Lawsuits involving Meta and TikTok, Disney's significant decision and developments

legal battle with EU — **computerworld**

In today’s edition, we’ll discuss the latest lawsuits brought against the European Union by Meta and TikTok’s parent company, Disney’s investment in Epic Games, the developer behind “Fortnite,” and the rebranding of Google’s Bard AI.

Meta and ByteDance in legal battle with the EU

ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, and Meta (formerly known as Facebook), have initiated legal proceedings against the European Union concerning the terms of the Digital Services Act, which regulates social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and others.

The lawsuits allege that the EU’s method of determining the financial obligations of specific companies is inconsistent, resulting in Meta bearing a disproportionately high financial burden. The EU has stated a need for €45 million (US$48.3 million) to effectively monitor and regulate inappropriate content on these platforms. Meta claims it is accountable for €11 million (US$11.8 million) of this sum, while ByteDance has not disclosed its owed amount.

Companies like X (related to Elon Musk), Amazon, Snapchat, and Pinterest may evade substantial fees due to their lower net incomes compared to Meta and TikTok.

Despite the legal challenges, the EU remains steadfast in its stance, with commission spokesperson Johannes Bahrke asserting the solidity of their decision and methodology, and their readiness to defend their position in court.

TheStreet has contacted Meta and ByteDance for their input on the matter.

Disney’s big move

The collaboration between Walt Disney (DIS) and Epic Games is expanding significantly, with Disney investing $1.5 billion in Epic as an equity stake. Together, they will develop a new “persistent universe” featuring characters and narratives from “Avatar,” “Marvel,” “Star Wars,” Pixar, and Disney.

This is going to be… Epic! ✨ The Walt Disney Company and Epic Games are collaborating on an all-new games and entertainment universe featuring characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and more.

Learn more: https://t.co/vrMJft64o9 pic.twitter.com/HTs8asNBSm
— Disney (@Disney) February 7, 2024

While the specifics of this collaboration are yet to be revealed, a teaser video showcases impressive graphics and hints at a vast map with separate worlds for each universe. Additionally, the released graphics feature a digital rendition of the World of Disney flagship store at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, and an island dedicated to Disney+, the streaming service that recently acquired the rights to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.

Picture embarking on an adventure with iconic characters like Pluto, Chewbacca, Rex, Captain America, and Jake Sully across various universe locations. Disney and Epic emphasized that users can shop, play, and consume content from all five major franchises.

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, expressed excitement about this venture, stating, “This marks Disney’s most significant foray into the gaming world to date and presents substantial opportunities for growth and expansion. We look forward to fans experiencing beloved Disney stories and worlds in innovative new formats.”

Google’s Alphabet: The Renaissance of Bard AI

Bard AI, which debuted on February 6, 2023, has undergone a transformation just over a year later. Alphabet’s Google (GOOG) announced on February 8 that the artificial intelligence product is undergoing a rebranding and will now be known as Gemini, sharing the name with the suite of AI models powering its functionality.

Alongside the rebranding, Google introduced a dedicated Gemini app for Android users, while iOS users will soon access it through the Google app. Additionally, Google unveiled Gemini Ultra 1.0, offering enhanced features for $19.99 per month via Google One after a two-month free trial.

Initially available only in English, Google plans to introduce Japanese and Korean support soon, with more languages to follow.

FAQ

1. What are the lawsuits involving Meta and TikTok against the European Union about?

Meta (formerly Facebook) and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, have filed lawsuits against the European Union regarding the Digital Services Act’s terms. These regulations govern social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and others. The lawsuits claim that the EU’s method of determining financial obligations for specific companies is inconsistent, resulting in Meta bearing a disproportionately high financial burden.

2. What is the significance of Disney’s investment in Epic Games?

Disney has made a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, the developer behind the popular video game “Fortnite.” This partnership aims to create a new “persistent universe” featuring characters and narratives from Disney franchises such as “Avatar,” “Marvel,” “Star Wars,” Pixar, and Disney. It marks Disney’s significant entry into the gaming world, presenting growth opportunities and allowing fans to experience beloved Disney stories in innovative formats.

3. What is the rebranding of Google’s Bard AI about?

Bard AI, initially launched on February 6, 2023, has undergone a transformation and is now rebranded as Gemini by Alphabet’s Google. This rebranding aligns it with the suite of AI models that power its functionality. Additionally, Google introduced a dedicated Gemini app for Android users, with plans for iOS integration in the Google app. Furthermore, Gemini Ultra 1.0, offering enhanced features, will be available for $19.99 per month via Google One after a two-month free trial. Initially available only in English, support for Japanese and Korean languages is planned, with more to follow.

4. What prompted Meta and ByteDance to take legal action against the European Union?

Meta (formerly Facebook) and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, initiated legal proceedings against the European Union regarding the Digital Services Act’s terms. This action was prompted by their disagreement with the EU’s method of determining financial obligations for social media platforms. They argue that the calculations disproportionately burden certain companies, such as Meta, with higher costs.

5. What are the potential implications of Disney’s investment in Epic Games for consumers?

Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games signifies a significant collaboration between the two entities. This partnership aims to create a “persistent universe” integrating characters and narratives from popular Disney franchises into the gaming world. For consumers, this could mean immersive gaming experiences featuring beloved Disney characters across various platforms, potentially leading to new and innovative gaming content.

6. How does the rebranding of Google’s Bard AI to Gemini impact users?

The rebranding of Bard AI to Gemini by Google signals a significant update and alignment with the suite of AI models powering its functions. With the introduction of the dedicated Gemini app for Android users and plans for iOS integration, users can expect a more streamlined and accessible experience. Additionally, the launch of Gemini Ultra 1.0 with enhanced features provides users with advanced AI capabilities for various tasks and applications.

7. How does Disney’s partnership with Epic Games differ from previous collaborations in the gaming industry?

Disney’s investment in Epic Games marks a substantial commitment to the gaming industry, particularly in creating immersive experiences based on its extensive portfolio of franchises. Unlike previous collaborations, this partnership involves a significant equity stake in Epic Games, indicating a deeper level of involvement and potential for groundbreaking gaming content featuring Disney’s iconic characters and stories.