Jurisdiction

Russia arrests ransomware affiliate and alleged member of multiple hacking groups

Russian authorities have arrested and indicted Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev, a suspected ransomware affiliate accused of developing malware and collaborating with multiple hacking groups.

While the prosecutor’s office has not disclosed the suspect’s identity, court documents describe him as a ‘programmer.’ According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, sufficient evidence has been gathered, and the case has been referred to the Central District Court of Kaliningrad. Matveev is accused of creating ‘specialised malicious software’ designed to encrypt data from commercial organisations, demanding ransoms for decryption.

Matveev’s alleged criminal history extends beyond Russia. In May 2023, the US Department of Justice charged him for his involvement with the Hive and LockBit ransomware operations, which targeted victims across the United States. He is also suspected of playing a foundational role in the Babuk ransomware group and operating as ‘Orange,’ the creator of the Ramp hacking forum.

Meta to face $582 million trial in Spain

Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to face trial in Spain in October 2025 over a €551 million ($582 million) lawsuit filed by 87 media companies. The complaint, led by the AMI media association, accuses Meta of unfair competition in advertising through its alleged misuse of user data from 2018 to 2023.

The media companies argue that Meta’s extensive data collection provides it with an unfair advantage in crafting personalised ads, violating EU data protection regulations. Prominent Spanish publishers, including El Pais owner Prisa and ABC publisher Vocento, are among the plaintiffs. A separate €160 million lawsuit against Meta was also filed by Spanish broadcasters last month on similar grounds.

The lawsuits are part of a broader effort by traditional media to push back against tech giants, which they claim undermine their revenue and fail to pay fair fees for content use. In response to similar challenges in other countries, Meta has restricted news sharing on its platforms and reduced its focus on news and political content in user feeds.

Meta has not yet commented on the Spanish lawsuits, which highlight ongoing tensions between digital platforms and legacy media seeking to safeguard their economic interests.

EU ends tax aid probes into major companies

The European Commission announced the closure of its state aid investigations into tax rulings granted to Amazon, Fiat, and Starbucks by Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Initially, the Commission had ruled in 2015 and 2017 that these nations provided the companies with selective tax advantages that breached EU state aid rules. The allegations were part of broader efforts to address unfair tax practices within the European Union.

EU courts, however, annulled the Commission’s decisions in subsequent legal challenges, ruling that the tax arrangements did not constitute illegal state aid. As a result, the Commission concluded that the companies had not violated EU rules and formally ended the investigations.

The cases underscore the complexities of enforcing tax harmonisation across EU member states. Critics of the initial rulings argued that such cases reflect the challenges of balancing national tax sovereignty with EU-wide competition regulations. The closures may also influence future policies on corporate taxation in Europe.

FTC investigates Microsoft over antitrust concerns

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, examining its software licensing, cloud computing operations, and AI-related practices. Sources indicate the probe, approved by FTC Chair Lina Khan before her anticipated departure, also investigates claims of restrictive licensing aimed at limiting competition in cloud services.

Microsoft is the latest Big Tech firm under regulatory pressure. Alphabet, Apple, Meta, and Amazon face similar lawsuits over alleged monopolistic practices in markets ranging from app stores to advertising. Penalties and court rulings loom as regulators focus on digital fairness.

The FTC’s probe highlights growing concerns about the influence of Big Tech on consumer choice and competition. As scrutiny intensifies, the outcomes could reshape the technology sector’s landscape, impacting businesses and consumers alike.

Australian social media ban sparked by politician’s wife’s call to action

Australia has passed a landmark law banning children under 16 from using social media, following a fast-moving push led by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. The law, which takes effect in November 2025, aims to protect young people from the harmful effects of social media, including mental health issues linked to cyberbullying and body image problems. The bill has widespread support, with a government survey showing 77% of Australians backing the measure. However, it has sparked significant opposition from tech companies and privacy advocates, who argue that the law is rushed and could push young users to more dangerous parts of the internet.

The push for the national ban gained momentum after Malinauskas’s state-level initiative to restrict social media access for children under 14 in September. This led to a broader federal response, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government introducing a nationwide version of the policy. The legislation eliminates parental discretion, meaning no child under 16 will be able to use social media without facing fines for platforms that fail to enforce the rules. This move contrasts with policies in countries like France and Florida, where minors can access social media with parental permission.

While the law has garnered support from most of Australia’s political leaders, it has faced strong criticism from social media companies like Meta and TikTok. These platforms warn that the law could drive teens to hidden corners of the internet and that the rushed process leaves many questions unanswered. Despite the backlash, the law passed with bipartisan support, and a trial of age-verification technology will begin in January to prepare for its full implementation.

The debate over the law highlights growing concerns worldwide about the impact of social media on young people. Although some critics argue that the law is an overreach, others believe it is a necessary step to protect children from online harm. With the law now in place, Australia has set a precedent that could inspire other countries grappling with similar issues.

Australia’s new social media ban faces backlash from Big Tech

Australia’s new law banning children under 16 from using social media has sparked strong criticism from major tech companies. The law, passed late on Thursday, targets platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, imposing fines of up to A$49.5 million for allowing minors to log in. Tech giants, including TikTok and Meta, argue that the legislation was rushed through parliament without adequate consultation and could have harmful unintended consequences, such as driving young users to less visible, more dangerous parts of the internet.

The law was introduced after a parliamentary inquiry into the harmful effects of social media on young people, with testimony from parents of children who had been bullied online. While the Australian government had warned tech companies about the impending legislation for months, the bill was fast-tracked in a chaotic final session of parliament. Critics, including Meta, have raised concerns about the lack of clear evidence linking social media to mental health issues and question the rushed process.

Despite the backlash, the law has strong political backing, and the government is set to begin a trial of enforcement methods in January, with the full ban expected to take effect by November 2025. Australia’s long-standing tensions with major US-based tech companies, including previous legislation requiring platforms to pay for news content, are also fueling the controversy. As the law moves forward, both industry representatives and lawmakers face challenges in determining how it will be practically implemented.

Antitrust case targets Google in Canada

Canada’s Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech giant of anti-competitive practices in online advertising. The agency claims Google abused its dominant position in the Canadian ad tech market to maintain its control, stifling competition and innovation.

The Competition Bureau’s investigation, which began in 2020 and expanded earlier this year, found Google to be the largest provider across the advertising technology stack in the country. The lawsuit seeks a court order for Google to sell two of its advertising tools and pay a penalty to ensure compliance with competition laws in Canada.

Google denies the allegations, stating that the online advertising market is highly competitive and offers many choices for advertisers. The company argues its ad tech tools are designed to help businesses connect with customers effectively while supporting websites and apps.

This case mirrors similar actions taken against Google in the US and the EU. Closing arguments in a US Department of Justice lawsuit accusing Google of monopolising advertising markets were presented recently, while European publishers previously rejected a Google offer to sell part of its ad tech business to settle an EU investigation.

US FTC targets tech support scams with new rule changes

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has strengthened its rules to better protect consumers from tech support scams. With new amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), the agency can now act against fraudsters even when victims initiate the call, closing a loophole that left many unable to seek justice.

Tech support scams commonly trick victims through fake pop-ups, emails, and warnings that urge them to contact bogus help desks. These scams have disproportionately affected older adults, who are five times more likely to be targeted, leading to over $175M in reported losses.

Previously, the US FTC could only pursue scammers if they made the initial call. The rule change now removes exemptions for technical support services, allowing the agency to crack down on deceptive practices regardless of how contact is made. Authorities are also targeting fraudulent pop-ups as part of a broader effort to combat these schemes.

With cases like the fake ‘Geek Squad’ scams resulting in millions in losses, the FTC’s expanded powers mark a significant step in holding scammers accountable and protecting vulnerable populations from financial harm.

Australia enacts groundbreaking law banning under-16s from social media

Australia has approved a groundbreaking law banning children under 16 from accessing social media, following a contentious debate. The new regulation targets major tech companies like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, which will face fines of up to A$49.5 million if they allow minors to log in. Starting with a trial period in January, the law is set to take full effect in 2025. The move comes amid growing global concerns about the mental health impact of social media on young people, with several countries considering similar restrictions.

The law, which marks a significant political win for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has received widespread public support, with 77% of Australians backing the ban. However, it has faced opposition from privacy advocates, child rights groups, and social media companies, which argue the law was rushed through without adequate consultation. Critics also warn that it could inadvertently harm vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQIA or migrant teens, by cutting them off from supportive online communities.

Despite the backlash, many parents and mental health advocates support the ban, citing concerns about social media’s role in exacerbating youth mental health issues. High-profile campaigns and testimonies from parents of children affected by cyberbullying have helped drive public sentiment in favour of the law. However, some experts warn the ban could have unintended consequences, pushing young people toward more dangerous corners of the internet where they can avoid detection.

The law also has the potential to strain relations between Australia and the United States, as tech companies with major US ties, including Meta and X, have voiced concerns about its implications for internet freedom. While these companies have pledged to comply, there remain significant questions about how the law will be enforced and whether it can achieve its intended goals without infringing on privacy or digital rights.

FTC challenges Microsoft over cloud practices

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a wide-reaching antitrust investigation into Microsoft’s business practices, focusing on cloud computing, software licensing, and artificial intelligence. Allegations suggest the company has imposed restrictive licensing terms that make it difficult for customers to switch from its Azure cloud services to rival platforms. FTC Chair Lina Khan approved the probe ahead of her expected departure in January, raising questions about its future under a potentially business-friendlier administration.

Critics, including competitors and industry groups like NetChoice, claim Microsoft’s licensing policies unfairly lock customers into its ecosystem. Google has raised similar concerns with European regulators, citing significant mark-ups for using Windows Server on competing cloud services and delays in providing security updates. The FTC’s investigation also touches on broader competition concerns in AI and cybersecurity, including Microsoft’s acquisition of AI startup Inflection AI.

Microsoft has not commented on the probe, but complaints have mounted over its practices in cloud computing and the integration of AI tools into productivity products like Office and Outlook. Some industry observers note that Microsoft has been relatively spared in recent US antitrust actions targeting Big Tech firms, including Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon. However, the FTC’s focus on Microsoft could signal a shift in regulatory priorities.

The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, particularly with a potential change in the political landscape. While the Trump administration previously pursued aggressive antitrust enforcement, including actions against Google and Meta, Microsoft has benefited from its policies in the past, such as winning a contentious $10 billion Pentagon cloud contract over Amazon. Experts believe a new administration may alter enforcement priorities but not necessarily halt ongoing probes.