attorney general Archives

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

New York Sues Valve Over Loot Boxes, Calls Them Illegal Gambling

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, the creator of Steam, regarding loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2, claiming they promote gambling behaviors among youth. The state seeks to stop Valve's use of loot boxes and impose financial penalties. The lawsuit argues that loot boxes resemble traditional slot machines and that items obtained can be traded for real-world value, with a virtual gun skin from Counter-Strike 2 reportedly selling for over a million dollars in 2024. The lawsuit claims Valve intentionally makes high-value items rare to increase their perceived worth and highlights the potential for addiction and illegal gambling, particularly among young people. Valve has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Meta executive called Facebook Messenger encryption plan irresponsible court filing shows

Meta is implementing end-to-end encryption across its messaging services for Facebook and Instagram despite internal warnings about potential risks to child safety. Internal documents reveal that executives, including Monika Bickert, expressed concerns that the encryption would hinder the company's ability to report child exploitation incidents to law enforcement. A lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez accuses Meta of enabling predators to access underage users, leading to potential abuse and human trafficking. The New Mexico case is notable as it is the first against Meta to reach a jury amid heightened scrutiny regarding the safety of young users. Over 40 attorneys general are also pursuing claims that Meta's products contribute to youth mental health issues, and various school districts have filed lawsuits. Internal communications indicated that senior safety executives were worried about the implications of encryption, predicting a significant drop in reporting child exploitation cases. A briefing document from February 2019 estimated that child exploitation reporting would decrease by 65% if Messenger were encrypted. In response to these concerns, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone stated that the apprehensions from 2019 led to the development of additional safety features prior to the launch of encrypted messaging in 2023, including special accounts for underage users to protect them from adult contacts they do not know.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

UK-based founders accused of sharing app data with Iranian authorities

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani lead TS Information Technology, a UK branch of the Iranian firm Towse’e Saman Information Technology, known for developing Gap Messenger, a domestic alternative to Telegram. The company is registered in West Sussex, UK. Gap Messenger claims to be encrypted and not share user data with third parties, but Iranian digital rights researchers have raised concerns about its involvement in state surveillance, supported by leaked emails from Iran’s attorney general's office from 2022. Mahdi Anjidani, the CEO, has publicly supported government regulation of foreign messaging apps and has identified himself as a proponent of the Islamic Revolution. Gap Messenger operates within Iran's state-controlled internet, often during internet shutdowns linked to protests. The Anjidani brothers' business operations suggest a close alignment with Iranian authorities, as domestic messaging platforms typically require significant political backing to operate.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Android Users Are Getting Checks From Google’s $700M App Store Settlement – Here’s How

A coalition of 53 attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming the company has engaged in monopolistic practices by imposing fees up to 30% on app purchases and in-app transactions, which has suppressed competition and raised prices. A settlement fund of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A coalition of 53 attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant has engaged in practices detrimental to consumers over several years. The suit claims that Google has "suppressed competition" and "unfairly raised prices" by imposing fees as high as 30% on app purchases, in-app transactions, and various subscriptions, actions deemed monopolistic in nature. This legal action follows a recent court order mandating Google to allow third-party app stores on its Android platform. According to Attorney General Letitia James, a settlement fund has already accumulated 0 million. If the settlement receives approval, consumers who have made purchases through the Google Play Store may find themselves eligible for a payout without needing to take any action. Those with a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their email address associated with their Google Play account could automatically receive their share. For individuals who do not have these payment options, or who face issues accessing their accounts, a supplemental claims process will be available on the settlement website. As of December 2, some claimants have begun receiving legal notices regarding the settlement. Eligible individuals can expect a minimum payout of at least , with the potential for more based on their spending through the Google Play Store or Google Play Billing during the specified period. While no deadline for payments has been established, a final approval hearing is set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, automatic payments will be distributed shortly thereafter, while those who need to file manual claims will experience a longer wait. What else is there to know about the settlement? For the majority of claimants, minimal action will be required, assuming they have a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their primary Google Play email and retain access to all relevant accounts. Those who do not receive automatic payments—expected to commence next year if approved—will have the opportunity to participate in a supplemental claims process afterward. Interested parties can register on the settlement website to receive notifications when this process begins. The website also offers a wealth of information, including a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common inquiries. Individuals wishing to opt out of the settlement entirely can do so by submitting an opt-out form by February 19, 2026. This choice allows them to preserve their right to pursue separate legal action against Google, foregoing any benefits associated with the settlement. This is not the first instance of Google facing financial repercussions for alleged misconduct. The company previously settled for .4 billion in Texas over violations of user data protocols and was involved in a billion lawsuit concerning user tracking in Chrome's Incognito Mode. Given the history of settlements, it seems unlikely that this latest case regarding Google Play will be the last." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million has been established, and eligible consumers may receive payouts without taking action if they have a linked PayPal or Venmo account. Claimants have begun receiving legal notices, with a minimum payout expected, and a final approval hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2026. Automatic payments will be distributed shortly after approval, while a supplemental claims process will be available for those not receiving automatic payments. Individuals can opt out of the settlement by February 19, 2026, to retain the right to pursue separate legal action. Google has a history of financial settlements for alleged misconduct, including a previous [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A coalition of 53 attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant has engaged in practices detrimental to consumers over several years. The suit claims that Google has "suppressed competition" and "unfairly raised prices" by imposing fees as high as 30% on app purchases, in-app transactions, and various subscriptions, actions deemed monopolistic in nature. This legal action follows a recent court order mandating Google to allow third-party app stores on its Android platform. According to Attorney General Letitia James, a settlement fund has already accumulated 0 million. If the settlement receives approval, consumers who have made purchases through the Google Play Store may find themselves eligible for a payout without needing to take any action. Those with a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their email address associated with their Google Play account could automatically receive their share. For individuals who do not have these payment options, or who face issues accessing their accounts, a supplemental claims process will be available on the settlement website. As of December 2, some claimants have begun receiving legal notices regarding the settlement. Eligible individuals can expect a minimum payout of at least , with the potential for more based on their spending through the Google Play Store or Google Play Billing during the specified period. While no deadline for payments has been established, a final approval hearing is set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, automatic payments will be distributed shortly thereafter, while those who need to file manual claims will experience a longer wait. What else is there to know about the settlement? For the majority of claimants, minimal action will be required, assuming they have a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their primary Google Play email and retain access to all relevant accounts. Those who do not receive automatic payments—expected to commence next year if approved—will have the opportunity to participate in a supplemental claims process afterward. Interested parties can register on the settlement website to receive notifications when this process begins. The website also offers a wealth of information, including a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common inquiries. Individuals wishing to opt out of the settlement entirely can do so by submitting an opt-out form by February 19, 2026. This choice allows them to preserve their right to pursue separate legal action against Google, foregoing any benefits associated with the settlement. This is not the first instance of Google facing financial repercussions for alleged misconduct. The company previously settled for .4 billion in Texas over violations of user data protocols and was involved in a billion lawsuit concerning user tracking in Chrome's Incognito Mode. Given the history of settlements, it seems unlikely that this latest case regarding Google Play will be the last." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].4 billion settlement in Texas and a billion lawsuit related to user tracking.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Google to pay Android users in massive app store settlement. Are you eligible?

A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has filed a lawsuit against ByHeart after their daughter was hospitalized due to botulism linked to the infant formula. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that Google has deposited [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has initiated legal proceedings against ByHeart, the manufacturer of infant formula, after their daughter was reportedly hospitalized due to botulism linked to the product. This serious allegation has raised concerns about the safety standards of baby formula in the market. In a separate but equally significant development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that Google has deposited 0 million into a settlement fund as part of a larger 0 million agreement reached in 2023. This settlement follows a lawsuit filed by James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general in 2021, which accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the mobile app marketplace. What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit centers on claims that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. According to the Attorney General's Office, this monopoly allowed Google to impose fees as high as 30% on consumers for app purchases and in-app transactions, ultimately inflating costs for users. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company has committed to implementing changes aimed at curbing its anticompetitive practices. If the settlement receives court approval, a substantial portion of the funds will be allocated to consumers who were adversely affected by these inflated prices. Am I eligible for a settlement payment? Individuals who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions, including gaming apps, subscriptions, or ad-free versions of applications, between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Do I have to submit a claim? In most cases, affected consumers will not need to file a claim. Notifications began being sent out on December 2, and the majority of payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. However, those without a PayPal or Venmo account, or who have lost access to the email or phone number linked to their Google Play account, may need to submit a supplemental claim to receive their payment. How much money will I get through the settlement? Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of , although the final amount may vary based on the total spent on apps and in-app content during the specified period. When will my payment be sent? The timeline for payment distribution remains uncertain, with a final approval hearing set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, depending on the contact information associated with their Google Play account. For those without an existing PayPal or Venmo account, options to create a new account or redirect payments to a different account will be available. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million into a settlement fund as part of a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has initiated legal proceedings against ByHeart, the manufacturer of infant formula, after their daughter was reportedly hospitalized due to botulism linked to the product. This serious allegation has raised concerns about the safety standards of baby formula in the market. In a separate but equally significant development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that Google has deposited 0 million into a settlement fund as part of a larger 0 million agreement reached in 2023. This settlement follows a lawsuit filed by James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general in 2021, which accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the mobile app marketplace. What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit centers on claims that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. According to the Attorney General's Office, this monopoly allowed Google to impose fees as high as 30% on consumers for app purchases and in-app transactions, ultimately inflating costs for users. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company has committed to implementing changes aimed at curbing its anticompetitive practices. If the settlement receives court approval, a substantial portion of the funds will be allocated to consumers who were adversely affected by these inflated prices. Am I eligible for a settlement payment? Individuals who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions, including gaming apps, subscriptions, or ad-free versions of applications, between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Do I have to submit a claim? In most cases, affected consumers will not need to file a claim. Notifications began being sent out on December 2, and the majority of payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. However, those without a PayPal or Venmo account, or who have lost access to the email or phone number linked to their Google Play account, may need to submit a supplemental claim to receive their payment. How much money will I get through the settlement? Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of , although the final amount may vary based on the total spent on apps and in-app content during the specified period. When will my payment be sent? The timeline for payment distribution remains uncertain, with a final approval hearing set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, depending on the contact information associated with their Google Play account. For those without an existing PayPal or Venmo account, options to create a new account or redirect payments to a different account will be available. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million agreement reached in 2023, following a lawsuit that accused Google of maintaining a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. Eligible consumers who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Affected consumers will generally not need to file a claim, as notifications began being sent out on December 2, and payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has initiated legal proceedings against ByHeart, the manufacturer of infant formula, after their daughter was reportedly hospitalized due to botulism linked to the product. This serious allegation has raised concerns about the safety standards of baby formula in the market. In a separate but equally significant development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that Google has deposited 0 million into a settlement fund as part of a larger 0 million agreement reached in 2023. This settlement follows a lawsuit filed by James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general in 2021, which accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the mobile app marketplace. What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit centers on claims that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. According to the Attorney General's Office, this monopoly allowed Google to impose fees as high as 30% on consumers for app purchases and in-app transactions, ultimately inflating costs for users. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company has committed to implementing changes aimed at curbing its anticompetitive practices. If the settlement receives court approval, a substantial portion of the funds will be allocated to consumers who were adversely affected by these inflated prices. Am I eligible for a settlement payment? Individuals who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions, including gaming apps, subscriptions, or ad-free versions of applications, between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Do I have to submit a claim? In most cases, affected consumers will not need to file a claim. Notifications began being sent out on December 2, and the majority of payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. However, those without a PayPal or Venmo account, or who have lost access to the email or phone number linked to their Google Play account, may need to submit a supplemental claim to receive their payment. How much money will I get through the settlement? Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of , although the final amount may vary based on the total spent on apps and in-app content during the specified period. When will my payment be sent? The timeline for payment distribution remains uncertain, with a final approval hearing set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, depending on the contact information associated with their Google Play account. For those without an existing PayPal or Venmo account, options to create a new account or redirect payments to a different account will be available. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"], with the final amount varying based on total spending during the specified period. The final approval hearing for the settlement is set for April 30, 2026. Recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, and options will be available for those without existing accounts.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Android users may be eligible for restitution from $700M Google settlement

A million settlement with Google has been announced, allowing New York residents to claim restitution due to a lawsuit involving 54 attorneys general, including Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit accused Google of maintaining an unlawful monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices, imposing fees as high as 30% on app purchases and in-app transactions. If approved, the settlement will compensate consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023. Google has contributed million to the fund, with most impacted consumers expected to receive payments automatically via PayPal or Venmo. A court hearing to finalize the settlement is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

‘Roblox must do more to protect kids from sick and twisted freaks,’ Texas attorney general says as he sues Roblox ‘for putting pixel pedophiles and profits’ ahead of kids

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging that the company has violated state and federal online safety laws and misled parents about the dangers of its platform. The lawsuit claims Roblox has marketed itself as a safe platform for children while allowing inappropriate content and predatory behavior. It also accuses Roblox of promoting compulsive purchases through its in-game currency, Robux. The lawsuit references similar legal actions from Louisiana and Kentucky and a criminal investigation in Florida regarding disturbing content on Roblox. In response, Roblox has rejected the claims and highlighted its safety measures, including a "Safety Snapshot" update and partnerships aimed at enhancing child safety online. The company asserts that its safety protocols are more stringent than those of many other platforms and expresses disappointment over the decision to pursue litigation instead of collaboration.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Messaging app allegedly used in Louisville sex crimes case described as a ‘Predator’s Paradise’

Kik, a Canadian messaging application, is facing scrutiny after allegations that a user, Michael Booth, distributed child pornography through the platform. A search warrant confirmed the distribution of illicit material via Booth's account, raising concerns over Kik's user anonymity, which allows users to create accounts with just an email address. Lily Moric from the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) criticized Kik as a "Predator’s Paradise," noting it facilitates connections between strangers and serves as a gathering place for sharing child sexual abuse material. In 2023, Kik was included in NCOSE’s Dirty Dozen list for companies perceived to profit from or facilitate sexual exploitation, with about 70% of its users aged 13 to 24. In response to criticism, Kik increased the minimum user age to 18 and removed a feature that promoted chatting with strangers, but critics doubt the effectiveness of these measures. In 2024, the internet safety app Bark identified Kik as having the most severe sexual content, underscoring ongoing concerns about accountability and safety in the tech industry.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Apple removes ICEBlock app after criticism from Trump administration

Apple removed the ICEBlock app from its App Store due to safety concerns raised by ICE's leadership and law enforcement about potential risks associated with the app. The app, which allowed users to report sightings of ICE agents, gained popularity after its launch in April and had over 1 million downloads. The removal was influenced by a request from the Department of Justice, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi stating that the app endangered ICE agents. Following a shooting incident at a Dallas ICE facility, criticism of ICEBlock intensified. Google also removed similar applications from its Android platform, although ICEBlock was never available there.