Consumer News: Antitrust showdown begins today: FTC vs. Meta

Article Tools/Herramientas de artículos
+ Larger Font/Fuente más grande | - Smaller Font/Fuente más pequeña

Choose a language:

Consumer Daily Reports

Details: Written by Consumer Affairs News; Category: Consumer Daily Reports; Published: 14 April 2025; Created: 14 April 2025; Last Updated: 14 April 2025

This could be the trial that reshapes social media forever

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs

April 14, 2025

Key takeaways:

Landmark case begins as FTC seeks to break up Meta over Instagram, WhatsApp deals
Tech executives, including Zuckerberg, expected to testify in trial extending into summer
Trumps possible intervention adds political tension to high-stakes court battle

After nearly six years of legal wrangling, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday began its antitrust trial against Meta, in a historic case that could lead to the breakup of the $1.4 trillion tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

If the FTC persuades U.S. District Judge James Boasberg that Meta illegally built a monopoly through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, it could force the company to divest its core platforms a move not seen since the breakup of AT&T four decades ago.

The case launched under Trumps first term, expanded during Bidens presidency, and now proceeding under Trump-appointed FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has already endured years of setbacks. Judge Boasberg initially dismissed the FTCs original 2021 filing, questioning the agencys evidence of market dominance. A revised version was allowed to proceed in 2022, and the case is now finally going to trial.

Despite the FTCs persistence, Boasberg has continued to express skepticism, saying in court filings the governments argument strains this countrys creaking antitrust precedents. Whether the FTC can prove Metas purchases were anticompetitive in a now more diverse social media landscape with TikTok, YouTube, X, and others remains a key hurdle.

Star witnesses and public scrutiny

A parade of tech leaders are expected to testify during the trial, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former COO Sheryl Sandberg, and top executives from WhatsApp and Instagram. Rivals like Snap, Pinterest, and TikTok may also take the stand.

These high-profile testimonies could reveal internal strategies and competitive concerns that influenced Metas biggest acquisitions. The case will also test how companies like Meta define competition in a digital age where platforms often blend features and audiences.

Trumps role could shift the outcome

President Trump, who has recently reconnected with Zuckerberg, could intervene at any point. Though the FTC traditionally operates independently, Trump has asserted unprecedented influence over the agency firing Democratic commissioners and signaling that Ferguson would follow his lead.

Zuckerbergs recent efforts to align Meta with Republican values and elevate GOP voices in leadership roles have fueled speculation that Trump might move to settle or soften the case particularly if Meta appears likely to lose.

Whats at stake:

The trial, which could run into July, will determine not only the future of Metas empire, but also the power of antitrust regulators to rein in Big Tech. With global implications for corporate consolidation, political power, and digital competition, the verdict may reshape the internet as we know it.

Sign up below for The Daily Consumer, our newsletter on the latest consumer news, including recalls, scams, lawsuits and more.

Posted: 2025-04-14 02:32:52

Get Full News Story On Consumer Affairs

Listen to this article. Speaker link opens in a new window.
Text To Speech BETA Test Version.

More News From This Category

Consumer News: Study raises heart health concerns about long-term melatonin use

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:07:07 +0000

Extended use may be associated with a higher risk of heart failure and death

By Mark Huffman

of ConsumerAffairs

November 4, 2025

A five-year study of more than 130,000 adults with chronic insomnia linked long-term melatonin use to a higher risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and death.
The research found melatonin users were about 90% more likely to develop heart failure and nearly twice as likely to die from any cause as non-users.
The findings are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed, but experts say they raise important safety questions about long-term melatonin use.

A new analysis of more than 130,000 adults with insomnia suggests that long-term use of melatonin supplements often taken to help with sleep may be associated with a higher risk of heart failure and death.

The research, to be presented at the American Heart Associations Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans, reviewed five years of health records and found that people who took melatonin for at least a year were significantly more likely to develop or be hospitalized for heart failure, or die from any cause, compared to those who did not use the supplement.

Researchers found that adults with chronic insomnia who used melatonin long-term had about a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure over five years (4.6% vs. 2.7%). Those with at least two melatonin prescriptions 90 days apart had an 82% higher risk of heart failure than those who never took melatonin.

Hospitalization rates were also notably higher: melatonin users were 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and nearly twice as likely to die from any cause (7.8% vs. 4.3%) during the study period.

Not as harmless as commonly assumed

Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed, said Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, lead author of the study and chief resident in internal medicine at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in Brooklyn, New York. If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids.

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep cycles, has become one of the most popular over-the-counter sleep aids in the U.S. Because its sold as a dietary supplement, its strength and purity are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Melatonin is not indicated for the treatment of chronic insomnia in the U.S., yet many people take it for extended periods without medical supervision, said Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, chair of the American Heart Associations scientific statement on sleep health. These findings suggest caution may be warranted.

About the study

The study analyzed data from the TriNetX Global Research Network, a large international database of de-identified electronic health records. Researchers examined adults diagnosed with insomnia who had taken melatonin for at least a year and compared them to a matched group of insomnia patients who had never taken the supplement.

Both groups were similar in age, gender, body mass index, and other health conditions. People with prior heart failure or those using other sleep medications were excluded.

While the findings show an association between long-term melatonin use and cardiovascular outcomes, the researchers emphasized that the study cannot prove cause and effect. Other factors, such as depression, anxiety, or the severity of insomnia, could also influence heart health and melatonin use.

Consumer News: Robots will play a growing role in elder care, experts say

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:07:07 +0000

Some current robots can handle simple tasks

By Mark Huffman

of ConsumerAffairs

November 4, 2025

Hospitals and senior living centers are leading the adoption of service robots that handle basic support tasks.
Experts predict home-assistant robots capable of physical caregiving are still 1015 years away.
The goal is not to replace human caregivers but to give them more time for meaningful interaction.

As Americas population ages and the shortage of caregivers deepens, experts say robotics and artificial intelligence are poised to play a transformative role in elder care though fully autonomous caregiving robots remain years away.

We are still several years from robots that can safely provide hands-on care, like lifting or bathing a person, said Marty Puranik, founder and CEO of Atlantic.Net. Hospitals and senior living facilities are among the first to adopt service robots that deliver meals, transport linens, or carry medical supplies. The next step is bringing that same level of reliability into more sensitive, people-facing environments, like private homes.

Puranik emphasized that the immediate value of AI-powered robots lies in augmenting human caregivers, not replacing them. They can handle routine tasks that give staff more time for personal interaction, he explained. That includes reminders, wellness check-ins, or fetching small items.

Looking further ahead, he envisions robots assisting with daily living activities such as dressing, transfers, and physical therapy, but stresses that those will require extensive testing and regulatory approval.

Over the next five years, Puranik expects wider adoption of robotic assistants in assisted-living facilities as costs fall and capabilities improve. For competent humanoid caregivers, it will likely take ten to fifteen years before they are safe, reliable, and affordable enough for home use, he said.

A decade of development ahead

Brendan Englot, associate professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, agreed that progress is accelerating but that robots still need time in the development stage.

The technology needed to achieve this has been rapidly evolving over the past few years, but it still needs refinement before we can provide elder care that is safe, reliable, and fully automated, he told ConsumerAffairs.

Englot noted that lessons from humanoid robots already being deployed in other industries from logistics to hospitality will help advance elder care robotics.

The robot assistants of the future will ideally provide similar services to what humans can offer in occupational therapy or assisted-living settings, including help getting in and out of bed, getting dressed, or bathing, he said.

While at least one home-assistant robot is already on the market, Englot said the oversight of a human co-pilot is still needed. He predicts that within the next decade, robots could begin performing these complex tasks autonomously.

AI as a partner in care

Amruth Laxman, CEO of 4Voice, said that while AI-driven robots are not yet ready for full caregiving, their presence is expanding rapidly. Existing models can perform simple follow-up care, detect when an individual has fallen, and provide companionship, he told us.

The integration of multimodal AI which can interpret a combination of vision, sound, and speech is making these systems more responsive and aware of human behavior.

Automation of simple tasks such as medication tracking, aided doctor and nurse conversations, mobility tracking, and integration with social platforms to combat isolation are the most important near-term goals, Laxman said.

He predicts that the first economically viable elder-care robots will likely appear in countries like Japan and South Korea within five to ten years. AI systems will not replace human caregivers, he said. They will fill the time and attention gaps human caregivers are not able to cover.

Extending independence

All three experts agree that the purpose of elder-care robotics is not to erase the human touch but to enhance it. These systems can help people remain independent longer, Puranik said. It is not about removing humanity. It is about using technology to extend it.

As Americas aging population grows, the question may not be whether robots will take part in elder care but how soon and how well they will learn to care like humans do.

Consumer News: Salmonella outbreak linked to Moringa Powder sold at Sam’s Club

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:07:07 +0000

At least 10 people in seven states have been sickened

By Mark Huffman

of ConsumerAffairs

November 4, 2025

The FDA and CDC are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder from India.
Members Mark Super Greens powder sold at Sams Club has been recalled nationwide.
Consumers are urged to throw away or return any recalled product to avoid illness.

Federal health officials are warning consumers not to use any Members Mark Super Greens dietary supplement powder after a multistate Salmonella Richmond outbreak was linked to contaminated moringa leaf powder imported from India.

The supplement powder was sold nationwide at Sams Club stores. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 10 people have fallen ill across several states, with nine of them reporting consumption of powdered dietary supplements.

Six of those affected used Members Mark Super Greens powder, while others consumed different moringa-containing products.

Tracing the source

An FDA traceback investigation pinpointed a single contaminated lot of organic moringa leaf powder lot code VFD/ORG/MORP/L/24 with a best-by date of November 2027 supplied by Vallon Farm Direct PVT LTD of Jodhpur, India. The powder was distributed through a U.S. importer to multiple supplement manufacturers and retailers, including Sams Club.

Testing by state health departments confirmed the contamination. The Virginia Department of Health found Salmonella in an open sample of moringa powder from a sick persons home.

Similarly, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services detected the same Salmonella strain in an open container of Members Mark Super Greens powder. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the bacteria matched the strain identified in outbreak patients.

Recall and consumer guidance

Sams Club has stopped selling and distributing Members Mark Super Greens powder and is notifying customers directly about the recall. Consumers who purchased the product are advised to stop using it immediately, throw it away, or return it to Sams Club for a refund.

Even though only one lot of moringa leaf powder was directly linked to the contamination, the recall covers all Members Mark Super Greens powder, regardless of lot code or expiration date, as a precaution.

The FDA continues to investigate how and where the contamination occurred and whether other products containing moringa leaf powder are affected. Updates will be posted as new information becomes available.

Consumers who have recently consumed moringa-based supplements and developed symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps should contact a healthcare provider and report their illness to local health officials.

Consumer News: The Amazon Prime perks you either forgot about or never knew existed

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:07:07 +0000

Hidden freebies sitting in your Prime account right now

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

November 4, 2025

Prime is way more than free shipping: you get sneaky high-value extras like unlimited photo storage, RxPass ($5 for multiple generics), and free Grubhub+ delivery
A bunch of perks are claim it or lose it includingPrime Gaming, Prime Premiere screenings, and even Buy with Prime on brand sites, they only work if you go turn them on
The real savings come from using several of these at once (photos + RxPass + food delivery) so youre actually getting your moneys worth from the membership

If you think Prime is just fast shipping and the occasional Prime Video binge, youre clearly leaving money on the table. Prime has morphed into a bundle of small perks that, when you actually use them, can save you cash, time, and a few headaches. Heres the no-nonsense tour including what each perk is, why its useful, and exactly how to put it to work today.

1. Unlimited photo storage

What it is: Via Amazon Photos, Prime members get unlimited full-res photo storage as well as 5GB storage for videos. If youre a Prime member and are tired of getting those Youve reached your storage limit messages on your smartphone, Amazon Photos is a must use.

Why its great: Its essentially a set-and-forget backup for your entire camera roll. Think vacation pics, kids art, receipts, everything, without ever downscaling the quality like some cloud services.

How to use it: Just install the Amazon Photos app on your phone and turn on the Auto-Save feature. You can also create really cool family albums and share links so relatives can view or add photos without cluttering your phone.

Pro tip: I personally like to use it as a digital filing cabinet. Ill snap photos of appliance serial numbers, insurance cards, and receipts that I need to keep. Ill tag them something like warranty or taxes so I can easily search them later and quickly pull up what I need.

2. RxPass: $5 a month for common generics (with delivery)

What it is:Amazon RxPass is a slick Prime perk that makes you eligible for over 50 popular prescription meds, delivered straight to your door, and you only pay a flat $5 monthly fee. It does not matter how manymeds you take, you only pay $5 a month.

Why its great: If you (or anyone in your household) takes multiple generic medications, this service can cover them all instead of paying separate copays for each.

How to use it: If youre a Prime member, check this list of all the current RxPass medications. Then enroll in the program if itll save you money compared to what you typically pay. Your plan will then ship monthly with no extra delivery fee.

Pro tip: Even if a med isnt on RxPass, check the Prime Rx savings card price at your local pharmacy as sometimes the cash price beats your insurance copay.

3.Free Grubhub+ with Prime

What it is: If youre a Prime member, forget about ever using Uber Eats to get food delivered. Many Prime members are unaware that you actually get Grubhub+ for free with your membership. This gets you unlimited $0 delivery fees as well as recurring promos.

The promos are pretty solid too. Right now, they have one for $5 off your $15 or more Subway order, valid every Thursday.

Why its great: Other than the obvious money saving aspect, you dont have to remember a separate food delivery subscription. Once you link your Amazon account to Grubhub, youre done and your savings apply every time you order.

How to use it: Activate Grubhub+ from your Prime benefits page, then youll sign in with the same account in the Grubhub app.

Pro tip: Be sure to also use your Grubhub+ account when your picking-up food from the restaurant as youll score 5% back on all pickup orders.

4. Prime Premiere: free early movie/series tickets

What it is: When Amazon does an early theatrical screening for one of their upcoming original movies, Prime members can often reserve up to two free tickets (first come, first served).

Why its great: Its a fun, no-cost night out, and screenings sometimes include free little extras for Prime members.

How to use it: Simply watch for Prime Premiere announcements in your Prime benefits hub or email. Then you can simply pick your city/theater and reserve your tickets quickly.

Pro tip: I highly recommend setting calendar alerts on announcement days as these seats go fast, and locations can be a bit limited.

5. Buy with Prime (off-Amazon checkout)

What it is:More and more brand websites let you check out using your Prime benefits. Thisis superconvenient feature that most Prime members are unaware of. You get the same fast, free delivery and easy returns, without ever visiting Amazon.com.

The following retailers currently participate:

Adidas - Now supports Buy with Prime on its site/app for US Prime members.

bareMinerals - Cosmetics brand highlighted by Amazons own Buy with Prime case studies.

Shokz - Open-ear headphones brand using Buy with Prime.

HEYDUDE - Footwear brand using Buy with Prime to grow their direct sales.

Wyze They sell smart-home gear like security cams and sensors. They have a dedicated Buy with Prime collection on their site.

Why its great: You get a bigger selection shopping directly with the brand and you get the shipping and returns muscle from Amazon that youre used to.

How to use it: Look for the Buy with Prime badge on a brands site, then youll just sign-in with your Amazon account during checkout.

Pro tip: Price-check the same item on Amazon vs. the brands site. Sometimes the brand site offers a new customer code that you can stack with Buy with Primes shipping perks.

6.Prime Gaming

What it is: With Prime Gaming, Prime members get a monthly rotating lineup of free PC games to keep and one free Twitch channel subscription per month.

Why its great: The free games add up, even if youre a casual gamer. Some of the games are newer indie games and some older big-name titles like the Fallout series.

How to use it: Visit Prime Gaming, claim the current games that you want, and be sure to link your gaming accounts. You claim the games you want and you get to keep them permanently, even after they leave the Prime Gaming platform.

Pro tip: Set a monthly reminder to claim any new games and be sure to switch your Twitch subscriptions as unclaimed perks dont roll over every month.

Consumer News: The SNAP food program is back ... partly

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:07:08 +0000

The WIC program that funds programs for women and infant children is also partly back in action

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs

November 3, 2025

The Agriculture Department will use $4.65 billion in emergency funds to partially restart food aid programs halted by the government shutdown.
Millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive only about half their normal benefits this month.
Aid for women and children under the WIC program will continue for now, but only for two to three more weeks.

Government taps emergency funds to partially restore food aid

Tens of millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance will see some relief after the Agriculture Department announced it will partially resume funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

The move comes after a federal judge ordered the government to restart benefits during the ongoing shutdown. In a court filing, the Trump administration said it would release $4.65 billion in emergency moneyenough to cover roughly half of this months $8 billion in benefits.

That means some funds will soon reach families who rely on SNAP to buy groceries, but the payments will fall short of normal levels, and delays could stretch for weeks. USDA officials said they would not draw from other contingency accounts to cover the full amount. New applicants this month will not be eligible to receive benefits until further notice.

WIC program gets temporary lifeline

The administration will also inject $450 million in emergency funds to keep the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, running for now. The program serves about 7 million low-income mothers and children.

Earlier in the shutdown, USDA had used $300 million in reserve money to sustain WIC operations. The new funding could keep the program afloat for another two to three weeks, though that timeline could shrink if families facing reduced SNAP aid turn to WIC for additional support.

Shutdowns effects ripple across low-income programs

The partial restoration of food aid comes as other vital services for low-income families begin to falter under the prolonged shutdown.

Some Head Start centers around the country have already begun closing after grant funding lapsed over the weekend, leaving children without preschool instruction, meals, and therapy sessions. Many working parents are now scrambling to find child care alternatives.

Meanwhile, federal court-appointed defense attorneys have begun working without pay, raising concerns that the justice system could soon struggle to guarantee representation for defendants who cannot afford lawyers.

The governments emergency measures may stave off a deeper food crisis for now, but advocates warn that millions of families remain in limbo uncertain when or whether their full benefits will return.

🔎 Search This Topic on Popular Platforms

Search Engines
Google
Bing
Yahoo
DuckDuckGo
Yandex

Blow Us A Whistle

Consumer Daily Reports

Consumer News: Antitrust showdown begins today: FTC vs. Meta

This could be the trial that reshapes social media forever

Star witnesses and public scrutiny

Trumps role could shift the outcome

Whats at stake:

Listen to this article. Speaker link opens in a new window.Text To Speech BETA Test Version.

More News From This Category

Extended use may be associated with a higher risk of heart failure and death

Not as harmless as commonly assumed

About the study

Some current robots can handle simple tasks

A decade of development ahead

AI as a partner in care

Extending independence

At least 10 people in seven states have been sickened

Tracing the source

Recall and consumer guidance

Hidden freebies sitting in your Prime account right now

1. Unlimited photo storage

2. RxPass: $5 a month for common generics (with delivery)

3.Free Grubhub+ with Prime

4. Prime Premiere: free early movie/series tickets

5. Buy with Prime (off-Amazon checkout)

6.Prime Gaming

The WIC program that funds programs for women and infant children is also partly back in action

Government taps emergency funds to partially restore food aid

WIC program gets temporary lifeline

Shutdowns effects ripple across low-income programs

Related Bing News Results

🔎 Search This Topic on Popular Platforms

Search Engines

Social Media

News Sites

Related Product Search/Búsqueda de productos relacionados

Featured Guest Posts

Listen to this article. Speaker link opens in a new window.
Text To Speech BETA Test Version.