Government to assess social media turn off during future riots
Government to assess social media turn off during future riots
The government is exploring the possibility of ‘turning off’ social media should a return to the riots of the last week be seen again. The use of Blackberry Messenger and texting was said to have been used by rioters in major English cities during the last week. The civil liberties implications as well as the practical technological feasibility of such a course of action would need to be addressed before any decision was made.
Apple exerts legal power against Samsung
Apple has won an injunction in Germany against Samsung preventing sales of the new Galaxy Tab 10.1. The injunction was granted after Apple successfully argued that Samsung had infringed their patents. The news is a blow to Samsung and the increasingly protracted release of a product many expect to challenge the dominance of the Ipad 2. In a good week for Apple, they also briefly became the most valuable company in the world – by market capitalisation - trading places with Exxon.
Thorntons to become ecommerce brand
Thorntons, the high street chocolatier, will attempt to reinvigorate their struggling business by becoming an ecommerce brand. Over the next 3 years the firm will close 180 retail outlets in the UK and will focus on selling products online. The news, if not surprising, is another indication of the impact online retailing is having on the traditional high street and demonstrates the importance and potential profitability of ecommerce.
