The judge said the search-engine giant had broken Italy's privacy laws - the first time Google's executives have been held criminally responsible for content posted on its system.

The verdict poses an enormous challenge to the company's business model, and has long-term ramifications. It suggests that Google is not just a tool for its users; it's like any other media company that provides content and could be regulated.

Google's lawyers, calling the decision 'astonishing', likened the case to prosecuting the postman for delivering hate mails.

The prosecution said that because Google handles user data and uses content to generate advertising revenue, hence it is a content provider, not a service provider. Italian privacy law prohibits the use of personal data with the intent of inflicting harm or for profit.

Google also was dragged into a competition inquiry after a wave of complaints.

The European Commission launched a preliminary investigation into the firm's online search and advertising businesses. It's the first such probe Google has faced in Brussels.

A number of companies alleged that Google's trade practice might have disrupted their business. In two of those cases, the online giant was said to have unfairly pushed the firms down the list of its search results.

The internet landscape in Europe seems just as treacherous as that on the mainland for the world's top search engine. The Google credo is right. Great just isn't good enough!

We've got them wired

Are you one of those over-wired people who are totally addicted to electronic gadgets? Okay, here are some statistics for you.

According to AdMob, a mobile advertising company, 91 per cent of iPhone users and 88 per cent of iPod touch users would recommend their device to friends, compared to 84 per cent of Android users and 69 per cent of those with Palm webOS.

Meanwhile, 16 per cent of iPhone owners said they 'intend to purchase' an iPad in the next six months. Was this survey sponsored by Apple?

Understandably, other users are less keen to get an iPad: Palm owners (11 per cent) and people with Android (6 per cent).

Another consumer survey has found out a lot about how these users engage and interact with applications.

Users of iPod touch download an average of 12 apps a month, about 37 per cent more than iPhone and Android users. iPod touch users also spent 100 minutes a day using apps, 25 per cent more time than those with iPhone and Android.

The survey shows that most users of these phones are male: Android (73 per cent), webOS (58 per cent); iPhone (57 per cent) and iPod touch (54 per cent).

That confirms our suspicion who's not pulling their weight in the office.

Full-throttle apology

Lai See was moved by the speech of Toyota's beleaguered president, Akio Toyoda, who broke down in tears after facing tough questioning at a congressional hearing about the carmaker's massive recalls.

Toyoda apologised for the safety lapses, saying that his company had lost its way in its pursuit of growth.

Sorry, Akio-san, did you mean: having driven recklessly, way above the speed limit for years, and finally crashed?

Jihad plan like Swiss cheese

Interesting to see Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi calling for an economic jihad on Switzerland because of its referendum in November banning the construction of minarets on mosques. 'The masses of Muslims must go to all ... harbours and prevent any Swiss ships docking,' Colonel Gaddafi said.

That's going to bring the mighty Swiss economy to its knees. The trouble is blocking its ships might be difficult - Switzerland is a landlocked nation and doesn't have a merchant navy.

Bank robber a regular

If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again. A German robber held up the same bank in Hamburg twice within 24 hours just a week after being released from jail - for the same crime. A police spokesman said yesterday that the 50-year-old man went into a savings bank in the centre of the northern port city and flashed a pistol, saying: 'I was here yesterday, and I want money again today!'

The repeat offender made off with Euro450 (HK$4,747) but with the help of video surveillance cameras, police were able to detain him three hours later. They said he had been in jail for robbing banks in Hamburg in 2002 and 2004.