eu commission

Google's top scientist Sergei Vassilvitskii is reportedly furious with the EU's proposal to share search data with rivals, warning it risks exposing private user information. He claims their 'red team' can break the EU's anonymization scheme in under two hours, raising serious privacy and security concerns. Regulators will decide by July 27.

The EU is considering new rules to limit children's social media access, with potential proposals coming this summer. An expert panel will report by July on steps to protect minors online, including a possible ban.

Apple has surprisingly sided with Google, cautioning the EU against forcing Android to open up to rival AI services. The tech giant argues the proposed Digital Markets Act measures are rushed, risky, and could compromise user privacy and security. Apple fears this could set a dangerous precedent, impacting its own iOS system next.

The EU is preparing a "Tech Sovereignty Package" to reduce reliance on foreign cloud providers for sensitive government data. New rules will mandate European cloud infrastructure for critical sectors, limiting US tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. This move aims to bolster European digital control amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The European Union is urging member states to steer clear of telecom equipment from Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE, citing cybersecurity concerns. This recommendation, part of a broader strategy to bolster network security, could lead to restrictions or bans on 'high-risk' suppliers. While not an immediate mandate, it signals a significant shift in the EU's approach to critical infrastructure.

European regulators have given Google more time to fix its antitrust issues. The European Commission found Google's initial solutions not strong enough. The investigation focuses on Google's Digital Markets Act compliance. Concerns include unfair service prioritization and AI model training. Adtech practices are also under scrutiny. Penalties for violations can be severe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a significant five-nation tour. He will visit the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visits aim to boost India's engagement with Europe and the Gulf region. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, energy, and technology. This tour underscores India's growing global partnerships.

The EU has warned Meta that its safeguards are insufficient to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. Regulators found that Meta's efforts to identify and remove underage users are inadequate, potentially leading to fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover if violations are confirmed.

Major European media companies are urging EU officials to reconsider a new law. They fear the Digital Fairness Act, aimed at online consumer protection, could unintentionally damage their businesses. The companies argue that existing regulations already cover their operations. They want the focus to be on large tech firms where responsibility gaps exist, not on established media sectors.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu echoed Meta engineer Arnav Gupta's views on AI-driven job cuts. Both highlight that escalating AI costs, coupled with rising server prices, are forcing tech companies to reduce headcount. This economic response aims to control expenses, rather than solely reflecting an 'AI productivity miracle' at present. Layoffs continue until companies effectively leverage AI for tangible outcomes.

Salesforce and Slack have filed a lawsuit against Microsoft in London, accusing the tech giant of anti-competitive behavior by bundling its Teams app with Office. This follows similar complaints in Europe and an ongoing FTC probe in the US into Microsoft's alleged market dominance. Rivals like Google also criticize Microsoft's practices, though Microsoft defends its business model.

In a landmark decision, the European Union has greenlit an impressive €90 billion loan to Ukraine alongside a new wave of sanctions targeting Russia, effectively breaking a prolonged deadlock. This vital financial support, designated for military and fiscal stability, follows Hungary and Slovakia's recent agreement to resume oil flows through a major pipeline.

Siemens, Europe's largest engineering firm, is threatening to shift AI investments to the US and China, citing restrictive EU regulations. CEO Roland Busch argues that the EU's AI and Data Acts unfairly burden industrial AI with consumer-level oversight. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also supports revising the framework, calling current rules overly restrictive.

Europe's new Age Verification app faces serious security concerns. A researcher claims to have easily hacked the system, highlighting flaws in how it stores data and bypasses security. The app, designed to protect children online, reportedly allows users to prove someone else's age, not their own. This raises questions about its effectiveness and the safety of user data.