View this email in your browser Business Today Thursday, 27 August, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader It was one of the most anticipated court cases involving a big tech firm in recent years but now it won’t happen. Meta Platforms agreed to pay a maximum $16.68 billion (€14.3 billion) as part of a settlement to resolve claims brought by states across the ‌US that the company designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children, misled consumers about their safety and improperly collected personal data of children who used its platforms. As Meta settles those claims, Ciara O’Brien asks why AI companies appear so desperate to be liked. Is it reassuring to consumers that tech firms seem over earnest in their efforts to promote the good that AI may be able to do? In Ask the Lawyer, Joanne Hunt answers a reader question on how to guarantee a sibling will be able to stay in their parents home, even if the parents have died and not prepared a will. Continue Reading Peter Flanagan   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Business Aer Lingus jobs cuts plan vague, says cabin crew union Business Volkswagen chief warns company facing ‘critical’ fight for survival Business AIB Life losses reduce as assets under management hit €3.4bn Work Thermostat wars to open-plan stress: the neuroscience of workplace design Business Oil price decline weighs on BP and Shell amid Iran-Oman talks Joanne Hunt My parents have no will. How can I make sure my brother has a home when they die? MORE BUSINESS STORIES Work RTÉ redundancy window too tight to achieve target for staff cuts Work Limerick firm Kneat plans workforce cuts weeks after US private equity buyout Business Meta reaches $16.68bn settlement over social media harms to children Business House construction activity jumps despite overall decline in sector’s production Do you have questions about becoming an Irish Times subscriber, or about your subscription? You'll find handy guides in our FAQs, and you can manage many aspects of your subscription in the My Account section. Never miss a business story Subscribe now for just €1 for your first month SUBSCRIBE