Tag: CMA
Google to crack down on fake reviews following CMA investigation
Google has agreed to implement significant changes to its review systems following an investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The move aims to combat the proliferation of fake reviews that mislead consumers and unfairly advantage businesses. Under the agreement, Google will take stricter measures against businesses caught manipulating their star ratings. These…
Two-thirds of content creators fail to check accuracy, watch out for ‘Apple Support’ scam
Social media influencers need “urgent” help to check their facts before they broadcast to their followers, in order to reduce the spread of misinformation online, Unesco has warned. According to a report by the UN’s educational, scientific and cultural organisation, two-thirds of content creators fail to check the accuracy of their material, making them and their…
YouTube to restrict teenagers’ exposure to weight/fitness videos, Volvo abandons EV targets
YouTube is to stop recommending videos to teenagers that idealise specific fitness levels, body weights or physical features, after experts warned such content could be harmful if viewed repeatedly. The platform will still allow 13- to 17-year-olds to view the videos, but its algorithms will not push young users down related content “rabbit holes” afterwards.…
CMA investigating Vodafone/Three merger, Google Pixel 8 Pro can now measure body temperature
The proposed merger between Vodafone and Three is to be investigated by the UK's competition watchdog. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will look into whether the deal could harm consumers by leading to reduced choice or higher prices. The combined group would be the UK's biggest mobile network with about 27 million customers. The…
Tech Digest daily roundup: Apple’s British sales bounce back to record £1.5bn
Apple’s UK sales have bounced back to a record £1.5bn amid strong demand for its top-of-the-range iPhones. The company’s UK retail arm, which includes its British bricks-and-mortar stores, reported a 61pc surge in revenues in the 12 months ending in September 2022. The uptick represented a sharp recovery after sales fell during the pandemic. Revenue dropped from…
Tech Digest daily roundup: Google moves step closer to ditching passwords
Google is moving one step closer to ditching passwords, rolling out its passkey technology to Google accounts from Thursday. The passkey is designed to replace passwords entirely by allowing authentication with fingerprint ID, facial ID or pin on the phone or device you use for authentication. Apple has begun using the technology in iOS16 and the…
Online platforms failing to weed out fake reviews, claims study
Facebook, Google and Trustpilot can be easily infiltrated with fake reviews with unscrupulous brokers selling them for as little as £4 each, a Which? investigation suggests. The consumer watchdog's latest investigation involved setting up a fake business and approaching brokers to boost its pages on the three platforms using bogus five-star reviews – which revealed…
Tech Digest daily roundup: Amazon investigated by CMA for ‘distorting competition’
Amazon is being investigated by Britain's antitrust watchdog over concerns that some of its practices in the UK may be anticompetitive and result in a worse deal for customers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will look at whether Amazon is distorting competition by giving an unfair advantage to its own retail business or sellers…
Tech Digest daily roundup: Scientists test living skin on robot
Scientists have created living human skin on robots that is water-repellent and can self-heal. Scientists want robots to look like humans as much as possible so they are relatable, which is particularly important when they are used in the healthcare and service industries. The researchers believe living skin is the solution to give robots the look…
Amazon sellers boost listings with reviews from different products
Unscrupulous businesses are exploiting weaknesses in Amazon's review system to fraudulently boost their listings with reviews lifted from completely different products, a Which? investigation has found. The consumer watchdog found that nine out of 10 of the top-rated headphones on the online marketplace carried glowing reviews for unrelated products, ranging from cuddly toys to jigsaw…
