antitrust US Regulators Launch Antitrust Probes Into Big Tech Giants US regulators and Congress are investigating whether Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook hold too much market power. Critics accuse the companies of using their massive platforms to unfairly favor their own products and crush competitors.
google play Google Play Updates Policies to Restrict Marijuana Sales and Loot Boxes Google introduces strict new rules for its app store, banning in-app marijuana ordering and clamping down on loot boxes. The changes follow an FTC complaint and align with similar policies already enforced by Apple.
qualcomm Federal Judge Rules Qualcomm Violated Antitrust Laws in Chip Monopoly Case A federal judge rules that Qualcomm violates antitrust laws by charging excessive patent royalties and stifling competitors. The chipmaker strongly disagrees with the decision and plans to immediately appeal the ruling.
facebook FTC Must Force Facebook Data Portability to Create Real Competition True market competition relies on a consumer's ability to easily leave a bad service for a better one. The author argues that the FTC should force Facebook to offer interoperable friend list exports, creating a viable escape route for users.
ftc Apple and Google Pull Three Dating Apps Over Child Safety Concerns Federal regulators force the removal of FastMeet, Meet24, and Meet4U after investigators discover children as young as 12 using the platforms.
facebook Federal Regulators Fine Facebook Up To $5 Billion Over Privacy Violations Facebook faces a record-setting fine from the FTC for breaking a 2011 privacy agreement. The social media giant easily has the funds to cover the massive penalty.
facebook Facebook Reports Strong Q1 Growth Despite Record $3 Billion FTC Fine Accrual Facebook grows its user base to 2.38 billion monthly active users and beats revenue expectations, even as it sets aside $3 billion for a potential FTC privacy fine.
algorithmic accountability act New Algorithmic Accountability Act Demands Bias Testing for Big Tech Democratic lawmakers introduce the Algorithmic Accountability Act, a bill that requires large tech companies to evaluate their automated systems for bias and discrimination. The legislation routes regulatory enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission.
dark patterns Bipartisan Senate Bill Targets Manipulative Dark Patterns in Big Tech Senators Warner and Fischer introduce the DETOUR Act to ban deceptive design tactics that trick users into surrendering personal data. The legislation holds large online platforms accountable for manipulative interfaces and compulsive design targeting children.
facebook FTC Negotiates Multi-Billion Dollar Fine Against Facebook Over Privacy Violations The FTC is negotiating a record-breaking multi-billion dollar fine against Facebook for privacy infractions. The massive penalty aims to financially impact the tech giant rather than serve as a minor inconvenience.
ftc FTC Imposes Record $5 Billion Penalty on Facebook The FTC imposes a record $5 billion penalty on Facebook with sweeping new privacy restrictions.
facebook FTC Weighs Record Fine Against Facebook as Accountability Questions Loom The FTC considers a historic fine against Facebook for privacy violations, but financial penalties alone are unlikely to faze the tech giant. Regulators may instead focus on enforcing strict accountability measures.
facebook Zuckerberg Admits FTC Notification Failure During Congressional Grilling Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg faces tough questions from lawmakers regarding the Cambridge Analytica scandal and election security. He admits the company made a mistake by trusting that improperly harvested user data was actually deleted.
facebook Facebook Stock Plunges in Third Worst Trading Week Ever Facebook experiences a massive 13 percent stock drop as the Cambridge Analytica data scandal triggers government probes and a growing #deletefacebook movement.