• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

The affordability crisis is so bad that, for the first time ever, both mom and dad are working full-time in most American families

2

Current price of oil as of June 17, 2026

3

Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring a recent role: 'Nobody on that list gets that job'

1

The affordability crisis is so bad that, for the first time ever, both mom and dad are working full-time in most American families

2

Current price of oil as of June 17, 2026

3

Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring a recent role: 'Nobody on that list gets that job'
NewslettersFortune Tech

Amazon’s $2.5 billion ‘dark patterns’ eraser

Alexei Oreskovic
By
Alexei Oreskovic
Alexei Oreskovic
Editor, Tech
Down Arrow Button Icon
Alexei Oreskovic
By
Alexei Oreskovic
Alexei Oreskovic
Editor, Tech
Down Arrow Button Icon
September 26, 2025, 4:59 AM ET
Updated September 26, 2025, 5:00 AM ET
Blackboard eraser inside a classroom.
Blackboard eraser inside a classroom.Europa Press News/Europa Press via Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Good morning. Now that President Trump has signed an executive order that blesses a new, spun-out U.S. version of TikTok, it’s time for questions.

Here are just two at the top of my mind:

1. How was the $14 billion deal value cited by Vice President JD Vance calculated, and is any money actually changing hands?

2. If, as reported, one of the new owners is the United Arab Emirate’s state-owned MGX wealth fund, how does that make the new TikTok “owned by Americans,” as Trump said at the signing ceremony?

While we await answers, check out today’s other tech news below. —Alexei Oreskovic

Want to send thoughts or suggestions to Fortune Tech? Drop a line here.

Amazon and FTC settle 'dark patterns' case for $2.5 billion

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday announced a $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon just days into a trial over alleged deceptive practices.

The case involved "dark pattern" web page designs that the FTC claimed Amazon used to trick online shoppers into enrolling in its $139-a-year Prime program, or make it frustratingly difficult to cancel (the FTC described a “four-page, six-click, fifteen-option cancellation process”). 

Amazon’s decision to settle for billions would seem to hand the FTC a big victory (even in the absence of Lina Khan, the former commissioner, who initially brought the case). But Amazon may be the one with the most to celebrate.

The $2.5 billion settlement equals about 13 days of profit for Amazon—or less than two days of sales. Amazon didn’t have to admit any wrongdoing; nor did the executives overseeing Prime, who the FTC sought to hold personally liable.

The company is also now able to avoid further media coverage of an embarrassing case, which had the potential to tarnish its reputation among consumers. The news cycle will move on, and the majority of consumers might never think twice about Amazon's dark patterns case.—Jason Del Rey

U.S. Gov gets Grok for 42 cents

The U.S. government inked a deal to put Elon Musk’s Grok AI inside federal agencies for a rock-bottom price: 42 cents per agency—a bargain the government called “unique” and that could scramble the fight over which models dominate Washington. 

It's the latest in a string of deals the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), has made with the top AI companies –  Alphabet’s Google; the ChatGPT maker, OpenAI; and Anthropic — as part of its new initiative, the OneGov agreement. Each of these deals are short-term – to prevent one model dominating, the GSA said – but Grok’s is the longest, with an 18-month contract.

Grok's selection comes despite concerns over past incidents in which Musk's AI chatbot made racist and antisemitic comments. More than 30 advocacy groups urged the Office of Management and Budget to keep the model out of federal systems, and several Democratic lawmakers pressed the GSA on its decision, according to news site Fedscoop. A GSA spokesperson has stressed the agency is weighing all vendors “equally” and that no single deal amounts to a final endorsement. —Eva Roytburg

That iPhone isn't scratched, it has a 'material transfer'

Apple has acknowledged that worn MagSafe charging stands in its retail stores are causing marks on the new iPhone 17 Pro models, addressing concerns that emerged within hours of the device’s launch. 

Apple told 9to5Mac that visible imperfections on iPhone demo units are not scratches but rather “material transfer” from aging display equipment that can be removed with cleaning. The durability controversy, dubbed “scratchgate” on social media, first gained prominence through a Bloomberg report published last Friday, the same day Apple launched its new lineup of iPhones.

It’s worth noting that some users say they tried rubbing out the marks on the Apple Store’s demo units, but “nothing happened," claiming “they’re scratches.” Or maybe they just need to rub harder?—Dave Smith

More tech

—Kraken quietly closes $500M round. An unusual CEO pushes toward the IPO finish line.

—I met Sam Altman in Texas. He’s turning the race for AI into a gigawatt arms race.

—Google backs $3 billion deal with Bitcoin miner. Big Tech looks to crypto for compute.

—Apple delaying live translation for Europeans. Blame the red tape.

—Ex–Google CEO Eric Schmidt sounds alarm on competing with China. Working from home isn’t helping.

—China car manufacturer Chery gains in Hong Kong debut. The automaker has been China’s top exporting brand every year since 2003.

This is the web version of Fortune Tech, a daily newsletter breaking down the biggest players and stories shaping the future. Sign up to get it delivered free to your inbox.
About the Author
Alexei Oreskovic
By Alexei OreskovicEditor, Tech
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Alexei Oreskovic is the Tech editor at Fortune.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Newsletters

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Newsletters

Kevin Warsh’s hawkish tone: What CEOs need to know about rates today
NewslettersCEO Daily
Kevin Warsh’s hawkish tone: What CEOs need to know about rates today
By Diane BradyJune 18, 2026
7 hours ago
Whatnot is worth $11.5 billion—and its sellers just hit one billion orders
NewslettersTerm Sheet
Whatnot is worth $11.5 billion—and its sellers just hit one billion orders
By Allie GarfinkleJune 18, 2026
7 hours ago
France's President Emmanuel Macron (center) with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff (left) and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei (right) at a working lunch meeting at the G7 summit in Evian, France, on June 17, 2026.(Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
AI chiefs call for regulation collaboration at the G7 summit
By Andrew NuscaJune 18, 2026
7 hours ago
Brinker’s CIO spent years rebuilding restaurant tech. Now, the Chili’s operator is ready to explore more AI
NewslettersCIO Intelligence
Brinker’s CIO spent years rebuilding restaurant tech. Now, the Chili’s operator is ready to explore more AI
By John KellJune 17, 2026
24 hours ago
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is ready for its breakout moment
NewslettersMPW Daily
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is ready for its breakout moment
By Emma HinchliffeJune 17, 2026
1 day ago
An executive team together in a conference meeting room in contemporary modern office.
NewslettersCFO Daily
CFO pay surged 8% last year—and long-term incentives now account for 63% of the average package
By Sheryl EstradaJune 17, 2026
1 day ago

Most Popular

The affordability crisis is so bad that, for the first time ever, both mom and dad are working full-time in most American families
Economy
The affordability crisis is so bad that, for the first time ever, both mom and dad are working full-time in most American families
By Jacqueline MunisJune 17, 2026
20 hours ago
Current price of oil as of June 17, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 17, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 17, 2026
1 day ago
Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring a recent role: 'Nobody on that list gets that job'
Success
Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring a recent role: 'Nobody on that list gets that job'
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 18, 2026
10 hours ago
Exclusive: Universal beat Disney as Hollywood's maker of the most expensive movie of all time 
Arts & Entertainment
Exclusive: Universal beat Disney as Hollywood's maker of the most expensive movie of all time 
By Christian SyltJune 17, 2026
1 day ago
'Work hard, stay loyal, and the system will reward you': the Boomer credo is a Gen X betrayal and a Millennial pipe dream
Success
'Work hard, stay loyal, and the system will reward you': the Boomer credo is a Gen X betrayal and a Millennial pipe dream
By Nick LichtenbergJune 16, 2026
2 days ago
Hundreds of Stanford students walked out of their grad ceremony to protest Google CEO’s commencement speech. It wasn’t all about AI
Big Tech
Hundreds of Stanford students walked out of their grad ceremony to protest Google CEO’s commencement speech. It wasn’t all about AI
By Tristan BoveJune 15, 2026
3 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.