Google Fined for Anticompetitive Practices in Australia

Google has acknowledged anticompetitive conduct in Australia, where it required Telstra and Optus to exclusively pre-install Google Search on Android devices sold between 2019 and 2021. In exchange, the telcos received a share of ad revenue generated through the search engine. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) pursued the case, resulting in a modest AUD$55 million fine for Google.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun has sued Perplexity AI for scraping its articles without permission, seeking $13.38 million in damages. This marks the first lawsuit by a Japanese company against a U.S. AI firm. China, meanwhile, has introduced a new visa category to attract young tech professionals, aiming to boost innovation and international collaboration.

In other news, the Philippines has banned financial institutions from facilitating online gambling payments, citing social and financial concerns. Additionally, three Australian tech firms were acquired by offshore buyers, including Accenture’s purchase of CyberCX, Infosys’ stake in Versent Group, and EQT’s sale of Nexon Asia Pacific. Indonesia has also warned Roblox to tighten child protection measures or face consequences.

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