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The UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally concluded that Apples restrictive mobile browser policies limit innovation. After an independent inquiry group shared its findings on browser competition on iOS and Android, the governing bodys board plans to conduct an in-depth assessment of how Apple and Google constrict third-party browsers on their platforms. However, Apple with its more closed ecosystem appears to have borne the brunt of the CMAs concern. The CMAs investigation is based on the premise that Apple and Google have an effective duopoly on mobile platforms, allowing them to set the rules of how mobile browsers work. The board says third-party browser developers have complained that theyre constricted by rules like Apples requirement to use the companys WebKit browser engine. The group has provisionally found that Apples rules restrict other competitors from being able to deliver new, innovative features that could benefit consumers, the CMA wrote. Other browser providers have highlighted concerns that they have been unable to offer a full range of browser features, such as faster webpage loading on iPhone. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC), which passed earlier this year, will give the UK body extra ammunition to carry out its next steps. The UKs equivalent of the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA) can designate big tech companies as having Strategic Market Status with substantial and entrenched market power and a position of strategic significance. Much like the EUs version, the law gives the UK some teeth to negotiate and force concessions from Big Tech behemoths that, at least in the US, often seem untouchable: The DMCC will empower the UK board to fine infringing companies up to 10 percent of their global revenue. The CMAs summary of Apples hearing reveals the iPhone maker argued that it restricts browser engines to ensure users get the best security, privacy, and performance on iOS devices a familiar argument to those whove followed Apples previous competition trials. Apple claimed healthy competition exists, due to the presence of third-party browsers with features like ad-blocking, VPNs and AI. The company also said it routinely considers developer feedback and hadnt heard any fuss over its current browser rules. Contradicting that, the CMA said other browser providers have highlighted features they cant implement on iOS, like faster webpage loading. Many smaller UK app developers also told us that they would like to use progressive web apps an alternative way for businesses to provide apps to mobile users without downloading apps through an app store but this technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices, the board wrote. The CMA also said that how browser choices are presented to users lets Apple and Google manipulate these choices to make their own browsers the clearest or easiest option. In addition, it pointed out a revenue-sharing agreement between the two companies that significantly reduces their financial incentives to compete in mobile browsers on iOS. The boards next step is a period of open comments on its findings, which will end on December 13. After its investigation, the CMA expects to make its final ruling in March 2025.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/uk-watchdog-says-apples-rules-restrict-ios-browser-competition-201106359.html?src=rss
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Two Grand Theft Auto titles that helped Netflix's games division pick up steam are leaving the service next month. Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City won't be available through Netflix's library of mobile games after December 13. The Netflix app lists that as the "last day to play" both games. There's no such deadline on the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas listing, indicating that subscribers can still enjoy CJ's story at no extra cost. "Just like with series and film, games will be removed from Netflix as licenses expire," a Netflix spokesperson said, according to GameSpot. "Players will notice a 'Leaving Soon' badge and be notified by the app itself well in advance of removal." Netflix is removing those two games exactly a year after adding them and San Andreas to its library, indicating that it had an initial 12-month agreement with publisher Rockstar. Earlier this year, Netflix said that the GTA trio had boosted game engagement at the end of 2023. Some people even signed up just to play them, the company claimed. However, Netflix recently scaled back its gaming ambitions to a degree by closing a studio that had some notable developers who were working on a AAA title. You can still play the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy The Definitive Edition (what a mouthful!) versions of GTA III and Vice City on iOS and Android after December 13, but you'll need to buy them from the respective app stores. If you're looking for other games to play with your Netflix subscription, don't worry, we've got you covered with our picks. Or just Poinpy and thank me later.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/gta-iii-and-vice-city-are-leaving-netflixs-mobile-games-catalog-next-month-193106378.html?src=rss
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Hackers breached an online course founded by far-right influencer, and accused human trafficker, Andrew Tate, according to reporting by Daily Dot. The hackers captured data on more than 800,000 users and revealed the email addresses of around 325,000 of them. Tates self-proclaimed online university hosts courses on fitness, finance and content creation, all for the low price of $50 per month. The site currently claims it has over 113,000 active users, which translates to an estimated $5 million per month injected into Tates bank account. A source familiar with the breach told Daily Dot that Tates website is hilariously insecure, so the hack wasnt difficult. The unnamed hackers cite hacktivism as their motive, suggesting an issue with Tates particular brand of toxic discourse and his alleged propensity toward sex trafficking underage girls. To that end, they broke into the website in the middle of a livestream led by Tate, accessing the primary chatroom. The hackers, who asked to remain anonymous, are currently flooding an internal chatroom for Tate's followers with emojis.Emojis include a trans flag, a feminist fist, & an AI-generated image of Tate draped in a rainbow flag. https://t.co/NkfT78qsWH pic.twitter.com/jbfqjEFEWb Mikael Thalen (@MikaelThalen) November 21, 2024 The hackers punctured the safe space of Tate's chatroom and uploaded emojis sure to upset the hyper-masculine influencer and his fans, like a transgender flag and a feminist fist. They also posted an AI-generated image of Tate draped in a rainbow flag. They even got a hold of admin controls and temporarily banned some users. The hackers also downloaded public and private chats made on the platform. Daily Dot took a look at some of the acquired chat logs. They were filled with conversations about the LGBTQ agenda and, of course, the matrix. The publication shared the leaked email addresses with HaveIBeenPwned, a site that alerts users when they have been, well, pwned. Incidentally, this isnt the first time Tates site was hacked this year. Back in July, over a million users and 22 million messages were exposed. Tate is currently facing five legal investigations in Romania and the UK. He is alleged to have sex trafficked and raped minors, as well as forming an organized crime group with the intent of sexually exploiting women. He denies all of the charges.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/hackers-breach-andrew-tates-online-university-capturing-data-on-800000-users-184800703.html?src=rss
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