One of the biggest technology acquisitions is under regulatory review
Microsoft wants to complete One of the largest technology acquisitions Requires regulatory approval.
The plan foreshadows the acquisition of Microsoft Video game maker Activision Blizzard Earned a record $68.7 billion in all cash deals.video game companies lag behind hit franchises such as Guitar Hero, call of duty and Diablo.
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating the matter, as are antitrust regulators in Brazil and the United Kingdom, trying to determine whether the acquisition will hurt competition in the global video game industry. worth billions of dollarsThe UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said in September whether the acquisition would lead to Microsoft’s Xbox removing Call of Duty from Sony’s PlayStation, or Microsoft’s Cloud gaming services may unfairly benefit From the Activision game.
This is not the only investigation facing Activision Blizzard. Last year, the California Department of Civil Rights (formerly known as the Fair Employment and Housing Authority) sued the company for gender-based discrimination, inequality and harassment. After the lawsuit was filed, several company executives resigned. Activision tried to dismiss the lawsuit, but an appeals court rejected the request on Friday. Both sides are seeking a postponement of the trial, which is scheduled for February 2023. Lisa BloomAn attorney representing eight women who have faced sexual harassment allegations against Activision Blizzard told The Technology 202 last week: However, she was retaliated against for sexual harassment complaints. “
There are other issues that plague the future of Activision Blizzard.In addition to ongoing corporate culture issues, lack of communication and lay off 12 contractors, urged workers to actively unionize in industries that have traditionally avoided organizing. A group of minimum wage Activision Blizzard workers have formed a union at Raven Software, a subsidiary in Madison, Wisconsin, and are engaged in negotiations with management. Appears to have a union vote November 18th.
Calls for his resignation continue from both workers and some shareholders. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby KotickKotick has previously said he intends to stay “as long as necessary” after Microsoft closes the deal.
Satya NadellaCEO of Microsoft. Microsoft announced We will be entering into a so-called labor neutrality agreement with Communications Workers of America to respect the rights of Activision Blizzard workers to join unions and to support these workers. June, Microsoft President brad smith “We have to be very careful under the law to avoid so-called shootouts,” he said of illegal activity by companies awaiting regulatory approval. [talk to Activision Blizzard] It was based on a merger agreement and did not seek approval to enter into an agreement with the union.”
Questions remain as to whether Microsoft’s offer of $95 per share is too high. The company’s stock currently trades at about $72, but in December he fell to $58.
It’s also unclear when the deal will be approved by the FTC or other regulatory bodies. The FTC said in February that he “does not comment on or confirm the existence of an investigation.” The FTC said that if a complaint is filed, it will be made public.
Microsoft last week responded to a UK regulator’s antitrust investigation, stating that Call of Duty is not proprietary, and that the company’s cloud gaming service is unproven and poses no danger to other consoles or devices. reassured gamers, calling the technology “new and immature”. In the same filing with UK regulators, Microsoft acknowledged that: Sony and Nintendo outperform Xbox It also shows that Activision Blizzard’s list of popular games could increase the commercial appeal of Xbox.
A Microsoft spokesperson said, “Our goal is to bring more games to more people. We believe Activision Blizzard’s talent and catalog of games will be valuable in making this happen. I am.” David Cuddy told The Technology 202.
Report: Telecom giants hike prices, cut services amid pandemic-era internet initiatives
US government’s $17 billion effort to bridge the digital divide amid pandemic forces major telecom companies to accept price increases and internet speed slowdowns if they want to apply for federal discounts on internet rates It is marred by complaints that Tony Rom reportThe program is also at risk of fraud, according to the Federal Communications Commission’s internal oversight agency. FCC Spokesperson Paloma Perez Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, saying an “investigation” is underway Frank Parone Jr. (DN.J.) said, “Companies have a lot to answer,” he said, “I will.[s] to hold them accountable. “
According to the federal government, “more than 14 million households are enrolled in the Federal Broadband Benefit Plan,” Tony wrote. “But that figure represents about a quarter of the estimated 49 million American households eligible for assistance, according to a Washington Post analysis. , we believe it is in a multi-billion dollar industry that manages aid.”
Spokespeople for five major telecom companies responded in writing that the benefits of broadband are key to keeping Americans online. They were also “diligent managers of federal funds and found many of the discrepancies to be attributed to the actions of the government itself,” Tony wrote.
Google and DOJ reach agreement to respond to warrants
Department of Justice Announced Search giant agrees to ‘upgrade’ internal processes to respond faster and more fully to subpoenas and search warrants in deal with Google Gerrit De Vink The Technology 202 report. The agreement stems from a lawsuit between Google and the government over Google’s response to a 2016 search warrant for Google’s information on cryptocurrency exchanges the government is investigating.
Over the past few years, the Big Tech data trove has become a vast source of information for law enforcement and government investigators. tens of thousands The number of search warrants against companies like Facebook, Google, and Apple each year.
As part of the agreement between Google and the Department of Justice, Google authorizes third-party agents to evaluate their compliance with the Agreement.
“Google has a long track record of protecting user privacy and has sometimes opposed excessive government demands for user data. does not change the Matt Bryanta Google spokesperson.
Are Uber’s in-car ads helpful or invasive?
It’s not clear if Uber will follow in the footsteps of companies like Netflix to lower ride prices for people who see ads. But Uber also needs to navigate a fine line between using mountains of customer data to show helpful and personalized ads while not offending or offending users. I have. tatum hunter report.
“If [Uber] Pestering passengers with ads that are too disruptive or invasive can be disastrous for your business. ” Michael Nevinschief marketing officer at ad tech company Equativ.
Uber says ads help drivers earn more and lower fares. The advertising pivot is due to some passengers reporting high prices on some trips. Since late 2019, his average Uber fare in the US has risen by about 37%, according to estimates by analytics firm YipitData.
Twitter users discussed Reuters Talk However, the social network defines the most active users as those who log in 6-7 times a week and tweet 3-4 times a week.our colleagues Angel Mendoza:
- Chamber of Progress host Financial Technology Event Today at 1pm
- Alan F. EstevezUndersecretary of Commerce (for industry and security) discusses new semiconductor export controls event Hosted by the Center for a New American Security Thursday at 10 a.m.
- Amazon Senior Vice President Dave Limp discuss The company’s satellite Internet technology at the Washington Post live event Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
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