EU Opens Antitrust Probe into Meta Over WhatsApp AI Policy European Union regulators have launched an antitrust investigation into Meta Platforms over concerns that its new artificial intelligence features in WhatsApp could unfairly restrict competitors. Officials warned they may temporarily suspend the rollout of these tools, underscoring Europe’s increasingly firm stance on Big Tech regulation. The move, first reported by Reuters and the Financial Times, marks the latest in a series of actions targeting large technology firms such as Amazon and Google. EU authorities aim to encourage innovation while curbing the growing dominance of digital giants. Scrutiny Over WhatsApp’s AI…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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U.S. Senators Propose Bill to Block Easing of China AI Chip Restrictions A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday seeking to prevent the Trump administration from loosening export controls that restrict China’s access to advanced artificial intelligence chips from Nvidia and AMD. The proposal, known as the SAFE CHIPS Act, underscores growing concerns in Washington about the national security implications of allowing Beijing greater access to cutting-edge American technology. SAFE CHIPS Act Aims to Preserve Export Limits The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Pete Ricketts and Democrat Chris Coons, would prohibit the U.S. Commerce Department from approving…
Russia Bans Roblox, Citing “Extremist” and “LGBT Propaganda” Content Russia has blocked access to the popular U.S.-based gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of spreading “extremist materials” and “LGBT propaganda.” The move marks the latest in a series of crackdowns by Moscow on Western digital platforms it deems harmful or in violation of domestic laws. Watchdog Cites Moral Concerns Over Platform Content Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced the ban on Wednesday, claiming that Roblox contained “inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” The decision follows similar actions taken against foreign platforms accused of breaching Russia’s…
Trump’s NASA Pick Jared Isaacman Vows to Beat China Back to the Moon Billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, nominated by former President Donald Trump to lead NASA, plans to tell senators that the United States must return to the Moon before its “great rival,” which he describes in prepared remarks as a key space competitor. His statement, seen by Reuters, outlines an ambitious vision for advancing nuclear propulsion and commercial partnerships to accelerate America’s lunar goals. Isaacman’s Vision for NASA’s Future In his prepared testimony, Isaacman wrote that “America will return to the Moon before our great rival, and we…
UNDP Warns AI Could Deepen Global Inequality Artificial intelligence could widen the divide between developed and developing nations unless urgent policy action is taken, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned in a new report released on Tuesday. The report highlights the growing risk of a global “great divergence” in economic progress, skills, and governance capacity as AI reshapes industries and labour markets. Risk of a “New Great Divergence” The report, titled “The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries,” argues that while trade, technology, and development have narrowed global gaps over the past five decades, the…
Senate Committee Sets Vote on Jared Isaacman’s Nomination as NASA Chief The US Senate Commerce Committee announced on Monday that it will hold a vote on 8 December to decide on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Jared Isaacman for the role of NASA administrator. Isaacman, a private astronaut and close ally of SpaceX founder Elon Musk, is expected to face a confirmation hearing before the committee on Wednesday. Isaacman’s Return to the Nomination Process Isaacman’s nomination had been withdrawn in June following tensions between Trump and Musk. However, Trump renominated him last month, reopening the path for Isaacman to lead…
India Orders Mandatory Pre-Installation of Government Cyber Security App on Smartphones India’s telecoms ministry has ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a state-owned cyber security app on all new devices, sparking privacy concerns and likely friction with global tech giants, including Apple. The directive marks the latest government effort to combat rising cyber crime and mobile phone fraud in one of the world’s largest telecom markets. Mandatory Installation of Sanchar Saathi App According to a private government order dated 28 November, smartphone makers such as Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi must preload the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones…
Environmental Group Opposes Automakers’ Push for Biofuel Exemptions The European Commission should reject calls from automakers to allow cars to run on biofuels after 2035, environmental campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) said on Thursday. The group argued that biofuels are scarce, often imported, and far from carbon-neutral, making them unsuitable for the EU’s long-term climate goals. Under current European Union regulations, all new cars sold from 2035 must produce zero carbon dioxide emissions, effectively ending the sale of vehicles powered by fossil fuels and traditional internal combustion engines. However, automakers are pressing the European Commission to grant exceptions for…
Europe Raises Space Investment to €22.1 billion in the Next Three Years European nations have agreed to raise space spending by nearly 30% over the next three years, approving a total budget of €22.1 billion to fund launches, satellites, and research programmes. The decision reflects Europe’s ambition to close the gap with the US, China, and private space companies leading the global race. The European Space Agency (ESA) had asked its 23 member countries for around €22 billion for the 2026–2028 period, up from €16.9 billion allocated for 2023–2025. After two days of ministerial talks in Bremen, ESA Director General…
Nvidia Slump Drags S&P 500 and Nasdaq Lower Amid AI Chip Competition The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped on Thursday as Nvidia’s shares fell sharply, reflecting concerns about growing competition in the AI chip market. Investors also reacted to mixed economic data that had been delayed by the recent US government shutdown. Tech Stocks Under Pressure Nvidia dropped 6.7%, reaching a two-month low, while rival chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices declined 9%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index shed 3% after a strong rebound earlier in the week. Market analysts noted that the latest developments highlight the competitive nature of the chip industry.…