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Uber, Lyft, Epic & Apple: what's at stake in Big Tech lawsuits
Watch as Nicholas Thompson, editor-in-chief of WIRED, explains what's at stake in Big Tech lawsuits in 2020:
What's going on between Uber & Lyft and the state of California?
California would like Uber and Lyft to classify all of their drivers as employees, not as contractors. And Lyft would like to save money and classify them as contractors, not employees. There is a lawsuit, there's been an injunction most likely issue will be settled at the ballot box. I should add that Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave California if they lose.
What is going on between Epic and Apple?
This fight is also pretty interesting. So, Apple charges all developers who sell products in their apps on iPhones a 30% tax. Epic, the maker a Fortnite, a hugely popular game you may have heard of, decided they did not want to pay 30%. They said they wanted to control sales themselves and not pay that giant tax. So, Apple kicked them out. Now there is a lawsuit. There are spicy e-mails going back and forth. There is a lot, a lot at stake in this fight.
Should Facebook be broken up?
Should Facebook be broken up?
I think Facebook is too big. I think it's too powerful. I wish there was more competition in tech. But I lean towards thinking our current Department of Justice wouldn't do a great job breaking it up.
What was the coolest thing Google announced at its keynote?
I think probably the high-end phone for $400. To have a competitive high-end smartphone and for half the price - pretty neat!
Was the strike against Uber and Lyft successful?
Probably not. I mean by their very nature, because anybody can join or almost anybody can become an Uber and Lyft driver, it is very hard to organize a strike. I think that's what we saw over the last few days.
What should we all learn from Theranos?
Well, don't trust magical unicorns. But also if you're a journalist, there are amazing stories out there. Go find them.
