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DW Weekly #208 – US tariffs, the digital trade and digital policies court battles

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12 – 18 April 2025


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Dear readers,

Last week, we focused on the effects that the global trade war is producing worldwide. After President Trump’s administration increased tariffs, forcing major tech firms to rethink their strategies urgently, Apple swiftly responded to the looming trade barriers by orchestrating a record-breaking $2 billion iPhone airlift from India to the US, strategically sidestepping the elevated tariffs.

Meanwhile, the US has temporarily exempted certain critical electronics imported from China, including smartphones and semiconductor components, from tariff hikes.

The ripple effects of the US tariffs extend beyond US borders. South Korea, heavily reliant on its semiconductor exports, has launched an ambitious $23 billion investment into its domestic chip industry.

Parallel to the tariff turmoil, major US tech firms are embroiled in intensifying legal disputes concerning digital market dominance. The US Justice Department is pursuing legal action against Google, alleging monopolistic practices within its search and advertising services.

Echoing similar concerns, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is challenging Meta’s stronghold on the social media market, marking a critical moment in US antitrust enforcement.

These legal confrontations are not confined to the US. Japan recently directed Google to address its dominant position on Android search services, pressing for enhanced competition and user choice. 

In Europe, X (formerly Twitter) faces heightened scrutiny over its AI data-use policies, as the EU regulators investigate potential misuse of user data. 

Additionally, Meta has confirmed plans to utilise the EU user data for AI model training, prompting regulatory concerns and further legal scrutiny.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 12 – 18 April 2025

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The Global Blockchain Forum will bring together international crypto experts to discuss Bitcoin, adoption trends, and Russia’s crypto future.

deepseek AI China research innovation

Community gains from DeepSeek’s open-source contributions.

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Despite significant investments, WLFI’s portfolio is down by $145.8 million, with losses primarily in its Ethereum holdings.

beijing blames usa for cyberattack

Beijing claims US operatives targeted infrastructure and Huawei with NSA-led cyberattacks.

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Mayor Mizrachi confirmed Panama City’s plan to facilitate cryptocurrency payments, using banks to convert assets into fiat currency.

eu flags in front of european commission 1

Despite launching multiple probes under the Digital Services Act, the EU has yet to close any, prompting a recruitment push for its enforcement team.

amd launches new ai chips to take on leader nvidia

The US administration has tightened rules on AI chip exports, affecting AMD’s MI308 products and potentially causing major financial losses for the company.

Meta hub in London

AI developers question Meta’s transparency after benchmark controversy.

nato flag north atlantic treaty organization flag waving

A cyber defence exercise involving 20 allied nations was held to strengthen coordination and improve response to attacks on critical infrastructure, led by NATO.

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Just 11% of El Salvador’s Bitcoin service providers are operational under the country’s Bitcoin Law, central bank data shows.

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As the global race to harness AI accelerates, a new international effort is working to ensure that progress doesn’t come at the cost of people or the planet.


READING CORNER
analiza featured image

What happens when machines not only speak like us but begin to mirror the subtleties of our personalities, emotions, and intentions — and we can no longer tell the difference?

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How do words get their meaning? Aldo Matteucci shows how terms like ‘dispositif’ and ‘consul’ gain meaning not through definitions, but through repeated use in historical and political contexts.

UPCOMING EVENTS
geneva human rights platform
23 April 2025
The event will provide a timely discussion on methods, approaches, and solutions for AI transformation of International Organisaitons. 
WIPO
dig.watch

Conversation on IP and AI will take place on April 23-24, 2025, focusing on the role of copyright infrastructure in supporting both rights holders and AI-driven innovation.

HSC
www.sdgaicompendium.org

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) is a global gathering of leaders and changemakers from governments, international organizations, businesses, civil society, and academia. Together, they co-create innovative solutions for a sustainable and fair future. The next conference is scheduled for 2-3 June 2025.