The Volkswagen Emissions Scandal arose last year after it was determined that Volkswagen had programmed as many as 11 million diesel cars to cheat on air-quality and emissions tests. The scandal led to a $14.7 billion class action settlement which included a car buyback program for Volkswagen car owners and a payment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for environmental damage that Volkswagen had concealed. Volkswagen suffered about a 40% loss of its market value as a result of the scandal.
Controversial Use Of “Ethnic Affinity” For Targeted Advertisement
It is common knowledge and widely accepted that any activity we conduct on the internet is used to create an online profile of our interests, age, and sex. Our information is being collected through activities such as online shopping, reading the news, and even watching YouTube videos. This information is gathered and stored on our browsers and accessed by advertisers to deliver targeted advertisements.
US Regulators to Crack Down on Anti-Poaching Agreements
In a joint press release, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced an intent to criminally prosecute companies engaged in antitrust violations, such as wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements. In addition, the federal regulators issued new guidance for human resources professionals designed to educate those in hiring positions about the applicability of antitrust laws in the context of employment decisions.
Possible Revisit to Bankruptcy Protection for American Apparel
After officially emerging from bankruptcy in February of this year, American Apparel LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 14, 2016 to allow for an “orderly sale of the business.” The bankruptcy filing could offer the company a chance to evaluate competing offers for its assets and business if an auction process occurs.
The Future of the Securities and Exchange Commission
Last week, U.S Securities and Exchange Commission Chairwoman, Mary Jo White, announced that she will resign at the end of President Barack Obama’s second term. While this comes as no surprise, there is collective worry as to who will be appointed next. If Hilary Clinton had won the presidency, the new SEC chair would likely have followed Mary Jo White’s footsteps and stayed firm on tough regulations and Wall Street enforcement.
What is the Future for the “Internet of Things”?
One of the hottest topics in technology over the past year has been the emergence and growth of the supposed “Internet of Things” (IoT). It has been the subject of articles within technology and business circles for quite some time, but has yet to make a dent in the popular zeitgeist. What is the Internet of Things and what are the potential benefits and risks?
How Trump’s Presidency Will Change the Justice Department and SEC
Donald Trump’s recent upset victory in the presidential election has raised speculation on what changes his administration will make to the leadership and focus areas of the Department of Justice. Equally important questions have surfaced on whether his election will lead to an opportunity for the Republican-controlled Congress to limit the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) authority.
Trump Victory Could Spell Defeat for EU-U.S. Trade Deal
The result of the 2016 presidential election was surprising to many, and disastrous for some. The media focused its attention on social issues, religious freedoms, and healthcare proposals, while foreign trade policies took a backseat during the presidential campaign. However, President-elect Trump was also explicit about his stance on trade. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump labeled the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the “worst trade deal ever” and has blamed the NAFTA for the loss of many American jobs.
Rising Housing Prices Prompt New Political Response
It is no secret that growing housing prices have plagued Silicon Valley, and as the tech industry continues to expand, many worry that the problem will become more pronounced. Indeed, the median home price in Mountain View, headquarters of Google, stands at 1.4 million, while Cupertino, the hometown of Apple, offers homes at a median price of 1.6 million. These prices are driving even highly paid tech workers into neighboring cities where the homes are less expensive.
Martin Shkreli Subpoenas Former Lawyers
Martin Shkreli, the former hedge fund manager and founder of Retrophin and Turing Pharmaceuticals – most famous for engineering, and defending, the drastic overnight price increase of Daraprim – appears to be gearing up for another fight. This time, the fight is against his former lawyers. The suit arises from fraud charges filed by the Department of Justice after Mr. Shkreli’s price-altering program made national headlines.