Competition regulation

EU pushes for stronger powers in delayed customs reform

EU lawmakers have accused national governments of stalling a major customs overhaul aimed at tackling the rise in low-cost parcels from China. Parliament’s lead negotiator Dirk Gotink argues that only stronger EU-level powers can help authorities regain control of soaring e-commerce volumes.

Talks have slowed over a proposed e-commerce data hub linking national customs services. Parliament wants European prosecutors to gain direct access to the hub, while capitals insist that national authorities must remain the gatekeepers to sensitive information.

Gotink warns that limiting access would undermine efforts to stop non-compliant goods such as those from China, entering the single market. Senior MEP Anna Cavazzini echoes the concern, saying EU-level oversight is essential to keep consumers safer and improve coordination across borders.

The Danish Council Presidency aims to conclude negotiations in mid-December but concedes that major disputes remain. Trade groups urge a swift deal, arguing that a modernised customs system must support enforcement against surging online imports.

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Europe urged to accelerate AI adoption

European policymakers are being urged to accelerate the adoption of AI, as Christine Lagarde warns that Europe risks missing another major technological shift. Her message highlights that global AI investment is soaring, yet its economic impact remains limited, similar to that of earlier innovation waves.

Lagarde argues that AI could boost productivity faster than past technologies because the infrastructure already exists, and the systems can improve their own performance. Scientific progress powered by AI, such as the rapid prediction of protein structures, signals how R&D can scale far quicker than before.

Europe’s challenge, she notes, is not building frontier models but ensuring rapid deployment across industries. Strong uptake of generative AI by European firms is encouraging, but fragmented regulation, high energy costs and limited risk capital remain significant frictions.

Strategic resilience in chips, data centres and interoperable standards is also essential to avoid deeper dependence on non-European systems.

Greater cooperation in shared data spaces, such as Manufacturing-X and the European Health Data Space, could unlock competitive advantages. Lagarde emphasises that Europe must act swiftly, as delays would hinder adoption and erode industrial competitiveness.

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UN warns corporate power threatens human rights

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has highlighted growing challenges posed by powerful corporations and rapidly advancing technologies. At the 14th UN Forum, he warned that the misuse of generative AI could threaten human rights.

He called for robust rules, independent oversight, and safeguards to ensure innovation benefits society rather than exploiting it.

Vulnerable workers, including migrants, women, and those in informal sectors, remain at high risk of exploitation. Mr Türk criticised rollbacks of human rights obligations by some governments and condemned attacks on human rights defenders.

He also raised concerns over climate responsibility, noting that fossil fuel profits continue while the poorest communities face environmental harm and displacement.

Courts and lawmakers in countries such as Brazil, the UK, the US, Thailand, and Colombia are increasingly holding companies accountable for abuses linked to operations, supply chains, and environmental practices.

To support implementation, the UN has launched an OHCHR Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights, offering guidance to governments, companies, and civil society organisations.

Closing the forum, Mr Türk urged stronger global cooperation and broader backing for human rights systems. He proposed the creation of a Global Alliance for human rights, emphasising that human rights should guide decisions shaping the world’s future.

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Europe needs clearer regulation to capture AI growth, Google says

Google says Europe faces a pivotal moment as AI reshapes global competitiveness, arguing that the region has the talent to lead the way. It points to growing demand for tools that help businesses innovate and expand. Startups like Idoven are highlighted as examples of Europe’s emerging strengths.

Google highlights its long-standing partnership with Europe, pointing to significant investments in infrastructure, security, and research. It has more than 40 offices and 31,000 staff across the region. DeepMind’s scientific advances, including broad use of AlphaFold, remain central to that work.

Despite this foundation, Google warns that Europe risks falling behind other regions without faster access to advanced AI models.

Only 14% of European companies currently utilise AI, which is significantly lower than the adoption rates in China and the United States. Google says outdated technology limits competitiveness across sectors.

Regulatory complexity is another concern, with more than 100 digital rules introduced since 2019. Google supports regulation but notes that abrupt changes and overlapping requirements can slow product launches and hinder smaller developers. The company calls for more straightforward, more explicit rules that avoid penalising innovation.

Google argues that Europe must also expand AI skills, from technical expertise to leadership and workforce readiness. It cites a decade of training initiatives that helped 15 million Europeans gain digital skills. With the right tools and support, Google says Europe could unlock €1.2 trillion in economic value.

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EU approves funding for a new Onsemi semiconductor facility in the Czech Republic

The European Commission has approved €450 million in Czech support for a new integrated Onsemi semiconductor facility in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.

A project that will help strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy by advancing Silicon Carbide power device production instead of relying on non-European manufacturing.

The Czech Republic plans to back a €1.64 billion investment that will create the first EU facility covering every stage from crystal growth to finished components. These products will be central to electric vehicles, fast charging systems and renewable energy technologies.

Onsemi has agreed to contribute new skills programmes, support the development of next-generation 200 mm SiC technology and follow priority-rated orders in future supply shortages.

The Commission reviewed the measure under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and concluded that the aid is necessary, proportionate and limited to the minimum required to trigger the investment.

In a scheme that addresses a segment of the semiconductor market where the EU lacks sufficient supply, which improves resilience rather than distorts competition.

The facility is expected to begin commercial activity by 2027 and will support the wider European semiconductor ecosystem.

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Spain opens inquiry into Meta over privacy concerns

Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has announced that an investigation will be launched against Meta following concerns over a possible large-scale violation of user privacy.

The company will be required to explain its conduct before the parliamentary committee on economy, trade and digital transformation instead of continuing to handle the issue privately.

Several research centres in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands uncovered a concealed tracking tool used on Android devices for almost a year.

Their findings showed that web browsing data had been linked to identities on Facebook and Instagram even when users relied on incognito mode or a VPN.

The practice may have contravened key European rules such as the GDPR, the ePrivacy Directive, the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, while class action lawsuits are already underway in Germany, the US and Canada.

Pedro Sánchez explained that the investigation aims to clarify events, demand accountability from company leadership and defend any fundamental rights that might have been undermined.

He stressed that the law in Spain prevails over algorithms, platforms or corporate size, and those who infringe on rights will face consequences.

The prime minister also revealed a package of upcoming measures to counter four major threats in the digital environment. A plan that focuses on disinformation, child protection, hate speech and privacy defence instead of reactive or fragmented actions.

He argued that social media offers value yet has evolved into a space shaped by profit over well-being, where engagement incentives overshadow rights. He concluded that the sector needs to be rebuilt to restore social cohesion and democratic resilience.

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Twitch is classified as age-restricted by the Australian regulator

Australia’s online safety regulator has moved to classify Twitch as an age-restricted social media platform after ruling that the service is centred on user interaction through livestreamed content.

The decision means Twitch must take reasonable steps to stop children under sixteen from creating accounts from 10 December instead of relying on its own internal checks.

Pinterest has been treated differently after eSafety found that its main purpose is image collection and idea curation instead of social interaction.

As a result, the platform will not be required to follow age-restriction rules. The regulator stressed that the courts hold the final say on whether a service is age-restricted. Yet, the assessments were carried out to support families and industry ahead of the December deadline.

The ruling places Twitch alongside earlier named platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

eSafety expects all companies operating in Australia to examine their legal responsibilities and has provided a self assessment tool to guide platforms that may fall under the social media minimum age requirements.

eSafety confirmed that assessments have been completed in stages to offer timely advice while reviews were still underway. The regulator added that no further assessments will be released before 10 December as preparations for compliance continue across the sector.

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Binance Japan integrates PayPay Money for crypto

Binance Japan and PayPay have launched a new service that enables users to purchase crypto assets using PayPay Money and PayPay Points. The integration allows funds deposited from PayPay Money to be used directly for spot trading on Binance Japan.

Users can also withdraw proceeds from crypto sales back into their PayPay Balance. Previously, trading and withdrawals were restricted to Japanese yen transfers via domestic banks or external wallets.

The new system allows one-click deposits and withdrawals, starting from JPY 1,000.

The service works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a smoother trading experience for both mobile and web users. To activate the integration, users enable the linkage via the PayPay icon within Binance Japan’s trading platform.

The initiative reflects growing collaboration between PayPay and Binance Japan, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility for both first-time traders and experienced users while expanding crypto adoption in Japan.

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Italy closes Google probe after consent changes

Italy has closed its investigation into Google after the company agreed to adjust how it requests user consent for personal data use. Regulators had accused Google of presenting unclear and potentially misleading choices when connecting users to its services.

The authority said Google will now offer clearer explanations about how consent affects data processing. Updates will outline where personal information may be combined or used across the company’s wider service ecosystem.

Officials launched the probe in July 2024, arguing Google’s approach could amount to aggressive commercial practice. Revised consent flows were accepted as sufficient remedies, leading to the closure of the case without financial penalties.

The Italian competition regulator indicated that transparency improvements were central to compliance. Similar scrutiny continues across Europe as regulators assess how large technology firms obtain permission for extensive data handling.

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GPT‑5 expands research speed and idea generation for scientists

AI technology is increasingly helping scientists accelerate research across fields including biology, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Early GPT‑5 studies show it can synthesise information, propose experiments, and aid in solving long-standing mathematical problems.

Experts note the technology expands the range of ideas researchers can explore and shortens the time to validate results.

Case studies demonstrate tangible benefits: in biology, GPT‑5 helped identify mechanisms in human immune cells within minutes, suggesting experiments that confirmed the results.

In mathematics, GPT‑5 suggested new approaches, and in optimisation, it identified improved solutions later verified by researchers.

These advances reinforce human-led research rather than replacing it.

OpenAI for Science emphasises collaboration between AI and experts. GPT‑5 excels at conceptual literature review, exploring connections across disciplines, and proposing hypotheses for experimental testing.

Its greatest impact comes when researchers guide the process, breaking down problems, critiquing suggestions, and validating outcomes.

Researchers caution that AI does not replace human expertise. Current models aid speed, idea generation, and breadth, but expert oversight is essential to ensure reliable and meaningful scientific contributions.

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