Google has removed 10,000 fake business listings from Google Maps and filed a lawsuit against a scam network accused of creating and selling fraudulent profiles.
The legal action was prompted by a complaint from a Texas locksmith who discovered someone had impersonated their business on the platform. That led Google to uncover a broader scheme involving fake listings for profit.
The company warns that scammers are using increasingly advanced methods to trick users. These fake listings may appear legitimate, leading customers to contact or visit them.
Victims are sometimes overcharged for services or misled into paying upfront for services that are never delivered. Scammers also use fake reviews and manipulated Q&As to make the listings seem trustworthy.
In 2023 alone, Google blocked or removed 12 million fake business profiles, an increase of one million from the previous year.
The company has also been cracking down on businesses using fake engagement tactics, including artificial reviews, to inflate their reputations falsely.
Internationally, Google has begun implementing stricter rules in response to growing regulatory pressure, including in the UK, where it restricts deceptive businesses engaged in review manipulation.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has sealed a $32 billion deal to acquire Wiz, an Israeli cybersecurity powerhouse, marking the largest acquisition in Google’s history. Announced on 18 March 2025, this deal did not just happen overnight; it is a tale of persistence, political shifts, and a fierce battle for dominance in the cloud security landscape. Let’s dive into what this means for cybersecurity, the tech industry, and the broader US-China tech rivalry to focus on what truly matters.
Accelerated negotiations under the Trump administration
The story starts nearly a year ago when Google first tried to snag Wiz for $23 billion in July 2024, but the deal fell through, spooked by fears of harsh antitrust scrutiny under the Biden administration. Fast forward to Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, and the circumstances shifted. Trump’s inauguration was the game changer. His appointees, Andrew Ferguson of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Gail Slater overseeing antitrust at the Justice Department, signalled a friendlier stance toward big mergers. For Wiz and Google executives, this was the green light they had been waiting for. Talks that had sputtered since last fall suddenly kicked into high gear, culminating in a deal sweetened by a hefty $9 billion bump and a massive $3.2 billion breakup fee, over 10% of the deal’s value, if regulators block it.
Background on Wiz
Why the rush for Wiz? It is all about cloud security, a field growing more critical by the day as businesses shift online and cyber threats multiply. Wiz, founded in 2020 by ex-Israeli military tech experts, has soared to a $700 million annual revenue stream, with a 70% growth rate that is the industry’s envy. Its tech helps companies spot and fix risks across cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and, yes, Google Cloud. For Google, which trails Amazon and Microsoft in the cloud race, Wiz is a golden ticket to beef up its offerings.
Cybersecurity is no longer just a nice-to-have. Last year’s CrowdStrike outage showed how one glitch can cripple industries worldwide. Google’s cloud boss, Thomas Kurian, has relentlessly chased this prize, seeing Wiz as key to closing the gap with rivals.
But this deal is not without controversy. At $32 billion, it is a colossal bet, dwarfing Google’s previous big buy, Motorola Mobility, at $12.5 billion in 2012. The price tag reflects Wiz’s value, sure, but also the risk. Google is already tangled in two Justice Department lawsuits over its search and adtech dominance, and a deal this size could still draw a stern look, even under Trump’s lighter touch. Wiz executives, burned by watching Adobe’s $20 billion Figma bid crash in 2023 over antitrust woes, demanded that sky-high breakup fee as insurance. It is a rare move, most US deals hover around 4-7% for such fees, per a 2023 Fenwick and West study—but it shows how jittery both sides are about regulatory hurdles.
Implications for the cybersecurity landscape
Zoom out, and this acquisition fits into a larger chess game: the USA versus China in tech supremacy. On 17 March, the US Department of Commerce banned China’s DeepSeek AI from government devices, citing fears it could funnel data to Beijing. Wiz’s rise contrasts sharply with DeepSeek’s struggles; while the Chinese firm dazzles with cheap, clever AI models, it is hitting a wall of US restrictions. Google snapping up Wiz is not just about market share; it is a strategic grab to keep cutting-edge cybersecurity tech in Western hands. Israel’s knack for producing security stars—think Siemplify (bought by Google in 2022) or Adallom (snagged by Microsoft in 2015)—only amplifies this angle.
More info on cybersecurity, tech economy, tech industry and other related topics, visit our enormous database treasury on diplomacy.edu.
Looking ahead
Here is the takeaway: our online life is more vulnerable than ever, and companies like Google are racing to lock it down. Wiz’s tools will stay platform-agnostic, meaning they will work across clouds, not just Google’s, a nod to keeping customers happy and regulators at bay. However, the $32 billion question is whether this merger will spark a wave of innovation or just tighten Big Tech’s grip. Experts, like Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf from EMARKETER, warn it will face ‘too much scrutiny to go through completely unimpeded’, given Google’s legal baggage. Others see it as a shot in the arm for startups, with Wiz’s early backers like Sequoia and Index Ventures willing to cash out billions, per PitchBook data.
The cybersecurity world is watching as the deal heads toward a 2026 close. Will Google turn Wiz into a juggernaut that shields us from digital chaos, or will it stumble under its weight, burdened by regulators or rivalries? One thing is clear: Alphabet has made a bold move in the high-stakes game of tech and security, and the board is far from settled.
For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The launch of three data centres in Kuala Lumpur is part of Microsoft’s ongoing investment in Malaysia, aiming to turn the country into a hub for cloud and AI innovation.
In other news:
Zero draft resolution for Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance published
As part of the intergovernmental process dedicated to defining terms of reference and modalities for the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance (whose creation was agreed in the context of the Global Digital Compact), the co-facilitators, Costa Rica and Spain, made available a zero draft resolution on 19 March 2025.
Apple faces EU crackdown over closed technology
The European Commission has ordered Apple to grant rival smartphone, headphone, and virtual reality companies access to its technology and mobile operating system.
Travellers from 60 non-EU countries, including the UK, will need to apply for the ETIAS starting in late 2026. The application will include personal details, security questions, and a €7…
The German company aims to deepen collaboration with Chinese suppliers, integrating them into its global innovation network to drive long-term technological advancements and smarter vehicle systems.
The local Competition Board is evaluating the business practices of global streaming giants as part of its efforts to ensure fair competition within the local digital entertainment market.
The FCC has established a national security unit to strengthen the resilience of the US telecom sector, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and address cyber threats, espionage, and strategic…
History isn’t just a chain of causes and effects – it’s a web of infinite necessities, chance encounters, and transformative experiences. The American Revolution wasn’t inevitable, but it became so. Aldo Matteucci examines.
UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence sets a global standard for AI governance. It provides a framework for policymakers to ensure AI development aligns with ethical and inclusive principles.
Google has unveiled a new feature called Mind Maps for its AI-powered research tool, NotebookLM. Mind maps are visual diagrams that help users understand complex subjects by displaying ideas and their connections.
An addition like this follows the recent release of Audio Overviews, which provide AI-generated podcasts summarising key points from documents, articles, and videos.
NotebookLM, which works in both free and paid versions, assists users in summarising content and offering interactive conversations with AI to deepen understanding.
The new Mind Maps feature lets users generate and explore visual connections between ideas. Once created, users can zoom, expand or collapse branches, and click on nodes for detailed information on specific topics.
The feature is particularly useful for students or anyone who needs to absorb a lot of information quickly. With the combined power of Mind Maps and Audio Overviews, NotebookLM offers a multi-faceted approach to learning, making it easier to navigate and retain key insights.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Google has been charged with two violations of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), while Apple has been ordered to allow greater interoperability with rival devices.
The European Commission accused Google of restricting app developers from promoting external offers outside its Play Store and favouring its own services, such as Google Flights, over competitors in search results. If found guilty, the company could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
The Commission also directed Apple to make its iPhones and iPads more accessible to rival smartphone and accessory makers. Additionally, Apple must respond to app developers’ requests for interoperability with its systems within a set timeframe.
Both companies pushed back against the EU’s findings, with Google arguing that compliance could harm consumers and businesses, while Apple claimed the rules would slow innovation and unfairly benefit competitors.
Regulators have intensified their crackdown on Big Tech despite warnings from the United States government against targeting American firms.
Google has already been fined over €8 billion for previous antitrust violations in Europe, and failure to comply with the latest orders could lead to further penalties for both tech giants.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Google has agreed to pay $28 million (€25.6 million) to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it favoured white and Asian employees by offering them higher pay and better career progression.
The case, which covered at least 6,632 employees in California between 2018 and 2024, won preliminary approval from a Santa Clara county judge last week.
The lawsuit was led by Ana Cantu, a former Google employee who claimed the company placed white and Asian workers in higher job levels while restricting promotions and pay increases for others.
Cantu, who worked in Google’s people operations and cloud departments for seven years, alleged she was denied career advancement despite performing well. She argued that Google’s practices violated the California Equal Pay Act.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the settlement but maintained that the company had not engaged in discriminatory treatment. A final hearing is scheduled for September, where the court will decide whether to grant full approval of the settlement.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
OpenAI and Google have urged the US government to allow AI models to be trained on copyrighted material under fair use.
The companies submitted feedback to the White House’s ‘AI Action Plan,’ arguing that restrictions could slow AI progress and give countries like China a competitive edge. Google stressed the importance of copyright and privacy exceptions, stating that text and data mining provisions are critical for innovation.
Anthropic also responded to the White House’s request but focused more on AI risks to national security and infrastructure rather than copyright concerns.
Meanwhile, OpenAI and Google are facing multiple lawsuits from news organisations and content creators, including Sarah Silverman and George R.R. Martin, who allege their works were used without permission for AI training.
Other companies, including Apple and Nvidia, have also been accused of improperly using copyrighted material, such as YouTube subtitles, to train AI models.
As legal challenges continue, major tech firms remain committed to pushing for regulations that support AI development while navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Google’s Gemini team has introduced two new features aimed at improving user interaction with documents and coding projects. The first, Audio Overview, transforms uploaded documents into audio podcasts presented by AI hosts.
The feature, initially part of Google’s NotebookLM, is now available to all Gemini users, regardless of their subscription plan.
While it currently supports only English, additional languages will be added soon. Users can easily generate podcasts from documents, which can then be shared, downloaded, and accessed via web or mobile.
In addition to Audio Overview, Gemini has launched Canvas, an interactive tool designed to help users create and refine work. Canvas offers features that allow users to generate first drafts, edit content, and receive feedback on tone, length, and formatting.
Once completed, the work can be exported directly to Google Docs. Canvas also supports coding, helping developers create prototypes for web apps, Python scripts, and games, while students can use it to learn coding concepts.
These innovative tools highlight Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the user experience and revolutionising how people engage with digital content and coding. Gemini’s new features are now available to all users globally, with Canvas already rolling out to both Gemini and Gemini Advanced users.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Google has finalized a $32 billion acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz, sealing the deal just weeks after Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The agreement, a significant increase from Google’s initial $23 billion offer, was aided by the expectation of a friendlier antitrust review under the new administration, sources familiar with the negotiations said.
Wiz had considered an IPO before returning to the negotiating table, with new Chief Financial Officer Fazal Merchant playing a key role in shaping the deal alongside CEO Assaf Rappaport.
Google’s cloud chief, Thomas Kurian, was also instrumental in the agreement, which includes an unusually high $3.2 billion breakup fee should regulatory issues derail the transaction.
With Wiz boasting 70% annual revenue growth and over $700 million in annualized revenue, Google viewed the premium price as justified.
However, concerns remain over potential antitrust scrutiny, particularly given Google’s ongoing legal battles with the US Department of Justice over its dominance in search and ad technology.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Google is set to collaborate with Taiwan’s MediaTek on the next generation of its Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips, which are expected to be produced next year.
The partnership is partly driven by cost considerations, as MediaTek offers Google a lower price per chip than its long-time partner Broadcom. MediaTek’s close ties with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) also played a role in Google’s decision.
Despite the new partnership, Google has not severed ties with Broadcom, which has exclusively worked on its AI chips for several years.
Broadcom remains involved in the project, and an employee at the company confirmed that the relationship with Google is still intact. Google has been developing its own AI server chips, allowing it to reduce reliance on Nvidia, whose processors dominate the industry.
Google introduced its sixth-generation TPU last year to provide itself and its cloud customers with an alternative to Nvidia’s highly sought-after chips. The company reportedly spent between $6 billion and $9 billion on TPUs in 2023, based on revenue targets from Broadcom.
By bringing MediaTek into the fold, Google aims to strengthen its AI chip strategy while managing production costs more efficiently.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
TikTok has launched a new Security Checkup tool, offering users a simplified way to manage their account safety.
The dashboard provides an easy-to-navigate hub where users can review and update security settings such as login methods, two-step verification, and device access.
Designed to be user-friendly, it aims to encourage proactive security habits without overwhelming people with technical details.
The security portal functions similarly to tools offered by major tech companies like Google and Meta, reinforcing the importance of digital safety.
Features include passkey authentication for password-free logins, alerts for suspicious activity, and the ability to check which devices are logged into an account.
TikTok hopes the tool will make it easier for users to secure their profiles and prevent unauthorised access.
While the Security Checkup is a practical addition, it also arrives amid TikTok’s ongoing struggles in the US, where concerns over data privacy persist.
The company’s head of global security, Kim Albarella, describes the feature as a ‘powerful new tool’ that allows users to ‘take control’ of their account safety with confidence.
Accessing the tool is straightforward—users can find it within the app’s ‘Settings and privacy’ menu under ‘Security & permissions.’
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
