The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against Walmart and payroll service Branch Messenger, accusing them of forcing gig workers into unauthorised payment systems with excessive fees. The lawsuit alleges that Walmart opened direct deposit accounts for Spark delivery drivers without consent, using their social security numbers. These accounts imposed transaction fees of at least $2.99 per payment and offered no alternative payment methods, despite repeated promises of same-day payments since 2021.
CFPB Director Rohit Chopra criticised Walmart for allegedly exploiting more than a million delivery drivers, stating that companies cannot compel workers to accept payment methods that reduce their earnings. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for Minnesota, seeks to hold both companies accountable for what the agency calls deceptive and abusive practices. Spark drivers had long raised concerns over being required to use Branch accounts, with Walmart allegedly threatening job termination for non-compliance.
The lawsuit highlights violations of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, asserting that these practices were unfair and abusive. The CFPB aims to secure redress for affected workers and set a precedent against such corporate behaviour.
Authorities in Thailand are taking steps to regulate bulk SIM card purchases to combat their misuse in scams targeting Thai citizens. The issue came to light following the police seizure of 200,000 prepaid SIM cards linked to a Chinese call center gang.
Currently, there are no restrictions on corporate bulk SIM purchases, aside from a rule requiring registration for users holding more than five numbers. The lack of oversight has enabled SIM cards to be used illegally, particularly near borders where foreign SIMs are common.
Many of these cards are intentionally registered without clear user identities or are misused in IoT devices, GPS trackers, or sold to tourists. To address these gaps, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has proposed legal reforms requiring mobile operators and banks to verify buyer identities and notify users of suspicious transactions.
Additionally, stricter regulations on SMS messages with embedded links are set to take effect next year. Inspired by policies in countries like Singapore and Australia, these reforms aim to enhance accountability and curb abuse.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) emphasises a gradual approach to implementing these measures to minimise inconvenience for consumers and avoid disrupting legitimate business operations. While tackling the misuse of SIM cards, authorities aim to strike a balance between protecting the public and ensuring businesses can operate smoothly. This measured approach reflects the broader goal of preventing scams while maintaining economic and social stability.
Greek authorities have made their first-ever cryptocurrency seizure, confiscating 273,000 USDT (Tether) as part of a criminal investigation. The operation, conducted in December, was carried out under the supervision of the Greek European Public Prosecutor’s Office and involved collaboration with various law enforcement departments, including the Digital Evidence Examination Department.
The seizure, which is part of the ongoing ‘Admiral’ operation, highlights the growing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with advanced technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies, known for their anonymity and security features, are often used in criminal activities such as fraud and money laundering. Experts stress the need for precision and expertise in handling digital assets, as mistakes can lead to irreversible losses.
Crypto-related scams are becoming more common in Greece, with many victims falling prey to fraudulent schemes. As cryptocurrencies gain popularity, particularly with the rise of Bitcoin and NFTs, the lack of understanding among the public increases the risk of scams. Experts warn that technological advances in AI are making these scams harder to detect, even for experienced investors.
In addition to combating fraud, authorities are also focusing on the management of seized cryptocurrencies, with plans to convert them into funds for the state, similar to practices in other European countries.
A recent cybersecurity breach involving US healthcare platform ConnectOnCall has compromised sensitive information belonging to more than 910,000 patients. The telehealth service, owned by Phreesia, experienced unauthorised access between February and May 2024, exposing names, phone numbers, medical details, and in some cases, Social Security numbers. Phreesia promptly took action after discovering the breach, enlisting cybersecurity experts and notifying federal authorities.
ConnectOnCall facilitates after-hours communication for healthcare providers, making the data theft particularly alarming due to the permanent and sensitive nature of health records. Cybercriminals may use this information for identity theft, fraudulent insurance claims, and targeted phishing attacks. Phreesia has since taken the service offline, offering identity and credit monitoring to affected patients, while working to implement more robust security measures.
The breach highlights the growing threat posed by cyberattacks on US healthcare platforms, where data is not only invaluable but also irreplaceable. Experts urge vigilance, such as monitoring accounts, using strong passwords, and employing identity theft protection. With incidents like this on the rise, calls are growing for stricter regulations to safeguard patient information and prevent similar breaches in the future.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules requiring mobile service providers to offer separate recharge plans for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data. This change specifically caters to users, such as senior citizens or families with home broadband, who do not require mobile data.
Alongside this, TRAI has extended the validity of special recharge coupons from a maximum of 90 days to up to 365 days, providing consumers with more flexibility in managing their recharges. Telecom operators can now issue recharge vouchers in any denomination of their choice, though they must still offer at least one ₹10 voucher.
The rule removing the restriction on multiples of ₹10 for top-up vouchers aims to give consumers more convenient options for recharging their phones. Despite these changes, TRAI has ensured that the new rules will not reverse the government’s push for data inclusion.
Also, the mandate for separate voice and SMS plans will not affect the availability of data-only or bundled plans, allowing telecom providers in India to continue offering diverse options supporting all users’ data access.
Google’s proposed adjustments to its search result formats, aimed at complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), have gained backing from Airlines for Europe, a major lobbying group representing airlines such as Air France KLM and Lufthansa. The DMA prohibits tech giants like Google from favouring their services in search results, with non-compliance risking fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover.
The airline group endorsed Google’s horizontal layout, featuring same-sized boxes for airlines and comparison sites, with a distinct blue colour for differentiation. However, they raised concerns over pricing consistency and criticised Google’s plan to use indicative dates rather than specific ones for flight bookings, arguing that this change could harm the consumer experience.
In response to ongoing disagreements with rivals, Google has signalled it may revert to its older “10 blue links” search result format if consensus cannot be reached on its current proposals. This highlights the challenges tech companies face in balancing regulatory compliance with the demands of diverse stakeholders.
Talen Energy plans to appeal a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision blocking an amended interconnection agreement for an Amazon data centre. The Pennsylvania-based utility had sought to expand capacity at its Susquehanna nuclear plant from 300 megawatts to 480 megawatts.
The initial deal, which involved selling the connected data centre to Amazon, faced resistance from American Electric Power and Exelon. FERC sided with the opposing utilities, rejecting the proposed agreement in a ruling issued on 1 November.
Talen Energy responded by requesting a rehearing last month. While FERC confirmed it would address the matter in a future order, the 30-day deadline for rehearing decisions has now passed. This development allows Talen to take the case to a US Circuit Court of Appeals.
Shares of Talen Energy, which have seen significant gains this year, rose 0.6% in response to the company’s announcement.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has voiced concerns over Synopsys’ proposed $35 billion acquisition of Ansys, claiming the deal could harm innovation, reduce product quality, and increase costs in the semiconductor design and light-simulation software markets. The regulator fears diminished competition could negatively impact UK businesses and consumers, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which rely heavily on semiconductor technology.
Synopsys, a leader in chip design software, announced the acquisition in January, aiming to combine its tools with Ansys’ diverse software offerings, used in industries ranging from aerospace to consumer goods. However, the CMA has highlighted risks of reduced consumer choice and a potential stifling of advancements in the sector. If these concerns are not adequately addressed, the regulator may initiate an in-depth investigation into the merger.
In response, Synopsys has proposed selling its optical solutions business to Keysight Technologies, a move it believes will satisfy the CMA’s concerns. A company spokesperson expressed confidence in resolving the regulatory hurdles and expects the deal to close in the first half of 2025. The CMA’s final decision could shape the future landscape of competition in the semiconductor and simulation software industries, as global demand for advanced technologies continues to grow.
Google has proposed changes to its agreements with companies like Apple to address a US antitrust ruling against its dominance in online search. The tech giant suggested making its distribution deals non-exclusive and allowing annual reviews for developers who set Google as the default search engine.
The company urged caution against drastic measures such as selling its Chrome browser or unbundling Android features, arguing that such remedies could stifle innovation in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Judge Amit Mehta previously found Google’s agreements gave it an unfair advantage, particularly through deals requiring Android manufacturers to pre-install Google search to access its Play Store.
Revenue-sharing deals, which are vital to smaller developers like Mozilla, would remain under Google’s plan. Critics, including DuckDuckGo, argue the proposal fails to restore competition and largely maintains the status quo. Apple reportedly earned $20 billion from its agreement with Google in 2022, underlining the financial stakes of these deals.
An April trial will determine if broader remedies are necessary to boost innovation and competition in search and artificial intelligence. The US Department of Justice, along with several states, is seeking measures to curb Google’s dominance, including restrictions on its payments for default search placement and licensing of its search technology to rivals.
Apple is reportedly working on an innovative smart doorbell camera equipped with Face ID technology, enabling users to unlock their doors simply by looking at it. This new device could launch as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The camera will feature Apple’s Secure Enclave chip, ensuring biometric data is processed and stored securely, similar to other Apple products like the iPhone.
The doorbell camera is expected to integrate with existing HomeKit-compatible smart locks and might also come as part of a complete system developed in partnership with a smart lock manufacturer. It will likely incorporate Apple’s ‘Proxima’ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which is also rumoured for upcoming HomePod Mini and Apple TV models.
This development is part of Apple’s broader push into the smart home market. Additional rumours point to a new Apple-branded security camera, smart displays with advanced features like robotic arms, and even a potential Apple TV update. These efforts signal Apple’s commitment to creating a seamless and intelligent home ecosystem.
