European Lawmakers Approve Two New Digital Regulations
European lawmakers approved two sweeping new pieces of digital regulation, paving the way for clashes between regulators and tech companies over how the rules should be applied. The European Parliament on Tuesday voted its stamp of approval for the two laws: one focused on anticompetitive behavior, the other on content deemed illegal in Europe.
The new rules could set a global benchmark for tech regulation, lawyers and digital-policy experts have said. The Digital Markets Act will impose new obligations on how a small number of digital giants operate, with rules dealing with online messaging, digital advertising and the app ecosystem. The Digital Services Act will require large social-media platforms to take steps to deal with illegal content and other material regulators view as harmful and give users an avenue to register their complaints about content moderation.
The Cheesecake Factory Donates to Feeding America
The Cheesecake Factory is celebrating National Cheesecake Day by donating $1 to Feeding America for every slice of cheesecake sold on July 30. The company will also introduce its newest flavor: Classic Basque Cheesecake.
In addition to the per slice donation on all flavors sold on National Cheesecake Day, for every slice of Classic Basque Cheesecake sold July 31, 2022 through July 29, 2023, The Cheesecake Factory will donate 25 cents to Feeding America hunger-relief fund.
Honda Enters Metaverse in Fortnite on Twitch
Honda recently introduced Hondaverse, a fully immersive virtual world that exists within Fortnite on Twitch. The activation consists of custom maps in Fortnite where streamers and eventually gamers can compete. Twitch streamer SypherPK will host three livestreams in the Hondaverse to include challenges that will allow fans to compete for prizes.
Honda has used Twitch to move its cultural brand-building activities beyond gaming audiences to expand its focus to lifestyle content that includes but is not limited to gaming. The evolved focus demonstrates how livestreaming has grown to encompass other areas beyond gaming that Honda can tap into to engage with younger consumers.