In today's ExchangeWire news digest: Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could be blocked by the FTC; fashion giant Shein explores a move to an online marketplace; and Twitter relaunches its subscription service "Twitter Blue".

FTC moves to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard

The FTC is looking to block Microsoft from completing its acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard, alleging that the USD$69bn (£56.2bn) deal would allow the tech giant to stifle its competitors.

The director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, Holly Vedova, said, “Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals,” adding that the agency seeks “to stop Microsoft from gaining control over a leading independent game studio and using it to harm competition in multiple dynamic and fast-growing gaming markets.”

Shein explores online marketplace

Fast-fashion giant Shein is contemplating taking its apparel to an online marketplace where other merchants can sell directly to consumers. The move follows increasing steps from the retailer to diversify its supply chain from China, with Shein setting up shop in Turkey and Poland earlier this year.

A memo to investors from the company read that, “The marketplace platform makes available a range of additional merchandise and shipping options, and we expect it to result in increased customer engagement and satisfaction.”

Twitter relaunches “Twitter Blue” subscription

Social media giant Twitter has relaunched its subscription, Twitter Blue, telling users they can, “subscribe on web for $8/month or on iOS for $11/month to get access to subscriber-only features, including the blue checkmark.”

Twitter said that subscribers to Twitter Blue would gain more prominence on the platform by rocketing “to the top of replies, mentions and search”. The company also stated that the revamped subscription would help to tackle “scams and spam” on the platforms.

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Fact of the day

177.49 million - the number of downloads the Shein app accrued in 2021.

Source: Statista

Last week's tech teasers

Last week's tech teasers were all about the artist formerly known as "Facebook", Meta. Find out how well-versed you are at some of the happenings at the tech titan over the past two years below:

• 3.59 billion, equivalent to over 77% of internet users - the number of people globally who were active on at least one Meta-owned platform in 2022. 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻
• 97.5% - the proportion of Meta's revenue which came from advertising in 2021. 🪧
• 4.47% - the percentage by which Meta's revenue declined YOY by the close of Q3 2022. 📉
• USD $36bn (~£29.4bn) - the amount Meta invested into its Reality Labs division between 2019 and October 2022.💰
• The avatars were given legs - the "groundbreaking" development brought to Meta's Horizon Worlds in October 2022. 🌎

Challenge yourself on ad tech, martech, media, and commerce, by signing up to The Stack, where we publish a new quiz every Friday.