A federal lawsuit filed in Chicago by Michael Thomas accuses McDonald’s of using an AI-based pricing platform to coordinate menu prices across thousands of independently owned US franchises, effectively enabling the exchange of nonpublic price and sales data and amounting to algorithmic price-fixing. The complaint frames the tool as a company-built information-sharing system that draws on millions of daily transactions to recommend prices, which plaintiffs say has contributed to sharply higher costs for consumers - McDonald’s itself reported an average menu price rise of about 40% between 2019 and 2024 - and produced stark price variation between nearby locations. A Reuters investigation is cited by plaintiffs as evidence that some franchisees were pressured to adopt the AI recommendations and to record any deviations.
McDonald’s denies that AI sets prices, calling pricing tools optional and asserting franchisees retain pricing authority; the company says the complaint contains inaccuracies and will be vigorously defended. The chain acquired personalization firm Dynamic Yield in 2019 and has faced related litigation before, including a viral $18 Big Mac incident where a franchise owner blamed an AI suggestion. Antitrust experts warn algorithmic pricing could worsen affordability, and lawmakers have proposed numerous bills this year aimed at curbing alleged algorithmic price-fixing.
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Sextortion blackmail involving an AI-generated woman led a man to take his own life. The case underscores the dangers of AI-enabled online harassment and blackmail. (rnz.co.nz)
Ubuntu 26.10 drops support for /boot on Btrfs, XFS, and ZFS filesystems when Secure Boot is enabled to improve security. The change only affects the boot process, with full support for these filesystems available after booting, and users can stick with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for full GRUB functionality. (omgubuntu.co.uk)
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A UPS worker missed an important security email, which resulted in China gaining access to F-35 aircraft parts. The incident raises concerns about security protocols and employee oversight at logistics companies. (bloomberg.com)
McDonald's is facing a lawsuit over an AI tool that suggests prices to its US franchisees. The lawsuit alleges the AI tool may be unfair or anti-competitive. (apnews.com)
Amazon's 'About You' section uses shopping data to make highly specific guesses about customers, such as physical traits and personal habits. These inferences include assumptions about flat buttocks, plant care skills, and relationships with pets. (theverge.com)
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