attorney general Archives

BetaBeacon

August 11, 2026

Aptoide Games Joins Google Play: First Rival Android Store in Over Decade

The Play Catalog Access Program was implemented on July 22, 2026, as a result of a court order after Google lost a lawsuit filed by Epic Games for illegally monopolizing Android app distribution and in-app billing. The program allows enrolled stores, such as Aptoide Games, to access Google Play's app catalog and offer users the ability to install apps through Google Play's infrastructure, maintaining security and service fees.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Windows Task Manager’s original creator is bringing a new version to Mac first

David W. Plummer, the creator of the original Windows Task Manager, is developing a new tool called Task Manager OG (TMOG) for macOS, aimed at providing a comprehensive system console for users of graphical user interface-based operating systems. TMOG will feature detailed insights into processor frequency, thermal values, resource allocation metrics, in-depth analysis of CPU core activity, and process branching visualization. The macOS version is being developed using Swift and AppKit, while the Windows version will be a pure Win32 application optimized for x86-64 architecture. A beta version for macOS is currently available, with a Windows beta expected soon. TMOG will be free, with a potential "Pro" version planned for additional features. Plummer's previous company, SoftwareOnline, faced legal issues after he left Microsoft, resulting in a settlement that included 0,000 in civil penalties and ,000 in legal fees.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

US Court Rules That Meta May Have Concealed Messenger Encryption Risks for Children

The Eighth Circuit Court of the United States ruled against Meta, finding the company likely violated Nevada’s Unfair Trade Practices Act by misleading users about the security of its end-to-end encryption on Messenger. The court noted that Meta did not disclose knowledge of serious child safety issues related to the encryption technology. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford criticized Meta for concealing information that could help parents protect their children online. Following the ruling, the court has restricted Meta from making false statements or withholding safety information regarding Messenger for users under 18 in Nevada.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Kalshi Challenges Illinois Sports Betting Tax as Prediction Market Jurisdiction Fight Escalates

Kalshi has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Illinois, challenging a law that imposes taxes and licensing requirements on sports-related trades in prediction markets. The lawsuit questions whether contracts traded on Kalshi's federally regulated exchange are classified as sports bets under state laws or as financial derivatives overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Illinois law categorizes prediction market operators as sports wagering businesses, imposing a 1.75% tax on the first five million sports wagers annually, increasing to 3.5% for wagers above that threshold, along with a costly licensing requirement. Kalshi argues that these state requirements are preempted by federal law and contends that its offerings are financial instruments, not traditional wagers. The dispute reflects a broader conflict between federal and state regulators regarding jurisdiction over prediction markets, with the CFTC previously filing a lawsuit against Illinois over similar regulatory issues. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for the regulation of prediction contracts related to various events beyond sports.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Gabe Newell Says Players Have ‘Enormous Choice’ When Pressed on Steam Monopoly Accusations, Report Says

Gabe Newell, founder and president of Valve, denied allegations that Steam operates as a monopoly, stating that gamers have numerous purchasing options beyond Steam, including consoles and other platforms like the Epic Games Store. Steam has maintained its dominance in the digital PC gaming market for over a decade, with a 60% increase in its user base in the past five years, reaching around 42 million active users. Despite competition from Epic Games, which offers an 88% revenue share to developers, it has not displaced Steam. Newell also addressed claims that Valve restricts pricing strategies for publishers on non-Steam platforms, asserting that Valve does not dictate pricing to third-party developers. Valve is currently facing multiple lawsuits, including an antitrust case and another related to loot boxes.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Valve moves to dismiss gambling lawsuit against Counter-Strike 2 cases

Valve is facing a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed in February 2026, which claims that the sale of Cases in Counter-Strike 2 constitutes unregulated gambling aimed at underage players. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve's promotion of these features and impose financial penalties. Valve argues that opening a Case is similar to purchasing randomized items, a common practice in collectibles, and is urging the court to dismiss the case. The Attorney General is seeking damages amounting to three times Valve's profits from Case sales and a ban on selling these items in New York. Additionally, Valve is involved in a separate lawsuit in the UK regarding competition restrictions imposed on publishers.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Michigan among states in $700M Google settlement over app store practices

Michigan and 53 other states have received final approval for 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: In a significant development for consumers and app developers alike, Michigan, along with 53 other states, has secured final approval for a substantial 0 million settlement in a lawsuit against Google. This legal action, initiated in 2021 by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, accused Google of monopolizing in-app payments and stifling competition through its Google Play Store and Android app distribution system. Details of the Settlement The settlement is poised to benefit consumers who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, as a majority of the funds will be allocated directly to them. Beyond financial restitution, the agreement mandates significant changes to Google's business practices. For a minimum of five years, app developers will gain the freedom to: Utilize alternative payment systems. Inform customers about lower prices available outside of Google’s billing platform. Distribute their apps through competing stores without fear of retaliation. Furthermore, Android users will enjoy the ability to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years, enhancing their choices and fostering a more competitive environment. Attorney General Nessel expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Google’s anticompetitive practices stifled competition at the expense of its customers. I am glad we are one step closer to having Google update its business practices and ensuring consumers automatically receive the restitution they are owed. My office remains committed to dismantling illegal monopolies and protecting the hard-earned money of Michiganders.” For those seeking additional information regarding the lawsuit and the settlement, resources are available on the dedicated settlement website." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million settlement in a lawsuit against Google, initiated by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in 2021. The lawsuit accused Google of monopolizing in-app payments and stifling competition through its Google Play Store. The settlement will benefit consumers who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, with most funds allocated to them. It also requires Google to implement changes, allowing app developers to use alternative payment systems, inform customers about lower prices outside of Google’s billing platform, and distribute apps through competing stores without retaliation. Additionally, Android users will be able to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Google to pay $700M in antitrust settlement. See who is eligible

A federal court intends to approve a 0 million settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, confirmed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The lawsuit, initiated in 2021 by Raoul and a coalition of 53 attorneys general, accused Google of monopolistic practices related to Android app distribution and in-app payments, resulting in consumers facing transaction fees of up to 30%. The settlement aims to provide relief to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023, with most funds allocated directly to these individuals. Google will be required to allow app developers to use alternative payment systems for at least five years and inform consumers about potentially lower prices outside its billing framework. Additionally, Android users will be able to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least seven years. Payments to eligible individuals will be processed directly through PayPal or Venmo, with alternative claim options available. U.S. District Judge James Donato granted final approval to the settlement on April 30, raising concerns about the request for attorneys' fees.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Roblox’s age verification checks are “unpopular,” but chief safety officer Matt Kaufman says they’re worth the cost

Roblox developers face challenges due to new mandatory security measures and age verification restrictions, which have sparked debate among them. To publish games aimed at younger players, developers must now meet specific criteria tied to the new Roblox Plus subscription service, which has replaced the previous Premium model. Concerns have been raised about the impact of these changes on the platform's future, with players expressing frustration over the lack of concessions made in response to feedback. Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman acknowledged the unpopularity of the changes but emphasized their necessity for ensuring age-appropriate content. Additionally, Roblox recently settled a proposed lawsuit from Nevada for million, which will fund children's programs and an online safety awareness campaign. Proposed changes to game publishing are set to take effect in June, allowing developers to create games without a subscription, but those games will only be visible to users aged 16 and older.

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.