Communication
Google To Pay $23M Settlement Over User Trust Breach
In a significant development, Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has reached a notable $23 million settlement to address long-standing concerns regarding the privacy of search queries.
The settlement arises from a consolidated class-action lawsuit filed in 2013, which alleged that Google had engaged in the repeated disclosure of users’ search queries and histories to external websites and companies, violating privacy laws and breaching its own privacy commitment.
To facilitate the resolution, administrators overseeing the settlement have established a dedicated website where individuals who clicked on Google search result links between October 2006 and September 2013 can file their claims.
As it currently stands, the estimated individual payout is approximately $7.70, although this amount is subject to change depending on the number of valid claims submitted.
The lawsuit argued that Google search queries often contained sensitive and “personally identifiable” information, including “users’ real names, street addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers and more, all of which increases the risk of identity theft.”
Importantly, Google has not admitted any wrongdoing in this matter.
However, as part of the settlement agreement, the company is obliged to make updates to its frequently asked questions page and “key terms” page which will provide clearer information on how search queries can potentially be shared with third parties, enhancing transparency and user awareness.
The court will determine the approval of the agreement during a hearing on October 12, as stated on the claim administrator website.
Also, The timing for payment distribution remains uncertain.
Additionally, even if the court grants final approval in October, the possibility of appeals could potentially delay the process, according to a claim notice provided by the administrator.
Individuals seeking to participate in the settlement process must submit their complete name, street address, and email address by the deadline of July 31.
Conversely, those wishing to voice objections to the settlement or opt-out entirely must submit the necessary form via mail by the same deadline.
It is worth noting that this settlement comes after a similar case involving Meta, the parent company of Facebook, which agreed to pay $725 million in 2022 to settle a class-action lawsuit pertaining to its handling of user data.
In a significant market projection, Mordor Intelligence predicts that the Nigerian telecom sector is set to surge to a value of $11.43 billion by 2029.
The report anticipates a steady growth trajectory with a cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) of 4.70% between 2024 and 2029, based on the current market value of $9.09 billion.
The transformation of Nigeria’s telecom landscape, fueled by government initiatives to boost internet infrastructure and broadband connectivity, coupled with rising data consumption, 5G deployments, and innovative strategies from major telecom players, is expected to drive this substantial market expansion.
The report underscores additional factors propelling the growth of Nigeria’s telecom sector, emphasizing the surge in smartphone adoption.
the report said “Increased smartphone adoption in Nigeria has fueled the development of a dynamic digital services sector. Currently, millions of Nigerians use mobile apps, including social networking sites, e-commerce, and financial services.
“These apps could leverage smartphones’ capabilities to offer speed, convenience, and efficiency, encouraging more people to invest in smartphones.
“In addition to these expansions and collaborations, the growing adoption of digital technologies and government support in aiding the same alongside the 5G technology implementation across the country is analyzed to boost the demand for telecom towers significantly.”
“In addition to these expansions and collaborations, the growing adoption of digital technologies and government support in aiding the same alongside the 5G technology implementation across the country is analyzed to boost the demand for telecom towers significantly.”
Mordor Intelligence highlights that the flourishing e-commerce and digital service platforms in Nigeria are significant drivers behind the escalating demand for dependable telecom services in the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted MTN’s request to partially disconnect Globacom (Glo) from its network owing to unsettled interconnect charges.
Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, disclosed this in a document named ‘Pre-Disconnection Notice’ on Monday.
The move follows Glo’s persistent failure to clear its outstanding debts despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue.
Under this partial disconnection, Globacom subscribers will solely receive calls from MTN users, while retaining access to other network services like outgoing calls to other networks and data services.
However, they won’t be able to initiate calls to MTN users during this period.
The statement read, “All subscribers are, therefore requested to take notice that the Commission has approved the Partial Disconnection of Globacom to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and Paragraph 9 of the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
“At the expiration of 10 days from January 8, 2024, subscribers of Globacom will no longer be able to make calls to MTN but will be able to receive calls.
“The Partial Disconnection, however, will allow in-bound calls to the Globacom network,” it added
Nigerian telecommunication users, along with others within the country, expended a total of N3.33 trillion on various telecom services such as calls, data, SMS, and more throughout 2022, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This information comes from the recently published ‘2022 Subscriber/Network Data Annual Report’ by the NCC, which also revealed that telecom companies generated N3.33 trillion in overall revenue for that year.
The report further highlights a noteworthy growth of active voice subscriptions, rising from 195,463,898 subscriptions in 2021 to 222,571,568 by December 2022, marking a 13.86% year-on-year increase.
Commenting on the increase, it said, “The increase in the Operators’ subscriber base was attributed to a number of reasons which includes subscriber loyalty, promos, seasonal effects, aggressive consumer acquisition drive, and competitive product offerings across all the networks.”
It noted that the growth in active subscriptions impacted positively on other derived telecom indicators such as teledensity, Internet penetration as well as broadband penetration.
Data usage also continued its surge in 2022. It increased by 46.77 per cent to 518,381.78TB as of the end of the year.
The NCC stated, “There was an increase in the volume of data consumed at the year-end December 2022 when compared with the year-end December 2021.
“The total volume of data consumed by subscribers increased to 518,381.78TB as of December 2022 from 353,118.89TB as of December 2021. This represents an increase of 46.77 per cent in data consumption within the period.”
Subsidy Removal, Currency Reforms Vital For Economic Revival – VP Shettima
Another Premium Under-Bridge Apartment Uncovered In Lagos
SYNLAB Nigeria Champions Industry Standards, Coordination
JUST IN: Police Apprehend Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack Mastermind
EFCC, Cubana Chief Priest Opt For Out-of-Court Agreement
JUST IN: NDIC Boosts Deposit Insurance For Banks
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
