☕️ Google's multi-billion deal with Apple

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Google's multi-billion deal with Apple
💊 Utah sues TikTok for getting children ‘addicted’ to its algorithm
🦊 Firefox is getting an AI-powered fake review detector
🐞 23-year-old coder fixed a 22-year-old Firefox bug
⚠️ EU confronts Elon Musk over disinformation issues

Google's multi-billion deal with AppleLINK

Google annually pays Apple an estimated $18 billion to $20 billion to remain the primary search engine on the iPhone, according to Bernstein's report.

This deal, which accounts for around 14-16% of Apple's operating profits, is currently being examined in a antitrust suit against Google for possible monopolistic practices.

There exists a possibility that federal courts may rule against Google, potentially leading to the termination of its search deal with Apple and impacting other partnerships with Samsung, Mozilla among others.

💊 Utah sues TikTok for getting children ‘addicted’ to its algorithmLINK

Utah has launched a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the social media platform poses child safety hazards and has misleading ties with China-based company ByteDance.

The state claims that TikTok's addictive nature can harm young users' mental health and creates dependence on the app, comparing it to a dopamine-triggering slot machine.

Despite the company's efforts to increase transparency and spend billions on data security, Utah and other states continue to introduce strict social media laws that include parental permissions and age verification features.

🦊 Firefox is getting an AI-powered fake review detectorLINK

Mozilla purchased Fakespot, a startup that uses AI to identify fake reviews, and plans to include its Review Checker in Firefox version 120, launching on November 21, 2023.

Fakespot's AI can significantly hinder the effectiveness of AI technologies used to create fake product reviews, based on patterns and similarities between reviews.

This acquisition aligns with Mozilla's ethical AI and responsible advertising strategies, as it facilitates consumers in spotting potentially deceptive product rankings inflated by fake reviews.

🐞 23-year-old coder fixed a 22-year-old Firefox bugLINK

A 22-year-old bug in Firefox, which causes tooltips to persist on the screen even when the browser is moved to the background, has been fixed by a new coder.

Over the years, many attempts were made to solve this issue which occurred not only on Mac OS but also on Windows and Linux, but all seemed to be unsuccessful or temporary.

This long-standing issue was finally solved by a 23-year-old first-time Firefox coder, adding an end to the “relic from the past”.

⚠️ EU confronts Elon Musk over disinformation issuesLINK

EU Commissioner, Thierry Breton has urged Elon Musk, owner of X/Twitter, to take action against fake content and glorification of violence shared on the platform after the Hamas attack against Israel.

Musk was given 24 hours to provide a detailed response and demonstrate effective moderation of content on the platform, according to the obligations outlined in the Digital Services Act.

Musk was also asked to address specific instances of disinformation, like repurposed old images and manipulated videos related to the conflict circulating on the platform.

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Swedish app Klarna introduces AI-based image recognition for quicker product search, but its usage might encourage excessive spending, especially among young consumers.LINK

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