A University of Pennsylvania Wharton professor published a paper that claims Zillow users don’t know who they’re being connected with when they select an agent, alleging that Zillow-affiliated agents drive users to Zillow’s home mortgages. 

Professor Jerry Wind’s study showed only 0.3% of users understood they would not be connected with the listing agent when selecting the tabs “Contact an agent” or “Request a tour.”

“This study provides empirical evidence that Zillow’s interface design systematically deceives consumers about a fundamental aspect of the homebuying process,” the conclusion of Wind’s paper states. 

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“[Consumers] are not contacting the listing agent. They are being routed to agents who pay Zillow for access to their information, agents who are therefore financially incentivized to steer them toward Zillow’s mortgage products.”

FOX Business sat down with Wind to discuss his findings and what he believes are the biggest takeaways.

Research by professor Jerry Wind found that almost no Zillow users realize they are not contacting the listing agent, raising concerns about transparency and incentives. (iStock/Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)

“My understanding is that the incentive is, one major incentive is that they get the name, and once they get their name and they succeed in selling the house, they have to pay Zillow up to 40% of their commission,” the professor told Fox News Digital. 

“So, that’s what Zillow gets out of this. The agent, obviously, gets a lead.

“And if the agent does not … recommend Zillow’s mortgage to the customers, Zillow, I understand, may basically stop giving them leads,” Wind continued. “So, there is a real carrot and stick here in terms of encouraging the agents to [encourage] their customers to use Zillow’s mortgage.”

Zillow maintains that buyers are not steered to its mortgage products and are always free to choose any lender that fits their needs. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Wind joined the Wharton faculty in 1967 and is the Lauder Professor Emeritus and a professor of marketing.

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“According to recent class action lawsuits filed in federal court, these agents may be required to meet quotas for referring buyers to Zillow Home Loans in order to maintain access to leads,” Wind’s study says. “Agents who fail to meet these quotas risk losing their primary source of business.”

Zillow was quick to deny the professor’s claims that such quotas exist in a statement to FOX Business, discrediting the study and the allegations that it forces Zillow-affiliated buyers to recommend Zillow Home Loans (ZHL).

Wind’s study claims Zillow’s interface confuses users about which agent they’re contacting, potentially steering them toward agents tied to Zillow’s mortgage business. (Saul Loed/AFP via Getty Images)

“This significantly flawed paper does a lot of gymnastics trying to turn Zillow’s pro-consumer feature into a buy,” a Zillow spokesperson told FOX Business. “When a buyer requests a tour or clicks ‘contact agent,’ Zillow connects them with a local buyer’s agent, someone whose job it is to represent the buyer’s interests and drive the best outcomes for them. A listing agent represents the seller.”

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Reports and U.S. national data estimate that total home sales in 2025 were approximately 4.74 million units when combining existing and new home sales. 

Zillow’s 2025 Consumer Housing Trends Report showed that roughly 68% of homebuyers use Zillow during their search to purchase a home.

Wind alleged that Zillow’s popularity has created an antitrust issue, with the platform attempting to create a closed loop between searching, purchasing and selecting a mortgage provider for payment.

Wind told FOX Business “the situation really requires some type of legal intervention here” or “some regulatory involvement.”

Zillow said the claims of a closed loop are false and that it does not steer customers to ZHL. 

The company disputes claims of deception, arguing its “Contact Agent” feature is a pro-consumer tool designed to match buyers with qualified agents. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP / Getty Images)

“Claims that buyers are steered to Zillow Home Loans or any specific mortgage provider are false,” the Zillow spokesperson explained. “We offer choice, not requirements, and buyers are free to work with any lender. Agents are encouraged to help clients evaluate all available financing options.

“We remain confident that our platform delivers transparency, competition and meaningful choice to millions of buyers and sellers.”

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As for what Wind hopes to see come out of his study, he told FOX Business he believes consumer awareness and education is important for those looking to make their next home purchase. 

“I think the important aspect here is for consumers to try to be more aware and make sure to look for alternative mortgages, not just buy the first one,” Wind explained. 

“So, consumer education is really key here. Second, I would hope that Zillow will change their incentive systems and business model, basically, and realize they have an amazing platform.”

Fortnite players worldwide are currently unable to access the popular battle royale game as Epic Games conducts scheduled maintenance to roll out version 40.00, marking the transition to Chapter 7 Season 2. The downtime, which began at 6:00 UTC on March 19, 2026, has rendered matchmaking and core game services unavailable, with Epic confirming the outage will last until approximately 11:00 UTC.

The Epic Games Public Status page lists Fortnite under maintenance, with game services, parties, friends, and messaging features marked as impacted. Matchmaking was disabled about 30 minutes before the scheduled start to prepare for the update rollout. As of mid-morning UTC—aligning with early afternoon in Seoul and other Asian time zones—maintenance remains in progress, and Epic has promised updates as necessary without specifying an exact resolution time beyond the planned five-hour window.

This extended downtime differs from typical patch maintenances, which often last 90 minutes to two hours. The longer period reflects the scale of the v40.00 update, which introduces a new season following the extension of Chapter 7 Season 1: Pacific Break. Originally set to conclude earlier in March, the season was prolonged by two weeks to March 19, allowing Epic additional time to finalize content for the sequel season. Leakers and community trackers had anticipated the change, with data mines showing preparations for fresh maps, weapons, and crossover events.

Downdetector and independent outage trackers show mixed user reports. While some platforms indicate elevated complaints related to game launch and server connections in the past 24 hours, many align with the known scheduled maintenance rather than an unexpected outage. No widespread unplanned disruptions have been reported beyond the planned window, contrasting with earlier issues in March, such as the March 5 login problems tied to the v39.51 patch that affected thousands and prompted Epic to issue statements on X.

Fortnite’s server architecture relies on a global network of data centers, primarily through Amazon Web Services, to handle millions of concurrent players. Maintenance periods like this one allow developers to deploy new assets, balance changes, bug fixes, and security updates while minimizing risks to live gameplay. The v40.00 patch is expected to bring significant additions, including refreshed Battle Pass rewards, new POIs (points of interest), weapon vaults, and potential collaborations—details Epic typically reveals shortly after servers return.

Players attempting to log in during the window encounter standard error messages indicating servers are offline or under maintenance. Companion apps, the Fortnite Item Shop, and creator tools may remain partially accessible, but core multiplayer modes—including Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, and Lego Fortnite—are inaccessible. Epic advises checking the official status page or @FortniteStatus on X for real-time updates.

The timing coincides with a key moment in Fortnite’s lifecycle. Chapter 7 Season 1, themed around Pacific Break, featured tropical environments, vehicle combat enhancements, and events like the South Park Born in Chaos pass and Winterfest holiday celebrations. Its extension provided breathing room amid development delays for Season 2, rumored to emphasize futuristic or high-tech themes with new mobility options and map alterations. Community speculation points to a major visual overhaul and competitive mode tweaks to refresh the meta ahead of major esports tournaments later in 2026.

Epic has faced criticism in the past for communication during outages, but recent seasons show improved transparency via proactive announcements. The March 19 window was flagged in advance on the status page, giving players notice to complete matches or challenges before shutdown. For regions like Asia-Pacific, the 06:00 UTC start translated to afternoon or evening hours, potentially disrupting peak playtimes.

Beyond technical aspects, the update underscores Fortnite’s evolution from a battle royale phenomenon to a metaverse-like platform. With over 500 million registered accounts and integrations across consoles, PC, mobile, and cloud services, even brief downtimes affect a massive global audience. Revenue from V-Bucks purchases, battle passes, and creator economy continues to fuel Epic’s operations, making reliable uptime critical.

Historical context shows Fortnite maintenances are routine but occasionally extend due to unforeseen issues. The March 5 v39.51 downtime lasted roughly 90 minutes, introducing OG classics and minor balance changes. Earlier in the year, isolated login outages tied to broader Epic services impacted multiple titles, including Rocket League and Fall Guys. No such cascade effects appear tied to the current v40.00 rollout.

As servers remain down, players are turning to alternative activities within the Fortnite ecosystem, such as browsing the locker in offline mode where possible or engaging in community discussions on Reddit, Discord, and X. Content creators are streaming patch breakdowns or reaction videos, building hype for the new season’s reveal.

Epic typically posts a “back online” update once services stabilize, often accompanied by patch notes detailing new features, bug fixes, and known issues. Players should expect a client update prompt upon relaunch to download the new version.

The current maintenance highlights the logistical challenges of managing a live-service game at Fortnite’s scale. With millions dropping into matches daily, coordinated global updates require precise timing to avoid peak-hour disruptions in major regions. The five-hour estimate provides buffer for testing and rollback contingencies if needed.

For now, Fortnite enthusiasts in Seoul and beyond face a temporary hiatus. The downtime serves as the gateway to Chapter 7 Season 2, promising renewed excitement after a prolonged first season. Once resolved, players can expect a refreshed island, new strategies, and the continued cultural dominance of Epic’s flagship title.

Check status.epicgames.com or follow @FortniteStatus for the latest. As maintenance concludes, the battle bus will once again be ready for boarding.

This article was written by

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Minister want at least half of all steel produced in the UK to be made in this country

The Government has announced measures to protect the UK steel industry that follows its moves to take control of production facilities in Scunthorpe and Rotherham.

Under its long-awaited steel strategy, Ministers have announced an ambition for up to 50% of steel used in the UK to be made in this country. The move, which increases the current target of 30%, will be coupled with reductions in steel import quotas as part of new trade measures to preserve steel production for critical national infrastructure and defence.

Ministers said this would ensure the UK steel sector’s future in the face of global overcapacity. The National Wealth Fund will be the main mechanism for providing up to £2.5bn of financing for investment in the steel sector this Parliament.

The Government last year took control of the British Steel plant at Scunthorpe and the Liberty facility in Rotherham as global challenges pushed both plants close to closure. A National Audit Office report earlier this week praised the speed of Government action in Scunthorpe but warned that there was a potential £1.5bn cost to the rescue.

Announcing the new strategy, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Making steel in the UK is vital for national security, critical infrastructure and the wider economy. Steel-making is a cornerstone of our modern industrial policy that deliberately focuses support for key industries, technologies, and strategically important sectors.

“With this strategy we are closing the decades-long chapter of destructive de-industrialisation and committing instead to strengthening and sustaining Britain as a steel-making nation.”

The strategy confirms electric arc furnaces (EAF) as the future of British steelmaking, continuing the shift from blast furnaces to cleaner, EAF-based production using recycled scrap to support net zero. The shift has led to job losses in steel plants including Port Talbot.

The steel strategy has been welcomed by Community union general secretary Roy Rickhuss and Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel. GMB national secretary Charlotte Brumpton-Childs also welcomed the plan but said “the devil will be in the detail and key questions around ownership of Scunthorpe and the future technology mix will be key to our members and their livelihoods.”

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said: “The Labour Government has done more for steel in just two years than has been achieved in decades. Their commitment to our steel industry, including stepping in to protect steel assets facing closure in Rotherham, has come as a breath of fresh air.

“Our domestic steel industry is not a relic. It is world leading. It has been held back not by the quality of its products, but by a lack of vision in previous governments and a failure to provide the level playing field it needs in order to thrive. By taking long overdue trade measures to protect against cheap, subsidised foreign steel, I hope that much needed parity will finally become a reality.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: “The UK Government is standing up for Welsh steelmaking and showing that we will do whatever it takes to boost domestic steel production and protect the thousands of steelmaking jobs in our communities. “Welsh steel is expected to account for half of future UK steelmaking. It is not only a vital part of the South Wales economy, but also a crucial part of the UK’s industrial strategy, infrastructure capabilities and national security.

“We said we would back our steelworkers and steel communities and we are delivering on that promise – Welsh steelmaking now has a secure and bright future.”

The strategy will be outlined on Parliament this afternoon.

Nearly 90,000 bottles of children’s ibuprofen have been recalled over the potential presence of a foreign substance, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Strides Pharma, Inc., headquartered in India, recalled about 89,592 bottles of its 100-milligram Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension, the FDA said. 

The affected product was manufactured for Taro Pharmaceuticals USA and distributed across the U.S.

The ibuprofen was sold in 4-fluid-ounce bottles at 100 milligrams per 5 milliliters.

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Nearly 90,000 bottles of children’s ibuprofen have been recalled. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

The packages included the lot numbers 7261973A and 7261974A with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2027.

The recall was first issued earlier this month after complaints of a gel-like mass and black particles in the product.

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The affected product was manufactured for Taro Pharmaceuticals USA and distributed across the U.S. (iStock / iStock)

But the FDA updated the classification this week to a Class II recall, which means “use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

The Class II classification is the FDA’s second-highest urgency level.

The Class II classification is the FDA’s second-highest urgency level. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Consumers who purchased the recalled ibuprofen are urged to stop using it immediately.

Parents with concerns after a child has consumed the product should consult a healthcare provider.

Neurodiverse workers could hold a distinct advantage as artificial intelligence reshapes the modern workplace, according to a UK technology entrepreneur who says businesses are overlooking a critical talent pool at a pivotal moment of change.

Josh Hough, founder of home care software firm CareLineLive, has argued that traits commonly associated with neurodiversity, including heightened focus, pattern recognition and unconventional problem-solving, are becoming increasingly valuable as organisations accelerate their adoption of AI-driven systems and workflows.

Speaking during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Hough said many employers remain too focused on traditional hiring frameworks, despite the growing need for adaptability and innovative thinking.

“A lot of businesses still want people who tick every box,” he said. “The reality is, people who think differently often solve problems differently.

“In a world where everything is changing quickly, that’s a real advantage. You need people who don’t just follow a process, but can see a better way of doing things.”

His comments come as businesses across the UK and globally invest heavily in artificial intelligence to drive productivity, automate processes and unlock new growth opportunities. However, this shift is also redefining the types of skills and mindsets organisations require, placing a premium on cognitive diversity rather than uniformity.

Hough’s own approach to leadership and hiring has been shaped by personal experience. Born with a rare muscle-weakening condition that left him reliant on a wheelchair for much of his early life, he developed a mindset centred on adaptability and alternative problem-solving from a young age.

“When you grow up having to do things differently you don’t assume the standard way is the best way,” he said. “That carries through into business.”

Founded in 2014, CareLineLive has grown into a significant player in the digital care technology space, supporting more than 700 home care providers across multiple countries and used by over 25,000 carers. Its platform is designed to streamline operations across the care sector, from staff management and patient records to real-time communication between care providers, families and healthcare professionals.

At a time when the care sector is under sustained pressure from staffing shortages, rising demand and regulatory complexity, Hough believes technology, combined with diverse thinking, is essential to improving efficiency and outcomes.

“One of the biggest challenges in care is how information flows between people and services,” he said. “Too often, information doesn’t move between people in the way it should. That creates risk and wastes time.

“Our focus has always been on making sure the right people have the right information at the right time.”

Beyond operational efficiency, Hough’s comments highlight a broader shift in how businesses should think about talent in the AI era. As automation takes over routine and process-driven tasks, the ability to think laterally, identify patterns and approach problems from new angles is becoming more strategically important.

This has significant implications for recruitment, workplace culture and long-term competitiveness. Companies that continue to prioritise rigid skill checklists and conventional career paths risk missing out on individuals who may be better suited to navigating complexity and change.

Hough said the conversation around neurodiversity must evolve beyond compliance or risk management and instead focus on value creation.

“Not everyone is going to fit a traditional mould,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean they can’t be excellent at what they do.

“If anything, in the current environment, thinking differently is exactly what businesses need.”

As AI adoption accelerates and the nature of work continues to shift, his message is clear: the future workforce will not just be defined by technical capability, but by diversity of thought, and those who recognise this early may gain a decisive edge.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.