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Australia Sues Google Over Use of Personal Data

By
Samuel Nwite
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0
Google-Headquarters
Google-Headquarters

Australia’s competition regulator has sued Google on the allegation that the search giant is misleading consumers to get permission for use of their personal data for targeted ads.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said on Monday that Google does not honestly get the consent of users as it tries to combine personal information in Google accounts with browsing activities on non-Google websites, an idea it introduced in 2016.

ACCC said the change is worth a lot of money and provides Google with extreme market power as it enables it to link the browsing behavior of millions of consumers with their names and identities.

“This change… was worth a lot of money to Google. We allege they’ve achieved it through misleading behavior,” said the commission chairman Rod Sims.

“We are taking this action because we consider Google misled the Australian consumers about what it planned to do with large amounts of their personal information, including internet activity on websites not connected to Google.”

This allegation is coming at a time when regulators in Europe and the United States are lining up antitrust cases against big tech companies. The CEOs of Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook are due to appear before the House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee on Wednesday, over the dominance of a small number of digital platforms and other antitrust issues.

In June 2016, Google said it would not combine cookies from its advertisement display business, DoubleClick, with users’ private information unless it has user’s opt-in consent. But it deleted it on June 28 and replaced it with a new policy.

The new policy said: “Depending on your account settings, your activity on other sites and apps may be associated with your personal information in order to improve Google services and the ads delivered by Google.”

The 2016 change to Google’s policy means the California-based company will collect data about account holders’ activities in other sites. DoubleClick, an ad serving company used to collect the data and stored it separately from Google’s users’ accounts. In 2008, Google acquired DoubleClick and subsequently merged the users’ data on both platforms after the 2016 change of policy. The change however means that Google is using the combined data to reach more buyers of targeted ads.

The ACCC said from 2016 to 2018, Google account holders were met with a pop-up that explained “optional features” to accounts regarding how the company collected their data. If consumers click “I agree,” Google will begin to harvest a “wide range of personally identifiable information” from them.

Sims said “the ACCC considers that consumers effectively pay for Google’s services with their data, so this change introduced by Google increased the ‘price’ of Google’s services, without consumers’ knowledge… We believe that many consumers, if given an informed choice, may have refused Google permission to combine and use such a wide array of their personal information for Google’s own financial benefit.”

In response, Google said the change was optional and consumer consent was sought through prominent and easy-to-understand notifications.

“If a user did not consent, their experience of our products and services remained unchanged,” the company’s spokesman said.

This is the second time in less than a year ACCC is taking Google to court. In October last year, the regulator filed legal charges against the search company over what it described as “false or misleading representations to consumers about the personal location data Google collects, keeps and uses.”

The issue then was about users’ ability to opt out of location tracking on Android phones and tablets. When setting up the Android’s OS, users see an option for Location History. Disabling the option does not disable the collection of all locations unless the user turns off the “Web & App Activity” setting as well.

The commission said as a result of the on-screen representations, Google collected, kept and used highly sensitive and valuable personal information about consumers’ location without them making informed choices.

It is not clear the penalty ACCC is seeking for the stealing of personal information for targeted ad allegation. However, big tech companies are facing more scrutiny than ever before.

 

 

African Researchers Charged to Contextualize Western Theories to Solve Local Problems

By
Rasheed Adebiyi
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0

African Researchers have been charged to contextualize western theories to solve existing local problems. This call was made by Professor Anthony Olorunnisola, a professor of Communications at the Pennsylvania State University. Olorunnisola made this appeal at an online research seminar for doctoral candidates of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan. The seminar tagged  The Interface between Theories and Research is part of the series of seminars for doctoral students of the department. He charged the young scholars not to be brainwashed by extensive exposure to western theories whose context of emergence is notably different from the African background.

He challenged African researchers to reflect on the western theories and contextualize their assumptions to fit into the window of non western environment. He warned of the tendency of western theories to mislead non-western researchers if a second look is not taken at them and as such bend them to reflect local context and realities. Prof. Olorunnisola charged African researchers to be knowledgeable about the local problems they are investigating so that they could challenge assumptions in literature and the western theories and make groundbreaking discoveries. It is this that would ensure that African researchers are able to make meaningful contributions to global discussion of knowledge.

He enjoined African researchers to query literature and tease out questions that would yield both the right theories and appropriate methodologies to carry out scientific investigations that would help solve the myriads of problems on the continent.

In his own speech, the Convener, Prof. Ayo Ojebode, posited that the aim of the seminar is to strengthen the capabilities of the attendees to do research that would not only speak to the problems on the continent but also contribute meaningfully to global scientific discussion. He enjoined the participants to make use of the takeaways from the programme to improve their research life. He then thanked Prof. Olorunnisola for accepting to provide mentorship and build capacity of the participants through the training.

 

The 5 Strategies To Close Sales Like a Pro

By
Chidiebere Moses Ogbodo
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0

The most successful salesperson deals with the market as an early morning routine (grab it while it is still fresh). They do not give in to chances, rather the market place is duly occupied by their strategic creativity.

What do I mean by this:

The salesperson who enters the market with his product, and sees that there are many similar or even leading brands, then settles down to examine the un-common questions from the on-passing customers, tends to learn their un-noticed needs. When he does this, he then tries to provide the simplest answers that are direct so that the customers do not spend lengthy time to flow with their services, hence a life-long loyal customer. It’s that simple.

As a salesperson who wants to stand out unique, you should be clear on the following points;

  1. Be punctual and Consistent with your provisions; Maintain a certain quality and always implement new ideas, even if it is just a change in product packaging color.
    • If your idea is new and solves problem, people will pay for it no matter how dumb it may sound, if not today, then tomorrow, so be consistently innovative and think differently this year.
  2. Always see the market as a temporary environment, so that you will speed up the solution factor of your brain. This will help you to think out new strategies to overcome the challenges in the market such as; noticing that there is already a leading brand and how to take a higher place amongst them.
  3. Be keen on the expectations of the customers. There is always one thing that the customers are complaining about. It may be the time of product arrival, the gesture of the salesperson or even the packaging style of your product. Always listen to your customers and assure them of quick resolution of their problems; and do it when you promise to do so.
  4. You have a good sense of humor, which is great. On many occasions, some customers do not need your jokes, too much of your creativity or even your overall professionalism. You just need to be direct to point in answering their queries. This sounds small, but it can improve your sales to about 15% in the shortest span of time.
  5. Personalize your business approach. In recent years, there is a high development and the implementation of automated processes. So many people are aware of this and they would prefer a real human being to talk to them. So be a human in your approach, not a robot.

For the CEO:

Findings have it that; 80% of consumers will always trust a company whose CEO and leadership team engage in social media, meaning they are available and reachable. About 65% are more likely to buy from such a company.

As the leading chamber of the organization, besides being a visionary, action oriented and decisive, you need to be easily accessible to your prospective clients. The days in which the CEO’s stays out of sight is long gone, now the technology has provided various platforms where even the poor man on the street would appreciate knowing the person who is the captain of your organization. It improves trust and confidence and assures people of a verifiable source to look for their solution.

For instance; the CEO of Facebook, Microsoft, and Virgin Group are always walking up the street to show people that they are humans just like them and this has created undying love for them and in turn improved their products sales over the years.

Keep Track record of business success for you and your clients:

If you monitor the most patronizing customers and show them compensation for their loyalty, maybe by sending simple gift cards, they will feel recognized and would want to buy more. Conduct market surveys/analysis to inquire from your clients how your services have impacted in theirs’.

They would always want to give you a report on the Return on Investment (ROI). Through this you can easily know where to work in order to improve in your business approach.

Gain the review/ thoughts of industry influencers regarding your services:

When a business influencer talks about your solutions, other business leaders will know about it. So call the attention of the leading influencers to say something good about your business solutions and also urge them to appear on your business platforms. ~ Chidiebere Moses Ogbodo, the Founder, CEO at FoodMoby.com by PingSmile.com Tech advised.

Start identifying influencers in your industry. It’s not about the social following, but look for people who are the most influential to your target audience and obtain from them, what their views could be. On successfully doing so, share the same on your business platforms for people to see and leave their comments.

Above all the solution factors, you need to convince yourself first, that you can lead the market with your unique solutions. Only then, you can be able to confidently implement all the above highlighted points. Always discipline yourself to sacrifice what is needed for your success and congratulate yourself and your employees/team at every point of business success. It will boost their motivation to do more in other-words, encourages continuous growth which every organization needs to stand tall in the market.

 

Alpha Mead Group Becomes Founding Member of Canadian Global Alliance for Provision of Turnkey Hospital Units

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

Available information indicates that Alpha Mead Group, a total real estate solution company in Nigeria, has become member of Oaklu Alliance. This was announced through a press release credited to Morgan Reynolds, President of Oaklu of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Oaklu Alliance is a strategic step of Oaklu in its readiness to build hundreds of Turnkey Hospital units in the United States and underserved countries around the world. As a company, Oaklu is offering “quick-deploy temporary and permanent hospital buildings that convert into social housing – to iconic high-rise developments and leading residential communities.”

With this membership, Alpha Mead’s Health Services and Management Unit is expected to help the company in actualizing its plan for the Nigerian market in the areas of Turnkey hospital unit development and management in Nigeria.

“The founding members of the Oaklu Alliance create a powerful base from which to deliver the Turnkey Hospital and other projects globally. Additional members will be announced as the Alliance grows to stay ahead of its current and potential customers,” said Morgan Reynolds, President of Oaklu.

Alpha Mead is also expected to share its expertise and knowledge in the healthcare sector with other members of the Alliance across the world. Other founding members include;

Shaw Industries, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway – world’s largest flooring manufacturer; Teklight – International distributor of truly automatic UVD ultra-violet disinfection robots; Global Furniture Group – North American leader in office furniture;

Allwest Furnishings – Western Canada industry leader in office furnishings; Zero Mass Water – Source Hydro Panel infrastructure free drinking water solution; Renova Energy – Renewable energy infrastructure design, construction, and engineering; Ante Global Solutions – Provides specialized security services globally; Old Park Engineering Services – L.P.G. bulk storage and distribution specialists; The Lombard Group – Affordable housing solutions for the developing world and Mopec Europe – Anatomy, autopsy, and pathology equipment and supplies.

Our analyst believes that Alpha Mead is bringing its status of a company that inspires others to reality. It also indicates that the Group has mastered the national market and know when it matters most to improve total real estate solution industry through global strategic alliance.

Mr. Clean, Independent Review Panel Exonerates AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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1

The President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, is clean, and has been completely exonerated by the  Independent Review Panel. The Independent Review Panel was set up by the Bureau of Governors of the Bank, following a complaint by the United States, to review the process by which two previous organs of the Bank – the Ethics Committee of the Board, and the Bureau of the Board of Governors – had previously exonerated Adesina.

This outcome was largely expected as what they accused him, if accepted, will mean no leader can function in this world.  When I read the allegations, I wrote this in May 2020:

These allegations are mundane; the Board can handle them, and communicate to its shareholders. They are not things, in my opinion, for an external counsel to investigate. President Trump does what Mr. Adesina is accused daily in Washington DC! Adesina does not have his daughter and son-in-law working in his office or vacationing in his hotels!

Now, the road to the second term begins.

 

The full statement

 A much awaited report by an Independent Review Panel has completely exonerated the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina of any ethical wrongdoings.

The Independent Review Panel was set up by the Bureau of Governors of the Bank, following a complaint by the United States, to review the process by which two previous organs of the Bank – the Ethics Committee of the Board, and the Bureau of the Board of Governors – had previously exonerated Adesina.

The distinguished three-member Independent Review Panel include Mary Robinson, who is a former President of the Republic of Ireland, a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Chairperson of the Elders, a global body of wise persons concerned with the world’s wellbeing; the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Gambia, Mr. Hassan B. Jallow; and Mr. Leonard F. McCarthy, a former Director of Public Prosecutions, a former Director for the Office of Serious Economic Offences, and a former Head of the Directorate of Special Operations of South Africa. He also served as the Vice President of Integrity for the World Bank for nine years.

In January 2020, sixteen allegations of ethical misconduct were levelled against Adesina by a group of whistleblowers. The allegations which were reviewed by the Bank’s Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors in March, were described as “frivolous and without merit.” The findings and rulings of the Ethics Committee were subsequently upheld by the apex Bureau of the Board of Governors in May, which cleared Adesina of any wrongdoing.

The report of the Independent Review Panel states that it “concurs with the (Ethics) Committee in its findings in respect of all the allegations against the President and finds that they were properly considered and dismissed by the Committee.”

The Panel once again vindicates Adesina and states, “It has considered the President’s submissions on their face and finds them consistent with his innocence and to be persuasive.”

The conclusions of the Independent Review Panel  are decisive and now clear the way for Governors of the Bank to re-elect Adesina to a second five-year term as President during annual meetings of the Bank scheduled for August 25-27.

Adesina is a highly decorated and distinguished technocrat and globally-respected development economist. He was awarded the prestigious World Food Prize in 2017 and the Sunhak Peace Prize in 2019 for global leadership in agriculture and for good governance.

Since taking over the reigns of the Bank in 2015, he has introduced several innovative reforms including a High5 development strategy; a restructuring of the bank including setting up offices in several African nations to get closer to its clients; an Africa Investment Forum that has attracted $79 billion in investment interests into projects in Africa between 2018 and 2019. He successfully led a historic General Capital Increase campaign that culminated in the Bank’s shareholders raising the institution’s capital from $93 billion to $208 billion, in October 2019.

In June and July respectively, global credit ratings agencies Standard and Poors and Fitch Ratings both affirmed the ‘AAA’ rating of the Bank, with stable outlook.

Under Adesina’s leadership the African Development Bank launched a $10 billion crisis response facility to boost African nations’ ability to tackle the health and economic effects of COVID-19.

Several Governors of the Bank speaking off the record, say it is now time to put recent events in the past; provide the Bank’s President with full support; and bolster the Bank’s efforts on Africa’s critical development issues.

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