Vietnam’s new internet law, known as ‘Decree 147,’ came into effect Wednesday, requiring platforms like Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and share data with authorities upon request. Critics view the move as a crackdown on freedom of expression, with activists warning it will stifle dissent and blur the lines between legal and illegal online activity. Under the rules, tech companies must store verified information alongside users’ names and dates of birth and remove government-designated “illegal” content within 24 hours.
The decree also impacts the booming social commerce sector by allowing only verified accounts to livestream. Additionally, it imposes restrictions on gaming for minors, limiting sessions to one hour and a maximum of 180 minutes daily. Vietnam, with over 65 million Facebook users and a growing gaming population, may see significant disruptions in online behaviour and businesses.
Critics liken the law to China’s tight internet controls. Activists and content creators have expressed fear of persecution, citing recent examples like the 12-year prison sentence for a YouTuber critical of the government. Despite the sweeping measures, some local businesses and gamers remain sceptical about enforcement, suggesting a wait-and-see approach to the decree’s real-world impact.
Google has proposed a legal alternative to a United States Department of Justice recommendation to dismantle its Chrome browser. Instead, the company suggests barring itself from using app licensing agreements to secure default software positions.
The proposal follows a landmark ruling declaring Google a monopoly. The government seeks stronger measures, including a ban on exclusive deals ensuring Google’s dominance on smartphones and other devices.
Judge Amit Mehta’s decision on antitrust remedies is expected to influence the tech industry. Google plans to appeal any adverse ruling.
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.
According to state media reports, Iran has lifted its ban on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a tentative move toward easing internet restrictions. Known for its stringent online censorship, Iran has long restricted access to US-based platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, though many Iranians bypass these blocks using virtual private networks.
The decision, announced after a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, reflects a ‘positive majority vote’ to restore access to some popular foreign platforms. Information and Communications Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi hailed the move as the ‘first step in removing internet limitations.’
Social media has played a significant role in Iran, particularly as a tool for organising anti-government protests. In response to such restrictions, the United States has urged Big Tech companies to support efforts to circumvent censorship in countries like Iran.
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.
Marriott International and Starwood Hotels have been ordered to improve data security following multiple breaches impacting over 344 million customers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalised the order on Friday, citing inadequate security practices. Major breaches occurred in 2015, 2018, and 2020, exposing sensitive customer information, including passport details and payment data.
Hackers gained prolonged access to systems during the breaches, with one lasting four years undetected. The companies must now implement measures such as limiting data retention and providing US customers with a way to request the deletion of personal information tied to their accounts.
The FTC accused the hotel chains of misleading consumers with claims of robust data security while failing to address basic vulnerabilities like weak passwords and outdated software. The Connecticut Attorney General’s office also announced a $52 million settlement with Marriott on the same day.
Under the 20-year order, Marriott and Starwood must maintain compliance records, undergo inspections, and ensure transparency about their data handling practices. The ruling is part of broader efforts to hold businesses accountable for safeguarding customer information.
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.
Qualcomm achieved a significant win in a US federal court trial against Arm Holdings over licensing rights for its central processors. The jury concluded that Qualcomm’s chips, developed with Nuvia technology, are properly licensed under an agreement with Arm, ensuring the company can continue its expansion into laptop chipmaking.
Despite the ruling, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on whether startup Nuvia, acquired by Qualcomm in 2021 for $1.4 billion, breached its licence with Arm. Arm plans to seek a new trial, citing its commitment to protecting its intellectual property. The Delaware court judge encouraged both parties to mediate their dispute rather than pursue prolonged litigation.
The outcome supports Qualcomm’s ambitions in the laptop market, where it aims to challenge competitors such as Nvidia, AMD, and MediaTek with its AI-focused chips. Analysts see reduced risk to Qualcomm’s roadmap, particularly regarding access to Nuvia’s custom core designs, which are central to its strategy.
The trial highlighted broader industry implications for licensing agreements and intellectual property rights involving Arm’s architecture. Arm, which licenses its designs to major companies like Apple and Qualcomm, sought higher royalties from Qualcomm after its acquisition of Nuvia. While the legal battle continues, Qualcomm’s victory signals a strong position in the emerging PC market for Arm-based processors.
A US judge has ruled against Israel’s NSO Group in a lawsuit brought by WhatsApp, finding the spyware firm liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case, heard in Oakland, California, revolves around allegations that NSO exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp to install Pegasus spyware, enabling unauthorised surveillance of 1,400 individuals. The court decision moves the case forward to determine damages.
Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, described the ruling as a triumph for privacy, emphasising the need for accountability in the spyware industry. WhatsApp expressed gratitude for support from various organisations and pledged continued efforts to safeguard private communications. Cybersecurity experts, including Citizen Lab’s John Scott-Railton, hailed the judgment as a pivotal moment for holding spyware companies accountable.
NSO argued that its Pegasus software serves to combat serious crime and threats to national security. However, the courts previously rejected claims of immunity, noting the company’s activities fell outside the protection of federal law. Appeals by NSO to higher courts, including the US Supreme Court, failed, paving the way for the trial to proceed.
The judgment signals a significant shift in how the spyware industry may be regulated, with implications for firms previously claiming they were not responsible for the misuse of their technology. Experts see it as a warning to surveillance companies that illegal actions will not go unchallenged.
