The European Union levied a €500 million fine against Apple for restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper, external subscription options and a €200 million fine against Meta for its “consent or pay” data usage model. These penalties, the first under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, target practices deemed anti-competitive. Both companies are expected to appeal. The fines stem from investigations into violations of the DMA’s regulations designed to ensure fair competition among large tech companies.
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At US antitrust trial, Meta’s Zuckerberg admits he bought Instagram because it was ‘better’ – a statement that, while seemingly straightforward, reveals a complex issue at the heart of modern tech monopolies. The admission itself isn’t particularly surprising; people frequently acquire things they perceive as superior. It’s the context – a courtroom setting within an antitrust trial – that elevates the significance of his words. The implication is that competition, a cornerstone of a healthy market, was directly addressed not through innovation or improvement of existing products, but through acquisition and absorption.
This acquisition wasn’t simply about upgrading Facebook’s capabilities; it was about neutralizing a competitor.… Continue reading
A US court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing Sarah Wynn-Williams, former Facebook global public policy director, from promoting her critical memoir, *Careless People*. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, claims the book contains false and defamatory statements, while Wynn-Williams’ publisher, Macmillan, asserts her right to free speech. The order, issued by the American Arbitration Association, prohibits further distribution and requires retraction of previous disparaging comments. Wynn-Williams’ book details her seven years at Facebook, including allegations of collaboration with the Chinese government and investor misleading, claims Meta denies.
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Trump’s announcement to double tariffs on Canadian metals to 50% is causing a significant uproar. This drastic move, scheduled to take effect the following morning, is poised to dramatically escalate existing trade tensions between the US and Canada. The stated justification centers on Canada’s imposition of a surcharge on electricity exports to the US. This, according to the announcement, necessitates retaliatory measures.
The potential economic consequences are far-reaching and unsettling. The 50% tariff on steel and aluminum will undoubtedly impact American industries heavily reliant on these Canadian imports, leading to increased production costs and potentially impacting job security. The ripple effect would be felt across numerous sectors, from construction and manufacturing to the automotive industry.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood