News

Google and Apple face their greatest challenge yet

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2024

Nathan Langridge

Tech giants like Google and Apple are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny, with the possibility of breakup looming on the horizon.

Tech titans

As governments around the world aim to curb the dominance of these tech behemoths, antitrust actions and investigations are intensifying.

In the United States, lawmakers have been ramping up efforts to rein in the power of big tech companies.

The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have launched investigations into alleged anti-competitive practices by Google and Apple, among others.

Increasing regulations

This heightened regulatory focus suggests potential seismic shifts in the industry’s landscape.

Internationally, similar sentiments are echoed as governments in Europe and elsewhere also take aim at tech giants’ market dominance.

With concerns over unfair competition and stifled innovation, calls for stricter regulations and even breakup of these companies are gaining traction.

Giant’s Break-up

Regulators are still weighing their options, and it’s uncertain whether they’ll decide on a break-up order for Apple.

They may opt for fines instead. Legal experts, referencing the 1998 case against Microsoft, suggest that prosecuting Apple could be more challenging this time around.

A Commission official in the European Union, speaking anonymously, noted that breaking up companies is not a common practice and is typically considered a last resort. It has never been done before.

Damien Geradin, a lawyer at Geradin Partners advising app developers in other cases against Apple, highlighted the complexity of breaking up Apple compared to Google due to its highly integrated system. For instance, forcing Apple to divest its App Store wouldn’t be practical.

He suggested that imposing behavioral remedies on Apple might be more effective, requiring the company to adhere to certain practices. On the other hand, with Google, a break-up order could focus on undoing acquisitions that bolster its core services.

News

Australia issues evacuation advisory for diplomats and citizens in the Middle East

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Families of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate as tensions in the region continue to rise. The government is prioritising the safety of its personnel and their families.

All other Australians have been urged to leave while commercial flights and other travel options are still available. Authorities are emphasising the importance of acting quickly before options become limited.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned that the security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable and volatile.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Trump signals possible action on Iran nuclear threat

Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as the US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

President Donald Trump laid out a strong warning to Iran during his State of the Union address. He labelled Tehran as the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism and signalled that the U.S. might take action if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.

Trump emphasised that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, along with its backing of militant groups, pose serious threats to regional stability.

This comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear developments and the stalled diplomatic efforts to curb them.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Qantas announces 8,500 jobs and frequent flyer changes

Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Ahron Young

Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion

In Short:
– Qantas reported a $1.46 billion half-year profit, planning to create 8,500 jobs by 2030.
– Frequent Flyer program changes include earning status credits on the ground and rolling over excess credits.

The Qantas Group reported a record half-year profit of $1.46 billion for the first half of the 2026 financial year, an increase of $71 million compared to the previous period. The airline plans to create 8,500 jobs by 2030 and re-establish a cabin crew base in Singapore, along with new initiatives for frequent flyers.Statutory profit after tax rose to $925 million, allowing shareholders to receive a fully franked dividend of 19.8 cents per share.

The current underlying profit surpasses the record set in 2023 under former CEO Alan Joyce. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson highlighted a commitment to customer, employee, and shareholder satisfaction while emphasizing ongoing investments in fleet renewal.

As Qantas adds new aircraft to its fleet, it anticipates the creation of jobs, including 3,500 additional cabin crew and 1,000 pilots.

A new Jetstar cabin crew base will open in Perth later this year, generating 90 roles, while Singapore is expected to accommodate 400 cabin crew members.

Qantas CEo Vanessa Hudson.

Frequent Flyer Changes

Qantas will implement significant changes to its Frequent Flyer program. Members can now earn status credits on the ground through credit cards and program partners.

They will also have the option to rollover up to 50% of excess status credits from one year to the next.

Hudson stated the overhaul aims to enhance flexibility and recognition for members amid a changing loyalty landscape.