logo
UK politics blunts antitrust action against Google

UK politics blunts antitrust action against Google

Time of India25-06-2025
Academy
Empower your mind, elevate your skills
Britain's competition regulator has finally come up with a plan to control Google's huge search business, but a shift in the political wind in favour of big tech and the money it invests makes it more of a bark than a bite.The Competition and Markets Authority spent years setting up a regime to intervene in the operations of tech giants such as Google, Apple and Amazon, saying it needed special expertise and powers to drive competition in the digital economy.But just as it received new powers, Britain's Labour government said its need to grow the economy meant tough regulation was now out.The CMA, chaired by a former Amazon executive, has touted a targeted approach as the way to meet its goal of reining in big tech without throttling investment from an industry that has spent tens of billions of pounds in Britain.On Tuesday, it proposed designating Google as having "strategic market status" in search, giving it the power to impose conditions on the U.S. tech firm such as changing the way it ranks search results or offering users more choice.Competition experts said the designation was no surprise, coming long after similar moves in the United States and the European Union."Everyone has been at the search rodeo for years, there are EC (European Commission) decisions, U.S. judgements," Cristina Caffarra, a competition economist, said. "What the CMA is doing is purely performative."Nonetheless, the CMA's first designation is being closely watched by tech groups, lawyers, and business owners to see how it operates in the new political climate.In announcing its proposals, CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell was careful to stress its "targeted and proportionate actions" to regulate a sector innovating at breakneck speed via artificial intelligence, and mindful of the political pressure.Lawyer Ronan Scanlan, a partner at Steptoe International and former deputy director at the CMA, said Britain's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act gave the CMA broad powers, but in practice it didn't have the political capital to make grand interventions."The DMCC Act, which was billed as this revolutionary new tool that the CMA could wield, has arrived three years too late and is becoming a bit of an albatross around its neck," he said."It's up against huge players like Google, Apple, Amazon, with a lot of political connections, and now - in a new political reality - somehow has to try to extricate itself with the minimum amount of damage."The CMA's delicate balancing act is made harder by U.S. President Donald Trump's muscular defence of U.S. business interests, and Scanlan said the regulator would want to see what would happen with Google there.Some of the measures the CMA is proposing, such as choice screens for consumers to easily opt for alternative search engines, have been around for decades.Others, such as changing the ranking of results to limit Google favouring its own services, could have more impact if they are confirmed in the CMA's final decision in October.Tom Smith, a competition lawyer at Geradin Partners and a former CMA legal director, said there was a question mark over political support for some of the regulator's tougher proposals, but thought it was trying to stick to its guns."Given the new context, it's still implementing the regime properly," he said, adding that the U.S. Department of Justice had proposed measures that could lead to a breakup of Google, particularly in its search and advertising businesses."The idea that the CMA is going too far by putting in a choice screen, it's quite ludicrous."Despite that, Alphabet-owned Google warned it may not bring new features and services to Britain if the regulator goes ahead with the proposals, and said "proportionate, evidence-based regulation" was needed if Britain was to grow its economy.Google, which employs around 7,000 people in Britain, accounts for more than 90% of all general search queries in the country, with more than 200,000 businesses relying on its search advertising to reach their customers.But according to submissions to the CMA from the likes of flights and hotel website Skyscanner and the recommendation platform Checkatrade, that dominance may have enabled it to favour its own services over their offerings, and they want regulatory intervention.Silicon Valley has been wary of the CMA since 2023, when it blocked Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of the "Call of Duty" maker Activision-Blizzard. Having sparked fury from the U.S. companies, it then tore up its own rule book to approve the case after Microsoft made some changes.Its second investigation under its new powers is examining mobile operating systems, targeting Google and Apple.Previous CMA investigations had pointed to Amazon as the subject of the third strategic market status investigation that was due to be announced this summer. On Tuesday, however, the CMA pushed the third case back to next year.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Top 10 UV water purifiers of 2025 that balance low upkeep with strong UV purification technology
Top 10 UV water purifiers of 2025 that balance low upkeep with strong UV purification technology

Hindustan Times

time5 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Top 10 UV water purifiers of 2025 that balance low upkeep with strong UV purification technology

People often worry about the water they drink. From harmful bacteria to chemicals in tap water, contamination is a common concern. Bottled water may seem like the answer, but the ongoing cost and environmental impact are hard to ignore. Other filters might help, but they don't always address all contaminants, and maintenance can be a hassle. Pure water leads to a healthier life and UV water purifiers ensure your water is free from harmful microbes. UV technology offers an advanced solution for purifying water. UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to effectively eliminate harmful pathogens without chemicals, making them an eco friendly, low maintenance option. This technology is becoming more widely used, offering reliable, chemical free purification for households. As we head into 2025, UV purifiers provide an efficient and cost effective way to ensure clean water with minimal effort. Top 10 UV water purifiers in 2025: Loading Suggestions... The Aquaguard Sure Delight NXT combines advanced RO+UV technology to purify water from borewell, tanker, and municipal sources. It removes 30 times more impurities than local purifiers, ensuring safe drinking water. The purifier also comes with a free service plan worth ₹2000, adding value to your purchase. Featuring a 6 stage filtration system and UV technology, this purifier removes harmful bacteria and viruses, making it a reliable UV water purifier for homes with diverse water needs. Specifications Technology RO+UV Water Source Compatibility Borewell, Tanker, Municipal Impurity Removal 30x better than local purifiers Purification Stages 6 UV Lamp Power 11W Special Features RO+UV Purification, Energy Saving, LED Indicators Reasons to buy Compatible with multiple water sources like borewell, tanker, and municipal water. Advanced impurity removal ensures clean water, ideal for urban households. Reasons to avoid Heavy purifiers may not suit all installation locations. Tank capacity of 7 litres might not be sufficient for large families. Click Here to Buy Aquaguard Sure Delight NXT RO+UV Water Purifier | Free Service Plan worth ₹2000 | India's #1 Water Purifier | Suitable for Borewell, Tanker & Municipal Water | 30x Impurity Removal vs Local Purifiers What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers find it effective in purifying water and appreciate the free service plan. Why choose this product? Its advanced filtration system provides consistent protection against contaminants, making it an ideal choice for your home. Loading Suggestions... This Kent Max UV water purifier uses a combination of UV and UF purification to ensure your water is free from harmful microorganisms. With a detachable storage tank, cleaning is easy, and the 7 litre capacity provides ample water for your family. The transparent tank design makes it easy to monitor water levels. The 60 L/hr output ensures you have clean water at a steady pace. Its compact size is best for smaller kitchens. UV water purifiers like this one offer reliable performance when you need it most. Specifications Purification Technology UV + UF Storage Capacity 7L Flow Rate 60 L/hr Tank Type Transparent Detachable Special Features 1-199ppm, UV Reasons to buy Dual purification ensures complete water safety. A detachable tank makes maintenance easy. Reasons to avoid May require periodic UV lamp replacement. Can be bulky for smaller spaces. Click Here to Buy KENT Max UV Water Purifier (11013) | UV+UF Water Purification | Wall Mountable| Transparent Detachable Storage Tank | 7L Storage | 60 L/hr Output | White What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the easy installation and transparent tank for monitoring water levels. Why choose this product? It ensures pure and safe drinking water with easy maintenance. Loading Suggestions... The Livpure Glo Pro++ combines RO, UV, and UF filtration technologies to offer comprehensive water purification. With a 7 litre storage capacity, this purifier ensures a consistent supply of clean water. It's designed to work effectively with various water sources, including borewell, tanker, and municipal water, providing a trustworthy solution for safe drinking water in your home. Installation is free and hassle free. The purifier's advanced filtration system ensures safe drinking water by removing harmful contaminants. UV water purifiers like this provide an extra layer of protection for families seeking clean and safe water. Specifications Purification Technology RO + UV + UF Storage Capacity 7L Suitable Water Sources Borewell, Tanker, Municipal Installation Free Standard Installation Reasons to buy 3-stage filtration ensures thorough water purification. Free installation makes setup easy. Reasons to avoid Filter replacement might be needed regularly. Larger sizes may not suit very small kitchens. Click Here to Buy Livpure GLO PRO++ RO+UV+UF | Water Purifier for Home - 7 L Storage | Free Standard Installation | Suitable for Borewell, Tanker, Municipal Water | Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers mentioned its smooth installation and effective purification for various water sources. Why choose this product? It delivers safe and clean water with advanced filtration, suitable for a variety of water conditions. Loading Suggestions... The AO Smith Z1 Hot+ Normal UV water purifier is designed for those who need clean drinking water with the added option of hot water. It features UV + UF purification, ensuring removal of harmful microorganisms. It's specifically suited for municipal water with TDS levels below 200, making it a good choice for city homes. This purifier also offers the convenience of hot water, making it versatile for multiple needs. While it's not suitable for tanker or borewell water, it provides high-quality filtration. UV water purifiers like this one deliver safety and reliability for everyday use. Specifications Purification Technology UV + UF Storage Capacity 10L Water Type Suitable for Municipal Water (TDS below 200) Special Feature Night Assist Reasons to buy UV + UF purification for clean and safe water. 10L storage provides ample water for daily use. Reasons to avoid Not suitable for borewell or tanker water. Only ideal for municipal water with TDS below 200. Click Here to Buy AO Smith Z1 Hot+ normal UV | UV+ UF (Ultra Violet+ Ultra Fine)Suitable for Municipal Water TDS below 200 Hot Water 10L Storage Wall mount Water Purifier for home (Not Suitable for tanker or borewell water) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the combination of hot and normal water, especially for daily use. Why choose this product? It's a versatile water purifier with both hot and cold water options. Loading Suggestions... The Pureit Classic G2 UV+ water purifier is designed to provide clean and safe drinking water by using UV and UF technologies. Best for municipal water with low TDS, it efficiently removes harmful organisms, ensuring the water you drink is safe. The compact size makes it easy to place in any kitchen without taking up much space. It's perfect for households that rely on municipal water but is not suitable for borewell or tanker water. UV water purifiers like this one ensure you have access to pure water with ease. Specifications Purification Technology UV+ UF Water Type Suitable for Municipal Water Mounting Type Countertop Special Features 1-199ppm, UV, Sedimentation Reasons to buy UV+ UF technology purifies water effectively. Compact design fits easily in any kitchen. Reasons to avoid Not suitable for borewell or tanker water. Lacks a storage tank for water storage. Click Here to Buy Pureit Classic G2 UV+ Water Purifier - White (Not suitable for Borewell or Tanker Water) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers value its effective filtration and space saving design. Why choose this product? Perfect for kitchens with limited space, it provides clean water quickly without the need for a tank. Loading Suggestions... The Faber CUV 8000 features UV, UF, and Cu Guard technologies, offering a 7-stage filtration system that ensures safe, purified water. Its 7 litre tank and pre and post carbon filters provide thorough water treatment, while the pressure and purification indicators keep you updated on the system's status. Designed for municipal water with TDS up to 200, it's ideal for everyday use. UV water purifiers like the Faber CUV 8000 are essential for reliable water purification. Specifications Purification Technology UV + UF + Cu Guard Storage Capacity 7L Filtration Stages 7-stage (Pre & Post Carbon) TDS Level Suitable for water up to 200 TDS Indicators Pressure and Purification Indicator Reasons to buy 7 stage filtration ensures comprehensive water purification. Clear pressure and purification indicators for easy monitoring. Reasons to avoid Not suitable for borewell or tanker water. Effective only for municipal water with TDS up to 200. Click Here to Buy Faber CUV 8000 Water Purifier | UV+UF+Cu Guard |7L Tank, 7 Stage Filtration, Pre & Post Carbon| Not Suitable for Borewell/Tanker Water| Pressure & Purification Indicator | Upto 200 TDS | (Black) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the detailed indicators and strong filtration performance. Why choose this product? It offers high level filtration with clear indicators for effective monitoring. Loading Suggestions... The Aquaguard Champ UV water purifier uses UV technology to ensure your water is free from harmful microorganisms, providing safe drinking water. It's designed for municipal water with TDS levels under 200 ppm, ensuring you get pure, clean water. While it's not suitable for borewell or tanker water, this purifier guarantees consistent, reliable filtration for homes with municipal water. UV water purifiers like the Aquaguard Champ UV are perfect for ensuring safe drinking water every day. Specifications Purification Technology UV TDS Level Suitable for water with TDS <200 ppm Storage Capacity 7L Special Feature Change Filter Indicator Mounting Type Countertop Reasons to buy UV filtration ensures safe and clean drinking water. The free service plan provides long-term support for maintenance. Reasons to avoid Not suitable for borewell or tanker water with higher TDS. Effective only for municipal water with TDS levels below 200 ppm. Click Here to Buy Aquaguard Champ UV Water Purifier | Suitable for Municipal Water Only (TDS <200 ppm) | Not Suitable for Borewell/Tanker Water (TDS >200 ppm) | Free Service Plan worth ₹2000 What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers find it reliable for everyday use, especially for municipal water, and appreciate the service plan. Why choose this product? It ensures that you have clean drinking water without worrying about additional maintenance costs. Loading Suggestions... The Kent UV water purifier combines UV and UF filtration technologies to ensure clean, safe water. With an 8 litre storage capacity, it caters to medium sized families, providing sufficient purified water throughout the day. The wall mountable design makes it space efficient, and the 60 litre per hour output ensures you never run out of clean water. This purifier is ideal for homes needing consistent water quality. UV water purifiers like this one offer effective purification for households with varying water quality. Specifications Purification Technology UV + UF Storage Capacity 8L Flow Rate 60 L/hr Mounting Type Wall Mountable Water Type Suitable for Municipal Water Reasons to buy UV and UF purification provide comprehensive water treatment. 8L storage capacity ensures an adequate supply of purified water. Reasons to avoid Not suitable for borewell or tanker water. Requires space for wall mounting. Click Here to Buy KENT Ultra Storage UV Water Purifier (11042) | UV+UF Water Purification | Wall Mountable | 8L Storage | 60 L/hr Output | White What are buyers saying on Amazon? It has reliable filtration and space saving design. Why choose this product? It ensures access to clean water with effective purification, ideal for home use. Loading Suggestions... The Aquaguard A star UV water purifier uses advanced UV technology to offer effective water purification. It's designed for municipal water with TDS levels under 200 ppm, ensuring safe, clean water for everyday consumption. Plus, it includes a free service plan worth ₹2000, making maintenance more convenient. Though not suitable for borewell or tanker water, this purifier is an excellent choice for homes with municipal water. Specifications Purification Technology UV TDS Level Suitable for water with TDS <200 ppm Storage Capacity 8L Special Features Change Filter Indicator, Lightweight, Reduce TDS Reasons to buy UV technology guarantees removal of harmful microorganisms. The free service plan offers long-term maintenance coverage. Reasons to avoid Not compatible with borewell or tanker water. Best suited for water with TDS under 200 ppm. Click Here to Buy Aquaguard A-Star UV Water Purifier | Suitable for Municipal Water Only (TDS <200 ppm) | Not Suitable for Borewell/Tanker Water (TDS >200 ppm) | Free Service Plan worth ₹2000 What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers find it easy to install and appreciate the added service plan for long-term support. Why choose this product? It ensures you have access to purified water with minimal effort and added service benefits. Loading Suggestions... The AO Smith X2 UV water purifier combines UV and UF technology to provide safe drinking water. Designed for municipal water with TDS below 200, it ensures effective filtration with a high flow rate. The 8 litre storage capacity is ideal for daily use, and its sleek black design fits most kitchens. UV water purifiers like this offer protection against harmful bacteria, making it perfect for homes with municipal water. Specifications Storage Capacity 8L Water Type Suitable for Municipal Water (TDS <200 ppm) Mounting Type Countertop Special Features 1-199ppm, UV Reasons to buy Dual filtration ensures clean, safe water. 8L storage and high flow rate for convenience. Reasons to avoid Not suitable for borewell or tanker water. Works only for municipal water with TDS under 200 ppm. Click Here to Buy AO Smith X2 UV UltraViolet + UF (Ultra Fine) Black Water Purifier | Suitable for Municipal Water, TDS below 200 (Not Suitable for Borewell or tanker water) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Users appreciate its quick filtration and easy installation. Why choose this product? Perfect for ensuring safe water with advanced UV and UF filtration. How does the UV filtration process work in UV water purifiers? UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to neutralise harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The UV light damages their DNA, rendering them unable to reproduce or cause illness, ensuring that the water becomes safe for consumption without using chemicals. What is the role of UV light intensity in the effectiveness of UV water purifiers? The effectiveness of a UV water purifier depends significantly on the intensity of the UV light. Higher intensity ensures more microorganisms are exposed to the UV radiation, leading to more effective disinfection. The UV lamp's intensity and the water's exposure time are crucial factors in the purification process. How do UV water purifiers compare to other filtration technologies, like reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters? UV purifiers only target microorganisms, whereas RO purifiers remove dissolved solids, chemicals, and minerals, making them more comprehensive in areas with high TDS. Activated carbon filters focus on removing chlorine, taste, and odor but do not handle pathogens effectively. UV purifiers are ideal for disinfecting water but don't remove physical impurities or chemicals. How does a UV water purifier ensure that harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are effectively neutralised? UV light penetrates the cells of microorganisms and alters their genetic material, preventing them from reproducing or infecting. By exposing water to UV light for a sufficient duration, the purifier ensures that pathogens are neutralized without altering the water's taste or chemical composition. Factors to consider while purchasing the best UV water purifier in 2025: Purification technology : Look for UV + UF or UV + RO combinations for more comprehensive filtration. : Look for UV + UF or UV + RO combinations for more comprehensive filtration. Water source compatibility : Ensure the purifier is suitable for your water source (municipal, borewell, or tanker) and its TDS level. : Ensure the purifier is suitable for your water source (municipal, borewell, or tanker) and its TDS level. TDS limit : Choose a purifier with the appropriate TDS level handling capability, usually under 200 ppm for UV only systems. : Choose a purifier with the appropriate TDS level handling capability, usually under 200 ppm for UV only systems. Storage Capacity : Consider your household's water usage and choose a purifier with an appropriate storage tank (e.g., 7L, 8L, or higher). : Consider your household's water usage and choose a purifier with an appropriate storage tank (e.g., 7L, 8L, or higher). Flow rate : Ensure the purifier offers a sufficient flow rate (L/hr) to meet your daily needs, especially for larger families. : Ensure the purifier offers a sufficient flow rate (L/hr) to meet your daily needs, especially for larger families. Maintenance costs : Check for the availability and cost of UV lamp replacements, pre-filters, and any service plans. : Check for the availability and cost of UV lamp replacements, pre-filters, and any service plans. UV lamp wattage : Higher wattage results in more effective microbial disinfection. Check for adequate wattage. : Higher wattage results in more effective microbial disinfection. Check for adequate wattage. Filter lifespan: Look for purifiers with longer-lasting filters or UV lamps that require less frequent replacement. Top 3 features of the best UV water purifiers in 2025: Top 10 UV Water Purifiers Technology Storage Capacity Special Features Aquaguard Sure Delight NXT Water Purifier RO+UV 6 L Advanced taste adjuster, energy-saving mode KENT Max Water Purifier UV 7 L Wall-mountable, ABS food-grade plastic Livpure GLO PRO++ Water Purifier RO+UV+UF 7 L Mineralizer, LED indicators AO Smith Z1 Hot+ Normal Water Purifier UV / UV+UF 10 L Instant hot water, night assist light Pureit Classic G2 Water Purifier UV+ 4 L Germ kill kit, voltage fluctuation guard Faber CUV 8000 Water Purifier UV 8 L Copper guard technology, ABS body Aquaguard Champ Water Purifier UV 6 L Compact design, energy-saving mode KENT Ultra Storage (11042) Water Purifier UV 7 L In-tank UV disinfection, wall-mounted Aquaguard A-Star Water Purifier UV 6 L Intelligent sensor, energy saver AO Smith X2 Water Purifier UV+UF 5 L Double protection, sleek black finish Similar stories for you: RO water purifiers vs UV water purifiers: A comprehensive guide to choosing the right purification system for your home Best water purifiers in 2024: Choose the top 10 solutions for clean and healthy drinking water Best air purifiers under ₹3000: Elite 10 choices to enhance air quality Water Purifier for home: Buying guide to help you choose the right one for healthy and clean drinking water FAQs on the best UV water purifiers in 2025 What is a UV water purifier? A UV water purifier uses ultraviolet light to kill harmful microorganisms, ensuring safe drinking water. What are the benefits of a UV water purifier? UV purifiers effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without adding chemicals to the water. Can UV purifiers be used for all types of water? UV purifiers are best for municipal water with low TDS levels; they may not be effective for high TDS or heavily contaminated water. How often should the UV lamp be replaced? The UV lamp should typically be replaced every 9-12 months to ensure effective purification. Can UV purifiers remove chemicals or heavy metals from water? No, UV purifiers only disinfect water by eliminating microorganisms and do not remove chemicals or heavy metals. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

California's statewide AI education push: Is it putting students' academic integrity at risk?
California's statewide AI education push: Is it putting students' academic integrity at risk?

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

California's statewide AI education push: Is it putting students' academic integrity at risk?

When Governor Gavin Newsom visited Google's San Francisco office last Thursday, the focus was on the next wave set to reshape California's classrooms. Against the backdrop of sweeping layoffs at Microsoft, Alphabet and Salesforce, he announced a series of agreements that would bring free artificial intelligence training to millions of students across the state. The deals, as reported by the Associated Press, bring together California's community colleges, the California State University system, and K-12 districts with some of the largest names in technology including Google, Microsoft, Adobe and IBM. These partnerships will offer access to AI tools, exclusive versions of Google's Gemini chatbot, and the company's Notebook LLM research platform, alongside teacher training programs. In a job market where entry-level positions are disappearing under the weight of automation, this AI training is being framed as a lifeline for students to remain competitive. Yet, beneath the optimism, an undercurrent of concern runs through California's classrooms. A balancing act between innovation and integrity Faculty groups, as AP notes, are questioning how these tools will coexist with the need to uphold academic standards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Effective Are Non-Surgical Treatments for Aging Skin? (Explore Benefits) AskLayers Learn More Undo Stephanie Goldman, president of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, called the moment a 'tough situation for faculty.' On one hand, AI literacy is increasingly non-negotiable for future careers. On the other, educators are grappling with how to ensure students develop critical thinking skills without leaning on AI as a shortcut. These concerns are not abstract. According to AP, California districts have already integrated AI in ways that tested the limits of trust. The Los Angeles Unified School District piloted an AI chatbot, only to cancel it within three months without explanation. San Diego Unified teachers experimented with AI-powered grading suggestions, with some board members reportedly unaware the software had been purchased. Meanwhile, the tools designed to guard academic integrity are themselves under scrutiny. Turnitin's AI detection features, deployed by many K-12 and college districts, were found in a CalMatters investigation to sometimes flag legitimate work as AI-generated, a false positive that can be deeply damaging to a student's record. Goldman points out that as AI capabilities are embedded directly into learning management systems like Canvas, districts face a paradox: Investing heavily in AI detection while adopting AI-enabled platforms for instruction. Scaling up with industry partners California's community college system, which educates roughly 2.1 million students across 116 campuses, will lead much of the AI rollout. According to AP, it has already signed agreements with tech giants to integrate AI into both student learning and faculty development. Google's Gemini and Notebook LLM will be accessible to students, while teachers will receive dedicated AI training modules. The Cal State University system is pursuing parallel agreements, expanding its AI programs with partners that include Amazon Web Services, Intel, LinkedIn and OpenAI. Even at the high school level, AI literacy initiatives are being shaped by corporate partnerships, with Adobe's program aimed at helping students and teachers develop both the skills to use AI and the awareness to detect it. These moves, while ambitious, place California's education systems at the forefront of AI adoption nationwide. Yet, they also grant tech companies unprecedented influence over what is taught and how it is delivered. As Justin Reich, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told AP, 'We do not know what AI literacy is, how to use it, and how to teach with it. And we probably won't for many years. ' The pressure to act now For Erin Mote, CEO of the nonprofit InnovateEDU, hesitation carries its own risks. 'There are a lot of rungs on the career ladder that are disappearing,' she told AP. 'The biggest mistake we could make as educators is to wait and pause.' The pressure to prepare students for an AI-driven economy is undeniable. But the question remains whether this can be achieved without undermining the very qualities, such as independent thought, analytical reasoning, and originality, that education is meant to cultivate. AP notes that even earlier AI training efforts, such as the California Community Colleges' partnership with NVIDIA, are still too new for meaningful results to be shared publicly. An open chapter in California's classrooms As California's AI education push accelerates, the balance between innovation and integrity is far from settled. The rollout is expansive, touching every level of the state's education system, but the rules for responsible use are still being written. For now, faculty will have to navigate the tension between equipping students for the future and safeguarding the principles that define academic achievement. If this is the first draft of California's AI-in-education story, it is being written with remarkable speed, and the final chapters are still wide open. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

Australia court rules partly against Apple, Google in Epic Games lawsuit
Australia court rules partly against Apple, Google in Epic Games lawsuit

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

Australia court rules partly against Apple, Google in Epic Games lawsuit

By Byron Kaye SYDNEY: An Australian court found the smartphone app stores of Apple and Google-owned Android were uncompetitive, local media reported on Tuesday, in a partial victory for Fortnite game developer Epic Games against the tech giants. Amid a years-long legal dispute brought by Epic against the dominant smartphone makers in several jurisdictions around the world, Australia 's federal court found the phone makers' app stores had no protections against anti-competitive behaviour, the reports said. Epic Games had claimed Apple and Google 's fees for downloads of its games were too high, and that the phone makers made it impossible for users to download its alternative app store. The Australian judgment, which ran to 2,000 pages, was not released by the court on Tuesday, but media said a judge's summary included the finding that the smartphone companies had not intentionally breached the law. In a post on X, Epic said the Australian court "just found that Apple and Google abuse their control over app distribution and in-app payments to limit competition". Epic is a U.S.-based games studio with backing from China's Tencent . "The Epic Games Store and Fortnite will come to iOS in Australia!" the Epic post said. "This is a WIN for developers and consumers in Australia!" Apple said in a statement it welcomed the court's rejection of some of Epic's claims, but strongly disagreed with its ruling on others. "Apple faces fierce competition in every market where we operate," the California-based tech giant said. A Google statement said the company welcomed the court's rejection of some Epic Games claims but "we disagree with the court's characterisation of our billing policies and practices, as well as its findings regarding some of our historical partnerships, which were all shaped in a fiercely competitive mobile landscape". "We will review the full decision when we receive it and assess our next steps."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store