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Google Play Music No longer Available, YouTube Music is Bad for the “Wanainchi”

By
Joel Osekeny
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0

If you have attempted to update your Google Play Music (GPM) in the past few weeks, you will have noticed a change the moment you open the app after the update to view your music.

You will be visited with a shouting “Google Play Music is no longer Available” message with the YouTube Music logo above it. Further below it, is a “You can still transfer your library, including playlists and uploads, for a limited time” message that promises a proper transition from Google Play Music in favour of YouTube Music (YTM).

This follows a story we ran around in August revealing the planned shutdown of GPM that would start in September 2020. By the look of things, the transition has been completed, and GPM is no longer available.

Unfortunately for many countries, including Uganda, some of the features (or the major features) of YTM are still territorial with availability in only 95 countries. The list only includes about two African countries, Egypt and South Africa.

The features that are unavailable in many other countries are the abilities to stream, upload or purchase music from the app, a service that GPM offered but chose not to rub it in the faces of the Wanainchi (ordinary citizens or people). That’s why you can still find people who did not know that GPM offered streaming as an option. GPM offered offline music first, and streaming as an alternative, from the menu option.

Google Play Music versus YouTube Music

This is one area that GPM beats YTM. GPM is/was “offline first” meaning that even without an internet connection, the service allowed a user to access music stored on a user’s phone instantly without a hassle, and the option to stream was simply a menu option that the users chose to adopt or not. It was the only time capitalism was sympathetic.

YTM on the other hand has “streaming first”, capitalism at its best, as if it was made for the streaming markets, intentionally leaving out the people (especially African markets) that cannot afford to stream. When you visit the app with an internet connection from a country that is not yet supported, you will see “Music Streaming isn’t available yet in this country, but you can play songs that are saved on your device”. After this message, you then have to click “Device Files” to access songs on your phone.

You might think VPN would cut it, give you a location that is supported so that you can stream, but no. When you are setting up YTM for the first time, you have two options. Sign in (with your Gmail giving up your actual location) or choose a “Device Files” option to access music on your phone. Signing in from a non-supported country locks you out of streaming. Clicking Device Files is a mess. It first asks you to give the app access to you phone before it pulls up all your music into the app. But once that is done, you do not get the smooth experience that GPM offered.

When you choose to do device files, launching the YTM app opens it instantly and then you will be visited with only 4 menus options. Playlists, Albums, Songs and Artists. When you click on any, it will take about 15 seconds, before the device music revealed and yet with GPM, the moment you launched the app, it showed you all the music on your phone, instantly.

The 10 seconds lag was tested on a 4GB RAM Samsung A30. But you might get a faster launch on a more powerful device, or a longer lag on a device less powerful than the Samsung A30. That complicates things, doesn’t it. A slower launch because of a premium device tells you the intended market, not the everyday person, not the wanainchi that GPM seems to have been built for.

Currently on the market, there are several music players, that offer users access to music without the option to stream just like GPM did for users who did not know or care that it offered streaming as an option.

Plus, when you launch without internet enabled, it will interrupt and assure you how “It looks like you’re offline”.

If YTM is to be fully adopted by android users, it should give them the option to choose how their app functions, especially for those in countries where the service is not supported, or those that cannot afford to pay a premium to stream. Users should be allowed instant access to their music without the lag.

On the plus side, YTM has a better UI that GMP had, but it is not a favourite for the developing markets. It is far from it. It’s the failed Apple Music/Itunes for Android users

7 Facts Publishers Should Know About Apple News+

By
James Dorian
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0

In March 2019, Apple launched a new subscription service known as Apple News Plus+ in Canada and the US. Now, Apple has plans to launch the same in Australia and the UK during the fall. 

Whenever Apple makes such announcements, the public reaction can be extremely varied and as such, many publishers feel some degree of reluctance. If you’re a publisher and you’re thinking of signing up, it’s recommended to learn more about Apple News+ before making a decision.

How should you decide if Apple News+ is for you?

You can use Apple News+ as a channel for acquiring your own platforms rather than using other paid subscriptions. However, the biggest concern of publishers, which makes them reluctant to participate in Apple News+, is the relinquishing of control of their product and content. Also, you can’t get the data you need to analyze behavior and target visitors. 

At the end of the day, the decision is yours. But if you still aren’t completely sure, then you should also know about how to unsubscribe from Apple News+. To know the complete process, click here on https://setapp.com/how-to/unsubscribe-from-apple-news-plus. That way, you know what to do if you realize that this subscription service isn’t right for you. 

What do you need to know about Apple News+?

Making this kind of decision takes a lot of consideration. To enable you to make the right choice, here are some key facts you should know about Apple News+ as a publisher:

1. It Already Has a Lot of Subscribers

According to Apple, its news service had attracted over 200,000 subscribers and within 48 hours after its launch. Tim Cook, the current CEO of the company, stated that the free news service already has 85 million active users each month now. 

Moreover, he claimed that it is now the “Number One” news app in the world. Apple claims that every month, people read over 5 billion articles Apple News+.

2. It Has a Lot of Participants too

In the USA alone, there are more than 300 magazines included in Apple News+ across several categories. This is because Apple has been diligently making deals with most of the biggest magazine publishers around. 

They have also won over popular publications like National Geographic Magazine, Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, and The New Yorker have come on board too.

3. What’s Included for Readers

For the monthly fee that a subscriber pays Apple News+, they get access to over 200 popular magazines that cover a wide range of categories. Moreover, both the current and past issues from several magazines are also included.

4. Many Publishers Feel Concerned with the Price

The timely investment of Apple in its new subscription service makes a lot of sense. The company knows that the iPhone business isn’t doing as well but its subscription services, especially Apple Care and Apple Music, are on the rise. For readers, this service is a winner. But for publishers, it has raised some concerns. 

The company takes 50% of all subscription revenues leaving the other 50% for the publishers based on how many users read their stories. As a publisher, this is a major concern as you make a lot more than your share with your own subscription model.

5. It’s Limited in Terms of Availability

Users can access the content of Apple News+ in the Apple News app through the new Apple News+ tab. This shows up on iPads, iPod touch, and iPhones that run on iOS 12.2 or later and on Macs that run on macOS Mojabe 10.14.1 or later. 

For a user to subscribe and access content, they need to be in Canada, the USA, the UK or Australia. Apple has yet to broaden this service’s availability.

6. It Isn’t as Advantageous for Publishers

Apple has promised that they won’t find out what subscribers read in Apple News+ and they won’t allow advertisers to track them. This means that what subscribers read in Apple News+ won’t follow them across the web. This is one of the greatest advantages for readers. Of course, this isn’t as advantageous for publishers as this means that you cannot get relevant customer data. 

7. It Has Lovely Formatting

The new issues of some of the magazines in Apple News+ use proprietary formatting designed specifically for this subscription service. The format also supports full-screen interactive media and other cool features. Some magazines, however, aren’t updated with the new format because their main issues are in plain PDF formats. 

Conclusion

Participating in the Apple News+ subscription service will most likely help you reach a wider audience. In addition, the Apple company rides on high motivation that they will succeed in their subscription-based services, especially now when its iPhone hardware business has slowed down. Apple News is effectively webifying the magazine industry and it is here where Apple News+ can find its true calling, even though the usability of the app is not yet perfect.

New Start Up Sync Life Redefining Comfort Through Smart Homes for Ugandans

By
Joel Osekeny
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0

There is a new mind blowing FOX TV series called neXt, with only 3 episodes out so far. In it is a depiction of what an ideal smart life would have been, had it not been for the fictionized and futuristic rogue AI (or Artificial Intelligence) machine.

Imagine the things only seen in movies come to life. You speak sense to a machine and it responds. Order the lights to turn on and they obey, or a standalone speaker to play for you any song of your choosing or read for you daily news updates every morning. The things we only see in movies!

With the increasing reliance on the virtual world as a result of the ravaging COVID 19, Sync Life (a new player in Uganda) is determine to contribute and facilitate the adjustment to the new normal.

Sync Life

According to a press release by the Company, Sync Life describes itself as a “gateway to a redefined and simplified life that introduces you to a smart home, smart office or smart hotel” their statement reads, which it says it plans to execute for its customers “without the hustle and bustle of wiring”. The products Sync Life offers also help the customer keep their homes, hotels, offices and other shelters secure.

Our Smart Cameras connect to your phone over wifi and you can monitor your home from wherever you are

The product catalogue for the company includes smart locks, alarms, cameras and sensors to enhance one’s security, provided that the devices are connected to a wireless connection. They also have smart vacuum cleaners, smart bulbs and plugs. With the bulb for instance, one is able to control the lighting without having to traditionally press a switch mounted against the wall.

Other products include voice controlled speakers, smart TV stickers for one to enjoy spiced up entertainment.

It is equally friendly to persons with disabilities enabling them exercise control of their premises without making any burdensome movements allowing them to control electronic appliances using voice commands, “see, listen and talk to whoever is at the door, switch lights on and off, order the vacuum cleaner to clean the house.

The products come in 4 packages with cheapest package, the Coach Package that comes with Echo Dot/Google Home Mini, and 2 smart LED lights at UGX. 450,000 ($120), the Economy package with Echo 2nd Gen and 2 smart lights at UGX. 650,000 ($173), the Business Class Package with Echo 2nd Gen, 4 smart lights and a smart extension or 2 plugs at UGX. 1,100,000 ($293) and the First Class Package with Echo 2nd Gen, 4 Smart Lights, Smart extension or 2 plugs, and a robot vacuum cleaner at UGX. 3,100,000 ($827).

Smart Sockets

It should be noted that the products above can also be sold as standalone and as a bonus, the moment one acquires any items from Sync Life, they get to have delivery and installation at no cost.

In order to make a purchase, a user has to visit https://synclife.ug to process the acquisition of the products that they might be interested in.

US Government Sues Google Following Release of Anti Competition Report.

By
Joel Osekeny
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0

Following the release of the “Investigation of Competition in Digital Markets” report early this month, investigating big tech by the Sub – Committee of the US Judiciary on Anti – Trust Commercial and Administrative Law, the US government through the Justice department has yesterday (Tuesday) dragged Google to court alleging the company has anti – competitive tendencies that have been known to stifle competitors.

The Justice Department in its complaint before the United States Federal Court filed with 11 other states (Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Texas) alleges that Google has suppressed competition in order to maintain a powerful position in the market place on online search and search advertising, something that is already evident by the amount of consumers it boasts.

Google has been accused of paying billions of dollars every year to companies like Apple, and Samsung and browsers like Mozilla and Opera to keep Google as their default engines which is being said to intentionally prohibit those companies from dealing with Google competition.

“Google effectively owns or controls search distribution channels accounting for roughly 80 percent of the general search queries in the United States” reads part of the Complaint filed. 

We are yet to see how the case will go. Arguments to break big tech are being made against the sizes of these companies including Google, however, there are also sympathisers that believe there is no unfair practice.

UCC Lifts Ban on Sim Card Sale to Corporate Bodies, Releases Controversial Guidelines.

By
Joel Osekeny
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0

In a blog post yesterday, the Ugandan telecommunication (telecom) regulator, the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) announced that it had lifted its earlier directive on the ban on the sale of sim cards to corporate bodies following the release of controversial guidelines that will spark public debate.

Around the middle of the year, in June 2020, by later dated 26th, UCC directed telecoms to suspend the sale of the sim cards to unnatural persons with a list including companies, non – governmental organisation (NGOs), ministries, departments and agencies of government among others.

The regulator in the blog is said to have suspended the sale following the need to issue guidelines to be adopted by telecoms before making any such sale under its statutory mandate in the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 and the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010. It has also published the guidelines to be adopted by telecoms.

Briefly, the guidelines require that the only unnatural persons to acquire sim cards include companies incorporated and registered under the Companies Act, NGOs authorised under the NGO Act, trusts incorporated and registered under Trustees Incorporation Act, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government duly constituted in accordance with the laws of Uganda, and embassies, foreign missions and consulates duly recognised in Uganda by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UCC goes on to list the required guidelines to be applied by and to the above distinct bodies and from the reading of the guidelines, they are intended to enable government know or identify a sim card holder through know your customer due diligence with requirements such as Tax Payer Identification numbers, national IDs of corporation heads, copies of certificates of registration/incorporation, and particular letters or emails from the heads of these bodies introducing or authorising the purchase of sim cards and copies of identifications of their heads among others.

Particularly controversial is the complete ban on the issue of cards to bodies partnerships, firms, sole proprietorships and registered business names in favour of individuals in those businesses. It goes on to charge telecoms with the task of ascertaining why the sim cards are being bought beforehand, and where it is found that the purpose is for individuals within the bodies like employees/individuals, “the telecom operator must decline to register the SIM Card as a corporate registration” and instead register it in favour of the individuals for whom use is intended with particulars to register being those of individuals.

The new guidelines seem to override the legal personality of an entity to acquire and own certain properties in favour on individuals/employees limiting what or how many sim cards these entities can acquire as if intentionally banning the concept of “company phones” as is widely used and limiting it to only the desk or reception phone.

It also limits the numbers of sim cards by corporates to 100 and where the number is to exceed that, consent must be sought from the commission for written approval.

Telecoms are also given 30 days to audit their existing corporate sim cards and to harmonize and align them with the directive/guidelines in which case an audit and alignment process must be completed within 90 days.

Uganda Records More Than 10 Million Cyber Attacks between January – August 2020 – Kaspersky Research.

By
Joel Osekeny
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0
Cyber Attacks in Uganda

Kaspersky Security Solutions released a report from its research sometime in September 2020, detailing the extent of cyber – attacks on the African continent following an almost year long study that started in January 2020 ending August 2020 “and the year is not over yet”.

The attacks documented are malware, adware and other similar attacks totalling a whooping 28 million malware attacks and 102 million unwanted programs on the continent. In the report, it is revealed that adware has the habit of filling user device with ads, aggressive monetising software propagating unrequested paid offers, and downloaders downloading more applications on their devices.

In the research conducted, Uganda recorded more adware and other attacks than malware (malicious software – software designed to cause damage coming along with viruses, worms, ransomware and pornware among others) with about 10, 081, 595 (adware) and 2,567,693 (malicious attacks) respectively from that period.

According to the press release by the company following the outing of the report, the “numbers show that it’s not only the malware that attacks users but also the ‘grey zone’ programs that grow in popularity and disturb their experiences, while users might not even know it is there” reads the statement.

The month that ended August, recorded more adware and other attacks at 1,88,261 than any other month with April recording the least attacks at 916,478 and the highest malware recorded in the month of March and the least in the month of April standing at 244,502 cases.

This report gives context to the attack that devastated Uganda’s biggest telecommunication companies MTN and Airtel, and a major bank, Stanbic Bank costing the companies billions of Uganda Shillings in losses, and from the preliminary investigations published in the Ugandan press, the attacks could have resulted from malware or adware attacks that affected compromised computer systems.

Kaspersky in its report advises users to use reliable security solution on all devices connected to the internet in order to ensure their protection against the attacks.

South Africa (SA), Kenya and Nigeria topped the list of cyber attacks on the continent. SA alone had a record 10 million malware attacks and 43 million potentially unwanted applications (PUA) detected, over 3.8 million malware attacks and 16.8 PUA attacks for Nigeria and Uganda’s neighbour Kenya had 14 million malware attacks and 41 million PUA detected.

Here Are 8 Things That Can Give You More Followers On Instagram

By
Boses Muhinda
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1

According to Statista, there are 233.03m social media users in the United States. In a world where data is considered as the most valuable asset, social media plays a vital role in circulating this data and building a connection among users of the web.

Lately, Instagram has been the most actively used social media platform. Researchers have noticed a hike in the percentage of Instagram users. 

According to Statista, 37.8% of the U.S population used the platform in 2019. However, it is expected to touch a mark of 120.3 million users by 2023. 

This states the importance of social media presence and its influence on the mindset and outlook that people carry. Having a strong Instagram influence is essential when you want to brand yourself and stand out. 

Building a proper Instagram handle requires dedication, hard work, and smart work. If you believe in the power of social media, then Instagram agency can help you in building that framework and prospering towards your goal. 

The first step to gain traction on Instagram is increasing the number of followers. More followers ensure better engagement and result in the positive outcome of your efforts. Here are eight things that can give you more followers on Instagram. 

8 Things That Can Give You More Followers On Instagram

Understand Your Audience

To grow on Instagram, the first step is to closely observe your audience and understand the kind of content that attracts them. To get organic traffic, you need to post the content that interests your audience and stay connected.

Getting to know your targeted audience will help you curate content that will keep them engaged. You can always experiment around it and be creative with what you like and what your audience wants. 

Narrate Your Story

Of course, all of us have stories about our success and failure, and you are no different. Some tales revolve around moments when you were at the saturation point but did not give up on your dream to follow your passion and win over the hardships. You can create content around it to motivate people and spread positivity.

While some will relate to the stories, others will take it as a lesson from experience. Either way, it will not only help you relive your learnings but it will also boost confidence in the minds of your followers. 

Use Proper Hashtags

To get noticed on Instagram, you need to work on your #Hashtag game. Hashtags play an essential part in grabbing attention. Using the right hashtags matters the most, and for this, you must do proper research around the content you are posting and use appropriate hashtags.

You need to create hashtags that define you as well as your content. Similarly, participate in using trendy hashtags as it will get noticed. But the important rule is not to overuse the hashtags as it will only lose its value and credibility. 

Start a Conversation

No doubt, your followers will have the interest to know more about you. A great way to do it is by generating an active conversation. This might revolve around a wide range of topics and help you as well as your followers to get a clearer insight.

You can do it through Instagram Live, Question and Answers, or simply in your comment section. This will inflict positivity among your followers and even attract more people who share similar interests. 

Make Content That Will Go Viral

You can focus on creating content that will help you in going viral. Being an overnight Instagram sensation is nothing new, and you could be the next big thing on gram if your content can entertain people.

You can create reels, shoot a video, or post a selfie, but with an X factor. Going viral would help you get the maximum number of followers in minimal time. However, always focus on creating content that spreads a helpful message and inspires your audience.

Work On A Theme

Human psychology tends to notice objects or illusions that are eye-catchy or appealing. You can use this method quite effectively to get more followers on Instagram. 

Pay attention to create a dedicated theme and design your handle accordingly. The organized feed will not only attract more followers but also represent your mindset. 

You can choose a particular grid layout and stick to it. Further, you can create your own presets or filters and use them for everything that you post. Eventually, you can share free samples of your presets and sell them depending on the popularity. 

Promote Your Content

Doing self-promotion once in a while is essential to get the limelight and help yourself get recognized. Once you have created a substantial amount of content, you should plan to promote it and take feedback.

A great way to do this is by hosting virtual contests and giveaways. You can also collaborate with brands and individuals to promote your content. This will introduce you to people who don’t follow you but might do after noticing your work. 

You can also do this by associating yourself with healthy causes. Participating in things that interest you and are aligned with your principles will help you create awareness and educate your audience. 

Be Consistent

No matter how much you brainstorm and how unique your content is, everything is vague without consistency. Learn to dedicate a particular amount of your time towards building your social media presence. This should include posting on regular internals, being interactive, and analyzing the engagement and reach.

Consistency takes you a long way, as it replicates your ethics and principles. Being consistent will also help in organic growth as it plays a vital role in Instagram metrics. 

Conclusion 

These things will undoubtedly help you get more followers on Instagram, but there will be times when you will seek proper guidance and insights from experts. 

An instagram growth company will help you overcome those hurdles and work towards making you Instagram famous. They will help in collecting insights, socializing, building a more substantial social media influence, and thus fulfilling your purpose.

Core MTN mobile money services were not affected at any stage – MTN

By
Joel Osekeny
-
0

In order to dissuade its worried customers, MTN Uganda Limited has today released a statement in which it has clarified that its cores mobile money services were not affected by the hack that took place last week which caused the companies, MTN, Airtel and Stanbic Bank to lose billions of money in the attack.

“The core MTN Mobile Money services … were never affected nor compromised at any stage” reads the statement from Win Vanhelleputte, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the MTN. The core services that were listed include cash deposits, withdrawals, person to person (P2P) transactions and MoMo payments. It also did not affect customer mobile money account balances.

The CEO has gone on in the statement to assure customers and the concerned that investigations are still ongoing by the police to identify “the root cause of the incident”.

“We are confident the Uganda Police Force will conclude their investigations timeously and take appropriate action against the culprits” reads the statement.

He also assures customers that the company mobile money platform “complies with the highest international ICT security standards” and that it is also “subjected to regular assessments and reviews by internal and external assurance providers”.

Hackers last week broke into the system of Pegasus Technologies, a company that handles MTN and Airtel money and its transactions with Stanbic Bank.

Advice from Infotesters on internet security

According to an analysis of the hack by Infotesters, they state that hackers are known to “target financial institutions over weekends when there is less activity and reduced vigilance” as this is the easy time to “strike, withdraw the cash and cover up by the time the weekend is over”, one of their releases reads.

The cyber security firm also highlights how hackers normally make their attacks which they list to include a ransomware messages, a fake antivirus message, or where internet searches are redirected, your friends receive social media invitations from you that you didn’t send, your online password isn’t working, observe unexpected software installs, your mouse moves between programs and makes selections, your online account is missing money, your confidential data has been leaked, and others. They therefore believe that one of these could have been used to issued out the attacks, but the actual mode will be revealed by the ongoing police investigations.

Infotesters advises that for companies and financial institutions to avoid those attacks, they should use two-factor authentication, “a multi-factor method that requires users to input different pieces of evidence before they are granted access to the account or system”. They are also advised to review the security of the open-source software and ensure it is secure for use before adoption.

In their analysis, Infotesters add that “Enterprises and individuals must take the time to make sure they build a powerful security foundation and avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks” and that as they do that network functions that are not being used should always be turned off. Among the alternatives also includes updating and installing a brand new security patch which usual comes with different phone or PC operating systems.

Samsung Strengthens Partnership with Microsoft, to Delete Certain Cloud Data in favour of OneDrive.

By
Joel Osekeny
-
0
Samsung and Microsoft Logos

In an email to users today titled “End of Certain Samsung Cloud Features Notice”, Samsung has notified customers that it is ending certain cloud features that are currently available to Samsung Cloud in favour of partner Microsoft OneDrive. This is one of the terms of what the two companies have called their “long-term, strategic partnership”.

The services that are being stopped will start effective 31st August 2021 for all Samsung Cloud customers and from that date two features Gallery Sync and Drive will no longer be supported in that cloud, leaving Samsung Cloud to be available to only Contacts, Calendar and Notes backups.

“Beginning on 2021-08-31, Gallery Sync and Drive for My Files will no longer be supported by Samsung Cloud” reads the email. It adds that any such data will from that date be deleted. The notice further reads that users on a premium package will see their storage subscription cancelled on the 1st June 2021 and any refunds if due will be issued to the users.

The cancelled features will all be moving to Microsoft OneDrive, which unfortunately the email admits “…may not be supported in certain countries or device models”.

Customers are also being advised to start migrating to OneDrive as soon as possible so as to avoid future inconveniences such that they are able to “continue with your service experience or alternatively, download your data to your mobile device and/or PC”.

A caution has however been added to those that choose to download or migrate, that the moment you make the download or complete the migration, the features “may end and your data may be deleted prematurely even before the official end date…”.

The timeline below has been published for further clarity;

From 2020-12-01

-No longer be able to newly use above-listed features
-OneDrive migration and data download available
* Gradual rollout (up to 30 days)

From 2021-06-01

-Discontinue existing use of Gallery Sync and Drive
-End of OneDrive migration support
-Cancel the then-current premium storage subscription automatically and refund the last payment

2021-08-31

-End of data download support

It should be noted that evidence of the partnership between the two companies is already visible with the integration of the Samsung Phone with windows PC, under the Your Phone application on both devices. For example, in only select Samsung phones, users are able to access and use all phone applications on their PC as we earlier on published. Samsung phones are therefore already enjoying exclusive Microsoft integrations.

As part of their partnership, the two companies are working towards delivering and “enhanced outlook experience”, “OneDrive Cloud Storage” and “Seamlessly flow between PC and Mobile”, an experience already enjoyed by iOS phone and PC users.

We will be sharing the procedure on how to move or download data.

US Sub Committee Releases Anti Trust Investigation Report, Recommends Breaking Big Tech Monopoly

By
Joel Osekeny
-
0
Big Tech Bosses being grilled early this year

A sub – committee of the US judiciary on anti – trust commercial and administrative law, has a released an over 440 paged detailed report following their investigation of big tech, or what the committee has termed “dominant platforms” in the digital markets, Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Alphabet/Google. It makes a couple of drastic recommendations to be implemented against the companies.

The recommendations include the restoration of competition in the US digital market by making structural changes and prohibitions of certain dominant platforms from operating in adjacent lines of business, enforcing a non -discrimination requirements by prohibiting the platforms from engaging in self -preferencing, prohibiting the abuse of superior bargaining power. The other recommendations include strengthening of the country’s anti – trust laws and reviving anti – trust enforcement.

The report titled “Investigation of Competition in Digital Markets” was released on the 6th October 2020, after the committee concluded its findings on the business practices of big four technology.

According to the report, investigations were commenced on the 3rd June 2019, as a response “to a wide range of investigative reports”, and the “activity of policy makers and enforcers that raised serious concerns about these platforms, incentive and ability to harm the competitive process” reads the report. It also concludes a year plus investigation of the world’s biggest technology companies with a combined value of USD 5 trillion as of September 2020.

While conducting the investigation, it was purposed on 3 motives; 1) to document the competition problems in the digital markets 2) to examine whether not dominant firms are engaging in anti – competition conduct and 3) to assess whether existing anti – trust laws, policies current enforcement levels are adequate to address the issues that were being raised.

As has always been reported in the media, the report confirmed in the committees own findings that the dominant big tech enjoy monopoly powers and that because of that dominance, the platforms had the effect to diminish consumer choice, erode innovation and entrepreneurship. They have also weakened the vibrancy of the free and diverse press and also undermined the privacy of Americans.

The dominance and the practice in these companies has also been revealed by a list of acquisitions and mergers that the companies have undertaken including a total 252 companies owned by Alphabet, 82 for Facebook, 114 for Apple and 97 for Amazon, amongst which includes the companies buying their competitions in the different fields that they dominant.

The companies are monopolies in their own right with Facebook being a social networking monopoly, Google, a monopoly in the markets for general online search and search advertising, Amazon, a significant and durable market power in the retail industry and Apple, a significant and durable power in the mobile operating market and control over software distribution.

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