Content Policy Archives | Page 188 of 224 | Digital Watch Observatory

Apple’s iPad OS faces EU scrutiny over tech compliance

The European Union’s (EU) antitrust regulators are set to review Apple’s iPad operating system to ensure it aligns with the bloc’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to curb the power of major tech companies. This assessment comes after Apple submitted a compliance report for iPad OS, which the EU had designated as a crucial ‘gateway’ for businesses to reach consumers. Apple’s obligations under the DMA include enabling alternative app stores, allowing users to set their preferred web browser, and supporting third-party device features like headphones and pens.

In a statement, the European Commission confirmed that it would ‘carefully assess’ Apple’s compliance measures for iPad OS. Feedback from stakeholders, including other tech companies and consumer advocates, will be considered during the review process. Apple has not yet commented on the EU’s latest scrutiny of its iPad software.

The DMA, introduced earlier this year, represents the EU’s latest effort to prevent monopolistic practices among large tech firms. Non-compliance with these rules could result in hefty fines, up to 10% (and 20% for repeat offences) of a company’s global revenue, adding pressure on Apple to meet the standards set by EU regulators.

Facebook parent Meta continues post-election ban on new political ads

Meta has announced an extended ban on new political ads following the United States election, aiming to counter misinformation in the tense post-election period. In a blog post on Monday, the Facebook parent company explained that the suspension will remain in place until later in the week, preventing any new political ads from being introduced immediately after the election. Ads that were served at least once before the restriction will still be displayed, but editing options will be limited.

Meta‘s decision to extend its ad restriction is part of its ongoing policy to help prevent last-minute claims that could be difficult to verify. The social media giant implemented a similar measure in the last election cycle, underscoring the need for extra caution as elections unfold.

Last year, Meta also barred political advertisers and regulated industries from using its generative AI-based ad products, reflecting a continued focus on reducing potential misinformation through stricter ad controls and ad content regulations.

South Korea fines Meta $15.7 million for privacy violations

South Korea’s data protection agency has fined Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, 21.62 billion won ($15.67 million) for improperly collecting and sharing sensitive user data with advertisers. The Personal Information Protection Commission found that Meta gathered details on nearly one million South Korean users, including their religion, political views, and sexual orientation, without obtaining the necessary consent. This information was reportedly used by around 4,000 advertisers.

The commission revealed that Meta analysed user interactions, such as pages liked and ads clicked, to create targeted ad themes based on sensitive personal data. Some users were even categorised by highly private attributes, including identifying as North Korean defectors or LGBTQ+. Additionally, Meta allegedly denied users’ requests to access their information and failed to secure data for at least ten users, leading to a data breach.

Meta has not yet issued a statement regarding the fine. This penalty underscores South Korea’s commitment to strict data privacy enforcement as concerns over digital privacy intensify worldwide.

US tech firms warn Vietnam’s draft law could limit growth

US tech companies have raised concerns over a proposed data protection law in Vietnam, warning it could restrict their ability to grow in one of Asia’s largest digital markets. The draft law, which is under discussion in Vietnam’s parliament, aims to tighten controls on data protection, limit data transfers abroad, and give authorities easier access to information. Major industry players, represented by the Information Technology Industry Council, argue that these restrictions could hinder companies like Meta, Google, and Equinix from effectively reaching their large Vietnamese user base and building new data centres.

Vietnam, home to 100 million people, is an attractive market for tech and social media companies and has ambitions to expand its data centre industry through foreign investments. However, the new law would require companies to obtain prior authorisation before transferring “core” or “important” data abroad—terms that critics say are vaguely defined. In addition, companies may be required to share data with the government in cases broadly categorised as being in the “public interest.”

The US tech sector has voiced opposition, citing an “undue expansion of government access” that could create significant compliance challenges. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi has joined the call, urging lawmakers to reconsider the legislation’s quick adoption, which is scheduled for a vote on November 30. Industry analysts are watching closely, as the law could impact foreign investment plans, including Google’s potential new data centre in southern Vietnam.

UK court sides with Google in YouTube Shorts trademark case

Google has won a trademark lawsuit brought by Shorts International, a British company specialising in short films, over the use of the word ‘shorts’ in YouTube‘s short video platform, YouTube Shorts. London’s High Court found no risk of consumer confusion between Shorts International’s brand and YouTube’s platform, which launched in 2020 as a response to TikTok‘s popularity.

Shorts International, known for its short film television channel, argued that YouTube Shorts infringed on its established trademark. However, Google’s lawyer, Lindsay Lane, countered that it was clear the ‘Shorts’ platform belonged to YouTube, removing any chance of brand confusion.

Judge Michael Tappin ruled in favour of Google, stating that the use of ‘shorts’ by YouTube would not affect the distinctiveness or reputation of Shorts International’s trademark. The court’s decision brings the legal challenge to a close, dismissing all claims of infringement.

Mozambique and Mauritius to block social media

Mozambique and Mauritius are facing criticism for recent social media shutdowns amid political crises, with many arguing these actions infringe on digital rights. In Mozambique, platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were blocked following protests over disputed election results.

Meanwhile, in Mauritius, the government imposed a similar blackout until after the 10 November election, following a wiretapping scandal involving leaked conversations of high-profile figures. Furthermore, digital rights groups such as Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition have condemned these actions, arguing that they violate international human rights standards, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) resolution 580 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as national constitutions.

In response, digital rights advocates are calling on telecommunications providers, including Emtel and Mauritius Telecom, to resist government orders to enforce the shutdowns. By maintaining internet connectivity, these companies could help preserve citizens’ access to information and uphold democratic principles in politically sensitive times.

Additionally, rights organisations argue that internet service providers have a unique role in supporting transparency and accountability, which are vital to democratic societies.

The US federal agency investigates how Meta uses consumer financial data for targeted advertising

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has informed Meta of its intention to consider ‘legal action’ concerning allegations that the tech giant improperly acquired consumer financial data from third parties for its targeted advertising operations. This federal investigation was revealed in a recent filing that Meta submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The filing indicates that the CFPB notified Meta on 18 September that it evaluated whether the company’s actions violate the Consumer Financial Protection Act, designed to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive financial practices. The status of the investigation remains uncertain, with the filing noting that the CFPB could initiate a lawsuit soon, seeking financial penalties and equitable relief.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, is facing increased scrutiny from regulators and state attorneys general regarding various concerns, including its privacy practices.

In the SEC filing, Meta disclosed that the CFPB has formally notified the company about an investigation focusing on the alleged receipt and use for advertising of financial information from third parties through specific advertising tools. The inquiry targets explicitly advertising related to ‘financial products and services,’ although it remains to be seen whether the scrutiny pertains to Facebook, Instagram, or both platforms.

While a Meta spokesperson refrained from commenting on the matter, the company stated in the filing that it disputes the allegations and believes any enforcement action would be unjustified. The CFPB also opted not to provide additional comments.

Amid this scrutiny, Meta recently reported $41 billion in revenue for the third quarter, a 19 percent increase from the previous year. A significant portion of this revenue is generated from its targeted advertising business, which has faced criticism from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and European regulators for allegedly mishandling user data and violating privacy rights.

In 2019, Meta settled privacy allegations related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal by paying the FTC $5 billion after it was revealed that the company had improperly shared Facebook user data with the firm for voter profiling. Last year, the European Union fined Meta $1.3 billion for improperly transferring user data from Europe to the United States.

Kremlin seeks end to YouTube ban on Russian state media

The Kremlin has called on Google to lift its restrictions on Russian broadcasters on YouTube, highlighting mounting legal claims against the tech giant as potential leverage. Google blocked more than a thousand Russian channels and over 5.5 million videos, including state-funded media, after halting ad services in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russia’s legal actions against Google, initiated by 17 Russian TV channels, have led to compound fines based on the company’s revenue in Russia, accumulating to a staggering figure reportedly in the “undecillions,” according to Russian media. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described this enormous number as symbolic but urged Google to take these legal pressures seriously and reconsider its restrictions.

In response, Google has not commented on these demands. Russian officials argue that such restrictions infringe on the country’s broadcasters and hope the significant financial claims will compel Google to restore access to Russian media content on YouTube.

TikTok faces lawsuit in France after teen suicides linked to platform

Seven families in France are suing TikTok, alleging that the platform’s algorithm exposed their teenage children to harmful content, leading to tragic consequences, including the suicides of two 15-year-olds. Filed at the Créteil judicial court, this grouped case seeks to hold TikTok accountable for what the families describe as dangerous content promoting self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide.

The families’ lawyer, Laure Boutron-Marmion, argues that TikTok, as a company offering its services to minors, must address its platform’s risks and shortcomings. She emphasised the need for TikTok’s legal liability to be recognised, especially given that its algorithm is often blamed for pushing disturbing content. TikTok, like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, faces multiple lawsuits worldwide accusing these platforms of targeting minors in ways that harm their mental health.

TikTok has previously stated it is committed to protecting young users’ mental well-being and has invested in safety measures, according to CEO Shou Zi Chew’s remarks to US lawmakers earlier this year.

OpenAI adds search capabilities to ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced new search functions to its popular ChatGPT, making it a direct competitor with Google, Microsoft’s Bing, and other emerging AI-driven search tools. Instead of launching a separate search engine, OpenAI chose to integrate search capabilities directly into ChatGPT, which will pull information from the web and relevant sources based on user questions.

Initially, ChatGPT’s search feature will be available to Plus and Team users, with plans to expand access to enterprise and educational users, as well as free users, in the coming months. OpenAI’s partnerships with major publishers like Condé Nast, Time, and the Financial Times aim to provide a rich pool of content for ChatGPT’s search.

This launch follows OpenAI’s selective testing of SearchGPT, an AI-based search prototype, earlier in the year. With its recent funding round boosting its valuation to an estimated $157 billion, OpenAI continues to strengthen its standing as a leading private AI company.