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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Costumer Services

How to Easily Contact Thunderbird Customer Service?

Published

4 hours ago

March 3, 2026

aolgoldesktopdocs

Introduction

Mozilla Thunderbird Dial is one of the most popular free email clients used worldwide. Known for its flexibility, security features, and powerful customization options, Thunderbird allows users to manage multiple email accounts in one place. However, like any software application, users may sometimes experience technical issues such as login errors, server configuration problems, or add-on conflicts. In such situations, many people search for a Thunderbird Customer Service Phone Number to get quick assistance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss common Thunderbird problems, available support options, and how users can resolve issues efficiently.

Understanding Thunderbird Support

Thunderbird is an open-source email client developed and maintained by Mozilla. Unlike many commercial email services, Thunderbird does not typically operate through a traditional call center model. Instead, support is primarily offered through official help pages, community forums, and knowledge base articles.

However, users often look for phone-based assistance when they face urgent issues such as:

Email not sending or receiving
Password authentication failures
IMAP/POP configuration errors
Add-on compatibility problems
Software crashes or freezing

Understanding the right support channels can save time and prevent unnecessary frustration.

Common Issues Users Face

1. Email Setup and Configuration Problems

Setting up an email account in Thunderbird requires correct incoming and outgoing server settings. If IMAP, POP3, or SMTP details are incorrect, users may encounter connection failures.

Common configuration mistakes include:

Incorrect port numbers
Wrong encryption method (SSL/TLS)
Outdated server addresses
Improper authentication settings

Carefully verifying server details usually resolves most setup issues.

2. Password and Authentication Errors

A frequent issue users report is the “Authentication Failed” error. This may happen because:

The saved password is outdated
Two-factor authentication is enabled
App-specific passwords are required
Email provider security settings have changed

Resetting the password and updating it in Thunderbird often fixes the problem.

3. Emails Not Sending or Receiving

Sometimes Thunderbird connects successfully but fails to send or download messages. Possible reasons include:

Blocked SMTP port
Antivirus or firewall interference
Large attachments exceeding limits
Server downtime

Disabling email scanning temporarily or adjusting port settings may solve the issue.

4. Add-On and Extension Conflicts

Thunderbird supports multiple add-ons to enhance functionality. However, incompatible or outdated extensions can cause crashes or slow performance. Running Thunderbird in Safe Mode helps identify whether an add-on is causing the issue.

5. Performance and Freezing Issues

If Thunderbird becomes slow or unresponsive, the problem may be related to:

Large mailbox size
Corrupted profile files
Outdated software version
Insufficient system resources

Regular updates and compacting folders can improve performance significantly.

Is There a Thunderbird Customer Service Phone Number?

Since Thunderbird is open-source software, it does not traditionally provide direct phone-based customer service like commercial email providers. Instead, official support is available through:

Thunderbird Support Website
Mozilla Knowledge Base
Community Forums
Bug Reporting System

Users searching for a Thunderbird Customer Service Phone Number should be cautious of unofficial third-party services claiming to represent Thunderbird. These may charge unnecessary fees or request sensitive information.

Official Thunderbird Support Options

1. Thunderbird Help Center

The official Thunderbird support website offers step-by-step guides covering installation, account setup, troubleshooting, and advanced configuration.

2. Community Support Forum

The Thunderbird community forum is an active platform where users and volunteers provide solutions. Many technical problems have already been answered in detail.

3. Documentation and FAQs

Extensive documentation explains:

Server configuration
Security settings
Backup and restore processes
Migration to a new device

These guides are especially helpful for beginners.

4. Reporting Bugs

If you discover a software glitch, you can report it through Mozilla’s official bug tracking system. Developers regularly review reports and release updates.

Tips Before Seeking Support

Before looking for a Thunderbird Customer Service Phone Number, try the following steps:

Update Thunderbird to the latest version
Restart your computer
Disable antivirus email scanning temporarily
Verify server settings with your email provider
Run Thunderbird in Safe Mode

These quick checks can resolve many common problems without external assistance.

Thunderbird Server Settings Overview

Although server settings vary by email provider, here’s a general configuration example:

IMAP (Incoming Mail Server):

Port: 993
Encryption: SSL/TLS

POP3 (Incoming Mail Server):

Port: 995
Encryption: SSL/TLS

SMTP (Outgoing Mail Server):

Port: 587
Encryption: STARTTLS

Always confirm exact settings with your specific email service provider.

Security Best Practices

To keep your Thunderbird email secure:

Enable two-factor authentication (if supported by your email provider)
Use strong and unique passwords
Regularly update Thunderbird
Avoid clicking suspicious email links
Back up your Thunderbird profile folder

Following these steps minimizes the need for emergency support.

Final Thoughts

Thunderbird remains a powerful and reliable email client trusted by millions of users worldwide. While it may not offer a traditional customer service phone number, extensive online documentation, community support, and regular updates make troubleshooting manageable for most users. If you encounter issues like login errors, configuration problems, or performance slowdowns, start with official support resources and basic troubleshooting steps. In most cases, problems can be resolved quickly without needing direct phone assistance.

By staying informed and cautious, you can ensure a smooth and secure email experience with Thunderbird for both personal and professional communication needs.

How can I contact Thunderbird Customer Service?

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free, open-source email application created by Mozilla. It does not offer traditional phone-based customer service. Instead, users can get help through the official Thunderbird Support website, community forums, and knowledge base articles.

What issues can Thunderbird support help with?

Thunderbird support resources can assist with:

Email setup and configuration (IMAP/POP3/SMTP)
Password and login problems
Add-ons and extensions troubleshooting
Sending and receiving email errors
Backup and profile recovery

Most help is provided through community experts and official documentation.

Is there a phone number for Thunderbird Customer Service?

No, Thunderbird does not provide official phone support. Any third-party phone numbers claiming to represent Thunderbird support are not affiliated with Mozilla. For safe and accurate assistance, always use the official Thunderbird support website.

Author

aolgoldesktopdocs

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Costumer Services

Troubleshooting McAfee Antivirus: Common Issues and Solutions

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

jellymonk750

McAfee antivirus is one of the most trusted security programs used to protect devices from viruses, malware, ransomware, and online threats. It offers real-time protection, firewall security, web protection, and identity monitoring features for complete digital safety. However, many users sometimes face issues like McAfee not responding, McAfee not opening, or the software failing to run properly. When McAfee stops working, your system may become vulnerable to cyber threats.

If you are experiencing a McAfee not working error, don’t worry. In this complete troubleshooting guide, we will explain the possible reasons and provide step-by-step solutions to fix the issue. If the problem continues, you may consider contacting the official McAfee support number for professional help.

Common Reasons Why McAfee Is Not Working

Before applying any fix, it’s important to understand why McAfee may stop working. Below are the most common causes:

Corrupted or incomplete installation
Outdated McAfee software version
Conflict with another antivirus program
Windows update errors
Malware infection blocking the antivirus
Damaged system files
Expired subscription

Identifying the root cause can help you apply the right solution quickly.

1. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, temporary glitches or background processes can cause McAfee not responding issues. Restarting your computer can refresh system files and stop conflicting processes.

Steps:

Close all open applications
Click on Start
Select Restart

After rebooting, try opening McAfee again. If McAfee is not opening, move to the next solution.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

McAfee requires an active internet connection for updates and license verification. A weak or unstable connection may prevent it from working properly.

Restart your router
Check if other websites are loading
Try switching to a different network

Once your connection is stable, open McAfee again.

3. Update McAfee Antivirus

Running an outdated version can lead to performance issues and errors. Updating the software may fix the McAfee not responding problem.

Steps:

Open McAfee (if accessible)
Click on “PC Security” or “My Info”
Select “Check for Updates”
Install any available updates
Restart your system

If McAfee is still not opening, continue troubleshooting.

4. Repair McAfee Installation

Corrupted installation files often cause McAfee not working errors. You can repair the software using Windows settings.

Steps to Repair:

Press Windows + R and type
Press Enter to open Programs and Features
Select McAfee from the list
Click Uninstall/Change
Choose Repair
Follow on-screen instructions

After completion, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall McAfee

If repair does not solve the problem, reinstalling McAfee can fix damaged or missing files.

Steps to Reinstall:

Open Control Panel
Click Programs > Uninstall a Program
Select McAfee and click Uninstall
Restart your computer
Visit the official McAfee website
Download the latest version
Install and activate with your product key

This method commonly fixes McAfee not opening and startup errors.

6. Remove Conflicting Antivirus Software

Having more than one antivirus installed can cause serious software conflicts. If another security program is installed, uninstall it.

Steps:

Open Control Panel
Go to Programs and Features
Uninstall any other antivirus software
Restart your device

After removal, check whether McAfee works properly.

7. Install Pending Windows Updates

An outdated Windows system may create compatibility issues with McAfee.

Steps:

Go to Settings
Click Update & Security
Select Windows Update
Click Check for Updates
Install available updates
Restart your computer

Updating Windows often resolves performance and compatibility errors.

8. Run a Malware Scan

In some cases, malware can disable antivirus software. If McAfee not responding persists, use Windows Defender or Safe Mode to run a full system scan.

To scan in Safe Mode:

Restart your computer
Press F8 (or Shift + Restart on Windows 10/11)
Select Safe Mode with Networking
Run a full system scan

Remove any detected threats and restart normally.

9. Check Subscription Status

If your McAfee subscription has expired, some features may stop working.

Log in to your McAfee account
Check subscription status
Renew if necessary

After renewal, reactivate the product.

When to Contact McAfee Support Number

If you have tried all the above solutions and McAfee is still not working, the issue may be technical or account-related. In such cases, contacting the official McAfee support number is recommended. Certified experts can help diagnose advanced problems such as:

Activation errors
License key issues
Severe system conflicts
Persistent McAfee not opening errors

Always make sure to contact official support channels to avoid scams.

Final Thoughts

Facing issues like McAfee not responding or McAfee not opening can be frustrating, especially when your device security is at risk. Fortunately, most McAfee not working errors can be fixed by restarting your system, updating the software, repairing installation files, or reinstalling the program.

Follow the step-by-step troubleshooting guide above to restore your antivirus protection quickly. If the problem remains unresolved, reaching out to the official McAfee support number can provide expert assistance and ensure your system stays protected.

Disclaimer:-

This piece is intended solely for informational and educational aims. We are an independent third-party service provider and are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with McAfee or its parent company. All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

If you require official assistance, we recommend contacting McAfee directly through their official website or authorized customer support channels. Any reference to the “McAfee support number” in this content is intended strictly for informational purposes

Author

jellymonk750

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Digital Development

IP PBX System: Benefits for Remote Access and Scalability

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

aditisansoftwares

Growing companies face one common problem. Communication becomes hard to manage as teams expand across cities and time zones. A simple phone line no longer supports daily operations. Teams require a unified system that links office personnel, remote employees, and branch sites.

An IP PBX System solves this challenge by moving business calls to the internet. It replaces old phone wiring with software based control. Calls travel through data networks instead of copper lines. This allows teams to connect from anywhere using desk phones, laptops or mobile apps.

For companies with distributed teams this setup keeps everyone on the same network. It creates one shared system for internal and external communication. When communication improves work moves faster and service quality stays steady.

Why Traditional Phone Systems Fail Growing Teams

Old phone systems were built for single offices. They depend on physical wiring and hardware boxes placed on site. When a company grows, adding new lines becomes costly and slow. Maintenance also requires technical support on location.

Distributed teams make this problem worse. Remote staff cannot easily connect to the office switchboard. Internal call transfers become difficult. Managers struggle to track calls and monitor service levels.

An IP PBX System removes these limits. Since it works through the internet teams can connect from any location. A sales agent working from home uses the same system as someone in the main office. This keeps operations unified and easier to manage.

How Internet Based Calling Works

Voice calls convert into digital signals and travel through secure networks. The system routes calls to the right extension without manual handling. This process happens within seconds and does not need extra wiring.

Centralized Communication for Distributed Teams

When teams work from different places they still need one shared communication platform. A single dashboard helps manage users extensions, call routing and reports. Managers can see activity levels and track performance in real time.

Using hosted call center software along with an IP PBX System adds more control. Calls can be recorded, monitored and routed based on team roles. Remote agents log in from anywhere while staying connected to the company network.

This central structure supports smooth collaboration. Internal calls remain free within the system. Teams can hold conference calls without extra tools. Messages and voicemails stay stored in one place. That reduces confusion and saves time each day.

Easy Scalability Without Heavy Setup

Growing companies need systems that expand quickly. Hiring new staff should not require complex hardware changes. Adding a new user in an IP PBX System usually takes only a few minutes. An admin assigns an extension and the employee logs in from any device.

This adaptability aids in both temporary initiatives and sustained development. Seasonal hiring becomes simple. New branch offices connect to the same network without building new infrastructure.

Hosted call center software strengthens this benefit. Since the platform runs on remote servers companies avoid large upfront costs. There is no need for physical switchboards or bulky machines. Updates happen automatically through the provider.

Scalability allows businesses to grow without stress on communication tools. Teams stay productive even during expansion.

Remote Access and Mobility

Employees can answer calls using mobile apps or softphones. A stable internet link is enough to stay connected. This ensures that customer calls never depend on one physical office.

Better Call Control and Management

Efficient call handling improves both team productivity and customer experience. An IP PBX System offers smart call routing based on department time or agent availability. Calls reach the right person without delay.

Features such as call transfer voicemail to email and call recording support daily operations. Managers monitor call flow and identify service gaps. Reports provide clear insight into call volume and response times.

Hosted call center software adds advanced management options. Supervisors can track agent performance and maintain service standards across locations. Training becomes easier because call recordings help review real conversations.

This level of control supports faster decision making. Instead of guessing, managers rely on real data. That leads to better service quality and improved team coordination.

Cost Efficiency and Long Term Value

Communication costs often rise as businesses expand. Traditional systems charge for line rentals, hardware repair and maintenance visits. International calls also add high fees.

An IP PBX System lowers many of these expenses. Calls over the internet reduce long distance costs. Maintenance shifts to software updates instead of hardware repairs. Since the system uses existing data networks companies avoid heavy installation work.

Hosted call center software further reduces capital spending. Businesses pay based on usage or number of users. This makes budgeting easier and more predictable. Small companies benefit from enterprise level features without large investment.

Over time savings from maintenance call charges and hardware upgrades add real value. The system becomes a stable base for future growth.

Security and Reliability for Modern Teams

Business communication must remain secure and reliable. Internet based systems use encryption and secure access controls to protect call data. User permissions limit who can access settings or recordings.

Cloud based backups ensure that data remains safe even if one location faces technical issues. Teams can continue working from other sites without service interruption.

For distributed companies this reliability builds trust. Employees stay connected. Customers receive consistent support. Communication no longer depends on one office building.

Supporting Growth Without Complexity

Growing teams need structure not confusion. An IP PBX System provides that structure while keeping operations simple. It brings all calls, extensions and reports into one easy interface.

When combined with hosted call center software the system supports remote agents supervisors and managers in one shared environment. Everyone stays aligned even when working from different regions.

Clear communication supports faster response times, stronger collaboration and steady service quality. As companies expand they require tools that grow with them. A modern IP based phone system offers that stability.

Strong internal and external communication builds trust among teams and customers. For businesses planning long term growth this type of system becomes an essential part of daily operations.