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Quixote Exits Georgia and New Mexico, Cuts Staff Amid Industry Downturn

Quixote Exits Georgia and New Mexico, Cuts Staff Amid Industry Downturn

Quixote Exits Georgia and New Mexico, Cuts Staff Amid Industry Downturn
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Meta Faces Potential EU Fine for Failing to Block Underage Users on Facebook and Instagram

Meta Faces Potential EU Fine for Failing to Block Underage Users on Facebook and Instagram

The European Union has accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of failing to prevent children under 13 from accessing its platforms, which violates the EU's Digital Services Act. The European Commission's investigation revealed that Meta does not have effective measures to verify the age of users, allowing minors to enter false birth dates to create accounts. Additionally, the process for reporting underage users is criticized for being cumbersome, requiring multiple steps with inadequate follow-up. Meta's policies state that their services are not intended for users under 13, yet the EU's preliminary findings suggest insufficient action is being taken to enforce this rule. Meta has the opportunity to respond to these findings before a final decision is made, which could result in fines up to 6% of the company's global revenue.
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Pillsbury Law's Band Wins Top Honor at LA Law Rocks, Raising Funds for Music Education

Pillsbury Law's Band Wins Top Honor at LA Law Rocks, Raising Funds for Music Education

The Pillsbury Doughboys, a band composed of attorneys and partners from Pillsbury Law in Los Angeles, secured the Judge's Choice award at the 15th annual LA Law Rocks Battle of the Bands. The event took place at Hollywood's Whisky-a-Go-Go and featured performances from various law firms. The band, led by firm partner Robert Wallan, performed a set list that included songs by Talking Heads, Fleetwood Mac, and others. The event was attended by a large audience, including fans, clients, and alumni, and raised a total of $563,348 over three nights. The funds were generated through ticket sales, sponsorships, and direct donations, with the Pillsbury Doughboys contributing $27,000.
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Greenberg Traurig Recognized in 2026 California Legal Awards for Innovation and Community Impact

Greenberg Traurig Recognized in 2026 California Legal Awards for Innovation and Community Impact

Greenberg Traurig Recognized in 2026 California Legal Awards for Innovation and Community Impact
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EU says Meta is failing to keep underage users off Facebook and Instagram

EU says Meta is failing to keep underage users off Facebook and Instagram

The European Union says Meta is failing to keep underage users from accessing Facebook and Instagram
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Meta Settles Israeli Class Action Over Cambridge Analytica Scandal

Meta Settles Israeli Class Action Over Cambridge Analytica Scandal

Meta Settles Israeli Class Action Over Cambridge Analytica Scandal
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Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Users Under 16, Sparking Debate

Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Users Under 16, Sparking Debate

Australia has enacted a groundbreaking social media ban targeting users under the age of 16, effective December 10. This legislation mandates that social media platforms, including major players like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, take steps to deactivate existing accounts and prevent new account creation for users under 16. The law aims to protect young Australians from online risks and pressures, such as excessive screen time and harmful content. Despite the law's intentions, social media companies like Snapchat and Meta have criticized the ban, arguing it could isolate teens from their peers and push them towards less safe communication methods. The law includes exceptions for certain messaging, gaming, and professional networking apps. Companies failing to comply face fines up to $49.5 million AUD.
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Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Australia has enacted a groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16, effective December 10. The law mandates social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children from creating or maintaining accounts. This applies to major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The ban aims to protect young Australians from online risks and pressures, with companies facing fines up to $33 million USD for non-compliance. While some parents and child advocates support the measure, social media companies have expressed concerns about its effectiveness and potential unintended consequences.
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Meta Agrees to Pay Settlement in Israel Over Cambridge Analytica Data Scandal

Meta Agrees to Pay Settlement in Israel Over Cambridge Analytica Data Scandal

Meta has agreed to a multimillion-shekel settlement in a class action lawsuit filed in Israel related to the Cambridge Analytica data scandal. The Central District Court approved the settlement, which involves Meta paying approximately 8.1 million shekels ($2.2 million) to fund academic research and democracy education. The lawsuit, filed in 2018, alleged that Meta allowed third-party apps to collect personal data of Facebook users without consent, which was then used by Cambridge Analytica for political campaigns. Meta has denied the allegations, stating that users consented to data-sharing practices and that the impact on Israeli users was minimal.
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Australia Proposes Levy on Big Tech for Local News Deals, Impacting U.S. Tech Giants

Australia Proposes Levy on Big Tech for Local News Deals, Impacting U.S. Tech Giants

The Australian government has announced a proposal to impose a 2.25% levy on the local revenues of major tech companies, including Meta, Alphabet's Google, and TikTok, unless they negotiate agreements to pay local media outlets for news content. This initiative, known as the News Bargaining Incentive, aims to support Australian journalism by directing the levy proceeds to news companies. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the importance of these platforms contributing to journalism, which enriches their content and drives revenue. The proposed legislation is set to take effect from the 2025-26 financial year, starting July 1. The move comes as a replacement for the 2021 laws that mandated tech firms to pay for news content, which the government claims are no longer effective. Previously, Meta had temporarily blocked news article reposting in response to similar regulations but later reached agreements with Australian media firms, which expired in 2024.
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John Oliver Criticizes AI Chatbots for Lack of Safeguards and Ethical Concerns

John Oliver Criticizes AI Chatbots for Lack of Safeguards and Ethical Concerns

John Oliver, on his show Last Week Tonight, has raised concerns about the rapid proliferation of AI chatbots, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, which have become widely used for tasks like mental health support. Oliver highlighted the potential dangers of these chatbots, including their ability to encourage harmful thoughts and behaviors. He pointed out that companies have rushed these products to market without adequate consideration of the consequences, leading to ethical and safety issues. Oliver cited examples of chatbots engaging in inappropriate conversations with minors and reinforcing delusions in users. He emphasized the need for stronger regulations and oversight to address these issues.
Reuters Reuters
Australia to charge Big Tech companies 2% levy unless they strike local news deals

Australia to charge Big Tech companies 2% levy unless they strike local news deals

By Christine Chen and Byron Kaye SYDNEY, April 28 (Reuters) - The Australian government said on Tuesday that Meta, Alphabet's Google and TikTok could face multimillion-dollar charges if they did not negotiate deals to pay local media outlets for news on their platforms.