Texas Settles for $1.375 Billion with Google in Data Privacy Case

Published 6 hours agoGOOGL

Texas Settles for $1.375 Billion with Google in Data Privacy Case

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a significant $1.375 billion settlement with Google. The agreement was reached over allegations concerning Google's data privacy practices, specifically related to biometric data collection. This settlement forms part of continuing efforts to hold tech companies accountable for privacy standards.

This legal move traces back to a lawsuit filed by Texas in 2022. The state accused Google of gathering biometric data, such as voiceprints and facial geometry, from services including Google Photos, Google Assistant, and Nest Hub Max, without acquiring proper consent from users. Reuters reported that these accusations underline a consistent trend of stringent data privacy enforcement against tech giants.

This settlement with Google is not an isolated case. It parallels another substantial agreement from July 2024, where Meta settled for $1.4 billion with Texas under similar allegations of unauthorized biometric data collection. These cases reflect a broader strategy by states to enhance scrutiny and enforce data privacy laws more rigorously on technology companies.

Share this article

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Recent Articles

Hawaiian Electric Unveils $450 Million Wildfire Safety Strategy

Hawaiian Electric Unveils $450 Million Wildfire Safety Strategy

Hawaiian Electric has announced a robust $450 million strategy to enhance wildfire safety across its power infrastructure. The plan, spanning from 2025 to 2027, aims to address and mitigate the potential fire hazards related to utility lines. This comprehensive initiative is anchored in significant fiscal investments, with $137 million allocated for the current year alone, backed partly by a federal grant secured in 2024. A key component of the effort includes substantial infrastructure upgrades. Hawaiian Electric has replaced 2,124 wood poles and over 23 miles of aging overhead lines, installed thousands of sparkless fuses and fault current indicators, and introduced 44 AI-assisted high-definition cameras for wildfire detection. Additionally, 53 weather stations have been set up to enhance monitoring in fire-prone areas, contributing valuable data for quick responses. The strategy also incorporates a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program designed to deactivate power lines during hazardous conditions, thus proactively reducing risks. To further bolster these efforts, Hawaiian Electric is focusing on community engagement and regulatory steps. They've filed a 179-page detailed strategy with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, which was reported by Reuters, to seek approval. The company is also strengthening ties with local organizations through community events and has initiated a dedicated Watch Office to monitor real-time conditions and data, enhancing overall situational awareness. These strategic measures underscore the utility's commitment to safeguarding Hawaii’s communities from wildfire threats.

Plains All American Pipeline Boosts Portfolio with Strategic Acquisitions

Plains All American Pipeline Boosts Portfolio with Strategic Acquisitions

5 hours agoPAGP

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. and Plains GP Holdings have made significant acquisitions, strengthening their presence in the energy sector. Plains recently acquired Ironwood Midstream Energy's Eagle Ford Basin gathering system for about $475 million, Medallion Midstream’s Delaware Basin crude oil gathering business for around $160 million, and the remaining 50% interest in Midway Pipeline LLC for approximately $90 million. These strategic moves aim to bolster the company's crude oil footprint and enhance shareholder returns. Plains is also optimizing its capital structure by agreeing to buy back 18% of its outstanding Series A Preferred Units for approximately $330 million. This redeployment of capital is expected to reduce the company's leverage ratio to the lower end of its target range of 3.25x to 3.75x. Additionally, Plains has increased its quarterly distribution by 20%, raising it to $0.38 per unit, signaling a commitment to returning capital to its unitholders. In its financial projections, Plains anticipates an Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $1.17 billion for 2024 with a leverage ratio of 3.0x, according to their recent reports. Looking ahead to 2025, the company forecasts an Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $2.80 to $2.95 billion and aims to generate approximately $1.15 billion in Adjusted Free Cash Flow post-acquisitions. Reuters reported that these initiatives highlight Plains' focus on consolidating its financial health while expanding its operational capabilities.

Cathie Wood's ARK Invest Increases Stake in Shopify, Adding Over $55 Million in Shares

Cathie Wood's ARK Invest Increases Stake in Shopify, Adding Over $55 Million in Shares

5 hours agoSHOP

ARK Investment Management, led by Cathie Wood, has significantly increased its investment in Shopify Inc., demonstrating strong confidence in the e-commerce platform's potential. On May 13, 2024, ARK acquired 313,923 shares valued at approximately $18.5 million across its ETFs, ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF. This strategic move follows a previous investment on May 8, 2024, when ARK purchased 482,042 shares worth $37.1 million, reflecting a bullish stance on Shopify's future. Earlier, on February 17, 2023, ARK made a significant purchase of 776,835 Shopify shares, which were valued at over $34.8 million at the time. Collectively, these actions highlight ARK's strategy to capitalize on Shopify's growth capabilities within the ever-expanding e-commerce sector. The investments across multiple ETFs showcase a diversified yet focused approach, aimed at benefiting from digital commerce trends. Shopify Inc.'s recent stock activity saw it priced at $89.24, with a slight decrease of $4.76 or 0.05% from the previous close. The stock opened at $94.2, with a trading volume of 4,749,083. The intraday prices fluctuated between a high of $94.83 and a low of $88.95, reflecting ongoing volatility in the market. These strategic investments by ARK Investment Management underscore their commitment to companies poised to benefit significantly from the accelerated shift to digital retailing.

U.S. Judge Blocks Land Transfer for Rio Tinto's Arizona Mine

U.S. Judge Blocks Land Transfer for Rio Tinto's Arizona Mine

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily stopped the transfer of land to mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP for the Resolution Copper mine project in Arizona. This decision comes as a response to concerns over potential irreparable harm to Native American religious rights, specifically those related to the San Carlos Apache tribe's sacred site at Oak Flat Campground, which is located above a massive copper reserve. The legal proceedings are currently at a critical juncture. The Apache Stronghold, an advocacy group, has appealed to the Supreme Court, aiming to protect the land while the judicial review is underway. The judge's latest ruling ensures that the contested transfer will not proceed during this period. This legal battle is significant as the proposed mine could meet a sizable portion of the U.S. copper demand, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic benefits and cultural preservation. Resolution Copper, the partnership behind the mining project, has acknowledged the court's temporary order and is monitoring the Supreme Court's forthcoming decision. The company has highlighted the mine's importance for enhancing America's energy resources and supporting national security. This pause provides a crucial window for reevaluating the balance between development and cultural heritage.