Singer Chappell Roan announced she had parted ways with the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman, whose name appeared in the Epstein files, citing a duty to protect her team and a belief in industry accountability. In other news, Apple and Google agreed to make changes to their app stores in the UK following intervention from the UK markets regulator, and a landmark trial began in California accusing Instagram and YouTube of creating "addiction machines." Additionally, the UK government awarded contracts to a record number of renewable energy projects, including numerous solar developments.
Roan's decision to leave Wasserman's agency was announced on Instagram, though she made no direct mention of Jeffrey Epstein or the files associated with him. According to BBC World, Roan stated her departure reflected her belief that "meaningful change in our industry requires accountability." Wasserman has faced criticism following the revelation of his flirtatious emails to Ghislaine Maxwell, sent in 2003, which were included in the Epstein files.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK intervened, leading Apple and Google to agree to changes in their app stores. According to BBC Technology and BBC Business, the tech giants committed to not giving preferential treatment to their own apps and would be transparent about how others are approved for sale. The CMA had previously stated that Apple and Google held an "effective duopoly" in the UK app market. Sarah Cardell, head of the CMA, said the proposed commitments "will boost the UK's app economy."
In California, a trial commenced examining the mental health effects of Instagram and YouTube. BBC Business reported that lawyers for the plaintiff, identified as "K.G.M.," argued that the social media platforms created "addiction machines" designed to negatively impact children. Mark Lanier, representing K.G.M., stated, "These companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose." Lawyers for Meta and YouTube countered that K.G.M.'s addiction stemmed from other issues.
The UK government's record auction for renewable energy projects will lead to the development of more solar farms across England, Scotland, and Wales. BBC Business reported that 157 solar developments were awarded contracts. Climate and clean energy groups welcomed the results, viewing solar as a cost-effective way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, some local communities have expressed opposition to the large-scale developments. The West Burton solar farm, planned for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border, is the largest to win a government contract.
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