In the coming days, Google will be rolling out a new dashboard that will let users know if web results with their contact information are showing up on search.

Google introduces new features for personal online safety.

Google has introduced new features on Google search to help individuals stay in control of their personal information, privacy and online safety.

The Communication and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, Google, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said in a statement on Friday that Google is conscious of the online safety of its users hence making it the safest way to search.Kola-Ogunlade said that in 2022, Google launched the ‘Results about you’ tool, to make it easy for individuals to request the removal of search results that contain personal phone number, home address or email, right from the Google app or however search is accessed.He said that Google had significantly updated and improved the tool, helping users keep track of personal contact information in search and alerting them when found, so that it could be removed.

According to him, in the coming days, Google will be rolling out a new dashboard that will let users know if web results with their contact information are showing up on search.The communication officer said that one could quickly request the removal of those results from Google — right in the tool.‘’Google will also notify one when new results from the web containing contact info pop up in Search, to give you added peace of mind.‘’You can access this tool in the Google app by clicking on your Google account photo and selecting “Results about you”, or by visiting goo.gle/resultsaboutyou.‘’This tool is available in the U.S. in English to start, and we’re working to bring it to new languages and locations soon,’’ he said.

According to him, more control of family is another feature of family from inadvertently encountering explicit imagery on Search.Kola-Ogunlade said that with this update, explicit imagery such as adult or graphic violent content would now be blurred by default when it appears in search results.He said that the new ‘SafeSearch’ blurring setting was rolling out for all users globally which could be adjusted in settings and turned off at any time, unless a guardian or school network administrator has locked the setting.Kola-Ogunlade said that Google was also making it easier to find parental controls directly in Search.‘’Just type in a relevant query like “google parental controls” or “google family link” and you will see a box with information on how to manage your parental controls.’’

He, however, highlighted other improved features such as ‘enable people remove’ which could be used to remove from Search any of their personal, explicit images that they no longer wish to be visible in Search among others.

Starlink has made its official debut in Kenya. This will make Kenya the sixth African country Elon Musk’s Starlink is currently operating. The first was Nigeria followed by Mozambique, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone.

However, this big news for Starlink is coinciding with the recent announcement by leading telecom operator Safaricom regarding its plans to introduce satellite internet services to the country. Safaricom has partnered with AST SpaceMobile, a competitor of Starlink, to carry out this project and this has further intensified the market competition.

AST SpaceMobile is aiming to provide satellite-based internet access to areas with limited coverage, enabling standard mobile phones to connect to the space-based broadband network. This has also led it to a partnership with Vodacom, adding another layer to the growing competition in the region.

With Safaricom’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, they are looking to enhance their current broadband offerings, which include Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and fibre optic cables. The company’s satellite internet also boasts download speeds of more than 10 Mbps over LTE.

During testing, AST SpaceMobile’s prototype satellite, Bluewalker 3, showcased its functionality, paving the way for an official trial in Kenya, slated for Q2 of 2023. This ambitious project positions AST Space Mobile as a viable contender in the Kenyan market, providing alternative solutions for internet connectivity.

What is Starlink bringing to Kenyans’ table?

Starlink, like other satellite telecommunication services, utilizes radio signals to transmit internet data through the vacuum of space. But the distinctive aspect of Starlink’s service lies in the vast number of satellites it deploys, operating in close geospatially proximity.

Traditionally, satellite internet services have relied on cable technology, such as fibre optics, for data transmission. However, Starlink’s network operates on a tried-and-tested satellite internet service technology, providing users with download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps, with a significant majority experiencing speeds surpassing 100 Mbps. Meanwhile, upload speeds typically range between 5 and 20 Mbps.

Also, any country where Starlink is offered can order Starlink Roam. Regional plans are available for use on the continent where users join up while global plans are accessible in every nation in the the entire world.

Side-by-side comparison according to Transhumanica

Fierce Competition for Starlink in the Kenyan Market

The entry of both Starlink and AST SpaceMobile into the Kenyan market signals the intensification of competition in the satellite internet market. Safaricom’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile highlights its commitment to expanding its broadband services by leveraging satellite-based solutions.

Last year, Safaricom became the first telco to launch a 5G network in Kenya. Although Airtel recently joined the party, Safaricom still maintains an unassailable dominance over the East African country.

So, with Safaricom eyeing the satellite internet field, Starlink may have a huge challenge on its hands. As mentioned, Safaricom’s partner, AST SpaceMobile’s technology targets mobile phones, a business move that could help Safaricom retain its dominance. But then, it depends on how Starlink plays its game. 

Playing on their own uniqueness, Starlink’s technological approach and impressive speed offerings position them as a formidable player. Kenyan consumers stand to benefit from this competition, as it will likely lead to improved services, increased coverage, and more competitive pricing.

In Rwanda, the tech company deployed its high-speed internet service to schools. This has enabled many schoolchildren to not only unlock online learning opportunities but significantly improve their digital literacy level. Perhaps if Starlink targets a similar market, there just might be a chance for the Elon Musk-led company.

In the end, it all depends on the customers and companies to adapt to the new trends. As the market evolves, consumers are looking forward to a more robust and reliable internet experience, enabling them to connect, communicate, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.