Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the partnership between Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and AI startup Anthropic due to concerns about competition. Regulators have grown increasingly cautious about agreements between major tech firms and smaller startups, especially after Microsoft-backed OpenAI sparked an AI boom with ChatGPT’s launch.
Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI executives Dario and Daniela Amodei, received a $500 million investment from Alphabet last year, with another $1.5 billion promised. The AI startup also relies on Google Cloud services to support its operations, raising concerns over the competitive impact of their collaboration.
The CMA began assessing the partnership in July and has set 19 December as the deadline for its Phase 1 decision. The regulator will determine whether the investigation should proceed to the next stage. Anthropic has pledged full cooperation, insisting that its strategic alliances do not compromise its independence or partnerships with other firms.
Alphabet has emphasised its commitment to fostering an open AI ecosystem. A spokesperson clarified that Anthropic is not restricted to using only Google Cloud services and is free to explore partnerships with multiple providers.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted new regulations requiring all mobile phones sold in the US to be compatible with hearing aids, significantly enhancing accessibility for individuals with hearing loss. Specifically, these rules mandate that manufacturers adopt standard Bluetooth coupling for universal connectivity, thereby eliminating proprietary standards.
In addition, mobile handsets must meet specific volume benchmarks to ensure that sound quality is maintained when the volume is increased. Furthermore, to inform consumers, handset manufacturers must clearly label their devices to indicate compliance with these new hearing aid compatibility standards.
Notably, these changes stem from years of study and advocacy by the Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Task Force, which provided recommendations to the FCC. As a result, the FCC’s regulations aim to provide greater choice and improved functionality for the 48 million Americans with hearing loss, ensuring they can access a wider range of mobile technologies and features.
A survey conducted by Wiley reveals that 96% of workers in the US feel stressed about adapting to AI at work. Many employees are grappling with how to integrate the rapidly evolving technology into their daily tasks, with 40% struggling to do so and 75% lacking confidence in their AI skills.
Managers also face challenges in leading AI transitions. Only 34% of people managers feel ready to support their teams effectively, exposing a knowledge gap that could hinder AI adoption. Meanwhile, 80% of employees believe their managers are supportive, though just 60% think their managers possess the expertise to guide them through the process.
Clearer strategies and structured training could ease the pressure. About 61% of employees say training on AI tools would help, while 54% believe a defined organisational strategy would make adoption smoother. Furthermore, 48% suggest that setting clearer expectations around AI use would boost their confidence.
Wiley’s report recommends three strategies for improving AI integration. Organisations are encouraged to define specific AI use cases, improve communication with employees, and provide targeted training for managers to lead their teams through the transition more effectively. Tracey Carney, the lead researcher, stresses the importance of equipping both employees and managers to handle the evolving demands of AI.
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new ‘click to cancel‘ rule, designed to simplify the process of ending subscriptions. The rule mandates that businesses must make it just as easy for consumers to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up for one, and requires customer consent before renewing subscriptions or converting free trials into paid services.
Under the new regulations, businesses will no longer be allowed to force customers to navigate chatbots or agents to cancel subscriptions initiated via an app or website. The rule will take effect in about six months and aims to save consumers time and money by eliminating unnecessary hurdles. For subscriptions made in person, companies must provide an option to cancel by phone or online.
The FTC has previously sued Amazon and Adobe for making it difficult for consumers to cancel subscriptions. Amazon was accused of using misleading website designs to push people into automatic Prime renewals, while Adobe allegedly imposed hidden fees and unclear cancellation terms. Both companies have rejected the claims.
Similar measures have also been adopted in the United Kingdom. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 ensures that businesses must give clear information to customers before they enter into subscription agreements, and make it easier for them to cancel or end contracts.
The investigation particularly focuses on two contentious posts. The first is a meme from a page linked to Poland’s far-right Confederation party, featuring former prime minister Donald Tusk in a racially charged image that alludes to the EU’s immigration pact. The image utilises language perceived as a racial slur in Poland, raising ethical concerns about its impact. The second case involves an AI-generated image posted on a German Facebook page opposing leftist and green parties. It portrays a woman with Aryan features in a stop gesture with accompanying text condemning immigrants as ‘gang-rape specialists,’ a narrative linked to perceived outcomes of the Green Party’s immigration policies. This portrayal not only uses inflammatory rhetoric but also touches on deeply sensitive cultural issues within Germany.
Thorning-Schmidt highlighted the importance of examining Meta’s current approach to managing ‘coded speech’—subtle language or imagery that carries derogatory implications while avoiding direct violations of community standards.
The board’s investigation will assess whether Meta’s policies on hate speech are robust enough to protect individuals and communities at risk of discrimination, while still allowing for critical discourse on immigration matters. Meta’s policy is designed to protect refugees, migrants, immigrants, and asylum seekers from severe attacks while allowing critique of immigration laws.
Why does it matter?
The outcome of this investigation could prompt significant changes in how Meta moderates content on sensitive topics like immigration, striking a balance between curbing hate speech and preserving freedom of expression. Moreover, Meta’s oversight board tackling politically sensitive posts shows the broader challenges social media platforms face in moderating content that balances the fine line between free expression and inciting division. It highlights the ongoing debate on the role of these platforms in managing nuanced or politically sensitive content, potentially setting a precedent.
Meta experienced another wave of layoffs on Wednesday, affecting multiple teams, including those working on Threads, recruiting, legal operations, and design. These cuts are part of the company’s ongoing effort to reallocate resources that are aligned with its strategic goals and location strategy. According to a statement from Meta, some teams were relocated, and certain employees were shifted to new roles, while others faced job eliminations. In cases where roles were cut, Meta stated that it works to provide new opportunities for affected employees.
While the exact number of layoffs remains unclear, social media posts and anonymous employee accounts suggest several team members were dismissed through video calls. Some of those affected received six weeks of severance pay. According to The Verge, teams from Meta’s Reality Labs, Instagram, and WhatsApp divisions were also impacted by this round of layoffs.
Why does it matter?
Meta has been undergoing significant workforce reductions following the company’s pandemic-era expansion. In 2022, the tech giant laid off 13% of its workforce—approximately 11,000 employees—with CEO Mark Zuckerberg taking responsibility for the decision. Another 10,000 employees were cut in 2023, along with the withdrawal of 5,000 open positions. These ongoing changes reflect Meta’s shift toward streamlining operations amid a challenging economic environment.
The US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of violating workers’ rights by restricting the use of Slack and social media for discussions about working conditions. According to the NLRB complaint, Apple implemented policies that limited how employees could use workplace messaging and fired one worker for advocating for change. The complaint also claims Apple created the impression that workers were being monitored on social media.
This is the second complaint filed against Apple this month. The earlier case accused the company of forcing employees to sign illegal non-compete and confidentiality agreements. Apple has denied the accusations, stating it is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment and respects employees’ rights to discuss issues like pay and working conditions.
The case stems from a 2021 complaint by former employee Janneke Parrish, who claims she was fired for leading workplace activism efforts. Parrish’s lawyer said Apple’s actions were unlawful and violated workers’ rights to protest discrimination. If a settlement isn’t reached, a hearing will be held in February 2024.
The Ghana CSO Consortium on Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion has called on the government to significantly invest in digital infrastructure, including broadband and 5G networks, to enhance internet access nationwide. The consortium recommended that the government invest in nationwide broadband expansion projects and subsidise data plans and digital devices to ensure that more citizens, particularly those in underserved areas, have access to essential digital tools.
In a communique issued on 8 October 2024, following a one-day forum focused on youth digital inclusion, the consortium emphasised the urgent need for increased digital literacy programs to equip Ghanaians with the skills necessary to thrive in the expanding digital economy. The forum featured various activities, including presentations, panel discussions, and plenary sessions, which reviewed digital policies, laws, regulations, and political party manifestos related to digital access, infrastructure, and employment. Discussions highlighted how young innovators are reshaping the employment landscape in a tech-driven world.
The consortium stressed the need to equip youth with essential skills and advocate for greater technological literacy while ensuring historically marginalised voices were included. Stakeholders noted that digital inclusion offers significant education, employment, and innovation opportunities but acknowledged the pressing need to address inequality to benefit all young people. The forum also highlighted the government’s key role in implementing policies that promote the development and affordability of internet infrastructure.
The European Union has postponed the implementation of a biometric entry-check system for non-EU citizens, initially slated for 10 November. Delays stem from concerns raised by Germany, France, and the Netherlands regarding their border computer systems’ readiness. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed that no new launch date has been set, though discussions about a phased introduction are ongoing.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to create a digital link between travel documents and biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans, thereby removing the need for manual passport stamping at the EU’s external borders. Non-EU citizens arriving in the Schengen area would need to provide biometric information and answer questions regarding their stay.
Digital passports and ID cards are a major step forward, strengthening security in the Schengen area and making travel easier. They will allow border guards to quickly approve genuine travellers and focus better on stopping suspects of crime and terrorism https://t.co/nFu6cg0ndv
Officials from Germany’s interior ministry noted that the three nations represent 40% of the affected passenger traffic and are not yet prepared to implement the EES. They indicated that the EU agency EU-Lisa has yet to deliver the necessary stability and functionality for the central system.
While the French interior ministry acknowledged the EES’s potential benefits, they emphasised the need for proper preparation before its rollout. The Dutch government has not provided a response regarding its stance on the delay.
The rise of AI and digitalisation could displace up to 600,000 workers in Malaysia over the next five years, according to the Ministry of Human Resources. A report by Talentcorp, set for release in November, highlights how ten key industries will be most affected, including information technology, food manufacturing, and aerospace.
However, the government assures that many of these displaced workers will transition into new roles, as around 60 new types of jobs are expected to emerge. Workers in high-risk sectors will receive targeted support to upskill or reskill, making it easier for them to adapt to the changing job market. The report’s purpose is to prevent negative reactions and help industries prepare.
The report is part of a broader initiative to keep the workforce informed about the changing landscape. The government is launching a dedicated website to provide detailed information on the jobs most affected by AI, digitalisation, and green technology, as well as opportunities for training.
Steven Sim, the Human Resources Minister, has expressed optimism about the future, urging workers and industries to stay positive and proactive. The government’s ongoing studies will continue to assess other sectors in the coming years, ensuring workforce in Malaysia remains resilient in the face of technological change.
