Google complies with local laws, respects legislative processes-Pichai

Google CEO Sunder Pichai has said that we are committed to complying with local laws and engages constructively with governments as they scrutinise and adopt regulatory frameworks to keep pace with the fast evolving technology landscape. Addressing a virtual conference with select reporters from Asia Pacific, Pichai insisted that we have clear transparency reports, when we comply with government requests, we highlight that in our transparency reports.

As a company, we are very clear about the values of a free and open internet and the benefits it brings and we advocate for it, and we engage constructively with regulators around the world, and we participate in these processes, I think it's a part of how we learn." Pichai noted that technology is touching society in deeper and broader ways and the landscape is evolving at a fast pace. "We fully expect governments rightfully to both scrutinize and adopt regulatory frameworks. Be it Europe with copyright directive or India with information regulation etc, we see it as a natural part of societies figuring out how to govern and adapt themselves in this technology-intensive world," he said, adding that Google engages constructively with regulators around the world, and participates in these processes.

Pichai  also announced that the company continues to engage closely with partner Jio on the initiative of building an affordable smartphone and that work is underway on the project. Last year, Google had picked up a 7.7 per cent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 33,737 crore. It had also entered into a commercial agreement with Jio Platforms to jointly develop an entry-level, affordable smartphone. He, however, did not divulge other details, including possible launch date and pricing.