The EU has found X in violation of the Digital Services Act’s transparency obligations, citing the deceptive design of its blue checkmark, a lack of transparency in its advertising library, and a failure to provide data access for researchers. This marks the conclusion of one segment of the ongoing investigation, with other areas such as content moderation still under review. Unlike X, TikTok avoided a fine after agreeing to modify its service’s design following a similar probe. Companies that comply with EU rules can avoid fines; the DSA allows for penalties up to 6% of global annual turnover, potentially impacting X and its broader corporate structure.
Read More
Starting Saturday, Thailand implemented amended alcohol control laws introducing stringent fines for those consuming alcohol during restricted hours or in prohibited places, with penalties beginning at 10,000 baht. The revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act also tightens advertising restrictions, limiting promotions to factual content and banning celebrity endorsements. Restaurant owners express concerns over the potential negative impact on their businesses due to the consumer-focused enforcement. The law has also drawn criticism, with some arguing the rules could harm tourism and open opportunities for misuse of power.
Read More
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $3.1 million fine against Boeing due to safety violations occurring between September 2023 and February 2024. These violations include those related to the January 2024 Alaska Airlines incident where a door plug panel blew out on a 737 Max 9. The FAA identified hundreds of quality system violations at Boeing’s 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and Spirit AeroSystems’ 737 factory in Wichita, Kansas, along with instances of employees pressuring ODA members. Boeing is reviewing the proposed penalty and stated they are working to improve safety and quality assurance.
Read More
The European Union imposed a €2.95 billion antitrust fine on Google for favoring its own advertising services, alleging the company distorted competition in the EU. The EU Commission accused Google of abusing its dominant position in ad tech, harming publishers, advertisers, and consumers. Brussels ordered Google to end its “self-preferencing practices” and will impose remedies if a viable plan is not presented within 60 days. Google, which has vowed to appeal the decision, has faced multiple fines from the EU for antitrust violations in recent years.
Read More
Les Sables d’Olonne, a French resort town, has implemented fines of up to 150 euros for individuals found walking around “half-naked” outside of designated beach areas. Mayor Yannick Moreau cited respect for locals and hygiene as the primary reasons for the new regulations, which are designed to be enforced by local police. This move follows similar actions in other French towns, such as Arcachon and La Grande-Motte, who have also targeted indecent exposure. This is part of a larger trend, as authorities in cities like Malaga, Spain, have also taken measures to address inappropriate public behavior with corresponding fines.
Read More
A Goodyear, Arizona homeowner is in a dispute with his HOA after being fined for providing free water to neighbors and passersby. The HOA initially cited the homeowner for having a cooler in his driveway, and subsequently issued $100 fines. The homeowner, who says the water is for anyone in need, responded by starting a petition to remove three board members. A special HOA meeting is scheduled to vote on the removal of the board members.
Read More
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.
Read More
Over the past two decades, EU penalties against U.S. tech companies, totaling over $30 billion, have prompted Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to criticize the European Commission’s application of competition rules as akin to a tariff on American businesses. Zuckerberg contends that the U.S. government failed to adequately address this issue, leaving American tech companies vulnerable to EU actions. This criticism follows Meta’s recent €797 million fine for antitrust violations and coincides with the company’s termination of its third-party fact-checking program and DEI initiatives, moves perceived as aligning with a shifting political climate in the U.S. These actions reflect a changing legal and policy landscape impacting Meta’s operations in Europe.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker