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☆ Investors in Airbnb arbitrage business allege they were defrauded in scheme promising 'higher returns than the stock market'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Rohan Goswami Annie Palmer | Rohan Goswami | In Rohangoswamicnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +18 min

Airbnb told CNBC that business practices such as Agyeman's aren't permitted. Airbnb told CNBC it had no business relationship with Agyeman and had taken action to curtail his operations. Carr and other HFA investors told CNBC their frustrations were dismissed or met with legal threats. To get around Airbnb's rules, HFA instructed its investors to list their own homes, a former employee and two investors told CNBC. Airbnb told CNBC that it was rolling out a more robust verification process in the U.S. and elsewhere beginning as early as 2024.

Persons: Elham Ataeiazar Daryn Carr, Carr, Anthony Agyeman, Agyeman, HFA, they've, Agyeman haven't, Airbnb, Brian Chesky, Brendan McDermid, Reuters Carr, Thomas Hunker, Hunker, Wessel Botes, Megan Shears, Shears, It's, Kathy, she'd, copywriters, couldn't, who'd, Collin Ballard, Collin Ballard Ballard, Ballard, lister, HFA's, Agyeman's Wealthway, Wealthway, David Levine, he's, Levine, Levine didn't Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, Justice Department, FTC, CNBC, Inc, New York Stock Exchange, Reuters, Agyeman, Investors, Google, HFA, MGM, Dallas, North Locations: hustles, Covid, New York City, New York, Airbnb, HFA, Texas, Instagram, Fort Myers, Sanibel, Las Vegas, Dallas, U.S, Agyeman, Florida, North America, Botes

☆ AI might be reading your Slack messages: 'A lot of this becomes thought crime'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Hayden Field | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Aware's analytics tool — the one that monitors employee sentiment and toxicity — doesn't have the ability to flag individual employee names, according to Schumann. Speaking broadly about employee surveillance AI rather than Aware's technology specifically, Williams told CNBC: "A lot of this becomes thought crime." When including other types of content being shared, such as images and videos, Aware's analytics AI analyzes more than 100 million pieces of content every day. "It's always tracking real-time employee sentiment, and it's always tracking real-time toxicity," Schumann said of the analytics tool. Amba Kak, executive director of the AI Now Institute at New York University, worries about using AI to help determine what's considered risky behavior.

Persons: George Orwell, there's, Slack, Jeff Schumann, Schumann, Jutta Williams, Williams, chatbot, he's, Orwell, Rather, Amba Kak, Kak, they're Organizations: Istock, Microsoft, U.S, Walmart, Delta Air Lines, Mobile, Chevron, Starbucks, Nestle, AstraZeneca, CNBC didn't, Delta, CNBC, Humane Intelligence, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Nationwide, CBS, Meta, New York University, Federal Trade Commission, Justice Department, Opportunity Commission Locations: Columbus , Ohio, Chevron, United States, Slack

☆ ‘A false sense of security’: Experts say delta-8 THC products can still be dangerous
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Delta-8 THC, or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. To make delta-8 products, scientists typically make synthetic versions in the lab. Unlike regulated medical products like acetaminophen, which must have uniform ingredients and doses, the contents of delta-8 products vary from product to product — sometimes even from batch to batch. She also encourages people who buy delta-8 products to store them safely so children can’t get to them. Until there are more regulations on the products, experts said, poison centers will still get calls about delta-8 and other cannabis products.

Persons: Daniel Kruger, ’ ”, can’t, Kait Brown, ” Brown, Brown, ’ ” Brown, Kruger, Cassidy LoParco, aren’t, LoParco, They’ve, ” LoParco, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, “, you’re, ” Kruger Organizations: CNN, Centers, Jacobs School of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New, US Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission, George Washington University, National Cannabis Industry Association, Delta, HHC, CNN Health Locations: State University of New York

☆ One of Wall Street's favorite ways to control workers is under attack
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Cheryl Winokur Munk | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

One of Wall Street's favorite employee leverage tactics — non-compete agreements — is facing a major threat, and there could be far-reaching implications for how the financial industry does business. But it's also clear that Wall Street firms are under particular attention for the practice. With major Wall Street firms already having among the most unpopular back-to-work policies in the market, "Wall Street is already in a position where they are recognizing they don't have all the hands they had before," Chamberlin said. Shore recommends Wall Street firms undertake a thorough competitive analysis at every level in every department to ensure they are market competitive. Even if the FTC rule goes through, Wall Street firms still have options to protect their business.

Persons: Charles Scharf, Wells, Brian Thomas Moynihan, Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase, Jane Fraser, Ronald O’Hanley, Robin Vince, BNY Mellon, David Solomon, Goldman Sachs, James Gorman, Morgan Stanley, General Mills, —, Wall, it's, Kathy Hochul, that's, Covid, Laurie Chamberlin, Chamberlin, Lina Khan's, Khan, It's, David Fisher, Gilbert, Fisher, Juan A, Crowell, Arteaga, Paul Webster, Matt Shore, Kareem Bakr, Webster, Leslie John, Ballard Spahr, John Organizations: Company, Bank of America, JPMorgan, Citigroup, BNY, Google, Apple, Pfizer, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, Procter, Gamble, Nike, Economic, Institute, Federal Trade Commission, North America, American College of Emergency Physicians, Davis, FTC, Supreme, Industry, Moring, Wall, Phaidon International, Wall Street Locations: Wells Fargo, Hart, Washington ,, New York, . California, U.S, Gilbert . Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts

☆ Zyn is selling their nicotine pouches like hotcakes
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Move over vapes, Americans appear to have a new addiction: Zyn, a tobacco-free nicotine pouch product, that has exploded in sales over the past year. Philip Morris announced Thursday that it shipped about 350 million cans of Zyn in 2023, a whopping 62% growth compared to the previous year. Nicotine is very addictive and can harm young people’s developing brains, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, like Juul, the popularity and growth of Zyn might face difficulties, in particular from US government. “Zyn is the next battle.”Despite the growth, shares of Phillip Morris declined 2% in early trading because of lower demand for cigarettes.

Persons: Philip Morris, Chuck Schumer, Zyn, “, ” Schumer, “ Zyn, ”, Phillip Morris, Jacek Olczak, ” Olczak, CNN’s Carma Hassan Organizations: New, New York CNN, Marlboro, US Centers for Disease Control, FDA, Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration, Tobacco, Swedish Locations: New York, vapes, Marlboro

☆ AI researcher Joy Buolamwini cautions that if AI systems fail people of color, they fail humanity
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Monica Melton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

We’re growing some teeth as to what can be done with AI, but we also see where there’s progress, there’s attack. One of the things I like to point out with AI systems is that if your AI systems fail on people of color, you don’t have a robust system. If your AI doesn’t work on the global majority, if your AI doesn’t work for women, if your AI doesn’t work for people with disabilities, once you start expanding all of the areas we’re talking about, it comes to your AI doesn’t work for humanity. To me, that’s a proactive approach of saying, how do we build consumer AI technology in a way that’s more ethical? I was talking to Sam Altman about the climate impact of AI, especially these large language models and generative AI systems.

Persons: Joe Biden, Joy Buolamwini, Buolamwini, It’s, ”, we’ve, it’s, I’ve, there’s, We’ve, you’re, aren’t, Simone Biles, Biden, Sam Altman, Olay, we’re, There’s, We’re, that’s Organizations: Service, League, Business, Federal Trade Commission, Procter, Gamble, Big Tech Locations: Davos

A combination of inflation, increased interest rates, and the end of pandemic-tied relief, such as the moratorium on student loan payments, has led to record credit card debt, experts say. A recent report from credit rating company Moody’s found credit card delinquencies are now well above 2019, or pre-pandemic levels. If you're facing increased credit card debt, while feeling the ongoing effects of inflation, here's what to consider:ASK FOR A RATE CUTPhotos You Should See View All 45 ImagesOne of the first things you should do is ask your credit card company to lower your rates. While the Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that its first interest rate cut is likely months away, the average credit card interest rate is already far and away higher than the rate set by the Fed. PAY OFF HIGHER-INTEREST DEBT FIRSTKnown as the “avalanche approach,” paying off debt that accumulates interest more quickly will always be more efficient than paying off lower-interest debt first.

Persons: Moody’s, Silvio Tavares, ”, Kia McCallister, Charles Schwab Organizations: —, Federal Reserve, ASK, Fed, National Foundation, Credit, nfcc.org, Federal Trade, Public, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Federation of America, America, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: realtor.com

☆ Satya Nadella's first decade as Microsoft CEO was defined by cloud. What's next?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Jordan Novet | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Jason Redmond | AFP | Getty ImagesWhen Satya Nadella replaced Steve Ballmer as Microsoft CEO in February 2014, the software company was mired in mediocrity. Many tech industry analysts and investors would say that, thanks largely to Nadella, Microsoft is now set up to be a powerhouse for the foreseeable future. In a 2020 interview, Pat Gelsinger, then CEO of VMware, said offering his company's software on Microsoft's Azure cloud was akin to a "Middle East peace treaty." Nadella is perhaps best known in the tech industry for pushing Microsoft deeper into cloud computing. While some in the younger generations have Microsoft software at work, it's not necessarily what they grew up using and may not be what they prefer.

Persons: Satya Nadella, Bing, Jason Redmond, Steve Ballmer, Aravind Srinivas, Jeff Bezos, Nadella, Aaron Levie, Levie, Larry Ellison, David Paul Morris, Pat Gelsinger, Michael Nathan, Nathan, he'd, He's, Nat Friedman, Friedman, Kevork Djansezian, Ballmer, Kevin Dallas, I've, Dallas, it's, Gen Z, OpenAI's, Commission's Lina Khan, Sam Altman, Altman, OpenAI isn't, hasn't, Jefferies Organizations: Microsoft, AFP, Getty, Apple, Google, Amazon, Oracle Corp, Oracle, Bloomberg, VMware, Intel, Linux, Ballmer, Los Angeles Clippers, Microsoft Corp, Nokia, Activision Blizzard, Adobe, Activision, Federal, U.S . Justice Department, CNBC Locations: Redmond , Washington, San Francisco, Microsoft's, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles , California, U.S, Europe

Still, it posted a healthy adjusted profit and the company raised its quarterly dividend. Exxon earned $7.63 billion, or $1.91 per share, for the quarter. Chevron also reported its financial results Friday, posting a fourth-quarter adjusted profit of $3.45 per share on revenue of $47.18 billion. Wall Street was calling for a profit of $3.29 per share on revenue of $52.59 billion. On Thursday, Shell plc reported an adjusted profit of $2.22 for the fourth quarter, with revenue totaling $80.13 billion.

Persons: Chevron, “ Organizations: Exxon Mobil's, Revenue, Zacks Investment Research, Exxon, Denbury Resources, Natural Resources, Federal Trade Commission, Hess Corp, Chevron, Shell plc, Analysts, Hamas, U.S Energy Information Administration Locations: California, , Texas, premarket, San Ramon , California, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Israel

☆ F.T.C. Warns Dozens of Funeral Homes to Provide Accurate Costs to Callers
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Ann Carrns | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The Federal Trade Commission said its first “undercover phone sweep” of funeral homes across the country had found that dozens didn’t accurately disclose costs for services to callers. Of the more than 250 funeral businesses F.T.C. employees called, 38 either didn’t answer questions about prices or supplied inconsistent prices for identical services, the commission said. The 39 funeral homes received warning letters in January that they had failed to comply with a law known as the Funeral Rule. enforces the rule, which outlines protections for consumers shopping for funeral services.

Organizations: Federal Trade Commission

Zuckerberg has accumulated a long history of public apologies, often issued in the wake of crisis or when Facebook users rose up against unannounced — and frequently unappreciated — changes in its service. Whether or not the public always buys his apologies, there's little doubt that Zuckerberg finds it important to make them himself. BLINDED BY BEACONPhotos You Should See View All 45 ImagesFacebook's first big privacy blow-up entailed a service called Beacon, which the platform launched in 2007. VR TOUR OF A DISASTER ZONEZuckerberg's fascination with virtual reality long predated his decision to rename the company Facebook as Meta Platforms. That data was reportedly used to target voters during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign that resulted in Trump's election.

Persons: Mark Zuckerberg, “, you've, Meta's, Zuckerberg, it's, Here's, Beacon, — Zuckerberg, “ we’ve, we’ve, who'd, ”, Hurricane Maria, Trump's, Steve Bannon Organizations: FRANCISCO, Facebook, TechCrunch, Business, Yorker, Federal Trade, VR, CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA, Cambridge, CNN Locations: It's, Puerto Rico, Hurricane, CAMBRIDGE

☆ Amazon Scraps Deal to Buy Maker of Roomba Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Adam Satariano | More About Adam Satariano | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Amazon said on Monday that it was abandoning plans to buy iRobot, the maker of the self-driving Roomba vacuum, after regulators raised concerns the deal would hurt competition. antitrust regulators warned Amazon that they might try to block the deal because it could restrict competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners. The Federal Trade Commission was also scrutinizing the deal. Amazon, which will pay iRobot a $94 million termination fee, said in a statement that “disproportionate regulatory hurdles” caused it to step away from the deal, which was first announced in 2022. IRobot’s products, which also include robotic mops and air purifiers, were to join a growing list of connected home products made by Amazon, including Ring home security systems and Echo smart speakers.

Organizations: Amazon, Foods, MGM Studios, European Union, Federal Trade Commission Locations: E.U

LONDON (AP) — Amazon called off its purchase of robot vacuum maker iRobot on Monday, blaming “undue and disproportionate regulatory hurdles" after the European Union signaled its objection to the deal. The deal faced antitrust scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic, but most strongly in Europe, where regulators investigating competition concerns were expected to issue a final decision by Feb. 14. Amazon announced in 2022 that it would buy iRobot, maker of the circular-shaped Roomba vacuum, for $1.7 billion in cash. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesWhile British antitrust regulators cleared the purchase in June, it also still faced scrutiny in the U.S. by the Federal Trade Commission. This is the latest example of a deal involving U.S. companies that fell apart after facing scrutiny from European regulators.

Persons: iRobot, David Zapolsky, Amazon’s, Colin Angle, Glen Weinstein, Haleluya Hadero Organizations: European Union, Amazon, European Commission, Federal Trade Commission, U.S, Adobe, Biotech, ___ AP Locations: European, Europe, Bedford , Massachusetts, U.S, EU, New York

☆ Roomba maker hit with layoffs as Amazon calls off $1.7 billion cash deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Amazon's announced in 2022 that it would buy iRobot, maker of the circular-shaped Roomba vacuum, for $1.7 billion in cash. Amazon will pay the Bedford, Massachusetts-based company a previously agreed termination fee, which wasn't disclosed in the statement Monday. AdvertisementThe European Commission, the European Union's executive arm and top antitrust enforcer, had informed Amazon last year of its "preliminary view" that the acquisition of the robot vacuum maker would be anticompetitive. Now that the deal has been called off, iRobot said it will undergo a restructuring plan designed to stabilize the company.

Persons: —, Amazon's, wasn't, iRobot, David Zapolsky, Colin Angle, Glen Weinstein Organizations: Service, Business, Amazon, European Commission, Federal Trade Commission Locations: Bedford , Massachusetts, U.S

☆ Amazon and Roomba maker call off acquisition deal, iRobot lays off staff instead
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Jennifer Korn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Amazon and iRobot, the maker of the popular Roomba vacuum, mutually called off their estimated $1.7 billion acquisition deal Monday, citing numerous regulatory hurdles. Amazon (AMZN), which was up about 0.5% in noon trading, will pay iRobot a previously agreed-upon $94 million cancellation fee. IRobot said the restructuring plan, impacting around 350 employees, is intended to save the company up to $150 million. In November, the European Commission said the deal could hamper competition in the robot vacuum sector. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that the European Commission planned to block the deal.

Persons: iRobot, Colin Angle, Glen Weinstein, IRobot, “, ” Andrew Miller, iRobot’s, ” David Zapolsky, Lina Khan, ”, Meta Organizations: CNN, European, Federal Trade, European Union, European Commission, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, Federal Trade Commission, Commission, Amazon . Tech, Adobe, EU, UK, Nvidia, UK’s Competition, Markets Authority, Activision Blizzard, CMA Locations: Europe

☆ House Democrats propose crackdown on fake, AI-generated robocalls
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The number of robocalls placed in the US peaked at around 58.5 billion in 2019, according to estimates by YouMail, a robocall blocking service. For all robocalls, including those Americans have authorized from their bank or doctor’s office, any use of AI would have to be disclosed under the proposed law. But even as officials have gained some ground on unwanted robocalls, those making the calls are increasingly turning to new technologies such as artificial intelligence to stay a step ahead. It would also seek to force phone providers to offer free robocall-blocking services to consumers and require the FCC to maintain a public list of the top 100 illegal robocall campaigns. Other Democratic co-sponsors of the legislation include Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky, California Rep. Doris Matsui, Florida Rep. Darren Soto and Illinois Rep. Eric Sorensen.

Persons: Joe Biden, Frank Pallone, Pallone, ” Pallone, Jan Schakowsky, Doris Matsui, Darren Soto, Eric Sorensen Organizations: Washington CNN, House Democrats, New, New Hampshire voters, YouMail, CNN, House Energy, Commerce, Federal Communications Commission, Regulators, Industry, FCC, Federal Trade Commission, Democratic, Illinois, California Rep Locations: New Hampshire, California, Florida

☆ FTC fines Kubota $2 million in largest ever 'Made in the USA' penalty
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Chelsey Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission on Friday announced that it fined Kubota, one of the world's largest tractor manufacturing companies, $2 million for mislabeling some of its replacement parts as "Made in the USA." "Today's settlement includes the largest civil penalty assessed for violating the Made in USA Labeling Rule," said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "The FTC will continue cracking down on deceptive Made in USA claims that cheat consumers and honest businesses." Kubota said in a statement that it "cooperated fully with the FTC" and is voluntarily addressing its concerns. "All parts in this matter sold to customers since 2021 were produced by approved Kubota suppliers, and Kubota continues to stand behind these parts as 'Kubota Genuine Parts,'" the company said.

Persons: WASHINGTON, Kubota, Samuel Levine, Ran Reske Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer, FTC, Kubota North America Corporation, U.S, Established, Dallas Morning News Locations: USA, FTC's, Dallas, U.S, Japan, Southern California

☆ The NSA buys Americans’ internet data, newly released documents show
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Washington CNN —The National Security Agency has been buying Americans’ web browsing data from commercial data brokers without warrants, intelligence officials disclosed in documents made public by a US senator Thursday. The purchases involve what Nakasone described as netflow data, or the technical information generated by devices as they use the internet. Nakasone added that the NSA does not purchase cellphone location data of Americans or location data generated by automotive infotainment systems in the United States. “NSA purchases commercially available Netflow data for its cybersecurity mission, to include but not limited to inform the Agency’s collection, analysis, and dissemination of cyber threat intelligence,” an NSA official said. As part of Thursday’s announcement, Wyden wrote a letter to the Biden administration urging it to stop the warrantless surveillance of Americans through the purchases of internet data.

Persons: Oregon Democratic Sen, Ron Wyden, Biden, ”, Paul Nakasone, Wyden, Nakasone, “, Ronald Moultrie, Allison Nixon, ” Nixon, Timothy Haugh, ” Wyden, Avril Haines, Haines, Lina Khan, CNN’s Sean Lyngaas Organizations: Washington CNN, National Security Agency, Oregon Democratic, Pentagon, CNN, The New York Times, NSA, Defense Department, cyberattacks, Defense Intelligence Agency, Federal Trade Commission, InMarket Media, FTC Locations: Oregon, United States, U.S

☆ FTC launches AI inquiry into Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, looking at 'investments and partnerships'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Hayden Field | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 4: Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan speaks during a discussion on antitrust reforms at the Brookings Institution October 4, 2023 in Washington, DC. Khan assumed the role of FTC chair in June 2021 after being appointed by U.S. President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)The Federal Trade Commission said Thursday it will conduct an extensive study on the artificial intelligence field's biggest heavyweights, including Amazon , Alphabet , Microsoft , Anthropic and OpenAI. FTC Chair Lina Khan announced the inquiry during the agency's tech summit on AI, describing it as a "market inquiry into the investments and partnerships being formed between AI developers and major cloud service providers." "At the FTC, the rapid development and deployment of AI is informing our work across the agency," Khan said.

Persons: Lina Khan, Khan, Joe Biden, Drew Angerer Organizations: Federal Trade, Brookings, U.S, Senate, Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft, FTC, Apple, Facebook, Amazon Locations: WASHINGTON, DC, Washington , DC

☆ Government warns funeral homes to stop misleading bereaved customers about pricing
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The FTC conducted an undercover phone sweep of more than 250 funeral homes, placing calls to obtain pricing information. For 38 calls, the agency said the funeral homes either refused to answer questions about pricing or gave inconsistent information about identical services. Funeral homes have to follow the FTC’s “Funeral Rule,” which provides bereaved consumers rights during the process and holds the business to strict requirements. One of the caveats is that funeral homes must give customers a general price list, and customers have the right to choose which services they want. Funeral homes that don’t comply could pay up to $51,744 per violation.

Persons: ” Lesley Fair Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, National, FTC’s, Consumer Protection Locations: New York, That’s, Laredo , Texas, Philadelphia

☆ Jim Cramer is contemplating selling more of this tech giant after a big rally to record highs
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch audio feature in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Since there's no specific news on the stock moves and it could be that investors were taking some profits after their big runs. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB.

Persons: Jim Cramer, Stocks, Eli Lilly, Estee Lauder, LVMH, Ford, Tesla, Jim, Dupont, it's, Jim Cramer's Organizations: CNBC, Broadcom, Tesla, Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft, Wynn Resorts, Vegas Sands, Macao, ICE, Costco, Dow Inc, Dow, Jim Cramer's Charitable Locations: China, Palo Alto

☆ N.S.A. Buys Americans’ Internet Data Without Warrants, Letter Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Charlie Savage | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The National Security Agency buys certain logs related to Americans’ domestic internet activities from commercial data brokers, according to an unclassified letter by the agency. The letter, addressed to a Democratic senator and obtained by The New York Times, offered few details about the nature of the data other than to stress that it did not include the content of internet communications. Still, the revelation is the latest disclosure to bring to the fore a legal gray zone: Intelligence and law enforcement agencies sometimes purchase potentially sensitive and revealing domestic data from brokers that would require a court order to acquire directly. It comes as the Federal Trade Commission has started cracking down on companies that trade in personal location data that was gathered from smartphone apps and sold without people’s knowledge and consent about where it would end up and for what purpose it would be used.

Organizations: National Security Agency, Democratic, The New York Times, Intelligence, Federal Trade Commission

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users, marking an end to a feature that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates. In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring said it will sunset the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allows police departments and other public safety agencies to request and receive video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring’s Neighbors app. Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said in the announcement that law enforcement agencies will still be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. In a bid to increase transparency, Ring changed its policy in 2021 to make police requests publicly visible through its Neighbors app. Ring also maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances.

Persons: Ring, Eric Kuhn, ” Kuhn, Matthew Guariglia Organizations: . Police, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Federal Trade Commission Locations: Guariglia

☆ A 61-year-old man sues Macy's, saying he was jailed and assaulted after being falsely identified as a store robber by facial recognition
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewA 61-year-old man is suing Macy's and the parent company of Sunglass Hut over the use of facial recognition tech that mistook him for an armed robber. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementThe use of facial recognition technology in retail stores has come under growing scrutiny in recent years and fuelled fears that it may lead to more cases of mistaken arrests . Macy's and EssilorLuxottica did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Persons: —, Macy's, Harvey Murphy Jr, , Murphy, EssilorLuxottica Organizations: Service, Business, Washington Post, Federal Trade Commission Locations: Sunglass, Macy's, Sacramento

☆ Scammers can use AI tools to clone the voices of you and your family—how to protect yourself
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A robocall impersonating President Joe Biden urged New Hampshire voters not to participate in Tuesday's presidential primary — and it probably won't be the last AI voice scam this election season. "Of course, this will be used by foreign nation states just like the trolling farms they already have. "These messages appear to be an unlawful attempt to disrupt the New Hampshire Presidential Primary Election and to suppress New Hampshire voters." Thanks to the rapid development of the type of AI technology used to clone and mimic people's voices, these types of AI-powered schemes are becoming more common — and scammers aren't just spoofing well-known public figures. In March, the Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer alert warning people that scammers could target them by using AI technology to clone the voice of a family member in order to convince them to send the scammers money.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden's, Biden, scammers Organizations: New, CNBC, NBC News, New Hampshire voters, Federal Trade Commission Locations: New Hampshire

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