Posts Tagged: local

Russia demands large tech companies set up local offices by 2022

Russia is getting serious with demands that foreign tech companies set up shop within its borders. Reuterssays the country's telecom regulator Roskomnadzor has called on 13 foreign and mostly American companies to launch official Russian presences by 2022 so they can comply with a law that took effect July 1st. The list includes familiar tech names like Apple, Google, Meta (Facebook), Telegram, TikTok and Twitter.

The law demands local offices for "internet companies" with over 500,000 daily users. Some of the companies already have offices, though, and it's unclear just what constitutes an official presence. Those deemed violating the law could be subject to either complete bans or limits on their ads, data gathering and money transfers.

As you might have guessed, the concern is that Russia might use the law to wield more control over those companies and their content. Russia has clashed with Apple multiple times, for instance, including a fine for allegedly abusing App Store dominance — this law might give officials more leverage. The move might also help Russia pressure companies into censoring content the government deems objectionable, such as social media posts backing the political opposition to Putin's regime.

The announcement makes a tricky situation that much more difficult. Russia is a significant market some companies can't always afford to lose but honoring the request could also mean enabling censorship and other rights abuses. Companies may soon have to make decisions that are painful regardless of the outcome.

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Netflix merges English and local language programming under one VP

Netflix has streamlined its content team by merging its English and local language original programming under a single head, undergoing a leadership shakeup in the process. Newly-appointed co-CEO Ted Sarandos has named Bela Bajaria, who used to be th…
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YouTube Music can now play local files, just like your iPod in 2009

Google has added a staple feature to YouTube Music, turning it into music player that’s finally competitive with the Microsoft Zune and your old iPod that’s sitting in a drawer somewhere. Yep, YouTube Music can now play your local files instead of streaming everything. What year is it, again? This feature is long, long overdue, […]

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Buy a Local Number with Viber and get inbound texts and calls from anyone for $5

The popularity of instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp means that it’s easier and cheaper than ever before to stay in contact with friends and loved ones the world over. Making it even easier is Viber with its new Local Number service where users can sign up for an American, British, or Canadian number to […]

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Alphabet puts down more roots in China with local Waymo office

Google's parent company Alphabet is continuing its push for a presence in China with a new Waymo subsidiary, based in Shanghai. Waymo – one of the world's leading autonomous car designers — has confirmed it has set up a legal entity in the cou…
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Now, in a room near you – Star Wars: Jedi Challenges adds 1-on-1 local duels in AR

On this unofficial holiday, Disney and Lenovo announced a new update to the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges app that makes it possible for two players to engage in a lightsaber duel against each other in an augmented reality experience. The new feature is called Lightsaber Versus Mode. Lenovo says the new feature is “the first […]

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Facebook tries slipping more local politics into your News Feed

Facebook isn't shy about wanting to increase your involvement in politics, and that might soon include seeing posts from the politicians you don't follow. A spokesperson has confirmed to Recode that the social network is testing a feature that slips…
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Yes, that’s a selfie drone flying around in your local Apple Store

Apple Stores are going to be a lot noisier from this week after the company inked a deal to be the sole seller of the new Hover Camera Passport “selfie drone” from ZeroZero Robotics.

The post Yes, that’s a selfie drone flying around in your local Apple Store appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Thinking about a local side business? UberRush can handle your deliveries

If you have a small business or are thinking of one, new UberRush public availability could help with your delivery system. Local area delivery service can be a huge timesink for small startups and businesses with peak demand times.

The post Thinking about a local side business? UberRush can handle your deliveries appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Lonely Planet mixes Maps-style POI with its amazing local knowledge in new Guides app

Lonely Planet has released Guides, a new app that combines a handy map with points-of-interest for a city you’re visiting, with it’s cool insider knowledge of the best places. Best of all, it’s completely free.

The post Lonely Planet mixes Maps-style POI with its amazing local knowledge in new Guides app appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Coming soon to your local library: Wireless hotspots you can borrow for free

Libraries are always conjuring up new ways to help their communities, and in a few libraries across America, the latest service being offered is free, mobile Internet access through wireless hotspots that patrons can borrow.

The post Coming soon to your local library: Wireless hotspots you can borrow for free appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Facebook testing a Local Markets feature to rival Craigslist

If you’ve got something to sell, you can go to eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, Etsy and many other places on the web to do just that — and now Facebook is working on something similar too.

The post Facebook testing a Local Markets feature to rival Craigslist appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Bookindy Chrome extension lists local options for books on Amazon

There’s no question that Amazon is hurting independent bookstores. It’s hard to compete with the convenience of quick shipping. If you live in the UK, though, a Chrome extension uses the online retailer’s listings to give you a local option during th…
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