Jun 18, 2013 | Regulation
Apple has followed Facebook and Microsoft in revealing details of data requests from the US authorities, following revelations that the National Security Agency (NSA) had “direct access” to their servers under a data collection programme called Prism. The...
Jun 17, 2013 | Regulation, Search engine marketing, Social media
Facebook claims it has “aggressively” protected its user data from the US government snooping, following revelations that the National Security Agency (NSA) had “direct access” to their servers under a data collection programme called Prism....
Jun 14, 2013 | Regulation
A parliamentary committee has urged HM Revenue & Customs to “fully investigate” Google, after finding that the internet giant uses “highly contrived” tax arrangements with the sole purpose of avoiding corporation tax on its...
Jun 13, 2013 | Regulation, USA
Internet giants including Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter all calling for more flexibility in disclosing more about that national security requests they receive from the US government. Major technology firms in the US are now seeking to win back public...
Jun 13, 2013 | Online advertising, Regulation
UK trade body the IAB has launched a new initiative to drive consumer awareness over targeted online ads, with some of UK’s largest news brands, media owners and advertising tech businesses donating inventory Designed by Mediacom, the “unzipped” campaign features a...
Jun 10, 2013 | Regulation, Search engine marketing, Social media
Facebook, Google and Yahoo have all issued denials that they have been providing the US National Security Agency with user data, amid a growing global privacy scandal. A 29-year-old government contractor revealed himself as the source of disclosures about the...
Jun 3, 2013 | Mobile, Regulation
Microsoft is bringing back the starts button to the desktop version of its new Windows 8 operating system, after a raft of complaints from users. However, the new version of Start button will not offer all the functionality previously associated with the feature....
May 30, 2013 | Marketing through gaming, Regulation
The new Xbox One console will track everything you watch on TV and reward you for watching the ads, using the Kinect sensor technology to ensure you’re not cheating, according to a new patent application made by Microsoft. The application called ‘Awards and...
May 28, 2013 | Mobile, Regulation
Only one in 10 American smartphone owners say they would regularly wear Google’s upcoming augmented reality eyewear, citing ‘social awkwardness’ as a key off-putting factor, according to a new survey. Watch this video from the BBC’s Rory Cellan-Jones, demonstrating...
May 24, 2013 | Online advertising, Regulation, Search engine marketing
Google has made a major update to its Penguin search algorithm this week, as the internet giant looks to improve its search results by eliminating web spam. In a Google Webmaster Help video (see below), Cutts goes into more detail on what Penguin 2.0 would bring,...
May 24, 2013 | Online advertising, Online video, Regulation
Microsoft is running an ad campaign touting its controversial “Do Not Track” function in its latest versions of Internet Explorer, in a move that is firmly aimed at Google. The move has sparked outcry for advertisers, who argue that offering Internet...
May 24, 2013 | Regulation, Social media, Twitter marketing
Twitter is beefing up security logins for users after recent high-profile hacking attacks. The move will see Twitter let users opt in to a two-step system that would require a verification code for each sign-in. Twitter product security head Jim O’Leary said...
May 22, 2013 | Regulation, Search engine marketing
Interflora has won a high court battle over Marks and Spencer in the UK, ruling that the supermarket chain could not use the florists’ trademark as a Google AdWord to boost its visibility on the search engine. A High Court judge found in favour of Interflora,...
May 20, 2013 | Mobile, Online advertising, Online video, Regulation
YouTube has warned Microsoft that it needs to remove a video app from its Windows Phone store that blocks Google’s ads. In a letter to Microsoft, YouTube claims the app blocks adverts and allows users to download videos, and has given them a week to remove it from the...
May 17, 2013 | Regulation
Google has been accused of ignoring its own mantra and doing “evil in using smoke and mirrors to avoid paying tax” by UK MPs this week. Watch a video from Channel 4 showing Google Vice President Matt Brittin being questioned by the committee here: Google’s...
May 16, 2013 | France, Regulation
France is preparing to impose taxes on Apple and Google to finance the production of art, films and music in the country. The move would see the French government tax the sales of smartphones and tablets in the country, including Apple’s iPhone and Google’s...
May 13, 2013 | Content marketing, Regulation
BitTorrent is launching a new online media format letting content creators offer downloads in exchange for ‘additional steps’ such as providing an email or a cash donation, as the firm looks to distance itself from piracy and provide an alternative distribution model...
May 9, 2013 | Regulation
Over a third (36%) of Britons believe that online identity fraud or information theft is unavoidable in the future, according to a new study. The study, from Experian Consumer Services also reveals the opportunity for online service providers to take more...
May 8, 2013 | Regulation
As 3D printers go mainstream, one Texas law student has created the schematics for a 3D printable single-use gun, making them freely available online. Watch a BBC video looking into the controversy surrounding the device here: Cody Wilson, a 25-year old University of...
May 8, 2013 | Regulation
Pfizer is to sell its patented Viagra drug online for the first time, as the drugs maker looks to counter the trade in counterfeit pills. The move will see Pfizer sell the erectile disfunction treatment to patients in the US with a valid prescription for $25 each from...
