The US government has formally proposed a partial breakup of Google, urging a federal judge to mandate the sale of the Chrome web browser. Part of a broader effort to dismantle what it perceives as a monopoly in the internet search market, this decision follows a landmark ruling that found Google in violation of antitrust laws related to its search business. The case centers on whether Google's practices, which made it the default search engine across various platforms, were anticompetitive and detrimental to smaller search engines.
The Department of Justice argues that divesting Chrome could help prevent a recurrence of Google's illegal monopoly. In addition to the proposed sale of Chrome, the government is seeking to impose various restrictions on Google, including banning exclusive contracts that solidify its dominance and requiring the company to share its search results with rival search engines. Google has criticized these proposals as extreme and harmful to consumer privacy and security, asserting that they would disrupt services that users rely on.
The ongoing legal battles in the U.S. echo historical attempts to regulate tech giants, reminiscent of the government's efforts to break up Microsoft in the 1990s. As Google prepares to submit its proposed remedies to the DoJ by December 20 while also facing another antitrust lawsuit concerning its digital advertising practices, the outcome of these proceedings could significantly reshape the landscape of online search and AI technology.
Find more details at The Guardian and CNN Business.
Despite the UK government's mandate for transparency regarding using artificial intelligence (AI) systems in public sector departments, no Whitehall department has registered any AI systems since the requirement was announced. This lack of compliance has raised concerns that the public sector is "flying blind" regarding the deployment of algorithmic technologies that impact millions of lives. While AI is already being utilized in various government functions, such as benefit payments and immigration enforcement, only nine algorithmic systems have been recorded in a public register, with none from key areas like welfare or law enforcement. The situation is compounded by a recent contract for facial recognition software worth up to £20 million, which has reignited fears about mass biometric surveillance without adequate oversight.
Experts have cautioned that uncritical adoption of AI can lead to significant harm, as evidenced by past failures of IT systems like the Post Office's Horizon software, which led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of public servants. Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science and Technology, acknowledged the need for greater transparency in how algorithms are used by the government, emphasizing that the public has a right to know about these technologies. Advocacy groups like Big Brother Watch have criticized the government's secretive approach to AI, arguing that it jeopardizes data rights and public trust. While the government has issued numerous contracts related to AI, the lack of transparency and accountability in their deployment raises serious questions about their effectiveness and social impact. As of today, Generative AI is being used by the Department for Work and Pensions, in the immigration enforcement system, by the NHS, and more.
More info at the Guardian.
AWS re:Invent 2024, the largest annual conference for Amazon Web Services, took place between December 1 and December 6 in Las Vegas. The event kicked off with a keynote address from new AWS CEO Matt Garman, marking his first appearance in this role since taking over from Adam Selipsky in May. Among many events, attendees could visit the AWS Builders Fair, showcasing innovative projects from AWS experts and partners, as well as interactive activities like autonomous car racing, AI-powered art installations, and sports simulations, including a Formula 1 pit wall simulator and NHL-inspired challenges.
Throughout the conference, over 500 sessions were dedicated to generative AI, a key area of focus for AWS. Despite facing competition from Microsoft and Google, AWS has reported substantial revenue growth in GenAI, claiming earnings in the "multiple billions." The company has also strengthened its partnership with AI startup Anthropic, investing an additional $4 billion and positioning itself as the primary model training partner.
Read more at Tech Crunch and the Tech Portal.
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