The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently criticized Microsoft for its decision to raise the price of its popular subscription service, Xbox Game Pass. In a statement, the FTC accused Microsoft of causing “exactly the sort of consumer harm from the merger” that it had anticipated. This move by the tech giant has raised concerns among… Continue reading FTC calls out Microsoft for its Xbox Game Pass price hike, says its “exactly the sort of consumer harm from the merger” it expected
Category: consumer
Tesla scolded for hands-free Autopilot mode that could lead to ‘driver inattention’
Tesla has recently received some criticism from safety organization Consumer Reports for the implementation of its hands-free Autopilot capabilities, which can lead to driver inattention. The influential consumer organization has voiced serious concerns about the potential safety implications of the new Autopilot features. The Autopilot system allows Tesla electric cars to operate semi-autonomously on highways.… Continue reading Tesla scolded for hands-free Autopilot mode that could lead to ‘driver inattention’
Skydio is pivoting to enterprise — its consumer drones are dead
Skydio, the American company famed for its consumer autonomous drones, is pivoting to the enterprise space. The company, which was once regarded as a major player in the consumer drone space, is citing the growing interest of businesses to use autonomous drone technology among other factors, as the deciding factor behind its reorientation. The use… Continue reading Skydio is pivoting to enterprise — its consumer drones are dead
Meta firms fined in Australia over ‘Onavo Protect’ consumer protection breach
In a landmark case, a court in Australia has fined several meta-firms over consumer protection breaches related to their ‘Onavo Protect’ app. The Court of Federal Circuit of Australia found that the firms had breached Australia’s consumer protection laws by using ‘Onavo Protect’, an app developed and offered to consumers, to collect extraneous and personal… Continue reading Meta firms fined in Australia over ‘Onavo Protect’ consumer protection breach
Europe tools up for the repairable future
For the past several years, Europe has been heavily investing in the repairable future in order to reduce its environmental footprint. With advances in technology, materials, and manufacturing, European countries have started to replace single-use products with more eco-friendly alternatives. This shift has been made possible, in part, by the development of new tools. For… Continue reading Europe tools up for the repairable future
After Dobbs, Democrats roll out health and location data protections
In a landmark moment for health privacy, Democrats in the House of Representatives recently unveiled a new bill titled “Protecting Personal Health Data from Regulatory Abuse Act of 2021.” The bill, sponsored by Representatives Joe Neguse (D-Colorado) and David S. Cicilline (D-Rhode Island) seeks to strengthen personal health data and location data protections. Under this… Continue reading After Dobbs, Democrats roll out health and location data protections
Utilities Use Customer Dollars to Pay for Their Lobbying. Here’s How Lawmakers Can Stop It
As utility companies are essential fixtures in our lives, it can be easy to overlook the influence and power that these companies can wield. One area where this influence can be leveraged, however, is in the realm of politics and lobbying. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually by utility companies to influence policies… Continue reading Utilities Use Customer Dollars to Pay for Their Lobbying. Here’s How Lawmakers Can Stop It
Consumer advocacy groups want Walmart’s Roblox game audited for ‘stealth marketing’ to kids
Recently, consumer advocacy groups have called for an audit of Walmart’s Roblox game, which is a virtual world where players build, create, and interact with other players. The groups claim that Walmart is using the game as a method of “stealth marketing” to children. The groups allege that Roblox has been used to quietly promote… Continue reading Consumer advocacy groups want Walmart’s Roblox game audited for ‘stealth marketing’ to kids
Consumer report blames Nintendo Switch Joy-Con drift on ‘design flaw’
One of the products that have been heavily criticized in recent years has been the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con drift, which has been blamed for the game console’s inability to properly register moving and tilting of the controls. Recently, consumer reports have come out claiming that the drift is a result of a design flaw with… Continue reading Consumer report blames Nintendo Switch Joy-Con drift on ‘design flaw’
Stellantis is blaming EVs for its upcoming Jeep layoffs
The news that the recently formed Stellantis carmaker is planning to layoff workers from its Jeep division has been met with shock from auto workers and industry analysts alike. But, surprisingly, the layoffs have nothing to do with the economic environment or a companywide reorganization. Instead, Stellantis is citing a shift in consumer demand for… Continue reading Stellantis is blaming EVs for its upcoming Jeep layoffs