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☆ EU clamps down on Meta’s use of personal data for targeted ads
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Meta will soon be forced to seek European users’ consent before using their personal information to deliver those users targeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. A European Union-wide ban announced Wednesday dealing with Meta’s handling of user data proposes blanket restrictions which could be finalized as soon as late next week. The restrictions were announced by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), a group of EU data regulators representing numerous countries in the bloc. Under EU rules known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Meta must cite one of several specific legal justifications in order to collect and use people’s personal data for advertising. It directs the Irish Data Protection Commission, Meta’s primary privacy regulator in Europe, to issue a final rule on the matter by Nov. 10.

Persons: Meta, It’s, “ Meta, “, ”, Anu Organizations: CNN, Facebook, European Data Protection, EU, General Data Protection, Meta, Irish Data Protection Locations: Europe

☆ Tinder owner Match Group settles antitrust claims against Google’s app store
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington, DC CNN —Online dating giant Match Group has dropped a closely watched antitrust lawsuit against Google’s app store, the two companies said Tuesday, days before a trial set to begin in San Francisco federal court. The settlement between the search giant and the owner of sites such as Match, Tinder and Hinge resolves allegations that Google harmed competition through its app store terms. It permits Match Group to provide users alternative ways to pay for in-app content without requiring them to use Google’s proprietary payment channels. Developer complaints about high app store fees — charged by app store owners such as Google — have reached a fever pitch in recent years, along with related allegations about other restrictive app store terms. The outcome of the app store cases could shape the livelihoods of app developers and determine the flow of billions of dollars in economic activity.

Persons: Tim Sweeney, ” Sweeney, ” Organizations: DC CNN —, Google, Epic Games, Apple, Supreme, Match Locations: Washington, San Francisco federal

☆ Crumbling Train Bridges Are Everywhere. Here’s How One City Got a Railroad to Fix Them.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Esther Fung | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Mayor Jared Kraham feared that railroad bridges in his city presented safety hazards for residents. An independent inspection commissioned earlier this year escalated his concerns. Most rail bridges over public streets in Binghamton, N.Y., were found to be in poor or severe condition, according to the 914-page report. “I thought maybe most were just eyesores,” said 32-year-old Kraham, who began his term leading the city last year. “I didn’t expect it to be so bad.”

Persons: Jared Kraham, ”, “ Locations: Binghamton, N.Y

☆ Google CEO Sundar Pichai testifies in Google antitrust trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Pichai, whom Google called as a star witness, opened his testimony by recounting his journey from Chennai, India to Google and his path to becoming the tech company’s CEO in 2015. “The correlation was pretty clear to see,” Pichai said, before Google attorney John Schmidtlein presented an internal email from 2010 showing research that users who switched from Microsoft’s Internet Explorer performed 48% more Google searches. Users of Mozilla’s Firefox browser that switched to Chrome performed 27% more searches on Google, the email said. Google has paid Apple more than an estimated $10 billion a year to be the default on Apple devices and software. In 2021, Google paid $26.3 billion to secure default agreements with its partners worldwide, according to a slide introduced in the trial last week.

Persons: Sundar Pichai, Pichai, ” Pichai, John Schmidtlein, Chrome, Satya Nadella, Apple “, Eddy, Bing, ” Google Organizations: Washington CNN, Court, District of Columbia, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Justice Department Locations: Chennai, India

☆ Federal judge hints that Big Tech companies may have to face consumer allegations of mental health harm9
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

This week, dozens of states filed a virtually identical federal lawsuit against Meta alleging the company knew that the design of its social media platforms had been harmful to kids. She also expressed skepticism in response to claims by industry lawyers that tech companies have no legal obligation to ensure their platforms are safe for children. Still, she said, the burden falls on the tech platforms to prove why she should throw out the cases at an early stage in litigation. “It doesn’t seem to me that you can escape that,” Gonzalez Rogers said. But one thing is certain, Gonzalez Rogers said: “Your billing fees today exceed my annual salary.”

Persons: —, Meta, it’s, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, Gonzalez Rogers, ” Gonzalez Rogers, “, ” Organizations: DC CNN, Google, Meta, Court, Northern Locations: Washington, California, Northern District

☆ Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, the platform and its cultural impact have fundamentally changed
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Brian Fung | Clare Duffy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) account of how Musk has fundamentally changed Twitter since he made one of the most consequential acquisitions of the social media age. Many of Musk’s content and product decisions have also led to what civil society groups have reported as a troubling spread of hateful speech on the platform. He recommended that X users monitor the Israel-Hamas conflict by following an account known for spreading disinformation, before later deleting his post. And, in an attempt to prove that former Twitter executives deliberately discriminated against conservatives on the platform, Musk provided a handpicked group of journalists with selective access to company records. It is perhaps Musk’s all-consuming presence that has most undermined what users used to love about Twitter.

Persons: New York CNN — It’s, Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino —, Yaccarino, ” Yaccarino, —, it’s, Here’s, Musk, he’s, Donald Trump, LeBron James, James, ”, X, General Mills, ” Weeks, “ Elon, what’s, “, Paul Pelosi, Dilbert, Scott Adams, George Soros, Joe Biden’s, Ron DeSantis ’, Robert F, Kennedy, Jr, Tucker Carlson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hunter Biden Organizations: New, New York CNN, Elon, Twitter, US Federal Trade Commission, Securities, Exchange Commission, EU, Premium, Nintendo, NPR, PBS, Volkswagen, —, Center, Defamation League, Wall Street, Florida Republican Gov, Fox, New York, Trump Locations: New York, Israel, United States, breakeven, New

☆ Messaging app Telegram blocks access to Hamas-run channels
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Clare Duffy | Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —The messaging app Telegram has restricted access to several channels closely associated with or operated by Hamas, as the militant group’s war with Israel rages on. The restrictions mark a significant clampdown on a major source of pro-Hamas propaganda since the Israel-Hamas war began, one that Telegram’s error messages suggest may be driven by the app store operators’ policies. Other popular Telegram channels that have expressed support for Hamas have also been restricted, according to CNN’s analysis. That account is among those no longer accessible via Telegram apps downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App stores, CNN confirmed. An Apple spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s questions about the Telegram channels now blocked for iOS users.

Persons: Israel, —, ”, United States —, ” Google’s, didn’t, Brian Fishman, –, O’Sullivan, Paul Murphy Organizations: New, New York CNN, Hamas, Google, CNN, ” CNN, CNBC, Meta, Brigades, Apple, Capitol, Facebook, Twitter Locations: New York, Israel, Russian, United States, Dubai, Europe

☆ US lawmakers question tax prep companies on sharing of taxpayer data with Big Tech platforms
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“Americans should be able to file their taxes without fear that their sensitive data will be shared with Big Tech companies,” said the letters, copies of which were obtained by CNN. The letters — led by Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren — focus on the use of tracking technology developed by tech platforms and embedded within the tax prep companies’ websites that quietly transferred users’ personal information to Meta and Google, allegedly without their consent. Of the five tax prep companies, Intuit was not a major focus of the initial congressional probe because it did not use tracking pixels to the same extent as the others, the investigation found. They also asked the same question of each of the four other tax prep companies, as well as requesting a commitment to abide by the FTC’s warning not to use customer data in ways consumers did not expressly approve. The lawmakers requested that the tax prep firms respond by Nov. 8.

Persons: ”, Massachusetts Democratic Sen, Elizabeth Warren —, Warren, Meta, — Sens, Ron Wyden, Richard Blumenthal, Tammy Duckworth, Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders, Sheldon Whitehouse, Katie Porter Organizations: CNN, Federal Trade Commission, Big Tech, Massachusetts Democratic, Meta, Google, FTC, Intuit, Ramsey Solutions, Oregon Democrat, Connecticut Democrat, Vermont Independent, Rhode, Rhode Island Democrat, House Democratic Locations: Oregon, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, California

☆ Meta has managed to get 33 US states to agree on something
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

See here: More than three dozen states are suing the parent company of Instagram and Facebook over fears that its platforms’ “addictive” features are harming teens’ mental health. In a federal lawsuit filed in California, 33 attorneys general allege that Meta’s products have harmed minors and contributed to a mental health crisis in the United States. Eight additional attorneys general sued Meta in state courts, making similar claims. And the state of Florida sued the company in its own federal lawsuit alleging it misled users about potential health risks. The federal complaint filed in California calls for court orders prohibiting Meta from violating the law and, in the case of many states, unspecified financial penalties.

Persons: CNN Business ’, New York CNN —, Brian Fung, Frances Haugen, Meta, Jonathan Skrmetti, ”, “ We’re, Haugen, didn’t, can’t, Phil Weiser, Meta’s, you’ll Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, Meta, Facebook, Big Tech, Wall Street, ” Colorado, Google Locations: New York, California, United States, Florida, Tennessee

☆ States sue Instagram-parent Meta over 'addictive' features and youth mental health harms
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Dozens of states sued Instagram-parent Meta on Tuesday, accusing the social media giant of harming young users’ mental health through allegedly addictive features such as infinite news feeds and frequent notifications that demand users’ constant attention. In a federal lawsuit filed in California by 33 attorneys general, the states allege that Meta’s products have harmed minors and contributed to a mental health crisis in the United States. “Social media companies, including Meta, have contributed to a national youth mental health crisis and they must be held accountable. Battle lines renewedTuesday’s multipronged legal assault marks the newest attempt by states to rein in large tech platforms over fears that social media companies are fueling a spike in youth depression and suicidal ideation. In some cases, the tech industry has challenged those laws in court — for example, by claiming that Arkansas’ social media law violates residents’ First Amendment rights to access information.

Persons: Instagram, Meta, ”, Letitia James, Brian Schwalb, ” Meta, “ We’re, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers Organizations: CNN, “ Social, Meta, District of Columbia, Google Locations: California, United States, New York, Arkansas, Louisiana, District, Colorado , Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii , Idaho , Illinois , Indiana , Kansas , Kentucky, Maine , Maryland , Michigan, Minnesota , Missouri , Nebraska , New Jersey , New York, North Carolina , North Dakota , Ohio , Oregon , Pennsylvania, Rhode Island , South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, District of Columbia , Massachusetts , Mississippi , New Hampshire , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Utah, Vermont

But its following has surged on popular messaging app Telegram since its October 7 terror attack on Israel. Hamas is a designated foreign terror organization in the United States, and new internet laws in the European Union mean large social media platforms can face penalties for hosting terroristic content. Hamas’ growing audienceThe Telegram channel for Hamas’ military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, had about 200,000 followers at the time of the attack. Fishman said while the huge growth in the number of people following Hamas’ Telegram accounts is concerning, it doesn’t mean all the followers are supporters – pointing out that many journalists, researchers and others are likely following the accounts. And that could make it more difficult for plaintiffs to use legal action to force Telegram to remove Hamas content.

Persons: –, Brian Fishman, Fishman, Hamas ’, Pavel Durov, Durov, ” Durov, John Bergmayer, Thierry Breton, didn’t Organizations: CNN, Brigades, Google, Hamas, European Union, Hamas ’, Atlantic, Forensic Research, Meta, Capitol, Facebook, Twitter, ISIS, Communications, Republicans, European, Digital Services, European Commission Locations: Israel, United States, European, Russian, Dubai, Russia, Ashkelon, US

That shift in legal doctrine was profound, shaping how courts have applied antitrust law ever since. Khan’s ideas have challenged the closest thing to a sacred cow in antitrust law. The most ambitious of those never became law, but Khan’s role in the probe, which Cicilline described as “critical,” helped further raise her profile. Amazon and Meta have both pushed for Khan to recuse herself from matters involving the companies, questioning her objectivity. The US Federal Trade Commission sued Amazon.com Inc. in a long-anticipated antitrust case, accusing the e-commerce giant of monopolizing online marketplace services by degrading quality for shoppers and overcharging sellers.

Persons: Lina Khan, Khan, Stephanie Keith, ” Khan, “, Joe Biden, ”, William Kovacic, George W, Bush, Barry Lynn, Lynn, New America Foundation —, Obama, —, ” Lina Khan, Rong Xu, ” Lynn, it’s, ’ ”, Reagan, Robert Hockett, Khan’s, David Cicilline, Lina, ” Cicilline, Cicilline, Justin Tallis, Biden, Trump, Douglas Farrar, Gary Gensler, Tom Williams, Jonathan Kanter, Roe, Wade, Kevin Kiley, Meta, she’s, “ We’ve, they’re, Federal Trade Commission Lina Khan, Al Drago, Kathleen Bradish, Bradish, Christine Wilson, Wilson, Noah Phillips, Gabby Jones, NetChoice, Carl Szabo, “ It’s, ” Szabo, There’s, ” Kovacic Organizations: CNN, Federal Trade Commission, Amazon, FTC, Big, Microsoft, Meta, Bloomberg, Getty, Republican, White House, Williams College, New America Foundation, Washington Monthly, Yale Law, Washington Post, Cornell Law School, Big Tech, Rhode, Rhode Island Democratic, Apple, Facebook, Cambridge, Activision, SEC, Financial Services, General Government, Securities and Exchange Commission, Capitol, Justice Department, Epic Games, California Republican, Washington , D.C, American Antitrust Institute, GOP, US Federal Trade Commission, Amazon.com Inc Locations: Big Tech, Robbinsville , New Jersey, Washington, Larchmont , New York, Rhode Island, Washington ,, New York

“Getting information from social media is likely to lead to you being severely disinformed,” said Ahmed. Everyone from US foreign adversaries to domestic extremists to internet trolls and “engagement farmers” has been exploiting the war on social media for their own personal or political gain, he added. “Bad actors surrounding us have been manipulating, confusing and trying to create deception on social media platforms,” Dan Brahmy, CEO of the Israeli social media threat intelligence firm Cyabra, said Thursday in a video posted to LinkedIn. The dynamic simultaneously highlights the business models of social media and the role the companies play in carefully calibrating their users’ experiences. ‘Be very cautious about sharing’Despite giving the impression of reality and truthfulness, Brookie said, individual stories and combat footage conveyed through social media often lack the broader perspective and context that journalists, research organizations and even social media moderation teams apply to a situation to help achieve a fuller understanding of it.

Persons: ”, Gazans, Pepe, Imran Ahmed, Ahmed, “, Dan Brahmy, ‘, ’ Graham Brookie, Islamophobic, Elon Musk, it’s, ” Imran Ahmed, ” Brian Fishman, ” Linda Yaccarino, “ We’ve, Andy Stone, Snapchat, TikTok, ” Ahmed, ” Brookie, Brookie Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, —, Twitter, European Union, Facebook, YouTube, Center, LinkedIn, Digital Forensic Research, Atlantic Council, European Commission, European, Digital Services Locations: New York, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, London, Egypt, Islamophobic, Washington ,, United Kingdom, United States

☆ EU officials warn Google and YouTube about Hamas-Israel disinformation and graphic content
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Washington CNN —The European Commission sent a warning letter Friday to Google and its subsidiary YouTube over disinformation and graphic content linked to the Hamas-Israel conflict, in the European Union’s latest effort to scrutinize Big Tech’s handling of the war. The letter from European Commissioner Thierry Breton, addressed to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and also sent to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, reminded the company about its content moderation obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Breton shared the letter on X.Breton highlighted legal requirements for Google to keep graphic content such as hostage videos away from underage users; to act swiftly when authorities flag content that violates European laws; and to mitigate disinformation. It also warned of possible penalties if a future investigation were to find Google (GOOGL) is not complying with the DSA. Unlike some of those previous letters, however, Breton’s letter to Google does not directly suggest the company has spread misleading or illegal content.

Persons: Thierry Breton, Sundar Pichai, Neal Mohan, Breton, ” Breton, Ivy Choi, ” Choi, “, CNN’s Organizations: Washington CNN, European Commission, Google, YouTube, EU’s Digital Services, DSA, CNN Locations: Israel, Brussels, Gaza

☆ Investors flock to defensive stocks and safe havens on worries about Israel-Hamas war
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —The Israel-Hamas war is sending investors in search of defensive assets. Israel declared war on Hamas Sunday after the Palestinian militant group launched a brutal attack that killed at least 1,300 people. But investors have since bought up shares of virtually risk-free government bonds, indicating that Wall Street remains worried. Utilities, energy and real estate stocks have also outperformed the broader S&P 500 index’s roughly 1% gain this week. In August, a recently passed EU law known as the Digital Services Act went into effect for large online platforms, including the companies Breton addressed this week.

Persons: ”, George Smith, Bryan Hinmon, Hinmon, hasn’t, TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, Thierry Breton, Brian Fung, Breton, ” Breton, TikTok didn’t, Anna Cooban, ” Russia’s, Andrei Belousov, Read Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, CNN, Stock, Treasury, LPL, Twitter, Meta, Digital Services Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Ukraine, Chew, Moscow

☆ Federal judge rips into Montana's statewide TikTok ban in preliminary injunction hearing
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Montana became the first state to authorize a complete ban on TikTok when lawmakers passed SB419 in April and Gov. US officials have said that Chinese government influence over ByteDance could potentially lead to US TikTok users’ data being exposed to Beijing — which might facilitate spying, blackmail or other espionage activity. Alexander Berengaut, an attorney for TikTok, responded by quoting Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s own past words about the ban that have characterized TikTok as an alleged agent of China. Ambika Kumar, an attorney representing the group of TikTok creators, said SB419 tramples on the First Amendment rights of consumers and of TikTok itself. Knudsen could have even gone on television to issue public service announcements warning Montanans not to use TikTok, Malloy suggested.

Persons: Greg Gianforte, Donald Molloy, Christian Corrigan, Corrigan, ” Corrigan, Montana’s, ByteDance, TikTok, Molloy, Alexander Berengaut, Austin Knudsen’s, ” Berengaut, ’, ” Molloy, Ambika Kumar, SB419 tramples, ” Kumar, “ It’s, Malloy, “, ”, Knudsen, ” Malloy Organizations: CNN, Gov, TikTok Locations: Montana, United States, China, Beijing, TikTok, Berengaut

☆ EU officials warn TikTok over Israel-Hamas disinformation
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —EU officials warned TikTok Thursday about “illegal content and disinformation” on its platform linked to the war between Hamas and Israel, calling for CEO Shou Zi Chew to respond within 24 hours. In a letter to Chew, European Commissioner Thierry Breton said failure to comply with European Union laws around content moderation could result in penalties. It is the third such letter Breton has sent to large social media platforms this week, after he sent similar warnings to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and Meta. In August, a recently passed EU law known as the Digital Services Act went into effect for large online platforms including the companies Breton addressed this week. Since the war began, Breton wrote, TikTok has reportedly spread graphic videos and misleading content on the platform.

Persons: Shou Zi Chew, Thierry Breton, Breton, TikTok, ” Breton, TikTok didn’t Organizations: CNN, Twitter, Meta, Digital Services Locations: Israel, Chew

☆ Wall Street needs a boost from earnings. Can JPMorgan Chase run a strong first leg?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Analysts expect a 0.4% year-over-year decline in third-quarter earnings for companies in the S&P 500 index, according to FactSet. Analysts expect America’s biggest bank to report earnings per share of $3.90 and revenue of $39.57 billion for the third quarter, according to Refinitiv. Citigroup, Wells Fargo and BlackRock also report earnings Friday. “Our children are in crisis, and it is up to us to save them,” Hochul said, comparing social media algorithms to cigarettes and alcohol. Those who opt out would receive chronological feeds instead, like in the early days of social media.

Persons: ”, Michael Arone, Jay Hatfield, ” Hatfield, Banks, JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, Dimon, Wells, Chris Isidore, Darren Woods, Read, Kathy Hochul, Letitia James, Michael Mulgrew, Sen, Andrew Gounardes, Nily, “, ” Hochul, Athena Jones, Brian Fung Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, CNN, Investors, State Street Global Advisors, stoke, Infrastructure Capital Management, JPMorgan Chase, JPMorgan, First, Bank, Citigroup, ExxonMobil, Natural Resources, Midland Basins, New York Gov, New York, United Federation of Teachers Manhattan, New Locations: Wells Fargo, BlackRock, United States, Midland , Texas, Delaware, Midland, New York

“Our children are in crisis, and it is up to us to save them,” Hochul said, comparing social media algorithms to cigarettes and alcohol. Those who opt out would receive chronological feeds instead, like in the early days of social media. Federal lawmakers have introduced a similar bill that would ban kids under 13 from using social media altogether. And numerous lawsuits against social media platforms have accused the companies of harming users’ mental health. Mulgrew called the New York legislation necessary in part due to a lack of action by the federal government to protect kids.

Persons: Kathy Hochul, Letitia James, Michael Mulgrew, Andrew Gounardes, Nily, “, ” Hochul, ” James, hasn’t, ”, TikTok, Mulgrew, ” Mulgrew Organizations: CNN, New York Gov, New York, United Federation of Teachers Manhattan, New, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tech, York Child Data, US Department of Health, Human Services, Social Media, Mental Health Locations: New York, States, Arkansas , Louisiana, Utah, York, United States

As a platform subject to Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA), X could face billions in fines if regulators conclude that violations have occurred. Much of the problematic content appears to stem from platform changes made under Musk’s supervision, Breton suggested in the letter, which he shared on X. “We have, from qualified sources, reports about potentially illegal content circulating on your service despite flags from relevant authorities,” Breton wrote. The EU letter comes as misinformation about the conflict continues to spread widely across X. On Tuesday, the investigative journalism group Bellingcat said a fake video designed to look like a BBC News report was circulating on social media.

Persons: Elon Musk, Thierry Breton, X didn’t, Breton, X, ” Breton, Porte, Gonzalo Fuentes, ”, Bellingcat, Elliot Higgins, Shayan, “, Musk Organizations: CNN, Europe’s Digital Services, White, DSA, SpaceX, Tesla, Viva Technology, Porte de, Reuters, BBC, BBC News, Pentagon Locations: Israel, Paris, France, EU, Ukraine

☆ New This Holiday Season: Discounts on Shipping Packages
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Esther Fung | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/new-this-holiday-season-discounts-on-shipping-packages-7297097c

Persons: Dow Jones

☆ Apple rejected opportunities to buy Microsoft’s Bing, integrate with DuckDuckGo
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But it also shows how Apple has wrestled with Google’s rise and how some at Apple yearned for “optionality.” Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. (Last week, Nadella testified that he has spent every year of his tenure as CEO trying to persuade Apple to adopt Bing.) He made a similar argument internally about DuckDuckGo, saying in an email that moving ahead with that partnership was “probably a bad idea.” (DuckDuckGo licenses search results from Bing.) Still, Giannandrea testified, some within Apple thought that dealing with Bing in some fashion could yield benefits to Apple. Apple today has the enormous resources to build a true rival to Google, Giannandrea testified.

Persons: Microsoft’s Bing, they’ve, Gabriel Weinberg, John Giannandrea, Apple, Apple didn’t, Laura Jones, Jeff Chiu, Giannandrea, Bing, Tim Cook, Satya Nadella, Nadella, DuckDuckGo, Weinberg, Jakub Porzycki, ” Weinberg, ”, Apple’s, Cook, Bing “, “, Adrian Perica, ” Giannandrea, “ it’s Organizations: CNN, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Cook, Bing, Mozilla, Opera, Samsung Locations: Bing, San Francisco

The filing Thursday in San Francisco federal court seeks a judge’s order requiring Musk to testify, alleging “blatant refusal to comply” with an earlier SEC subpoena. Musk testified twice as part of the SEC’s investigation in July 2022, according to the agency. The SEC served Musk with a subpoena to testify again in the matter in May 2023, according to the court filing. The current subpoena at issue seeks evidence and testimony from Musk that the SEC does not yet possess, the agency said. The SEC attempted to negotiate with Musk to find alternative dates later this fall, according to court documents.

Persons: Elon Musk, Musk, —, “, Alex Spiro, ”, Spiro, Walter Isaacson’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, US Securities and Exchange Commission, Twitter, SEC, Inc Locations: New York, San Francisco federal

☆ Premarket stocks trading: ESG has lost its meaning. One advocate says let's throw it in the trash
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Dedicated ESG funds have also lost popularity with investors. Total assets under management in ESG funds fell by about $163.2 billion globally during the first quarter of 2023 from the year before, according to data provider Lipper. According to the latest Fed projections, officials forecast just one more interest rate hike this year — and rate cuts next year. When members of his board ask him whether interest rates could really go that high, his answer is always “yes,” he told Bloomberg. There are a lot of “potential bad outcomes,” Dimon said, but the worst-case economic scenario would be stagflation, with low growth and high interest rates.

Persons: “ ESG, ESG, What’s, Lipper, Lynn Forester de Rothschild, ESG “, ”, Rothschild, King Charles II, Bill Clinton, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, ’, Stephen Hall, Philip Morris, “, Robert Jenkins, Jenkins, Jamie Dimon, Dimon, It’s, ” Dimon, “ you’re, Satya Nadella, Brian Fung, Nadella, ” Nadella, else’s Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Fox News, Republican, Biden, Council, Inclusive Capitalism, “ Investment, Better, CNN, Jamie Dimon JPMorgan, Federal, Bloomberg, Times, Microsoft, Google Locations: New York, Times of India, United States

☆ Antitrust Trial: Microsoft CEO warns of impact of Google's search monopoly on AI
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Nadella testified on Monday as part of the US government’s sweeping antitrust trial against Google, now into its 14th day. His testimony reflected the frustrations of a long-running rivalry between Microsoft and Google whose tensions have permeated the weeks-long trial. Central to Google’s strategy has been its agreements with companies such as Apple that have made Google the default search engine for millions of internet users. “You get up in the morning, you brush your teeth, you search on Google,” Nadella said. Google’s dominance in search is reinforced when websites and publishers optimize for Google’s search algorithm and not Bing’s, when advertisers flock to Google and when users stick to what’s familiar, Nadella argued.

Persons: Satya Nadella, Nadella, ” Nadella, Eddy Cue, else’s, Microsoft’s Bing, Bing, “, ”, … Organizations: CNN, Google, Microsoft, Apple

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