Connect with us

Technology

Asia Pacific Footwear Market Size, Share & Growth, 2033

Asia Pacific Footwear Market Size The Asia Pacific footwear market was worth USD 102.85 billion in 2024. The Asia Pacific market is expected to reach USD 159.33 billion by 2033 from USD 108.00 billion in 2025, rising at a CAGR of 4.98% from 2025 to 2033. MARKET DRIVERS Rising Disposable Income and Urbanization The surge in disposable income across the Asia Pacific […]

Published

4 weeks ago

on


Asia Pacific Footwear Market Size

The Asia Pacific footwear market was worth USD 102.85 billion in 2024. The Asia Pacific market is expected to reach USD 159.33 billion by 2033 from USD 108.00 billion in 2025, rising at a CAGR of 4.98% from 2025 to 2033.

The Asia Pacific footwear market was worth USD 102.85 billion in 2024.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Disposable Income and Urbanization

The surge in disposable income across the Asia Pacific region has significantly bolstered consumer spending on footwear. According to the World Bank, the average GDP per capita in emerging economies like India and Indonesia grew between 2018 and 2022, enabling households to allocate more resources toward premium and branded footwear. Urban centers, in particular, exhibit heightened demand, with cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, and Mumbai driving sales of high-end products such as sneakers and designer shoes. This trend aligns with rapid urbanization, which the Asian Development Bank projects will add 1 billion urban residents by 2050. As cities expand, so does the appetite for fashion-forward and functional footwear, creating a fertile ground for market expansion.

Growing Popularity of Athletic and Sports Footwear

The increasing popularity of athletic and sports footwear is a significant driver of the Asia Pacific footwear market. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have capitalized on this trend by introducing innovative designs that combine comfort, style, and performance. Additionally, government initiatives promoting fitness, such as India’s Fit India Movement, have encouraged participation in physical activities, further boosting demand. The integration of advanced technologies, such as cushioning systems and lightweight materials, enhances user experience, making athletic footwear a preferred choice for both casual and professional use.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Production Costs and Labor Challenges

Rising production costs and labor challenges pose significant restraints for the Asia Pacific footwear market, particularly in manufacturing hubs like China and Vietnam. According to a report by the International Labour Organization, labor costs in these regions have increased by 10-15% annually over the past five years, driven by stricter labor laws and rising wages. For instance, China’s shift toward higher-value industries has led to a shortage of skilled workers in traditional footwear manufacturing. This trend forces manufacturers to either absorb higher costs or pass them on to consumers, impacting affordability. Also, supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and pandemics exacerbate production challenges.

Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Pressures

Environmental sustainability is another pressing challenge impacting the Asia Pacific footwear market. Like, the footwear industry contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, with synthetic materials like polyester and PVC being major culprits. Governments are increasingly enforcing stringent regulations to curb environmental degradation, such as China’s Green Manufacturing Standards, which mandate the use of eco-friendly materials and processes. Compliance with these regulations often necessitates substantial financial outlays, with firms spending a notable share of their annual budgets on sustainable initiatives. Additionally, consumer awareness about sustainable practices is growing. However, transitioning to greener alternatives, such as biodegradable materials or waterless dyeing techniques, involves technical complexities and higher costs.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Expansion of E-commerce Platforms

The proliferation of e-commerce platforms presents a lucrative opportunity for the Asia Pacific footwear market, enabling brands to reach a broader audience and enhance accessibility. China leads this charge. This digital shift allows brands to bypass traditional distribution barriers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where physical stores are scarce. For example, Xiaomi leveraged online channels to launch affordable yet stylish footwear, capturing a 20% market share in India within a year, targeting price-sensitive consumers. Apart from these, the integration of augmented reality (AR) tools on e-commerce sites allows customers to virtually try on shoes, enhancing purchasing decisions. With internet penetration high in urban areas, the potential for growth remains vast.

Growing Demand for Sustainable and Ethical Products

The increasing demand for sustainable and ethically produced footwear offers another significant opportunity for the Asia Pacific market. Brands like Allbirds and Veja have gained traction by using renewable materials such as bamboo, cork, and recycled plastics, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Additionally, certifications like Fair Trade and B Corp are becoming important differentiators. For instance, a large number of millennials in Australia and Singapore prioritize brands that demonstrate transparency in their supply chains. Furthermore, governments are incentivizing sustainable practices, with subsidies offered for green manufacturing. A report by the Asian Development Bank states that adopting circular economy models can reduce production costs, enhancing profitability while meeting consumer expectations.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Intense Price Competition and Marginal Profits

Price wars among manufacturers pose a formidable challenge to profitability in the Asia Pacific footwear market. In highly saturated markets like India and Indonesia, brands such as local manufacturers and multinational giants aggressively undercut competitors, eroding profit margins. This relentless focus on affordability often compromises product quality, leading to shorter lifespans and increased waste. Moreover, smaller players struggle to compete with established giants, resulting in market consolidation. With consumer expectations for low-cost, high-performance products rising, companies face the daunting task of balancing innovation with cost management. This pressure threatens long-term sustainability, forcing firms to explore alternative revenue streams or risk obsolescence.

Rapid Technological Obsolescence and Innovation Pressure

The pace of technological advancement in the Asia Pacific footwear market introduces the challenge of rapid obsolescence and innovation pressure. This trend is particularly pronounced in categories like athletic and smart footwear, where hardware upgrades occur biannually. For example, Nike’s introduction of self-lacing sneakers rendered previous models less appealing, impacting resale values and consumer loyalty. Additionally, the constant need for innovation drives up R&D costs. Consumers, accustomed to frequent upgrades, exhibit shorter brand loyalty, exacerbating the issue. This cycle not only strains manufacturers financially but also contributes to mounting waste. Navigating this challenge requires strategic planning to extend product lifespans while maintaining relevance in a fast-evolving market.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Type Insights

The athletic footwear segment dominated the Asia Pacific market by capturing 55.5% of the total revenue in 2024. This prominence is propelled by the growing emphasis on health and wellness across the region. Also, the rise of athleisure culture has further amplified demand, with brands like Nike and Adidas introducing designs that combine style and functionality. Besides, government initiatives promoting fitness, such as India’s Fit India Movement, have encouraged participation in physical activities, boosting sales. A report by McKinsey highlights that athletic footwear accounts for nearly 40% of all online footwear purchases in China, underscoring its widespread appeal. The integration of advanced technologies, such as cushioning systems and lightweight materials, enhances user experience, making athletic footwear a preferred choice for diverse demographics.

The athletic footwear segment dominated the Asia Pacific market
The non-athletic footwear segment is swiftly moving ahead, with a projected CAGR of 8.5%. This development is caused by increasing demand for formal and casual footwear, particularly in emerging markets like India and Indonesia. Urbanization trends have also contributed, with cities like Mumbai and Bangkok driving sales of stylish designs tailored for office and social settings. Additionally, the rise of sustainable materials, such as vegan leather and recycled fabrics, has attracted environmentally conscious consumers. According to a report by Accenture, over 65% of millennials in Australia and Singapore prioritize eco-friendly footwear, boosting adoption rates.

By End-User Insights

The women’s segment accounted for the largest share of the Asia Pacific footwear market, i.e., 45.6% of total sales in 2024. This influence is attributed to the growing emphasis on fashion and personal grooming among female consumers. Additionally, social media influencers and digital marketing campaigns targeting women have amplified awareness, with platforms like Instagram driving engagement. The availability of diverse designs, from high heels to sneakers, further enhances appeal.
The children’s footwear segment is experiencing significant growth, with a projected CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by rising disposable incomes and increased parental spending on quality products for their children. For example, brands like Clarks and Bata have introduced durable yet stylish designs, appealing to health-conscious parents seeking comfort and functionality. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms has made children’s footwear easily accessible, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

China was the dominant contributor to the Asia Pacific footwear market

China was the dominant contributor to the Asia Pacific footwear market, with a 40.5% of the regional share in 2024. This dominance is underpinned by robust manufacturing capabilities and aggressive investments in consumer education. A large share of urban households in cities like Shanghai and Beijing have adopted international brands, driven by campaigns promoting fashion and lifestyle. For instance, the Chinese National Textile and Apparel Council has launched initiatives to educate consumers about global trends, boosting adoption rates. Apart from these, the proliferation of e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and JD.com has made these products easily accessible, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The Indian footwear market is experiencing substantial growth.  Known for its vibrant fashion scene, India excels in developing affordable yet stylish footwear catering to diverse demographics. For example, brands like Bata and Liberty have introduced models priced competitively to appeal to middle-class consumers. According to the Indian Ministry of Commerce, a significant share of households in urban areas prefer branded footwear, driven by rising disposable incomes and urbanization. In addition, government initiatives promoting local manufacturing, such as “Make in India,” have spurred investments, creating a robust ecosystem for domestic and international players.

Japan holds a pivotal position in the Asia Pacific footwear market. Renowned for its precision engineering and focus on quality, Japan excels in producing high-end footwear with advanced features like ergonomic designs and sustainable materials. For example, Asics and Mizuno have introduced models equipped with cushioning systems and lightweight materials, appealing to health-conscious consumers. In addition, the country’s aging population has increased demand for orthopedic designs.

South Korea is a rapidly growing player in the Asia Pacific footwear market. The country’s fashion-conscious population has embraced footwear as part of its broader lifestyle agenda. Cities like Seoul have witnessed a surge in demand for athleisure wear, integrating sports shoes into daily attire. Like, over 70% of millennials in the country view athletic footwear as an essential tool for maintaining a polished appearance. Besides, government initiatives promoting preventive healthcare have spurred adoption, particularly among urban professionals. These strengths position South Korea as a dynamic participant in the footwear landscape.

Australia is smaller but it is still a substantial and growing Asia Pacific footwear market. The country’s affluent population and high disposable incomes enable the adoption of premium footwear, particularly among urban professionals. Additionally, the rise of sustainable footwear with features like vegan leather and recycled materials has captured the attention of eco-conscious users. According to the Australian Fashion Council, sustainable footwear sales grew in urban areas, supporting their popularity.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Nike, Inc., Adidas AG, Puma SE, ASICS Corporation, Skechers USA, Inc., Bata Corporation, New Balance Athletics, Inc., Under Armour, Inc., Woodland Worldwide, and Li-Ning Company Limited are some of the key market players.

The Asia Pacific footwear market is characterized by intense competition, driven by a mix of established multinational corporations and regional players vying for dominance. Global giants like Nike, Adidas, and Puma compete fiercely with local manufacturers such as Bata and Liberty, creating a dynamic landscape marked by rapid innovation and aggressive pricing strategies. The market’s diversity—spanning developed economies like Japan and Australia to emerging markets like India and Vietnam—requires companies to adopt multifaceted approaches to succeed. While larger firms leverage economies of scale and technological expertise, smaller enterprises focus on affordability and niche innovations to carve out their share. Regulatory pressures, environmental concerns, and shifting consumer behaviors further intensify rivalry, compelling brands to prioritize sustainability and digital transformation. E-commerce platforms have also leveled the playing field, enabling new entrants to disrupt traditional distribution channels.

Top Players in the Asia Pacific Footwear Market

Nike Inc.

Nike is a global leader in the Asia Pacific footwear market, renowned for its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology. The company’s focus on athletic footwear has enabled it to capture a significant share of the market, particularly among health-conscious consumers. Nike leverages collaborations with athletes and celebrities to promote its products, enhancing brand visibility. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in initiatives like the “Move to Zero” campaign, which emphasizes eco-friendly materials and circular economy practices.

Adidas AG

Adidas is a key contributor to the Asia Pacific footwear market, known for its robust product portfolio catering to various demographics. The brand’s emphasis on style and performance appeals to both casual wearers and professional athletes. Adidas’ marketing strategies, including partnerships with sports leagues and influencers, have amplified its reach across the region. By integrating sustainable practices, such as using recycled plastics in its designs, Adidas reinforces its reputation as a responsible innovator.

Puma SE

Puma is a major player in the Asia Pacific footwear market, leveraging its expertise in sports and lifestyle products. The company’s focus on innovation ensures superior performance and reliability, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Puma’s localized strategies, such as offering affordable yet high-quality products, enable it to penetrate emerging markets like India and Indonesia. By emphasizing user-centric designs and advanced features, such as lightweight materials and cushioning systems, Puma enhances consumer satisfaction.

Top Strategies Used by Key Market Participants

Strategic Collaborations with Influencers and Athletes

Key players in the Asia Pacific footwear market often collaborate with influencers, athletes, and celebrities to enhance brand visibility and credibility. For instance, brands like Nike and Adidas partner with local sports stars and social media personalities to promote their products, resonating with younger demographics. These alliances not only amplify awareness but also position companies as advocates for fitness and lifestyle trends.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of success in the footwear sector. Leading companies invest heavily in R&D to develop eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics and vegan leather. For example, brands like Puma and Adidas integrate sustainable practices into their production processes, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Additionally, certifications like Fair Trade and B Corp serve as important differentiators, reinforcing brand trust.

Localization and Affordability Initiatives

To resonate with Asia Pacific consumers, key players adopt localized strategies tailored to specific countries and cultures. This involves customizing product features, pricing models, and marketing campaigns to align with local preferences. For instance, affordable solutions are introduced in price-sensitive markets like India and Indonesia, while premium editions target affluent buyers in Japan and Australia. Brands also leverage social media influencers and regional celebrities to amplify their messaging.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

  • In April 2024, Nike launched a regional campaign in collaboration with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli to promote its latest line of athletic footwear. This initiative aimed to tap into the growing sports culture in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, boosting adoption rates.
  • In June 2023, Adidas partnered with a leading K-pop group in South Korea to launch a limited-edition sneaker collection. This collaboration focused on highlighting style and performance, capturing the attention of fashion-conscious millennials.
  • In September 2023, Puma introduced an affordable range of children’s footwear in Indonesia, priced competitively to appeal to middle-income households. This move aimed to increase penetration in rural areas and strengthen its regional presence.
  • In February 2024, Bata expanded its e-commerce platform in India, offering exclusive online discounts and personalized recommendations. This strategy targeted first-time buyers and enhanced accessibility for tech-savvy consumers.
  • In November 2023, Asics conducted a series of workshops in Australian schools to educate students about the importance of proper footwear for physical activities. This initiative positioned the brand as a trusted advocate for preventive care, boosting consumer trust.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the Asia Pacific footwear market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Type

  • Athletic Footwear
  • Non-Athletic Footwear

By End-User

By Country

  • India
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Thailand
  • Malaysia
  • Vietnam
  • Philippines
  • Indonesia
  • Singapore
  • Rest of APAC



Link

9
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Senator presses Digital Childhood Alliance on tech industry ties

Nolan McKendry | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Debate on age verification for internet apps exposed the growing scrutiny of outside influence on Louisiana policymaking. Republican Sens. Jay Morris of West Monroe and Kim Carver of Bossier City are seeking the right language for Carver’s bill. In a Finance Committee hearing of the […]

Published

3 hours ago

on

June 1, 2025

By


Nolan McKendry | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Debate on age verification for internet apps exposed the growing scrutiny of outside influence on Louisiana policymaking.

Republican Sens. Jay Morris of West Monroe and Kim Carver of Bossier City are seeking the right language for Carver’s bill. In a Finance Committee hearing of the state Senate, Morris pressed to no avail the executive director of the Digital Childhood Alliance to disclose which tech companies fund the organization.

“There’s not enough attention on the real risks that these proposals create,” Kareem Ghanem, Google’s director of public policy, said in an interview with The Center Square. “These bills would do nothing to address people’s concerns. And in the process, they’re letting Zuckerberg and Meta off the hook by providing this false sense of security that no amount of age verification at an app store level can really solve.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has already signed an age-verification law nearly identical to Carver’s proposal. The Louisiana bill under consideration aims to require stricter age verification mechanisms for apps and online platforms accessible to minors. Google and Apple would have to verify age before users can download applications, such as Facebook, under terms of Carver’s bill. Google opposes these efforts.

Casey Stefanski, in response to Morris, declined to provide specifics beyond naming the father of the Digital Childhood Alliance’s founder as its largest donor and acknowledging that Meta supports the legislation the group is promoting.

“I don’t feel comfortable with answering these questions,” Stefanski told the committee. “We’ve been working on this legislation prior to Meta even caring about it.”

Stefanski testified that her organization paid attorneys to draft the model legislation and has met with companies like Google in pursuit of broader industry support.

Pressing Stefanski for a yes-or-no answer on whether tech companies provide funding to the DCA, she eventually confirmed that they do but refused to name them.

When asked whether DCA is a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization, Stefanski responded that it is a 501(c)(4) − a nonprofit category that allows for political advocacy without disclosing donors.

“So, you’re not going to tell us who’s actually supporting it?” Morris asked.

“No,” Stefanski replied.

The moment prompted intervention from Carver seeking to clarify that the legislation’s intent is not to let any tech company off the hook for age verification requirements.

“I appreciate your line of questioning,” Carver told Morris. “And I want you to know as the bill’s author, I have not wanted to absolve any app − not Meta, not anyone − from doing age verification.”

Morris countered that Carver’s current amendment to the bill may have that effect, though Carver offered to work on clarifying the language.





Link

0
Continue Reading

Technology

AP Technology SummaryBrief at 12:02 a.m. EDT | National News

Judge wrestles with far-reaching remedy proposals in US antitrust case against Google WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate and fortunes of one of the world’s most powerful tech companies is now in the hands of a U.S. judge wrestling with whether to impose far-reaching changes upon Google in the wake of its dominant search engine being […]

Published

4 hours ago

on

June 1, 2025

By


Judge wrestles with far-reaching remedy proposals in US antitrust case against Google

WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate and fortunes of one of the world’s most powerful tech companies is now in the hands of a U.S. judge wrestling with whether to impose far-reaching changes upon Google in the wake of its dominant search engine being declared  an illegal monopoly. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta heard closing arguments Friday from Justice Department lawyers who argued that a radical shake-up is needed to promote a free and fair market. Their proposed remedies include a ban on Google paying to lock its search engine in as the default on smart devices and an order requiring the company to sell its Chrome browser.

Think your return to the office was rough? Musk faces some big challenges

NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk is leaving Washington after a short but turbulent stint in government and getting back to his numerous businesses, each with their own set of issues for the billionaire to address. While how much Musk accomplished in his role as President Donald Trump’s chief cost-cutter is up for debate, it’s clear his association with right-wing politics damaged Tesla’s brand and tanked sales. Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter, needs to rebuild its advertising base. His aerospace company SpaceX appears to be financially promising but has seen some recent setbacks. And it’s unclear if his satellite business Starlink can keep striking deals without Trump nearby.

States are rolling out red carpets for data centers. But some lawmakers are pushing back

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The explosive growth of the data centers needed to power America’s fast-rising demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing has spurred states to dangle incentives in hopes of landing an economic bonanza. It’s also eliciting pushback in places where an influx of data centers has caused friction with neighboring communities. Activity in state legislatures — and competition for data centers — has been brisk. Many states are offering financial incentives or tax breaks worth tens of millions of dollars. In some cases, those incentives are winning approval only after a fight or efforts to attach riders that require data centers to pay for their own electricity or meet energy efficiency standards.

US supercomputer named after Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna to power AI and scientific research

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — A new supercomputer named after a winner of the Nobel Prize in chemistry will help power artificial intelligence technology and scientific discoveries from a perch in the hills above the University of California, Berkeley, federal officials said Thursday. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is scheduled to announce the project Thursday alongside executives from computer maker Dell Technologies and chipmaker Nvidia. The new computing system at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will be called Doudna after Berkeley professor and biochemist Jennifer Doudna, who won a Nobel in 2020 for her work on the gene-editing technology CRISPR. It’s due to switch on next year.

Czech justice minister resigns over a donated bitcoin scandal

PRAGUE (AP) — Czech Republic Justice Minister Pavel Blažek has resigned from his post over a bitcoin-related scandal. Blažek has been under fire from the opposition after his ministry accepted a donation of bitcoins and sold them for about 1 billion Czech koruna or more than $45 million earlier this year. Blažek said Friday that he wasn’t aware of any wrongdoing. The bitcoins were donated to the ministry by a person who was previously convicted of drug dealing and other crimes and it wasn’t clear where the bitcoins came from. The opposition has accused Blažek of possible money laundering. Police are investigating.

Crypto crime spills over from behind the screen to real-life violence

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — An alleged kidnapping in New York is the latest instance in which authorities say cryptocurrency-related crimes have involved real-world violence. Kidnappings for ransom in France have rattled the crypto industry there, including one where a crypto entrepreneur’s father had a finger cut off. Experts believe the increase in violence could be linked to cryptocurrencies’ surging values, violent groups adding crypto thefts to their repertoire and the ease of shielding your identity in crypto transactions. “Things that might clearly be outside of social norms in other spaces — like robbing a bank — are somehow just part of the game here,” said John Griffin, a finance professor at the University of Texas in Austin.

CEO pay rose nearly 10% in 2024 as stock prices and profits soared

NEW YORK (AP) — The typical compensation package for chief executives who run companies in the S&P 500 jumped nearly 10% in 2024 as the stock market enjoyed another banner year and corporate profits rose sharply. The increase for those who occupy the corner office again outpaced the wage gains for the median worker at their company. At half the companies in AP’s annual pay survey, it would take the worker at the middle of the company’s pay scale 192 years to make what the CEO did in one. Rick Smith, the founder and CEO of Axon Enterprises, the maker of Tasers, topped the survey with a pay package valued at $164 million.

Elon Musk came to Washington wielding a chain saw. He leaves behind upheaval and unmet expectations

WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk arrived in the nation’s capital with the chain saw-wielding swagger of a tech titan who had never met a problem he couldn’t solve with lots of money, long hours or a well-calibrated algorithm. Now that’s over. Musk said this week that he’s leaving his job as a senior adviser, an announcement that came after he revealed his plan to curtail political donations and he criticized the centerpiece of Trump’s legislative agenda. It’s a quiet exit after a turbulent entrance, and he’s trailed by upheaval and unmet expectations.

Big Ocean breaks new ground as K-pop’s first deaf group

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Big Ocean, the world’s first K-pop group composed entirely of deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, is breaking barriers with high-tech tools and inclusive performances. Since debuting in 2024, the trio has toured Europe while promoting their second mini-album, “Underwater.” Using vibrating smartwatches, visual metronomes, and AI voice tech, they stay in sync while overcoming visual and audio challenges onstage. Their global fanbase, PADO, has embraced their mission—some even learning sign language to connect. The group hopes to collaborate with stars like Justin Bieber and continues to champion inclusion in K-pop.

Texas lawmakers fail to pass ban on social media for those under 18

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A push in Texas to ban children under 18 years old from social media platforms has failed at the state Capitol. Lawmakers on Wednesday night did not take a key vote on creating one of the nation’s toughest restrictions aimed at keeping minors off the platforms. The bill aimed to go further than Florida’s ban on social media for minors under 14. The bill was opposed by tech trade groups and critics who called it it an unconstitutional limit on free speech. The sponsor of the measure blamed pushback from unnamed “billionaires” as a key reason for its failure.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.



Link

0
Continue Reading

Technology

Google, Justice Department face off in search monopoly case

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE and ALAN SUDERMAN, AP Technology Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate and fortunes of one of the world’s most powerful tech companies now sit in the hands of a U.S. judge wrestling with whether to impose far-reaching changes upon Google in the wake of its dominant search engine being declared an illegal monopoly. […]

Published

5 hours ago

on

June 1, 2025

By


By MICHAEL LIEDTKE and ALAN SUDERMAN, AP Technology Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate and fortunes of one of the world’s most powerful tech companies now sit in the hands of a U.S. judge wrestling with whether to impose far-reaching changes upon Google in the wake of its dominant search engine being declared an illegal monopoly.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta heard closing arguments Friday from Justice Department lawyers who argued that a radical shake-up is needed to promote a free and fair market. Their proposed remedies include a ban on Google paying to lock its search engine in as the default on smart devices and an order requiring the company to sell its Chrome browser.

Google’s legal team argued that only minor concessions are needed and urged Mehta not to unduly punish the company with a harsh ruling that could squelch future innovations. Google also argued that upheaval triggered by advances in artificial intelligence already is reshaping the search landscape, as conversational search options are rolling out from AI startups that are hoping to use the Department of Justice’s four-and-half-year-old case to gain the upper hand in the next technological frontier.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai smiles as he walks onto the stage at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, Calif., Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) 

It was an argument that Mehta appeared to give serious consideration as he marveled at the speed at which the AI industry was growing. He also indicated he was still undecided on how much AI’s potential to shake up the search market should be incorporated in his forthcoming ruling. “This is what I’ve been struggling with,” Mehta said.

Mehta spoke frequently at Friday’s hearing, often asking probing and pointed questions to lawyers for both sides, while hinting that he was seeking a middle ground between the two camps’ proposed remedies.

“We’re not looking to kneecap Google,” the judge said, adding that the goal was to “kickstart” competitors’ ability to challenge the search giant’s dominance.

Mehta will spend much of the summer mulling a decision that he plans to issue before Labor Day. Google has already vowed to appeal the ruling that branded its search engine as a monopoly, a step it can’t take until the judge orders a remedy.

Google’s attorney John Schmidtlein asked Mehta to put a 60-day delay on implementing any proposed changes, which Justice prosecutor David Dahlquist immediately objected to.

“We believe the market’s waited long enough,” Dahlquist said.

While both sides of this showdown agree that AI is an inflection point for the industry’s future, they have disparate views on how the shift will affect Google.

The Justice Department contends that AI technology by itself won’t rein in Google’s power, arguing additional legal restraints must be slapped on a search engine that’s the main reason its parent company, Alphabet Inc., is valued at $2 trillion.

Google has already been deploying AI to transform its search engine i nto an answer engine, an effort that has so far helped maintain its perch as the internet’s main gateway despite inroads being made by alternatives from the likes of OpenAI and Perplexity.

The Justice Department contends a divestiture of the Chrome browser that Google CEO Sundar Pichai helped build nearly 20 years ago would be among the most effective countermeasures against Google continuing to amass massive volumes of browser traffic and personal data that could be leveraged to retain its dominance in the AI era. Executives from both OpenAi and Perplexity testified last month that they would be eager bidders for the Chrome browser if Mehta orders its sale.

The debate over Google’s fate also has pulled in opinions from Apple, mobile app developers, legal scholars and startups.



Link

0
Continue Reading

Technology

Pirated football streams costing broadcasters ‘billions’ amid ‘industrial scale theft’

Pirated streaming of premium television and sports content has reached levels of “industrial scale theft”, costing broadcasters and sports bodies billions of dollars annually, according to a new report by media analysts Enders. The research found that pirated feeds account for a “double digit percentage” of all viewing of premium sports and television content. A […]

Published

6 hours ago

on

June 1, 2025

By


Pirated streaming of premium television and sports content has reached levels of “industrial scale theft”, costing broadcasters and sports bodies billions of dollars annually, according to a new report by media analysts Enders.

The research found that pirated feeds account for a “double digit percentage” of all viewing of premium sports and television content.

A single pirated stream of a high-profile event, particularly a live football match, can attract “tens of thousands” of viewers.

This figure may be multiplied many times when streams are shared across social media platforms, with stolen live feeds used globally beyond licensed broadcasting areas.

Sport broadcasters are missing out on 'billions' due to pirated streams

Sport broadcasters are missing out on ‘billions’ due to pirated streams

PA

Amazon Fire Sticks have been identified as the primary enabler of this piracy epidemic.

According to 2025 data provided by Sky and cited in the Enders report, 59 per cent of people in the UK who admitted to using pirated feeds in the past 12 months via a physical device said they used an Amazon Fire device.

The devices, which are entirely legal in their original form, can be easily modified or “jailbroken” to access apps showing pirated sports content alongside legitimate services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Enders researchers described the Amazon Fire Stick as “a piracy enabler” that enables “billions of dollars in piracy” overall.

The Enders report accused major technology companies including Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft of “ambivalence and inertia” in addressing the piracy crisis.

Big Tech groups were criticised for “failing to engage decisively with content owners to shore up security architecture, while simultaneously steering consumers to illegal services in the other parts of their businesses”.

JUST IN: Novak Djokovic issues apology after making third round of French Open

The researchers highlighted the “continued depreciation” of Digital Rights Management systems, particularly Google’s Widevine and Microsoft’s PlayReady.

These security technologies, largely unchanged over twenty years, “are now compromised across various security levels” due to lack of maintenance by the tech giants, giving “piracy the upper hand by enabling theft of the highest quality content”.

Industry executives are demanding urgent action from government and major technology platforms to combat the escalating piracy crisis.

Nick Herm, Sky’s chief operating officer, said the report “highlights the significant scale and impact of piracy”.

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard, 44, lands new job five months after Al-Ettifaq exit

Modified Amazon fire sticks are seen as the primary enablers

Modified Amazon fire sticks are seen as the primary enablers

PA

He added: “We’d like to see faster, more joined-up action from major tech platforms and government to address the problem and help protect the UK creative industries.”

Media analyst Claire Enders warned that “piracy is costing content originators, pay-TV and streaming companies, many billions globally”.

The report concluded that “combating piracy a formidable challenge, providing a direct threat to profitability for broadcasters and streamers”, with calls for a complete overhaul of technology architecture licensing.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:



Link

0
Continue Reading

Technology

Trump and Putin want to talk business once the Ukraine war ends. Here’s why it won’t be easy | U.S.

Hundreds of foreign companies left Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including major U.S. firms like Coca-Cola, Nike, Starbucks, ExxonMobil and Ford Motor Co. But after more than three years of war, President Donald Trump has held out the prospect of restoring U.S.-Russia trade if there’s ever a peace settlement. And Russian President Vladimir […]

Published

7 hours ago

on

May 31, 2025

By


Hundreds of foreign companies left Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including major U.S. firms like Coca-Cola, Nike, Starbucks, ExxonMobil and Ford Motor Co.

But after more than three years of war, President Donald Trump has held out the prospect of restoring U.S.-Russia trade if there’s ever a peace settlement. And Russian President Vladimir Putin has said foreign companies could come back under some circumstances.

“Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree,” Trump said in a statement after a phone call with Putin. “There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED.”

The president then shifted his tone toward Putin after heavy drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, saying Putin “has gone absolutely crazy” and threatening new sanctions. That and recent comments from Putin warning Western companies against reclaiming their former stakes seemed to reflect reality more accurately — that it’s not going to be a smooth process for businesses going back into Russia.

That’s because Russia’s business environment has massively changed since 2022. And not in ways that favor foreign companies.

And with Putin escalating attacks and holding on to territory demands Ukraine likely isn’t going to accept, a peace deal seems distant indeed.

Here are factors that could deter U.S. companies from ever going back:

Risk of losing it all

Russian law classifies Ukraine’s allies as “unfriendly states” and imposes severe restrictions on businesses from more than 50 countries. Those include limits on withdrawing money and equipment as well as allowing the Russian government to take control of companies deemed important. Foreign owners’ votes on boards of directors can be legally disregarded.

Companies that left were required to sell their businesses for 50% or less of their assessed worth, or simply wrote them off while Kremlin-friendly business groups snapped up their assets on the cheap. Under a 2023 presidential decree the Russian government took control of Finnish energy company Fortum, German power company Unipro, France’s dairy company Danone and Danish brewer Carlsberg.

Even if a peace deal removed the U.S. from the list of unfriendlies, and if the massive Western sanctions restricting business in Russia were dropped, the track record of losses would remain vivid. And there’s little sign any of that is going to happen.

While the Russian government has talked in general about companies coming back, “there’s no specific evidence of any one company saying that they are ready to come back,” said Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd. consultancy. “It’s all at the political narrative level.”

Russia’s actions and legal changes have left “long-lasting damage” to its business environment, says Elina Ribakova, non-resident senior fellow at the Bruegel research institute in Brussels.

She said a return of U.S. businesses is “not very likely.”

‘We need to strangle them’

In a meeting at the Kremlin on May 26 to mark Russian Entrepreneurs Day, Putin said that Russia needed to throttle large tech firms such as Zoom and Microsoft, which had restricted their services in Russia after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, so that domestic tech companies could thrive instead.

“We need to strangle them,” Putin said. “After all, they are trying to strangle us: we need to reciprocate. We didn’t kick anyone out; we didn’t interfere with anyone. We provided the most favorable conditions possible for their work here, in our market, and they are trying to strangle us.”

He reassured a representative from Vkusno-i Tochka (Tasty-period) — the Russian-owned company that took over McDonald’s restaurants in the country — that Moscow would aid them if the U.S. fast food giant tried to buy back its former stores. Asked for comment, McDonald’s referred to their 2022 statement that “ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable.”

Not much upside

On top of Russia’s difficult business environment, the economy is likely to stagnate due to lack of investment in sectors other than the military, economists say.

“Russia has one of the lowest projected long-term growth rates and one of the highest levels of country risk in the world,” says Heli Simola, senior economist at the Bank of Finland in a blog post. “Only Belarus offers an equally lousy combination of growth and risk.”

Most of the opportunity to make money is related to military production, and it’s unlikely U.S. companies would work with the Russian military-industrial complex, said Ribakova. “It’s not clear where exactly one could plug in and expect outsize returns that would compensate for this negative investment environment.”

Repurchase agreements

Some companies, including Renault and Ford Motor Co., left with repurchase agreements letting them buy back their stakes years later if conditions change. But given Russia’s unsteady legal environment, that’s tough to count on.

The Russian purchasers may try to change the terms, look for more money, or ignore the agreements, said Weafer. “There’s a lot of uncertainty as to how those buyback auctions will be enforced.”

But what about the oil and gas?

Multinational oil companies were among those who suffered losses leaving Russia, so it’s an open question whether they would want to try again even given Russia’s vast oil and gas reserves. US.. major ExxonMobil saw its stake in the Sakhalin oil project unilaterally terminated and wrote off $3.4 billion.

Russia’s major oil companies have less need of foreign partners than they did in the immediate post-Soviet era, though smaller oil field services might want to return given the size of Russia’s oil industry. But they would have to face new requirements on establishing local presence and investment, Weafer said.

Some never left

According to the Kyiv School of Economics, 2,329 foreign companies are still doing business in Russia, many from China or other countries that aren’t allied with Ukraine, while 1,344 are in the process of leaving and 494 have exited completely. The Yale School of Management’s Chief Executive Leadership Institute lists some two dozen U.S. companies still doing business in Russia, while some 100 more have cut back by halting new investments.

EU sanctions could remain even if US open

U.S. sanctions are considered the toughest, because they carry the threat of being cut off from the U.S. banking and financial system. But the EU is still slapping new rounds of sanctions on Russia. Even if U.S. sanctions are dropped, EU sanctions would continue to present compliance headaches for any company that also wants to do business in Europe.



Link

0
Continue Reading

Technology

SIGNING DAY SPORTS INVESTOR ALERT by the Former Attorney General of Louisiana: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates Merger of Signing Day Sports, Inc. – SGN

Former Attorney General of Louisiana Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq. and the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (“KSF”) are investigating the proposed merger of Signing Day Sports, Inc. (NYSE: SGN) and One Blockchain LLC. Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Signing Day shareholders are expected to own approximately 8.5% of the combined […]

Published

8 hours ago

on

May 31, 2025

By


Former Attorney General of Louisiana Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq. and the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (“KSF”) are investigating the proposed merger of Signing Day Sports, Inc. (NYSE: SGN) and One Blockchain LLC. Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Signing Day shareholders are expected to own approximately 8.5% of the combined company. KSF is seeking to determine whether the merger and the process that led to it are adequate, or whether the merger is fair to Signing Day shareholders.

If you would like to discuss your legal rights regarding the proposed transaction, you may, without obligation or cost to you, e-mail or call KSF Managing Partner Lewis S. Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) toll free at any time at 855-768-1857, or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-sgn/ to learn more.

To learn more about KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General, visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

CONNECT WITH US: FaceBook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedIn



Link

0
Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending