Microsoft will pay $20M to settle U.S. charges of illegally collecting children's data

San Francisco -

Microsoft will pay a fine of $20 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it illegally collected and retained the data of children who signed up to use its Xbox video game console.

The agency charged that Microsoft gathered the data without notifying parents or obtaining their consent, and that it also illegally held onto the data.

In a blog post, Microsoft vice president for Xbox Dave McCarthy outlined additional steps the company is taking to improve its age verification systems and to ensure that parents are involved in the creation of child accounts for the service.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today

The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.

OPINION

OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.

Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies

An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.

Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America

After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.

Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial

With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.

Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized

In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.

'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario

An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.

For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation

Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.

How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks

A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.

Canada

City of Ottawa will fly Israeli flag at City Hall on May 14 but won't hold flag raising ceremony

The flag of Israel will fly at Ottawa City Hall on May 14 to mark the country's Independence Day, but the City of Ottawa says it will not hold the customary flag-raising ceremony due to concerns about public safety.
Crown, defence present closing arguments for N.L. lawyer accused of sexual assault

The trial of a Newfoundland lawyer accused of sexual assault ended Tuesday with his defence team alleging the complainant lied under oath, while the prosecution said her memory lapses were understandable.
Laws must be 'drastically changed' to prevent more deaths on the road: GTA ghost bike creator

West Toronto resident Geoff Bercarich longs to see the day when he will no longer need to prepare “ghost bike” installations for cyclists killed on streets in southwestern Ontario.
3 accused in Nijjar killing make first court appearance in B.C.

Three Indian nationals accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have appeared by video in a British Columbia court, with scores of Sikh community members inside and outside the hearing.
Nearly half of Canadians are opposed to university protest encampments, poll suggests

A new opinion poll suggests nearly half of Canadians oppose the pro-Palestinian encampments that have cropped up on some university campuses.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today

The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.

World

Too much water, and not enough: Brazil's flooded south struggles to access basic goods

The mayor of a major city in southern Brazil on Tuesday pleaded with residents to comply with his water rationing decree, given that some four-fifths of the population is without running water, a week after major flooding that has left at least 90 people dead and more than 130 others missing.
Judge in Trump's classified documents case cancels May trial date; no new date set

The federal judge in Florida presiding over the classified documents prosecution of former U.S. president Donald Trump has cancelled the May 20 trial date, postponing it indefinitely.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America

After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Russia hits Ukraine's power grid with a 'massive' attack on a day marking the WWII defeat of Nazism

Russian forces unleashed a nighttime barrage of more than 50 cruise missiles and explosive drones at Ukraine's power grid Wednesday, targeting a wide area in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a 'massive' attack on the day the country celebrates the defeat of Nazism in World War II.
Another German politician is attacked as concerns rise over violence ahead of EU elections in June

A prominent Berlin politician was violently assaulted and suffered injuries to her head and neck, police said Wednesday, in the latest attack on elected officials that raises concern over rising political violence in Germany.
Police clearing pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University, dozens arrested

Police began to clear a Pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University early Wednesday and arrested dozens of protesters, hours after dozens left the site and marched to President Ellen Granberg's home.

Politics

For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation

Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces

The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case

India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'

Health

Whooping cough epidemic sweeps Europe, health agency says

European countries have reported a surge in whooping cough cases in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, with 10 times as many identified as in each of the previous two years.
Largest study of its kind to investigate why Black women are more likely to die from most types of cancer

The American Cancer Society said Tuesday that it is seeking participants for a study that aims to solve the mystery of why Black women have the lowest survival rate in the U.S. for most cancers.
11% decrease year-over-year in toxic drug deaths, B.C.'s March data shows

At least 192 people died in B.C. from toxic drugs in March, the latest data from the provincial coroner shows.

Sci-Tech

Apple unveils new iPad Pro with 'outrageously powerful' AI-powered chip

Apple is hoping its latest iPad lineup will breathe new life into its sluggish tablet market. In a pre-recorded live streamed event from its Cupertino, California headquarters, the company introduced the latest versions of its iPad Pro and iPad Air tablets, and an all-new Apple Pencil Pro.
Scientists are learning the basic building blocks of sperm whale language after years of effort

Scientists studying the sperm whales that live around the Caribbean island of Dominica have described for the first time the basic elements of how they might be talking to each other, in an effort that could one day help better protect them.
TikTok sues U.S. to block law that could ban the social media platform

TikTok and its Chinese parent company filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging a new American law that would ban the popular video-sharing app in the U.S. unless it's sold to an approved buyer.

Entertainment

Spanish prosecutors recommend 2nd investigation into Shakira's taxes be thrown out

Spanish state prosecutors recommended Wednesday that an investigating judge shelve a probe into another alleged case of tax fraud by pop star Shakira.
Taylor Swift bill is signed into Minnesota law, boosting protections for online ticket buyers

People buying tickets online for concerts, sporting events and other live events in Minnesota will be guaranteed more transparency and protection under a so-called Taylor Swift bill signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Tim Walz.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72

Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.

Business

London Drugs reopens all stores across Western Canada after cyberattack

London Drugs says it has reopened all its stores across Western Canada after a cybersecurity breach forced the retailer to close last month.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies

An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
How to overcome 'savings guilt' when you're living paycheque to paycheque

As the higher cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, many Canadians find they have even less left over at the end of every month to squirrel away for the future.

Lifestyle

Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find

A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
P.E.I. lighthouse, N.B. river spotlighted in Canada Post series

A P.E.I. lighthouse and a New Brunswick river are being honoured in a Canada Post series.
Retired N.B. teacher keeps bicycle donation program going strong

For the past 12 years, Krista Richard has been delivering bikes to people in the Greater Moncton area free of charge.

Sports

Montreal Canadiens to get fifth overall pick in NHL draft

The Montreal Canadiens retained the fifth pick in the upcoming NHL lottery draft on Tuesday night.
'I love being doubted': Canucks' coach embraces underdog role ahead of Round 2

Rick Tocchet doesn't mind the fact that his Vancouver Canucks aren't favoured to win against their next playoff opponent.
Harper hits grand slam, streaking Phillies rout Blue Jays 10-1

Bryce Harper hit a grand slam, Cristopher Sánchez pitched seven strong innings and the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies routed the Toronto Blue Jays 10-1 on Tuesday night.

Autos

Liberal government not immune from auto thefts: 48 vehicles stolen in recent years

The federal Liberals are trying to crack down on a scourge of auto thefts across the country, even as the government is struggling to keep its own vehicles away from thieves, new data show.
Ford to recall some pickup trucks in Canada over tail light failure

Ford is set to recall some pickup trucks in Canada due to potential tail light failure.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles

Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.

Local Spotlight

'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake

An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.

Investigating the tale of Winnipeg's long-running mystery bookstore

Whether passionate about Poirot or hungry for Holmes, Winnipeg mystery obsessives have had a local haunt for over 30 years in which to search out their latest page-turners.

'Love has no boundaries': Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married

Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.

Twin Alberta Ballet dancers retire after 15 years with company

Alberta Ballet's double-bill production of 'Der Wolf' and 'The Rite of Spring' marks not only its final show of the season, but the last production for twin sisters Alexandra and Jennifer Gibson.

Video shows gaggle of geese stopping traffic on Highway 1 near Vancouver

A mother goose and her goslings caused a bit of a traffic jam on a busy stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway near Vancouver Saturday.

B.C. mayor stripped of budget, barred from committees over Indigenous residential schools book

A British Columbia mayor has been censured by city council – stripping him of his travel and lobbying budgets and removing him from city committees – for allegedly distributing a book that questions the history of Indigenous residential schools in Canada.

Vancouver police budget increased by nearly half a million dollars for beach booze pilot

The Vancouver Police Department has added another $450,000 to its financials, growing the department’s budget for this year to over $415 million.
B.C. court approves sale of Squamish-area ski resort development, despite government objections

Plans for a massive ski resort near Squamish, B.C., that have been in the works for more than two decades got a lifeline in the province's Supreme Court last week.
Canucks playoff viewing parties popping up throughout Metro Vancouver

On Wednesday morning – less than 12 hours before the Canucks face off against the Oilers – Vancouver's mayor will make an announcement about viewing parties in the city.

Toronto

'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario

An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies

An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Security guard critically injured in shooting outside Drake's Toronto mansion

A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.

Calgary

Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw

A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Calgary police seek suspect wanted for sexual assault

Police are looking for the public's help to track down a Calgary offender.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today

The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.

Ottawa

NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING Federal public service unions to announce next steps in fight against office mandates

Federal public service unions will be speaking out today to announce the next steps they'll be taking as they challenge the federal government's in-office mandate.
City of Ottawa will fly Israeli flag at City Hall on May 14 but won't hold flag raising ceremony

The flag of Israel will fly at Ottawa City Hall on May 14 to mark the country's Independence Day, but the City of Ottawa says it will not hold the customary flag-raising ceremony due to concerns about public safety.
Councillor wants Ottawa to explore sliding scale for parking ticket fines based on income, vehicle value

Coun. Shawn Menard has asked city of Ottawa staff to examine a "sliding scale for parking fines that is geared to income, or other potential proxies for ability to pay."

Montreal

Montreal to carry out annual warning siren test

The City of Montreal is slated to test out its annual warning siren test Wednesday.
Incendiary device thrown through window in Villeray

Montreal police are investigating after an incendiary device was thrown through the window of a building in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough.
'Deeply disturbing' that Legault asked police to dismantle McGill encampment: opposition parties

Quebec Premier Francois Legault is facing criticism from opposition parties for asking police to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment on the McGill University campus.

Edmonton

Alberta man wanted for child pornography arrested while attempting to leave Canada: RCMP

An Alberta man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant is in custody after police received information that he was in B.C. and trying to leave the country.
Oilers fans in B.C. brace for Canucks playoff rivalry

The Vancouver Canucks secured a second-round playoff date last week with the Edmonton Oilers. In the days since, both fan bases have been sizing up their Canadian competition.
Police searching for girl from Athabasca believed to be travelling to Edmonton

Police in Athabasca are asking for help finding a teenaged girl reported missing two days ago.

Atlantic

Halifax Regional Police officer charged with assault against female he knows: SiRT

Nova Scotia's police watchdog says a Halifax Regional Police officer has been charged with assault.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP

Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Emergency alert test scheduled Wednesday for all three Maritime provinces

Maritime residents may receive an alert on their smartphones, radios and TVs Wednesday as part of a test for Canada's national public alerting system.

Winnipeg

Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts

Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
'They've been increasing': Manitoba seeing an increase in number of ticks

This year's tick season is trending upward in Manitoba according to data and experts.
Taking a look at the Manitobans still in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

There are three Manitobans left, all playing for eastern teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs – two with the Carolina Hurricanes and one with the Boston Bruins.

Regina

Albert Street flood alert system causes confusion for commuters

On the same day the City of Regina activated its new flood warning system for the Albert Street underpass – drivers were faced with confusion when the system activated despite no flooding.
'They deserve a home': Regina Humane Society struggles to keep up with dog intake

The Regina Humane Society (RHS) is facing difficulties as the number of dogs in their care continue to increase.
Entertainment, mini donut eating contest and more coming to 2024 Queen City Ex

The countdown is now on for one Regina’s longest running events, the Queen City Ex (QCX).

Kitchener

$9M in drugs seized by WRPS, two Kitchener residents charged

Two Kitchener residents are facing charges in what police are calling one of the largest drug seizures in the Waterloo Regional Police Services’ history.
OPP investigating alleged sexual assault at Fergus retailer

Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police say a woman was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at a Fergus retailer last week.
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas

The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.

Saskatoon

Saskatchewan care home where elderly man was allegedly attacked suspended after inspection

A Saskatchewan care home where an elderly man was allegedly attacked is suspended from taking on hospital patients following a recent inspection of the facility.
'Every one of these boxes is full of people': Saskatoon city archive moving to permanent home

It’s a new beginning for some of Saskatoon’s oldest and most significant pieces of history.
The lone road into this Sask. village is so bad some locals drive through the ditch

Aaron Fosseneuve says the official name of the road into his home community of Cumberland House is Highway 123, but locals joke it’s not as easy as 1-2-3 — “it’s more like a 4-5-6.”

Northern Ontario

Bracebridge OPP officer headed to trial on assault charges for incident caught on camera

Bracebridge OPP Const. Scott Anthony has hired Toronto defence lawyer Peter Brauti to defend him ahead of his assault case heading to trial.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies

An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
North Bay flooring store Stradwicks destroyed in to fire

A massive fire broke out overnight inside an 80-year-old flooring store in North Bay.

London

Two Tuesday evening crashes being investigated by LPS

The first happened around 6 p.m. in the area of Adelaide Street north near Nelson Street. A second crash happened around 10 p.m. in the area of Bradley Avenue and Ernest Avenue.
Another arrest for London police officer currently suspended without pay

A London police officer was arrested while off duty on Tuesday, in relation to a criminal harassment investigation into repeated communication with a victim over email and phone.
OPP investigating fatal crash involving a pedestrian

Around 9:50 p.m. Grey Bruce OPP, Grey County paramedics and the Intertownship Fire Department responded to the crash on Highway 21.

Barrie

Caledon OPP investigate fatal crash

A fatal crash between a truck and car closed roads in Caledon Tuesday.
OPP investigating fatal crash involving a pedestrian

Around 9:50 p.m. Grey Bruce OPP, Grey County paramedics and the Intertownship Fire Department responded to the crash on Highway 21.
Man arrested for breaking into Barrie senior's home in east end, police say

A 42-year-old man accused of breaking into a senior's home in the early morning hours on Tuesday faces charges.

Windsor

Severe weather batters parts of Michigan

Severe storms have battered parts of the Midwest, unleashing a curtain of heavy rain, gusty winds and tornadoes in the region.
Active investigation after report of dead body near east Windsor mall

Windsor police say there is an active investigation near the Tecumseh Mall in east Windsor.
Driver impaired by fentanyl sent to prison for 'devastating' death of Lakeshore woman

Trevor Hosie, 36, told the court he didn’t know the marijuana he consumed on May 6, 2023 was laced with a potent opioid. 'Sadly, this tragedy is the predictable outcome of the series of decisions made by Mr. Hosie on May 6, 2023,' Justice Christopher Uwagboe wrote in his sentence decision.

Vancouver Island

Ottawa approves B.C.'s request to recriminalize drug use in public spaces

The federal government approved B.C.'s request Tuesday to recriminalize the use of drugs in public spaces such as hospitals and parks.
Grieving B.C. family seeks apology over paranormal TV show as network removes broadcast

The family of a teenage girl who died in Victoria says it’s traumatized by an episode of a TV show about the paranormal – and its complaints have now led to it being removed from APTN and APTNlumi.ca.
Military judge orders suspended jail sentence, $3K fine for B.C. sailor who stole from shipmates

A former Canadian navy sailor was handed a $3,000 fine and a suspended jail sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from his shipmates aboard a Pacific fleet frigate.

Kelowna

Red dresses to make fashion statement about missing and murdered Indigenous women

Models in uniquely designed red dresses are taking to the runway in British Columbia this weekend to make a powerful fashion statement about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.
B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.

Lethbridge

Heavy rain, strong winds cause downed trees, power outages across southern Alberta

As of Tuesday afternoon, between 21 and 31 millimetres of rain had fallen in the Lethbridge region since Monday evening.
Woman sought by Lethbridge police in gas station assault and robbery

A woman is being sought by Lethbridge police in connection with a robbery at a gas station that turned into an assault.
Lethbridge police seek suspects in 'street robbery'

Lethbridge police are looking for two people they believe were involved in the 'street robbery' of a senior last week.

Sault Ste. Marie

Cycling Without Age sets up Sault chapter

A new service for seniors with mobility challenges is getting the attention of community organizations in Sault Ste. Marie.
Suspected drunk driver in Elliot Lake arrested after falling getting out of his vehicle

A 77-year-old suspect has been charged with impaired driving in Elliot Lake following an incident early Monday evening.
Agreement reached to keep Sault Ste. Marie YMCA open past May 15

Facing imminent closure, a last-minute agreement has been reached to keep the YMCA in Sault Ste. Marie open.

N.L.

Crown, defence present closing arguments for N.L. lawyer accused of sexual assault

The trial of a Newfoundland lawyer accused of sexual assault ended Tuesday with his defence team alleging the complainant lied under oath, while the prosecution said her memory lapses were understandable.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs

Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.
Officer convicted of on-duty rape no longer with Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says an officer convicted in 2021 of raping a woman while on duty is no longer with the force.

Microsoft will pay $20M to settle U.S. charges of illegally collecting children's data

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

OPINION | What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry

NEW THIS MORNING | Federal public service unions to announce next steps in fight against office mandates

OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry

NEW THIS MORNING Federal public service unions to announce next steps in fight against office mandates