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Justice Department Slams Google With Antitrust Lawsuit

The list of power abuses and user privacy violations in Big Tech continues to grow— or more accurately, continues to come to light. On Tuesday, October 20th, the Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit in D.C. federal court against Google, accusing the search engine giant of violating Section 2 of the Sherman Act by abusing market power to maintain its monopoly as the world’s leading search engine.

Many of today’s biggest and most corrupt companies bank on their endearing come-up stories to gain public affection. Jeff Bezos is quick to remind folks that Amazon was started out of a garage in Seattle, Google was once a humble idea formed in its founders’ college dorm room, and Facebook…well, even from an objective standpoint, Facebook has pretty much always been reprehensible.

The suit points out the gaping disparity between Google’s ethics when the company began two decades ago, versus today, stating “Two decades ago, Google became the darling of Silicon Valley as a scrappy startup with an innovative way to search the emerging internet,” states the complaint. “That Google is long gone. The Google of today is a monopoly gatekeeper for the internet, and one of the wealthiest companies on the planet, with a market value of $1 trillion and annual revenue exceeding $160 billion. For many years, Google has used anticompetitive tactics to maintain and extend its monopolies in the markets for general search services, search advertising, and general search text advertising—the cornerstones of its empire.”

Google’s unscrupulous tactics serve to ensure that no rival company can possibly gain enough traction to challenge Google’s monopoly. The complaint delves into several specifics, citing that Google pays Apple billions of dollars each year to maintain its role as the default Safari search engine across all Apple devices. The suit also accuses Google of conducting “anti-forking” agreements, which ensure Google’s search engine monopoly extends to Android devices, in addition to Apple, as well as engaging in several other dishonorable practices.

The Justice Department seeks to bring Google’s immoral policies to a screeching halt, and bring about structural relief in the process. Google’s senior vice president, Kent Walker, addressed the suit upon its filing, writing in a blog post, “Today’s lawsuit by the Department of Justice is deeply flawed. People use Google because they choose to, not because they’re forced to, or because they can’t find alternatives. This lawsuit would do nothing to help consumers. To the contrary, it would artificially prop up lower-quality search alternatives, raise phone prices, and make it harder for people to get the search services they want to use.”

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Artist Spotlight

Wyn Calico create the need to support with his latest release “Support”

Wyn Calico steps into deeply personal territory with his latest single, “Support,” a heartfelt offering that addresses a feeling many people know, but rarely express so openly. It’s a song about the universal desire to be encouraged, recognised, and uplifted, turning personal frustration into a relatable message of resilience.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1MNvjKqPPbCmQsA8NCwMxT?si=0f5ab4fc2ee24ab8

“Support” is a meditation on what it feels like to work tirelessly for something you want, but not have the support you need to fully achieve it. Wyn Calico expresses the emotional burden of wanting to make a difference, believing in your purpose, and still moving forward when you hit setbacks. The song is not only about disappointment, but also a rallying cry of resilience in the face of adversity.

This song also highlights an important truth, there are many talented and hard-working people out there who have everything it takes to make a difference, except the encouragement and opportunity to flourish. Wyn Calico’s lyrics and delivery shine a light on that struggle and offer a sense of solidarity to those in similar situations.

“Support” isn’t just a personal statement. It’s a conversation starter. It encourages us to think about the value of community, support, and believing in each other. Wyn Calico’s latest drop is honest, relatable, and emotionally driven, a powerful reminder that even in the moments of isolation, the desire to keep pushing forward is still stronger than ever.

Connect with Wyn Calico on Spotify || Instagram

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Artist Spotlight

NNORDY steps into jazz fusion with latest release “Wrong Turn”

NNORDY’s latest release, “Wrong Turn” is a fully live jazz fusion album that showcases the limitless possibilities of instrumental storytelling with the remarkable chemistry between guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. The song has no words but is an excellent story told through musicianship and sets the stage for listeners to embark on a rich jazz experience.

“Wrong Turn” shows the strength of live performance from the get-go. Each instrument feels alive and in conversation with the others, a dynamic dialogue that develops organically over the course of the piece. Without vocal guidance, each musical phrase is left to speak for itself, giving the listener the freedom to interpret the track in their own way.

The guitar and keyboards often lead, crafting complex melodic lines and textures that give the music direction and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bass and drums lay down a solid rhythmic base, creating movement and momentum while still leaving a lot of room for exploration. NNORDY creates a track that both dedicated jazz fans and listeners looking for something adventurous and fresh will enjoy. “Wrong Turn” shows that instrumental music can be as expressive and compelling as vocal music.

Connect with NNORDY on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube