EUROPEAN UNION REGULATION
Germany's Friedrich Merz says industrial AI needs less stringent EU regulation
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants less regulation for industrial artificial intelligence in the European Union. He believes this will increase productivity and efficiency. Germany has been eager to catch up with dominant AI players the United States and China in a global race to master a transformational technology and attract high-income jobs.
UK PM tells social media bosses to step up child online safety
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday hinted at possible measures limiting children's access to social media, "Things can't go on like this." Starmer summoned the social media bosses to the Downing Street meeting, also attended by Technology Minister Liz Kendall, amid growing calls for a ban on under-16s using the platforms.
Can Iran legally put a price on passage through the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran’s move to charge tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has sparked a legal and geopolitical debate. Under international law, particularly UNCLOS, vessels are entitled to “transit passage” through key straits without interference, making unilateral tolls highly contentious. While Iran argues it can regulate movement within its territorial waters, most experts view such charges as inconsistent with established maritime norms.
EU rejects Meta's pay-for-access remedy in WhatsApp AI chatbots probe
The EU told Meta Wednesday that charging rival AI chatbots for access to its WhatsApp platform runs against the bloc's antitrust rules, rebuffing the measure taken by the US giant in response to a probe. Meta started charging a fee as redress in March after an EU probe found it had "effectively" barred third-party artificial intelligence assistants from the messaging platform - in breach of competition rules.
European Union agrees to double steel import tariffs to 50% to curb cheap inflows from China
The European Union has agreed to double steel import tariffs to 50% and cut duty-free quotas to curb a surge in cheap imports, largely from China. The move aims to protect domestic producers amid falling output and rising imports.EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the step is key to safeguarding industrial strength, while industry body Eurofer said it could help protect 230,000 jobs.
Tesla's supervised self-driving software gets Dutch okay, first in Europe
Dutch regulators approved the use of Tesla's self-driving software with required human supervision on highways and city streets in a European first for the electric car maker, which hopes to see similar action from the rest of the European Union.
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EU weighing tighter regulation for OpenAI under Digital Services Act
OpenAI's ChatGPT is set to be classified as a very large search engine. This means it will fall under the European Union's Digital Services Act. Consequently, the chatbot will face stricter regulations. German newspaper Handelsblatt reported this, citing sources. The EU Commission is reviewing user data related to this classification. OpenAI has declined to comment on the development.
Airline pilots fear retribution over refusing to fly in Middle East, aviators' group says
Airline pilots express fear of losing pay or jobs if they refuse flights in the Middle East. Global aviators' union highlights widespread concerns over unpredictable conditions and potential missile strikes. Carriers continue flights despite a ceasefire. Pilots report a lack of guidance and face challenges reaching homes. Indian pilots raised concerns about Air India's operations in the Gulf region.
Researchers unmask trade in nude images on Telegram
Campaign group AI Forensics said it found almost 25,000 active users in a six-week study of Spanish and Italian groups who were sharing images such as unclothed women, often exchanged for cash.
China issues guidance for ecommerce including for cross-border trade
The guidance called for striking a balance between promotion and regulation, integrating the digital and real economies, as well as forming pilot zones for cross-border ecommerce activities and setting up rules and standards.
EU digital chief warns of 'weaponised' reliance on foreign tech
Europe's digital chief Henna Virkkunen warns of foreign tech dependencies being weaponised. She urges greater use of homegrown services for critical data. The EU is preparing potential bans on some Chinese telecoms equipment. Virkkunen stresses the importance of controlling cloud computing and localising data within Europe. She rejects US interference in drafting EU digital rules.
Visiting Europe this summer? Long airport queues may affect your travel
Travellers to Europe face longer airport waits due to the EU's new digital border control system, EES. This system, fully operational from April 2026, records personal and biometric data. Initial rollouts have already caused hours of delays and missed flights at Brussels Zaventem airport. The EES aims to enhance border security and track short-term visitors across 29 European countries.
Eutelsat in talks with ISRO to boost satellite launch options
Eutelsat, a key competitor to Elon Musk's Starlink, is in discussions with India's space agency, ISRO, for future satellite launches. This move aims to diversify its launch options beyond SpaceX and European Ariane rockets, following its merger with OneWeb and loss of access to Russian Soyuz. The company is strategically preparing for future growth and market access in India.
Car hacking! How India’s first vehicle cybersecurity rule AIS 189 may affect the auto industry
India is set to implement AIS 189, its first mandatory vehicle cybersecurity standard, aligning with global regulations like UN R155. This move will require automakers and suppliers to establish robust cybersecurity management systems, impacting vehicle design, testing, and sales, with implementation slated for October 2027 for new models.
Europe seeks to increase deportations as some warn of Trump-like tactics
The EU is expanding its powers to track, raid, and deport migrants to third countries, adopting tactics similar to the Trump administration. These new policies, part of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, aim to prevent a repeat of the 2015 migrant crisis. Human rights groups warn of increased pushbacks and weakened legal protections for migrants.
Firms flag data verification, compliance costs as major challenge under DPDP regime
The rising costs of meeting compliance is spooking many, with nearly 30% of respondents saying these new expenditures will be more than 10% of their turnover. They also fear business operations will be disrupted as routine tasks like security updates, marketing of new products, or spam protection, now require explicit consent.
India, EU sign aviation production pact to boost safety; Airbus helicopter assembly in Karnataka lined up
India and the European Union have signed a significant working arrangement for industrial aviation production. This pact aims to boost collaboration and ensure manufacturing meets global safety benchmarks. It will support initiatives like the assembly of Airbus Helicopters in Karnataka. The agreement follows a summit where aviation safety was a key priority.
EU launches investigation into Snapchat over child safety concerns under Digital Services Act
European Union regulators are probing Snapchat. Concerns exist that the platform inadequately protects children. Risks include exposure to predators and criminal recruitment. The investigation focuses on Snapchat's age verification systems. These systems are suspected of being insufficient in preventing minors from accessing inappropriate content and adult users. This probe highlights ongoing scrutiny of social media's impact on young users.
EU accuses four porn platforms of letting children access adult content
The European Union accused four pornographic platforms on Thursday of allowing children to access adult content in breach of digital rules, putting the companies at risk of large fines.
French prosecutors suspect Musk encouraged deepfakes row to inflate X value
French prosecutors said Saturday they had alerted US authorities to a suspicion that tech tycoon Elon Musk had encouraged controversy over sexualised deepfakes on X to "artificially" increase the value of his company. French authorities are already investigating X over allegations that its algorithm was used to interfere in French politics, as well as Grok's dissemination of Holocaust denials and the sexualised deepfakes.
Euro FX settlement in works at GIFT City
India's financial hub is looking to introduce real-time euro foreign-exchange settlements. This move aims to boost financial ties with the European Union as a trade deal progresses. The regulatory body, IFSCA, has requested government approval for euro settlements alongside the US dollar. This follows the successful implementation of real-time dollar settlements, which significantly reduced transaction times and risks.
Price, availability... Does a new gas crisis await Europe?
Iranian attacks on Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG hub have caused natural gas prices to surge, though Europe's impact is expected to be less severe due to reduced reliance on Qatari LNG. While wholesale prices have jumped, they remain significantly lower than during the Ukraine conflict, with storage levels below average for the upcoming winter.
Iran war exposes risks of Trump's relentless focus on oil
President Trump's emphasis on oil and gas faces challenges as war in Iran causes crude prices to surge. Americans are experiencing higher gasoline costs. Experts note the risks of relying solely on fossil fuels. This situation impacts affordability for voters. The administration is releasing oil reserves and considering naval escorts for tankers. The global energy market faces significant disruption.
UK finance minister seeks AI, quantum funding boost as part of EU trade ties
Britain's Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced plans for closer alignment with the European Union on business rules. The government will also significantly increase funding for artificial intelligence and quantum computing. These initiatives aim to stimulate economic growth and support future industries. The focus is on strategic investment and reducing trade barriers with European neighbours.
European publishers, tech firms urge EU to speed up fine on Google over search
The push underscores tensions within the bloc over the complex balance of regulating Big Tech, with regular clashes between Washington and Brussels over rules curbing the dominance of U.S. companies in social media, online search and AI. The investigation, launched by the European Commission on March 25, 2024 under the European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA), has been going on for nearly two years.
US officials predict quick end to Iran war, while Tehran says it can outlast foes
US officials anticipate the US-Israeli conflict with Iran concluding within weeks. They foresee a subsequent drop in global oil prices. Iran asserts its strength and readiness to defend itself. The war has disrupted vital shipping lanes, impacting global energy markets. International efforts are underway to reopen trade routes and secure the region.
Indian aluminium producers seek RoDTEP relief to stay competitive
The Aluminium Association of India is asking the government to keep RoDTEP rates for aluminium exports unchanged. This move aims to help Indian exporters compete globally. The association wants these rates fixed based on actual taxes paid. Indian aluminium exports face rising trade barriers and increased competition from abroad.
X offers changes to blue checkmarks to EU
Elon Musk's X platform has proposed changes to its blue checkmark system. This comes after the European Union imposed a substantial fine on X for violating digital rules. The EU is now reviewing X's proposed remedies. X had previously appealed the fine. Regulators continue to investigate X's handling of illegal content and information manipulation.
Demand for carbon credits may climb if middle east war drags on
Industries might switch to cheaper, higher-emission fuels if natural gas supplies are disrupted. This shift could lead to higher pollution and a spike in credit demand. Meanwhile, the voluntary carbon market may see reduced buying activity as companies manage costs.
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