Competition regulation

WhatsApp to support cross-app messaging

Meta is launching a ‘third-party chats’ feature on WhatsApp in Europe, allowing users to send and receive messages from other interoperable messaging apps.

Initially, only two apps, BirdyChat and Haiket, will support this integration, but users will be able to send text, voice, video, images and files. The rollout will begin in the coming months for iOS and Android users in the EU.

Meta emphasises that interoperability is opt-in, and messages exchanged via third-party apps will retain end-to-end encryption, provided the other apps match WhatsApp’s security requirements. Users can choose whether to display these cross-app conversations in a separate ‘third-party chats’ folder or mix them into their main inbox.

By opening up its messaging to external apps, WhatsApp is responding to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major tech platforms to allow interoperability. This move could reshape how messaging works in Europe, making it easier to communicate across different apps, though it also raises questions about privacy, spam risk and how encryption is enforced.

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Eurofiber France confirms the major data breach

The French telecommunications company Eurofiber has acknowledged a breach of its ATE customer platform and digital ticket system after a hacker accessed the network through software used by the company.

Engineers detected the intrusion quickly and implemented containment measures, while the company stressed that services remained operational and banking data stayed secure. The incident affected only French operations and subsidiaries such as Netiwan, Eurafibre, Avelia, and FullSave, according to the firm.

Security researchers instead argue that the scale is far broader. International Cyber Digest reported that more than 3,600 organisations may be affected, including prominent French institutions such as Orange, Thales, the national rail operator, and major energy companies.

The outlet linked the intrusion to the ransomware group ByteToBreach, which allegedly stole Eurofiber’s entire GLPI database and accessed API keys, internal messages, passwords and client records.

A known dark web actor has now listed the stolen dataset for sale, reinforcing concerns about the growing trade in exposed corporate information. The contents reportedly range from files and personal data to cloud configurations and privileged credentials.

Eurofiber did not clarify which elements belonged to its systems and which originated from external sources.

The company has notified the French privacy regulator CNIL and continues to investigate while assuring Dutch customers that their data remains safe.

A breach that underlines the vulnerability of essential infrastructure providers across Europe, echoing recent incidents in Sweden, where a compromised IT supplier exposed data belonging to over a million people.

Eurofiber says it aims to strengthen its defences instead of allowing similar compromises in future.

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EU aviation regulator opens debate on AI oversight and safety

EASA has issued its first regulatory proposal on AI in aviation, opening a three-month consultation for industry feedback. The draft focuses on trustworthy, data-driven AI systems and anticipates applications ranging from basic assistance to human–AI teaming.

The move comes amid wider criticism of EU AI rules from major tech firms and political leaders. Aviation stakeholders are now assessing whether compliance costs and operational demands could slow development or disrupt competitive positioning across the sector.

Experts warn that adapting to the framework may require significant investment, particularly for companies with limited resources. Others may accelerate AI adoption to preserve market advantage, especially where safety gains or efficiency improvements justify rapid deployment.

EASA stresses that consultation is essential to balance strict assurance requirements with the flexibility needed for innovation. Privacy and personal data issues remain contentious, shaping expectations for acceptable AI use in safety-critical environments.

Meanwhile, Airbus is pushing to reach 75 A320-family deliveries per month by 2027, driven by the A321neo’s strong order book. In parallel, Mitsui OSK Lines continues to lead the global LNG carrier market, reflecting broader momentum across adjacent transport sectors.

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New report warns retailers are unprepared for AI-powered attacks

Retailers are entering the peak shopping season amid warnings that AI-driven cyber threats will accelerate. LevelBlue’s latest Spotlight Report says nearly half of retail executives are already seeing significantly higher attack volumes, while one-third have suffered a breach in the past year.

The sector is under pressure to roll out AI-driven personalisation and new digital channels, yet only a quarter feel ready to defend against AI attacks. Readiness gaps also cover deepfakes and synthetic identity fraud, even though most expect these threats to arrive soon.

Supply chain visibility remains weak, with almost half of executives reporting limited insight into software suppliers. Few list supplier security as a near-term priority, fuelling concern that vulnerabilities could cascade across retail ecosystems.

High-profile breaches have pushed cybersecurity into the boardroom, and most retailers now integrate security teams with business operations. Leadership performance metrics and risk appetite frameworks are increasingly aligned with cyber resilience goals.

Planned investment is focused on application security, business-wide resilience processes, and AI-enabled defensive tools. LevelBlue argues that sustained spending and cultural change are required if retailers hope to secure consumer trust amid rapidly evolving threats.

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Digital accessibility drives revenue as AI adoption rises

Research highlights that digital accessibility is now viewed as a driver of business growth rather than a compliance requirement.

A survey of over 1,600 professionals across the US, UK, and Europe found 75% of organisations linking accessibility improvements to revenue gains, while 91% reported enhanced user experience and 88% noted brand reputation benefits.

AI is playing an increasingly central role in accessibility initiatives. More than 80% of organisations now use AI tools to support accessibility, particularly in mature programmes with formal policies, accountability structures, and dedicated budgets.

Leaders in these organisations view AI as a force multiplier, complementing human expertise rather than replacing it. Despite progress, many organisations still implement accessibility late in digital development processes. Only around 28% address accessibility during planning, and 27% during design stages.

Leadership support and effective training emerged as key success factors. Organisations with engaged executives and strong accessibility training were far more likely to achieve revenue and operational benefits while reducing perceived legal risk.

As AI adoption accelerates and regulatory frameworks expand, companies treating accessibility strategically are better positioned to gain competitive advantage.

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EU moves to reinforce cooperation against VAT fraud

The European Commission has presented a plan to strengthen cooperation among the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, the European Anti-Fraud Office, and member states as part of a broader effort to combat VAT fraud.

The proposal establishes a legal framework for the sharing of information. It grants the EU bodies immediate access to VAT data, which is expected to enhance the detection of cross-border tax evasion schemes.

Real-time reporting of cross-border trade, delivered through the VAT in the Digital Age package, provides national authorities with the information needed to identify suspicious activity, rather than relying on delayed or incomplete records.

Carousel fraud alone costs EU taxpayers billions each year and remains a significant element of the broader VAT compliance gap, which stood at over €89 billion in 2022.

The Commission argues that faster access to VAT information will help investigators uncover fraudulent networks, halt their activities and pursue prosecutions more effectively.

EPPO, OLAF and the Eurofisc network would gain direct communication channels, enabling closer coordination and rapid intelligence sharing throughout the Union.

A proposal that will now move to the Council for agreement and to the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee for consultation.

Once adopted and published, the changes will take effect and initiate the implementation phase across the EU.

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Disney+ subscribers protest AI content plans

Disney faces intense criticism after CEO Bob Iger announced plans to allow AI-generated content on Disney+. The streaming service, known for its iconic hand-drawn animation, now risks alienating artists and fans who value traditional craftsmanship.

Iger said AI would offer Disney+ users more interactive experiences, including the creation and sharing of short-form content. The company plans to expand gaming on Disney+ by continuing its collaborations with Fortnite, as well as featuring characters from Star Wars and The Simpsons.

Artists and animators reacted sharply, warning that AI could lead to job losses and a flood of low-quality material. Social media users called for a boycott, emphasising that generative AI undermines the legacy of Disney’s animation and may drive subscribers away.

The backlash reflects broader industry concerns, as other studios, such as Illumination and DreamWorks, have also rejected the use of generative AI. Creators like Dana Terrace of The Owl House urged fans to support human artistry, backing the push to defend traditional animation from AI-generated content.

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Ohanian predicts AI-driven jobs growth despite economic jitters

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian says AI remains a durable long-term trend despite growing investor concern that the sector has inflated a market bubble. He argues the technology is now too deeply embedded in workflows to be dismissed as hype.

Tech stocks fell sharply on Thursday as uncertainty over US interest rate cuts prompted investors to seek safer assets. The Nasdaq Composite slid more than two percent, and the AI-driven Magnificent Seven posted broad losses, with Nvidia among the hardest-hit names.

Ohanian says valuations are not his focus but insists the underlying innovations are meaningful, pointing to faster software development as an example of measurable progress. He maintains confidence in technology trends even amid short-term market swings.

He also believes AI will create more roles than it eliminates, despite estimates that widespread adoption could disrupt up to seven percent of the US workforce. He argues that major technological shifts consistently open new career paths.

Ohanian notes that jobs once unimaginable, such as full-time online content creation, are now mainstream aspirations. He expects AI-led change to follow a similar pattern, delivering overall gains while acknowledging that the transition may be uneven.

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EU investigates Google over potential Digital Markets Act breach

The European Commission has opened an investigation into whether Google may be breaching the Digital Markets Act by unfairly demoting news publishers in search results.

An inquiry that centres on Google’s ‘site reputation abuse policy’, which appears to lower rankings for publishers that host content from commercial partners, even when those partnerships support legitimate ways of monetising online journalism.

The Commission is examining whether Alphabet’s approach restricts publishers from conducting business, innovating, and cooperating with third-party content providers. Officials highlighted concerns that such demotions may undermine revenue at a difficult moment for the media sector.

These proceedings do not imply a final decision; instead, they allow the EU to gather evidence and assess Google’s practices in detail.

If the Commission finds evidence of non-compliance, it will present preliminary findings and request corrective measures. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months.

Under the DMA, infringements can lead to fines of up to ten percent of a company’s worldwide turnover, rising to twenty percent for repeated violations, alongside possible structural remedies.

Senior Commissioners stressed that gatekeepers must offer fair and non-discriminatory access to their platforms. They argued that protecting publishers’ ability to reach audiences supports media pluralism, innovation, and democratic resilience.

Google Search, designated as a core platform service under the DMA, has been required to comply fully with the regulation since March 2024.

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New York Times lawsuit prompts OpenAI to strengthen privacy protections

OpenAI says a New York Times demand to hand over 20 million private ChatGPT conversations threatens user privacy and breaks with established security norms. The request forms part of the Times’ lawsuit over alleged misuse of its content.

The company argues the demand would expose highly personal chats from people with no link to the case. It previously resisted broader requests, including one seeking more than a billion conversations, and says the latest move raises similar concerns about proportionality.

OpenAI says it offered privacy-preserving alternatives, such as targeted searches and high-level usage data, but these were rejected. It adds that chats covered by the order are being de-identified and stored in a secure, legally restricted environment.

The dispute arises as OpenAI accelerates its security roadmap, which includes plans for client-side encryption and automated systems that detect serious safety risks without requiring broad human access. These measures aim to ensure private conversations remain inaccessible to external parties.

OpenAI maintains that strong privacy protections are essential as AI tools handle increasingly sensitive tasks. It says it will challenge any attempt to make private conversations public and will continue to update users as the legal process unfolds.

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