General Court largely upholds the fine imposed on Qualcomm for abuse of dominant position

The General Court has issued its ruling in Case T-671/19 | Qualcomm v Commission.  It reduced a European Commission-imposed fine of € 242 million to approximately € 238.7 million. Qualcomm is a US company selling chipsets and licensing system software for use in mobile phones, tablets, laptops, data modules and other consumer electronics. After a…

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Consumer groups complain to EU authorities over video games’ in-game purchase features

Various EU consumer bodies including BEUC and national bodies have made a formal complaint to EU authorities about alleged unfair practices by leading video game companies which make games such as Fortnite, EA Sports FC 24, Minecraft and Clash of Clans. BEUC’s analysis has concluded that traders breach EU consumer protection laws and so has…

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Ofcom issues new guidance regarding broadband information for customers

Broadband providers must give consumers clear information about the technology that underpins their broadband service when signing up to a new deal, under new Ofcom guidance for providers that came into force this week. Full-fibre networks are rapidly being deployed, meaning that customers are increasingly able to choose from a range of different network technologies…

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ICO takes action against Sky Betting and Gaming for using cookies without consent

The ICO has issued a reprimand to Bonne Terre Limited, trading as Sky Betting and Gaming, for unlawfully processing people’s data through advertising cookies without their consent. From 10 January to 3 March 2023, Sky Betting and Gaming was processing people’s personal information and sharing it with advertising technology companies as soon as they accessed…

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UK government confirms advertising restrictions for less healthy foods

The UK government has confirmed plans to implement restrictions on the advertising of less healthy products on TV and online. This policy includes: This follows consultations in 2019 and 2020. The consultation response published in 2021 set out the businesses, products and services that would be in scope of the restrictions. Following this, the policy…

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Crypto’s legal status clarified by Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill

The Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill has been introduced to the UK parliament.  It aims to make sure that digital holdings including cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens such as digital art, and carbon credits can be considered as personal property under the law. It will mean that the UK is one of the first countries to recognise…

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Communications and Digital Committee issues inquiry on AI and creative tech

The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee has started an inquiry about AI and creative tech.  It says that the UK has a vibrant startup scene with a strong reputation for innovation. However, major challenges continue to hinder startups from developing into the stable, scaleup businesses the UK needs to secure long-term prosperity. The…

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Coimisiún na Meán reviews online platforms’ compliance with Digital Services Act

Coimisiún na Meán is taking action to make sure that platforms deal effectively with reports of illegal content online under the EU’s Digital Services Act.  It says that one in three digital services complaints made to Coimisiún na Meán relate to difficulties reporting illegal content online. Its initial information-gathering phase is first step towards compliance…

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Google fined 2.4bn euros for preferring its own comparison shopping service

CJEU upholds General Court decision in Google Shopping case The Court of Justice of the EU has ruled in Case C-48/22 P | Google and Alphabet v Commission (Google Shopping). It upheld the fine of €2.4 billion that the European Commission had imposed on Google for abusing its dominant position by favouring its own comparison…

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