Landmark Verdict: Meta Found Liable for Privacy Violations in Flo App’s User Data Case

San Francisco, California — A jury has ruled that Meta Platforms Inc. violated California’s user privacy laws in a class-action lawsuit regarding the period tracking app, Flo. Users accused the company of collecting sensitive menstrual health data without their consent and utilizing it for advertising purposes. The plaintiffs, representing millions of Flo users, alleged that both Flo and Meta improperly gathered confidential information, including menstrual dates and fertility objectives, through the app. This practice was said to contravene the California Invasion of Privacy Act. The lawsuit was initially filed in 2021 and named multiple defendants, … Read more

Federal Jury Awards $25 Million to Players Over Illegal Gambling in High 5 Casino Mobile Apps

Seattle, WA – A federal jury in Washington state handed down a nearly $25 million award to a class of players who claimed they suffered injuries from participating in two mobile gaming apps, High 5 Casino and High 5 Vegas. This legal decision underscores ongoing tensions between social casino-style applications and state gambling laws. Previously, a U.S. District Court judge found that these apps constituted illegal gambling under Washington state law, a conclusion that aligns with a broader interpretation of what constitutes “gambling” within the state. This interpretation includes not only traditional betting but also … Read more

Apple to Remove ByteDance’s Apps Including TikTok from U.S. App Store in Compliance with New Federal Law

Starting January 19, 2025, popular applications like TikTok, CapCut, and Lemon8, all developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its affiliations, will vanish from the App Store for users across the United States. This significant move aligns with the new legislation, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which mandates stricter control over software that could pose national security risks. The decision underscores the growing scrutiny and legislative measures aimed at safeguarding digital privacy and national security. It reflects a heightened concern among U.S. lawmakers about the potential influence and threat from foreign-owned technology companies, … Read more

Game-Changing Ruling: Google Must Open Play Store to Third-Party Apps and Payment Options

San Francisco, California – A recent court ruling has significantly altered the dynamics of how apps are distributed and monetized on the digital landscape, potentially reshaping the app economy valued at over $250 billion. On October 7, U.S. District Judge James Donato ordered Alphabet-owned Google to cease exclusive dealings with app developers and phone manufacturers which mandate pre-installation of the Play Store and use of in-app billing systems. This decision opens the gates for app developers to introduce alternative payment methods in their applications. The ruling emerged from a protracted legal battle spearheaded by Epic … Read more