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Technological advancements that benefited legal practitioners

Legal frameworks and procedures continually evolve to align with the dynamic world we inhabit. These processes naturally adjust to enhance efficiency and productivity, particularly with advancements in technology. The significant technological progress witnessed over the centuries, especially in recent times, has profoundly influenced the practice of law, transcending geographical boundaries and impacting legal systems globally. This infographic shows some of these revolutionary technological changes and the impact they have had on the legal system. These include: 

Technological advancements that benefited legal practitioners #Infographic



Apple is briefly halting sales of its Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models December 21 onwards. The event that has resulted in this move is a conflict between the company itself and medical device maker Masimo over its SpO2 sensor technology.

 

Apple is therefore taking necessary measures to protect itself from any potential consequences from the ITC import ban that affects the flagship Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. The ITC ban is concerned with the sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 within the US only, therefore the watches will still be available for purchase in other regions.

 

Masimo filed two distinct cases against Apple: one with the US District Court in the Central District of California and the other with the ITC. In the latter, Masimo argues that Apple committed a breach of its pulse oximetry tech. The current import ban is a result of the latter.

Apple is Under Fire for Allegedly Breaching Masimo’s Pulse Oximetry Tech

 

In Which Countries Is ‘Conversion Therapy’ Still Legal?


According to data aggregated by the Global Equality Caucus and The International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), Conversion therapy is banned in several countries around the world, including Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, France, Malta and New Zealand.

In Which Countries Is ‘Conversion Therapy’ Still Legal? Infographic



Elon Musk has filed a motion with the SEC to put an end to the $44 billion takeover deal that he had signed with Twitter, because of the company’s inability to provide accurate information on the number of fake accounts on the platform.

 

According to Musk’s team, they made repeated requests to Twitter for access to accurate information, but the company failed to comply with the contractual requirements and offered only limited access to the required data, which resulted in violation of the terms.

 

As per Musk’s filing, the information was meant to be provided by Twitter for business purpose related to the consummation of the transaction. However, Twitter made multiple moves to keep the information to itself, such as by ignoring Musk’s requests, rejecting them for unjustified reasons, and other times, even claiming to comply, but actually providing incomplete or unusable information.

 

Elon Musk Decides to Pull Out of the Twitter Takeover Deal

 


Facebook has been involved in the ongoing battle between Apple and Epic Games, and the social media company has been arguing with Apple over document requests as Facebook executive Vivek Sharma is set to testify on behalf of Epic.

 

Sharma plans to testify about Apple's restrictions on iOS app distribution, the App Store process, and Facebook's interactions with Apple. Apple, on the other hand, is asking for a "limited set of documents" required for a fair cross examination in relation to the procedure. Facebook has, however, refused to comply.

 

According to Facebook, producing tens of thousands of documents is an "untimely, unfair, and unjustified request to redo fact discovery," as Apple requires over 17,000 documents that it finds relevant to the case. Even though Facebook has already provided Apple with a total of more than 1,600 documents, 200 out of which are apparently relevant to Sharma, the tech giant has objected that they are not sufficient.

Court Denies Apple’s Demands to Compel Facebook to Produce Additional Documents Amidst the Epic Vs. Apple Battle

 


Apple opposed a trademark application by the creators of Prepear, a recipe and meal-planning app, back in August. The company claimed that Prepear’s logo was similar to Apple’s own logo.

 

According to Apple, Prepear's logo consisted of a “minimalistic fruit design with a right-angled leaf, which readily calls to mind Apple's famous Apple Logo and creates a similar commercial impression."

 

This was followed by Prepear’s parent company Super Healthy Kids launching a petition to convince Apple to drop its opposition. The petition has gained over 250,000 signatures by now.

Apple and Prepear may be Negotiating for a Settlement for the Logo Dispute


Google has just been faced with one of the largest antitrust cases in the U.S. history after the Justice Department filed a suit against the tech giant for illegal monopolization of the search and ad markets. 


The complaint stated that countless advertisers must pay a toll to Google’s search advertising and general search text advertising monopolies and that American consumers are forced to accept the company’s policies, privacy practices, and use of personal data. The complaint further argued that new companies with innovative business models can not emerge from Google’s ‘'long shadow’'. 


Justice Department officials demanded that google stop its illegal conduct which is against the traditional antitrust principles. Their main focus was on the magnitude and power of Google’s control over the search market - the fact that the company controls search distribution channels accounting for about 80% of general search queries in the U.S. 

Google Faces Serious Antitrust Charges from the Justice Department


Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg received a lot of criticism and controversy after he stated in 2008 that Facebook would not ban holocaust deniers from its platform. He later explained that such content would not be removed or blocked, but its distribution across the platform would be limited, so as to stop the spread of misinformation.  


Today, 12 years later, Zuckerberg seems to have changed his belief and stance on the matter as he has announced a revised policy regarding holocaust denial. According to the updated policy, Facebook will be completely removing such content from its platform now.  


Zuckerberg explained that his own thinking has evolved during this time as he has observed a rise in anti-Semitic violence, which has resulted in increased ignorance towards the Holocaust, especially among young adults.  


According to a survey recently conducted in the U.S., about a quarter of adults aged between 18-39 years said that the Holocaust was a myth or that it had been exaggerated, or they had no knowledge of the event.  


Zuckerberg's change in the policy was much needed, as Facebook is being constantly highlighted as a potentially damaging platform with respect to promoting the spread of incorrect, misleading, and violent content.  

Facebook’s Revised Policy for Holocaust Denial Content Supports Banning of the Content


Uber has been granted a license by the UK court, which had been denied for renewal. The duration of the renewal is 18 months only, however. The judge took the decision after being assured of the improvements made by Uber, especially those relating to its communication with London's transport regulator, TfL.


There are 21 conditions stated in the new license, suggested by both Uber and TfL to the Magistrate. 


While the judge still isn't a hundred percent satisfied with Uber's performance, he still believes that the company is doing a ''reasonable business'', as expected. 


Uber has been struggling to have its license reinstated for several years ever since TfL announced to the company in 2007 that it would not renew its license, due to safety concerns and considering that Uber was not fit to hold a private hire operator license.


Uber did manage to win a provisional appeal in 2018 after being granted a 15-month license by a U.K. court, while it was given the chance to work on meeting TfL's requirements. Last November, TfL denied a full license renewal to the company once again and highlighted new safety concerns.

Uber has been Finally Granted License by U.K. Court for 18 Months


President Donald Trump proposed a ban on both Chinese-owned apps, TikTok and WeChat, after labelling the apps as a ''national security threat'' in the U.S. Amidst the ongoing legal issues regarding both the apps, the Justice Department has stated that users of WeChat will not face civil or criminal penalties even if the app is banned in the U.S. by next week.


Users of WeChat filed a motion in U.S. District Court in S.F., in an attempt to prevent the Government from prohibiting WeChat from being used by users, businesses, and groups. In response, the Justice Department clarified that individuals or groups who only download the app or use it for personal or business purposes do not have to face civil or criminal penalties.

WeChat Users will not be Penalized, Says the U.S. Justice Department

The ongoing deal talks between ByteDance and Microsoft regarding selling TikTok's U.S. operations seem to have come to an end and Oracle has confirmed that it would be partnering with ByteDance. Oracle has shown interest in a structured partnership instead of entirely acquiring TikTok. 


The Trump Administration's executive order gave ByteDance 90 days to either divest TikTok in the U.S. or sell its operations to an American company. The order came after the U.S. government raised concerns over TikTok being a ''national security threat'', accusing the company of helping the Chinese government spy on the U.S. citizens through the data collected by the app. The claims were denied by TikTok.


Furthermore, China revised its rules around tech export in August, hence making the matter for ByteDance to sell TikTok difficult. It was reported that the Chinese government has been attempting  to have TikTok entirely shut down instead of letting its operations be sold; an act of submission that it did not want to go with.


ByteDance submitted a proposal to the U.S. Treasury Department over the weekend and Oracle was included in it as TikTok's ''trusted technology provider'''. According to Oracle, its shares mentioned were up to 6.3%. Under the same proposal, Oracle is now assuming management of TikTok's U.S. user data, which is currently stored in Alphabet's cloud, with a backup in Singapore.

Oracle Shows Interest in Partnership with ByteDance to Save TikTok from Shutting Down in U.S.


Apple and Epic Game's battle over legal issues is still going on as Apple has recently made a move against Epic for allegedly breaching its contract with the iOS App Store. Apple made some counterclaims on Tuesday, accusing Epic for threatening Apple’s relationship with its customers and its iOS ecosystem, hence causing ''significant harm'' to the company.


Apple's counterclaims came after Epic sued the company for removing its popular game Fortnite from the App Store over in-app payment issues. Epic's complaint stated that Apple has violated the antitrust law as its used its control over iOS to extract a commission for all software that passes through the App Store.

Apple Enters a Filing of Counterclaims Against Epic Games for Suing Apple

The data security issues are increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, and in the midst of it, Beijing has taken the 'data security initiative' to present a global standard for data security. 


In a video during a meeting in Beijing, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced a framework highlighting topics like Beijing's handling of user data. The comprehensive framework explained that Beijing would not ask Chinese companies to transfer overseas data to the government in breach of other countries’ laws. It also states that companies must refrain from installing backdoors in their products and services for illegal data collection, and that states must oppose mass surveillance against other states. 


The timings of the announcement of Beijing's data security initiative links with TikTok's sale. Only last week, China updated its export law, hence making the matters for ByteDance to sell TikTok difficult. TikTok was listed as a national security threat by the U.S. government that claimed that the company was using its American citizens' data in an attempt to allow the Chinese government to spy on them. 

Beijing Announces 'Data Security Initiative' in the Midst of Security Issues between U.S. and China



Fortnite was removed from Apple's App Store last month after legal issues over in-app payment method arose between Epic Games and Apple. Last week, Apple terminated Epic's developer account which has made it impossible to reinstall Epic's iOS apps. 


Users that already have the Fortnite app installed in their iOS devices can play the game and install update files. However, they wouldn't have access to the latest content of the game that comes with the launch of Chapter 2: Season 4, and are unable to use crossplay with other systems. 


Before Apple terminated Epic's account, there was a way to reinstall the game for those players who had downloaded Fortnite some time in the past, at least once, and later removed it. 

Fortnite's iOS App can No Longer be Reinstalled as Apple Terminates Epic's Account

Developing Boards for Educational Equity

 The more we progress in this modern age, the greater the need for diversity. Diversity is being called out in every sphere of life. There are governing boards for every industry out there. These boards are responsible for making fair policies, for making sure that nobody feels left out. Whether it's due to the person's social status, wealth, physical or mental disabilities, race, gender or more.

 Yet equity still remains an issue, when it comes to higher education. In some cases, it's not the problem of the board itself. While they are ready to make decisions regarding equity, usually they are not included in the talk at all. Their work usually goes into the hands of people occupying other positions in the education sector— professors, administrators etc.

Developing Boards for Educational Equity #Infographic

Facebook just blocked access to its platform within Thailand to a Group consisting of 1 million members that had been criticizing Thailand's king. The group had been protesting daily against the Thai government, hence the government's order to Facebook to block the group. 


The group was officially named Royalist Marketplace and was formed in April by a self-exiled academic and critic of the monarchy named Pavin Chachavalpongpun. 


The group's page on Facebook had a message for it on Monday, that read "Access to this group has been restricted within Thailand pursuant to a legal request from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.".


Pavin responded saying that Facebook had bowed to the pressure from the military-dominant government. He complained that the group is part of a democratization process and is a space for freedom of expression. 


According to Pavin, Facebook's move to block the group shows that the company is ''cooperating with the authoritarian regime to obstruct democracy and cultivating authoritarianism in Thailand.". 

Facebook Blocked Group of Thai Protestants as per Government's Request

TikTok has finally confirmed that it will file a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over the executive order that demanded ByteDance to divest its TikTok operations in the U.S. The company had been planning to challenge the executive order and hinted at filing a lawsuit against the administration; the plan it is now executing.

TikTok spokesman, Josh Gartner, said in a statement that the Trump Administration paid no attention to the ''constructive solution'' that the company has been offering, and instead tried to ''insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.''.

TikTok decided to challenge the administration's executive order through the judicial system after being left with no other choice as according to the company, it is aimed at treating its users fairly.

TikTok Confirms Filing a Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration


Epic pursued an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over its App Store policies and Apple has finally responded to the action taken. Apple has accused Epic of creating an ''emergency'' by accepting direct payments through Fortnite which violated the App Store's guidelines.


Apple executive Phill Schiller wrote in a declaration to the court that CEO of Epic, Tim Sweeney, asked Apple for a ''special deal'' with Epic to fundamentally change the way Epic offers apps on iOS platforms. The request was declined by Apple, after which Epic altered its policies and cut Apple out of in-app purchases. According to Apple, Epic's move has made the ban its own responsibility. Apple further stated that “Developers who work to deceive Apple, as Epic has done here, are terminated.”. 


Apple further justified its in-app purchases policy by stating that developers avoiding digital checkout is equivalent to a customer leaving an Apple retail store without paying. 


On the other hand, Sweeney called Apple's statement ''misleading'' and responded saying that in the email that he wrote to Apple, he initially requested that the Store exemptions be made available to all iOS developers. Sweeney also added a screenshot of the email in his tweet on Twitter.


 

Apple's response to Epic suing the company last week also consists of several emails exchanged between Sweeney, Schiller, and other company executives. The initial emails were from Epic where the company requested Apple to allow Epic to launch its own app store on iOS and include an alternative payment system in Fortnite and other games offered by Epic to bypass the App Store's 30% cut. Apple declined the request, saying that ''The App Store is not simply a marketplace — it is part of a larger bundle of tools, technologies and services that Apple makes available to developers.''.

Apple Accuses Epic, Says the Ban is its Own Responsibility


The Federal Trade Commission held an antitrust investigative hearing this week, as a part of  which, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had to testify.


According to sources familiar with the case, the FTC isn't likely to pursue an antitrust lawsuit against Facebook. The testimony was conducted under oath over the course of two days and would ultimately help the FTC and state attorneys general build a case against Facebook. 


Earlier in July, Zuckerberg had testified before a House panel as part of an antitrust probe of the tech company and its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Original text messages shared between Zuckerberg and Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom, and between Systrom and a venture capitalist were read out loud, hence arising questions for Zuckerberg asking him if he threatened to copy rivals if they didn't agree to sell to the tech giant. In response, Zuckerberg denied claims of threatening Systrom. 

Mark Zuckerberg Testified as Part of FTC's Antitrust Probe

Facebook keen on settling the facial recognition lawsuit

Facebook was charged with a lawsuit regarding its facial recognition system as the facial recognition software found on the platform generated a lot of controversy towards Facebook. The controversy was ignited more as there are protests against police brutality. Facebook has offered to pay $650 million for long-running, class-action lawsuit about the use of facial recognition technology.

The final offer by the US district judge is $100 million more than the initial offer. Earlier this year, US district judge rejected the initial amount of $550 million by the social media company. Facebook, in a statement, said, “We are focused on settling as it is in the best interest of our community and our shareholders to move past this matter.”

Facebook keen on settling the facial recognition lawsuit

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