Apple’s and Google’s cooperation with the Russian government’s efforts to suppress an app opposed to the ruling regime is escalating concerns about whether Big Tech’s pursuit of ever-higher profits has trampled their commitment to protecting civil rights.
The Associated Press
Technology companies offering consumer services from search to social media to apps have long walked a tightrope in many of the less democratic nations of the world. As Apple, Google and other major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook have grown more powerful over the past decade, so have government ambitions to harness that power for their own ends.
According to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, Google faced legal demands by Russian regulators and threats of criminal prosecution of individual employees if it failed to comply. The same person said Russian police visited Google’s Moscow offices last week to enforce a court order to block the app. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
A recent report from the Washington nonprofit Freedom House found that global internet freedom declined for the 11th consecutive year and is under “unprecedented strain” as more nations arrested internet users for “nonviolent political, social, or religious speech” than ever before. Officials suspended internet access in at least 20 countries, and 21 states blocked access to social media platforms, according to the report.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Apple, Google raise new concerns by yanking Russian appApple’s and Google’s cooperation with the Russian government’s efforts to suppress an app opposed to the ruling regime is escalating concerns about whether Big Tech’s pursuit of ever-higher profits has trampled their commitment to protecting civil rights.
Read more »
Apple, Google raise new concerns by yanking Russian appBERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Big Tech companies that operate around the globe have long promised to obey local laws and to protect civil rights while doing business. But when Apple and Google capitulated to Russian demands and removed a political-opposition app from their local app stores, it raised worries that two of the world's most successful companies are more comfortable bowing to undemocratic edicts — and maintaining a steady flow of profits — than upholding the rights of their users.
Read more »
Russia accuses U.K. of 'anti-Russian sentiment' as third man charged in ex-spy's poisoningBritish officials believe Denis Sergeev was involved in a nerve-agent attack against former Russian agent Sergei Skripal in 2018.
Read more »
Google employees reportedly furious company removed Russian voting app amid legal threatThe employees have reportedly blasted Google for capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Read more »
Pivot: Russia vs. Big Tech, Facebook Responds (Dismissively), and Friend of Pivot Max Chafkin on Peter Thiel on Apple PodcastsFacebook responded to the Wall Street Journal series on the company by saying that social media is still too new, and it’s too early to know if it is harmful. karaswisher’s response? “It sounds so much like the cigarette manufacturers.” Listen to Pivot:
Read more »
Apple, Google raise new concerns by yanking Russian appBERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Big Tech companies that operate around the globe have long promised to obey local laws and to protect civil rights while doing business. But when Apple and Google capitulated to Russian demands and removed a political-opposition app from their local app stores, it raised worries that two of the world's most successful companies are more comfortable bowing to undemocratic edicts — and maintaining a steady flow of profits — than upholding the rights of their users.
Read more »