Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has come to a “comprehensive settlement” with Google, which may mark the end of a legal dispute lasting five years regarding Google’s Play Store for Android applications, as stated in joint legal filings by both parties.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, hailed the settlement as a “fantastic offer” in a post on social media.
In documents submitted on Tuesday to the federal court in San Francisco, both Google and Epic Games noted that the settlement “enables the parties to set aside their differences while fostering a more dynamic and competitive Android environment for users and developers.”
Epic secured a significant legal victory over Google earlier this summer when a federal appeals court upheld a jury’s verdict declaring the Android app store an illegal monopoly. The unanimous decision opens the door for federal judges to potentially mandate substantial restructuring to enhance consumer choices.
While the specific settlement terms remain confidential and require approval from U.S. District Judge James Donato, both companies provided an overview of the agreement in their joint filing. A public hearing is set for Thursday.
The settlement appears to align closely with the October 2024 ruling by Donato, which directed Google to dismantle barriers that protect the Android app store from competition. It also includes a provision requiring the company’s app stores to support the distribution of competing third-party app stores, allowing users to download apps freely.
Google had aimed to reverse these decisions through appeal, but the ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in July posed a significant challenge to the tech giant, which is now facing three separate antitrust cases that could impact various aspects of its internet operations.
In 2020, Epic Games launched a lawsuit against both Google’s Play Store and Apple’s iPhone App Store, seeking to bypass proprietary payment processing systems that impose fees ranging from 15% to 30% on in-app transactions. The proposed settlement put forth on Tuesday aims to decrease those fees to a range between 9% and 20%, depending on the specific agreement.
An artificial intelligence company based in London has achieved a significant victory in a High Court case that scrutinized the legality of an AI model using extensive copyrighted data without authorization.
Stability AI, led by Oscar-winning Avatar director James Cameron, successfully defended itself against allegations from Getty Images, claiming that it infringed on the international photography agency’s copyright.
This ruling is seen as a setback for copyright holders’ exclusive rights to benefit from their creations. Rebecca Newman, a legal director at Addleshaw Goddard, cautioned that it suggests “the UK derivative copyright system is inadequate to protect creators”.
There was evidence indicating that Getty Images were utilized in training Stability’s model, which enables users to generate images via text prompts. In certain instances, Stability was also found to violate Getty’s trademarks.
Judge Joanna Smith remarked that determining the balance between the interests of the creative industries and AI sectors holds “real social significance.” However, she could only address relatively limited claims as Getty had to withdraw parts of its case during the trial this summer.
Getty Images initiated legal action against Stability AI for violations of its intellectual property rights, claiming the AI company scraped and replicated millions of images with “complete indifference to the content of the training data.”
This ruling comes amid ongoing debates about how the Labour government should legislate on copyright and AI matters, with artists and authors like Elton John, Kate Bush, Dua Lipa, and Kazuo Ishiguro advocating for protections. In contrast, tech firms are seeking broader access to copyrighted material to develop more powerful generative AI systems.
The government is conducting a consultation regarding copyright and AI, stating: “The uncertainty surrounding the copyright framework is hindering the growth of both the AI and creative sectors. This situation must not persist.”
Lawyers at Mishcon de Reya, pursuing this matter, are contemplating introducing a “text and data mining exception” to the UK copyright law, which would enable copyrighted works to be utilized for training AI models unless rights holders opt-out.
Due to a lack of evidence indicating that the training took place in the UK, Getty was compelled to retract its original copyright claim. Nevertheless, the company proceeded with its lawsuit, asserting that Stability continues to use copies of visual assets, which it describes as the “lifeblood” of its business. The lawsuit alleges trademark infringement and “spoofing,” as some generated images bore Getty’s watermark.
Highlighting the complexities of AI copyright litigation, the group essentially argued that Stability’s image generation model, known as Stable Diffusion, constitutes an infringing copy, as its creation would represent copyright infringement if produced in the UK.
The judge determined that “AI models like Stable Diffusion that do not (and never have) stored or reproduced copyrighted works are not ‘infringing copies.'” She declined to adjudicate on the misrepresentation claims but ruled in favor of some of Getty’s trademark infringement claims regarding the watermark.
In a statement, Getty Images remarked: “We are profoundly worried that even well-resourced organizations like Getty Images face considerable challenges in safeguarding creative works due to the absence of transparency requirements. We have invested millions with one provider alone, but we must continue our pursuit elsewhere.”
“We urge governments, including the UK, to establish more robust transparency regulations. This is crucial to avoid expensive legal disputes and ensure creators can uphold their rights.”
Stability AI’s General Counsel, Christian Dowell, stated, “We are pleased with the court’s ruling on the remaining claims in this case. Although Getty’s decision to voluntarily withdraw most of the copyright claims at the trial’s conclusion left the court with only a fraction of the claims, this final decision addresses the core copyright issues. We appreciate the time and effort the court has dedicated to resolving the significant matters in this case.”
The UK government has accessed customer information and intensified its dispute with Apple by requesting a backdoor to the cloud storage services of high-tech companies.
Previously, the Home Office sought access to data tied to Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) services uploaded by users globally, leading to tensions with the White House.
On Wednesday, The Financial Times reported that the government has introduced a new access order known as the Technical Capacity Notice (TCN), which aims to gain access to encrypted cloud backups for UK citizens.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs noted that the department does not comment on operational matters such as “confirming or denying the presence of such notices.” The spokesperson added: “We will always take all necessary actions at the national level to ensure the safety of our British citizens.”
In February, Apple withdrew ADP for new UK users, advising that existing users would need to deactivate security features in the future. Messaging services such as iMessage and FaceTime continue to be end-to-end encrypted by default.
Tulsi Gabbard, director of US national intelligence, mentioned that the UK had backed down in August by insisting on access to US customer data. Donald Trump characterized the demand for access as “what you hear is China.”
While Apple did not directly address the FT report, it expressed regret over its inability to provide ADP (an optional additional layer) to UK customers, stating it would “never” implement backdoors in its products.
“Apple remains dedicated to delivering the highest level of security for personal data, and we hope to achieve this in the UK in the future. As I’ve reiterated many times, we’ve never created a backdoor or a master key for any product or service.”
Apple has challenged the initial TCN via the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, questioning whether the national intelligence agency acted unlawfully. The Home Office had attempted to keep the case’s details confidential, but after a ruling in April, it was confirmed that Apple’s appeal resulted in some information being released for the first time.
However, the specifics of the TCN remain undisclosed, and recipients of such notices are prohibited from revealing their existence under investigatory rights. The FT indicates that the original TCN is “not limited to” data stored under the ADP, suggesting the UK government seeks access to fundamental and widespread iCloud services.
The ADP service employs end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only account holders can decrypt files like documents and photos, leaving no one else, including Apple, with that capability.
Privacy International, the organization that initiated a legal challenge against the first TCN, remarked that this new order “may pose as significant a threat as the previous ones.” It noted that if Apple is compelled to compromise end-to-end encryption in the UK, it would create vulnerabilities affecting all users by undermining the entire system.
“Such vulnerabilities could be exploited by hostile states, criminals, and other malevolent entities across the globe,” the organization stated.
A little-known treaty that impacts millions of Americans and Canadians is currently entangled in the tariff dispute between the US and Canada.
This 60-year-old agreement regulates the waters flowing through the Columbia River, which extends from British Columbia to Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, and serves as the largest source of hydropower in the United States. However, parts of the treaty were set to expire during the presidential election in the US.
Negotiators were merely weeks away from finalizing the details of the treaty’s renewal when President Joseph R. Biden Jr. concluded his term. Subsequently, a decade’s worth of discussions faltered due to President Trump’s antagonism towards Canada, as he labeled Canada the “51st province,” imposed tariffs on Canadian exports, and referred to the water supply as a “major faucet.”
During a heated February call with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump brought the treaty into the conversation, suggesting Canada had exploited the United States. The implications were evident—it could become a leverage point in broader discussions aimed at redefining relations between the two nations.
Last week, at a White House meeting, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump avoided confrontation. However, the Trump administration perceives negotiations as being precariously balanced, even over treaties that are mutually beneficial. The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies has cast a shadow over the future of the Pacific Northwest, heightening concerns about issues ranging from electricity supply to flood management.
Fueled by the internet and AI, data centers are leveraging the Columbia River’s hydroelectric power. A local dam supports the Twilight Soccer Game at Riverfront Parks, while irrigation from the reservoir nurtures the sprawling acres of Pink Women and Gala Apple gardens. Coordinated dam operations are crucial in preventing flooding, particularly in areas like Portland, Oregon.
Trump’s comments have resonated negatively with Canadians, who have long feared that the US seeks to exploit its natural resources, especially water. “They want our land, resources, and water,” Carney repeatedly emphasized during his term.
“Canadians experience a sense of betrayal,” Jay Inslee, former governor of Washington, remarked in an interview. The treaty interweaves a complex tapestry of cultural and economic interests. “Negotiating this is not straightforward,” Inslee added.
A spokesperson from British Columbia reported that there has been “no progress whatsoever” since the US State Department suspended negotiations in the broader context of reviewing international commitments. State Energy Minister Adrian Dix told nearly 600 attendees at a virtual town hall in March, “It sounds like a strange representation of the current situation.”
Dix noted that locals approached him in Save-on-Food markets, questioning whether Canada should exit the treaty altogether. “For residents in the Columbia Basin, this is intrinsic,” he stated. “It’s part of their lives, history, and identity.”
If the agreement collapses, the US anticipates it will be “more challenging to manage and predict” hydroelectric output to mitigate flooding in the Pacific Northwest, according to a nonpartisan Congressional report. It is projected that the region’s electricity demand may double within the next two decades, as anticipated by the Interstate Electricity Council.
The State Department has opted not to comment.
The origins of the treaty trace back to the events of 1948, following the Great Spring rains when the 15-foot wall of Vanport, Oregon—home to thousands of shipyard workers during World War II—collapsed. The calamity left 18,000 homeless and catalyzed negotiations with Canada to improve management of the Columbia River.
On one of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration days, he ratified the Columbia River Treaty. This agreement exchanged commitments: Canada consented to construct multiple dams to manage flood control for the US, while the US agreed to provide Canada half of the extra electricity generated from the jointly managed river flows.
The original treaty came into effect in the autumn of 1964, with some provisions expiring 60 years later.
Discussions regarding the renewal of the treaty before it lapses in 2024 began during Trump’s first term. Biden temporarily halted them before resuming. In March 2023, the complete congressional delegation from the Pacific Northwest urged the President to expedite the negotiation process. Following a slow start, the US and Canada unveiled a preliminary outline of the agreement last summer.
The electricity generated under the initial treaty proved to be significantly more valuable than originally anticipated, bringing in around $300 million annually to Canada. This surplus prompted Canada to sell extensive amounts of power to the US, causing frustration among US utilities.
The updated agreement aims to reduce Canada’s share by about half over time, allowing the US to retain more electricity amid growing energy demands.
The Columbia River’s cheap and clean hydroelectric power has attracted high-tech companies intent on establishing data centers over the last two decades.
“The nation must recognize the significance of the Pacific Northwest in its burgeoning energy landscape,” stated David Kennedy, a scholar of local history at Stanford.
In the renewed treaty, Canada has decreased the obligation to maintain water storage for flood management, allowing for better prioritization of local communities and ecosystems around the reservoir. The original agreement led to drastic water level fluctuations that exposed extensive land when snowmelt resulted in lower levels.
“Each year, this exposed ground causes severe dust issues,” recounted a resident near Valemount, British Columbia, during the town hall.
The new plan aims to stabilize reservoir levels, enabling Canada to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and enhance recreational opportunities.
Indigenous tribes were consulted during negotiations, but the initial treaty did not address the destruction of fishing grounds and towns due to dam constructions.
Jay Johnson, a negotiator for the Syilx Okanagan Nation, mentioned during the virtual town hall that tribes on both sides of the border have united to restore salmon migration. The updated framework includes provisions for excess water during dry periods, vital for salmon survival, especially considering climate change.
In the fall, when certain provisions of the original treaty lapse, the state established a three-year interim agreement, though additional parliamentary funding is still required. Both parties must provide ten years’ notice should they choose to withdraw from the treaty.
“This arrangement benefits individuals on both sides of the border; complications arise without a treaty,” noted Jonathan Wilkinson, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
The next steps remain uncertain. While some individuals involved in the negotiations remain in their positions, Trump has yet to appoint a deputy secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs. The situation is further complicated as Trump seeks to trim staff at key federal agencies involved in treaty discussions, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Power Administration.
With negotiations in limbo, stakeholders involved in the discussions remain hopeful for a resolution on the renewed treaty.
Barbara Kossense, a law professor at the University of Idaho, emphasized that while the Trump administration may not prioritize salmon habitats or Indigenous involvement, Canada does. Water can flow downstream, but salmon swim upstream, and the US could benefit from adhering to environmental provisions, Kossense asserted.
Additionally, supporters highlight years of bipartisan backing from Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, a leading Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Jim Lisch of Idaho, Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“There will be unanimous agreement on this, irrespective of party lines,” declared Scott Sims, chief executive of the Public Power Council, which represents consumer-owned utilities in the region.
The stakes are tangible. In 1996, following heavy snowfall, a storm known as the Pineapple Express unleashed heavy rainfall in the Portland area, causing significant flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers worked diligently for several days, operating over 60 dams within the Columbia River System in conjunction with Canadian partners to mitigate flooding issues.
A smaller river in Columbia experienced flooding that resulted in eight casualties. Downtown Portland narrowly avoided disaster thanks to makeshift embankments created from plywood and sandbags.
Ivan Penn Contributed report from Houston Matina Stevis-Gridneff From Toronto.
At first, residents of an upscale cul-de-sac in Westlake Hills, Texas, were unaware of who occupied the 6,900-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion next door.
This changed when construction crews arrived, erecting a 16-foot chain-link fence around the $6 million property. Positioned among four homes on a lush green street, the complex also featured an outward-facing camera. Soon after, a fleet of vehicles, many Tesla models, began to clutter the streets. Security personnel began shifting in and out three times daily. On one occasion, a driver shouted in the middle of the night about seeking a party at “E’s House.”
Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the keypad-controlled gates that frequently opened and closed, causing traffic congestion from workers and vehicles. Even after word spread that their new neighbor was Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, many continued to voice complaints regarding his mansion to the city of Westlake Hills.
The discontent escalated, invoking city ordinances, permits, and exceptions. Musk’s housing dilemma was discussed during a contentious zoning and planning committee meeting last month, with further discussions set for the Westlake Hills City Council session on May 14th.
“We need to stop shuttling service workers to other residences, parking cars on quiet streets, and washing vehicles at other homes,” wrote neighbor and primary complainant Paul Hemmer to the Zoning and Planning Commission. His letter was co-signed by residents from two additional homes on the street.
Over recent months, Musk, 53, has disrupted long-standing conventions while criticizing what he views as unnecessary federal bureaucracy. Yet, in his own backyard near Austin, he faces challenges posed by local regulations and intricate red tape, revealing that no one is immune to neighborhood disputes.
Prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg have experienced similar issues, where disagreements over luxurious properties have tested their wealth and influence. Musk, however, has found himself at odds with local government as he failed to secure permits for the metal gates and fences around his property, which exceeded legal height limits by 10 feet, prompting violations of six city ordinances. Musk’s team later sought retroactive approval following community discontent.
Jim Pledger, one of six commissioners on the Westlake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission, mentioned that he and his colleagues unanimously recommended homeowners refrain from voicing complaints against Musk. “If an exception is made,” Pledger warned, “we’d be inadvertently encouraging rule-breaking.”
Unless the city council votes against this resolution, Musk may face requirements to dismantle the fences and gates and alter them to align with municipal regulations.
Musk did not respond to request for comments, while property managers associated with him refrained from making statements.
Musk’s Texas ventures started relatively recently, moving the operations of several companies from California to the state around 2021. He has established factories for the electric car manufacturer Tesla, the aerospace firm SpaceX, and a tunneling enterprise in Austin and nearby Bastrop.
Additionally, Musk relocated to Austin, initially planning to construct a home for himself and his children on hundreds of acres (he owns at least 13). Afterward, he explored other properties.
In 2022, Musk acquired a Westlake Hills residence through a limited liability company. The home is nestled in a residential area, positioned at the bottom of a sloping two-acre lot adjacent to a narrow public road, complicating security efforts.
“Shouldn’t a castle be on a hill?” remarked Anne Yekel, a longtime Westlake Hills resident living nearby. “These buyers were sophisticated, and if security is the primary concern, this isn’t the right property.”
Musk and his team did not introduce themselves to local residents, and few have encountered him. However, the news of his presence spread quickly within the 3,400-member community.
“It’s common knowledge here,” Yekel noted.
The mansion is one of three properties Musk has purchased in the area over the last three years, forming compounds for his children and their mothers. At one point, Claire Boucher, known as Grimes, resided in the home with Musk and his three children, while his child Shivon Zilis lives about a 10-minute walk away. Musk reportedly purchased another Tuscan-style mansion around a year ago.
Neighbors quickly grew tired of the continuous activity around Musk’s residence, noticing security personnel carrying firearms and an increase in Musk’s heightened security measures. While Texas law permits gun ownership, this level of activity was unexpected.
“I refer to it as Fort Knox,” quipped Hemmer, a retired real estate agent and president of the Neighborhood Homeowners Association, who lives across the street.
The house was tranquil on days when Musk was out of town, and locals noted his frequent absences, especially in recent months, as he advised President Trump. Now, residents are left anticipating Musk’s return, which might mean reduced activities in the capital.
Some neighbors voiced particular frustration about the towering fence at the front and the large metal gates presumably serving as an entrance for staff.
Hemmer, a long-time Tesla owner, grew increasingly frustrated with Musk’s activities and began using drones to monitor the property for any city violations. He formally complained to Westlake Hills officials about various issues, including the fence and the perceived traffic generated by Musk’s security team.
Musk’s security team also contacted the Westlake Hills Police Department regarding Hemmer, as documented in city records. One incident involved a security officer claiming Hemmer was found naked in the street last year.
Hemmer refuted this allegation, stating he was merely wearing black underwear on his property. On another occasion, he explained how he was out walking his dog when he needed to urinate, causing Musk’s camera to capture him in the act.
“The camera caught me,” Hemmer shared. “It’s unsettling to think they’re watching my every move.”
Following Hemmer’s multiple complaints, Westlake Hills officials confirmed that Musk had violated city ordinances regarding the fence and gates. The issue was discussed in the recent planning and zoning committee meeting, focusing on the potential for project diversification.
Before the meeting, Tisha Litta, a licensing expert for Musk’s limited liability company, submitted a letter to the Planning Committee seeking relief from the city’s regulations.
“As high-profile individuals, homeowners face ongoing security threats, making enhanced safety measures crucial,” she wrote. Litta did not return requests for comments.
Hemmer and other residents also wrote to the Planning Commission, cautioning against encouraging “poor behavior” in their otherwise peaceful neighborhood.
For a time, it seemed Musk was on track to triumph in his local disputes. Planning and Zoning officials suggested granting “variances” for his property, which would allow him to keep the fences and make minor modifications. However, at the planning meeting, the commissioners opted against granting Musk any exceptions, questioning Litta about the lack of prior permission for construction.
“I just met the property owners last year, and unfortunately, they were under the guidance of a property manager,” she stated, according to meeting records.
Hemmer also mentioned that he suspected the homeowner might be misleading when he spoke during the meeting.
“If you follow the news, he consistently gets called out for starting projects and only later asking for permission,” he remarked.
One unidentified commissioner expressed disbelief that Westlake Hills staff were advocating for exceptions based on who was making the request.
“It’s astonishing that staff are presenting various recommendations based on who is asking,” she remarked.
Decisions made by the Planning Commission do not finalize the process. Upcoming discussions at the Westlake Hills City Council meeting will determine whether to adhere to the committee’s recommendations regarding Musk’s residence.
Should the city council vote against Musk, he may resort to legal action against the town. If that fails, considering his history with campaigns, there will always be subsequent local elections to anticipate.
On March 11, approximately 50 judges gathered in Washington for a six-month meeting of the Judicial Council, which oversees the administration of federal courts. This meeting marked the first gathering since President Trump assumed office.
Discussions during the meeting focused on staffing levels, long-term planning, and the increasing threats to judges and their safety, according to attendees.
At one session, Judge Richard J. Sullivan, chairman of the conference’s Judicial Security Committee, raised concerns about potential threats to the safety of judges. He highlighted the authority that the US Marshals Service, overseen by the Justice Department, has in judicial security matters. Given the history of former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton having their security stripped by Trump, Judge Sullivan wondered if federal judges could be the next target.
Judge Sullivan, who was appointed by President George W. Bush and later elevated to appeals judge by Trump, emphasized the importance of trusting the head of judicial security amidst uncertainties about potential threats to the federal bench.
While there is no evidence that Trump is considering revoking judges’ security, Judge Sullivan’s remarks highlighted the unease among judges about the agency responsible for their safety ultimately answering to the President through the Attorney General, without sufficient funding to address rising threats.
In a statement, the Marshall Services affirmed their commitment to following all legal orders from federal courts to ensure the protection of judges, jurors, and witnesses. However, concerns have been raised about the frozen court security funds at a time when threats to federal judges are on the rise.
Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr., in a letter to Congress, expressed disappointment that court security funds remain stagnant despite the escalating threats. The total amount spent has seen minimal increase, despite inflation and higher staff salaries.
The former US S’s responsibilities have expanded to include protecting the Supreme Court’s residence in response to growing threats. Concerns about the oversight of Marshall Services have led some to propose transferring control of the agency to the judiciary for better protection of judges.
As the threats to judges continue to increase, some members of Congress are considering legislation to make judicial security more independent. The former US S’s response to court orders and the potential interference from political branches remain critical issues to address for the safety of judges.
Despite the challenges, efforts to reduce Marshall Services to increase efficiency may impact the agency’s ability to fulfill its crucial mission of protecting judges and upholding court orders.
Openai, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, has introduced video generation tools in the UK, highlighting the growing connection between the tech sector and the creative industry in relation to copyright.
Film director Beevan Kidron spoke out about the release of Sora in the UK, noting its impact on the ongoing copyright debate.
Openai, based in San Francisco, has made SORA accessible to UK users who are subscribed to ChatGPT. The tool surprised filmmakers upon its release last year. A halt in studio expansion was triggered by concerns from TV mogul Tyler Perry, who believed the tool could replace physical sets or locations. It was initially launched in the US in December.
Users can utilize SORA to generate videos by inputting simple prompts like requesting scenes of people walking through “beautiful snowy Tokyo City.”
Openai has now introduced SORA in the UK, with reported cases of artists using the tool in the UK and mainland Europe, where it was also released on Friday. One user, Josephine Miller, a 25-year-old British digital artist, created a video using SORA featuring a model adorned in bioluminescent fauna, praising the tool for opening up opportunities for young creatives.
'Biolume': Josephine Miller uses Openai's Sora to create stunning footage – Video
Despite the launch of SORA, Kidron emphasized the significance of the ongoing UK copyright and AI discussions, particularly in light of government proposals permitting AI companies to train their models using copyrighted content.
Kidron raised concerns about the ethical use of copyrighted material to train SORA, pointing out potential violations of terms and conditions if unauthorized content is used. She stressed the importance of upholding copyright laws in the development of AI technologies.
Recent statements from YouTube indicated that using copyrighted material without proper licensing for training AI models like SORA could lead to legal repercussions. The concern remains about the origin and legality of the datasets used to train these AI tools.
The Guardian reported that policymakers are exploring options for offering copyright concessions to certain creative sectors, further highlighting the complex interplay between AI, technology, and copyright laws.
Sora allows users to craft videos ranging from 5 to 20 seconds, with an option to create longer videos. Users can choose from various aesthetic styles like “film noir” and “balloon world” for their clips.
Major technology giants criticized their competitors following Donald Trump’s announcement of significant investments in AI the day before.
President Trump revealed Stargate, a $500 billion initiative funded by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. The announcement featured leaders from both companies: Sam Altman, Larry Ellison, and Masayoshi Son, with Son as the project chairman. A representative from Abu Dhabi’s state-run AI fund MGX, another major investor, was notably absent.
The partnership aims to establish data centers and computing infrastructure crucial for AI development. While the initial investment amount is substantial, estimates suggest that developing AI will require as much funding.
Notably missing from the event was Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, who is also the wealthiest person globally. Despite Musk’s close ties to Trump and rumored office in the White House, he dismissed Stargate as a financial sham the following night.
When OpenAI announced on X (Musk’s social network) that they would immediately deploy $100 billion, Musk countered, stating that they lacked the funds and criticizing SoftBank’s funding of less than $10 billion. Musk, with a net worth of about $430 billion, tweets prolifically on a variety of subjects.
President Trump has yet to respond to Musk’s comments, focusing instead on Melania’s anniversary on his social network, Truth Social.
Musk continued his criticism on Twitter, sharing a leaked image of a research tool supposedly used to calculate Stargate’s $500 billion cost. He spent much of Wednesday afternoon attacking the project.
Sam Altman initially praised Musk’s work but later questioned his motives for criticizing SoftBank. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, responded diplomatically when asked about the situation, emphasizing Microsoft’s plans to invest in Azure.
The tension between Musk and Altman dates back to their history at OpenAI, where Musk eventually parted ways with Altman. The heads of Oracle and SoftBank involved in Stargate have not yet spoken on the matter.
Company X, owned by Elon Musk, has recently updated its terms of service. These changes redirect disputes from users of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter to federal court in Texas. Federal judges in Texas have a reputation for favoring conservative litigants in political cases.
The updated terms state that any legal action against Company X must be filed exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas or the state court in Tarrant County, Texas. This venue clause is a common practice for companies, but it is notable that Company X is located in Bastrop, Texas, which falls under the Western District of Texas.
It is speculated that this choice of venue is related to the political leanings of judges in the Northern District of Texas, which has fewer Republican-appointed judges compared to the Western District. This district is known for conservative activism and has become a preferred destination for lawsuits challenging Joe Biden’s policies, leading some to criticize the tactic as “judge shopping.”
Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, suggested that the new language in the terms of service may be connected to Company X’s recent legal strategy. Elon Musk, known as the world’s richest man, has shown support for conservative causes and was a significant financial backer of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Company X has already filed two lawsuits in the Northern District of Texas, including one against Media Matters for allegedly defaming the platform. Additionally, an antitrust lawsuit has been filed against multiple advertisers for conspiring to boycott and causing revenue loss. These cases are assigned to U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, known for controversial rulings on healthcare and gun control.
Despite concerns over potential conflicts of interest, Judge O’Connor has refused to recuse himself from the cases involving Company X. The federal court in Fort Worth, where the cases are being heard, has only two active judges, with the other judge, Mark Pittman, appointed by President Trump.
The originator of TikTok’s “demure” catchphrase has begun to pay more attention to U.S. trademark law.
Jules Lebron, a social media influencer with over 2 million followers on the platform, skyrocketed to fame by sharing guidance on embodying “modesty,” “kindness,” and “cuteness” in both work and personal life. This trend has picked up steam, leading to collaborations with major brands like Verizon and Netflix featuring Lebron in sponsored content, as well as big-name celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gillian Anderson incorporating the phrase into their own videos.
Recently, Lebron, who is transgender, expressed that the news surrounding her video had a significant impact on her life. A video showing her emotional reaction to this development was shared and then deleted on TikTok, where she disclosed that she had failed to register the trademark in time. According to TMZ, a man named Jefferson Bates from Washington submitted a trademark registration application for a slogan very similar to Lebron’s catchphrase, obviously attempting to capitalize on her success.
In response to this, Raluca Pop, the founder of Hive Social, a social media platform similar to Elon Musk’s X, stepped forward, stating that she had filed an application in California for the phrase “Very Demure Very Cutesy” as a gesture of solidarity with Lebron.
Popp further divulged that she took action after witnessing another individual’s attempt to appropriate Lebron’s words. Not wanting to see Lebron’s catchphrase exploited, Popp decided to secure the trademark and plans to later transfer it to Lebron to ensure she benefits from it.
If Bates’ trademark application receives approval, Lebron may find herself unable to use her catchphrase on any official merchandise or sponsored material in Washington without obtaining a federal trademark. However, trademark lawyers are optimistic that Lebron will be able to defend her rights against Bates’ claim of being “very modest, very considerate…”
Arie Elmanzer, an attorney and the founder of Influencer Legal, a law firm that assists content creators in resolving trademark and contract issues, remarked, “If I were her, I wouldn’t be worried. She was clearly the first to use it, and she should capitalize on it to strengthen her claim as the original creator.”
Elmanzer mentioned that Bates has lodged a $1 billion trademark application, asserting his intention to utilize the trademark. Elmanzer stated, “He claims he’ll use the trademark, but he hasn’t done so yet. This breaches the Trademark Act. When Lebron objects, she can argue that he hasn’t used it, but she has, backed by substantial evidence, providing her with an advantage.”
Additionally, U.S. trademark law grants rights to whoever first uses a mark, not necessarily the first to apply for it. “I have full confidence Revlon could mount a successful defense against this. While pathways exist to secure a trademark, it requires both time and financial investment.”
Kyona McGehee, an attorney and the founder of Trademark My Stuff law firm, emphasized that were she Lebron’s legal counsel, she would promptly issue a cease and desist letter to Bates, demanding withdrawal of his application, asserting full rights to the phrase, and outlining Lebron’s strategy for monetizing the trademark.
McGehee added, “Lebron must file for a federal trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as that grants authority nationwide. Once Lebron secures federal registration, she won’t need anything further on the state level.”
Bates, residing in Washington, appears to have no connection either to Lebron, based in Chicago, or her catchphrase. Legal representatives for both parties speculate that if a restraining order fails to dissuade Bates, they may be embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute. In the meantime, Lebron should exploit her catchphrase however she sees fit.
“Just because she lacks a trademark presently doesn’t mean brands will think twice about incorporating her phrases to capitalize on the current momentum,” McGehee commented.
Lebron, originally from Puerto Rico, is making the most of her newfound stardom. She is engaging in sponsored content for “demure” with the hair care brand K18, teasing a potential collaboration with Netflix, and making an appearance after RuPaul guest-hosted the Jimmy Kimmel Show.
However, her copyright dilemma underscores a recurring issue for content creators whose original work becomes viral only to be leveraged by others for profit. In 2021, Black TikTok creators staged a strike in protest against the lack of credit for their work, highlighting disparities in recognition and treatment compared to white creators on the app.
“There’s a digital gap within minority communities,” McGehee noted. “It’s not a shortage of talent but rather a scarcity of information. Those with better resources and financial capabilities are better equipped to seize trend opportunities. At our firm, we advise clients: Act swiftly and file a trademark application when your work gains traction. In the legal realm, it’s more advantageous to take the offensive than play defense.”
Peppa Pig Play-Along Podcast All episodes available now on Audible The Pig Queen has been an icon to toddlers around the world for 20 years, so it’s about time she entered the world of podcasting. Kids and their parents can enjoy together as Peppa Pig explores big emotions, long drives, and what to do when you’re not tired at bedtime. From the creator of hits like Peace and Harmony, it’s packed with catchy tunes and, of course, some digging into Daddy Pig. Hannah Verdier
Hysterical Wondery+, weekly episodes When a group of girls at an upstate New York school started experiencing convulsions, tremors, and other mysterious symptoms, doctors were baffled. Was it all in their imagination? Or was social media to blame? Now Dan Taberski (Missing Richard Simmons) is investigating the outbreak, which he’s dubbing “mass hysteria,” to uncover links to other unexplained occurrences. HV
Mummy Pig, George Pig, Daddy Pig and, best of all, Peppa Pig will be making their podcast debut. Photo: Everett Collection/Alamy
Pop Culture Debate Club BBC Sounds, weekly episodes If you still miss Call Your Girlfriend, Aminatou Saw’s show puts two pop culture fans head-to-head in a fun debate about important issues. Would you rather spend time with the cast of New Girl or Community? Which is the better sports movie, Space Jam or D2: The Mighty Ducks? Saw has the final say. HV
Coatbridge: The disappearance of Moira Anderson All episodes available now on Audible In 1957, 11-year-old Moira Anderson disappeared during a snowstorm in Coatbridge, a small town near Glasgow. Journalist Rachel Rebes helps Moira’s old neighbour Sandra Brown share her memories. What begins as grief for a missing schoolmate unravels as Brown worries about her own father and discovers a cycle of abuse. HV
The Master: An Indictment Against Neil Gaiman Tortoise, all episodes now available The four-part series reveals the facts that two women have alleged sexual abuse against the author, juxtaposing the accusers’ testimonies, Gaiman’s denials, and conflicting accounts of events (based on consensual relationships) to create a confusing and sometimes difficult story to listen to. Alexi Duggins
There is a podcast
Author and critic Maggie Nelson is a guest on the Commonplace Poetry Podcast. Photo: Deirdre O’Callaghan/The Guardian
this week, Amar Kalia select The 5 Best Poetry PodcastsFrom exploring classic works to the creative secrets of contemporary authors Poetry exchange The easiest way to become familiar with poetry is to listen to it read aloud, analyzed, and explained. Interesting people reading poetry This show does just that, as artists and writers share their favorite poems and briefly discuss their emotional resonance. If you want to dig a little deeper, you can also try this fascinating podcast, where hosts Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaffer first ask their guests to share a meaningful poem, then delve into the poem’s personal meaning and importance to the reader. Hear everyone from actors Brian Cox and Andrew Scott to poet Sarina Godden talk about the power of poetry in everyday life.
commonplace In this long-running series, author Rachel Zucker not only talks about the magic of poetry itself but also interviews poets about their craft and how their everyday encounters influence their creativity. In conversations that can last more than two hours, Zucker offers insight into life and how to navigate it, asking questions about everything from writers’ morning routines to how much sleep they get. Among the poets interviewed are former US presidential candidate Eileen Myles, best-selling author Maggie Nelson, and US Poet Laureate Ada Limon. Perfect for a long journey or a lazy morning, Zucker’s passion for art in all its forms is captivating.
A mouthful of air For an in-depth analysis of a university lecture, check out poet Mark McGuinness’ series, “A Mouthful of Air.” Weaving together interviews with contemporary poets about their work and original explorations of classics such as Chaucer, Emily Dickinson, and D.H. Lawrence, McGuinness doesn’t shy away from textual analysis but rather walks his audience through concepts and teases out myriad meanings from the pages. For a more comprehensive analysis, check out The Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Talk The podcast is also rigorous with roundtable discussions between a group of scholars and writers analyzing classic works and forgotten greats.
Poems that fell off the shelf Focusing on contemporary poetry, this Poetry Foundation series is packed with amazing work by living authors you’ve probably never heard of. Striking the perfect balance of analysis and freewheeling conversation about a writer’s life and inspiration, host Helena De Groot’s episodes include everything from interviews with authors to in-depth reviews of new anthologies to tributes to recently deceased poets. With over 100 episodes to choose from, recommended primers include translator Emily Drumsta’s look at the rhythm of different languages, Hawaiian poet No’u Revilla’s importance of place in one’s work, and Mahogany L Browne’s attempted censorship of the children’s book “Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice.”
Slow down With each episode only five minutes long, The Slowdown has created a genre of its own across 1000 episodes. Combining ASMR relaxation with poetry lessons, the show features a daily reading of a new work by host and poet Major Jackson, accompanied by a brief introduction to the subject. Jackson strays from Western staples to take a broader look at world literature. Read in his soothing baritone, the episodes are incredibly relaxing and meditative, but thankfully, they’re so short they can easily be replayed for fresh insights.
Please try…
From Jameela Jamil to former News of the World editor Andy Coulson, Rylan Clark’s new BBC podcast has some seriously interesting guests. How to get noticed.
The Economist’s new series boom! It examines how the Baby Boomer generation has influenced politics, including the current U.S. presidential election.
With England taking part in the Euro 2024 final this weekend, now’s the perfect time to listen to the Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast, which is turning into Football Daily for the duration of the tournament.
The lawsuit filed by comedian George Carlin’s estate against a comedy podcast that allegedly used artificial intelligence to mimic his voice has been settled. This case marked one of the first legal battles in the United States regarding the use of deepfakes to replicate celebrity personalities.
The Dudesy podcast, created by former Mad TV comedian Will Sasso and author Chad Krutgen, has agreed to remove all episodes from the internet and cease using Carlin’s voice, likeness, or image in any future content. A representative for Sasso, Daniel Dell, declined to comment on the matter.
The settlement was praised by Mr. Carlin’s family and estate attorney, although the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Kelly Carlin, George Carlin’s daughter, expressed her satisfaction with the swift resolution and responsible actions taken by the defendants. She emphasized the need for safeguards against the misuse of AI technology, not only for artists but for everyone.
Following the release of the Dudesy podcast special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad He’s Dead,” the estate filed a lawsuit citing violations of Carlin’s publicity and copyright rights. The foundation claims the podcast is a disrespectful imitation of a renowned American artist’s work.
Despite initial claims that the podcast’s AI character, “Dudesy,” generated the content, it was later clarified that the fake Carlin set was entirely written by Krutgen and not AI-generated. The potential harm of such deepfake content circulating online was highlighted by Carlin’s estate.
The settlement coincides with growing concerns in the entertainment industry over artificial intelligence’s implications. Unauthorized use of generative AI tools and deepfake technology has prompted calls for stricter regulations to protect artists’ rights.
While the legal implications of AI-generated content remain uncertain, the case involving George Carlin’s estate underscores the need for safeguards against misuse of technology. The debate over whether AI-generated imitations qualify as parody under fair use laws is ongoing.
Josh Schiller, an attorney representing Carlin’s estate, emphasized the distinction between AI-generated impersonations and traditional forms of parody. The settlement sets a precedent for future cases involving the misuse of AI technology in creating counterfeit content.
The lifestyle of spinosaurids has been a topic of intense debate since important new skeletal parts were uncovered. Spinosaurus aegyptius Different lifestyles of this species have been proposed in the literature. Some claim that they were more or less semi-aquatic, hunting fish from the edges of bodies of water or by walking or swimming on the surface. Others suggest that it was entirely aquatic and an underwater tracking predator.
A pair of animals that do things better than any animal that has ever evolved. Spinosaurus aegyptius About 95 million years ago, pterosaurs soared overhead on the northern coast of Africa and invaded nearby waters in search of prey. Image credit: Daniel Navarro.
Paleontologists generally agree that Spinosaurus aegyptius were fish-eaters, but how exactly these dinosaurs caught their prey is the subject of active debate, with some researchers suggesting that they hunted on the coast and others walked or swam in shallow water, and other researchers have suggested that it was an aquatic tracking predator.
One recent study used a fairly new statistical method called phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis (pFDA) to analyze the density and proportion of organisms and supported the latter hypothesis. spinosaurus skeleton.
In a new study, University of Chicago professor Paul Sereno and colleagues critically evaluated the methods of previous research and identified significant flaws.
“spinosaurusand its close relatives, are fascinating due to their unusual anatomical features, the rarity of specimens, and the fact that scientists
had not discovered bones in any parts of their bodies until very recently. they stated.
“Unlike other carnivorous dinosaurs, there is strong evidence that it lived near water and ate fish and other aquatic organisms.”
“This has caused a lot of controversy as to how it is done. spinosaurus It was alive—was it a fast-swimming predator chasing fish like a sea lion? Or maybe it’s a predator lurking at the water’s edge, grabbing at you with its clawed hands like a gigantic version of a brown bear chasing a salmon, or poking its head into the water like a seven-ton heron from hell. I wonder if it was? ”
The authors began by asking new questions about bone density, such as how to digitize thin sections, where to slice through the femur and ribs, and whether to include bones from multiple individuals.
Some modern aquatic mammals, like manatees, have dense bones that bulge to help them stay underwater, like a scuba diver’s weight belt.
Large land animals such as elephants and dinosaurs also have dense bones to support their increased weight.
most modern birds and many dinosaurs spinosaurus Air sacs are attached to the inside of the lungs and bones and act like a life jacket to prevent submersion.
Assessing the aquatic abilities of extinct species such as spinosaurus All these factors must be considered.
Given the complexity of understanding the meaning of bone density, paleontologists reevaluated how statistical methods used in previous studies were applied to support the following claims: . spinosaurus It was a deep diver.
pFDA's approach is similar to machine learning, training classification algorithms based on groups of species whose lifestyles are well understood.
In principle, researchers could use algorithms to estimate the likelihood of the existence of poorly understood species such as: spinosaurus classified into some behavioral group.
“But in reality, there are challenges that need to be overcome,” said Intellectual Ventures researcher Nathan Myhrvold.
“Unfortunately, this technique doesn’t work well unless you have a large amount of data and do apples-to-apples comparisons to ensure that the data meets certain statistical assumptions.”
“None of these requirements were met in the previous study, so the results did not stand up to review.”
This new paper should help paleontologists understand the pitfalls of pFDA and other types of extensive statistical analysis and how to avoid them.
Researchers show that it is important to use consistent and objective criteria when deciding which species to include or exclude, and how to categorize their behavior .
The results of this study also demonstrate the importance of considering measurement error and individual differences when assessing bone mineral density.
“We think spinosaurus“As one of the largest predators to have ever evolved, this animal needed extra bone strength to support its weight on its relatively short hind legs,” Professor Sereno said.
“spinosaurus They could walk in channels more than 6 feet deep without floating, and could use their claws and jaws to ambush fish of any size, even while keeping their toes firmly planted in the mud. I stayed. ”
of study It was published in the magazine PLoS ONE.
_____
NP Myhrvold other. 2024. Diving dinosaur? Considerations regarding the use of bone density and pFDA to infer lifestyle. PLoS ONE 19 (3): e0298957; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298957
FTX Trading, a bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, announced on Tuesday a settlement with the liquidators of its Bahamas division, putting an end to a long-standing dispute over the precedence of its U.S. bankruptcy proceedings over its Bahamas liquidation.
FTX and FTX Digital Market have agreed to combine their assets and align their approach to evaluating customer claims to ensure equal treatment of customers in both countries’ bankruptcy processes.
According to FTX, the settlement will allow most customers of FTX.com’s international cryptocurrency exchange to choose whether to seek repayment through U.S. bankruptcy or Bahamian liquidation.
FTX CEO John Ray, who succeeded convicted FTX founder Sam Bankman Fried, stated that the agreement was a significant step in the company’s efforts to reimburse its customers and an important milestone.
“The unique challenges posed by the conflicting filings of FTX Debtor and FTX Digital Market were among the most difficult our team has ever faced,” Ray said in a statement. “However, we initially recognized that we had an overlapping constituency of FTX.com customers.”
Sam Bankman Freed was found guilty in November. AP
Bahamas liquidators Brian Sims and Peter Greaves said in a statement that the agreement would avoid “years of protracted litigation and expense” and “accelerate the return of funds to customers.” Ta.
FTX has been in a dispute with Bahamian authorities since filing for bankruptcy protection on November 11, leaving a hole in its balance sheet and 9 million customers facing potential losses of billions of dollars. FTX sued Bahamian liquidators in March, seeking a judgment that the liquidators wrongly claimed ownership of exchange assets.
CEO John Ray said the deal is an important milestone in the company’s efforts to repay customers. Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
Under the agreement, FTX’s U.S.-based bankruptcy team will lead asset recovery efforts, including the potential sale of the FTX.com exchange or its intellectual property. A Bahamian liquidator is responsible for the sale of Bahamian real estate assets and the pursuit of certain litigation.
The settlement also includes an agreement to treat FTX’s proprietary cryptographic token, FTT, as stock in FTX, which would disappear in the event of FTX’s bankruptcy. The value of FTT tokens was a point of contention between the two sides last year when FTX’s US team claimed that most of the assets seized by liquidators in the Bahamas were worthless FTT tokens.
FTX, which went bankrupt in November 2022, promised to use Repay at least 90% of your assets to your customers. The company plans to repay customers in US dollars rather than cryptocurrencies.
The Supreme Court has ruled that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be legally considered inventors to secure patent rights.
In a ruling on Wednesday, Britain’s highest court said that under current law, “the inventor must be an individual” to apply for a patent.
In a long-term patent dispute, an American engineer artificial intelligence A system he claims to be the inventor of.
The system, called DABUS, invented a food and drink container and a light beacon, according to Dr. Stephen Thaler.
The problem arose in 2019 when he received these patents and tried to list his company’s AI system as an inventor.
His case and subsequent appeal were rejected in the United States, and on Wednesday, after a three-year appeals process, he received a final dismissal of his appeal from Britain’s Supreme Court.
The bottom line of this case is whether you need to be a human being to obtain a patent.
Dr. Saylor’s team argued that the law does not require you to be the person in question to obtain a patent, and that because the artificial intelligence is the owner of the AI, it can apply for patents on its behalf. .
However, the Supreme Court justices unanimously dismissed the case, stating that to be considered an inventor under patent law a person must be a “natural person” and that Dr. Thaler had no idea why he could apply for a patent. He said that he did not state his claim. Instead of AI.
The judges considered the meaning of the term “inventor” in patent law and whether it included machines, but found that Mr. DABUS was not an inventor because only humans can devise inventions. He said he had come to a conclusion.
The judgment does not address whether AI created an invention, only whether AI can be considered an inventor under the Patents Act 1977.
Patents, which provide legal protection, are granted for inventions that are new, nonobvious, and meet a set of requirements.
read more: AI experts sound the alarm as the world prepares for a big election year Boots plans to release “personal shopper” using AI We let AI plan Christmas – here are the results
Patent rights make it illegal for anyone other than the owner or someone authorized by the owner to make, use, import, or sell the invention in the country where the patent was granted.
Dr. Thaler was unsuccessful in his latest attempt to win legal protection for works produced by AI systems.
But as AI is increasingly used as a tool for creativity across society, such debates are likely to become even more common.
The question for policymakers is whether the 1977 Patents Act adequately describes the nature of invention and the role of technology today.
Google today announced that it will pay $700 million in a Play Store settlement reached in September, including $630 million to U.S. consumers and $70 to a fund to be used by U.S. states.
In September, the company reached a tentative settlement in a class action lawsuit originally brought by U.S. states and consumers in 2021. However, the search giant released details of the settlement today.highlighted complaints Google has a monopoly on app distribution on Android Via the Play Store.
In November 2022, Google began piloting a user-choice billing program in the United States, allowing developers to use alternative payment methods for in-app purchases. The company announced today that it will expand its domestic program as part of the settlement. Google says developers will be able to display different costs for in-app purchases based on the billing method a customer chooses.
The company too Said He said the sideloading process will be streamlined, without providing any details about the new process. However, the company emphasized that it plans to change its messaging regarding sideloading.
“While we maintain that it is important to our safety efforts to inform users that sideloading on mobile can carry unique risks, as part of the settlement we will further strengthen the process of sideloading.” We’re simplifying and updating our language to inform users about the potential risks of downloading.”For the first time, apps are available directly from the web,” said Wilson White, vice president of government affairs and public policy at Google. I am.
This development comes as Google lost an antitrust battle with Epic. Google plans to appeal the ruling, reiterating in a blog post today that it “disallows the choice and competition our platform enables,” but the case is “not over yet.”
The trial revealed Google’s dealings with the following companies: spotifythere are no fees for in-app purchases on the Play Store.
European Union regulators are expected to impose a ban on the App Store rules affecting some music streaming services and potentially levy heavy fines on Apple, according to a report by Bloomberg News published on Wednesday.
Based on the report, EU authorities are in the process of finalizing a decision that would prevent Apple from blocking music services that redirect users from the App Store to alternative subscription options, citing sources familiar with the investigation.
An article by Bloomberg suggests that Apple could face fines of up to 10% of its annual revenue. ReutersSpotify alleged that it had to raise monthly subscription prices to offset costs associated with Apple’s App Store regulations. AFP (via Getty Images)
The decision is expected to be announced early next year, with potential fines for Apple amounting to up to 10% of its annual revenue, as reported by Bloomberg.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint from Sweden’s Spotify Technology four years ago, claiming that it was compelled to raise monthly subscription prices due to costs related to Apple’s App Store rules.
Earlier this year, the European Commission filed a complaint against Apple, deeming the conditions to be unnecessary and potentially resulting in increased costs for customers.
The European Commission expressed that the App Store conditions were unnecessary and could lead to higher costs for customers. alamy stock photo
Apple did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, and a spokesperson for the European Commission declined to comment on the matter.
Apple’s stock saw a slight increase in afternoon trading.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
