Consumer Protection

Japan Investigates Microsoft Azure Antitrust Violations

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has opened an investigation into Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd., and Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited for suspected violations of the Antimonopoly Act related to Microsoft Azure cloud services. The investigation focuses on allegations that Microsoft restricts enterprises from using its software in combination with competing cloud services, either by prohibiting combined use or by modifying trade terms to increase user costs when used with competitors. The JFTC is seeking information and comments from third parties by April 3, 2026.

File Complaint Against the California Department of Consumer Affairs

The California Department of Consumer Affairs provides California citizens with methods to submit comments, complaints, or suggestions about the Boards, Bureaus, Programs, or Divisions within the Department. Options include an online complaint form and a printable PDF form available in English and Spanish. The page also references the Citizen Complaint Act of 1997 as the statutory basis for providing these complaint mechanisms.

Select Professional Category to File Complaint

The California Department of Consumer Affairs maintains a centralized complaint intake portal allowing consumers to select a professional category and route complaints to the appropriate regulatory board, bureau, or program. The portal covers licensed professionals and businesses and offers both English and Spanish complaint filing options. This page is a navigation hub, not a substantive regulatory document.

Consumer Self-Help Tips, Sample Complaint Letter, Filing Resources

The California Department of Consumer Affairs publishes consumer self-help resources covering pre-purchase verification (license lookup, written guarantees), post-purchase documentation practices, dispute resolution strategies (credit card withholding rights, manager complaint letters), and complaint filing with the Attorney General's Office, Better Business Bureau, and District Attorney's Office. The page includes a fillable sample complaint letter template and small claims court guidance as a final dispute resolution option.

PERMIRA / WARBURG PINCUS / CLEARWATER ANALYTICS Merger

The European Commission initiated Phase 1 review of Permira and Warburg Pincus's proposed acquisition of Clearwater Analytics under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The case was processed under the super-simplified procedure and issued a Phase 1 clearance decision under Article 6(1)(b) on 22 April 2026, with a provisional deadline of 6 May 2026. Clearwater Analytics operates in computer programming, data processing, and hosting activities (NACE K.62.1, K.63.1) and auxiliary financial services (NACE L.66.19).

Motherson / Nexans Autoelectric Merger, Article 6(1)(b) Decision

The European Commission issued a Phase 1 decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 for the Motherson / Nexans Autoelectric merger (Case M.12340). The Commission declared the concentration compatible with the common market, marking clearance without a full investigation. The merger involves companies operating in C.29.3 - Manufacture of motor vehicle parts and accessories (NACE Rev. 2.1).

EC Clears Charlesbank / Nordic Capital / Tecomet / Orchid Merger

The European Commission has approved the acquisition of joint control over Tecomet and Orchid by Charlesbank and Nordic Capital under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The decision, issued on 22 April 2026, was a simplified review finding the concentration does not raise doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The parties operate in the manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies sector (NACE Rev. 2.1 code C.32.5). The provisional deadline for the decision was 05.05.2026.

Connecticut Schedules Seven Substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, Requires Business Compliance by March 25, 2026

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has released guidance following the Legislative Regulation Review Committee's approval of regulations designating seven substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, including Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), 7-hydroxymitragynine, Bromazolam, Flubromazolam, Nitazenes, Tianeptine, and Phenibut. Businesses offering these products for sale must remove them from shelves immediately and return or destroy all inventory prior to March 25, 2026. Possession, manufacture, sale, or distribution of these scheduled substances is illegal and may result in felony charges.

Connecticut Schedules Kratom, Tianeptine as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances

Connecticut has designated seven substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, effective March 25, 2026. The seven substances are: Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), Bromazolam, Flubromazolam, Nitazenes, Tianeptine, and Phenibut. The Connecticut Legislative Regulation Review Committee approved the regulations in February 2026. Attorney General William Tong has sent letters to all known distributors and manufacturers of Kratom products to ensure awareness and compliance with the new law.

CT Departments Warn of Scams During Financial Literacy Month

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and Department of Banking issued a joint advisory on April 14, 2026, during Financial Literacy Month, reminding consumers to use free budgeting tools, debt payoff calculators, and credit monitoring resources. The advisory highlights that as tax season ends, consumers are reviewing spending habits and setting financial goals, making them more vulnerable to scammers targeting wallets and banking information. The departments recommend creating detailed budgets, reviewing credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and signing up for bank account alerts.

NJ-CRC Legal Notice Publication Transitions to Online Platform

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) has transitioned its legal notice publication requirements from traditional print newspapers to online platforms pursuant to P.L.2025, c.72, signed into law by Governor Murphy on June 30, 2025. All future NJ-CRC legal notices shall be posted on the official website at nj.gov/cannabis/about/legal-notices/ rather than in printed newspapers. An archive of prior legal notices from December 2024 through February 2026 is maintained on the page, covering public meeting notices and date changes.

NJ CRC Schedules Seven Public Meetings Through December 2026

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission published its 2026 public meeting schedule, listing seven upcoming meetings from April through December 2026. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. via Zoom and YouTube, with agenda items including nominations for Chair and Vice Chair, cannabis business applications, microbusiness-to-standard conversions, and public comment. Registration to speak closes Tuesday, April 21 at 5 p.m., and written comments on the April 23 meeting are due Friday, April 24 at 5 p.m.

Sacramento Museum, $255k Settlement, Keffiyeh Ban

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) reached a $255,000 settlement with the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) in Sacramento, resolving a discrimination complaint filed by a former employee. CRD found that MOSAC discriminated against the employee based on Arab national origin and ancestry by selectively enforcing a dress-code policy targeting the employee's keffiyeh (traditional Arabic headscarf), then subjected the employee to escalating harassment and retaliation after an internal complaint was filed. The museum, without admitting liability, must revoke its political-symbols policy, provide three years of anti-discrimination training, update internal complaint procedures, notify staff and the board of CRD's findings, issue a formal apology, and pay $255,000 in compensation.

California CRD Opposes HUD Rule Threatening Eviction of 28,670 Mixed-Status Family Members

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) submitted a formal comment letter on April 21, 2026, opposing HUD's proposed rule that would deny federal housing assistance to otherwise eligible families residing with an ineligible relative due to immigration status. The proposed rule would replace a decades-old proration system — under which HUD provides benefits only to eligible household members without disqualifying the entire family — with a blanket denial of assistance. CRD estimates that 7,190 mixed-eligibility households in California, representing approximately 28,670 individuals, would face eviction or forced family separation if the rule takes effect.

Three UK Companies Under SFO Fraud Investigation

The SFO announced a new fraud investigation on 22 April 2026 into Warmfront, JJ Crump, and South Coast Insulation Services relating to the ECO4 energy efficiency scheme. Four people were arrested and six sites searched across Cannock, Wolverhampton, Chilworth, Southwell, and Killamarsh. The SFO alleges a sophisticated conspiracy to defraud energy companies of at least £44 million by submitting claims for work that was little or never undertaken between 2022 and 2024. The SFO is appealing for information from installers and assessors who worked on these contracts.

Italian Competition Authority Investigates Booking.com Preferred Partner Programme

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into Booking.com B.V., Booking.com International B.V., and Booking.com (Italia) S.r.l. for alleged unfair commercial practices related to their Preferred Partner Programme and Preferred Plus tier. AGCM is concerned that accommodation providers in these programmes receive greater visibility, prominence, and quality claims on the platform despite eligibility criteria being driven by commission levels rather than service quality. Inspections were carried out at Booking.com (Italia) S.r.l. by AGCM officials together with the Guardia di Finanza Special Antitrust Unit.

Slovenia Direct Grants for Laying Hen Holdings Until 2028

The European Commission approved Slovenia's State Aid scheme SA.121698 for direct grants to laying hen holding operators. The scheme, registered on 7 January 2026, will run until 31 December 2028 and covers regions Vzhodna Slovenija and Zahodna Slovenija. The EC issued a decision not to raise objections on 17 April 2026, finding the aid compatible with the internal market under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the Agricultural Guidelines 2023.

VIG / NÜRNBERGER Merger Cleared by EU Commission

The European Commission issued a decision on April 15, 2026 (published April 22, 2026) not to oppose the notified concentration between VIG and NÜRNBERGER, declaring it compatible with the internal market. The decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (the EC Merger Regulation). The full text of the decision will be made publicly available in the merger section of the Commission's Competition Policy website and on EUR-Lex after business secrets are removed.

Sirius Brookfield Paradise JV Merger Clearance Article 6(1)(b)

The European Commission cleared the joint acquisition of Paradise JV by Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. and Sirius Holdings Limited under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The transaction involves Paradise JV, which owns and operates the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, adopting the decision under the simplified treatment procedure for certain concentrations.

Bain Capital Clears EC Merger Review for Tingstad Group Acquisition

The European Commission has cleared Bain Capital Investors, LLC's acquisition of sole control over Aktiebolaget Tingstad Papper (Tingstad Group) under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The decision, dated 21 April 2026, was issued via the simplified merger treatment procedure. Bain Capital is a US-based private equity firm; Tingstad Group is a Swedish family-owned distributor and manufacturer of non-food consumables including hygiene products, foodservice disposables, and paper carrier bags. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement.

Consumer Rights Amendment Transposes EU Directive 2023/2673 for Distance Financial Services

The MCCAA Office for Consumer Affairs has published user guidelines transposing EU Directive 2023/2673 into Maltese law, extending the scope of Directive 2011/83/EU to cover financial services contracts concluded at a distance between consumers and traders. The transposition requires traders to provide an accessible online withdrawal function enabling consumers to submit electronic withdrawal statements for distance contracts. These guidelines are published pursuant to Article 3 of the Small Business Act (Cap. 512).

FTC Rulemaking Petition by Andrew Gonzalez

An individual identified as Andrew Gonzalez has filed a petition with the Federal Trade Commission requesting rulemaking action. The petition was submitted through the official regulations.gov portal under docket FTC-2026-0397. The submission page indicates a character limit of 5000 for public comments. The petition content itself is not displayed in the source document, only the comment submission form interface.

Andrew Gonzalez Indirect Auto Lending Disclosure Petition

The FTC received a petition for rulemaking from Andrew Gonzalez requesting to mandate disclosures regarding indirect auto lending. The Commission has opened a public comment period, with comments due by May 21, 2026. After the comment period closes, the FTC may grant or deny the petition in whole or in part, or determine the petition is insufficient to warrant commencement of a rulemaking proceeding.

Auto Financing Proposed Rule Supporting Material

The FTC has published supporting material for a proposed rule on auto financing. The document is available as a downloadable PDF on regulations.gov under docket FTC-2026-0397. No substantive provisions, obligations, or deadlines are visible in the source index.

CFPB Final Rule Bars Disparate Impact Under ECOA Regulation B

The CFPB has finalized amendments to Regulation B (12 CFR Part 1002), implementing the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, removing disparate impact liability under the effects test. The rule further defines what constitutes discouragement of credit applicants and adds prohibitions and conditions for special purpose credit programs (SPCPs). The amendments facilitate compliance by clarifying creditor obligations under ECOA.

Bain Capital / Tingstad Group Merger Notification M.12379

Bain Capital, a US-based private equity firm, filed an EC merger notification on 25 February 2026 to acquire sole control of Tingstad Group, a Swedish B2B distributor of non-food consumables (hygiene, cleaning products, foodservice disposables, bags, and packaging) with a paper manufacturing arm, under Article 3(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission published this Short Form CO notification to increase transparency in state aid and merger review proceedings.

IDOL Reaches Agreement with Allied Universal Security Services to Resolve Wage Claims

The Illinois Department of Labor entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with Allied Universal Security Services to resolve wage claims under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. The agreement resolves 25 claims totaling approximately $20,000. Allied Universal will pay a $37,000 penalty to the Wage Theft Enforcement Fund and must comply with enhanced monitoring and reporting requirements for a two-year period, including maintaining an employee hotline for wage-related concerns, posting required workplace notices, and submitting periodic reports to IDOL.

Williamson County Equalization Factor Set at 1.0165

The Illinois Department of Revenue announced the 2025 tentative property assessment equalization factor for Williamson County at 1.0165, down from 1.0874 the prior year, based on sales data from 2022, 2023, and 2024. Assessments are at 32.79% of market value against the statutory one-third requirement, and the tentative multiplier may change if the County Board of Review takes significant action or if local officials present supporting data. A public hearing will be held 20 to 30 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the county.

ARMIRA / INVEST KG / AVILOO Merger, Phase 1 Ongoing

The European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of INVEST KG and AVILOO by ARMIRA under the simplified merger procedure. The Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 21 April 2026, finding that the concentration did not raise doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The case proceeded through Phase 1 with a provisional deadline of 22 April 2026, and the parties' economic activities fall under NACE Rev. 2.1 code C.26.51 (manufacture of instruments and appliances for measuring, testing and navigation).

BCI / Brookfield / NBIM / Mustang AIV JV Cleared Under EU Merger Regulation

The European Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 not to oppose a proposed concentration by which British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI, Canada), NBIM Renewable Infra North America AS (Norway), and Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (Canada) acquire joint control of Mustang AIV LP (United States). The target assets comprise US-based solar and wind renewable energy assets including UG Mustang Holdco LLC, Deriva Mustang Holdco LLC, North Allegheny Wind Energy Pledgor LLC, Scout Mustang Holdco LLC, Goose Prairie Holdings LLC, California Wind Finance LLC, UG Land Holdco LLC, Mustang BESS LLC, and UGP4 Finance Holding LLC. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, adopting the decision under the simplified procedure for certain concentrations.

Bain Capital / Tingstad Group Merger - Art. 6(1)(b)

The European Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 clearing Bain Capital's acquisition of Tingstad Group. The merger was notified on 24 March 2026 and decided on 21 April 2026 under the simplified procedure. The transaction involves economic activities in manufacture of corrugated paper and paperboard containers (NACE C.17.21), wholesale of other intermediate products (NACE G.46.86), and warehousing and storage (NACE H.52.10). The Commission's provisional deadline for the decision was 4 May 2026.

EC Clears Kohlberg, Montagu, Teleflex OEM Business Merger

The European Commission issued a final decision clearing the acquisition of joint control over the Teleflex OEM Business by Kohlberg & Company and Montagu Private Equity. The Commission determined the notified operation falls within the scope of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 and declared it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement under Article 6(1)(b). The decision was adopted under the simplified treatment procedure, indicating no substantive competition concerns were identified.

Czechia Biomethane Aid Scheme 2026-2030

The European Commission issued a decision not to raise objections regarding Czechia's biomethane support scheme (SA.119368) under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, registered on 13 June 2025 and decided on 14 April 2026. The scheme, based on the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), will provide direct grants for biomethane production in Czechia until 31 December 2030. This clearance enables Czech authorities to implement state aid for renewable energy and environmental protection objectives across all Czech regions.

GIM/TCR Merger Cleared Without Opposition (Case M.12389)

The European Commission cleared the notified GIM/TCR concentration (Case M.12389) unconditionally on April 15, 2026, declaring it compatible with the internal market under Article 6(1)(b) of the EC Merger Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004). The decision was published in the Official Journal on April 21, 2026, and applies to the parties to the notified transaction. The full decision text will be made publicly available after removal of any business secrets.

CA CRD Opposes HUD Mixed-Status Housing Proposal

The California Civil Rights Department submitted a formal comment letter opposing HUD's proposed rule change that would deny federal housing assistance to families living with a family member ineligible due to immigration status. The proposal threatens approximately 7,190 mixed-eligibility households in California with termination from HUD programs, placing roughly 28,670 Californians at risk of eviction or family separation. CA CRD calls on HUD to withdraw the proposed change, citing intentional discrimination against recipients based on national origin and disparate impact on Latino families.

CMA Appoints Four New Non-Executive Directors

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced the appointment by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade of four new Non-Executive Directors to its Board. Katie Kapernaros, David Halpern, Michael Mire, and Sir Suma Chakrabarti have been appointed for a five-year term. The CMA Chair Doug Gurr welcomed the new directors, stating they bring perspectives from a range of expertise and professional backgrounds at a critical time for the CMA's role in the UK economy.

Federal Court Grants ACCC Leave to Intervene in Epic v Apple Proceedings

The ACCC has been granted leave by the Federal Court of Australia to intervene in Epic Games, Inc v Apple Inc proceedings relating to relief orders arising from the Court's August 2025 finding that Apple misused its market power in breach of Australia's competition laws by restricting alternative app distribution and in-app payment methods on Apple devices. The ACCC will make written submissions limited to specific relief issues of public interest, including the promotion of competitive digital services markets and the broad public interest nature of remedial orders. The relief hearing resumes on 28 April 2026.

Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter Resignation Effective June 30, 2026

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announces that Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW will resign effective June 30, 2026. Lassiter joined PHRC in 2018 and during his tenure the commission passed regulations expanding definitions of race, sex, and religious creed, established social justice initiatives including the No Hate in Our State town halls and Social Justice Lecture Series, created a Civil Rights Outreach Division and Rural and Civic Engagement Division, and passed the CROWN Act. Joel Bolstein, former Commission Chair, praised Lassiter's leadership, calling him irreplaceable and a servant leader who gave the job his heart and soul.

UOKiK Imposes PLN 1.57M in Fines for Fruit Centre Price-Fixing in Greater Poland

The President of UOKiK imposed fines totalling PLN 1.57 million on five fruit purchasing businesses and one individual (Andrzej Sarnowski, CEO of Fructis) for participation in a price-fixing agreement spanning three harvest seasons from 2022 to 2024. The collusion affected farmers and fruit growers in Greater Poland's Konin district, who were forced to sell cherries and currants at below-market prices. Evidence included intercepted messages from instant messaging platforms confirming coordinated price-setting among competitors.

European Commission Initiates Antitrust Proceedings Against Meta for Exclusion of AI Competitors from WhatsApp

The European Commission has initiated antitrust proceedings against Meta Platforms, Inc. under Article 102 TFEU concerning the exclusion of AI competitors from WhatsApp. The case (AT.41034) involves economic activity classified under NACE Rev. 2.1 code K.62.9 (Other information technology and computer service activities). Proceedings were initiated on December 4, 2025, with the most recent decision issued on April 15, 2026, and published on April 21, 2026. The Commission cited Article 54 EEA as an additional legal basis alongside Article 102 TFEU.

Czechia Biomethane Support Scheme 2026-2030 Approved

The European Commission has approved State Aid SA.119368 for Czechia's biomethane support scheme (CISAF) covering 2026-2030. The measure provides direct price support to biomethane producers via a two-way contract for difference, with support payments spanning 15 years from installation commissioning. Czech authorities will select beneficiaries through competitive auctions over a 3-5 year period, with the scheme designed to accelerate deployment of 250-300 small and medium-sized biomethane stations toward the EU's 35 bcm annual biomethane target by 2030.

SFPIM / LINEAS Merger Cleared Under Simplified Procedure

European Commission DG Competition cleared SFPIM's proposed acquisition of sole control of LINEAS Group NV under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation, declaring the concentration compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. SFPIM, a Belgian state-owned holding company, will acquire sole control of LINEAS, a Belgian rail freight transport operator, from Argos VI Lux GP S.à.r.l. The decision was issued on 14 April 2026 and adopts the simplified treatment procedure.

France State Aid SA.121603 - Fishing Fleet Renewal Martinique

The European Commission issued a Decision not to raise objections on 16 April 2026, clearing a French state aid scheme (SA.121603) supporting the renewal of the marine fishing fleet in Martinique. The scheme, registered on 26 December 2025 and running until 31 December 2029, provides direct grants to fishing operators, justified under Article 107(3)(a) TFEU as an aid measure for a least-developed region. The Commission found the aid compatible with the internal market under the EU Fisheries Guidelines 2023.

France Bay of Biscay Fishing Fleet State Aid Scheme No Objections

The European Commission issued a decision not to raise objections against French State Aid Scheme SA.122378, which provides direct grants to fish processing companies (mareyage) affected by the fishing closure in the Gulf of Biscay from January 22 to February 20, 2026. The scheme covers all French vessels over 8 meters using high-risk gear and is authorized under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU with the Fisheries Guidelines 2023 as secondary legal basis. The aid runs until December 31, 2026.

Kohlberg / Montagu / Teleflex OEM Business Merger Decision

The European Commission issued a Phase 1 merger clearance decision for the proposed acquisition of Teleflex OEM Business by Kohlberg and Montagu under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The notification was received on 23.03.2026 with a provisional deadline of 30.04.2026; the decision was issued on 20.04.2026. The concentration involves companies operating in the manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies (NACE Rev. 2.1, sector C.32.50).