Greek authorities have made their first-ever cryptocurrency seizure, confiscating 273,000 USDT (Tether) as part of a criminal investigation. The operation, conducted in December, was carried out under the supervision of the Greek European Public Prosecutor’s Office and involved collaboration with various law enforcement departments, including the Digital Evidence Examination Department.
The seizure, which is part of the ongoing ‘Admiral’ operation, highlights the growing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with advanced technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies, known for their anonymity and security features, are often used in criminal activities such as fraud and money laundering. Experts stress the need for precision and expertise in handling digital assets, as mistakes can lead to irreversible losses.
Crypto-related scams are becoming more common in Greece, with many victims falling prey to fraudulent schemes. As cryptocurrencies gain popularity, particularly with the rise of Bitcoin and NFTs, the lack of understanding among the public increases the risk of scams. Experts warn that technological advances in AI are making these scams harder to detect, even for experienced investors.
In addition to combating fraud, authorities are also focusing on the management of seized cryptocurrencies, with plans to convert them into funds for the state, similar to practices in other European countries.
As Germany prepares for national elections on February 23, political parties are outlining their tech policy priorities, including digitalisation, AI, and platform regulation. Here’s where the leading parties stand as they finalise their programs ahead of the vote.
The centre-right CDU, currently leading in polls with 33%, proposes creating a dedicated Digital Ministry to streamline responsibilities under the Ministry of Transport. The party envisions broader use of AI and cloud technology in German industry while simplifying citizen interactions with authorities through digital accounts.
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD, polling at 15%, focuses on reducing dependence on US and Chinese tech platforms by promoting European alternatives. The party also prioritises faster digitalisation of public administration and equitable rules for regulating AI and digital platforms, echoing EU-wide goals of tech sovereignty and security.
The Greens, with 14% support, highlight the role of AI in reducing administrative workloads amid labour shortages. They stress the need for greater interoperability across IT systems and call for an open-source strategy to modernise Germany’s digital infrastructure, warning that the country lags behind EU digitalisation targets.
The far-right AfD, projected to secure 17%, opposes EU platform regulations like the Digital Services Act and seeks to reverse Germany’s adoption of the NetzDG law. The party argues these measures infringe on free speech and calls for transparency in funding non-state actors and NGOs involved in shaping public opinion.
The parties’ contrasting visions set the stage for significant debates on the future of technology policy in Germany.
Google’s proposed adjustments to its search result formats, aimed at complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), have gained backing from Airlines for Europe, a major lobbying group representing airlines such as Air France KLM and Lufthansa. The DMA prohibits tech giants like Google from favouring their services in search results, with non-compliance risking fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover.
The airline group endorsed Google’s horizontal layout, featuring same-sized boxes for airlines and comparison sites, with a distinct blue colour for differentiation. However, they raised concerns over pricing consistency and criticised Google’s plan to use indicative dates rather than specific ones for flight bookings, arguing that this change could harm the consumer experience.
In response to ongoing disagreements with rivals, Google has signalled it may revert to its older “10 blue links” search result format if consensus cannot be reached on its current proposals. This highlights the challenges tech companies face in balancing regulatory compliance with the demands of diverse stakeholders.
Ceneo, a subsidiary of Polish e-commerce platform Allegro, has filed a lawsuit against Google and its parent company Alphabet, seeking 2.33 billion zlotys ($567.6 million) in damages. The lawsuit claims Google’s preference for its price comparison services in search results caused significant harm to Ceneo’s business.
Ceneo’s demands include 1.72 billion zlotys for losses incurred and an additional 615 million zlotys in interest from 2013 to November 2024. The company also plans to seek statutory interest from the filing date until damages are paid. The case is tied to the European Union’s $2.7 billion antitrust fine against Google for leveraging its dominance in search to disadvantage smaller rivals.
A Google spokesperson responded to the lawsuit, expressing disagreement and stating the company’s ‘Shopping remedy’ has been effective in supporting brands, retailers, and comparison sites across Europe. Meanwhile, broader efforts to curb Google’s dominance include a US Department of Justice recommendation for Google to divest its Chrome browser and abstain from re-entering the browser market for five years.
The Biden administration has initiated a trade investigation targeting Chinese-made legacy semiconductors, which power everyday goods like cars and telecom equipment. This ‘Section 301’ probe aims to address concerns about China’s state-driven expansion in chip manufacturing, which US officials warn could harm American semiconductor producers. Departing President Joe Biden had already imposed a 50% tariff on Chinese semiconductors, set to take effect 1 January, while tightening export controls on advanced AI and memory chips.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo revealed that Chinese legacy chips account for two-thirds of semiconductors in US products, with many companies unaware of their origin—a finding she called alarming, particularly for the defence industry. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai stated that China’s subsidised chip pricing threatens global competition, enabling rapid capacity growth and undercutting market-oriented producers.
China’s commerce ministry has criticised the probe, calling it protectionist and a potential disruptor to global supply chains. Meanwhile, a public hearing on the issue is scheduled for March, with the probe expected to conclude within a year. The investigation follows the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on semiconductor supply chains, prompting the US efforts to bolster domestic chip production with $52.7 billion in subsidies.
As the Biden administration transitions to President-elect Donald Trump’s leadership in January, this probe may offer Trump an opportunity to escalate tariffs on Chinese imports, echoing the trade practices he implemented during his prior term. Critics, including the US tech industry, have urged officials to approach the investigation collaboratively to avoid further disruption.
Samsung Electronics, Texas Instruments, and Amkor Technology are set to receive a combined $6.75 billion in chip manufacturing incentives from the US Commerce Department. The funding aims to bolster domestic semiconductor production and strengthen the supply chain.
Samsung will receive up to $4.745 billion, slightly reduced from the initial $6.4 billion estimate, reflecting scaled-down investment plans. The South Korean tech giant plans to invest $37 billion by 2030 to build chip production facilities, a research centre, and a packaging site. These projects are expected to solidify the US as a hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Texas Instruments has secured up to $1.61 billion for expanding its chip production facilities in Texas and Utah. The company is investing over $18 billion through 2029, creating 2,000 manufacturing jobs. Amkor Technology will receive $407 million to help build a $2 billion semiconductor packaging plant in Arizona, its largest in the US. This facility will cater to chips for autonomous vehicles, 5G/6G, and data centres.
These awards form part of a broader $39 billion subsidy programme for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Over $33 billion of the allocated funding has now been finalised, with the US positioned as the sole nation hosting all five leading-edge chipmakers.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has voiced concerns over Synopsys’ proposed $35 billion acquisition of Ansys, claiming the deal could harm innovation, reduce product quality, and increase costs in the semiconductor design and light-simulation software markets. The regulator fears diminished competition could negatively impact UK businesses and consumers, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which rely heavily on semiconductor technology.
Synopsys, a leader in chip design software, announced the acquisition in January, aiming to combine its tools with Ansys’ diverse software offerings, used in industries ranging from aerospace to consumer goods. However, the CMA has highlighted risks of reduced consumer choice and a potential stifling of advancements in the sector. If these concerns are not adequately addressed, the regulator may initiate an in-depth investigation into the merger.
In response, Synopsys has proposed selling its optical solutions business to Keysight Technologies, a move it believes will satisfy the CMA’s concerns. A company spokesperson expressed confidence in resolving the regulatory hurdles and expects the deal to close in the first half of 2025. The CMA’s final decision could shape the future landscape of competition in the semiconductor and simulation software industries, as global demand for advanced technologies continues to grow.
President-elect Donald Trump hinted at allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US, at least temporarily, citing the platform’s significant role in his presidential campaign. Speaking to conservative supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump shared that his campaign content had garnered billions of views on TikTok, describing it as a “beautiful” success that made him reconsider the app’s future.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced pressure from US lawmakers to divest the app over national security concerns, with allegations that Chinese control of TikTok poses risks to American data. The US Supreme Court is set to decide on the matter, as ByteDance challenges a law that could force divestment. Without a favourable ruling or compliance with the law, TikTok could face a US ban by January 19, just before Trump takes office.
Trump’s openness to TikTok contrasts with bipartisan support for stricter measures against the app. While the Justice Department argues that Chinese ties to TikTok remain a security threat, TikTok counters that its user data and operations are managed within the US, with storage handled by Oracle and moderation decisions made domestically. Despite ongoing legal battles, Trump’s remarks and a recent meeting with TikTok’s CEO suggest he sees potential in maintaining the platform’s presence in the US market.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Japan’s competition watchdog, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), is expected to find Google guilty of violating the country’s antitrust laws. The JFTC is reportedly preparing to issue a cease-and-desist order, directing Google to halt its monopolistic practices. The investigation, which began last October, focuses on Google’s dominance in web search services.
Google has yet to comment on the allegations, and the JFTC has also not responded to requests for a statement. This investigation follows similar antitrust actions in Europe and other major economies, where concerns have been raised about Google’s market power. The company’s Chrome browser, which is the most widely used globally, plays a central role in its advertising business by providing valuable user data.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of Google’s practices. In the US, the Department of Justice has argued that Google should be forced to divest Chrome and be banned from re-entering the browser market for five years as part of efforts to address its search engine monopoly.
Democratic Senator Ed Markey and Republican Senator Rand Paul are urging President Joe Biden to extend the January 19 deadline for ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, to sell the app’s US assets or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on January 10 regarding ByteDance’s legal challenge, which claims the law mandating the sale violates First Amendment free speech rights. In their letter to Biden, the senators highlighted the potential consequences for free expression and the uncertain future of the law.
The controversial legislation, signed by Biden in April, was passed due to national security concerns. The Justice Department asserts that TikTok’s vast data on 170 million American users poses significant risks, including potential manipulation of content. TikTok, however, denies posing any threat to US security.
The debate has split lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supports enforcing the deadline, while President-elect Donald Trump has softened his stance, expressing support for TikTok and suggesting he would review the situation. The deadline falls just a day before Trump is set to take office on January 20, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the app’s fate.
