UK regulator launches Google search probe The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into whether Google’s dominance of online search is harmful to competition or choice for users. Google makes up about 90% of all online searches in the UK, but the CMA said it wants to ensure Google isn’t abusing […]
UK regulator launches Google search probe
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into whether Google’s dominance of online search is harmful to competition or choice for users.
Google makes up about 90% of all online searches in the UK, but the CMA said it wants to ensure Google isn’t abusing its position, and if “delivering good outcomes for people and businesses”.
It will be the first probe to leverage new powers that allows the CMA to investigate changes at firms that are deemed to have “strategic market status” in digital markets.
In a statement Google said: “We will continue to engage constructively with the CMA to ensure that new rules benefit all types of websites and still allow people in the UK to benefit from helpful and cutting edge services.”
Apple board rejects DEI rollback
The board of directors at Apple has called on investors to reject a proposal that would see the iPhone maker ditch its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes at a time when the industry is reassessing its approach to inclusivity schemes.
Conservative group the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) has proposed Apple abandon its DEI policies claiming it leaves the tech giant vulnerable to “litigation, reputational and financial risks”.
It comes a week after Meta announced plans to roll back its DEI programmes – following the likes of Amazon, Walmart and McDonald’s – citing a “shifting legal and policy landscape”.
Apple’s shareholders are set to vote on the proposals at the company’s annual general meeting in February, though the Apple board said “the proposal is unnecessary” as it already has appropriate checks and balances in place.
US sues Musk over Twitter buy
Elon Musk has caught the attention of the US Securities and Exchange Commission which alleges that the Tesla boss failed to disclose he had amassed a stake in Twitter, which ultimately allowed him to buy up shares at “artificially low prices”.
The SEC claims Musk saved a cool $150 million on shares he purchased because of his hidden stake, in breach of stock market rules.
The regulator says investors with a shareholding more than 5% must report their stake in an organisation within 10 days of crossing that threshold – but Musk did not declare until 21 days later. This, according to the SEC, allowed him to buy up other shares at a lower price, which caused “substantial economic harm to investors” it said in a filing.
Musk has denied the claims, labelling the SEC “a totally broke organisation”. Musk ultimately bought Twitter, which he later renamed X, for $44 billion in the following October.
The suit comes as Musk is preparing to take up a role in Donald Trump’s incoming government.
Biden bans connected cars from China and Russia
Joe Biden’s Department of Commerce issued what may be the outgoing President’s final rule, banning the sale or import of connected vehicles from China and Russia
In the rule, which cites “national security concerns”, the Commerce Department also barred Chinese companies such as WeRide and Pony AI from testing autonomous vehicles on US roads.
The decision means software bans will be enforced from the 2027 models of impacted vehicles, while hardware restrictions are set to take force from 2029, though there are exemptions, including for vehicles which weigh more than 10,000lbs.
It follows other steps taken by the Biden administration recently approved a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, a dramatic increase from the previous 25% rate in 2024. This move follows a reported 70% year-over-year increase in Chinese EV exports from 2022 to 2023.
