Core Summary - The German Federal Cartel Office (FCO) concluded a multi-year antitrust case against Meta, resulting in significant changes to how Meta handles user data, particularly in Germany [1][2] - Meta dropped its appeal against the FCO's order, making the regulator's decision final [1] - The FCO's victory marks a significant step in curbing Meta's privacy-invasive practices, though broader regional battles against its business model continue [6][8] Changes to Meta's Data Handling - Meta introduced an Accounts Center allowing users to keep data collected from Facebook and Instagram separate, preventing combined ad profiling [2] - A new cookie setting enables users to decide whether their data can be combined with information collected from third-party websites and apps [2] - A "special exception" for Facebook Login allows users to opt out of data combination without losing access to the service [2] - Meta agreed to limit the combination of Facebook and Instagram users' data for security purposes, storing and processing such data only temporarily [2] - Meta pledged to provide concise customer information about data combination settings, including prominent notifications and direct links to consent options [2] Implementation and Scope - Some changes, such as the Accounts Center, have already been implemented, while others are expected to roll out in the coming weeks [3] - The FCO confirmed that while the decision is binding only for Germany, some measures, like the Accounts Center and Facebook Login exception, have been applied across Europe [4] Regulatory Context and Broader Implications - The FCO's case highlights the intersection of competition and privacy, framing Meta's data practices as an "exploitative abuse" of its monopoly position [1][10] - The case has influenced broader regulatory actions, including the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which restricts data combination across services without valid user consent [8][9] - Meta's shift to a "pay or consent" model in Europe, requiring users to agree to ad tracking or pay for an ad-free service, has drawn scrutiny from data protection authorities and the European Commission [6][7][8] Industry Impact - The FCO's case has set a precedent for challenging surveillance-based ad business models, with potential implications for other tech giants [7][8] - The case underscores the growing regulatory focus on ensuring user consent is freely given and data processing is not excessive, as outlined in the GDPR and DMA [9][10] Future Outlook - The European Commission's ongoing investigation under the DMA could further restrict Meta's data practices, particularly its "pay or consent" model [8][9] - The FCO's success in curbing Meta's data practices may inspire similar actions by other regulators, amplifying pressure on the company's business model [8][10]

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is set to unveil its Robotaxi, also referred to as Cybercab, at an event titled "We, Robot," which is expected to showcase a prototype and discuss commercialization strategies, despite previous delays and challenges in production and margins [1][9]. Group 1: Event Details - The Robotaxi event will take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. PT at Warner Bros. Discovery's studio in Burbank, California, marking a departure from Tesla's usual venue for such reveals [1][7]. - The event's title, "We, Robot," references Isaac Asimov's "I, Robot," suggesting a focus on the relationship between robots and humans, potentially including updates on Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus [9]. Group 2: Vehicle Concept and Design - The expected prototype is a two-door, two-seater vehicle with a Cybertruck-like design, featuring angular edges and a stainless steel finish [2]. - The Cybercab is likely to be built without a steering wheel or pedals, which may pose regulatory challenges due to non-compliance with federal motor safety standards [3]. Group 3: Production and Commercialization Challenges - Tesla's margins have been affected by increased Cybertruck production, and the company has faced disappointing third-quarter deliveries and multiple recalls of the Cybertruck [1]. - Analysts predict that the production of the Cybercab may not begin until at least June 2025, given Tesla's historical delays in ramping up production after product unveilings [11]. Group 4: Market Strategy and Partnerships - There is speculation that Tesla may announce a partnership with Uber to enhance the commercialization of its ride-hailing service, although Musk has previously indicated a preference for an independent approach [10]. - The event may also feature a preview of a $25,000 EV, referred to as Model 2, and a fully autonomous passenger van, based on previous investor presentations [9].

Amazon Pharmacy is expanding its same-day delivery service to 20 more U.S. cities next year, the company announced on Wednesday. Amazon says the expansion will more than double the number of cities where customers can get same-day delivery of their medications.As part of the expansion, Amazon is opening up new pharmacies that will include Amazon Same-Day Delivery sites to enable faster medication delivery in the 20 new cities. The expansion, which aims to make quick medication delivery available in almost h ...

In Brief Baidu, the Google of China, will roll out its driverless ride-hailing service overseas as it seeks to compete with the dearth of autonomous vehicle companies at home. The Beijing-based company seeks to deploy its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Middle East, sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal. Baidu confirmed its expansion outside of China, but wouldn’t comment on which markets. Chinese AV companies have dealt with roadblocks domestically – they ...

At its Delivering the Future event Wednesday, Amazon announced plans for new robot-powered delivery warehouses. The first “next-generation fulfillment center” is located in Shreveport, Louisiana. The three-million-square-foot warehouse spans five floors, constituting the rough equivalent of 55 football fields, per the company.The site represents the culmination of Amazon’s work in robotics, which dates back more than a decade to its 2012 Kiva acquisition. The retail giant’s approach has largely revolved aro ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Justice Department is considering a significant intervention in Google's business structure, potentially leading to a corporate breakup to address monopolistic practices in search and search advertising [1][2] Summary by Relevant Categories Search Distribution - Proposed remedies include restricting default search agreements, pre-installations, and revenue-sharing deals. There is consideration for separating Chrome, Play, and/or Android from Google. Additionally, Google's control over emerging search technologies, including AI features, may be limited, and user education programs to promote informed search engine choices are suggested [1] Data Access and Usage - The DOJ may mandate the sharing of Google's search index, data, algorithms, and AI models. Transparency in search results, features, and ad ranking signals is required, along with prohibiting Google from leveraging non-shareable data due to privacy concerns. Measures to reduce rivals' costs for data indexing and retention are also proposed [1] Extending Search Monopoly - Google may be limited in using contracts to undermine rivals' access to web content. Publisher websites could be allowed to opt out of AI training or appearing in Google-owned AI products, such as AI summaries [1] Advertising Practices - The DOJ is exploring options to scale back or restructure Google's advanced advertising products, including AI-driven tools. There may be a push for licensing Google's ad feed separately from search results and increasing transparency for advertisers by providing detailed auction and monetization data [1]

Core Viewpoint - A federal judge has mandated changes to Google's app store operations, allowing more competition and user choice in app downloads [1] Group 1: Legal Ruling - Judge James Donato's ruling requires Google to stop paying developers for exclusive app launches on Google Play starting November 1 for three years [1] - Google is prohibited from forcing developers to use its billing system and must allow them to inform users about alternative payment methods [1] Group 2: Third-Party Access - Google must allow third-party Android app stores to access the Google Play Store's app catalog and include third-party apps in its own app store [1] Group 3: Company's Response - In response to the ruling, Google plans to appeal and seek a pause on the changes, arguing that they could weaken Android's competitiveness against Apple's iOS [1]

In Brief Tesla has lost a top executive to Waymo in the lead-up to the EV-maker’s Robotaxi unveiling on Thursday. Daniel Ho, Tesla’s former head of vehicle programs and new product integration, last week announced his new role as programs director at Waymo. Ho, who previously reported directly to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, oversaw the development and ramp of the Model Y and Cybertruck, launched new factories in Berlin and Texas, and grew production volume “from 0.5M to 1.85M cars per year” while setting the groun ...

U.S. telecom giant Comcast has warned that cybercriminals stole the personal data of more than 230,000 customers during a ransomware attack on a third-party provider of debt collection services.The breach relates to a February cyberattack on Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS), a Pennsylvania-based debt collection agency used by Comcast. In a filing with Maine’s attorney general on Friday, Comcast said that FBCS initially told the company in March that the security incident involved no Comcast ...

Seven years ago, GM became the first automaker to offer hands-free driving when it rolled out its Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system. Now, it’s looking to push that capability even further with a system that would allow drivers to keep their eyes off the road too, according to one of GM’s top software executives. These hands-off, eyes-off systems — also known in the industry as Level 3 or L3 — are not self-driving cars like the ones Waymo operates (which are considered Level 4). Instead, they ty ...