Google Proposes Remedies in Antitrust Battle Over Search Monopoly

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : Reuters

Google, the tech giant under Alphabet Inc., has proposed a series of measures aimed at addressing concerns surrounding its dominance in online search. These suggestions come as the company faces an intense antitrust battle in the United States, following a ruling in August by US District Judge Amit Mehta that Google had unlawfully stifled competition in the search market. While Google intends to appeal this decision, its proposed remedies mark a significant step in shaping the future of online search competition.

In its legal filing, Google proposed limits to its revenue-sharing agreements with companies such as Apple, which make Google’s search engine the default option on their devices and browsers. The tech giant also suggested introducing wider options for default search engine assignments. This includes permitting different default search engines for distinct platforms and browsing modes, offering users a greater degree of choice. Additionally, Google proposed that its partners should have the flexibility to switch default search providers at least once every 12 months.

These measures stand in stark contrast to the remedies suggested by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) last month. The DOJ called for far-reaching reforms, including a complete ban on revenue-sharing agreements and a requirement for Google to divest Chrome, its market-leading web browser. According to Statcounter, Google’s search engine currently dominates with approximately 90% of global market share in online searches, underscoring its significant influence in the digital ecosystem.

Google, however, argued that the DOJ’s remedies are “overbroad” and cautioned that they could disrupt existing partnerships and impose significant costs on its collaborators. The company emphasized that even its own counterproposals would come at a cost to its partners but maintained that they represent a more balanced approach. By allowing contracts to continue with modifications and offering broader search engine choices, Google seeks to address antitrust concerns without dismantling its foundational agreements.

This legal battle has become a landmark case, with the final outcome likely to set a precedent for how digital monopolies are regulated. Judge Mehta is expected to issue a decision on the remedies phase by August, following further trials. The stakes are high for both Google and the broader tech industry, as regulators aim to ensure competitive practices in an era of increasing consolidation and market dominance by a few key players.

The proposed changes by Google reflect the company’s effort to comply with regulatory expectations while preserving its business model. However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges as the DOJ and other entities continue to push for more stringent measures to curb what they perceive as monopolistic practices. For users, the evolving remedies may lead to greater diversity in search engine options and potentially reshape the landscape of online search.

This case highlights the growing scrutiny on big tech companies and the delicate balance between fostering competition and maintaining innovation. As the antitrust proceedings unfold, the decisions made will likely influence the future of how technology giants operate and their role in the global economy.

Kenya's Ruto Embraces Rivals Amid Rising Criticism and Political Challenges

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : William Samoei

Kenya’s President William Ruto has made strategic political moves to consolidate his grip on power amid growing criticism of his administration. By incorporating opposition figures into his cabinet and reconnecting with former rivals, Ruto seeks to address the mounting discontent surrounding his leadership while navigating the complex political dynamics in the country.

In a surprising development, Ruto recently met with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, in what was portrayed as an effort to promote national unity and foster collaboration. This meeting follows earlier decisions to bring allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga into his government, granting them key positions, including the powerful finance and energy ministries. Kenyatta, who had supported Odinga in the closely contested 2022 election against Ruto, represents a crucial political figure in Kenya’s central region, an area that has grown increasingly hostile toward the president.

Ruto’s leadership has faced significant challenges since he assumed office. Public dissatisfaction peaked in June during widespread anti-tax protests triggered by a controversial finance bill that proposed further tax increases. While Ruto defended these measures as necessary to address debts inherited from Kenyatta’s administration, they fueled anger among Kenyans grappling with a rising cost of living, higher fuel taxes, and a housing levy yet to benefit the majority. The protests forced Ruto to retract the bill and later reshuffle his cabinet in an attempt to restore order.

The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October further exacerbated the president’s troubles. The ousting of Gachagua, a key figure in rallying Mount Kenya voters during the 2022 election, created a political vacuum in the populous region. To mitigate the fallout, Ruto nominated three of Kenyatta’s allies—Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo—to key cabinet positions. These nominations, pending parliamentary approval, are widely viewed as a strategic move to regain support in the Mount Kenya region, which has been crucial for electoral success.

Despite these efforts, criticism of Ruto’s administration persists. Young Kenyans, many of whom were instrumental in the June protests, accuse opposition leader Raila Odinga of betrayal for collaborating with Ruto’s government. The unity government, now including a third of cabinet members from opposition parties, has sparked concerns that it prioritizes political elites over ordinary citizens. This sentiment has fueled online campaigns such as 'RutoMustGo' and strengthened calls for continued protests.

Ruto’s presidency has also drawn scrutiny from civil society and religious leaders, once his staunch supporters, over alleged human rights violations during protests and perceived failures in public service delivery. A recent survey by Mzalendo Trust revealed that the high cost of living and unemployment remain key drivers of public dissatisfaction.

As Ruto navigates these challenges, political analysts warn that his efforts to unite rival camps might backfire, intensifying public anger. Critics argue that his administration’s approach risks being perceived as an alliance of political dynasties prioritizing their interests over those of the people. For many Kenyans who voted for Ruto with hopes of change and economic upliftment, the disillusionment is growing, casting a shadow over the promises of a new political era.

Massachusetts Whooping Cough Condition Increased to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Staff

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering Health News

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Image Source: Spectrum News

Worcester, Massachusetts – A highly communicable respiratory illness is increasing in Massachusetts. Conditions of whooping cough are climbing to pre-pandemic levels. Pertussis is a sign of whooping cough due to the sound patients create.

The condition of pertussis remained below during the pandemic, however, a family medicine physician at UMass Memorial Health reported many people quit masking and there have been decreases where people received vaccination.

The State of Massachusetts in the Department of Public Health stated 66 conditions of whooping cough between 2020 and 2023. They reported and investigated where they found 594 confirmed cases this year. About half have been addressed in August, September, and October.

The faculty member of UMass suggested that people get vaccinated and go to the doctors if they acknowledge that they showed symptoms of whooping cough. In an interview on Spectrum News Worcester, Dr. Manju Mahajan of UMass Memorial Health stated the cases of Whooping Cough.

"When the affected person coughs or sneezes, they release these small particles with the bacteria in them, and then other people can breathe in those bacteria and then these bacteria can then spread then other people are spending a lot of time together or sharing breathing spaces,” said Mahajan. “If somebody is exposed to pertussis, then they should reach out to their doctors because there are some people who are eligible to get post-exposure prophylaxis or treatment, for them to not get a severe infection or acquired the disease."

Consequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention addressed the medical situation in about 18,000 cases. It is the first time the population has increased since 2019.