Consumer Tech News (Nov 24-28): Lawmakers Target Meta Over Alleged Fraudulent Ads, U.S. Pushes Taiwan To Boost Chipmaking Investment In America & More
This week in consumer tech news, lawmakers in the United States have launched an investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over allegations of fraudulent advertising practices. The inquiry, led by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, aims to determine whether Meta has been knowingly allowing fake accounts to buy ads on its platforms.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government is urging Taiwan to increase its investment in chipmaking in America. The push is part of a broader effort to reduce the country's reliance on foreign semiconductor supplies. Taiwan is a major player in the global chipmaking industry, and the U.S. sees the investment as a key opportunity to boost domestic manufacturing and national security.
In other news, a report from the research firm, Counterpoint, has found that global smartphone sales declined by 9.5% in the third quarter of this year. The decline was driven by a combination of factors, including rising prices and supply chain disruptions.
Additionally, the European Union has approved a new set of regulations aimed at promoting the development of artificial intelligence in the region. The rules, which come into effect next year, will require companies to ensure that their AI systems are transparent and explainable.
Finally, natural gas futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex) had a positive week, closing 2.3% higher than the previous one. The price increase was driven by a combination of factors, including strong demand and limited supply.
The developments underscore the ongoing evolution of the global tech landscape, with governments and companies alike grappling with issues of regulation, security, and innovation. As the industry continues to shift and adapt, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of failure will be significant.
