Alexa just cost Amazon another $46.7 million
"Alexus" voice assistant demoed 6 months before Alexa reveal, patent lawsuit said.
Policy // Civilization & Discontents
Apple discriminated against US citizens in hiring, DOJ says
Apple deterred US citizens from positions open to foreign workers, DOJ found.
Starlink bug frustrates users: “They don’t have tech support? Just a FAQ? WTF?”
Users locked out of accounts can't submit tickets, and there's no phone number.
Five big carmakers beat lawsuits alleging infotainment systems invade privacy
Cars downloading text messages from phones doesn't violate state privacy law.
Google, Meta, TikTok defeat Austria’s plan to combat hate speech
First batch of EU's required transparency reports reveals record content removals.
EU regulator says Apple should be on hook for €14.3 billion tax bill
Long-running tax saga part of clampdown on sweetheart tax deals in Europe.
AirTags are the new go-to tool for cops after spike in car thefts
TikTok car theft trend led cops to give out free AirTags, police chief said.
Internet providers say the FCC should not investigate broadband prices
ISPs say anti-discrimination rule should cover only deployment, not prices.
Consumer Finance Protection Bureau wants to regulate Venmo, Apple Cash like banks
Digital wallets and payment applications would be affected by move.
Data broker’s “staggering” sale of sensitive info exposed in unsealed FTC filing
Judge: Data broker’s motion to sanction FTC “long on hyperbole, short on facts.”
After big drop in ISP competition, Canada mandates fiber-network sharing
Bell claims it will cut fiber spending by $1 billion in protest of CRTC ruling.
100+ researchers say they stopped studying X, fearing Elon Musk might sue them
Affected studies were tracking hate speech, child safety, and misinformation.
Google ends deal to build 15,000 Bay Area homes due to “market conditions”
15,000-home plan in limbo as Google ends contract with builder after four years.
Artists may “poison” AI models before Copyright Office can issue guidance
Copyright Office to recommend protections for works used to train AI in 2024.
Elon Musk tries to avoid testifying in Twitter-stock probe, asks court for help
Musk urges court to block subpoena, claims SEC is politically motivated.
