Roundup: Russian watchdog bites back; Alphabet’s growth slows

Google Maps relaunches Street View feature in India

Google has partnered with IT service firms Genesys and Tech Mahindra to relaunch Street View in India six years after the app was banned in the country over security concerns. The government feared that the tech could aid terrorism, however Google said India’s geospatial policy helped the company to relaunch.

“The geospatial policy allows local entities to do the data collection at a certain level of fidelity,” explained Karthika Daniel Google’s VP of Maps Experiences.

This is the first time the search giant has partnered with third-party firms for the feature and Google anticipates that it will roll out the service to 50 Indian cities by the end of the year.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-maps-launches-street-view-service-india-2022-07-27/

Google fined $34m by Russian watchdog

Russian’s competition watchdog has fined Google parent Alphabet two billion roubles ($34.2m) for “abusing” its dominant position in the video hosting market, according to regulator Federal Antimonopoly Service. FAS said that Google must pay the fine within two months. The decision is the latest fine to be slapped on a big tech firm, as part of Moscow’s campaign to crack down on foreign tech companies.

“We will study the text of the official decision to define our next steps,” Google said in a statement to Reuters.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/russia-fines-google-34-mln-breaching-competition-rules-2022-07-26/

Worldwide shortage of fibre optic cable hinders digital growth

A worldwide scarcity of fibre optic cables has increased costs and lengthened lead instances. Europe, India and China are among the nations most affected, with costs rising by as much as 70%. Big tech firms – including Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Meta – are attempting to fulfil demand by layering fibre networks below the ocean, yet prices of fibre have now reached their highest since July 2019.

“…there are now questions around whether countries are going to be able to meet targets set for infrastructure build and whether this could have an impact on global connectivity,” stated Michael Finch, an analyst at Cru.

https://www.ft.com/content/37e8c5fc-2af3-4343-bfb8-13f34e292392

Alphabet reports slowest revenue growth in two years

Alphabet’s revenue growth during the past quarter decelerated to its slowest pace in two years as advertisers reduced spend amid fears of an economic recession. The firm’s revenue during the second quarter of this year totalled $69.7 billion, a 13% increase from the same time last year.

Outside of tech, this growth would be impressive, yet it marks Alphabet’s lowest growth rate since 2020, according to publication US News. The lowest spending was YouTube where advertisers have gravitated towards promoting brands with short commercials.

https://www.ft.com/content/424162c9-c4f6-4cb4-a828-1b93b0692326