Digital standards

Australia slaps A$1 million fine on Telegram

Australia’s eSafety Commission has fined messaging platform Telegram A$1 million ($640,000) for failing to respond promptly to questions regarding measures it took to prevent child abuse and extremist content. The Commission had asked social media platforms, including Telegram, to provide details on their efforts to combat harmful content. Telegram missed the May 2024 deadline, submitting its response in October, which led to the fine.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasised the importance of timely transparency and adherence to Australian law. Telegram, however, disagreed with the penalty, stating that it had fully responded to the questions, and plans to appeal the fine, which it claims was solely due to the delay in response time.

The fine comes amid increasing global scrutiny of Telegram, with growing concerns over its use by extremists. Australia’s spy agency recently noted that a significant portion of counter-terrorism cases involved youth, highlighting the increasing risk posed by online extremist content. If Telegram does not comply with the penalty, the eSafety Commission could pursue further legal action.

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US lawmakers criticise EU’s Digital Markets Act

US House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan has called on European Union antitrust chief Teresa Ribera to clarify how the EU enforces its Digital Markets Act (DMA), which he believes disproportionately targets American companies. His request follows a memorandum signed by US President Donald Trump, warning that the administration would scrutinise the EU’s new rules regulating how US companies interact with consumers in Europe.

Jordan and his co-signatory, Scott Fitzgerald, criticised the DMA’s hefty fines, which can reach up to 10% of a company’s global revenue for violations. They argue that the rules not only disadvantage US companies but also potentially benefit Chinese firms, stifling innovation and handing over valuable data to adversarial nations. The letter urges Ribera to address these concerns with the judiciary committee by March 10.

The European Commission, where Ribera is the second-highest official, has rejected claims that its laws are aimed at American companies. Ribera defended the DMA in a recent interview, stating that the EU should not be pressured into altering laws that have already been approved by European lawmakers.

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The secret side of YouTube revealed

YouTube is approaching its 20th anniversary, but many fundamental details about the platform remain unknown. While Google shares select statistics, key information, like the total number of videos or the full extent of user engagement, remains elusive. A team of researchers, led by Ethan Zuckerman at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, devised a creative solution: they built a program that randomly generates video URLs, allowing them to sample YouTube’s vast catalogue in an unbiased way.

Their findings challenge common perceptions. YouTube is often associated with high-profile creators and viral content, but the reality is different. The majority of videos receive little to no engagement, with a median of just 41 views. Many uploads lack professional editing, and nearly 90% of videos have no likes at all. Additionally, English-language content, while dominant, makes up less than 30% of YouTube’s overall library.

The research also highlights YouTube’s critical role beyond entertainment. Millions of everyday users rely on it as a storage hub, a tool for local governance, and a platform for sharing niche content. Yet, Google keeps much of YouTube’s influence hidden, avoiding the scrutiny faced by other social media giants. As pressure mounts for greater transparency, experts argue that understanding YouTube’s full impact is essential for meaningful public debate and regulation.

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Content creators fear financial risks amid TikTok ban talks

For many creators, TikTok has become more than just a platform for viral trends—it’s their livelihood. Beauty content creator Leila Nikea left her job as a make-up artist three years ago to focus solely on TikTok, tripling her income and even buying her first home.

Yet, uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future has left her anxious, especially after the recent threat of a US ban over national security concerns. Although the ban was briefly implemented and then postponed, ongoing scrutiny has made creators like Leila fear for their financial stability.

Musicians Howard and George, known as The Whiskey Brothers, share similar concerns. After nearly two decades performing as a wedding band, TikTok finally gave them a platform to reach new audiences with their original music.

Their growing following led to their first official gig under their new name. However, the prospect of future bans has cast a shadow over their plans, making them question the long-term sustainability of their careers on TikTok.

Veteran tech influencer Safwan Ahmedmia, better known as SuperSaf, has already faced the consequences of a TikTok ban when India blocked the app in 2020, costing him thousands of followers. Now, he spreads his content across multiple platforms, advising fellow creators to do the same.

As debates over TikTok’s data privacy and security continue worldwide, creators are increasingly aware of the fragility of their digital careers. While many remain committed to their passions, the platform’s instability serves as a stark reminder of the risks tied to relying on a single app for income.

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China embraces DeepSeek for AI education

Chinese universities have launched AI courses based on DeepSeek, a breakthrough AI startup from Hangzhou, which has gained significant attention for its advanced models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1. These courses are part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to boost scientific and technological innovation in higher education, aiming to create new growth sources for the economy.

Shenzhen University has introduced an AI course focused on DeepSeek, addressing key technologies as well as ethical and security issues. Similarly, Zhejiang University began offering DeepSeek-based courses in February, while Shanghai’s Jiao Tong University has incorporated DeepSeek to enhance its AI learning tools. Renmin University is applying the technology across various academic and research fields.

This educational push aligns with China’s new national plan to build a “strong education nation” by 2035, aiming to establish a world-class, accessible education system. Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek, recently attended a high-level meeting with President Xi Jinping and other tech industry leaders, further highlighting the significance of the startup’s contributions.

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Brazil slaps X with $1.42 million fine for noncompliance

Brazil‘s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has fined social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, 8.1 million reais ($1.42 million) for failing to comply with judicial orders. The ruling, made public on Thursday, follows a legal case from 2023 where the court had instructed X to remove a profile spreading misinformation and provide the user’s registration data.

X’s failure to meet these demands resulted in a daily fine of 100,000 reais, and the company’s local legal representative faced potential criminal liability. The court order required the immediate payment of the fine, citing the platform’s noncompliance. X’s legal team in Brazil has not commented on the matter.

In 2024, X faced a month-long suspension in Brazil for not adhering to court orders related to hate speech moderation and for failing to designate a legal representative in the country, as mandated by law.

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Nigeria demands $81.5 billion from Binance over taxes and currency impact

Nigeria has filed a lawsuit against cryptocurrency giant Binance, demanding $79.5 billion in damages for alleged economic losses and $2 billion in unpaid taxes. The case, brought by Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), claims that Binance’s unregistered operations in the country have negatively impacted its currency and evaded significant tax obligations.

The lawsuit also seeks penalties and interest on the unpaid taxes, pushing the total amount even higher.

Authorities allege that Binance played a role in destabilising Nigeria‘s naira by becoming a primary platform for local currency trading. In 2024, two Binance executives were detained as part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency platforms.

The FIRS argues that Binance holds a “significant economic presence” in Nigeria, making it liable for corporate income tax for 2022 and 2023, plus a 10% penalty and a 26.75% interest rate on unpaid sums.

Binance, which has stopped trading in the naira and is contesting the charges, is also facing four counts of tax evasion, including non-payment of value-added tax and aiding users in tax avoidance. Separate money laundering charges have been filed by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, which Binance has denied.

The exchange previously stated that it is working with Nigerian authorities to address potential historic tax issues.

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Amazon’s own Appstore will no longer work on Android devices

Amazon has announced that its Appstore will no longer support Android devices from 20 August, 2025. While the marketplace will remain available on Fire TV and Amazon tablets, the company has not provided a clear reason for the change. Apps previously downloaded through the Appstore may continue to function, but Amazon warns they will no longer receive updates and may stop working over time.

This decision follows Microsoft’s move to discontinue Amazon’s Appstore support on Windows in early March. Alongside this, Amazon is also shutting down its Amazon Coins programme, a virtual currency used for app purchases. Users can spend their remaining balances until 20 August, after which refunds will be issued for any unused coins.

Despite attempts to compete with Google’s Play Store, Amazon’s Appstore struggled to gain widespread traction. While it initially offered unique features like app test drives and exclusive deals, its market share has diminished over time. With this latest move, Amazon appears to be shifting focus away from third-party Android devices, consolidating its ecosystem around its own hardware.

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China’s tech giants take on US rivals in stock market surge

Chinese tech stocks are experiencing a major surge, inspiring catchy nicknames as they rival the United States ‘Magnificent Seven’ tech giants. Driven by excitement around AI startup DeepSeek and perceived state backing following President Xi Jinping’s meeting with business leaders like Alibaba founder Jack Ma, the Hong Kong market has climbed significantly.

The Hang Seng index now ranks among the best-performing major markets this year, with leading firms stepping into the spotlight.

Brokerages have dubbed rising Chinese companies the ‘Seven Sisters,’ likely emerging from sectors like AI, chip-making, and high-end manufacturing. Companies such as Tencent, Alibaba, Xiaomi, and BYD are top contenders.

Another group, the ‘Terrific Ten,’ has also gained attention, with firms like JD.com, Geely, Baidu, and SMIC included, boosting the Hang Seng Tech index by nearly 70% over the past year—outpacing Nasdaq’s 27% gain.

The rivalry pits China‘s rising stars against the US ‘Magnificent Seven,’ a term coined by Bank of America, representing giants like Apple, Meta, and Nvidia.

Meanwhile, UBS has identified eight AI-driven Chinese stocks as the ‘VENUS Eight,’ and DeepSeek features among the ‘Little Dragon’ startups in Hangzhou, signalling China’s growing tech ambitions in the global market.

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Sanas raises millions to transform call centre communication

AI start-up Sanas has raised $65 million in a new funding round, valuing the company at over $500 million. The firm, founded in 2020, uses artificial intelligence to modify call centre workers’ accents in real time, aiming to reduce discrimination and improve communication. Its software preserves the speaker’s emotions and identity while adjusting phonetic patterns instantly.

The company was inspired by a call centre worker’s struggle with accent bias, leading its founders to develop a solution that enhances clarity without replacing human connection. Despite concerns that such technology may homogenise voices rather than promote acceptance of diverse accents, Sanas insists its mission is to break barriers and reduce discrimination.

With an annual revenue of $21 million and a growing client base across healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, Sanas is rapidly expanding. The company plans to develop new AI-driven speech technologies, increase its global presence, and open an office in the Philippines, a major hub for call centres.

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