Meta fined $25bn for ‘lies’ over user data privacy
Meta has been ordered to pay $25 billion by a New Mexico judge for years of misleading the public about how it handled Facebook user data, marking the company’s largest fine ever.
Pepsi renews contract with Taco Bell days after KFC switches to Coke in the U.S.
PepsiCo renewed its partnership with Taco Bell through 2036, announced Thursday, days after KFC switched to Coca-Cola as its U.S. beverage supplier.
Oil price rises above $117 a barrel amid fears US will renew strikes on Iran
Oil prices climbed above $117 a barrel as Middle East tensions escalated amid concerns about potential US military action against Iran and continued regional attacks on energy infrastructure.
Earnings limit of up to £140K for first-time buyers loan scheme
The government’s new Your First Home scheme will offer equity loans to first-time buyers with earnings caps of £110,000 outside London and £140,000 in the capital, the scheme providing loans worth 20% of new-build properties.
Civil servant who juggled five jobs says he was ‘surprised’ to be charged with fraud
A civil servant accused of holding five overlapping government jobs simultaneously and earning over £284,000 says he was surprised to face fraud charges and denies acting dishonestly.
UK to invest £100m in ‘world first’ AI Biosecurity Lab
The UK government will invest £100m to establish a national AI Biosecurity Lab as part of its Wednesday Budget, alongside additional funding for cyber defence and AI security initiatives.