Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

French University Offers 'Safe Haven' for US Scientists

2025-07-02

Amidst a deteriorating academic environment in the US, Aix-Marseille University (AMU) in France has launched a 'Safe Place for Science' program to attract researchers from top US universities. The program offers salaries comparable to French researchers, but concerns remain among some US applicants due to lower research funding and salaries in France compared to the US. However, the lower stress, lower cost of living, and free education for children are enticing factors. The program has already secured €15 million in funding and is seeking matching funds from the French government to expand the initiative.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech academic sanctuary international academic collaboration

Big Tech's Water Grab: Spanish Farmers Revolt Against Data Center Boom

2025-06-17

Microsoft and Amazon are investing billions in land in water-stressed Spain to build data centers, sparking outrage among local farmers. While the tech giants promise investment and jobs, farmers fear the massive water consumption of data centers will exacerbate water scarcity and harm agriculture. The activist group "Your Cloud is Drying Up My River" is campaigning for a moratorium on new data centers, highlighting the conflict between technological advancement and environmental concerns, and the clash between local and corporate interests.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech

UK Nuclear Investment: A Looming Decision

2025-06-07

The UK government faces an urgent decision regarding nuclear power investment. The Sizewell C project and the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) require immediate funding, and the Treasury needs to make a decision in the upcoming spending review to ensure sound financial planning. Delaying the decision will disrupt fiscal projections. Stakeholders, including government officials, energy companies, and unions, urge swift action to ensure UK energy security and supply. The ultimate allocation of SMR contracts, and whether multiple winners will be selected, will be a key indicator of the government's approach.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech nuclear investment

VW's Emissions Scandal: A Decade of Fallout and €30 Billion in Damages

2025-05-26

The 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal, involving software designed to cheat on emissions tests, sent shockwaves through the global automotive industry. The deception resulted in billions in fines and settlements for VW, exceeding €30 billion. While former CEO Martin Winterkorn and other executives faced charges, Winterkorn continues to deny responsibility. The scandal remains a landmark case of corporate malfeasance with long-lasting consequences.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech Emissions Scandal Automotive Industry

EU Slaps Apple and Meta with Hefty Fines for DMA Violations

2025-04-23

The European Commission fined Apple and Meta for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple faces penalties for alleged violations concerning its app store regulations, while Meta's designation of Facebook Marketplace as a regulated service was overturned. Both companies plan to appeal, criticizing the EU's actions. This enforcement marks a significant step in the EU's intensified regulation of Big Tech and highlights growing trade tensions between the US and EU.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech

EU MEPs Use Faraday Bags in Hungary Amid Spying Concerns

2025-04-18

A delegation of EU lawmakers visiting Hungary is using Faraday bags to protect their devices from potential surveillance, highlighting deep concerns over the country's human rights record and alleged use of spyware against opposition figures, journalists, and civil society. Previous reports have detailed Hungarian intelligence agencies allegedly spying on EU officials. The incident underscores the strained relationship between Hungary and the EU, fueled by ongoing disputes over democratic backsliding and rule of law issues.

(www.politico.eu)

Misc

EU to Simplify GDPR: A Lifeline for Struggling Businesses?

2025-04-07

The European Union is poised to simplify its complex General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Since its 2018 implementation, the GDPR has faced criticism for its burdensome compliance requirements, particularly impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Danish Digital Minister Caroline Stage Olsen highlighted the need for simplification, acknowledging the importance of privacy while advocating for less bureaucratic compliance. The European Commission has confirmed an upcoming proposal to streamline the GDPR, aiming to alleviate the compliance burden on SMEs and boost Europe's economy. This move echoes concerns raised by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi about Europe's complex regulations hindering innovation.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech

EU Eyes Tech Retaliation in US Trade War

2025-04-07

The US-EU trade war escalates as the EU considers retaliatory measures against US tariffs. France's suggestion to target currently untaxed digital services faced immediate pushback from Ireland, home to many US tech giants. The EU enjoys a large goods surplus but a significant deficit in services, making the tech sector a potential target for retaliation. French officials predict the trade war will reduce France's GDP by over 0.5% and increase job losses. The potential economic impact on Europe is substantial, leaving tech companies facing considerable uncertainty.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech

UK Shifts AI Regulation: Risk Mitigation Trumps Mandatory Testing

2025-02-20

The UK government has quietly shifted its approach to AI legislation, dropping plans to force AI companies to provide pre-release access to the AI Safety Institute (AISI) for testing. This move, met with industry resistance, has raised concerns. Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the AISI, warned that it risks leaving various societal harms unaddressed, such as algorithmic bias. The shift comes amid escalating trade tensions with the US, with the UK's Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, largely focusing on Ukraine and tariffs in media appearances, offering little comment on the AI policy change.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech algorithmic bias

Italy's Privacy Regulator Targets DeepSeek's Data Practices

2025-01-29

Italy's data protection authority, the Garante, has formally requested information from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek regarding its handling of Italian user data. This follows DeepSeek's recent launch of a ChatGPT competitor, raising concerns about data security and privacy. The Garante demands details on data collection, usage, and storage, with a February 17th deadline. This action highlights Europe's stringent scrutiny of AI companies' data practices and the data privacy challenges in the global AI race.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech

Poland Furious Over US AI Chip Export Restrictions

2025-01-21

Poland, a key US ally, is furious over US restrictions on the export of AI chips. This move threatens Poland's ambitious military expansion and technological development. The Polish government considers the decision incomprehensible and is seeking redress from both the US and the EU to protect its technological and defense interests.

(www.politico.eu)

Tech US export restrictions Poland

Record Seizure of Viagra-Laced ‘Erectile Honey’ in France

2025-01-20

French customs officials announced a record seizure of illegally imported "erectile honey" laced with Viagra and other medications in 2024. The honey, primarily sourced from Turkey, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, is sold on the black market and in night shops as a natural sexual stimulant. However, it often contains hidden pharmaceuticals like sildenafil or tadalafil, the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, which can be dangerous when interacting with other medications, such as those for high blood pressure. A single seizure in Marseille last November confiscated 13 tons from Malaysia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued warnings in 2021 and 2022 about honey-based supplements promising "sexual enhancement."

(www.politico.eu)

Misc smuggling Viagra