Tech
Apple, Google no longer in power as fairness is brought to digital economy
South Korea is the first country to challenge app store payment policies, with a new bill introduced to support content developers.
Google and Apple are now facing criticism for their app store and payment policies across the Asia Pacific.
Currently, app developers are forced to use the proprietary billing systems of the respective tech giants’, however South Korea is challenging this rule.
Under a new bill passed on Tuesday by South Korean parliament, app makers can use external companies to process payments on their apps in Google Play and Apple’s App store.
The country will be the first to challenge Google and Apple’s payment policies, once the bill is signed by President Moon Jae-in.
This comes a week after Apple said it would allow App Store developers to promote alternative payment methods to their user.
Current policies “unfair”
Critics said the current Google and Apple payment legislations were unfair, as the monopolies were entitled to a 30 percent commission.
They also said, developers were left with little choice and had to coincide with the conditions or face not receiving payment and delayed app reviews.
Meghan DiMuzio, the head of the Coalition for App Fairness, welcomes the bill coined the “Google power-abuse-prevention law” with open arms.
“[The law] is a significant development in the global fight to bring fairness to the digital economy,” DiMuzio says.
Apple and Google react
However, in response to the bill, Apple says choice of third-party payment systems may put users at risk of exposure to fraud.
“Users who purchase digital goods…undermine their privacy protections, make it difficult to manage their purchases and features like ‘Ask to Buy’ and Parental Controls will become less effective,” an Apple spokesperson says.
Google also commented on the bill saying its payment system is what helps keep its service fee “free”.
“We’ll reflect on how to comply with this law while maintaining a model that supports a high-quality operating system and app store, and we will share more in the coming weeks.”
Australia follows suit
Australia is also ramping up the pressure by floating reforms for how to tackle payment systems provided by Apple and Google.
Apple’s commissions, can go as high as 30 percent on some purchases made through the company’s platform, with some companies saying they have little choice to comply.
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has called for new regulations on digital payments.
“Ultimately, if we do nothing to reform the current framework, it will be Silicon Valley alone that determines the future of our payments system.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the Australian Financial Review newspaper.
The Australian government is considering designating tech companies as payment providers while establishing a strategic plan between the government and the industry.
As a result, an integrated licensing framework will be developed for payment systems.
Written by Rebecca Borg
Tech
OpenAI to launch TikTok-like AI video app Sora
OpenAI to launch Sora, an AI-driven social app with TikTok-like features amid TikTok’s regulatory uncertainties
OpenAI to launch Sora, an AI-driven social app with TikTok-like features amid TikTok’s regulatory uncertainties
– OpenAI is launching Sora 2, a social media app with AI-generated videos, competing with TikTok.
– The app features a unique identity verification system and provides short video content without uploads.
A unique identity verification system allows users to authenticate their likeness for use in AI-generated videos. Users will be notified when their likeness is used in videos, regardless of whether these are published. Video lengths are capped at 10 seconds, with no capability to upload personal content.
The app includes typical social media features like likes and comments, with a user interface that resembles TikTok’s “For You” page.
Strategic Launch
OpenAI’s timing for this launch is strategic, coinciding with uncertainties surrounding TikTok’s U.S. operations. Recent deals aim to transfer majority control of TikTok’s American business to U.S. investors while permitting ByteDance a minority stake.
OpenAI perceives the current turbulence as a unique opportunity to introduce a competitive platform for short-form videos, appealing to users seeking alternatives during this period of regulatory scrutiny.
Tech
Optus CEO under pressure after second emergency outage
Optus under mounting pressure for CEO resignation after second emergency outage affects thousands and raises safety concerns
Optus under mounting pressure for CEO resignation after second emergency outage affects thousands and raises safety concerns
– Optus faces pressure after a second emergency service outage, affecting 4,500 customers for nine hours.
– Calls for CEO Stephen Rue’s resignation intensify amid scrutiny over network investment and safety mechanisms.
Calls for CEO Stephen Rue’s resignation have intensified, with opposition spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh stating that citizens need confidence in the emergency network.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as “completely unacceptable.” The response from Optus has faced criticism, especially regarding the delay in notifying emergency services after the September 18 incident.
Efforts to address the failures are underway, with Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon scheduled to meet with Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has launched an investigation into the outages.
Governance experts caution that merely replacing leadership will not resolve underlying issues, suggesting that reduced spending on network infrastructure is a contributing factor.
Federal Investigation
New scrutiny has emerged regarding Optus’s network investment, with reports indicating a budget decrease from $850 million in 2024 to $613 million this year.
Concerns have been raised about the absence of critical safety mechanisms, including a reliable system to reroute emergency calls when failures occur.
Tech
Meta intensifies robot development amidst competitive landscape
Meta enters robotics market with strategic partnerships and significant investments amid competition from Tesla, Apple and Google
Meta enters robotics market with strategic partnerships and significant investments amid competition from Tesla, Apple and Google
– Meta is launching autonomous robots, beginning with a CA-1 AI robot in Germany for domestic tasks.
– The company plans to hire 100 engineers as part of a $60-65 billion AI investment for 2025.
Meta recently launched its first autonomous robot in Germany through a partnership with Circus SE, deploying a CA-1 AI robot at its Munich office.
The initiative is part of Meta’s objective to gather data to support its robotics focus on domestic tasks such as cleaning and laundry folding.
Strategic Investment
Industry analysts point to Meta’s software-licensing strategy as crucial in the competitive landscape, where firms often encounter challenges with hardware costs.
By positioning itself to gain from various robotics manufacturers’ successes, Meta utilises lessons from its virtual reality investments, which have seen substantial spending with limited consumer uptake.
The company is set to hire around 100 engineers for its robotics programme within a broader $60-65 billion AI infrastructure investment plan for 2025.
The indicates a strong commitment to integrating AI into physical applications.
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