Core Viewpoint - AppLovin, a rapidly growing tech company valued over $200 billion, is under scrutiny from regulators regarding its consumer data practices, including potential investigations by multiple state attorneys general and a reported SEC probe over data privacy issues [1][2][6]. Regulatory Investigations - The SEC is investigating whether AppLovin misled investors about its data collection and ad-targeting methods, following allegations from short-sellers that the company used digital "fingerprints" to improperly track users for targeted advertising [2][6]. - AppLovin is reportedly being investigated by federal and state regulators concerning its consumer data usage, with Delaware leading the probe [5][6]. - State regulators have reached out to short sellers as part of a preliminary investigation into AppLovin, indicating the seriousness of the allegations [5][6]. Allegations and Company Response - Allegations include claims that AppLovin illegally tracked children and served inappropriate ads, with a short-seller report suggesting the company assigned unique digital identifiers to underage accounts labeled "do not track" [8][14]. - AppLovin has denied these allegations, asserting that users must explicitly consent to download applications from its ads and that the product "Array" was merely a test [5][9]. - The company maintains that it operates within industry-standard policies regarding ad content and data privacy [9][12]. Business Performance - Despite the ongoing investigations and allegations, AppLovin's stock has surged 80% this year, and the company has been added to the S&P 500, indicating strong market interest in its AI-powered advertising software [12][13]. - Founded in 2012, AppLovin has shifted its focus from mobile gaming to app monetization software, positioning itself as a competitor to major players like Meta and Google [12][13]. Legislative Context - The investigations occur amid heightened legislative efforts to protect children online, including a reintroduction of an updated version of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) aimed at barring targeted ads for individuals under 17 [24][25]. - Legal challenges are also emerging against AppLovin, including a lawsuit from a California resident alleging unauthorized tracking of her data despite disabling location services [25][26].

RT Olivia Solon (@oliviasolon)AppLovin has shut down a product linked to user and short-seller allegations that apps were being downloaded to mobile phones without consentThe product, called Array, was offered to device-makers and carriers to promote or preload apps on phones. ...

Core Insights - Stack Capital Group Inc. reported its financial results for Q1 2025, with a Book Value per Share (BVpS) of $12.06, down from $12.29 as of December 31, 2024 [4] - The Company made significant investments in various technology sectors, including AI, autonomous robotics, and travel, with notable portfolio companies such as CoreWeave, Shield AI, and Omio [4][6] Financial Performance - As of March 31, 2025, Stack Capital's total Book Value was $129.7 million [4] - The Company invested an additional US$2.2 million in CoreWeave prior to its IPO, which subsequently saw a share price increase of 45% from March 31, 2025, contributing an estimated $0.45 increase to the BVpS [4][6] - Shield AI raised US$240 million at a valuation of US$5.3 billion, enhancing its position within Stack Capital's portfolio [4] Portfolio Highlights - The breakdown of Book Value per Share as of March 31, 2025, includes: - SpaceX: $2.18 - Locus Robotics: $1.32 - Canva: $1.29 - Omio: $1.11 - Hopper: $1.07 - Newfront Insurance: $1.07 [3][5] - Following the quarter-end, SpaceX received FAA approval to increase its Starship launches to 25 per year, which is expected to benefit its Starlink satellite communications business [4] - Locus Robotics launched its 'Array' autonomous mobile robot, which significantly reduces manual labor in warehouse operations [4] Strategic Developments - Omio expanded its services into Southeast Asia, adding over 14,000 bus routes and aiming to become a comprehensive multi-modal travel provider by Q4 2025 [4] - The Company is focused on maximizing long-term performance through a diversified portfolio of high-growth businesses, which are not widely available to most Canadian investors [6]