Federal Judge Blocks FTC Rule on Non-Compete Agreements

A federal judge in Texas blocked the Federal Trade Commission's rule banning non-compete employment agreements, citing lack of authority and ruling it as unlawful. The ruling stops the ban from taking effect on Sept. 4, affecting around 30 million American workers.

DOJ accuses TikTok of sending U.S. user data to Chinese Communist Party

The DOJ accuses China's TikTok of sending personal U.S. user data to the Chinese Communist Party and allowing profiling based on attitudes towards gun control and abortion. Oracle is implicated in aiding TikTok. The app faces legal issues including child privacy violations and potential ban if not sold by January.

FTC Ban on Noncompete Clauses

A federal judge is expected to rule on the FTC's ban on noncompete clauses affecting 30 million people.

FTC Investigation on TikTok Violating Child Privacy Law

FTC informed DOJ that China's TikTok may be violating U.S. child privacy law. FTC referred a complaint against TikTok and ByteDance to DOJ. DOJ to decide on potential lawsuit. Separate from sell-or-ban legislation. TikTok facing lawsuits over child deaths. Considered national security threat.

FTC Chair Lina Khan on AI Data Usage and Antitrust Laws

FTC Chair Lina Khan warns that companies using AI models trained on data from news websites, artists' creations, or personal information may violate antitrust laws and people's privacy rights. Concerns include data scraping hindering competition, using data without consent, and retroactively changing terms of service.

FTC Chair Lina Khan's Warning on AI Data Usage

FTC Chair Lina Khan warns that companies using AI models trained on data from news websites, artists' creations, or personal information may violate antitrust laws and people's privacy rights. Concerns include unfair competition, deception, and unauthorized data usage.

Oil Price Fixing Allegations

Former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources accused of colluding with OPEC to inflate oil prices, leading to an investigation by the FTC.

Former CEO Scott Sheffield potentially facing criminal charges for suggesting oil production coordination

Scott Sheffield, former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources, potentially facing criminal charges for suggesting coordination to drill less oil, barred from Exxon board, facing FTC referral to Justice Department. FTC expanding criminal referral program. Industry focus on capital discipline. Merger approval used as tool to punish unrelated behavior. CEOs getting raises despite economic challenges. Apollo making significant loans. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO working to retain NBA television rights amidst competition.

FTC Awards Prizes for AI Voice Detection Technologies

The FTC has awarded prizes to organizations for developing technologies to detect AI-generated voices. Winners include OriginStory, DeFake, and AI Detect.

Michigan Primary Elections and Kroger-Albertsons Merger Lawsuit

Republicans and Democrats in Michigan are voting for their parties' candidates. The FTC and nine states are suing to block the Kroger-Albertsons supermarket merger.

Kroger's Attempted Merger with Albertsons Faces Legal Challenges

U.S. regulators and nine state attorneys general are suing to stop the $24.6 billion merger of Kroger and Albertsons, citing anticompetitive concerns. The FTC argues that the merger would lead to higher prices, lower quality, and reduced competition. Kroger and Albertsons claim the merger is necessary to compete with big retailers like Amazon and Walmart. The case is likely to go to trial soon.