News and Updates:

• Delta defends AI pricing system after lawmakers accused it of “surveillance pricing” to inflate fares. Delta says it does not use personal data for individualized prices—AI only analyzes aggregated demand, competitor offers, and route performance. About 3% of domestic flights now use AI pricing, with plans for 20% by year’s end. Critics say vague early explanations fueled public mistrust.
• FBI warns of QR code scam involving mysterious, sender-less packages. Scammers lure recipients into scanning codes that lead to fake sites or malware downloads, sometimes tied to “brushing” schemes to post fake product reviews. Authorities urge never scanning unknown QR codes.
• AI startup Perplexity offers $34.5B for Google Chrome amid an antitrust case that could force Google to sell the browser. The bid—nearly double Perplexity’s own valuation—comes as a judge weighs remedies for Google’s illegal search monopoly. Google has not indicated any willingness to sell.
• AT&T to pay $177M in settlement over 2019 and 2024 data breaches affecting over 51M customers. Victims can claim up to $5,000 (2019 breach) or $2,500 (2024 breach) for documented losses, or smaller class payouts. Claims due by Nov. 18, 2025; opt-out or object by Oct. 17.
• Starlink cuts monthly fees for new customers in select U.S. areas—Residential drops from $120 to $99, Lite from $80 to $65—for the first year. Dish hardware discounted to $175. Move follows previous free dish promo as U.S. subscriber base hits 2M.