Tech News Highlights: February 17, 2021

Significant developments unfolded today involving major tech companies. Facebook's actions in Australia, Epic Games' ongoing dispute with Apple, and legal action against Amazon are key stories.

Facebook Restricts News Access in Australia

Responding to proposed legislation requiring digital platforms to compensate news publishers, Facebook has implemented a block. Australian users are now prevented from sharing or viewing news links.

Facebook contrasted its position with that of Google, noting that publishers actively choose to utilize Facebook to enhance subscriptions, expand reach, and boost advertising income. Google Search, conversely, relies on publishers voluntarily providing content.

Updates on Tech Giants

Epic Games is escalating its legal battle with Apple. The company has filed a complaint with European antitrust regulators, extending the conflict beyond the United States.

New York’s Attorney General has initiated a lawsuit against Amazon. The allegations center on insufficient health and safety protocols within Amazon’s New York warehouse facilities.

Furthermore, the suit claims Amazon unjustly disciplined and terminated employees who voiced concerns regarding working conditions.

Google Maps now integrates direct payment options for parking and public transportation fares. This functionality is enabled through expanded partnerships with Passport and ParkMobile.

Startup Funding and Venture Capital News

Locus Robotics secured $150 million in Series E funding. This investment brings the company’s valuation to $1 billion.

SpaceX has reportedly raised $850 million in a new funding round. While substantial, this figure aligns with the company’s typical funding scale.

Nate Faust, a co-founder of Jet, is developing Olive, an e-commerce platform focused on sustainability. Faust highlights the continued reliance on unsustainable packaging practices within the industry.

Expert Insights from Extra Crunch

“Dear Sophie” provides guidance on navigating the green card application process for spouses. This column addresses immigration questions relevant to the tech sector.

An analysis explores whether venture capitalists will increasingly invest in competing startups. The discussion revisits past perspectives on competitive investments in emerging markets.

(Extra Crunch is a membership program designed to support founders and startup teams. Sign up for access here.)

Additional News

A data breach exposed the personal information of thousands of travelers visiting Jamaica’s immigration website. Sensitive immigration documents and COVID-19 test results were left vulnerable.

Strategies for mitigating the spread of misinformation on social media are being examined. Ideas are presented by the team at Irrational Labs.

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