1. Facebook’s decision to ban news in Australia: Facebook’s move to ban news from its platform in response to a proposed law aimed at making tech giants pay for news content sparked a major controversy and backlash from media outlets and the public.
2. Google’s decision to take down Paytm from Play Store: Google removed the popular Indian payment app Paytm from its Play Store for violating gambling policies, leading to accusations of monopolistic behavior and discriminatory practices.
3. The GameStop stock market saga: The decisions made by retail investors on Reddit’s WallStreetBets forum to collectively invest in GameStop’s stock, causing its value to skyrocket and shaking up Wall Street, sparked intense debate and controversy about market manipulation and the power of retail investors.
4. Tesla’s investment in Bitcoin: Tesla’s announcement of a $1.5 billion investment in Bitcoin raised eyebrows and led to debates about financial responsibility, environmental concerns related to cryptocurrency mining, and CEO Elon Musk’s influence on markets.
5. Amazon’s controversial labor practices: Amazon faced ongoing scrutiny and controversy over its treatment of workers, including issues related to working conditions, unionization efforts, and allegations of improper tracking and surveillance methods.
6. Robinhood’s trading restrictions during GameStop rally: The decision by Robinhood and other online trading platforms to restrict the buying of certain stocks during the GameStop frenzy triggered accusations of market manipulation and collusion, with many users accusing the platform of favoring institutional investors over individual traders.
7. Airbnb cancelling bookings in Washington, D.C. ahead of the Capitol riots: Airbnb’s last-minute cancellation of bookings and removal of listings in the Washington, D.C. area before the inauguration, citing concerns over potential violence, sparked controversy and debate about the role of platforms in addressing security concerns.
8. Boeing’s continuing troubles with 737 Max: Boeing faced ongoing scrutiny and controversies relating to its 737 Max aircraft, including investigations into safety issues, allegations of faulty design, and criticisms of the company’s response to the crashes.
9. Coca-Cola’s stance on Georgia voting law: Coca-Cola faced backlash and calls for boycotts after expressing opposition to Georgia’s new voting law, leading to debates about corporate involvement in social and political issues.
10. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine rollout challenges: Johnson & Johnson faced setbacks, controversies, and public concerns surrounding its COVID-19 vaccine rollout, including issues with production quality and efficacy data, triggering questions about the company’s transparency and safety.
