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How about an AI startup up that automatically finds companies whose stated business model is to flout existing laws, and then initiates legal proceedings. Fund
by DrScientist 2mo ago
How about an AI startup up that automatically finds companies whose stated business model is to flout existing laws, and then initiates legal proceedings.
Funded by the fines it generates for governments.
- MattGaiser 2mo agoThe results of startups flouting laws though have been such that even when faced with determined opposition, in the end they are defeated. Airbnb and Uber ran roughshod over the law and faced determined taxi commissions and groups that usually beat real estate developers.
- DrScientist 2mo agoThe latest and largest Uber fine - 825 million. https://www.reuters.com/world/dutch-regulator-fines-uber-966-million-automating-driver-suspensions-document-2026-08-21/ https://www.reuters.com/world/dutch-regulator-fines-uber-966... Also, in the UK, lost their 5 year battle about whether drivers are self-employed or workers for Uber. https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/news/new-rules-for-uber-drivers-what-you-need-to-know https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/news/new-rules-for-uber-drivers-w... Or AirBnB versus Barcelona - https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/06/10/barcelona-is-shutting-down-every-airbnb-by-2028/ https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/06/10/barcelona-is-shutti... The US is not the only jurisdiction - and that complexity creates an opportunity to leverage fines.
- DrScientist 2mo agoAnd of course the 18 billion recent Meta settlement - agreed to potentially stop a law suit that could have unravelled the whole company.