Microsoft Looks to Close Activision Deal; Snapchat Faces Fine over AI Chatbot

by Hannah Dillon on 10th Oct 2023 in News

In today's ExchangeWire news digest: Microsoft appears set to close its billion-dollar acquisition of Activision Blizzard; the UK's ICO threatens to fine Snapchat for failing to assess the privacy risks of its AI Chatbot; and Netflix pulls the plug on its free access plan in Kenya.

Microsoft-Activision could be closed this week

Microsoft is preparing to close its USD$68.7bn (£56.1bn) takeover of Activision Blizzard as early as this week. The Verge reports that the company is planning to announce it has successfully acquired the Call of Duty maker this Friday, 13th October, though this will depend on the approval of the UK's competition regulator.

ICO threatens to fine Snapchat over AI chatbot

The UK's data watchdog has issued Snapchat with a preliminary enforcement notice over the app's alleged failure to assess the privacy risks associated with its AI chatbot. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said it had provisionally found that Snapchat failed to "adequately identify and assess the risks," My AI poses to app users, including those aged 13 - 17.

Netflix ends free plan in Kenya

Streaming giant Netflix has announced it will end its free mobile plan in Kenya. The plan, which has allowed users to stream a quarter of its catalogue over the last two years without charge, was intended to recruit new paying subscribers in the region. Netflix has not confirmed how many subscribers the scheme generated.