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Fast-delivery firms face antitrust scrutiny in India

Fast-delivery giants Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto are facing an antitrust investigation in India over allegations of deep discounting practices that harm smaller retailers.

The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), which represents 400,000 distributors, has filed a case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to examine the business practices of these companies.

They claim that the discounting strategies of these platforms result in unfair pricing models that harm traditional retailers.

The quick-commerce sector in India, where products are delivered within minutes from local warehouses, has grown rapidly in recent years. However, this growth has come at the expense of brick-and-mortar stores, which cannot match the discounts offered by online platforms.

A recent survey showed a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with many shoppers reducing their purchases from supermarkets and independent stores due to the appeal of fast-delivery options.

The filing by the AICPDF, which has reviewed the pricing of several popular products, accuses companies like Zepto, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Zomato’s Blinkit of offering products at prices significantly lower than those available in traditional stores.

However, this has raised concerns about the long-term impact on local businesses. The CCI is now set to review the case, which may result in a formal investigation.

As India’s quick-commerce market continues to grow, estimated to reach $35 billion by 2030, the regulatory scrutiny of this sector is intensifying. The outcome of this case could shape the future of the industry, especially as companies like Zepto and Swiggy prepare for further expansion.

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Indonesia approves Apple’s local content certificates

Indonesia has granted local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16 after the company met requirements for locally-made components.

Apple still needs further approvals from the communications and trade ministries before it can officially sell the devices in the country.

The certification follows Apple’s recent pledge to invest over $300 million in Indonesia, including funding component manufacturing plants and a research and development centre.

Last year, the country had banned iPhone 16 sales due to non-compliance with local content rules.

Industry ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief confirmed that Apple received certificates for 11 phone models and nine tablets.

However, negotiations had been ‘tricky’, according to Indonesia’s industry minister. Apple remains outside the top five smartphone brands in Indonesia, according to research firm Canalyst.

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Reddit launches new tools to improve user engagement

Reddit has introduced new tools to help users follow community rules and track content performance, aiming to boost engagement on the platform. The update comes after a slowdown in user growth due to Google’s algorithm changes, though traffic from the search engine has since recovered.

Among the new features is a ‘rules check’ tool, currently being tested on smartphones, which helps users comply with subreddit guidelines. Additionally, a post-recovery option allows users to repost content in alternative subreddits if their original submission is removed. Reddit will also suggest subreddits based on post content and clarify posting requirements for specific communities.

The company has enhanced its post insights feature, offering detailed engagement metrics to help users refine their content. This follows Reddit’s December launch of Reddit Answers, an AI-powered search tool designed to provide curated summaries of community discussions, which is still in beta testing.

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Microsoft to boost AI investment in South Africa

Microsoft has announced plans to invest an additional 5.4 billion rand (about $296.81 million) by 2027 to enhance its cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa.

The investment comes in response to the increasing demand for the company’s Azure services in the region, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of businesses integrating AI technology into their operations.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, revealed the initiative during an event in Johannesburg, confirming that the company would also fund technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals.

These exams will cover crucial digital skills, including cloud architecture, AI, and cybersecurity, aiming to address the shortage of skilled professionals in high-demand sectors.

The new investment builds on Microsoft’s previous spending of 20.4 billion rand to establish South Africa’s first enterprise-grade data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

These data centres have become essential hubs for handling the computational demands of AI, as local businesses look to adopt AI-driven solutions.

The company’s broader strategy includes a global commitment to invest around $80 billion in 2025 to further develop data centres and deploy AI and cloud-based applications. South Africa, as a growing tech hub, is expected to play a key role in Microsoft’s plans for the future.

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US House subpoenas Alphabet over content moderation

The US House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed Alphabet on Thursday, demanding information on its communications with the Biden administration regarding content moderation policies. The committee, led by Republican Jim Jordan, also requested similar communications with external companies and groups.

The subpoena specifically seeks details on discussions about restricting or banning content related to US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, COVID-19, and other conservative topics. Republicans have accused Big Tech companies of suppressing conservative viewpoints, with the Federal Trade Commission warning that coordinating policies or misleading users could breach the law.

Last year, Meta Platforms acknowledged pressure from the Biden administration to censor content, but Alphabet has not publicly distanced itself from similar claims. A Google spokesperson stated the company will demonstrate its independent approach to policy enforcement.

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Malaysia discusses impact of US chip tariffs with companies

Malaysia is engaging with its semiconductor industry to address the potential impact of US tariffs on chips. The US has signalled its intention to impose tariffs of up to 25% on semiconductors, which could significantly affect Malaysia, one of the top exporters of chips to the US Last year, Malaysia shipped $16.2 billion worth of chips, making up nearly 20% of US semiconductor imports.

Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said the government is in talks with companies to see if they can absorb the higher costs caused by the tariffs. The discussions are focused on whether consumers or companies will bear the increased expenses. While the government has not yet decided whether it will provide financial support, Malaysia’s strong semiconductor sector, which includes US giants like Intel and GlobalFoundries, remains a critical part of the economy.

Despite concerns over the tariffs, Tengku Zafrul expressed confidence that Malaysia’s data centres would not be affected by new US export restrictions on advanced chips. The country has become a major hub for data centres, attracting investments from companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. The growth of AI-related demand is expected to drive further expansion, and Tengku Zafrul indicated that the sector’s trajectory is strong enough to absorb any new challenges.

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Italy debates Starlink for secure communications

Italy’s ruling League party is urging the government to choose Elon Musk’s Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for secure satellite communications, arguing that Starlink’s technology is more advanced.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is looking for an encrypted communication system for officials operating in high-risk areas, with both Starlink and Eutelsat in talks for the contract.

League leader Matteo Salvini, a strong supporter of former US President Donald Trump, has emphasised the need to prioritise US technology over a French alternative.

Meanwhile, Eutelsat’s CEO confirmed discussions with Italy as the country seeks an interim solution before the EU’s delayed IRIS² satellite system becomes operational.

Meloni’s office has stated that no formal negotiations have taken place and that any decision will be made transparently.

However, opposition parties have raised concerns over Starlink’s involvement, given recent speculation that Musk could cut off Ukraine from its service, potentially affecting national security interests.

Musk responded positively to the League’s endorsement, calling it ‘much appreciated’ on his social media platform X.

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FCC to vote on GPS alternatives amid rising interference fears

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote next month on exploring alternatives to GPS due to growing national security concerns.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned that relying on a single system for navigation and timing leaves the United States vulnerable to disruptions. Reports of increased GPS interference, particularly spoofing attacks since 2023, have raised fears of accidents if aircraft are misdirected.

Concerns over GPS security have been discussed for years, with President Donald Trump and bipartisan lawmakers calling for action.

The FCC’s March 27 vote will launch an inquiry into alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems that could complement or replace GPS. The aim is to encourage innovation in navigation technology and strengthen resilience against disruptions.

GPS plays a crucial role in aviation, replacing traditional ground-based navigation systems. However, its reliance on satellite signals makes it susceptible to interference.

The Federal Aviation Administration is already working on global authentication measures to counter spoofing threats and improve the security of satellite-based navigation.

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AI-driven dubbing comes to Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is introducing AI-powered dubbing for select movies and series in English and Spanish, aiming to expand its reach and enhance accessibility.

The feature, launching on Wednesday, will initially be available on 12 licensed titles that currently lack dubbing support.

With over 200 million customers worldwide, Prime Video‘s adoption of AI technology follows a growing trend among media companies using artificial intelligence to enhance viewer experiences.

Other firms, such as Disney’s ESPN, have also explored AI-driven solutions to personalise content and attract younger audiences.

The integration of AI-assisted dubbing reflects a broader industry shift towards technology-driven innovation in content distribution.

By using AI to bridge language barriers, Prime Video seeks to engage a wider audience and improve the global accessibility of its library.

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Google acknowledges AI being used for harmful content

Google has reported receiving over 250 complaints globally about its AI software being used to create deepfake terrorist content, according to Australia’s eSafety Commission.

The tech giant also acknowledged dozens of user reports alleging that its AI program, Gemini, was being exploited to generate child abuse material. Under Australian law, companies must provide regular updates on their efforts to minimise harm or risk hefty fines.

The eSafety Commission described Google’s disclosure as a ‘world-first insight’ into how AI tools may be misused to produce harmful and illegal content.

Between April 2023 and February 2024, Google received 258 reports of suspected AI-generated extremist material and 86 related to child exploitation. However, the company did not specify how many of these reports were verified.

A Google spokesperson stated that the company strictly prohibits AI-generated content related to terrorism, child abuse, and other illegal activities.

While it uses automated detection to remove AI-generated child exploitation material, the same system is not applied to extremist content.

Meanwhile, the regulator has previously fined platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram for failing to meet reporting requirements, with both companies planning to appeal.

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