Court Allows Lawsuit Against Amazon

The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that Amazon must face lawsuits from families who claim the company was negligent in allowing the sale of sodium nitrite linked to fatal incidents.

The unanimous decision overturned a lower court ruling that had dismissed the claims, stating that the lawsuits can proceed under state product liability law.

The families argue that Amazon was aware of the risks associated with the substance yet continued to sell it without additional safeguards.

The ruling does not determine liability but allows the legal process to move forward.

The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of online marketplaces and their responsibilities in managing potentially harmful products.

Google and Sea Partner on AI Tools

Google and Sea Ltd have formed a strategic partnership to develop artificial intelligence solutions for e-commerce and gaming platforms.

The collaboration will explore the creation of an AI-driven shopping assistant prototype for Shopee, aimed at enhancing user experience and streamlining online purchasing.

The initiative reflects broader industry efforts to move AI applications beyond simple interactions toward more complex, task-oriented capabilities.

Shopee remains a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, and the partnership is expected to support innovation across its digital ecosystem.

In addition to e-commerce, AI tools will be applied within Sea’s gaming division to improve development workflows and operational efficiency.

The agreement builds on previous collaborations between the companies in the region’s digital market.

Klarna Shares Drop on Rising Costs

Klarna reported a quarterly net loss as rapid expansion drove up operating costs, prompting a sharp decline in its share price.

The company posted a net loss of $26 million for the fourth quarter, compared to a profit in the same period a year earlier. Despite this, revenue surpassed $1 billion for the first time, reflecting strong growth in its services.

Higher processing and funding expenses contributed to weaker-than-expected results, while the outlook for 2026 fell short of investor expectations.

Klarna’s leadership noted that upfront investments tied to growth are expected to yield returns over time as operations mature.

The fintech firm has also increased its use of artificial intelligence to streamline processes, allowing workforce reductions while boosting average employee compensation.