Core Viewpoint - Google has disrupted a significant residential proxy operation, IPIDEA, which was used to facilitate cybercrime by compromising millions of consumer devices globally [1][2]. Group 1: Action Against Cybercrime - Google has targeted IPIDEA, one of the largest residential proxy networks, to protect consumers from cybercriminals and state-sponsored hackers [2]. - The operation involved legal actions to seize internet domains managing compromised devices and the implementation of automatic protections for Android users via Google Play Protect [3]. Group 2: Impact on Proxy Network - The disruption has led to a significant degradation of IPIDEA's operations, reducing the pool of available devices for proxy operators by millions [3]. - IPIDEA operated at least 13 residential proxy brands, all of which were taken offline during the operation [4]. Group 3: Scale of Cybersecurity Threat - Google identified over 600 Android applications and 3,075 unique Windows files associated with the network's command-and-control infrastructure [4]. - Following the announcement, Alphabet Class A shares rose by 1.54% and Class C shares increased by 1.62% in after-hours trading [4].

Core Viewpoint - Amazon has announced a significant layoff of approximately 16,000 corporate positions, marking the second round of large-scale layoffs since October of the previous year, totaling around 30,000 positions in three months, which represents about 10% of its corporate and tech workforce [1][3][4] Group 1: Layoff Details - The layoffs are part of a broader strategy to streamline management layers and enhance accountability within the organization, as stated by Amazon's Senior Vice President Beth Galetti [1][4] - Affected employees in the U.S. will receive a 90-day transition period to find new roles, and those who do not secure a new position will receive severance pay and benefits [1][4] - The layoffs primarily affect white-collar positions across key sectors such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), retail, Prime Video, and human resources [5][6] Group 2: Financial Implications - Amazon's Q3 2025 financial report indicates that the company has incurred $1.8 billion in special expenses related to the layoffs, which is a significant financial burden [4] - The company's Q3 net sales increased by 13% year-over-year to $180.2 billion, exceeding market expectations, while net profit reached $21.2 billion, showing a nearly 40% increase [7][8] - AWS revenue grew by 20% year-over-year to $33 billion, marking the strongest growth since 2022, highlighting the importance of this segment in Amazon's overall strategy [7] Group 3: Strategic Shift - CEO Andy Jassy is focused on reshaping Amazon's corporate culture to eliminate bureaucracy and operate more efficiently, akin to a large startup [5][6] - The layoffs are seen not only as a cost-cutting measure but also as a necessary step to flatten the organizational structure and adapt to changing market conditions [5][10] - Amazon is significantly increasing its capital expenditures, raising its full-year guidance to $125 billion, with a focus on AI and data center investments, indicating a strategic pivot towards future technologies [8][9] Group 4: Industry Context - The trend of layoffs is not isolated to Amazon; the tech industry has seen approximately 700,000 layoffs over the past four years, reflecting a broader shift towards efficiency rather than growth [9][10] - Other tech giants, such as Meta and Pinterest, are also reallocating resources towards AI, indicating a collective industry movement towards optimizing operations in response to economic pressures [9][10]

Core Points - Google has agreed to two settlements totaling over $200 million related to allegations of unauthorized data collection and privacy violations [1][2] - The settlements require judicial approval and Google has denied any wrongdoing in both cases [2][3] Android Data Settlement - Android users accused Google of collecting cellular data without permission, even when users closed apps or disabled location-sharing [4] - The proposed settlement amount is $135 million, which is believed to be the largest payout in a conversion case, with individual payments capped at $100 per class member [5] Google Assistant Settlement - Users of Google Assistant claimed that the service illegally recorded private conversations and used them for targeted advertising [5][6] - The settlement for this case amounts to $68 million and covers users affected by "false accepts" since May 18, 2016 [7]

Google said on Wednesday it has taken action to remove domains belonging to one of the largest residential proxy networks in the world, called IPIDEA, in an effort to protect millions of consumer devi... ...

Core Insights - Meta's fourth-quarter earnings and revenue exceeded Wall Street expectations, with a reported revenue of $59.8 billion and earnings per share of $8.88, reflecting annual increases of 24% and 11% respectively [1][2] - The company anticipates increased capital expenditures for 2026, projecting between $115 billion and $135 billion, following a total of $72.2 billion in 2025, as it focuses on AI investments [3][5] - Meta's shares rose by 3.6% in after-hours trading following the earnings report [3] Financial Performance - Meta's Q4 revenue of $59.8 billion surpassed analysts' estimates of $51.2 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 24% compared to the estimated 5.8% [2] - Earnings per share of $8.88 also exceeded the expected $8.21, with a year-over-year growth of 11% against an estimated 2.4% [2] Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $22.14 billion, exceeding estimates of $21.8 billion, as the company indicated a commitment to increased spending on AI initiatives [2] - The company had previously raised its capital expenditure estimates for 2025, indicating a shift in focus towards AI and away from some VR initiatives [5] Strategic Focus - CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the company's aggressive preparation for superintelligence, leading to increased investments in computing power and AI initiatives [5] - Meta has shifted some investment from its Metaverse projects to AI-powered technologies, resulting in layoffs within its Reality Labs division [5]

If you can stomach volatility, the long-term potential remains strong.The "Magnificent Seven" stocks got their name by being seven of the best-performing and dominant tech companies in the world. Unfortunately, most of the companies had a less-than-magnificent 2025.Five of the companies underperformed the S&P 500's 16.4% returns, with the two exceptions being Nvidia (NVDA +1.44%) and Alphabet (GOOG +0.61%)(GOOGL +0.73%). They finished 2025 up 38.9% and 65.4%, respectively.Considering their impressive recent ...

Group 1 - The settlement mandates Google to modify its Google Play terms of service [1] - Changes will also be implemented in the setup screens for new Android mobile devices [1]

-- Amazon Is Laying Off 16,000 Workers, in Latest Round of Cuts [Stocks Little Changed Ahead of Fed Decision, Tech Earnings][What to Expect from Fed Meeting][How Much Traders Expect Tesla to Move After Earnings][How One Stock Shaved 422 Points Off the Dow Tuesday]- Top StoriesThe latest layoffs come after Amazon cut 14,000 roles in October.Matthias Balk / Picture Alliance / Getty ImagesClose### Key Takeaways- Many of Amazon's big tech peers have also laid off workers recently.- Amazon said Wednesday it is l ...

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in GOOGL usually suggests something big is about to happen.We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 73 extraordinary options activities for Alphab ...

Core Viewpoint - Google will pay $135 million to settle a class action lawsuit regarding unauthorized collection of cellular data from Android users [1][2] Group 1: Settlement Details - The settlement requires judicial approval and covers Android users since November 12, 2017 [1][2] - Google denies any wrongdoing but agrees to the settlement terms [2] - Payments to class members are capped at $100 each [4] Group 2: User Data Collection Allegations - Users accused Google of collecting cellular data even when apps were closed or location-sharing was disabled [2] - The data was claimed to support Google's product development and targeted advertising, constituting "conversion" [3] Group 3: Changes in Data Handling - As part of the settlement, Google will require user consent for data transfers when setting up Android devices [3] - Google will enhance user control over data transfers and disclose these practices in its Google Play terms of service [4] Group 4: Legal and Financial Aspects - The plaintiffs' lawyers may seek up to $39.8 million in legal fees, representing 29.5% of the settlement fund [5]