Legal Scene Digest: Release 8
- The Legal Scene
- Aug 12, 2019
- 2 min read
Facebook facial recognition lawsuit proceeds
The Federal Court of Appeals have rejected Facebook’s appeal to strike down a class action.
The class action claims that Facebook has illegally collected and stored biometric data without its user’s consent.
Facebook has attempted to challenge the legal action by stating that "We have always disclosed our use of face recognition technology and that people can turn it on or off at any time.”
The amount of damages could be substantial if the class action succeeds.
This highlights the increased scrutiny over the growing use of facial recognition technology.
Government increases funding for on-street electric car charging
An additional £2.5 million will be provided to fund the installation of new charging points.
The improved access to charging infrastructures may help increase the demand for electric vehicles.
The increased demand will help phase out petrol and diesel cars which in effect, helps reduce air pollution.
High Streets Crisis
The rise in empty store fronts is evidenced by a survey conducted by British Retail Consortium (BRC) Springboard.
The survey found that one in 10 stores are empty. The high street footfall has also declined and is at its lowest level since 2012.
A number of high street stores have been forced to shut down their stores after going into administration. The high street closures contribute to the rise in empty store fronts.
BRC Chief Executive, Helen Dickinson stated that "If the government wishes to avoid seeing more empty shops in our town centres then they must act to relieve some of the pressure bearing down on the High Street.”
Farfetch acquires Off-White amid mounting losses
Farfetch has acquired New Guards, the operator of luxury streetwear brand Off-White for $675 million (£556 million).
Prior to the acquisition, Farfetch was already facing losses and struggled to hit profitability.
The acquisition increases the company’s spending and pushes the profitability mark further.
As a result, investors were not happy with the acquisition and the mounting losses. Farfetch’s shares slumped to less than half their listing price.
TLSD Release 8 Content Contributor(s) : Carmen Y.
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