Facebook to face antitrust probe by state attorneys general

Several U.S. state attorneys general will investigate Facebook Inc (FB.O) on whether the social network stifled competition and put users at risk, days after reports that Google would face an antitrust probe from a host of attorneys general.

Technology companies are facing a backlash in the United States and across the world, fueled by concerns among competitors, lawmakers and consumer groups that the firms have too much power and are harming users and business rivals.

Facebook, which owns one-time rivals Instagram and WhatsApp and has more than 1.5 billion daily users, has a huge influence in many countries and has been criticized for allowing misleading posts and so-called “fake news” on its service.

Google has faced accusations that its web search service, which has become so dominant that it is now a verb, leads consumers to its own products at the cost of competitors. read more »

Suspected Capital One hacker pleads not guilty to wire and computer fraud charges

The former Amazon engineer charged with hacking into Capital One’s databases and gaining access to customer and applicant information pleaded not guilty to counts of wire fraud and computer fraud Thursday.

Paige Thompson’s plea paves the way for a trial to begin in the case Nov. 4. The Seattle Times reported that the trial date will likely be delayed as the case is litigated. Thompson was arrested in July for allegedly perpetrating one of the largest breaches of a major financial institution, a hack that affected about 106 million people in the U.S. and Canada. read more »

Former Queens teacher behind $71M ticket scam gets 2 years in prison

A ponzi-schemer who admitted to looting over $70 million from clients in an attempt to keep his ticket-selling business afloat was spared major prison time and sentenced to just two years behind bars Friday.

Manhattan federal court judge Paul Engelmeyer said he felt that Jason Nissen showed true remorse for having bilked investors in Manhattan ticket company NECO.com between 2016 and 2018, when he walked into the US Attorneys office and copped to his crimes. read more »