Chinese authorities are said to be preparing to hit Didi Global, the ride-hailing app, with a $1.28 billion fine, approximately 4.7% last year’s revenue. While that should sting, ironically it may also help lift China’s current ban on Didi’s new riders. Thinking here that taking with one hand while giving with the other may not be the optimal deterrent.

In fact, the pandemic has significantly added to the number of people using smart speakers and to the frequency of their use, according to the Smart Audio Report from National Public Media. Nearly half surveyed said Smart Device listening bothers them and 52% worry hackers could use the device data to get access to their home or personal information.