Global Tech Roundup: India orders WhatsApp to revoke updated privacy policy and other stories

Avatar

Hi guys! It has indeed been an utterly eventful week in the tech space. From the unique tech revelations at Google’s I/O event to the red rain in the crypto markets, this week was a big bang.

Here is a quick roundup of some of the major stories around the globe you might have missed.

Rocket Lab’s 20th electron launch fails

Rocket Lab 20th Electron mission has failed after it ran into a significant issue during its second-stage engine ignition.

According to the reports, the engine appeared to shut down just after the ignition. This resulted in an automated emergency shutdown process, resulting in the loss of the vehicle and its payload.

Global Tech Roundup:  Rocket Lab Loses Payload, Microsoft Retires Internet Explorer & Others

The payload lost include BlackSky which was meant to deliver an Earth observation satellite to help power its global monitoring and intelligence platform.

The company’s last mission failure was in July 2020 when the vehicle and its payloads on Rocket Lab’s 13th Electron flight were lost after a similar failure occurred during the second-stage burn.

India gives WhatsApp 1 week to revoke its updated policy

The Indian government has given WhatsApp a one-week ultimatum to revoke its updated privacy policy in the country. According to a letter sent to WhatsApp, the instant messenger has been directed to offer a “satisfactory” response or face sanctions.

“In fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government of India will consider various options available to it under laws in India,” the letter reads.

Should WhatsApp Users Be Worried about its Latest Privacy Policy Updates?

This is not the first time the government has issued a notice about the new privacy terms. Earlier this year, it had expressed “grave concerns” about the planned update.

With over 450 million users, India is WhatsApp’s biggest market by users. This makes the acceptance of the terms very important to the company.

Microsoft is finally retiring Internet Explorer in 2022

Microsoft is finally retiring Internet Explorer next year, after more than 25 years in operation.

The browser will be succeeded by Microsoft Edge on Windows 10, according to Sean Lyndersay, a Microsoft Edge program manager.

Global Tech Roundup:  Rocket Lab Loses Payload, Microsoft Retires Internet Explorer & Others

The ageing browser which has largely been unused by most consumers will be retired on June 15th, 2022. While the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) of Windows 10 will still include Internet Explorer next year, all consumer versions will end support of the browser.

Shein overtakes Amazon as America’s most installed shopping app

Shein, an e-commerce company by China-focused internet analyst, Matthew Brennan has quietly taken Amazon’s crown as the most downloaded shopping app on iOS and Android in the United States, according to data from App Annie and SensorTower.

Global Tech Roundup:  Rocket Lab Loses Payload, Microsoft Retires Internet Explorer & Others

On May 11, Shein became the top shopping app on Android by new downloads in the U.S., and six days later took the top spot on iOS as well, according to App Annie.

The app dubbed the “TikTok for e-commerce” has grown significantly, leveraging on its unique model that controls its own production chain, from design and prototype to procurement and manufacturing.

TikTok founder steps down

Zhang Yiming, CEO of TikTok’s Parent company, Bytedance, has announced his intention to step down from his role as the CEO of the company.

The 38-year-old billionaire, in a letter, explained his decision to step down and pass the CEO position to his long-time colleague, Liang Rubo.

Global Tech Roundup:  Rocket Lab Loses Payload, Microsoft Retires Internet Explorer & Others
Zhang Yiming

Zhang Yiming is the 39th richest man in the World with a net worth of $36 billion.

According to Zhang, he felt he was not well-suited for the role because he is not a social person and doesn’t like attending events. He added that the change would enable him to spend more time on long-term strategy, corporate culture and social responsibility.

You can check out other news that happened during the week here. Have a nice weekend!!

https://technext.ng/2021/05/21/twitter-is-finally-letting-everyone-apply-for-verification-heres-how-it-works/

Technext Newsletter

Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!

Register for Technext Coinference 2023, the Largest blockchain and DeFi Gathering in Africa.

Technext Newsletter

Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!