Fake online reviews: US proposes bans
WASHINGTON –
US federal regulators are looking to crack down on fake reviews and other deceptive internet practices.
The Federal Trade Commission proposed a new rule Friday that would ban paying for reviews, suppressing honest reviews, selling fake social media engagement and more. Businesses would also be prohibited from running company-controlled websites that claim to be independent, and other deceptive practices like “review hijacking,” which makes reviews for one product appear like they were written for significantly different ones.
If the proposed rule is approved, following a 60-day public comment period, violators could face hefty penalties.
“Our proposed rule on…
Riots in France have already cost businesses more than $1 billion
Just weeks after hugely disruptive protests and strikes over pension reforms in France finally died down, businesses in the country are grappling with the fallout from a week of rioting.
The riots, which were sparked by the fatal shooting of a teenager by a police officer last Tuesday, have already caused more than €1 billion ($1.1 billion) worth of damage, according to a French business association, MEDEF.
Protesters have attacked nearly 400 bank branches and 500 corner shops, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told CNN affiliate BFMTV Wednesday. Speaking to CNN’s Isa Soares Tuesday, Le Maire put the total…
What’s spending slowdown? Retail sales suggest Canadians aren’t ready to quit shopping
Up to date retail sales numbers from Statistics Canada on Wednesday show that despite high prices and dire warnings about debt loads, Canadians remain in the mood to shop.
The data agency reported Wednesday that retailers took in $65.9 billion in April. That’s an increase of 1.1 per cent from March’s level.
Just about every type of store booked higher sales during the month, with the exception of furniture, electronics and appliances retailers, where sales shrank by 1.6 per cent from March’s level.
So-called core retail sales, which strip out volatile items like gas, cars and car parts, actually increased…
Instant Brands, maker of Instant Pot and Pyrex cookware, files for bankruptcy
The company that makes kitchen staples like CorningWare, Pyrex and the Instant Pot has entered bankruptcy proceedings in the US and Canada.
Illinois-based Instant Brands said Monday that it has “initiated a voluntary court-supervised Chapter 11 process,” due to an unmanageable debt load.
“Tightening of credit terms and higher interest rates impacted our liquidity levels and made our capital structure unsustainable,” CEO Ben Gadbois said in a news release.
In court filings, the company says it generated operating cash flows of just $17.9 million US in the first three months of the year. That relatively large figure is a sharp…
Higher airfares likely upshot of Sunwing-WestJet integration, experts say – Business News
Higher airfares on way
The Canadian Press – Jun 19, 2023 / 9:35 am | Stories: 432620
Photo: The Canadian Press
Experts say WestJet’s decision to shut down Sunwing Airlines and fold it into its main operations will mean less service and higher fares — particularly in Western Canada and smaller cities across the country.
Sunwing told its employees it was being absorbed by its new owner on Wednesday, less than a week after WestJet announced plans to shutter discount subsidiary Swoop.
John Gradek, who teaches at McGill University’s aviation management program, says the latest move is bad news for…
Angelo’s is closing, Crazy Wisdom is reopening and other Washtenaw County business news
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Big news has been happening recently for businesses in and around Ann Arbor.
Some longtime businesses are calling it quits after spending decades serving customers, while others are making their debut. There is even one beloved Ann Arbor book store that’s planning to return after closing in 2022.
Here are some recent business news you might have missed.
Angelo’s Restaurant to close as University of Michigan plans $4.5M purchase
By December, people will no longer be able to enjoy the deep-fried French raisin toast or sandwiches at Angelo’s Restaurant in Ann Arbor.
Related: ‘I will think…
‘Park outside’: GM recalls 40,000 pickups to fix fire risk – Business News
Trucks recalled for fire risk
The Canadian Press – Apr 22, 2023 / 9:50 am | Stories: 422776
Photo: The Canadian Press
General Motors is recalling certain Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty trucks for model year 2019 or later, following the discovery of a potential leak in brake fluid that could result in a fire.
Potentially 40,428 vehicles could be affected. They include 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD models with model years between 2019 and 2023, according to documents posted by US safety regulators on Saturday.
The vehicles may have a brake pressure sensor assembly that allows brake fluid to leak and cause…
