Amid the ongoing scandal regarding Facebook’s part in the US 2016 elections, the social media giant has found itself in the middle of yet another controversy. A New York Times report brought to light how a voter profiling company, Cambridge Analytica, harvested more than 50 million Facebook profiles of American voters without their permission. This report resulted in not just harsh criticism from lawmakers in the United States and Britain, but users as well, sparking the #DeleteFacebook movement.
According to the report, Cambridge Analytica secured a $15 million investment to develop a tool that could identify the personalities of American voters and influence their behavior. Although these profiles were obtained without the consent of the users, the millions of Facebook profiles do not constitute a data breach as nobody hacked into Facebook. The data, surprisingly, was obtained legally because the business model of Facebook is predicated on mining the personal details of its two billion users.
A former employee at Cambridge Analytica, Christopher Wylie, who helped the company obtain user data said the company was built on harvesting user data. “We exploited Facebook to harvest millions of people’s profiles. And built models to exploit what we knew about them and target their inner demons,” he added. The data allowed Cambridge Analytica to exploit the social media activity of the American electorate and help the Trump campaign target advertisements.
Wylie reached out to Aleksandr Kogan, a Russian-American who developed a personality prediction app called “thisisyourdigitallife.” Kogan told Facebook that he was collecting the data for academic purposes. It should be noted that Facebook has the right to collect user information for research and other purposes as stated in their terms and conditions. Kogan’s app compiled personal information from people based on what they liked on Facebook. As per a report by The Guardian, Kogan, through his company Global Science Research, paid 270,000 people to download the app and take a personality test. Using the test, Cambridge Analytica was able to compile information not only from the users who took the test but from their friend’s profiles as well.
The problem lies in the fact that Facebook was aware that Cambridge Analytica had user data and they asked the company to delete it. While Cambridge Analytica and Kogan seemed to comply, the social networking company never followed up or confirmed the deletion of the data. Until last week, Facebook also allowed the voter profiling company to operate on its site.
The fallout from the scandal resulted in users walking away from the social networking site. Various celebrities also took to Twitter to express their views, including Jim Carrey, who tweeted Zuckerberg’s quote from 2004.
In addition to Cambridge Analytica’s involvement with the US 2016 election, the company has also been a part of the Brexit referendum and US Senator Ted Cruz’s primary run in 2016.
Finally, following days of silence, the Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg responded to the criticism via a Facebook post. Apologizing for the mistake, Zuckerberg said, “We have a responsibility to protect your data, and if we can’t then we don’t deserve to serve you.”
Whistleblower Wylie was suspended from Facebook and Instagram following the controversy.
Facebook along with Cambridge Analytica is facing several lawsuits in Britain and United States of America. The Attorney General of Massachusetts, Maura Healey’s office will also be opening an investigation into the matter. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia and Representative Adam Schiff of California, the Congressional Democrats leading inquiries into Russian interference in the 2016 election have also called for investigations of the Facebook data leak.
Swiggy, the leading food delivery platform in India, has launched a new standalone app called “Snacc” to cater to the growing demand for ultra-fast food delivery. This innovative service aims to provide quick access to snacks, beverages, and light meals, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Focus on Speed and Convenience
Snacc specializes in delivering snacks and beverages within 10-15 minutes. The app operates from centralized hubs stocked with ready-to-serve items, ensuring rapid order fulfillment. This new service directly competes with other players in the 10-minute delivery space, such as Zepto Cafe and Blinkit Bistro, which have also entered the market with similar offerings.
Key Features
Dedicated App: Snacc operates as a separate app, providing a streamlined user experience specifically designed for quick bites.
Focus on Speed: The core promise of the service is a 10-15 minute delivery window, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking immediate satisfaction.
Centralized Hubs: Utilizing centralized hubs allows for faster order fulfillment and efficient delivery logistics.
Market Impact
The launch of Snacc reflects the increasing demand for convenient and on-demand food delivery services in India. As consumer preferences shift towards quick and accessible food options, Swiggy aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a dedicated platform for snacks and beverages.
Competitive Landscape
The introduction of Snacc comes at a time when competition in the quick food delivery market is intensifying. Other players, including Zomato and Blinkit, are also expanding their services to meet consumer demand for speedier delivery options. Zomato has recently launched its own 15-minute food delivery service in select cities, further escalating competition.
Challenges
While the 10-minute delivery model presents significant opportunities, it also poses challenges such as:
Maintaining Food Quality: Ensuring that food remains fresh and meets quality standards during rapid delivery.
Timely Delivery: Managing logistics effectively to meet the promised delivery times.
Operational Costs: Balancing speed with cost efficiency to maintain profitability.
Conclusion
Swiggy’s launch of Snacc marks a significant step in the evolution of the Indian food delivery market. By strategically positioning itself to cater to the evolving needs of consumers, Swiggy is set to capitalize on the growing demand for quick and convenient food options. As competition heats up in this space, Snacc aims to establish itself as a go-to solution for those seeking fast snacks and beverages, ultimately enhancing Swiggy’s overall service portfolio.
Google is enhancing file sharing on Android with the wide rollout of QR code functionality for its Quick Share feature. This update simplifies the process of transferring files between Android devices, eliminating the need for manual device discovery or contact setup.
How it Works
Effortless Sharing
With the latest Google Play Services update (version 24.49.33), users can access the “Use QR code” option within the Quick Share menu. This feature streamlines the sharing process, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
QR Code Generation
When users select the “Use QR code” option, a unique QR code is generated on their device’s screen. This code serves as a digital key for initiating file transfers.
Quick Scanning
The recipient can easily scan the QR code using their Android phone’s camera app. Once scanned, a secure link is automatically generated, initiating the file transfer without additional steps.
Automatic Transfer
After scanning, a quickshare.google link opens on the recipient’s device, leading to an immediate connection and file transfer process.
Benefits
Simplicity
This new approach eliminates the need to add contacts, verify devices, or navigate complex settings. Users can share files with just a quick scan of a QR code.
Multiple Recipients
A single QR code can be scanned by multiple devices, allowing for convenient group sharing. This feature is particularly useful in collaborative environments where files need to be shared with several people simultaneously.
Reliability
The QR code method bypasses potential issues associated with device discovery in the standard Quick Share interface, ensuring a smoother and more reliable sharing experience.
Wider Availability
This update expands QR code sharing functionality beyond Samsung devices, making it a universal feature available for all Android users. Previously, similar functionality was primarily associated with Samsung’s own Quick Share offering.
A Familiar Feature
While new for Google’s Quick Share, many users may recognize this functionality from Samsung’s Quick Share feature, which includes additional capabilities like cloud sharing. This familiarity may ease the transition for users adapting to Google’s implementation.
Overall Impact
The addition of QR code sharing marks a significant improvement for Quick Share, enhancing its reliability and ease of use. This update aligns with Google’s December 2024 Feature Bundle, which focuses on improving Android’s versatility and user experience.
Future Potential
As QR codes become increasingly integrated into everyday tasks—from payments to information access—Google’s introduction of this feature reflects a broader trend in technology usage. The seamless integration of QR codes into file sharing not only enhances convenience but also aligns with how users are already interacting with technology.
Conclusion
With the rollout of QR code sharing in Quick Share, Google is making file transfers between Android devices faster and more efficient than ever before. By simplifying the sharing process and expanding accessibility across all Android devices, Google is enhancing user experience and reinforcing its commitment to innovation in mobile technology. This development promises to make sharing files not only easier but also more reliable in various settings, from personal to professional environments.
Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has made a significant investment in Relativity Space, a California-based company pioneering 3D-printed rocket technology. This investment comes at a crucial time for Relativity as it navigates challenges and aims to advance its innovative approach to space travel.
Overview of Relativity Space
Founded in 2015, Relativity Space aims to revolutionize space travel through its unique 3D printing techniques, which allow for the rapid production of rocket components. The company’s flagship rocket, Terran 1, was launched in 2023, but unfortunately, it failed to achieve orbit. Despite this setback, Relativity is now focusing on its next-generation rocket, Terran R, which is scheduled for launch in 2026.
Challenges Faced
Relativity Space has encountered several challenges over the past few years, including funding difficulties in 2024. These hurdles have prompted the company to seek additional capital to support its ambitious plans and operational needs.
Schmidt’s Investment
Schmidt’s investment is particularly timely as Relativity Space works to secure funding for the development of Terran R and its ongoing operations. His backing underscores the growing interest in the private space sector and highlights the potential of innovative technologies like 3D printing to transform space exploration.
Background on Eric Schmidt
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavors, Schmidt has been actively involved in various investment and advisory roles since stepping down as Google CEO in 2011. He has a history of supporting technology-driven initiatives and startups, making this investment a natural extension of his interests.
Industry Context
The investment by Schmidt comes amid an intensifying modern space race, often referred to as “Space Race 2.0.” Private companies are increasingly vying for dominance in orbit, with firms like SpaceX leading the charge. In 2024, SpaceX achieved a remarkable milestone with 134 launches, showcasing rapid advancements in the industry.
Competitive Landscape
Relativity Space is positioned as a key player within this competitive landscape, despite its initial setbacks. The company’s focus on 3D printing technology offers a unique approach that could potentially lower costs and increase efficiency in rocket manufacturing compared to traditional methods.
Conclusion
Eric Schmidt’s investment in Relativity Space highlights the growing interest and potential within the private space sector, particularly regarding innovative technologies like 3D printing. As Relativity prepares for the launch of Terran R and seeks to overcome its funding challenges, Schmidt’s support may provide crucial momentum for the company’s future endeavors. This move not only reinforces Schmidt’s commitment to advancing technology but also signifies a broader trend of increased investment in space exploration initiatives that promise to reshape our understanding and capabilities in this frontier.
