Technology

The Nightmare of Google’s AI Search Tool for News Publishers

Published

2 years ago

December 15, 2023

Fred Wilson

The Nightmare of Google’s AI Search Tool for News Publishers

Introduction

Hello, I am Fred Wilson, a former journalist and a current media consultant. I have been working in the media industry for over 20 years, covering various topics such as politics, business, culture, and technology. I have witnessed the evolution of journalism and the challenges it faces in the digital age.

In this article, I want to share with you my insights and concerns about Google’s new AI search tool, SGE, which stands for Search Generated Excerpts. This tool uses generative AI to create summaries for some search queries, based on many web pages. Sounds impressive, right? Well, not so much if you are a news publisher or a reader who cares about the future of journalism.

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, as it poses serious threats to their survival and credibility. In this article, I will explain what SGE is, how it works, and why it is controversial. I will also discuss some possible solutions or strategies that news publishers can adopt to cope with or resist SGE. I hope this article will raise your awareness and spark your interest in this important issue.

Picture by: https://kenyanwallstreet.com/

The Problem with SGE

SGE is a new feature that Google launched in late 2023, as part of its efforts to improve its search engine and provide better answers to users’ queries. SGE uses generative AI to create summaries for some search queries, based on many web pages. For example, if you search for “Who is the president of France?”, SGE may generate a summary like this:

Emmanuel Macron is the president of France since 2017. He is the leader of the centrist party La République En Marche! and the youngest president in French history. He is known for his pro-European and reformist agenda, as well as his controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the yellow vests protests.

This summary is not taken from any single web page, but synthesized by Google’s AI from multiple sources. Google claims that SGE is designed to provide quick and accurate answers to factual questions, without requiring users to click on any links or visit any websites.

However, news publishers are not happy with SGE, as they see it as a threat to their existence and reputation. Here are some of the main concerns of news publishers regarding SGE:

Losing traffic and revenue from Google’s search engine, which relies on ads and subscriptions. News publishers depend on Google’s search engine to drive traffic to their websites, where they can generate revenue from ads and subscriptions. However, SGE reduces the need for users to click on any links or visit any websites, as they can get the answers they want from Google’s summaries. This means that news publishers lose potential visitors and customers, as well as the opportunity to showcase their brand and content.
Being unable to control or monetize their content, which may be used by Google or other AI companies without their consent or compensation. News publishers invest a lot of time, money, and resources to produce quality content that is original, accurate, and relevant. However, SGE may use their content to train its AI models or generate its summaries, without their permission or payment. This means that news publishers lose their intellectual property rights and the value of their content, as they are essentially giving it away for free to Google or other AI companies that may use it for their own purposes.
Facing competition from other sources of information that may be more accurate, reliable, or diverse than their own. News publishers strive to provide trustworthy and authoritative information to their audiences, based on their expertise, experience, and ethics. However, SGE may create summaries that are more accurate, reliable, or diverse than their own, based on a larger and more diverse pool of sources. This means that news publishers lose their competitive edge and their credibility, as they may be outperformed or contradicted by Google’s summaries.
Losing credibility and trust from their audiences, who may be exposed to misleading or biased summaries that do not reflect their original content. News publishers aim to inform and educate their audiences, based on their editorial standards and values. However, SGE may create summaries that are misleading or biased, based on the algorithm’s preferences, limitations, or errors. This means that news publishers lose their integrity and their trust, as they may be misrepresented or misquoted by Google’s summaries.

Image by jay88ld0 from Pixabay

The Solution for News Publishers

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, but it is not the end of the world. There are some possible solutions or strategies that news publishers can adopt to cope with or resist SGE, such as:

Using tools like Google-Extended, which gives publishers the choice to block their content from being used by Google to train its AI models. Google-Extended is a tool developed by a group of researchers and activists, who are concerned about the ethical and social implications of Google’s AI. Google-Extended allows publishers to opt out of Google’s data collection and usage, by adding a simple code to their websites. This way, publishers can protect their content and their rights, and prevent Google from using their content to improve its AI or generate its summaries.
Collaborating with other media outlets or organizations that share similar values and goals, such as independent journalism, fact-checking, or public service broadcasting. Independent journalism is a form of journalism that is free from political, corporate, or other influences, and that focuses on serving the public interest and holding the powerful accountable. Fact-checking is a process of verifying the accuracy and reliability of information, especially in the context of politics, news, or social media. Public service broadcasting is a system of broadcasting that is funded by the public and that aims to provide diverse, high-quality, and educational content to the public. By collaborating with other media outlets or organizations that share these values and goals, news publishers can create a network of support and solidarity, and a platform of influence and advocacy, to challenge Google’s dominance and promote their own vision and mission.
Diversifying their revenue streams by creating alternative platforms or products that offer value-added services or subscriptions to their audiences. News publishers can explore new ways of generating revenue, by creating alternative platforms or products that offer value-added services or subscriptions to their audiences. For example, news publishers can create newsletters, podcasts, videos, or apps that provide exclusive, personalized, or interactive content to their subscribers. News publishers can also create events, courses, or memberships that provide educational, professional, or social benefits to their participants. By diversifying their revenue streams, news publishers can reduce their dependence on Google’s search engine, and increase their loyalty and engagement with their audiences.
Investing in quality journalism that provides in-depth analysis, context, and verification of information. News publishers can invest in quality journalism that provides in-depth analysis, context, and verification of information, rather than superficial or sensationalized information. Quality journalism is journalism that is based on rigorous research, evidence, and sources, and that provides comprehensive, balanced, and nuanced perspectives on complex and important issues. Quality journalism is journalism that is not only informative, but also insightful, enlightening, and empowering. By investing in quality journalism, news publishers can differentiate themselves from Google’s summaries, and provide value and meaning to their audiences.

Conclusion

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, as it threatens their survival and credibility. SGE uses generative AI to create summaries for some search queries, based on many web pages. SGE poses serious threats to news publishers, such as losing traffic and revenue, being unable to control or monetize their content, facing competition from other sources of information, and losing credibility and trust from their audiences.

However, news publishers can cope with or resist SGE, by using tools like Google-Extended, collaborating with other media outlets or organizations, diversifying their revenue streams, and investing in quality journalism. These solutions or strategies can help news publishers protect their content and their rights, create a network of support and solidarity, reduce their dependence on Google’s search engine, increase their loyalty and engagement with their audiences, and provide value and meaning to their audiences.

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, but it is also a wake-up call for us, the readers, who care about the future of journalism. We need to support news publishers in their struggle against SGE and other forms of generative AI that threaten their livelihoods and democracy. We need to demand fair treatment and respect for news publishers from Google and other tech giants. We need to appreciate and value the work of news publishers, who provide us with quality information and education. We need to be critical and responsible consumers of information, who seek the truth and verify the sources. We need to be active and engaged citizens, who use the information to make informed decisions and actions.

The future of journalism is in our hands. Let’s make it a bright one.

Author

Fred Wilson

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Digital Development

Secure Software Lifecycle Management: Approach to Cybersecurity

Published

2 weeks ago

April 15, 2026

David Henry

n today’s digital world, even a minor software vulnerability can expose an entire organization to serious cyber threats. A single insecure line of code can put millions of users and critical data at risk. Because of this growing threat landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting networks and systems from the outside; it has become a fundamental part of how software itself is built.

The old practice of developing software first and adding Security later is no longer effective. In fact, it often creates more risks than solutions. With major cyber incidents such as the SolarWinds supply chain attack and vulnerabilities like Log4j, organisations have realized that Security must be embedded throughout the entire development process. Secure Software Lifecycle Management (SSLM) is essential in contemporary cyber defense.

The Shift-Left Approach: Integrating Security from the Start

Traditionally, security checks were performed only after software development was complete. This meant vulnerabilities were discovered late in the process, making them expensive and difficult to fix.

Today, organisations are adopting the Shift-Left security approach, integrating security practices into the earliest stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). By incorporating security considerations into the planning, design, and coding phases, teams can identify potential weaknesses before they become real problems.

This proactive approach not only reduces costs but also ensures that Security becomes a core part of the software rather than an added feature.

Connecting Development Teams and Security Experts

One of the biggest challenges in modern IT environments is the communication gap between developers and security teams. Developers often prioritize performance, functionality, and speed, while security professionals focus on minimizing risks and vulnerabilities.

Secure Software Lifecycle Management helps bridge this gap by creating a structured framework that enables both teams to collaborate effectively. Certifications such as the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) equip professionals with the knowledge and methodology to manage Security throughout the software lifecycle—from planning and development to deployment and eventual retirement.

Rather than focusing solely on writing secure code, the approach emphasizes managing the entire ecosystem that produces and maintains software.

Securing the Modern Software Supply Chain

Most modern applications are not built entirely from scratch. Developers rely heavily on open-source libraries, third-party frameworks, and external APIs. While these resources accelerate development, they can also introduce hidden security risks.

Secure Software Lifecycle Management ensures that every component used in software development is carefully reviewed, tracked, and monitored for vulnerabilities. Without proper oversight, a single compromised dependency can weaken the Security of the entire application.

By implementing structured processes, organisations can maintain greater visibility and control over their software supply chain.

Developing the Next Generation of Security Professionals

As organisations place greater emphasis on secure software development, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. Certifications like CSSLP are becoming increasingly valuable for professionals who want to demonstrate expertise in secure software lifecycle practices.

However, mastering the multiple domains covered in the certification requires both theoretical knowledge and practical preparation. Many candidates enhance their preparation through simulation tools that replicate the structure and pressure of the real exam environment.

Practice platforms, whether desktop or web-based, allow candidates to test their understanding, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence before taking the actual certification exam.

Building Skills for Secure Software Development

As organisations place greater emphasis on secure development practices, the demand for professionals with specialized knowledge continues to grow. Preparing for certifications like CSSLP requires both conceptual understanding and practical exam readiness.

Many candidates improve their preparation by practicing with tools designed to simulate real exam scenarios. For example, using CSSLP Desktop Practice Software allows learners to practice offline in an environment that closely resembles the actual certification exam. This helps them understand the exam structure, manage time effectively, and strengthen their confidence.

At the same time, professionals who prefer flexibility often rely on a CSSLP Web-Based Practice Test, which enables them to practice from any device and continue learning wherever they are. Combining these preparation methods often helps candidates develop a stronger understanding of secure software lifecycle principles.

Security, Compliance, and Business Trust

Secure Software Lifecycle Management is not only important for protecting applications but also for meeting regulatory requirements. Laws and regulations around data protection continue to evolve, and organisations are expected to demonstrate responsible security practices.

Companies that implement secure development processes show customers and partners that they take cybersecurity seriously. In the digital economy, trust plays a major role in long-term business success, and strong security practices help organisations maintain that trust.

Final Thoughts

Cyber defense today starts long before software is deployed. It begins during design discussions, development planning, and coding itself. Organisations that integrate security throughout the entire software lifecycle are better equipped to prevent vulnerabilities and protect their systems from evolving threats.

For developers, security engineers, and project managers, understanding secure software lifecycle management is becoming an essential skill. By prioritizing security from the beginning and continuously improving development practices, organisations can build software that is both innovative and resilient.

Author

David Henry

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Development

Corrosion Testing For Salt Spray Checklist in Lab Equipment

Published

2 weeks ago

April 13, 2026

effectivelabindia

At Effective Lab India, we recognize that environmental failures represent a silent thief of corporate profits. Every year, issues like corrosion, premature aging, and weathering cost manufacturers millions in warranty claims, product recalls, and damaged reputations. However, the most successful companies don’t just react to these problems after they occur. Instead, they embrace proactive testing. By using specialized laboratory equipment for salt spray, ozone aging, and xenon arc weathering, your quality control team can simulate years of environmental stress in just a few days. This strategic approach allows you to identify weak points before your product ever reaches a customer.

This guide explores the three essential pillars of accelerated environmental testing. We will explain how this equipment works, which industries rely on it, and why sourcing your tools from a dedicated manufacturer like Effective Lab India gives your lab a distinct edge.

1. Mastering Accelerated Corrosion Testing

Corrosion remains the single greatest threat to the lifespan of metal components, automotive parts, and industrial coatings. To address this, engineers utilize a salt spray chamber. This machine, often called a salt fog or salt mist chamber, replicates the destructive effects of coastal air and road salt. It works by exposing test samples to a continuous, controlled mist of sodium chloride at high temperatures.

How a Salt Spray Chamber Operates

Initially, the chamber creates a stable environment by maintaining a temperature of exactly 35°C. Next, the system atomizes a 5% salt solution into a fine fog. This fog settles uniformly over the test specimens to stimulate the oxidation process. Depending on the material, operators can choose between continuous fog, cyclic corrosion, or copper-accelerated tests (CASS).

Our chambers utilize fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) to resist chemical damage over long periods. Furthermore, we include a transparent lid so your team can view the specimens without interrupting the test. Digital displays allow for constant monitoring of the fog collection rate, ensuring that every test remains scientifically valid.

Industry Applications and Global Standards

Many diverse sectors rely on salt spray testing to validate their products. Specifically, automotive manufacturers test fasteners and body panels to ensure vehicles don’t rust on salted winter roads. The aerospace industry uses it for structural alloys, while electronics companies test the durability of PCB surface finishes.

To remain compliant, these tests must follow international benchmarks. Our equipment meets the following standards:

ASTM B117: The gold standard for salt spray apparatus operation.
ISO 9227: International guidelines for corrosion in artificial atmospheres.
IS 11864: The Indian standard specifically for paints and varnishes.

2. Combatting Ozone Degradation in Polymers

Rubber and elastomeric materials—such as seals, tires, and hoses—face a unique threat from the atmosphere. Even tiny amounts of ozone can attack the chemical bonds in unsaturated rubber. This leads to surface cracking, loss of flexibility, and eventual mechanical failure. An ozone test chamber accelerates this natural degradation, providing results in days that would normally take years of outdoor exposure.

The Mechanics of Ozone Testing

First, our chambers generate ozone internally using either a UV lamp or a corona discharge generator. Then, the system maintains a precise concentration of ozone, typically between 25 and 200 parts per hundred million. The chamber stays at a stable 40°C to simulate warm, high-ozone environments.

To get the most accurate results, technicians mount specimens on a rotating holder. Some tests require the rubber to stay under static or dynamic strain. This method exposes the specific points where cracking is most likely to occur. A built-in sensor monitors the air quality constantly, so the machine requires very little human intervention during a run.

Vital Sectors for Ozone Testing

Many critical industries cannot function without these tests. In the automotive world, door seals and fuel hoses must resist ozone to prevent leaks. Cable manufacturers test EPDM and neoprene jackets to ensure electrical safety. Even the medical field uses these chambers to test the integrity of silicone seals and diaphragms.

We build our ozone chambers with high-grade stainless steel to ensure longevity. Additionally, we include safety interlocks that vent all residual ozone before an operator can open the door. This keeps your staff safe and ensures you meet all Indian factory health regulations.

3. Simulating Sunlight with Xenon Arc Weathering

Sunlight, moisture, and heat are a destructive trio for plastics, textiles, and adhesives. Over time, colors fade, surfaces turn chalky, and mechanical strength drops. A xenon arc test chamber acts as a “weatherometer.” It reproduces the full spectrum of sunlight—including UV, visible, and infrared light—alongside moisture cycles to simulate rain and dew.

How Xenon Weathering Works

The heart of the machine is a xenon arc lamp. When filtered through quartz glass, it produces a light spectrum that almost perfectly matches natural solar radiation. During a test, the machine cycles between dry periods of light and wet periods of water spray.

Furthermore, a digital PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) manages key variables like irradiance levels and relative humidity. This precision ensures that the test environment remains consistent. Whether you use a flat array or a rotating rack configuration, the goal is to provide uniform exposure to every square inch of the sample.

Broad Industry Reach

From dashboards to solar panels, xenon testing is everywhere. The textile industry uses it to check color fastness in outdoor fabrics. Construction companies test window sealants and architectural coatings to ensure they won’t fail after a few years in the sun. Crucially, our equipment complies with standards like ISO 4892-2 and ASTM G155. Every chamber we sell includes automatic irradiance control. This feature compensates for the natural aging of the lamp, keeping your dose levels stable for the duration of the test.

Why Partner with Effective Lab India?

Choosing a manufacturer is just as important as choosing the equipment itself. Effective Lab India is a premier manufacturer and exporter based in Faridabad. We have spent over 15 years perfecting the science of environmental testing. When you choose us, you are not just buying a machine; you are investing in a partnership.

We offer several distinct advantages:

Direct Manufacturer Pricing: By skipping the distributor, we pass the savings directly to your budget.
NABL-Traceable Calibration: We supply every instrument with a certificate that meets strict laboratory standards.
Total Support: Our team provides on-site installation and comprehensive operator training with every order.
Long-Term Reliability: We offer Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) with a 48-hour response guarantee to keep your lab running.

Ultimately, our engineering team is here to advise you on the best chamber size and test methods for your specific product. Whether you are building a new lab or seeking NABL accreditation, we provide the tools you need to succeed. Contact Effective Lab India today to secure your product’s future in an unpredictable world.

Author

effectivelabindia

Effective Lab India is a Faridabad-based manufacturer and exporter of precision laboratory testing instruments with over 15 years of industry experience. We specialise in corrosion test chambers, paper testing instruments, paint and plating testers, and plastic and rubber testing equipment. Our instruments are used by QC labs, R&D departments, and NABL-accredited facilities across India and 20+ countries. Every instrument we manufacture is calibrated in-house and backed by a one-year warranty and dedicated after-sales support.
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Technology

Application Modernization Services: For Legacy Systems

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2026

ziniosedge

In 2026, the global business landscape is moving faster than ever. To remain competitive, organizations must innovate at the speed of thought. However, many companies find themselves held back by a silent enemy: legacy systems. These aging applications are often the backbone of an enterprise, yet they act as anchors. They limit scalability, drain budgets, and create massive security risks. This is why application modernization services have become a strategic necessity for survival.

Modernization is not just a simple software update. It is a comprehensive reimagining of how your business software functions, integrates, and delivers value. By transforming outdated code into agile, cloud-ready solutions, you can finally unlock the true power of your digital assets.

Understanding Application Modernization Services

At its core, application modernization involves updating legacy software to align with contemporary infrastructure and business needs. This process often focuses on moving monolithic applications toward microservices and cloud environments like Microsoft Azure.

In the past, companies viewed modernization as a “technical chore.” Today, it is a business driver. It allows you to adopt Agentic AI, real-time data analytics, and high-performance edge computing. Without a modern foundation, these advanced tools remain out of reach.

Why Modernization is a Mechanical Necessity

The “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” mentality is dangerous in 2026. Legacy systems are often “broken” in ways that aren’t immediately visible. Here is why you must prioritize modernization today:

Eliminating Performance Bottlenecks: Older systems cannot handle the massive data loads required by modern users. Modernized apps can scale dynamically, ensuring a smooth experience during peak traffic.
Hardening Security: Hackers target legacy systems because they often lack modern encryption and “Zero Trust” protocols. Modernizing your stack allows you to implement the latest security standards.
Cost Realignment: Maintaining “on-premise” servers is expensive. Cloud solutions like app modernization Azure allow you to pay only for what you use, drastically reducing hardware overhead.
Accelerating Time-to-Market: Modern architectures support DevOps and continuous delivery. This means you can release new features in days rather than months.

The Four Pillars of Modernization Strategy

Not every application requires a total rewrite. Depending on your goals and budget, you can choose from four primary approaches:

1. Rehosting (Lift and Shift) This is the fastest path to the cloud. You move your application to a new environment with minimal changes. While it doesn’t solve internal code issues, it reduces immediate hardware costs.

2. Replatforming In this scenario, you make small code adjustments so the application can better utilize cloud features. For example, you might move a local database to a managed service like Azure SQL.

3. Refactoring Refactoring involves modifying the application’s internal structure to improve performance. This is the “sweet spot” for many businesses. It allows you to take full advantage of cloud-native features without rebuilding everything from scratch.

4. Rebuilding If an application is too far gone, you must rebuild it. By using microservices and containerization, you create a modular system that is easy to update and scale for the next decade.

The Role of Microsoft Azure in 2026

Microsoft Azure has become the preferred ecosystem for enterprise modernization. Its flexibility and enterprise-grade security make it a natural fit for complex transformations. Solutions like Azure app and data modernization allow companies to update their software and their databases simultaneously.

Azure provides a suite of high-performance tools, including:

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): The industry standard for managing containers.
Azure DevOps: A platform that automates the software development lifecycle.
Azure App Services: A managed environment that lets developers focus on code instead of servers.

By using these tools, organizations in the USA and across the globe are turning brittle legacy apps into resilient, cloud-native powerhouses.

Data Modernization: Feeding the AI Engine

An application is only as good as the data it processes. Therefore, data modernization is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of the process. Legacy databases are often siloed, making it impossible to gain a “single view” of the customer.

Azure data modernization involves migrating these isolated databases to unified cloud platforms. This shift enables real-time insights and advanced business intelligence. In the era of AI, having clean, accessible data is the difference between leading the market and falling behind.

Overcoming the Challenges of Change

Modernization is rewarding, but it is not without hurdles. Organizations must prepare for several common challenges:

Complex Dependencies: Legacy apps are often “spaghetti code.” Untangling these connections requires expert guidance and thorough planning.
Skill Gaps: Your team may be experts in old languages but lack experience in cloud-native practices. Training or partnering with specialists is essential.
Data Integrity Risks: Moving massive amounts of data is risky. You must ensure that no information is lost or corrupted during the migration.

This is why partnering with experienced providers of application modernization services is vital. They provide the roadmap and the safety net needed for a successful transition.

Best Practices for a Successful Journey

To maximize your return on investment, follow these industry-standard best practices:

Start with an Assessment: Audit your entire portfolio. Determine which apps provide the most value and modernize those first.
Define Clear KPIs: What does success look like? Whether it is 20% faster load times or a 30% reduction in hosting costs, set measurable goals.
Choose the Right Approach: Don’t rebuild every app. Use “lift and shift” for simple apps and save “refactoring” for your core business tools.
Prioritize Security: Do not treat security as an afterthought. Build it into the architecture from day one.
Implement Automation: Use CI/CD pipelines to ensure that every update is tested and deployed automatically.

The Future: AI and Beyond

Looking ahead, application modernization will continue to evolve. We are already seeing the integration of AI agents directly into modernized architectures. These agents can self-heal code, optimize resource usage, and provide proactive support to users. Organizations that embrace modernization today will be the first to benefit from these future innovations.

With platforms like Azure leading the way, the possibilities are endless. You can build resilient, intelligent, and scalable applications that don’t just “keep up”—they lead.

Conclusion: Break Free from the Past

Application modernization services empower your organization to break free from the limitations of the past. By moving away from legacy debt and embracing the cloud, you create a more agile and efficient future.

Whether you are adopting Azure application modernization or a full Azure app and data modernization plan, the goal is the same: continuous innovation. The cloud offers a level of security and performance that on-premise systems simply cannot match.

If you are ready to transform your legacy systems and accelerate your digital journey, now is the time to act. Partner with experts who understand the complexities of Azure and can guide you through a smooth, successful transition. Your legacy systems served you well in the past—but your future belongs in the cloud.