Google has been ordered to pay nearly $665 million to two German companies for anticompetitive practices. The ruling found Google abused its market dominance by favoring its own shopping platform. This continues Google’s ongoing legal battles in Europe over antitrust issues.
Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines with stricter rules against copycat apps and branding theft. The changes target apps that mimic popular launches like Sora 2 imposters. Developers now face clearer restrictions on using others’ icons, names, and branding.
WhatsApp will soon let EU users message people on other apps like BirdyChat and Haiket. This interoperability is required by the Digital Markets Act and maintains end-to-end encryption. Users can opt-in to the feature starting in the coming months.
Google has unveiled Private AI Compute, a new system that brings large-scale Gemini AI models to consumer devices while keeping personal data completely private. The technology uses custom TPUs, hardware isolation, and remote attestation to ensure data stays secure even during cloud processing. This
Google is suing dozens of individuals behind the Lighthouse phishing-as-a-service operation. The scam has targeted over a million people with fake package delivery texts. This legal action represents a significant escalation in the fight against smishing campaigns.
Vivaldi 7.7 introduces cross-device tab syncing that preserves your entire window structure when moving between computers. The update also adds a privacy dashboard showing blocked trackers and a redesigned start page combining widgets with speed dials.
The Department of Homeland Security kept Chicago Police Department records on roughly 900 residents for seven months past a deletion deadline. The data, known for being riddled with errors and racial bias, was part of a failed experiment to test local intelligence feeding federal watchlists. Interna
iPhone and Apple Watch users can now add their US passport to Apple Wallet for use at TSA checkpoints. The feature works at over 250 US airports for domestic travel only. Setup requires scanning your passport and completing facial verification.
Tajikistan has launched ORIZ, a state-backed messenger app aimed at reducing dependence on foreign platforms. The government says it will help Tajik migrants in Russia and store all data within the country. Critics warn such national apps could compromise user privacy.
Former top CFPB enforcement attorneys Eric Halperin, Cara Petersen and Tara Mikkilineni are launching a strategic enforcement project. The move comes as the Trump administration has effectively neutralized the consumer protection agency’s enforcement capabilities.
