politics 39 - The Latremie Post

Five Charities Cut Off Ties With Britain’s Duchess Of York Over Links With Epstein

Sarah Ferguson Lost Patronage from Five Charities Following Email Revealing Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Several charities severed their links with Britain’s Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, after reports emerged that she had described the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a “supreme friend” in an email. The revelation sparked significant backlash over her association with Epstein.

Background

Jeffrey Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to a state prostitution charge in Florida. In March 2011, Ferguson gave an interview to the Evening Standard, admitting that she had made a “terrible, terrible error of judgment” by accepting £15,000 from Epstein to pay off her debts. She also emphasized, “I abhor paedophilia.”

The Controversial Email

According to The Sun, Ferguson sent an apology email to Epstein in 2011, weeks after her interview in which she stated she would never contact him again. In that email, she referred to Epstein as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend.”

James Henderson, who was Ferguson’s spokesperson at the time, told The Telegraph that the email was sent following a “really menacing and nasty” phone call from Epstein. Henderson described Epstein’s voice during the call as similar to the chilling tone of Hannibal Lecter. He recalled, “People don’t understand how terrible Epstein was. I can remember everything about that call. It was a chilling call, and I’m surprised anybody was ever friends with him given the way he talked to me.”

Henderson further revealed that Epstein threatened to destroy both Ferguson and her family, stating, “He said he would destroy the York family and he was quite clear on that. He wasn’t shouting. He had a Hannibal Lecter-type voice. It was very cold and calm and really menacing and nasty.”

He added that the pressure on Ferguson to protect her family must have been immense. “I am sure there were legal actions. And this was long before the duke’s life had been ruined by his association with Epstein. It was 14 years ago and everyone will do what they have to do to protect their family. Her family and children will always come first for her.”

Charities Sever Ties

On Monday, five charities announced that the Duchess could no longer be their patron. Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, founders of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, issued a statement saying, “We were disturbed to read of Sarah, Duchess of York’s, correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. She was a patron but, in light of the recent revelations, we have taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue to be associated with the charity.”

Ferguson’s former spokesperson declined to comment specifically on the charities’ decisions but previously stated that the email was sent to counter a potential defamation lawsuit from Epstein.

Wider Impact

In 2022, Prince Andrew, the ex-husband of Sarah Ferguson and brother of King Charles, was stripped of most of his titles and removed from royal duties due to his connections to Epstein. Subsequently, firms and charities also distanced themselves from him, as reported by CNN.

The fallout continues to affect members of the royal family and those associated with Epstein, highlighting the enduring consequences of their ties to the disgraced financier.
https://www.news18.com/world/five-charities-cuts-off-ties-with-britains-duchess-of-york-over-links-with-epstein-ws-l-9592562.html

Trump Says He’s Going to Test ABC After He Was Told ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Was Canceled

**President Donald Trump Criticizes ABC Ahead of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Return**

President Donald Trump lashed out at ABC on Tuesday night ahead of the return of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, suggesting he plans to go after the network once again.

“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He added, “Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny and who puts the network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”

Trump continued, “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad ratings.”

The social media post came within the hour of the Tuesday night return of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* after Disney decided to end the show’s indefinite suspension after six days on Monday.

Last Wednesday, Disney made the decision to suspend production on the show “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.” In a statement, the Walt Disney Company said, “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive.”

“We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” the statement added.

Trump had initially celebrated Kimmel’s suspension after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened Disney, the “House of Mouse,” implying that Disney could handle their licenses “the easy way or the hard way.”

On the day of the suspension, Trump wrote, “Great news for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”

During a press conference with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump doubled down: “Well, Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings more than anything else, and he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk, and Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person. He had very bad ratings, and they should have fired him a long time ago. So, you know, you can call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent.”

Later that day, while on Air Force One, Trump expressed frustration with media coverage, saying, “When you have a network and you have evening shows and all they do is hit Trump, that’s all they do. If you go back, I guess they haven’t had a conservative one in years or something. When you go back and take a look, all they do is hit Trump. They’re licensed. They’re not allowed to do that.”

However, some conservative pundits and commentators were less enthusiastic about Trump’s remarks. Prominent figures such as Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, and Senator Ted Cruz suggested the president’s approach bordered on authoritarian overreach.

In response to these tensions, on Monday, 400 celebrities—including Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Pedro Pascal, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep—signed an open letter through the ACLU warning of the dangers of encroaching on America’s freedom of speech.

Despite the show’s return, local affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair decided to preempt Tuesday’s new episode across their stations, continuing their blockage of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*

*Jimmy Kimmel Live!* officially returned to ABC on Tuesday night, marking the end of a brief but highly publicized suspension period.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-says-going-test-abc-025722545.html

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s daughter Violet powerfully advocates for mask mandates and children with long COVID at United Nations event

Violet Affleck, the daughter of Hollywood A-listers Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, appeared before the United Nations in New York City on Tuesday. The 19-year-old activist spoke about the importance of masks and other preventative measures more than five years after the COVID-19 pandemic changed life across the globe.

Violet participated in an event titled **Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action**. As a first-year student at Yale’s Davenport College, she emphasized the ongoing need to wear masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“It is neglect of the highest order to look children in the eyes and say, ‘We knew how to protect you, and we didn’t do it,'” the Ivy League student said during her speech.

She highlighted an alarming lack of responsibility in the current generation, noting how adults are eager to return to business as usual despite the ongoing risks. “For adults, the relentless beat of ‘back to normal,’ ignoring, downplaying, and concealing both the prevalence of airborne transmission and the threat of Long COVID manifested in a series of choices,” Violet explained.

“Our present is being stolen right in front of our eyes,” Violet added, stressing that young people have “lacked both real choice in the matter and information about what was being chosen for us.”

In closing, she called on the audience to recognize clean, filtered air as a fundamental human right, comparable to filtered water. “We can create clean air infrastructure that is so ubiquitous and so obviously necessary, tomorrow’s children don’t even know why we need it,” she said.

Earlier this May, Violet authored an article published in the *Yale Global Health Review* focused on Los Angeles’s organized response to COVID-19. In the article, she stressed that fully eliminating the virus involves not only wearing masks but also employers providing paid sick leave and universal healthcare. Additionally, she advocated for environmental measures aimed at keeping the air clean.

Violet also urged communities to stay organized and ensure that masks are distributed free of charge to those in need, reinforcing the importance of collective action in ongoing pandemic response efforts.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15127909/violet-affleck-mask-mandates-long-covid-ben-jennifer-garner.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Mumbai: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad Alleges Mahayuti Govt Allowed Builders To Exploit Reserved BMC Plots, Demands Withdrawal Of DC Rule Change

City Congress President and MP Varsha Gaikwad has stirred up political controversy by accusing the Mahayuti government of permitting construction activities on municipal plots that are officially reserved for public amenities such as gardens.

Gaikwad pointed out that under the Development Control (DC) rules, no development can take place on such reserved plots without formally changing their reservation status according to established norms. She alleged, however, that the state government has bent these rules to favor its “ladka (favourite) builder.”

### Controversial Notification Issued

On July 3, 2025, the state’s urban development department issued a notification proposing a controversial amendment to the DC rules. The modification would allow private builders to undertake Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects even on public or BMC lands that are reserved or designated for specific amenities. This change effectively cleared the way for a builder to commercially exploit a suburban plot—something that was previously impossible under existing rules.

### Allegations of Unusual Haste

Gaikwad further alleged:
“What is more shocking is that Devabhau Sarkar implemented this modification in unusual haste, without waiting for the mandatory public suggestions and objections procedure to be completed. The government misused Section 154(1) of the MRTP Act, issuing a directive to the BMC to enforce the modification immediately, even before the final sanction.”

She questioned the motive behind this unusual speed, claiming it was specifically designed to benefit two builders who are close to the government.

### Warning of a Dangerous Precedent

“This move not only jeopardizes Mumbai’s development plan but also sets a dangerous precedent, endangering all reserved, public, and BMC-owned plots,” Gaikwad warned. “I demand that this disastrous notification be withdrawn immediately.”

### Builder’s Request Processed with Unusual Speed

Gaikwad revealed that on April 8, 2025, one of the builders wrote to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani seeking restoration of an earlier revoked consent/NOC issued to the CEO of SRA on March 4, 2009. This consent had declared a BMC plot as a ‘slum’ and allowed the builder to develop it under an SRA scheme along with adjoining plots.

She highlighted the unusual speed with which the BMC handled the request.
“While the BMC often takes months or even years to respond to citizens’ applications, this time it was incredibly swift. On April 9, just a day after the builder’s letter, Commissioner Gagrani wrote on the file, ‘Please get this verified and submit for orders.’”

### Fast-Tracked Approvals Alleged

Gaikwad alleged that the entire approval process was fast-tracked in an unprecedented manner.
“The rush was so great that even the fact that the wrong subject was mentioned in the builder’s letter went unnoticed. The administrative machinery, which had previously opposed the same proposal, suddenly acted with great haste to clear it.”

Documents indicate that on April 28 and May 6, 2025, representatives of one of the builders met with Deputy Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kiran Dighavkar, where it was decided to accept the builder’s proposal. Following this, Dighavkar’s office formally submitted a proposal on June 9, 2025, which was quickly approved by Gagrani’s office on June 13, 2025.

“In other words, once initiated, it took just four days to obtain approvals from all concerned departments and the final approval of the Municipal Commissioner,” Gaikwad stated. She added, “It is not difficult to imagine the immense pressure behind this fast-tracking, especially when earlier officials had taken the exact opposite stance on the issue.”

### BMC Commissioner Responds

When contacted by FPJ, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani denied any involvement of the BMC in modifying the DC rules. Regarding the approval of the builders’ proposals, he asserted that no approval has been granted so far.

“The allegation is speculative and premature in the extreme,” Gagrani said.

—

The controversy raises significant questions about governance, transparency, and adherence to development norms in Mumbai, as voices call for greater scrutiny and accountability in urban development decisions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-congress-mp-varsha-gaikwad-alleges-mahayuti-govt-allowed-builders-to-exploit-reserved-bmc-plots-demands-withdrawal-of-dc-rule-change

UN chief warns world leaders of ‘an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering’

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — With global peace and progress under siege, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres challenged world leaders Tuesday to choose a future where the rule of law triumphs over raw power and where nations come together rather than scramble for self-interests.

Guterres reminded leaders that the U.N.’s founders faced similar questions 80 years ago but told today’s assembly that the choice between peace or war, law or lawlessness, cooperation or conflict, is “more urgent, more intertwined, more unforgiving.”

“We have entered an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering,” he said in his annual “State of the World” speech. “The pillars of peace and progress are buckling under the weight of impunity, inequality and indifference.”

Despite the internal and external challenges confronting the U.N., Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock urged members not to give up. “If we stop doing the right things, evil will prevail,” Baerbock said in her opening remarks.

### A Multipolar World and Rising Challenges

Looking broadly at the changing global landscape, Guterres noted the world is becoming increasingly multipolar — a subtle nod to rising economic powers China and India and a clear challenge to the U.S. insistence on maintaining superpower status.

While a multipolar world can be more diverse and dynamic, the U.N. chief warned that without international cooperation and effective global institutions, there can be “chaos.”

### President Trump’s Address: Strong Borders and Criticism of the U.N.

President Donald Trump delivered a nearly hour-long speech, asserting that the United States has the strongest borders, military, friendships, and “the strongest spirit of any nation on the face of the earth.” He proclaimed, “This is indeed the golden age of America.”

However, Trump criticized the United Nations, describing it as ineffective. “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter,” he said, suggesting the U.N. fails to follow through on conflict resolution efforts.

During his remarks, an escalator unexpectedly stopped as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump rode it toward the Assembly hall, and his teleprompter malfunctioned. A U.N. official explained that the escalator’s stop mechanism was triggered inadvertently by someone from the president’s party running ahead, and the White House was managing the teleprompter.

Despite his criticisms, Trump acknowledged the U.N.’s potential. “Our country is behind the United Nations 100%,” he told Guterres in a meeting soon after his speech. “I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great.”

### Call for Peace and Addressing Conflicts

Guterres stressed the primary obligation of world leaders: to choose peace. Without naming specific countries, he urged all parties—including members within the General Assembly—to stop supporting Sudan’s warring factions.

He also condemned the situation in Gaza in strong terms, without explicitly naming Israel. Guterres described the scale of death and destruction as the worst in his nearly nine years as secretary-general, stating, “Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

While refraining from labeling the actions as genocide, Guterres referenced a case brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice under the genocide convention. He emphasized the legally binding provisional measures issued by the court, aimed foremost at protecting Palestinian civilians.

Since the court’s ruling in January 2024, the killings in Gaza have intensified, and famine has been declared in parts of the territory. Guterres insisted that the court’s measures “must be implemented — fully and immediately.”

### Financial Challenges and Aid Cuts

The U.N. is also grappling with financial difficulties as the U.S. and some other nations have pulled back funding or delayed paying dues. Guterres warned that aid cuts are “wreaking havoc” and called them “a death sentence for many.”

### Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Takes Center Stage

With growing global support for a Palestinian state, Israel’s devastating war in Gaza dominated discussions at the Assembly.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lamented the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was denied a U.S. visa. Speaking on behalf of “our Palestinian brothers and sisters whose voices are being silenced,” Erdoğan highlighted the increasing recognition of a Palestinian state and called on nations that have yet to do so to act “as soon as possible.”

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto also voiced strong support for the Palestinians, warning that “human folly, fueled by fear, racism, hatred, oppression and apartheid threatens our common future.”

“Every day we witness suffering, genocide and a blatant disregard for international law and human decency,” said the leader of the world’s most populous Muslim nation. “In the face of these challenges, we must not give up. … We must draw closer, not drift further apart.”

### A Packed Schedule and Widening Issues

The General Assembly’s week of meetings began Monday with a conference focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the idea of a two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

Tuesday’s notable speakers included Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, French President Emmanuel Macron, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Continuing a longstanding tradition, Brazil’s Lula da Silva opened the speeches, voicing concern over the waning authority of the U.N. “We are witnessing the consolidation of an international order blocked by repeated concessions to power play,” he said.

### Geopolitical Complexities Amid Calls for Unity

Although this year’s debate theme is “Better Together,” the discussions underscored the many ways the world faces increasing turmoil.

Gaza’s crisis already seized international attention, with nearly all U.N. member states scheduled to deliver speeches during the Assembly’s six-day session.

The current speakers list includes 89 heads of state, 43 heads of government, 10 vice presidents or deputy prime ministers, and 45 foreign ministers and other high-level officials, reflecting the Assembly’s pivotal role amid escalating global challenges.
https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-at-un-world-leaders-meet-to-try-to-make-a-troubled-planet-better-together-but-can-they/

Ex-ESPN host Jemele Hill calls out Laura Loomer over “ghetto black b**ch” comments from far-right political activist aimed at Jasmine Crockett

Former ESPN host Jemele Hill voiced strong objections to comments made by Laura Loomer targeting a United States congresswoman.

Hill took issue with Loomer’s statements, highlighting concerns over the nature and implications of the remarks.

The exchange has drawn public attention, reflecting ongoing tensions in political discourse and media commentary.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-ex-espn-host-jemele-hill-calls-laura-loomer-ghetto-black-b-ch-comments-far-right-political-activist-aimed-jasmine-crockett

Russian Cargo Plane Flies Dangerously Low Over Moscow Apartments Amid Ukraine’s Drone Attacks

A viral video has captured an Antonov AN-124 flying low over a Moscow suburb amid ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks, airport closures, and rising civilian casualties. The footage shows the massive Russian cargo plane soaring just above high-rise apartment buildings, highlighting the heightened tensions in the Russian capital.

According to the BBC, Russian media reported that numerous drone warnings led to the halting of flights at Moscow’s airports, including the closure of Sheremetyevo Airport, located north of the city. Verified videos revealed that the aircraft was an Antonov AN-124 Ruslan cargo plane, heading eastward away from Vnukovo International Airport, which lies about 6 km (3.7 miles) to the west.

The Antonov-124 is an enormous military transport aircraft, measuring 226 feet in length, with a wingspan of 240 feet and a maximum weight of 450 tons. Russian outlet SHOT reported that the pilot intentionally flew at a low altitude to avoid Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in the airspace.

Residents of New Moscow described hearing a loud roar and feeling uneasy as they spotted the giant plane flying over their homes.

The events unfolded amid swarms of Ukrainian kamikaze drones striking Moscow overnight and into the morning on Tuesday, severely disrupting flights and causing widespread alarm. According to the Associated Press, Russian forces claimed to have shot down around three dozen Ukrainian drones targeting the capital.

Meanwhile, Ukraine reported that Russian missiles, drones, and bombs killed at least two civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continued to seek stronger international support at a United Nations gathering of world leaders held on Tuesday.

The full-scale war, which began on February 24, 2022, continues to have a devastating impact on Ukrainian civilians. Earlier this month, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights revealed that civilian casualties in Ukraine increased by 40% in the first eight months of this year compared to 2023, attributed to escalated Russian long-range missile strikes and localized drone attacks.

Additionally, a report released by the UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday highlighted the dire conditions faced by thousands of civilians detained by Russian forces in areas of Ukraine under Russian control.
https://www.news18.com/world/russian-cargo-plane-flies-dangerously-low-over-moscow-apartments-amid-ukraines-drone-attacks-ws-bl-9592404.html

Russian Cargo Plane Flies Dangerously Low Over Moscow Apartments Amid Ukraine’s Drone Attacks

A viral video showing an Antonov AN-124 flying low over Moscow has attracted widespread attention amid ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks, airport closures, and rising civilian casualties. The footage captures the massive Russian cargo plane soaring close to high-rise apartment buildings in a Moscow suburb during a tense period of security threats.

According to BBC reports citing Russian media, multiple drone warnings prompted the closure of several airports in the capital, including Sheremetyevo Airport located north of the city. Verified videos confirm that the aircraft was an Antonov AN-124 Ruslan cargo plane heading east, departing from Vnukovo International Airport approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to the west.

The Antonov AN-124 is an imposing aircraft, measuring 226 feet in length with a wingspan of 240 feet, and weighing around 450 tons. Russian outlet SHOT reported that the pilot intentionally flew at a low altitude due to the presence of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the skies.

Residents of New Moscow recalled hearing a loud roar and expressed concern upon seeing the plane flying so close over their homes amid the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, Russian forces claim to have shot down around three dozen Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow. Ukraine, on the other hand, reported that Russian missiles, drones, and bombs have caused at least two civilian deaths.

In the midst of this conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to rally international support for his country. He addressed a UN gathering of world leaders on Tuesday, seeking to bolster global backing amid intensified hostilities.

The full-scale war, which began on February 24, 2022, continues to inflict significant suffering on Ukrainian civilians. Earlier this month, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported a 40% increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine during the first eight months of 2024 compared to the previous year. This rise has been attributed to Russia’s escalation of long-range missile attacks and localized drone strikes.

Additionally, a UN Human Rights Office report released Tuesday highlighted the dire conditions faced by thousands of civilians detained by Russian forces in occupied Ukrainian territories.

As the conflict persists, the impact on civilian populations remains a critical concern for the international community.
https://www.news18.com/world/russian-cargo-plane-flies-dangerously-low-over-moscow-apartments-amid-ukraines-drone-attacks-ws-bl-9592404.html

Turkish President Erdogan Rakes Up Kashmir Issue At UNGA

Earlier this year, India outrightly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for the Kashmir issue to be addressed as per the United Nations resolution.

On Tuesday, during the United Nations General Assembly, President Erdogan once again raised the Kashmir issue and emphasized the need for resolving the matter through dialogue.

During his recent visit to Islamabad, where he met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Erdogan stated that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue between India and Pakistan. He said, “The Kashmir issue should be addressed according to the UN resolution through dialogue and by keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Our state and our nation, as in the past, stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today,” during a media interaction.

Reacting to Erdogan’s comments, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by saying that instead of making remarks on India’s internal issues, Erdogan should have focused on Pakistan’s policy of backing cross-border terrorism against India.
https://www.news18.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-at-unga-ws-l-9592538.html

EU wants to know how Apple, Google are tackling e-scams

**EU Investigates How Apple, Google, and Others Are Tackling Online Scams**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 23, 2025*

The European Union (EU) has launched a detailed scrutiny of major tech companies including Apple, Google, and Microsoft over their efforts to combat online scams. According to the Financial Times, this investigation is being conducted under the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Alongside these tech giants, Booking Holdings — the global accommodation platform owner of Booking.com and other travel sites — is also under the EU’s regulatory spotlight.

**Regulatory Concerns and EU’s Commitment to Safer Online Spaces**

Henna Virkkunen, an EU official, highlighted the rising tide of criminal activities occurring on internet platforms. She stated, “We see that more and more criminal actions are taking place online.” Virkkunen emphasized the critical need for online platforms to proactively identify and prevent illegal content, underscoring the EU’s dedication to making cyberspace safer for all users.

**Focus Areas of the Scrutiny**

The EU’s investigation will specifically examine how Apple and Google address the issue of fraudulent apps, such as fake banking applications, available in their app stores. Moreover, Google’s and Microsoft’s search engines will be evaluated for their role in displaying fake or misleading search results. Booking Holdings will be assessed for how it manages bogus accommodation listings on its platforms.

This multifaceted approach reflects the EU’s broader goal of fighting online scams across various digital services, ensuring comprehensive protection for consumers.

**Potential Financial Consequences**

The information requests initiated by the EU could escalate into formal investigations. Should any wrongdoing be established, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking Holdings may face substantial penalties — potentially fines up to 6% of their annual global turnover.

The ongoing EU inquiry highlights increasing regulatory pressure on major tech and platform companies to uphold safety and trust online. Users and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing how these companies respond to the demands for stronger anti-fraud measures in the digital ecosystem.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/eu-probes-apple-google-microsoft-over-online-scams/story