Latest Technology News: Director of Google’s news ecosystem loses job after 13 years

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 23, 2023 09:48 IST

By Divyanshi Sharma: Google announced massive layoffs in January this year and around 12,000 people around the world were affected by the decision. And just last month, the company announced job cuts in its Waze mapping app. Since then, stories of Google employees losing their jobs in a recent round of layoffs have surfaced time and time again. Some were fired while on maternity leave, while others received the pink slip while on vacation. Some of Google’s top employees, including the company’s head of mental health, have also lost their jobs in recent layoffs at the company.

And now the director of development for Google’s news ecosystem has taken to LinkedIn and shared a photo of his ID card as he prepares to leave Google after spending 13 years at the company.

Director of development for Google’s news ecosystem loses job

The London-based former Google employee took to LinkedIn and shared that he was leaving Google as part of layoffs at the company. He added that he was “proud” of his accomplishments so far and would be taking August off.

Referencing his accomplishments and thanking his colleagues in his post, he wrote, “And to be clear, not a single thing I mentioned above could have been accomplished without my teammates and colleagues because it’s all a team effort. There are too many to mention but they are a special group and I will miss them all.”

He also said he would spend September in India, taking care of his mum and thinking about work in October.

“And now: I am in the privileged position of being able to (take) some time to figure this out. In the short term, I have pressing family issues that require my full attention, so in the spirit of the Zen proverb that the teacup must be empty before it is full, I will be taking August then spending September caring for my mother in India and not starting to think about work until October with a view to getting more things done in 2024. Time on my hands now. Thank you if you did all the way here and have a great summer and take care,” her post read.

Google contractors say they’re underpaid, stressed

Earlier, a Bloomberg report found that contractors tasked with reviewing and improving Google Bard’s responses said they were “underpaid, overworked and stressed out.”

The report quotes six contractors who said that since the company entered a competitive race with OpenAI, “the magnitude of their workload and the complexity of their tasks have increased.” Without any proper training, contract workers were asked to check answers in fields ranging from medicine to law. The publication also looked at documents in which “convoluted instructions” and tight deadlines were given to workers.

“As it is, people are scared, stressed, underpaid and don’t know what’s going on,” one of the entrepreneurs told the publication and added, “And this culture of fear is not conducive to getting the quality and teamwork you expect from all of us.”



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An Overview of Global Events in 2023

In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.

Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.

Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.

Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.

Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.

Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.

Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.