Microsoft has announced that it is building its first data-centres made with superstrong ultra-lightweight wood in a bid to slash the use of steel and concrete, which are among the most significant sources of carbon emissions.

The Need for Sustainable Data Centres 

The global rise in data consumption has intensified the need for data-centres, which power everything from cloud storage to AI. However, data-centres are notoriously resource-intensive, demanding vast amounts of energy to run and cool high-performance servers. Traditionally constructed using steel and concrete, data-centres also contribute significantly to the carbon footprint through the embodied carbon in these materials. For example, according to the World Economic Forum, steel production is responsible for around 7 per cent of global carbon emissions, while cement production accounts for another 8 per cent.

Carbon Neutral by 2030 

Microsoft has pledged to become carbon-negative by 2030, aiming to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. As part of this commitment, the company has been experimenting with innovative materials to cut down emissions in its construction processes, resulting in the decision to use wood-based construction for two new data-centres in Virginia, USA.

Why CLT? 

The use of wood in these new data-centres, specifically cross-laminated timber (CLT), is expected to reduce the embodied carbon footprint by 35 per cent compared to traditional steel structures and by an impressive 65 per cent compared to standard concrete. This material, which is central to Microsoft’s strategy, has been gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete. As engineered wood, CLT’s made by gluing multiple layers of timber at right angles, creating a product that is both strong and lightweight. One of the significant advantages of CLT is its fire resistance, i.e. when exposed to fire, CLT forms a char layer on its surface that acts as an insulator, slowing down the spread of flames and maintaining the structural integrity longer than steel.

This innovative approach is not without its challenges. While CLT is increasingly used in Europe for green building projects, the technology is still relatively new in the United States, especially for large-scale applications like data-centres.

By adopting this material, Microsoft hopes to encourage broader acceptance in the industry, potentially lowering costs and boosting availability. According to Thomas Hooker, an associate at Thornton Tomasetti, the structural engineering firm working with Microsoft, “Microsoft’s scale means they can act as a market mover, driving these technologies towards more widespread use.” 

Actually, It’s a Wood, Steel, and Concrete Hybrid 

Although Microsoft is keen to highlight the wood (CLT) used in its new data-centres, in reality, Microsoft’s new data-centres employ a hybrid construction model, combining CLT with steel and concrete. While CLT serves as the primary structural material, a thin layer of concrete reinforces floors and ceilings to ensure durability. This combination allows Microsoft to achieve a balance between sustainability and structural resilience, reducing emissions without compromising performance.

Speed and Cost Advantages 

Beyond the environmental benefits, hybrid construction with CLT offers practical advantages in speed and cost. Since CLT panels are prefabricated, they can be assembled more quickly and with less skilled labour than traditional steel or concrete. This efficiency reduces both construction time and costs, further adding to the sustainability benefits by lowering resource consumption.

Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund 

Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its data-centres. In 2020, for example, the company launched its $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund to support green technology ventures. This fund has already invested $761 million in companies developing low-carbon building materials, including ventures focused on green steel and low-carbon concrete.

One example is Microsoft’s investment in H2 Green Steel (now Stegra), a Swedish company developing steel made with renewable hydrogen rather than coal. This method, which reduces carbon emissions by up to 95 per cent compared to traditional steel production, highlights Microsoft’s broader strategy to decarbonise the materials used across its supply chain. Similarly, Microsoft has partnered with CarbonCure, a company that injects carbon dioxide into concrete, effectively trapping it and reducing emissions.

Brandon Middaugh, who oversees the Climate Innovation Fund, has emphasised the importance of collaboration with suppliers, saying: “What we’re trying to do is be the catalyst… that gets these early contracts done.” By investing in these companies, Microsoft is supporting the development of sustainable materials that could eventually become mainstream, helping to bridge the gap between current practices and its ambitious 2030 goals.

Not The Only Tech Company with Sustainability Initiatives 

It’s worth noting here, however, that Microsoft is not alone in its sustainability strategy. For example, as part of a broader trend within the tech industry, other major companies, including Google, Amazon, and Apple, have also launched initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact, particularly in the area of data-centres.

Google has been a leader in renewable energy for over a decade, aiming to run all of its data-centres on carbon-free energy by 2030. The company’s “24/7 Carbon-Free Energy” initiative involves matching every hour of energy consumption with clean energy sources like wind and solar, effectively eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. Google has also pioneered the use of AI to optimise data-centre cooling systems, achieving reported energy savings of up to 30 per cent.

Amazon, too, has committed to reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 through its Climate Pledge initiative. The company’s sustainability efforts focus on renewable energy, with Amazon now being the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy. Also, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is exploring advanced cooling methods and waste heat recovery to reduce the environmental footprint of its data-centres.

Apple’s approach to sustainability involves a combination of renewable energy and innovative materials. The company’s data-centres have been powered entirely by renewable energy since 2013, and it has implemented closed-loop manufacturing processes that use recycled materials for its products. In recent years, Apple has also started using recycled aluminium and rare earth elements in its devices, reducing its dependence on resource-intensive mining.

While each company’s strategy has unique elements, they appear to share the common goal of reducing emissions and adopting sustainable practices. Microsoft’s use of CLT sets it apart, however, as it is one of the first to incorporate engineered wood at a hyperscale level. This bold approach could inspire others in the industry to rethink their construction practices, particularly in regions where sustainable building materials like CLT are readily available.

Overcoming the Challenges of Green Construction 

That said, building with low-carbon materials like CLT is easier said than done and presents certain challenges. For example, CLT costs more than traditional timber and requires specialised knowledge for installation. David Swanson, a structural engineer involved in Microsoft’s data-centre design, has acknowledged these challenges but has noted that compared to traditional timber, CLT can be cost-effective for large projects due to reduced construction time and less need for skilled labour.

Another challenge is scalability. While CLT is gaining popularity, the supply chain for low-carbon concrete and steel remains fragmented, with smaller producers struggling to keep up with demand. To address these issues, Microsoft has been working closely with suppliers, ensuring they have access to the resources needed to develop sustainable alternatives. According to Jim Hanna, Microsoft’s data-centre sustainability lead, “It’s an all-hands-on-deck task to meet our sustainability goals.” 

Also, the technology behind green building materials is still evolving. For example, Microsoft has invested in Prometheus Materials, a company developing zero-carbon cement from microalgae. This technology (though promising) is still in its early stages and requires further testing before it can be widely adopted. As Hanna notes, “Planning for a net-zero carbon future is a complex exercise, requiring us to be system thinkers across the entire value chain.” 

Setting a Precedent for Green Construction 

Microsoft’s wood-based data-centres are more than just an experiment; they may represent a new direction in sustainable construction. By using CLT on such a large scale, Microsoft is challenging industry norms and encouraging other companies to consider alternative materials that are both sustainable and functional. This approach could pave the way for broader adoption of low-carbon construction practices across sectors, from technology to healthcare and education.

A Glimpse Into the Future? 

As the tech industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, Microsoft’s strategy offers a glimpse into the future of green building. With its hybrid construction model, commitment to sustainable materials, and support for climate innovation, Microsoft is positioning itself as a leader in environmental responsibility. If successful, the wooden data-centres in Virginia could set a new standard for sustainability in the industry, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand.

What Does This Mean for Your Organisation? 

Microsoft’s venture into using wood as a primary construction material for data-centres may signal more than a commitment to environmental targets; it points to a future in which technology and sustainability can be seamlessly intertwined. While cross-laminated timber (CLT) still has hurdles to overcome in terms of cost, availability, and specialist knowledge, the success of Microsoft’s hybrid model could inspire a paradigm shift across the tech sector and beyond. If these pioneering data-centres prove effective, they could pave the way for other companies to adopt low-carbon materials in their operations, particularly in industries where data infrastructure continues to expand.

The potential of this project extends beyond Microsoft’s carbon reduction and could open doors to new possibilities for sustainable building on a large scale. By investing in CLT and other low-carbon materials, Microsoft may be driving demand and supporting innovations that could eventually reduce costs, making these options more accessible. Also, the impact of Microsoft’s choices is amplified by its partnerships and investments through the Climate Innovation Fund, which addresses gaps in the low-carbon supply chain.

This support plays a vital role in empowering smaller green startups and accelerating the market readiness of sustainable materials, a crucial factor if the construction industry is to meet its carbon reduction targets. For instance, the company’s collaboration with green steel and concrete companies demonstrates how leveraging corporate reach can catalyse broader adoption of sustainable practices across the entire value chain.

The long-awaited search facility from OpenAI is finally here powered by ChatGPT – we take a look and see it it’s any good.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It’s best to download it first]

Need to work with multiple folders side by side? You can open additional instances of File Explorer by using a quick shortcut, rather than navigating from a single window. Here’s how to use it:

Open New File Explorer Windows:

– Press Win + E each time you need a new File Explorer window.

– This tip will help you manage files more efficiently by allowing you to open multiple directories and view them side by side.

Following a recent University of Melbourne report revealing that companies offering strong flexible work options (such as remote working) experience enhanced market value, this article explores the factors driving these gains, examines supporting studies, and considers opposing views from firms that favour in-office mandates.

Why The Shift To Flexible? 

The shift to flexible work options emerged as a swift response to the COVID-19 pandemic, upending conventional workplace structures and prompting a worldwide embrace of remote work. In the years since, companies have wrestled with balancing the benefits of flexibility versus the perceived advantages of in-office work. Many executives have argued that a return-to-office (RTO) mandate is essential for fostering collaboration and sustaining company culture. However, new research from the University of Melbourne, alongside other prominent studies, suggests that flexible work options may actually be more financially beneficial than once thought, delivering enhanced market performance and operational resilience.

This growing body of research provides a new perspective on the RTO debate, challenging the notion that office-based work is superior for long-term business success. With some high-profile companies like Amazon and Dell pushing hard for RTO, while others like Spotify continue to champion flexibility, the research invites a closer look at how work structures impact company value. Additionally, the financial benefits of flexible work have been underpinned by Managed Service Providers (MSPs), who have become instrumental in supporting secure remote work setups.

The Financial Case for Flexible Work 

As mentioned above, the University of Melbourne’s recent study, spearheaded by Dr Gabriele Lattanzio, Assistant Professor of Finance, found that companies with strong flexible work options have seen notable financial gains. By analysing the stock performance of firms listed on the “100 Best Companies for Remote Working Jobs,” published annually by Forbes and developed by FlexJobs, Dr Lattanzio observed that these companies achieved better-than-average stock returns over time.

“This study documents for the first time that firms’ reliance on alternative work arrangements is associated with superior long-horizon stock market returns beyond what can be explained by other systematic risk factors,” said Dr Lattanzio. His research suggests that companies offering remote work options often benefit from enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as improved operational flexibility, all of which contribute positively to long-term financial performance.

Remote Work Yields a 7.44 Per Cent Higher Return 

According to the study, an equal-weighted portfolio of the firms on the FlexJobs list between 2014 and 2019 generated an annualised four-factor alpha of 7.44 per cent (they achieved an annual average return of 7.44 per cent higher) than companies that didn’t focus on remote work.

Underestimating and Underappreciating 

The research also shows that these companies often delivered positive earnings surprises, with analysts consistently underestimating their financial performance. For example, as noted by Dr Lattanzio, “Analysts fail to price in the productivity gains associated with corporate engagements in alternative work arrangements”. This inefficiency suggests a blind spot in the market, where the benefits of remote work on firm value may be underappreciated.

How Can Flexible Work Policies Improve Market Performance? 

The University of Melbourne’s research highlights several key drivers behind the superior performance of remote-friendly companies.

Employee satisfaction and productivity are central to these gains, as remote work arrangements allow employees to balance work with personal life, reducing stress and commuting time while enhancing engagement and output. Additionally, the operational flexibility provided by remote work enables companies to adapt quickly to changing demands without the overheads of maintaining a large physical presence.

Dr Lattanzio’s study further indicates that remote work policies can make firms more resilient to “black swan” events, i.e. unexpected occurrences that can disrupt regular operations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the research, firms who embraced remote work early on were better equipped to navigate the disruptions of 2020, as they had already established systems to manage a decentralised workforce. As Dr Lattanzio says, “Our findings suggest that corporate reliance on WFH arrangements may contribute to increased resilience to unexpected shocks, providing companies with an advantage in times of crisis”. 

RTO Mandates Amid Positive Remote Work Data 

Despite evidence supporting flexible work, many companies have, however, decided to introduce strict RTO mandates. Amazon, for example, recently announced a five-day in-office policy, with CEO Andy Jassy insisting that employees unwilling to comply may need to consider alternative employment. Matt Garman, AWS CEO, echoed this stance, aligning with a belief that in-office work is essential for maintaining company culture and productivity.

Dell, another technology giant, has also imposed an RTO mandate, despite backlash from employees who argue that remote work fosters a better work-life balance.

In contrast, companies like Spotify have resisted RTO pressures, choosing instead to uphold a remote work model that trusts employees to manage their productivity autonomously. According to Spotify’s HR lead, treating employees like adults is a core part of their culture, and the company’s performance metrics indicate that productivity has not suffered under a remote model. For companies like Spotify, flexibility appears to serve as both a recruitment tool and a means of promoting employee well-being, which in turn boosts morale and reduces turnover.

Other Research Echoes Melbourne’s Findings 

A growing body of research supports the financial and productivity gains linked to remote work. For example, Ernst & Young’s recent report (2024 Work Reimagined Survey) found that companies who maintained remote work policies during the pandemic saw improvements in staff retention and productivity, particularly in sectors where flexibility is valued.

In the US, the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that firms offering WFH options were able to reduce wage costs by around 8 per cent, as employees were often willing to accept slightly lower salaries in exchange for remote work flexibility.

A 2020 survey by PWC (at the time of the pandemic) showed that 78 per cent of CEOs across various industries agreed that remote work was here to stay for the long term, with many noting that the productivity benefits were too significant to ignore. The survey also showed that, in particular, high-skill workers are drawn to roles offering remote options, making flexibility a competitive advantage in attracting top talent. As the PWC report stated, “Remote work options are now a critical factor in job satisfaction, which ultimately drives company performance.” 

What About MSPs? 

The implications for MSPs are similarly positive, as the shift to remote work has increased demand for remote support, security, and digital infrastructure services. With MSPs providing essential support for data security, compliance, and IT management in remote work environments, the growth of flexible work policies has translated into new revenue streams for these service providers.

Studies Suggesting Drawbacks of Remote Work 

While the majority of recent research supports the positive impact of remote work on financial performance, a few studies point to potential downsides.

For example, a 2023 Gallup survey highlighted that remote workers increasingly feel disconnected from their organisation’s mission, with only 28 per cent reporting a strong connection, down from 32 per cent in 2022.

Similarly, a Harvard Business Review article raised concerns that remote work can increase isolation, leading to lower employee engagement over time. This isolation effect has been linked to reduced teamwork and a lack of informal mentorship, which can be detrimental to professional growth. For certain roles, especially those involving complex problem-solving or highly interactive tasks, the office environment may indeed provide a superior setting.

Back in 2021, the Wall Street Journal reported the challenges companies face in maintaining team cohesion and spontaneous collaboration in remote work settings. It highlighted how some companies had struggled to maintain team cohesion and spontaneous collaboration in a remote setting. It also suggested that face-to-face interactions are essential for innovation and effective communication, particularly for industries heavily reliant on teamwork and creativity.

The Financial Outlook for Remote-Friendly Companies 

The University of Melbourne’s study, alongside supporting research from Ernst & Young and the National Bureau of Economic Research, appears to paint a promising picture for firms that embrace flexible work arrangements. With data indicating that remote-friendly companies are not only improving employee satisfaction but also outperforming the market, the case for RTO becomes harder to justify on financial grounds.

Flexible Work Advantageous 

Flexible work policies have also proven advantageous in helping companies adapt to external shocks, as seen during the pandemic, when remote-capable firms were able to transition smoothly into lockdown conditions. According to Dr Lattanzio’s research, this adaptability is one of the hidden strengths of remote work, allowing companies to remain operationally resilient and financially stable, even amid global disruptions.

Rigid Policies May Carry Unintended Costs 

For CEOs and boards considering RTO mandates, these findings suggest that rigid office policies may come at a significant cost. As more research highlights the positive relationship between remote work and company performance, firms may need to reconsider the financial impact of strict workplace policies. With employee satisfaction and market performance increasingly tied to flexibility, mandating office attendance could undermine long-term profitability and talent retention.

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

The shift towards flexible work policies, as shown in the University of Melbourne and other recent studies, appears to offer compelling evidence that remote work can drive financial and operational advantages. For businesses, this means that offering flexibility should be viewed not just as an employee benefit but as a strategic decision with measurable financial rewards. The data points to remote-friendly companies achieving higher returns and enhanced resilience in times of crisis, suggesting that businesses embracing flexibility may be better positioned for long-term success. For many organisations, this raises important questions about whether in-office mandates are truly necessary or beneficial in today’s evolving work environment.

For companies concerned about remote work’s potential drawbacks, it’s worth noting that while some roles and industries benefit from face-to-face collaboration, a hybrid approach could address concerns about team cohesion and spontaneous interaction without sacrificing flexibility. Studies have highlighted potential issues with remote work, such as feelings of isolation and reduced engagement, but these can often be mitigated through intentional team-building efforts and regular virtual check-ins. Given the financial gains tied to remote work, businesses might consider investing in initiatives that foster connection and collaboration within a flexible framework rather than imposing strict return-to-office mandates.

The rise of flexible work also holds implications for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) supporting remote infrastructure, data security, and IT management. For MSPs, the increase in remote work demands has opened up new revenue streams, as companies seek reliable, secure digital solutions to support dispersed teams. With remote work driving long-term growth in digital support services, MSPs that are effective in providing remote setups may be well-positioned to capitalise on the growing need for secure and efficient work-from-anywhere models.

It seems, therefore, that businesses now have access to a wealth of data supporting the financial and operational benefits of flexible work policies. Adapting to this trend could improve market performance and employee satisfaction, positioning companies competitively in an increasingly flexibility-focused market. However, firms that insist on strict in-office mandates may risk falling behind, both in attracting top talent and achieving optimal financial performance. Embracing flexibility, whether through remote, hybrid, or custom arrangements, could be key to sustaining growth and remaining resilient in a dynamic economic landscape.

As flexible work policies become more common and continue to evolve, each business will need to evaluate how best to incorporate this shift into its long-term strategy. In an era where adaptability and employee satisfaction are crucial to success, the decision to implement flexible work policies may no longer be just about convenience, but about future-proofing your business for an increasingly agile and unpredictable world.

In this insight, we look at how OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Search aims to redefine online search by challenging Google’s dominance, with both tech giants racing to enhance user experiences through innovative AI features.

ChatGPT Search Launched 

The search landscape has long been dominated by Google. However, with the October 2024 launch of ChatGPT Search, OpenAI has clearly entered the search market, promising to upend the way we find and interact with information online.

Uses a Blend of Conversational AI with Data Retrieval 

ChatGPT Search, integrated directly into OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform, marks a significant evolution from traditional search engines by blending conversational AI with dynamic, real-time data retrieval. Offering timely answers drawn from various web sources, the new search function introduces what OpenAI describes as a more intuitive, engaging way for users to gather information, perhaps challenging Google’s stronghold with a model that focuses on usability, accuracy, and a distinctly human-like interaction.

What Is ChatGPT Search and How Does It Work? 

ChatGPT Search builds on the SearchGPT prototype OpenAI introduced earlier in 2024, introducing a natural-language-based search interface designed to provide rapid, precise answers accompanied by links to relevant sources. According to OpenAI, this tool harnesses the strengths of its advanced GPT-4o model, fine-tuned with synthetic data and optimised to source information from both third-party search providers and direct partnerships with news and data providers.

For users, this means that rather than combing through countless results, they can simply ask ChatGPT their query in a conversational manner. ChatGPT then retrieves real-time information, such as sports scores, stock prices, or breaking news, and responds with a summary accompanied by links for further reading. By integrating search within the ChatGPT experience, OpenAI seeks to make online information more accessible and engaging for users. As OpenAI states, “Getting useful answers on the web can take a lot of effort… Now, chat can get you to a better answer.” 

Pam Wasserstein, President of Vox Media (a prominent American mass media company), is quoted on the OpenAI website praising ChatGPT Search’s approach, saying, “ChatGPT search promises to better highlight and attribute information from trustworthy news sources, benefiting audiences while expanding the reach of publishers like ourselves who produce premium journalism.” OpenAI is keen to get the message (and perhaps establish a contrast between it and Google search) across that ChatGPT Search goes beyond simply answering questions – it aims to connect users with high-quality, verified content.

Who Can Access ChatGPT Search? 

Initially, ChatGPT Search was made available to ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers on October 31, 2024, accessible through OpenAI’s website and mobile apps. Enterprise and educational users can expect access within weeks of the launch, with a broader rollout to all free users planned over the coming months. A browser extension also enables users to set ChatGPT Search as their default search tool on Chrome, further embedding it into users’ daily online activities.

It’s Integrated into the Normal ChatGPT Interface – You’re Using It Anyway 

ChatGPT Search is integrated directly into ChatGPT’s regular interface, so users can now interact with it as part of their usual experience with ChatGPT. This means that when you ask questions in ChatGPT, it will now search the web and retrieve up-to-date information if needed, providing responses with relevant, timely data and links to sources.

For users, this integration is seamless. ChatGPT decides to pull in web search results automatically based on the question, but users also have the option to trigger web search manually by selecting the web search icon. This design allows ChatGPT Search to feel like an extension of ChatGPT’s standard capabilities rather than a separate function, meaning users benefit from it naturally while interacting as they usually would.

Removing Traditional Search Barriers 

This integration also essentially changes how web searches are done – by removing the barriers of traditional search engine interfaces, and instead inviting users to have a more interactive, evolving discussion that yields targeted results without overwhelming them with pages of unrelated links.

Features and Benefits for Users

The primary benefit of ChatGPT Search lies in its integration of AI-powered conversation with up-to-the-minute web information. Whether users need the latest election results, the current weather, or trending stock information, ChatGPT can draw from multiple sources to provide concise, accurate summaries. It even includes a ‘Sources’ button beneath each response, allowing users to view detailed references and dig deeper if desired. This transparency fosters a more accountable, user-centric approach to search.

As part of its focus on real-time data, ChatGPT Search partners with a range of reputable news outlets and data providers. This should mean that users can trust that the information they receive is accurate, current, and attributed to reliable sources, thereby also helping to tackle the previous main problems the dogged ChatGPT – its ‘AI hallucinations’ / occasionally giving false information which led users to mistrust it and needing to verify key details. OpenAI has highlighted this news partnership by quoting Louis Dreyfus, CEO of Le Monde, on the OpenAI website, who said about ChatGPT Search: “We are convinced that AI search will be, in a near future and for the next generations, a primary way to access information, and partnering with OpenAI positions Le Monde at the forefront of this shift.” 

Another feature that distinguishes ChatGPT Search is its continuous evolution based on user feedback. Drawing insights from the initial SearchGPT prototype, OpenAI has already identified and prioritised improvements in areas like shopping and travel recommendations. Also, the newest o1 “reasoning” models enable more in-depth research capabilities, allowing ChatGPT Search to go beyond factual retrieval and incorporate analytical insights.

OpenAI also plans to expand ChatGPT Search’s reach across multiple platforms and functionalities, including Advanced Voice and canvas modes, enhancing accessibility for users who prefer voice interactions or visual content.

Google Responds with New AI-Driven Features in Maps 

In what looks like a response to ChatGPT Search’s launch, Google has announced a series of AI-powered updates to its Maps platform. These enhancements focus on improving navigation, making trip planning more intuitive, and providing users with enriched, contextually relevant information on the go.

The standout feature, Immersive View for Routes, transforms how users plan trips, whether by car, bike, or on foot. Using AI to stitch together billions of Street View and aerial images, Immersive View offers a realistic, step-by-step preview of entire journeys. Users can view potential routes in a multidimensional format, complete with real-time traffic and weather simulations. This enables users to anticipate conditions and make better decisions about when to travel, optimising both efficiency and safety.

“Say you want to bike along the water to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Just request cycling directions, then tap the Immersive View preview to see your route in a stunning, multidimensional view from start to finish,” Google explained in a recent blog post. This feature, which rolled out in late October 2024, is now available across major cities, including London, Tokyo, and New York, with plans for further expansion.

Another key feature, Lens in Maps, provides augmented reality capabilities to help users navigate unfamiliar environments. Designed to aid orientation, Lens in Maps leverages AI and augmented reality to display nearby points of interest, such as ATMs, restaurants, and transit stations. The Lens icon in Maps’ search bar unlocks this feature, making it simpler for users to acclimate to new areas, which may prove to be an invaluable tool for travellers and city-dwellers alike. In its latest expansion, Lens in Maps is available in over 50 cities globally.

For electric vehicle (EV) drivers, Google has enhanced its EV charging information within Maps, alleviating common “charging anxiety.” Now, EV users can view charger compatibility with their vehicles and find details on charging speeds, providing a seamless, informative experience that minimises wasted time and energy. As EV infrastructure continues to grow, this update positions Google Maps as a vital resource for sustainable travel, further solidifying its place as a go-to app for daily navigation.

The Future of Search – OpenAI vs Google 

With ChatGPT Search’s launch, OpenAI has set a new precedent for search, offering a more conversational, user-centric experience. It’s clear that Google recognises the challenge and has introduced a suite of AI-based enhancements that emphasise visual engagement and real-time data. It should also be noted here that in response to the evolving search landscape, Google has already introduced several AI-driven enhancements to its search capabilities anyway, aiming to provide users with more intuitive and informative experiences. For example, a notable development is the integration of AI Overviews, which offer concise, AI-generated summaries at the top of search results, distilling information from various sources to present key insights efficiently.

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

The arrival of ChatGPT Search marks a new chapter in the ongoing competition between Google and OpenAI, one that has the potential to reshape the search market and redefine how users interact with digital information. Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT Search leverages conversational AI, offering users a more interactive and dynamic approach to information retrieval. For business users, this shift could be profound. ChatGPT’s ability to interpret context, generate relevant summaries, and provide conversational responses presents a tool which goes beyond keyword-based searches, enabling businesses to obtain more nuanced insights and find information faster, which could streamline decision-making and enhance productivity. With ChatGPT Search, business users could experience a substantial boost in efficiency, as they will be able to engage in a dialogue to refine queries, receiving tailored information without needing to sift through pages of search results.

For Google, the rise of ChatGPT Search represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Google has long dominated the search market, but the conversational interface of ChatGPT could entice users looking for a more personalised search experience. In response, Google has already introduced AI-powered features that categorise search results into relevant topics, making information more organised and accessible for users. This move is an attempt to keep users engaged on Google by providing a search experience that feels more intuitive and reduces the time needed to navigate complex information. For advertisers, however, a shift towards conversational search could impact the traditional search engine advertising model. As users spend more time within AI-powered interfaces, there may be fewer opportunities to serve traditional ads, pushing Google and other companies to find innovative ways to monetise AI-driven search experiences.

In addition to reimagining search, Google has made AI advancements in other areas, such as Google Maps. New AI features in Google Maps can offer users predictive insights, more accurate recommendations, and intelligent route optimisation. For users, this means quicker, more personalised travel planning, with recommendations that align better with their preferences and real-time conditions. For businesses, AI-enhanced Maps could provide opportunities to reach potential customers through highly tailored suggestions based on location and interests, which could drive foot traffic and engagement more effectively than generalised advertising.

The broader implications of ChatGPT Search’s emergence are equally transformative. With OpenAI’s entry into the search market, users could enjoy a more competitive environment that offers a diversity of search tools tailored to different needs, from in-depth, conversational responses to structured topic breakdowns. This competitive pressure may drive all players, including Google and other search engines like Bing, to refine their offerings, improving search quality, speed, and user satisfaction. As AI continues to advance, search engines may shift from being passive tools that display links to active digital assistants capable of guiding users through multifaceted tasks, with real-time feedback and deep personalisation.

As the battle for search supremacy unfolds, the changes to come could impact not only users but also advertisers, forcing a rethink of engagement strategies and potentially creating more sophisticated, AI-driven advertising models. In this evolving landscape, users stand to gain the most, as the competition fuels innovation and leads to richer, more intuitive tools that redefine the way we connect with and navigate the digital world.

A Russian court has fined Google over two undecillion rubles (a 36-digit figure, i.e. a sum that’s greater than the world’s total GDP) for removing Russia’s state media channels from YouTube.

Two Undecillion Rubles… And Growing! 

As if being initially fined more money than there is in the world isn’t enough, Russian state-owned news agency TASS reports the state’s lawyer in this case, Ivan Morozov, as saying, “This number is growing daily because of penalties incurred due to non-payment.” 

Actually, It Could Be a Limitless Fine 

It’s also been reported that Morozov has said that if the fine is not paid within nine months, it doubles every day after that, and there is no limit on this number!

How and Why? 

The fine originated from Google’s decision to restrict access to several Russian state-affiliated media channels on YouTube, a move the Russian government has interpreted as politically motivated censorship. Google initially began blocking Russian media, including Tsargrad TV and RIA FAN, in 2020. Following the sanctions imposed on Russia in 2014 after its annexation of Crimea, Google faced mounting pressure to comply with Western sanction policies, which restricted content from entities associated with individuals or organisations under these sanctions.

Escalation 

The situation escalated dramatically after February 2022, when Google expanded its restrictions, this time blocking prominent Russian state channels like RT, Sputnik, NTV, and Russia 24. This expanded set of bans came in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was largely in line with sanctions imposed by Western governments on Russian state-controlled media. Google argued that these removals were consistent with both sanctions and YouTube’s own content policies.

The Legal Battle That Followed 

In response to these actions, Russian media channels filed lawsuits against Google in Russian courts, demanding reinstatement on YouTube and hefty fines for Google’s continued defiance. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Moscow Arbitration Court ruled in favour of the plaintiffs (the Russian state) and ordered Google to restore the channels. This led to a ruling where Google would face progressively severe fines until it complied with the court order.

These fines were set to increase exponentially, with an initial penalty of 100,000 rubles (£794) per day. When Google failed to reinstate the channels, the daily fines began to double at a rapid pace. By September 2023, reports indicated the total fine had surged to 13 decillion rubles (33 zeros) – the equivalent of £103.2 nonillion – and by October, it had reached the unprecedented two undecillion mark.

Google’s Response – Bankruptcy in Russia and International Legal Measures 

Facing these overwhelming financial demands, Google’s Russian subsidiary, Google LLC, declared bankruptcy in June 2022. According to company representatives, the subsidiary’s debts had exceeded 19 billion rubles, while its assets were estimated to be only 3.5 billion rubles. Google’s bankruptcy declaration marked the company’s official exit from Russia, yet the fine continued to grow, as Google’s decision to pull out did not halt the penalties.

To limit further exposure, Google has launched defensive legal actions in other jurisdictions, filing cases in US and UK courts against Russian state channels RT, Tsargrad, and Spas. Through these cases, Google is seeking rulings to prevent these media channels from initiating similar lawsuits outside Russia. Google’s reasoning is that Russian court decisions should not carry legal weight internationally, especially when they pertain to companies acting in compliance with sanctions on state-owned media.

Trying to Seize Google’s Assets 

However, it seems that Russia has attempted to pursue Google’s assets outside its borders in a bid to actually enforce its court rulings. In June 2023, the High Court of South Africa granted Russian authorities permission to seize Google’s assets within South Africa after the company did not comply with a Moscow court order to restore Spas’s YouTube account. This ruling marked one of the few instances where a Russian court decision was enforced internationally, though the scale of assets seized was minuscule compared to the multi-undecillion fine imposed in Moscow.

While seizing assets within Russian territory might once have been feasible, Google’s withdrawal from the country has made enforcement nearly impossible. However, Russian authorities have continued trying to explore asset seizure in other regions, including Turkey, Hungary, and Spain, though these international pursuits have yet to yield substantial recoveries.

The Consequences for Google 

While the fine’s actual collection is, as you may expect from the ludicrously large figure, almost impossible, the political pressure from Russia could create a long-lasting effect on Google’s operations and reputation. The enormous fine highlights Russia’s determination to exercise control over foreign tech companies operating within its jurisdiction and represents a broader, international standoff over information control.

Could It Set a Precedent for Other States? 

In fact, although the level of the fine may sound ridiculous, Russia’s approach could set a precedent for other states with similar grievances to pursue legal action against tech giants, especially where national sovereignty and content censorship intersect. Tech companies like Google, with operations in politically diverse regions, therefore face the complex challenge of balancing platform neutrality with compliance with local legal and political pressures.

What Has Google Said About It All? 

Google has responded to Russia’s escalating fines with a mix of official statements and legal actions, designed to illustrate its stance on the matter without directly engaging with the colossal monetary demands. For example, in its Q2 2024 report, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, briefly acknowledged the ongoing disputes with Russian authorities, noting:

“Google has ongoing legal matters related to Russia. For example, some of the disputes involve account closures, including for sanctioned individuals. The company has also been assessed progressive fines in connection with account suspension disputes, including for sanctioned individuals. We do not believe these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on Google’s business.” 

This statement suggests that Google views the legal claims and fines as largely unenforceable outside Russia and unlikely to impact its core financial operations globally. Google has consistently argued that its actions (e.g. blocking channels tied to Russian state media) are in line with Western sanctions and YouTube’s policies against disinformation, which it aims to uphold across all regions.

Russia Not the Only One Restricted 

It’s worth noting here that Russia is not the only state that appears to have had its official YouTube channels blocked by Google. Other states that have faced similar restrictions include:

– Iran, where various channels have been blocked due to US sanctions policies affecting Iranian state entities.

– Syria and Sudan, whose channels were blocked due to content critical of the government or politically sensitive material during conflicts.

– South Korea. Google has restricted thousands of pieces of content at the South Korean government’s request, i.e. restricting material that has criticised the government there.

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

The dispute between Google and Russia highlights the increasingly complex terrain that global tech giants face in balancing platform policies with the demands of local authorities. For Google, the sheer scale of the fine (two undecillion rubles and rising!) represents more than just a financial threat. In fact, it appears to highlight the lengths to which some governments are willing to go to enforce compliance from international companies, particularly in the realm of media and information control. Although Google’s exit from Russia has effectively rendered asset seizure within the country impossible, Russia’s ongoing attempts to pursue Google’s assets globally may serve as a warning to other companies operating in volatile geopolitical environments.

This case may set a new precedent, not only for Russia but for other governments seeking to impose their own rules on tech companies that manage information flows across borders. With YouTube’s global reach and influence, the stakes are high, as Russia’s actions signal a challenge to the control tech companies wield over content in international spaces. For other states observing this case, Russia’s persistence could inspire similar approaches, especially where media content is tightly regulated or where governments view certain narratives as critical to their sovereignty. Google’s stance that compliance with Western sanctions justifies its content decisions will, therefore, likely be tested further, particularly as other governments seek ways to enforce their authority over powerful global platforms.

Ultimately, this saga reflects the tension between state sovereignty and the global nature of digital information. As Google continues its legal battles to contain Russia’s claims within Russian borders, the case raises questions about the future of global digital governance. For now, Google’s strategy of defending its policies within Western legal frameworks suggests a focus on protecting its broader operations rather than bending to state-specific demands. However, as technology giants grapple with a patchwork of international laws and political expectations, the question remains – how sustainable is it for global platforms to uphold uniform policies in a world increasingly divided by political and cultural boundaries?