVDGPJL2EZB2CJFBUY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/02/openai-closes-66-billion-funding-haul-with-investment-from-microsoft-and-nvidia/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EI4IUG6LNRAFNI2CBW5WKIU7SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952911},"content":"OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has raised $6.6 billion (€5.9 billion) from investors, which could value the company at $157 billion and cement its position as one of the most valuable private companies in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNRXZ57XO5GCTKWUATWV4TJABQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952920},"content":"The funding has attracted returning venture capital investors including Thrive Capital and Khosla Ventures, as well as OpenAI's biggest corporate backer Microsoft, and new participation from Nvidia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7KNUUMTIKFE23H6FCFOP4YIKRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952921},"content":"The closing of the funds coincides with the company’s continuing restructuring efforts and executive changes, including the abrupt departure of its long-time chief technology officer, Mira Murati, last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BS647ZGV2VCCPHMJF7CV42VX44","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952922},"content":"Altimeter Capital, Fidelity, SoftBank, and Abu Dhabi's state-backed investment firm MGX also participated in the round.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2X3GFYJ65AVDJT56D2Q5O3LSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952923},"content":"Thrive Capital, which committed about $1.2 billion from a combination of its own fund and a special purpose vehicle for smaller investors, also negotiated the option to invest another $1 billion next year at the same valuation if the AI firm hits a revenue goal, sources added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BONYEOAWIVEI3BAJJQZ7LQAEMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952924},"content":"Apple, which was in talks to invest in OpenAI, did not end up joining the funding, said sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JM3NTQ37NAMPPXXWD3RKKXX3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952925},"content":"The funding came in the form of convertible notes, and the conversion to equity hinges on a successful structural change into a for-profit that would no longer be controlled by the non-profit board and the removal of cap on returns for investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6HNU5CYBRDMHEVKGFK7XXFCGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952926},"content":"The personnel changes haven’t dampened enthusiasm from most investors, who are anticipating significant growth based on the projections by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and chief financial officer Sarah Friar.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YOQ3BQYCVGUZKJLYVSBAUWXJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952927},"content":"The company is on pace to generate $3.6 billion in revenue this year on mounting losses of more than $5 billion. It projects a big revenue jump next year to $11.6 billion, according to sources familiar with the figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB44VVSA7JATLJE6YDTMD5Q2BY","additional_properties":{"_id":"OHXHKGJR2RDOREY4V3PZ7VBP5Y"},"content":"OpenAI shifts to for-profit model, may give CEO Altman 7% stake","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RRZGFMUFFJDCBFL22E47KQKWQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952928},"content":"Investors have also secured some protections as OpenAI undergoes the complex corporate restructuring that would grant Altman equity. The talks are still in progress, and no timeline has been determined yet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F7N5R32ZXJAWNFOR3SE2SE2G4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952929},"content":"Investors have negotiated terms that would allow them to claw back their capital or renegotiate the valuation if the changes are not implemented within two years, sources said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VZOY7VBAWVBZJH7GLN5SIBIF6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952930},"content":"OpenAI's meteoric rise in terms of product popularity and valuation has captured the world's imagination. Since the launch of ChatGPT, it has attracted 250 million weekly active users. The company's valuation has also risen from $14 billion in 2021 to $157 billion as it grew revenue from zero to $3.6 billion, far exceeding Altman's own projections at the time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDO34UQQ3NGGFBO2NB42UFF474","additional_properties":{"_id":1727891952931},"content":"The company has told investors it is still actively pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI), meaning developing AI systems that surpass human intelligence, as it ramps up commercialisation and tries to be profitable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJS47E32BVHX3OO2MUTCOJDCBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727898581250},"content":"<i>– Reuters</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Krystal Hu"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company behind ChatGPT could now be valued at $157bn"},"display_date":"2024-10-02T18:09:26.865Z","headlines":{"basic":"OpenAI closes $6.6bn funding haul with investment from Microsoft and Nvidia","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IPMO2KRBRGDPLASHROQDXWYZKU","auth":{"1":"0947777d41dd7de95f95c3de8b51176e5107f50c6f2a5cf43198e60f2a60e91e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IPMO2KRBRGDPLASHROQDXWYZKU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/10/02/openai-closes-66-billion-funding-haul-with-investment-from-microsoft-and-nvidia/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"SEBZU3WYPZC55HJUHTY3GO3DFU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":126,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/1e29072e-6b81-4aa7-b163-f5161d90565f/versions/1727688371/media/194ccede95ce7fb94cc9f797eab8e10e_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/27/nvidia-signs-deal-to-work-with-irish-quantum-computing-company/","content_elements":[{"_id":"R57ENIXWDRC5BIZSGVWCGNTTJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727438125612},"content":"Irish quantum computing company Equal1 has signed a deal with US chipmaker giant Nvidia to work together on quantum computing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QNM5ZPEFVETBEUXVWXNKN4CLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727439478615},"content":"The groups signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on quantum technology use cases, business models, and proof of concept, with a particular focus on the integration and validation of quantum-classical infrastructure for cloud and data centre deployments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BHYHG2TABCBLED3YSC5OXIAZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727688364478},"content":"Equal1 has offices in Clonskeagh, Dublin, as well as the US, Canada, Romania, and the Netherlands.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6A4B6HI5Z5HTNFJIP2Q7HWS43I","additional_properties":{"_id":1727439478616},"content":"Nvidia reported in recent weeks that its revenues were up 122 per cent on a year ago and topped analyst expectations. The company has undergone massive swings on the stock market in recent months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYWPFFHJ5NHHHPQTFW7ENBYHIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727438125613},"content":"Equal1 chief executive Jason Lynch said he was “delighted” to collaborate with Nvidia “as we extend our support for and integration” with its software.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAOVZ3PPT5F2HJR4FZQ3FLWJO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727438125615},"content":"“We are particularly excited about the opportunity this presents to work with joint customers who see the potential of hybrid quantum classical silicon computers to deliver scalable quantum computing,” he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHZSIBTAJVHJ3COUD2NVEF2Q6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1727438125616},"content":"The collaboration was announced at Nvidia’s headquarters in Silicon Valley on Thursday, as part of an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the west coast of the US, led by Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment Peter Burke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDHJCXDCX5GBDDLBMFGNB7346Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727438125617},"content":"Enterprise Ireland chief executive Leo Clancy<b> </b>said:<b> </b>“Equal1 is a pioneering company that is revolutionising industries with its cutting-edge quantum computing technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2763DBIQIVA4DCI4UVEPSM3PWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727438125618},"content":"“Enterprise Ireland has supported Equal1 from the start of their journey and I was delighted to witness this very significant milestone today. 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We proactively flagged this issue to our lead regulator, the Irish Data Protection Commission, and have engaged constructively with them throughout this inquiry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZARXWPAJTFAGXDHE3HMQUA3DXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727450534916},"content":"The data protection regulator determined the company had failed to notify the DPC of a personal data breach concerning storage of user passwords in plaintext, as it was obliged to under GDPR. It also failed to document personal data breaches concerning the storage of user passwords in plaintext, and did not use appropriate measures to ensure the security of users’ passwords from unauthorised access.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6OUIFJIFFZGCJFNFR2PBJGOMK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727435677883},"content":"“It is widely accepted that user passwords should not be stored in plaintext, considering the risks of abuse that arise from persons accessing such data,” said deputy commissioner at the DPC, Graham Doyle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UUX2EGAE5GWLFDUQKDQ6N4D4M","additional_properties":{"_id":"LBFBBG3ORZGQDBVC72F3VCD2NI"},"content":"Budget 2025: Do you have a budget question you’d like answered? You can ask it here.","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QNFGD7JZHFFP7GSMV7X6WSTZEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727435677884},"content":"“It must be borne in mind, that the passwords [that were] the subject of consideration in this case, are particularly sensitive, as they would enable access to users’ social media accounts.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAGAEDFOJZHE7FSMUXA7EM3JVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727435677885},"content":"The commission said it will publish the full decision and further related information in due course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BR6UG5CQORARLIFBTQOSQOTJ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727450534921},"content":"The fine is the latest imposed by the DPC on Meta. The most significant penalty was imposed in May 2023, when Meta was fined a record €1.2 billion for violating European privacy rules, following a long investigation into transfers by Facebook of Europeans’ personal data to the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDILHYYHINGGTGPUNLT5GT6NIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727455326369},"content":"A fine of €265 million was imposed the year before over a “collated” set of Facebook personal data that had been uploaded onto an online forum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colin Gleeson"}},"name":"Colin Gleeson"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Social media group inadvertently stored certain passwords of social media users in ‘plaintext’ on its internal systems"},"display_date":"2024-09-27T11:20:45.755Z","headlines":{"basic":"Facebook owner Meta fined €91m by Irish Data Protection Commission","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4Q2I34YUMP5MX5QEJS7VI65ZUE","auth":{"1":"0b1c917acca2b5bc2c87d3f484368038e197278de5355f1096377a8d31059ab3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4Q2I34YUMP5MX5QEJS7VI65ZUE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/27/facebook-owner-meta-fined-91m-by-irish-data-protection-commission/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"G3PLX2DXPND6JDDZ5LJQLJ6OP4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":251,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a7f70f2e-3aba-4af4-b29f-7d2dd8d0023d/versions/1727440453/media/bc54246644bdf1814f3b193c10e6e846_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/27/intel-rebuffs-arm-approach-for-product-unit/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Z2VGHJKZQ5HRZB3YL2KESM2YFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780314},"content":"Arm Holdings approached Intel about potentially buying the ailing chipmaker’s product division, only to be told that the business isn’t for sale, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTWFN7CZPZEOJPBW22HGI3RHO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780315},"content":"In the high-level inquiry, Arm didn’t express interest in Intel’s manufacturing operations, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions were private. Intel has two main units: a product group that sells chips for personal computers, servers and networking equipment, and another that operates its factories.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26SOEMLJTNFFPO4BGLTJBTOLRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780316},"content":"Representatives for Arm and Intel declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXRWS2FJ2ZBIZNXMHODQC2RDUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780317},"content":"Intel, once the world’s largest chipmaker, has become the target of takeover speculation since a rapid deterioration of its business this year. The company delivered a disastrous earnings report last month – sending its shares on their worst rout in decades – and is slashing 15,000 jobs to save money. It’s also scaling back factory expansion plans and halting its long-cherished dividend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N32D7IKV4BBL7HAB5NVGR4CJ7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Arm’s move is the latest in a string of potential M&A events at Intel which could have significant ramifications for the 5,000 Irish-based staff, most of whom are in Leixlip. Rival chipmaker Qualcomm is reported to have weighed a takeover bid for the entire company, while private equity giant Apollo has also pitched a multibillion investment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3JC7WBBEZG65BKW3VK3CNLUFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780318},"content":"As part of its turnaround efforts, Intel is separating the chip product division from its manufacturing operations. The move is aimed at attracting outside customers and investors, but it also lays the groundwork for the company to be split up – something Intel has considered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OXRVNBY4XZHJPPAD5ZLG4ITCA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780319},"content":"Arm, which is majority-owned by SoftBank, makes much of its revenue selling chip designs for smartphones. But chief executive Rene Haas has sought to broaden its reach outside of that industry. That’s included a push into personal computers and servers, where its chip designs are going up against Intel’s. Though Intel doesn’t have the technological edge it once held, the Santa Clara, California-based company remains dominant in those markets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDGSQPOQ2BCN7MRKXW3E6QDLCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780320},"content":"Combining with Intel would help Arm’s reach and kick-start a move toward selling more of its own products. The company currently licenses technology and designs to customers, who then turn them into complete components. Its client list includes the biggest names in technology, such as Amazon, Qualcomm and Samsung.","type":"text"},{"_id":"52WRN7ZULRDKBEYNQ5TN73DXJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780321},"content":"Under Mr Haas, the company has moved more in the direction of offering fully formed products – potentially putting it in competition with its licensees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OK7A3DGEQBC6JEKS4IRYPLCGPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780322},"content":"Arm, based in Cambridge, England, only has a fraction of the revenue of Intel. But its valuation has soared since an initial public offering last year and now stands at more than $156 billion (€139.7 billion). Investors see the company as a beneficiary of the AI spending boom, especially as it moves further into data centre chips. Arm also has the backing of Japan’s SoftBank, which owns an 88 per cent stake, potentially giving the company additional financial clout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELR4OSKYDJEBHH6EGCFQFRTXLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780323},"content":"Intel, in contrast, has lost more than half its value this year and has a current market capitalisation of $102.3 billion. But the company has other options to consider. Apollo Global Management offered to make an investment in the company. The firm indicated in recent days that it would be willing to put inasmuch as $5 billion, marking a vote of confidence for CEO Pat Gelsinger.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43XMTJOHGBFEFH5ACM5VV3I4HA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727418780324},"content":"Intel also plans to sell part of its stake in semiconductor maker Altera to private equity investors. That business, which the chipmaker bought in 2015, was separated from Intel’s operations last year with the goal of taking it public. And speculation of a Qualcomm takeover boosted Intel shares in the past week. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Ian King"}]},"description":{"basic":"Move is latest sign multiple buyers are circling Intel"},"display_date":"2024-09-27T06:43:14.822Z","headlines":{"basic":"Intel rebuffs Arm approach for product unit","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZDQNVIJMC5C2TKJGR6ZBO67QXM","auth":{"1":"bcb3b739022bb4751ff7d1c335836fe8401c253bc555cf4d0f7db7c49afe888e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZDQNVIJMC5C2TKJGR6ZBO67QXM.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/27/intel-rebuffs-arm-approach-for-product-unit/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"6HVAB5LNGZAGPCPP5OEUXGYVLE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/26/openai-shifts-to-for-profit-model-may-give-ceo-altman-7-stake/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NCMFI2PRF5B5HNZX3FLOZY57GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077524},"content":"OpenAI is discussing giving chief executive Sam Altman a 7 per cent equity stake in the company and restructuring to become a for-profit business, people familiar with the matter said, a major shift that would mark the first time Altman is granted ownership in the artificial intelligence start-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5B545KKSO5BMVG2TSWQEHTKM5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077525},"content":"The company is considering becoming a public benefit corporation, tasked with turning a profit and also helping society, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The transition is still under discussion and a timeline has not been determined, one of the people said. In a statement, a spokesperson said OpenAI remains “focused on building AI that benefits everyone,” adding, “the non-profit is core to our mission and will continue to exist.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UJHPW4PMZEVTMC7RM7WQAONSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077526},"content":"OpenAI is mulling these changes against the backdrop of an exodus of senior managers. Chief technology officer Mira Murati said on Wednesday she is leaving, a surprise move that marks the latest high-profile departure from the start-up. In the months after it suddenly fired and then rehired Altman last year, OpenAI has been in a state of flux – losing multiple managers and shifting the structure of some of its teams.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAIZFN7ESBBJ5HRWHBX4S57J6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077527},"content":"The possible equity holding, which is still under negotiation and could change or not materialise, would give Altman an ongoing financial stake in the success of OpenAI. Many investors favour the idea of a founder owning at least part of the businesses they run.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKOYSWH4SVF7JGGULDMO743ERI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077528},"content":"In a statement on X, Murati said she was “stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration.” In response, Altman expressed “tremendous gratitude” for Murati’s contributions, writing, “It’s hard to overstate how much Mira has meant to OpenAI, our mission, and to us all personally.” He also said that he would share more with employees about transition plans soon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46UBCYE7FJBSFHSYVFEPL6NTAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077529},"content":"Murati does not yet have an exit date at the company, according to a person familiar with the matter. She is still speaking with OpenAI’s leadership about plans for her replacement, including the timeline. In the post, she wrote, “For now, my primary focus is doing everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the momentum we’ve built.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVUET5G3XJALHESG7LEDS7J3FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077531},"content":"Representatives for OpenAI and Murati declined to provide further comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DF3HWUO2T5CDJD3USRE3OMFHTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077532},"content":"OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a non-profit research organisation with the goal of building artificial intelligence that would be safe and beneficial to humanity. The company created a for-profit subsidiary in 2019 in order to help fund the high costs of AI model development, and has since drawn billions in outside investment from Microsoft Corp. and others. This month, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is currently working to raise $6.5 billion (€5.9 billion) at a $150 billion valuation, making it one of the most valuable start-ups in the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QL4ATHEX5FHRHN7AKUW7IAH7PU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077533},"content":"In keeping with the company’s non-profit origins, Altman had famously not taken equity, stressing that the company was meant to broadly benefit society, and that he had enough money. But he has also occasionally said in interviews that he wished he had taken equity so that people would stop asking him about it. Reuters earlier reported on the company’s plan to restructure and give Altman equity for the first time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FM3YTHD6ZBZ5CIEBIVPZWYS6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077534},"content":"On Wednesday, many employees were shocked by the announcement of Murati’s departure. On the company’s internal Slack channel, multiple OpenAI employees responded to the news with a “WTF” emoji, according to a person familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2FVPWSBJJESDJVM4AVF2JELXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077535},"content":"Murati, an Albanian-born Dartmouth-educated engineer, played a key role in shepherding major product releases, including OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT chatbot, its DALL-E image generation software, and its recently released advanced voice mode that lets users talk to ChatGPT in essentially real time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKHL7DETPBHJDLSJZVJ7BU3C4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077536},"content":"This spring, Murati came under fire for saying in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that she wasn’t sure whether Sora, a text-to-video generator that OpenAI has showed off but not yet released, was trained on user-generated videos from YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Such a use of YouTube content would be an infraction of the platform’s terms of service, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan later told Bloomberg.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GPDP36XEVAVRPWH2QBO3NWYZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077537},"content":"After Altman’s ouster, Murati gained a higher profile when she was appointed as interim CEO – but she quickly joined a group of executives pushing for Altman to be reinstated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BY3UJPGELFF23KHUB66AASYMW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077538},"content":"Her departure marks the latest executive exit at OpenAI since Altman’s firing and rehiring last year. Ilya Sutskever, the company’s chief scientist, left in May. In August, co-founder Greg Brockman said he would go on leave until the end of the year and researcher John Schulman left for AI rival Anthropic. The departures leave only two members of OpenAI’s original founding team at the start-up: Altman and Wojciech Zaremba.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YMIR75ZMFDEPMRZ6TCJZI6L64","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077539},"content":"In her post on X, the text of which she earlier sent to employees at the company, Murati said she was grateful to have worked with the OpenAI team. “Together we’ve pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding in our quest to improve human wellbeing,” she wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QS36ID3TGRCEXLHQDUXFPRMSXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077540},"content":"The company currently has about 1,700 employees, more than double the roughly 770 it had in late 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGK457WNXJDXFCDEG4SZUNRSUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077541},"content":"Altman subsequently announced additional changes to OpenAI’s management. In a memo to OpenAI he also posted to X on Wednesday, he wrote that Chief research officer Bob McGrew is leaving, along with Barret Zoph, a vice-president of research who worked on products like ChatGPT.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGGDK2LRJNGE3B2HJNKMJAPMO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077542},"content":"In his own post on X, Zoph said it was a “very difficult decision” to leave and he plans to “explore new opportunities” outside the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RTH3HOO6ZBK5KHVPPDSBXSFWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077543},"content":"“OpenAI is doing and will continue to do incredible work and I am very optimistic about the future trajectory of the company and will be rooting everybody on,” he wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D65O2VYVRJFIDEUYVBQOAWYAXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077544},"content":"Altman also named six existing employees who will now report directly to him, some in new roles, including Matt Knight as chief information security officer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5DNB4KKUJCSDA3WBNFVHTLR4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077545},"content":"“I have over the past year or so spent most of my time on the non-technical parts of our organisation; I am now looking forward to spending most of my time on the technical and product parts of the company,” the CEO wrote, adding that there will be an all-hands meeting Thursday to answer employee questions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLBIXWPIWRBMNLGORYA6VFSVIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727348077546},"content":"“Leadership changes are a natural part of companies, especially companies that grow so quickly and are so demanding,” Altman wrote. “I obviously won’t pretend it’s natural for this one to be so abrupt, but we are not a normal company.” – Bloomberg L.P.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Rachel Metz, Dina Bass, Ed Ludlow and Shirin Ghaffary"}]},"description":{"basic":"Move is latest shakeup at artificial intelligence firm"},"display_date":"2024-09-26T11:00:26.775Z","headlines":{"basic":"OpenAI shifts to for-profit model, may give CEO Altman 7% stake","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM","auth":{"1":"9f82ec44c322230e31f55befb779bff5194b78dc396d077145038087e060adf9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/26/openai-shifts-to-for-profit-model-may-give-ceo-altman-7-stake/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"5JUKVLVDQFD2VKV4PWFY2H6MIU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":314,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/229aeec9-c8a7-4e35-afa2-a35cdf233d51/versions/1727283050/media/ebad4f4bb3664b185ebc1c582763f1f1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/26/as-x-declines-the-social-media-echo-chamber-is-back-in-vogue/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QTHXFRAHBBHBRO2ZOOD4UOQYPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387055},"content":"“There is currently great danger,” a man wrote two years ago, “that social media will splinter into far right wing and far left wing echo chambers that generate more hate and divide our society”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLTUCEPTQ5G5RDOZ2VMXTKZSMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387056},"content":"It may surprise you to learn that the man in question was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a>, who wrote these words when he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/how-elon-musk-pulled-off-his-stunning-twitter-coup-1.4862222\" target=\"_blank\">bought the social media platform formerly known as Twitter</a> back in October 2022, stressing the need for humanity to have a “common digital town square” that was “warm and welcoming to all”, not a “free-for-all hellscape”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6SF3L5FK5HXTDFJTQOMUUT5NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387057},"content":"And yet ... and yet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQRV7TARKFFDVDLBKOFFQ3BAVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387058},"content":"Repelled by the direction that both the site now called <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/x/\" target=\"_blank\">X</a> and its owner have taken, an exodus from the platform is under way. That exodus – oh go on then, Xodus – has been particularly apparent in Britain, having gathered steam since Musk started posting things like “civil war is inevitable” during the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2024/08/06/the-irish-times-view-on-the-uk-riots-a-fracture-in-the-social-fabric/\" target=\"_blank\">riots</a> that broke out over the summer. Many have left the platform entirely, while others merely lurk. “I have an answer to this, but discussion only on Bluesky these days am afraid [sic],” I saw someone reply on X recently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMGWPC24JRDUHC3UIA2HNT2E3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387059},"content":"Either way, activity has fallen discernibly. Data from Similarweb shows active daily users in the UK have dropped from eight million a year ago to only about 5.6 million now, with more than a third of that fall coming since the summer riots. The same thing is happening elsewhere, and not just in places where the platform has been banned, such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/09/03/brazilians-flock-to-bluesky-after-court-bans-elon-musks-x/\" target=\"_blank\">Brazil</a>. Over the same 16-month period, X’s active users in the US have fallen by about a fifth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7W6KB5V645AZNGYER5NUVWRAVI","additional_properties":{"_id":"SULYIUQ4MRBEFI3P2PL7AXX4TE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-22920","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AQ2PMKM4YVBSJO3LDQKYBG52QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387060},"content":"As disillusioned X users become, yes, ex-X-users, they are finding their way on to alternative sites. With Mastodon having proved off-puttingly techy for many, that tends to either be <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/threads/\" target=\"_blank\">Threads app</a>, or Bluesky, the platform that Twitter founder <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jack-dorsey/\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Dorsey</a> helped to start. But while the former is winning in terms of absolute numbers – about 1.4 million daily active users of Threads in the UK, compared with just more than 100,000 for Bluesky – it is the latter that has grown the most rapidly over the past six weeks, and that is cementing itself as the top choice for media types, policy wonks, academics and the broader chatterati.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6M66TCXFJVAGDHJATOCT4A5QDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387061},"content":"That there is a new place for such people to congregate is all well and good, but the problem is that the chatterati – very nice and non-conspiracy-theorising and non-overtly-racist though they may be – tend to coalesce around some quite similar viewpoints, which makes for a rather echoey chamber. I’m not sure I have ever felt more like I’m at a Stoke Newington drinks party than when I’m browsing Bluesky (including when tucking into Perelló olives and truffle-flavoured Torres crisps in actual N16).","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKIHGAABUJDGJJK5EFSCP6FF2A","additional_properties":{"_id":"QXDG52EIKNDNHDJSLBOEVOARVA"},"content":"No, Elon Musk will not be a trillionaire by 2027","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OF44SMWYKBHLBGYNMP4AKEWKCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387062},"content":"An even more fundamental problem is that nobody on Bluesky seems to actually mind that they are in an echo chamber. When I told a friend, who happens to be an enthusiastic Bluesky user, what I was writing about this week, she replied “oh yes, but it is an echo chamber, that’s what people like about it, it’s lovely”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZQNLR3BXNFIZDWHI3KF3D5GGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387063},"content":"Many enthuse about how like “old Twitter” Bluesky is, which is telling in itself: in the old days of Twitter, progressives far outnumbered their conservative counterparts in terms of how much they posted about politics on the platform, but that share has fallen dramatically since Musk took it over. According to the British Election Study, in the run-up to both the 2015 and 2019 elections, about 30 per cent of the most progressive Britons posted about politics on the platform. This year, while the most conservative Britons remained no less likely to post than before, the share of progressives posting on X had halved to 15 per cent; presumably that has since fallen much further, given that this survey preceded the riots.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZDU7M7OG5C65HRA2B5UTWNEXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387064},"content":"In many ways this is all fair enough. Many of us use video-first platforms such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/instagram/\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tiktok/\" target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a> as procrastination-cum-entertainment; why shouldn’t the text-based social media sites be a place for procrastination-cum-cosy-filter-bubbling? Why not have a place on the internet that you can go and have a nice, civilised chat with someone who shares your worldview without the risk of coming across a load of vile racist content?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZZSOSBWX2VD5ZCRY6AMN5IHNEI","additional_properties":{"_id":"QHI5DFFJCNETZNQBKE3J6FK774"},"content":"Who’s afraid of X owner Elon Musk?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OE27EAIALFG5FNHFUACXLRVRJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387065},"content":"It comes down, in the end, to whether or not you believe that the “digital town square” Musk talked about when he bought Twitter can really exist and, if it can, whether it is of any benefit to anyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJW3XMSFXBEDBN6VXZSKIWPPPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387066},"content":"I have previously argued that a “digital town square” is a contradiction in terms – the internet is never going to enable the kind of engagement and understanding that comes from coming up against a real person in all their raw and imperfect humanity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S752TYQMRJCL5AER3RKXQCEMFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727262387067},"content":"But while it will always be much messier and more maddening than we might like, I believe such a place is preferable to a series of siloed echo chambers. The irony is that it is the man who warned of the “great danger” of a splintering-off who is most responsible for making that a reality. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Jemima Kelly"}]},"description":{"basic":"The great migration from Elon Musk’s X has seen users, especially progressives, retreat into one particular silo at Bluesky"},"display_date":"2024-09-26T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"As X declines, the social media echo chamber is back in vogue","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM","auth":{"1":"5fec8152bb54f95657cd4448c59f8e90edc8d15c8804b2f2c9b70a647a63a230"},"focal_point":{"x":1297,"y":1023},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4FB2SFVG5DYPOHJTPUYANDDDEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/26/as-x-declines-the-social-media-echo-chamber-is-back-in-vogue/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"Z7B3UKJWIZAYXBXIGMK5Y6HRFM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/25/google-claims-legal-error-in-refusal-of-data-centre-application/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2XK7DDP3RFHPBH5VVPFJPCKQCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727269845649},"content":"Lawyers for Google Ireland Ltd (GIL) have claimed South Dublin County Council (SDCC) erred in fact and law in refusing planning permission for the firm’s proposed new data centre for Grange Castle Business Park in south Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ILOM2NMXBHXNFGOF3MXCFCFBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782343},"content":"A four-page letter from Google Ireland’s legal representatives, AL Goodbody, forms part of a comprehensive appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the council’s refusal issued last month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7Y7VCHOVDBATTC4PWKEI6PMQNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782344},"content":"In its decision, the council cited what it called “the existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network (grid) and the lack of significant on site renewable energy to power the data centre” as reasons for refusal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCESYFPK5RFZBP4PVQRGWXKCL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782345},"content":"However, AL Goodbody has pointed out that GIL had already secured a grid connection for the data centre extension from EirGrid in 2021 and said the council was not the appropriate body to determine whether or not there is sufficient capacity on the network to accommodate the data centre. It “has made a clear error on the facts and circumstances related to the proposed development”, it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XD62YNFNCFCJLHHXE5E3UYMA2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782346},"content":"AL Goodbody stated that “EirGrid had already contracted with GIL to provide it with import capacity for the proposed development and therefore has already factored this demand into its capacity/demand forecasts”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BRWVIF4U6ZEP7HFRNDLLN4KHMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782347},"content":"GIL is planning that the application is to be the third phase of the Google Ireland data centre campus at Grange Castle Business Park and involves the creation of 800 construction jobs and 50 jobs when operational.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2HXWF4AJRBN7D7R57WS2MWFUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782348},"content":"In the main 42 page appeal document drawn up by planning consultants ARUP, they state that despite recognition in the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 of the need for data centres, the council has refused planning to every new data centre application submitted since the plan’s commencement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWUBQ4RHGVAH5FWQ5M455D4L64","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782349},"content":"ARUP states that the council error over its claim that there is insufficient grid capacity to allow the development “goes to the central pillar of SDCC’s decision”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3U7BOYY73ZAD5HYHGB2H3ZHZ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782350},"content":"It argued that it did not appear that any consultation was undertaken with EirGrid by the council before the refusal was issued. According to ARUP, “this suggests that SDCC reached its decision without access to comprehensive and authoritative information regarding the electricity network’s capacity”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TT7BAGLNFBMTJTNFOQKOKIM3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782352},"content":"The appeal states that “this approach raises clear concerns about the accuracy and validity of its conclusions and how well informed its decision was”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XPE54KASKFCXFM6F7PEZ2TBQD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"South Dublin County Council has been approached for comment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRAGHZKUIVA6FJNI63RZGZOSVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782353},"content":"The Google appeal states that the data centre “is needed to meet the growing demand for computing power, arising from increased internet use and adoption of Artificial Intelligence”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHBI2NKVEVFI5MGM475LGB4GKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782354},"content":"The appeal says that it is correct to acknowledge that data centres do consume a large amount of energy. It adds however that “it should also not be overlooked that they contributed to carbon de-intensification in other ways.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BK3OYQQ2HVDSXAJKBTVTCUJWGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727267782356},"content":"These include the widespread use of video-conferencing and facilitating remote working capabilities which help to reduce emissions from business travel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Gordon Deegan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tech firm says it secured grid connection from EirGrid in 2021 despite South Dublin County Council’s concern over insufficient network capacity and onsite renewable energy"},"display_date":"2024-09-25T13:12:16.47Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google claims legal error in refusal of data centre application ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WCUAJYSYWFKXJDDMKPF6L6CJJU","auth":{"1":"0dd810c62fb9cccebba6fb45f05582c4876bea6191485276c1c1ec19eb97f92e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WCUAJYSYWFKXJDDMKPF6L6CJJU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/25/google-claims-legal-error-in-refusal-of-data-centre-application/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"4YGBRDJYPZAG7JDA7QLYPPPKAE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/25/openai-pitched-us-on-unprecedented-data-centre-buildout/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XA5DWPTJZBCIDB5USO5ANW4ZSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907286},"content":"OpenAI has pitched the Biden administration on the need for massive data centres that could each use as much power as entire cities, framing the unprecedented expansion as necessary to develop more advanced artificial intelligence models and compete with China.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J57C3OTEPRGTHMVIEEA5YJDH7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907287},"content":"Following a recent meeting at the White House, which was attended by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and other tech leaders, the startup shared a document with government officials outlining the economic and national security benefits of building 5 gigawatt data centres in various US states, based on an analysis the company engaged with outside experts on. To put that in context, 5GW is roughly the equivalent of five nuclear reactors, or enough to power almost 3 million homes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYWIGWZYANHILJ7GAJNGQ5V2QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907288},"content":"OpenAI said investing in these facilities would result in tens of thousands of new jobs, boost the gross domestic product and ensure the US can maintain its lead in AI development, according to the document, which was viewed by Bloomberg News. To achieve that, however, the US needs policies that support greater data centre capacity, the document said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33GQMLQP4VDTJKHZH35IV5EFHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907289},"content":"Altman has spent much of this year trying to form a global coalition of investors to fund the costly physical infrastructure required to support rapid AI development, while also working to secure the US government’s blessing for the project. But the details on the energy capacity of the data centres Altman and OpenAI are calling for have not previously been reported.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TA22MNVOTBCA5E7WTAUBV56ZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907290},"content":"“OpenAI is actively working to strengthen AI infrastructure in the US, which we believe is critical to keeping America at the forefront of global innovation, boosting reindustrialization across the country, and making AI’s benefits accessible to everyone,” a spokesman for OpenAI said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFDJQ6VGP5AFRJHFBKAJTGSPLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907291},"content":"The push comes as power projects in the US are facing delays due to long wait times to connect to grids, permitting delays, supply chain issues and labour shortages. But energy executives have said powering even a single 5 gigawatt data centre would be a challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBQ273ERENDBTP7H67DFTHBJV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907292},"content":"Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation Energy, said he has heard Altman is talking about building 5 to 7 data centres that are each 5GW. The document shared with the White House does not provide a specific number. OpenAI’s aim is to focus on a single data centre to start, but with plans to potentially expand from there, according to a person familiar with the matter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WEZRWPJLTFEZBAPG3M7XEWGDNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907293},"content":"“Whatever we’re talking about is not only something that’s never been done, but I don’t believe it’s feasible as an engineer, as somebody who grew up in this,” Dominguez said, “It’s certainly not possible under a time frame that’s going to address national security and timing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AICHL6DKBDCVMARQ3QIOWXHCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907294},"content":"The US has a total of 96GW of installed capacity of nuclear power. Last week, OpenAI’s biggest investor, Microsoft, struck a deal with Constellation in which the nuclear provider will restart the shuttered Three Mile Island facility solely to provide Microsoft with nuclear power for two decades.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5IBWHHXBY5HPLD54XCOQYHCALY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907295},"content":"In June, John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, said the clean-energy giant had received requests from some tech companies to find sites that can support 5GW of demand, without naming any specific firms. “Think about that. That’s the size of powering the city of Miami,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMMLGAZY4FFDPKRUQN5D7V5BNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727244907296},"content":"That much power would require a mix of new wind and solar farms, battery storage and a connection to the grid, Ketchum said. He added that finding a site that could accommodate 5GW would take some work, but there are places in the US that can fit one gigawatt. – Bloomberg ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Shirin Ghaffary"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sam Altman’s firm wants centres that could use same amount of energy as entire cities"},"display_date":"2024-09-25T06:33:33.445Z","headlines":{"basic":"OpenAI pitched US on unprecedented data centre buildout","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM","auth":{"1":"9f82ec44c322230e31f55befb779bff5194b78dc396d077145038087e060adf9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VNYCZWP3UTNT5BVWCBSVZ75DKM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big 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target=\"_blank\">TikTok</a> earlier this year as controversy raged over videos featuring on the platform relating to self-harm and misogyny.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUQOKL3TCNFADC5Z3LHGO7MTLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975385},"content":"“The gravity of these matters, with particular regard to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, cannot be understated,” Coimisiún na Meán told the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVBYSUDRERALHMLUPCU7BBIIFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975386},"content":"Just before 9.30am on April 16th, hours before <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte/\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a> Prime Time broadcast an investigation into younger users being exposed to harmful videos, the regulator contacted the company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3MCONOY4HRFURGGBC7AFF4FE4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975387},"content":"“I am very concerned about the report on RTÉ concerning self-harm and suicide on TikTok,” Niamh Hodnett, online safety commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán, wrote in an email.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AK5ENHRU7VBT7GEF3OVNMZVTRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975388},"content":"“Could you please call me on this and provide me with an update on what steps TikTok is taking to address the promotion of self-harm or suicide on its platform.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BD4HVQJI3BAW7BDW4GD2SIDU7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975389},"content":"Prime Time had created three TikTok accounts, ostensibly operated by users who were 13 years of age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKELDD2DZ5ATNOEMFQUYJ7OJXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975390},"content":"RTÉ said that within a few minutes the actual operator of the accounts had come across a stream of content related to depression, self-harm and suicide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGMFU3JOZZC2ZE7E7H2FD6QSNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975391},"content":"Around the same time in mid April, separate research carried out by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dcu-anti-bullying-centre/\" target=\"_blank\">Anti-Bullying Centre</a> at Dublin City University (DCU) showed TikTok and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/youtube/\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube</a> users were being fed “masculinist, antifeminist and other extremist content, irrespective of whether they sought out general or male supremacist-related content, and that they all received this content within the first 23 minutes of the experiment”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZK2FQGGRIFGLFOVNKKHVJEVCUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"3NAU4NMDDBHPBEM2PVDRGWFW4A"},"content":"Teenage boys ‘bombarded’ with misogynist content within minutes of signing up to TikTok and YouTube Shorts","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"633KF6DCFFFNNGBCTTFTZZE4ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975392},"content":"Documents released by Coimisiún na Meán show that it had met TikTok management on April 18th, the day after DCU published its research and two days after the RTÉ report.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJNJVTVL3RCWLNTFQL6GNXTSZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975393},"content":"In a letter to TikTok following that meeting Ms Hodnett said the regulator remained concerned about these matters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDR6IQ6NNFB35BDKCIBG6ZVWSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975394},"content":"“Toxic feeds concerning self harm and/or suicide, or misogyny recently highlighted by the RTÉ Prime Time report of 16th April and the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre study published on 17th April are among the most harmful for children and young people who are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to influence.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMGJYSX7XRGZLLQYBS3ICCIWXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975395},"content":"TikTok wrote to Ms Hodnett on April 24th in a letter marked “confidential” saying that “the safety and security of our community is a top priority”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HW46GK6QVHCLA32JLWFW26ZAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975396},"content":"TikTok said that “content depicting, promoting, normalising or glorifying activities that could lead to suicide or self harm is a direct breach of our community guidelines”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJE6IIZWDJAOFLOS32XIX5WVVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975397},"content":"“We do not permit TikTok community members to share content depicting them partaking in, or encouraging others to partake in, dangerous activities that may lead to serious injury or death,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B76LSKHL6RAGLBI42BULGH55EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726780975398},"content":"The company said that more than 98 per cent of content that was in violation of these guidelines was proactively removed, with over 77 per cent being taken down before it received a single 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people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. Intel executives have been weighing Apollo’s proposal, the people said. The size of Apollo’s potential investment could change or discussions could fall apart, they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKIO6JEWFBBRVNHH7M6CQP7ZEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073037},"content":"The development comes after San Diego-based Qualcomm floated a friendly takeover of Intel, people with knowledge of the matter said on Saturday, raising the prospect of one of the biggest ever M&A deals. Neither deal has been finalised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNH6VBINTZGVRBMXZI2NSOS77A","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073038},"content":"Representatives for Apollo and Intel declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFTZB6FEOBFZRCLUTWUJGGJO7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073039},"content":"The potential investment may have a big impact at Intel’s Irish base in Leixlip, where it employs most of its 5,000 staff in Ireland. The company is expected imminently to make known how many jobs are set to go at its Irish operation as part of its global cost-cutting programme. Intel has already confirmed it will close a research and development facility in Shannon. While that move won’t result in additional job losses at the Irish business, it is indicative of the scale of retrenchment at Intel’s operations here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBS6FNY44VGBJJREICQ3UF4F5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727105103917},"content":"Intel and Apollo already have a relationship. Santa Clara, California-based Intel agreed in June to sell a stake in a joint venture that controls a plant in Ireland for $11 billion to Apollo, bringing in more external funding for a large expansion of its factory network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJ473N2IA5HHPODS2RMKNN7NAY","additional_properties":{"_id":"5ONB6A7BERCODD2C7ZZQUBP4L4"},"content":"Chipmaker Qualcomm floats friendly takeover plan for Intel","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7WKNNCSOMNBV3GFVJP5VETSAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"C3M3XAL2NBEWZAIOIZY3BEJINA"},"content":"Intel's Irish staff consider redundancy and early retirement offer","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CEVSTQVG6ZEFXDVSDELGUOUCWY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7QZGTHKCOVAL3MUIHCHYEPYAIM"},"content":"Apollo takes 49% stake in Leixlip joint venture with Intel ","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BIZ4YKP2IJHFNKUB3VWVDLC25E","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073044},"content":"Under chief executive Pat Gelsinger, Intel has been working on an expensive plan to remake itself and bring in new products, technology and outside customers. Still, the company is headed for its third consecutive year of shrinking sales, and its shares have lost more than 50 per cent of their value this year. While Apollo may best be known today for its insurance, buyout and credit strategies, the firm started out in the 1990s as a distressed-investing specialist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4KVWEP2J5AA5CLGKU4QO6WVOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073045},"content":"Intel’s shares rose about 3 per cent in New York on Monday. The stock had closed 3.3 per cent higher at $21.84 on Friday, giving the company a market value of $93.4 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y37RV6FIRBBNVM67NJ6GL2HQZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1727116073046},"content":"The company’s shares bounced last week after Mr Gelsinger made a series of announcements to accelerate the turnaround. Those included a multibillion-dollar deal with <a href=\"http://amazon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a>’s Amazon Web Services cloud unit to co-invest in a custom AI semiconductor and a plan to turn its ailing manufacturing business into a wholly-owned subsidiary. Intel also said it would pull back on some projects, including shelving plans for new factories in Germany and Poland for now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBS6FNY44VGBJJREICQ3UF4F5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1727105103917},"content":"Apollo also has other experience in the chipmaking space. Last year the New York-based firm agreed to lead a $900 million investment in Western Digital, buying convertible preferred stock. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Potential investment is struggling chipmaker comes as rival Qualcomm floats idea of a friendly takeover"},"display_date":"2024-09-23T06:42:46.696Z","headlines":{"basic":"Apollo to offer multibillion-dollar investment in Intel","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WTBJ7AIBLBHRNM3P4FRFCDGOUY","auth":{"1":"308cb3896b084d7e061f6cd0bf7ee1aea28eb2a7838949f559da39bb73ac0a2d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WTBJ7AIBLBHRNM3P4FRFCDGOUY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/big-tech/2024/09/23/apollo-to-offer-multibillion-dollar-investment-in-intel/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/big-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Big Tech"}}}},{"_id":"XYDN22FNXJHPHDKYMFKJXEWPVA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":223,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7d3bdcd7-cbe5-4a51-aa5c-c887bb54bb66/versions/1727013885/media/783b8c9ca1165d67b77ec7ecbd9a821f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/22/chipmaker-qualcomm-to-explore-takeover-of-intel/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4LS2TILZJZAKXG7G7WDXMPNAD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935949},"content":"Qualcomm has approached <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/intel/\" target=\"_blank\">Intel</a> to discuss a potential acquisition of the struggling chipmaker, people with knowledge of the matter said, raising the prospect of one of the biggest-ever M&A deals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KBHCXJTIVBMPEVEV3XK7MYAHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935950},"content":"California-based Qualcomm proposed a friendly takeover for Intel in recent days, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. The approach is for all of the chipmaker, though Qualcomm hasn’t ruled out buying or selling parts of Intel in a combination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQZ6UETB4JFIZA6NJ5KVC5RGCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727007180924},"content":"Intel employs about 5,000 people in Ireland, mostly at its Leixlip headquarters. It is in the process of rolling out redundancies there as part of a global restructuring which is expected to cut staff numbers by about 15 per cent worldwide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXZZS2IYRBDOHFH532B73XA4NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935951},"content":"It’s uncertain whether the initial approach will lead to an agreement and any deal is likely to come under close antitrust scrutiny and take time to complete, the people said. Qualcomm has been speaking with US regulators and believes an all-American combination could allay any concerns, they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYHCN6FPQRCQ7HHTJKQELT7FV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935952},"content":"Qualcomm is looking at Intel at a time when its smaller rival is in the midst of the most difficult period in its 56-year history. Under chief executive Pat Gelsinger, Intel is working on a plan to reshape the company and revive its flagging share price.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VK4JV6MGNNASJH4QS225QJZNIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935953},"content":"While Gelsinger still believes the turnaround plan could be sufficient for Intel to remain an independent company, he is open to considering the merits of different transactions, the people said. Both companies will now assess various options with advisers, they said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJLGDXN5WFFHFMFKTB3OU76CNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935954},"content":"Intel’s shares have fallen about 37 per cent over the past 12 months, giving it a market value of about $93 billion (€83.3 billion). Qualcomm’s stock has risen more than 50 per cent over the same period for a market capitalisation of about $188 billion. At such values, any deal between Qualcomm and all of Intel would rank among the largest on record, Bloomberg-compiled data show.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS4XHHD7EBH2HA5XE67GIQXWLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935955},"content":"The Wall Street Journal first reported Qualcomm’s interest. Representatives for Qualcomm and Intel declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQH54C7YTJBMLCUCBN5CAF4DRM","additional_properties":{"_id":"VEDF43UTYND35GM2UGQPFMJ75E"},"content":"Intel to make custom AI chip for Amazon, delay German plant","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"62B4N2HI5VHFZJZ2R2AWNUS6O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935956},"content":"While Qualcomm’s approach raises the prospect of others entering the fray, at least one large rival is opting to sit on the sidelines for now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYRIM7NOUBFVRKFJ5ZZNVNUUPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935957},"content":"Broadcom isn’t currently evaluating an offer for Intel, people familiar with the matter said. The company had previously been assessing whether to pursue a deal, the people added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DCSQWSFRJBEZPXN5EOIRAISBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935958},"content":"Advisers continue to pitch ideas to Broadcom, the people said. A representative for Broadcom declined to comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNRHEEWRT5B3ZBNUQECYKGZQW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935959},"content":"Intel is headed toward its third consecutive year of shrinking sales, estimated to make $52 billion in revenue in 2024, just 70 per cent what it brought in back in 2021. The stock did receive a bounce this week after the company made a raft of announcements that spurred optimism in Gelsinger’s turnaround plan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6BL34RM3VA45KBBZRIQKIZED4","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935960},"content":"In the most notable move, Intel struck a multibillion-dollar deal with Amazon’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon-web-services/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon Web Services</a> cloud unit to coinvest in a custom AI semiconductor and outlined a plan to turn its ailing manufacturing business, or foundry, into a wholly owned subsidiary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIHFFCUVWJCCLEOTYJTWR3IA6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1727005935961},"content":"The decision to separate Intel’s foundry operations from the rest of the company is aimed in part at convincing prospective customers – some of whom compete with Intel – that they are dealing with an independent supplier. Bloomberg had previously reported that the company was weighing this option. – Bloomberg","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Michelle F. Davis, Dinesh Nair and Ryan Gould"}]},"description":{"basic":"Move comes with Intel expected to lay off hundreds of workers at Irish operation"},"display_date":"2024-09-22T12:02:09.674Z","headlines":{"basic":"Qualcomm to explore takeover of Intel","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QEESL3HWMRD4ZFBSM653ZQJAHQ","auth":{"1":"3adb8b07d804654e152f670d9627300af0542dfac1f4f5e42f3985f6b9692a67"},"focal_point":{"x":4237,"y":2315},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QEESL3HWMRD4ZFBSM653ZQJAHQ.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/09/22/chipmaker-qualcomm-to-explore-takeover-of-intel/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"QN4EHDRNAZADFII4FWZV7WYB6E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":292,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/68352565-fd2f-4bcb-b4f1-77f89ef93dd5/versions/1726669065/media/11575cf6e9d15d64c57c965decc77801_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/09/21/hugh-linehan-a-massed-army-of-audio-bots-is-coming-over-the-hill-what-will-it-do-to-us/","content_elements":[{"_id":"K7ZDMVFKZ5GL5PECJDM5WD3HTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1726664754377},"content":"Recent eyesight problems have had me relying more than I would usually on getting my information via sound rather than vision. The experience of listening to more audiobooks, audio articles and podcasts has been mixed, but it has opened my eyes (metaphorically) to the rapid developments taking place in text-to-audio services and in audio-to-text: virtually all sound-editing software now comes with sophisticated and remarkably accurate transcription built in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCJSTQDBXRCPJOTJT4OGM3QSS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771050},"content":"For several years now, newspapers, including this one, have been generating automated audio versions of their articles. The initial impetus came from the belief of publishers that media consumption would be dominated by devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant. It turns out that most of us are not as keen on having an always-on spy in our homes as the tech companies hoped.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCSSIHDC6REIJIMTFSXBRBXVJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771051},"content":"But, regardless of the hardware, the quality of automated audio is bounding forward, propelled by generative <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\">artificial intelligence</a>. Until very recently the ghost of Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey hung over these products. Not any more. The previous uncanny valleys, weird intonations and mispronunciations are a thing of the past. The new generation of automated voices are so close to pitch-perfect that you’ll be hard pressed to tell them apart from an actual human being.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QITLDGZWVF5VAUNODX37SJTKM","additional_properties":{"_id":"SG5L2PXWQFF3NN5J2SABDUWZBM"},"content":"The best AI tools for future-focused companies: chatbots, writing assistants, productivity boosters and more","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QAHNDORFLFDOLBS5CIAIXRPRIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726687791992},"content":"All of which, of course, will give rise to further disquiet among actual human beings like you and me who fear being left on the scrapheap. Slowly but steadily, the massed army of audio bots is coming over the hill to take the jobs of call-centre workers, DJs, weather forecasters, news-bulletin readers, university tutors and who knows who else.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJYBO323JFEIJBLJABAYMZPBTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771053},"content":"As a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/\" target=\"_blank\">podcast presenter</a> I was not delighted when a colleague shared a trial sample of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a>’s experimental <a href=\"https://blog.google/technology/ai/notebooklm-audio-overviews/\" target=\"_blank\">Audio Overview</a> feature. Using the company’s artificial-intelligence tool Gemini, “two AI hosts” turn your “documents, slides, charts and more into engaging discussions” in which they “summarise your material, make connections between topics, and banter back and forth”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SA6U6LBFGBH6XAFY6FOKUXNNIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"BMBINH4IGNCPPE42NYLQADS2UM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EEXJEMB62JG7TOJYYUR55A5EPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726664754380},"content":"Applied to a recent Irish Times article about the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/09/16/can-i-afford-to-let-religious-ethos-be-a-factor-in-choosing-a-school-for-my-child/\" target=\"_blank\">Catholic Church’s domination of Irish primary schools</a>, the results were simultaneously under- and overwhelming. Like most AI, it was impressively mediocre. Two American voices (no local accents available yet) mulled over the issue, offering a half-decent summary of the article in a conversational mode that wouldn’t be out of place on a mid-morning magazine radio show. You can see how some people might prefer it, once the tech gets better, to a simple read-out of the original text. But it was no Socratic dialogue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQ75QFW5DRFDZAPAYUSAIGX5S4","additional_properties":{"_id":"A7ULCIN55FDTXFWFUK5ESPYSW4"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"LBEO2OILBJFIJIM6R2KTWYP6YM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726687791996},"content":"Nevertheless, Socrates might have approved. In the Phaedrus he worried that written texts were replacing oral culture. Writing, he predicted, “would create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls, because they will not use their memories; they will trust to the external written characters and not remember of themselves”. Similar dire predictions would be made two and a half millenniums later about the internet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XICNEAFM45GYZEZXFQT566URB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771056},"content":"But despite Socrates’s fears, a sense is deeply embedded in contemporary culture (and shared by me) that reading a text involves a more profound, more immersed engagement than hearing the same words spoken aloud. Reading requires full attention, after all; listening can be done while making the dinner or walking the dog. And the voice itself, whether bot or human, acts as an intermediary and, inevitably, sometimes as a distraction from the words themselves. For our current age of distraction, it seems the more appropriate medium.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS2BDXDMMNFD7FWKFTPLQILM3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1726664754382},"content":"We hear a lot about how our culture is becoming more visual and less literate. We hear less about how it is becoming more aural and less textual. Or, perhaps more accurately, how the written and spoken word are merging, presented side by side. You can read a TikTok or a Netflix release or an Apple podcast. You can listen to this article.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ4QTGHGAJA3JH7VRYL5734VI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726667771058},"content":"This coming together of speech and text applies to production as well as to consumption. I’m tapping this column out as usual on a keyboard. But it would be just as easy to dictate it, using one of the many free programs now available. Would that make the process or the result any different? Writers from John Milton to Barbara Cartland have dictated their work, so there’s nothing new there. But some suggest that the progression from quill to typewriter to word processor has changed the way writers write, just as other technologies have changed the way readers read. The end of the keyboard may seem hard to imagine, but it’s not so long ago that many would have said the same about the end of handwriting,","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6MC5RP4JBAN5C7XCPCG5BUNYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726664754383},"content":"One might as well bow to the inevitable. Clears throat. Taps mic. Is this thing on?","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Hugh Linehan"}},"name":"Hugh Linehan"}]},"description":{"basic":"You’d be hard pressed to tell latest AI voices from the real thing. It’s bad news for actual human beings who fear being left on scrapheap"},"display_date":"2024-09-21T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A massed army of audio bots is coming over the hill. What will it do to us? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZBGJPZGVSRC5BPVC45EKHDCVLA","auth":{"1":"2c62f47604a8f7aaf9d094c17cbabd6d7d62a7a864951dccec9b5ab813a87a33"},"focal_point":{"x":1370,"y":460},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZBGJPZGVSRC5BPVC45EKHDCVLA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/09/21/hugh-linehan-a-massed-army-of-audio-bots-is-coming-over-the-hill-what-will-it-do-to-us/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"RNFIMSLZOVFGNMH5YOW2BIOXBA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":565,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a82697ff-758b-4aa4-8fd7-593031a8e93c/versions/1726499279/media/f21c4ef1cb5fa41431716b7052ea034b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/09/19/the-ai-bill-driving-a-wedge-through-silicon-valley/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CZXIGDWKFNASDLF4JLK6XL43NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340732},"content":"California’s push to regulate artificial intelligence has riven Silicon Valley, as opponents warn the legal framework could undermine competition and the US’s position as the world leader in the technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2H2DQTZ6MJFUPKC65ERJCHMPV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340734},"content":"Having waged a fierce battle to amend or water down the Bill as it passed through California’s legislature, executives at companies including OpenAI and Meta are waiting anxiously to see if Gavin Newsom, the state’s Democratic governor, will sign it into law. He has until September 30th to decide.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7CTT2NZGVH73FBLGUNKBMCCCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340735},"content":"California is the heart of the burgeoning AI industry, and with no federal law to regulate the technology across the US – let alone a uniform global standard – the ramifications would extend far beyond the state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ORHQHEANOJHMNESSUQAZDMKEF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340736},"content":"“The rest of the world is certainly paying close attention to what is happening in California and in the US more broadly right now, and the outcome there will most likely have repercussions on other nations’ regulatory efforts,” says Yoshua Bengio, a professor at the University of Montreal and a “godfather” of AI.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PBA4WEPKBGSTFLMCIHURRMOKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340737},"content":"Why does California want to regulate AI?","type":"header"},{"_id":"J6T4VIBXRZFBBAYUBFNB6M2KH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340738},"content":"The rapid development of AI tools that can generate humanlike responses to questions has magnified perceived risks around the technology, ranging from legal disputes such as copyright infringement to misinformation and a proliferation of deepfakes. Some even think it could pose a threat to humanity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWYVIVPSJJAZBA3PGCUTAVNJB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340739},"content":"US president Joe Biden issued an executive order last year aiming to set national standards for AI safety, but Congress has not made any progress in passing national laws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3RFETDXKGZDXFMWEX4B5U4YRG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340740},"content":"Liberal California has often jumped in to regulate on issues where the federal government has lagged behind. AI is in focus with California’s Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Systems Act, which was put forward by state senator Scott Wiener. Of the various Bills filed in different states, the one in California is the most likely to have a real impact, because the state is at the centre of the technological boom, home to top companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3F2IDEUF2FHODJSFUAZ5TOAPU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340741},"content":"Bengio said: “The big AI companies which have been the most vocal on this issue are currently locked in their race for market share and profit maximisation, which can lead to cutting corners when it comes to safety, and that’s why we need some rules for those leading this race.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MIPIKZWYVFSRFU72RW4YDJDTE","additional_properties":{"_id":"LOKSAUVPRNDLBFI4VYE6I3YPEY"},"content":"Using fear to sell AI is a bad idea","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RF7C4NSUWVFOPE5HZSIDDGTQNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340742},"content":"What does the Bill say?","type":"header"},{"_id":"EZFWJRM4LFHBPLD7YRPOEYUKFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340743},"content":"Wiener has said his Bill “requires only the largest AI developers to do what each and every one of them has repeatedly committed to do: perform basic safety testing on massively powerful AI models”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQOEIPCWA5D4ZDHUQPMXRC4JZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340744},"content":"The Bill would require developers building large models to assess whether they are “reasonably capable of causing or materially enabling a critical harm”, ranging from malicious use or theft to the creation of a biological weapon. Companies would then be expected to take reasonable safeguards against those identified risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J224US57VBC2VH4TJQUVYZLLDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340745},"content":"Developers would have to build a “kill switch” into any new models over a certain size in case they are misused or go rogue. They would also be obliged to draft a safety report before training a new model and to be more transparent – they would have to “report each artificial intelligence safety incident” to the state’s attorney-general and undertake a third-party audit to ensure compliance every year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZF33VPD6JCRJN5IO4XU2Q34A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340746},"content":"It is directed at models that cost more than $100 million (€90 million) to train, roughly the amount required to train today’s top models. But that is a fast-moving target: Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei has predicted the next group of cutting-edge models will cost $1 billion to train and $10 billion by 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5CSU56GDORAE3LGROOZYZTW7XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340747},"content":"The Bill would apply to all companies doing business in California, regardless of where they are based, which would in effect cover every company currently capable of developing top AI models, Bengio said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAOO3BLYQNEPPII4YXSPI2R7UM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340748},"content":"It would introduce civil penalties of up to 10 per cent of the cost of training a model against developers whose tools cause death, theft or harm to property. It would also create liabilities for companies offering computing resources to train those models and auditing firms, making them responsible for gathering and retaining detailed information about customers’ identities and intentions. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $10 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UW6KIQORGFB27PPIODW4WTTCLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340749},"content":"Who is for the Bill and who is against it?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4FWTG7ZQ2JHX5LWLEWILIIQ4W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340750},"content":"Wiener and his colleagues say there is strong public support for new AI guardrails. He has also won qualified support from leading AI start-up Anthropic and Elon Musk, as well as actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and two women’s groups. On Monday, 100 employees at top AI companies including OpenAI, xAI and Google DeepMind signed a letter calling on Newsom to sign the Bill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXSI3TBI4RGYZBVEBPVUSYX5XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340751},"content":"“It is feasible and appropriate for frontier AI companies to test whether the most powerful AI models can cause severe harms, and for these companies to implement reasonable safeguards against such risks,” they wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45AKW4LW35HODGDUUAXDPUSGDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340752},"content":"Critics – including academics such as Stanford AI professor Fei-Fei Li, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and start-up accelerator Y Combinator – argue the Bill would hobble early-stage companies and open-source developers who publicly share the code underlying their models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDU4BTKSL5BUVCGP5VAMEDHE6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340753},"content":"Senate Bill SB 1047 would “slow the pace of innovation, and lead California’s world-class engineers and entrepreneurs to leave the state in search of greater opportunity elsewhere”, warned OpenAI chief strategy officer Jason Kwon in a letter to Wiener last month. He echoed one of the most common complaints: that the senator was meddling in an area that should be dealt with at the federal level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AR4HM2DMRFOFAXGNHFXLKLUJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"D3PKT2WJ6RCBZLQM77FL4TJVVY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"ADP7AM7PBJCXLPMVULOZ7V6ZDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340754},"content":"Opponents also say it would stifle innovation by piling onerous requirements on to developers and making them accountable for the use of their AI models by bad actors. It legislates for risks that do not yet exist, they add.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PA476P6N5VCH7PM3YWMNSNDSAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340755},"content":"Dario Gil, director of research at IBM, said: “Philosophically, anticipating the consequences of how people are going to use your code in software is a very difficult problem. How will people use it, how will you anticipate that somebody will do harm? It’s a great inhibitor. It’s a very slippery slope.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZ3SGO4YS5AQJLB362DMS5U634","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340756},"content":"Dan Hendrycks, director of the Center for AI Safety, which played a critical role in formulating the Bill, said opponents “want governments to give them a blank cheque to build and deploy whatever technologies they want, regardless of risk or harm to society”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6EYE3TNTBHQDBIPQM3IRRQTNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340757},"content":"Hendrycks, who is also an adviser to Musk’s xAI, has come under fire from critics who cast the CAIS as a fringe outfit overly concerned about existential risks from AI. Opponents also expressed concerns that CAIS had lobbied for influence over a “Board of Frontier Models” that the Bill would create, staffed with nine directors drawn from industry and academia and tasked with updating regulations around AI models and ensuring compliance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHLMZ7BAL5BC5PBV3GJBJG6FAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340758},"content":"Wiener rejected those arguments as “a conspiracy theory”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2ZOGPRWV5HO3L3G7A7MV66DMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340759},"content":"“The opposition tried to paint anyone supporting the Bill as ‘doomers’,” he said. “They said these were science fiction risks; that we were focused on The Terminator [film]. 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That could be fatal for young companies and academia, which are reliant on cheaper or free-to-access open-source models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKRNEZHURVGY5JINLLC3QTSAHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340763},"content":"Wiener’s Bill has been amended to exclude open-source models that have been fine-tuned beyond a certain level by third parties. They will also not be required to have a kill switch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5X6EME6BJEPNM7QZ4UIIJ44T4","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340764},"content":"Some of the Bill’s original strictures have also been moderated, including narrowing the scope for civil penalties and limiting the number of models covered by the new rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6Q5GM2SZZACZDSLG7SABBG4KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340765},"content":"Will the Bill become law?","type":"header"},{"_id":"44YLZQZAI5BK7IFQQ5VQZVONJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1726473340766},"content":"SB 1047 easily passed the state’s legislature. 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