Lawsuits, fines and the tech at the heart of it all
When a company pushes false claims about using artificial intelligence in its business, that’s known informally as “AI washing.” It can feel like everybody’s doing it, but the Securities and Exchange Commission is cracking down on the practice this week by fining two companies a total of $400,000.
Plus, is the government’s communication with social media companies persuasion or coercion? The Supreme Court heard arguments in yet another case about online speech. Conservative attorneys general say the Joe Biden administration coerced internet platforms to take down certain content, but it seems like the justices might actually side with the White House on this one.
But first, the Department of Justice on Thursday said it’s bringing antitrust charges against Apple. The DOJ accuses the tech giant of exploiting its alleged iPhone monopoly.
Marketplace’s Lily Jamali spoke with Reuters Breakingviews columnist Anita Ramaswamy about all of these stories for this week’s episode of Marketplace Tech’s Bytes: Week in Review.
Marketplace Tech reached out to Apple for comment regarding the DOJ suit. Here’s what they said:
“At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love — designing products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users. This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology. We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it.”
More on everything we talked about
Justice Department, states accuse Apple of holding a smartphone monopoly from The Washington Post
The Main Driver of Apple’s Success Has Become Its Biggest Liability from The Wall Street Journal
The green bubble vs. blue bubble debate isn’t just a tech issue from Marketplace Tech
Alphabet and Apple have cause to circle AI wagons from Reuters Breakingviews
The Supreme Court is skeptical of restricting the White House from talking to social media platforms from The Verge
Supreme Court to hear online speech case with major 2024 implications from Politico
SEC Settles With Two Investment Advisers Over Alleged ‘AI Washing’ from The Wall Street Journal
Watch Out. Companies are using ‘AI washing’ to mislead consumers from The Washington Post
Stories You Might Like
The future of this podcast starts with you.
Every day, the “Marketplace Tech” team demystifies the digital economy with stories that explore more than just Big Tech. We’re committed to covering topics that matter to you and the world around us, diving deep into how technology intersects with climate change, inequity, and disinformation.
As part of a nonprofit newsroom, we’re counting on listeners like you to keep this public service paywall-free and available to all.
Support “Marketplace Tech” in any amount today and become a partner in our mission.
