The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules requiring mobile service providers to offer separate recharge plans for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data. This change specifically caters to users, such as senior citizens or families with home broadband, who do not require mobile data.
Alongside this, TRAI has extended the validity of special recharge coupons from a maximum of 90 days to up to 365 days, providing consumers with more flexibility in managing their recharges. Telecom operators can now issue recharge vouchers in any denomination of their choice, though they must still offer at least one ₹10 voucher.
The rule removing the restriction on multiples of ₹10 for top-up vouchers aims to give consumers more convenient options for recharging their phones. Despite these changes, TRAI has ensured that the new rules will not reverse the government’s push for data inclusion.
Also, the mandate for separate voice and SMS plans will not affect the availability of data-only or bundled plans, allowing telecom providers in India to continue offering diverse options supporting all users’ data access.
Google’s proposed adjustments to its search result formats, aimed at complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), have gained backing from Airlines for Europe, a major lobbying group representing airlines such as Air France KLM and Lufthansa. The DMA prohibits tech giants like Google from favouring their services in search results, with non-compliance risking fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover.
The airline group endorsed Google’s horizontal layout, featuring same-sized boxes for airlines and comparison sites, with a distinct blue colour for differentiation. However, they raised concerns over pricing consistency and criticised Google’s plan to use indicative dates rather than specific ones for flight bookings, arguing that this change could harm the consumer experience.
In response to ongoing disagreements with rivals, Google has signalled it may revert to its older “10 blue links” search result format if consensus cannot be reached on its current proposals. This highlights the challenges tech companies face in balancing regulatory compliance with the demands of diverse stakeholders.
Talen Energy plans to appeal a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision blocking an amended interconnection agreement for an Amazon data centre. The Pennsylvania-based utility had sought to expand capacity at its Susquehanna nuclear plant from 300 megawatts to 480 megawatts.
The initial deal, which involved selling the connected data centre to Amazon, faced resistance from American Electric Power and Exelon. FERC sided with the opposing utilities, rejecting the proposed agreement in a ruling issued on 1 November.
Talen Energy responded by requesting a rehearing last month. While FERC confirmed it would address the matter in a future order, the 30-day deadline for rehearing decisions has now passed. This development allows Talen to take the case to a US Circuit Court of Appeals.
Shares of Talen Energy, which have seen significant gains this year, rose 0.6% in response to the company’s announcement.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has voiced concerns over Synopsys’ proposed $35 billion acquisition of Ansys, claiming the deal could harm innovation, reduce product quality, and increase costs in the semiconductor design and light-simulation software markets. The regulator fears diminished competition could negatively impact UK businesses and consumers, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which rely heavily on semiconductor technology.
Synopsys, a leader in chip design software, announced the acquisition in January, aiming to combine its tools with Ansys’ diverse software offerings, used in industries ranging from aerospace to consumer goods. However, the CMA has highlighted risks of reduced consumer choice and a potential stifling of advancements in the sector. If these concerns are not adequately addressed, the regulator may initiate an in-depth investigation into the merger.
In response, Synopsys has proposed selling its optical solutions business to Keysight Technologies, a move it believes will satisfy the CMA’s concerns. A company spokesperson expressed confidence in resolving the regulatory hurdles and expects the deal to close in the first half of 2025. The CMA’s final decision could shape the future landscape of competition in the semiconductor and simulation software industries, as global demand for advanced technologies continues to grow.
Google has proposed changes to its agreements with companies like Apple to address a US antitrust ruling against its dominance in online search. The tech giant suggested making its distribution deals non-exclusive and allowing annual reviews for developers who set Google as the default search engine.
The company urged caution against drastic measures such as selling its Chrome browser or unbundling Android features, arguing that such remedies could stifle innovation in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Judge Amit Mehta previously found Google’s agreements gave it an unfair advantage, particularly through deals requiring Android manufacturers to pre-install Google search to access its Play Store.
Revenue-sharing deals, which are vital to smaller developers like Mozilla, would remain under Google’s plan. Critics, including DuckDuckGo, argue the proposal fails to restore competition and largely maintains the status quo. Apple reportedly earned $20 billion from its agreement with Google in 2022, underlining the financial stakes of these deals.
An April trial will determine if broader remedies are necessary to boost innovation and competition in search and artificial intelligence. The US Department of Justice, along with several states, is seeking measures to curb Google’s dominance, including restrictions on its payments for default search placement and licensing of its search technology to rivals.
Apple is reportedly working on an innovative smart doorbell camera equipped with Face ID technology, enabling users to unlock their doors simply by looking at it. This new device could launch as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The camera will feature Apple’s Secure Enclave chip, ensuring biometric data is processed and stored securely, similar to other Apple products like the iPhone.
The doorbell camera is expected to integrate with existing HomeKit-compatible smart locks and might also come as part of a complete system developed in partnership with a smart lock manufacturer. It will likely incorporate Apple’s ‘Proxima’ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which is also rumoured for upcoming HomePod Mini and Apple TV models.
This development is part of Apple’s broader push into the smart home market. Additional rumours point to a new Apple-branded security camera, smart displays with advanced features like robotic arms, and even a potential Apple TV update. These efforts signal Apple’s commitment to creating a seamless and intelligent home ecosystem.
President-elect Donald Trump hinted at allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US, at least temporarily, citing the platform’s significant role in his presidential campaign. Speaking to conservative supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump shared that his campaign content had garnered billions of views on TikTok, describing it as a “beautiful” success that made him reconsider the app’s future.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced pressure from US lawmakers to divest the app over national security concerns, with allegations that Chinese control of TikTok poses risks to American data. The US Supreme Court is set to decide on the matter, as ByteDance challenges a law that could force divestment. Without a favourable ruling or compliance with the law, TikTok could face a US ban by January 19, just before Trump takes office.
Trump’s openness to TikTok contrasts with bipartisan support for stricter measures against the app. While the Justice Department argues that Chinese ties to TikTok remain a security threat, TikTok counters that its user data and operations are managed within the US, with storage handled by Oracle and moderation decisions made domestically. Despite ongoing legal battles, Trump’s remarks and a recent meeting with TikTok’s CEO suggest he sees potential in maintaining the platform’s presence in the US market.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Japan’s competition watchdog, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), is expected to find Google guilty of violating the country’s antitrust laws. The JFTC is reportedly preparing to issue a cease-and-desist order, directing Google to halt its monopolistic practices. The investigation, which began last October, focuses on Google’s dominance in web search services.
Google has yet to comment on the allegations, and the JFTC has also not responded to requests for a statement. This investigation follows similar antitrust actions in Europe and other major economies, where concerns have been raised about Google’s market power. The company’s Chrome browser, which is the most widely used globally, plays a central role in its advertising business by providing valuable user data.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of Google’s practices. In the US, the Department of Justice has argued that Google should be forced to divest Chrome and be banned from re-entering the browser market for five years as part of efforts to address its search engine monopoly.
Unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey have led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose a temporary ban on drone flights over critical infrastructure in 22 towns, including Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Camden. The restriction, effective until 17 January, limits drone activity within one nautical mile up to 400 feet in affected areas. Officials cite ‘special security reasons’ for the measures, even warning of potential use of deadly force against threatening unmanned aircraft.
The US FAA first implemented similar restrictions in late November around specific sites, but the recent expansion reflects growing concern. While a joint statement from the FAA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security reassures that the drones do not present an immediate national security risk, authorities remain tight-lipped about their origin. Many sightings have been attributed to commercial or hobbyist drones, law enforcement aircraft, and even misidentified stars.
Despite these reassurances, public anxiety persists, fuelled by weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories in the New York City metro area. Lawmakers are pressing for new regulations to improve drone tracking and accountability, as officials scramble to address the unease surrounding this enigmatic aerial phenomenon.
Cryptocurrency theft reached $2.2bn (£1.76bn) in 2024, with North Korean hackers reportedly responsible for $1.3bn, according to a Chainalysis report. The total marks a 21% increase from 2023, though it remains lower than peak years.
The study highlights that hackers often target private keys used to access crypto platforms, causing severe losses for centralised exchanges. Significant breaches included a $300m theft from Japan‘s DMM Bitcoin and a $235m loss from India-based WazirX. Many attacks were linked to citizens of North Korea posing as remote IT workers.
The United States government has accused Pyongyang of using stolen funds to evade sanctions and finance weapons programmes. Recently, 14 North Koreans were indicted in a federal court for alleged extortion schemes, while the State Department announced a $5m reward for information on these activities.
