A German court has ordered Signify, the world’s largest lighting maker, to recall and destroy certain products sold since 2017, citing patent infringement claims made by Seoul Semiconductor, a South Korean firm. The Düsseldorf court also ruled that Signify could face fines of up to €250,000 ($259,925) for each violation of the order, according to a statement from Seoul Semiconductor.
Signify, headquartered in the Netherlands and spun off from Philips in 2016, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The court ruling adds to the challenges faced by the company, which has a global reputation in the lighting industry.
Seoul Semiconductor, a leader in light-emitting diode (LED) technology, invests heavily in innovation, allocating about 10% of its revenue to research and development. The company boasts a portfolio of over 18,000 patents and has pursued legal action against multinational corporations to protect its intellectual property rights.
Google is introducing major updates to its Maps Timeline feature, shifting towards enhanced privacy by storing location history locally on users’ devices. This change means that any unbacked location history data will be automatically deleted after three months unless users take action to save it. Notifications regarding the update will provide a six-month window to back up data, urging users to preserve personal memories or valuable travel records before permanent deletion.
To save Timeline data, users can utilise Google’s export tools on their devices or through the web. This process allows users to maintain access to their past location history while ensuring it remains private and under their control. However, some users have reported unexpected deletions, emphasising the importance of regular backups to avoid data loss.
These updates are part of the US-based tech giant’s broader efforts to address privacy concerns by limiting the storage of sensitive data on its servers. While this move enhances data security, users are encouraged to take proactive steps to back up important information, explore privacy features like incognito mode, and consider additional tools such as VPNs to protect their online activity.
Vietnam’s new internet law, known as ‘Decree 147,’ came into effect Wednesday, requiring platforms like Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and share data with authorities upon request. Critics view the move as a crackdown on freedom of expression, with activists warning it will stifle dissent and blur the lines between legal and illegal online activity. Under the rules, tech companies must store verified information alongside users’ names and dates of birth and remove government-designated “illegal” content within 24 hours.
The decree also impacts the booming social commerce sector by allowing only verified accounts to livestream. Additionally, it imposes restrictions on gaming for minors, limiting sessions to one hour and a maximum of 180 minutes daily. Vietnam, with over 65 million Facebook users and a growing gaming population, may see significant disruptions in online behaviour and businesses.
Critics liken the law to China’s tight internet controls. Activists and content creators have expressed fear of persecution, citing recent examples like the 12-year prison sentence for a YouTuber critical of the government. Despite the sweeping measures, some local businesses and gamers remain sceptical about enforcement, suggesting a wait-and-see approach to the decree’s real-world impact.
Google has proposed a legal alternative to a United States Department of Justice recommendation to dismantle its Chrome browser. Instead, the company suggests barring itself from using app licensing agreements to secure default software positions.
The proposal follows a landmark ruling declaring Google a monopoly. The government seeks stronger measures, including a ban on exclusive deals ensuring Google’s dominance on smartphones and other devices.
Judge Amit Mehta’s decision on antitrust remedies is expected to influence the tech industry. Google plans to appeal any adverse ruling.
Apple has requested to participate in the US antitrust trial against Google, arguing it cannot trust Google to safeguard their shared revenue agreements. These agreements make Google the default search engine on Apple’s Safari browser, generating an estimated $20 billion for Apple in 2022. Despite this lucrative partnership, Apple confirmed it has no plans to develop its search engine, regardless of the trial’s outcome.
The Department of Justice’s case against Google is a pivotal effort to curb the tech giant’s dominance in online search. Prosecutors allege that Google’s practices stifle competition and may push for drastic measures such as divesting its Chrome browser or Android operating system. Apple, aiming to protect its financial interests, plans to present witnesses in the April trial.
While Google has proposed easing its default agreements with browser developers and device manufacturers, it has resisted ending its ad revenue-sharing deals. Apple criticised Google’s ability to represent its interests as the trial escalated into a broader challenge to Google’s business model. A Google spokesperson declined to comment on the case.
Google contractors improving the Gemini AI model have been tasked with comparing its responses against those of Anthropic’s Claude, according to internal documents reviewed by TechCrunch. The evaluation process involves scoring responses on criteria such as truthfulness and verbosity, with contractors given up to 30 minutes per prompt to determine which model performs better. Notably, some outputs identify themselves as Claude, sparking questions about Google’s use of its competitor’s model.
Claude’s responses, known for emphasising safety, have sometimes refused to answer prompts deemed unsafe, unlike Gemini, which has faced criticism for safety violations. One such instance involved Gemini generating responses flagged for inappropriate content. Despite Google’s significant investment in Anthropic, Claude’s terms of service prohibit its use to train or build competing AI models without prior approval.
A spokesperson for Google DeepMind stated that while the company compares model outputs for evaluation purposes, it does not train Gemini using Anthropic models. Anthropic, however, declined to comment on whether Google had obtained permission to use Claude for these tests. Recent revelations also highlight contractor concerns over Gemini producing potentially inaccurate information on sensitive topics, including healthcare.
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.
According to state media reports, Iran has lifted its ban on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a tentative move toward easing internet restrictions. Known for its stringent online censorship, Iran has long restricted access to US-based platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, though many Iranians bypass these blocks using virtual private networks.
The decision, announced after a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, reflects a ‘positive majority vote’ to restore access to some popular foreign platforms. Information and Communications Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi hailed the move as the ‘first step in removing internet limitations.’
Social media has played a significant role in Iran, particularly as a tool for organising anti-government protests. In response to such restrictions, the United States has urged Big Tech companies to support efforts to circumvent censorship in countries like Iran.
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.
Hyundai has dissolved its Semiconductor Strategy Office, signalling a strategic shift in its in-house chip ambitions. Established in 2022, the office was a key part of the company’s plans for autonomous vehicle technology but has now been integrated into other divisions, including the Advanced Vehicle Platform and procurement departments. Vice President Jae-Seok Chae, who led the office, also stepped down as part of the reorganisation.
The move reflects Hyundai’s effort to streamline operations and enhance synergy, though it marks a significant challenge for its plans to develop in-house autonomous driving chips. The company has relied heavily on Mobileye’s ADAS chips while facing competition from industry leaders such as Tesla, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm.
Reports suggest Hyundai is reassessing its semiconductor projects, with one major autonomous driving chip programme under review. Alternatives could include collaborating with AI firm Tenstorrent or outsourcing chip production to Samsung, potentially using the tech giant’s 5-nm-based SF5A process.
Hyundai’s reshuffle highlights the growing pressure on automakers to innovate in the autonomous vehicle market while managing cost and resource challenges. Future developments may determine whether the company continues in-house efforts or pivots entirely to external partnerships.
