Popular video game, Fortnite, pays a hefty fine; Facebook Marketplace comes under fire; and a white Christmas could stall travelers. These stories and more highlight our midday rundown, aimed straight down the middle, for Monday, Dec.19, 2022.
Fortnite’s parent company settles with FTC
Epic Games Incorporated, the parent company of the popular “Fortnite” video game, has just paid $520 million to the Federal Trade Commission.
The company is accused of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Allegedly collecting personal information from Fortnite players under the age of 13 without parental consent, and “tricking” players into unintended purchases.
The company did not admit or deny the allegations as part of the settlement.
Meta accused of antitrust breach
Facebook’s parent company Meta is facing accusations of antitrust breaches that could carry notable financial consequences.
The European Union says the placement of Facebook Marketplace, inside its Facebook social media app, is limiting competition in online advertising services. If Meta is found guilty of breaking antitrust laws, the company could face a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
Holiday travelers brace for storm
Last week the country was struck with its first major winter weather system. Now, another snow storm could threaten holiday travel for millions of Americans.
Blizzard conditions, rain, strong winds and frigid arctic air are forecasted largely across the Midwest and Northeast. Delays in flights, and poor road conditions are expected to last from Thursday to Saturday.
Study tests ending of Titanic movie
A forensics test is putting a debate to rest in the iconic Titanic movie.
Lovers of the Titanic have long asked why Jack was in the water and not up on the piece of wood with Rose during their last moments together after the shipwreck. Jack died of hypothermia while Rose survived.
So, why couldn’t Jack hop up on the piece of wood too? Or why couldn’t they alternate taking turns on the raft? Well, apparently it wasn’t an option. After a thorough study of whether both of them could have lived, experts say only one of them would have been able to make it out alive in the freezing waters.
The experiment that was conducted to test that theory will air on National Geographic next year.
