Breaking news

AI and Antitrust: Could Google’s Search Monopoly Face a New Challenge?

by News Editor

April 22, 2025

The antitrust trial against Alphabet’s Google has commenced, highlighting significant concerns about its potential to leverage two-faced intelligence to maintain its stronghold over online search. Initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice, the case could redefine how we interact with the internet, reminiscent of past landmark judgments against corporate giants like AT&T and Standard Oil.

David Dahlquist, representing the DOJ, expressed the necessity for measures to prevent AI from further entrenching Google’s dominance.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Key witnesses from Perplexity AI and OpenAI are set to present firsthand accounts of the challenges posed by Google’s overwhelming market presence. Meanwhile, Google’s defense underscores that imposing remedies may stifle innovation at a critical technological crossroads.

Beyond the immediate issues of search engines, the trial also raises broader questions about future technological advancements and market fairness as digital ecosystems evolve. While the DOJ seeks to dismantle exclusive agreements where Google pays billions for default status on various devices, Google contends that these moves might inadvertently increase technical costs while deterring entrepreneurial growth in allied domains.

In essence, both sides align on a pivotal question: How to balance innovation with fair competition in an AI-driven future?

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cypriot Government Employment Sees Modest Growth in April

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 12, 2025

Total government employment in Cyprus increased by 237 persons, a rise of 0.4 per cent, in April, compared to the same month in 2024, reaching a total of 55,490 employees, according to the state statistical service.

Employment in the civil service and the security forces decreased by 1.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively, while the educational service saw an increase of 3.8 per cent.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Civil Service and Educational Service Breakdown

In April 2025, the civil service employed 11,960 permanent staff, 4,141 employees with contracts of indefinite duration, 1,458 with contracts of definite duration, and 5,798 hourly paid workers.

Permanent employees represented the highest proportion of the civil service workforce at 51.2 per cent, while employees with contracts of definite duration made up the lowest proportion at 6.2 per cent.

In the educational service, there were 12,461 permanent employees, 947 with contracts of indefinite duration, 4,824 with contracts of definite duration, and 141 hourly paid workers.

Permanent staff formed the majority of the educational workforce at 67.8 per cent, while hourly paid workers accounted for only 0.8 per cent.

Security Forces Breakdown

Within the security forces, 8,430 were permanent employees, 4,304 held contracts of indefinite duration, 267 were on definite-duration contracts, and 759 were hourly paid workers.

Permanent employees again made up the largest group in the security forces at 61.3 per cent, with definite-duration contracts representing just 1.9 per cent.