BigCommerce is bolstering its AI capabilities through collaboration with Google, aiming to enhance online store performance and drive customer growth. The Austin-based company introduced a suite of new AI-focused solutions during its recent product launch, including tools for personalised product recommendations and AI-generated quote proposal emails, with plans for more features like semantic search and predictive analytics.
These enhancements build on BigCommerce’s partnership with GoogleCloud’s AI technology, which was formed about a year ago. The company is positioning itself against competitors like Shopify and Amazon, which have also integrated AI to improve their platforms. BigCommerce believes these updates will benefit merchants significantly, particularly in terms of efficiency and customer experience.
Despite a challenging journey since going public in 2020, BigCommerce is making substantial investments in AI, and it is already showing positive results. Recent earnings reports indicate an 11% increase in revenue, driven partly by the success of these AI tools, and a reduction in net losses compared to the previous year.
The company remains optimistic that its AI strategy will pay off, helping it compete more effectively in e-commerce. BigCommerce is committed to providing merchants with various AI-powered tools, enabling them to choose the best solutions for their unique needs.
American multinational transportation company Uber faces a significant penalty of €290 million in the Netherlands for transferring the personal data of European taxi drivers to the United States. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) ruled that the ride-hailing company violated the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by failing to safeguard the data appropriately. Data transfer to the US was deemed a serious breach of the EU privacy laws.
Uber, which has halted the practice, plans to appeal the fine, arguing that its data transfer process complied with GDPR during legal uncertainty between the EU and the US. The appeal process could extend over four years, during which any fines will be suspended.
The case originated from a complaint by a French human rights organisation on behalf of over 170 taxi drivers in France. Although the complaint was initially filed with France’s national data protection regulator, CNIL, it was forwarded to the Dutch DPA because Uber’s European headquarters is in the Netherlands.
Earlier this year, Uber was also fined €10 million by the DPA for other privacy infringements involving its drivers’ data. These fines reflect increasing scrutiny over how global tech companies handle sensitive data across borders.
Chinese entities linked to the state are turning to cloud services from Amazon and its rivals to access advanced US chips and AI capabilities that are otherwise restricted. Over the past year, at least 11 Chinese organisations have sought cloud services to bypass US export restrictions on high-end AI chips, according to tender documents.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) was specifically mentioned as a provider in several cases, though Chinese intermediaries were used to access the services. US regulations focus on the export or transfer of physical technology, leaving a loophole for cloud-based access. This has allowed US companies to profit from China’s growing demand for computing power.
Efforts to close this loophole are ongoing. US legislators have expressed concerns, and the Commerce Department is considering new rules to tighten control over remote access to advanced technology. AWS has stated that it complies with all applicable laws, including trade regulations in the countries where it operates.
Microsoft’s cloud services have also been sought by Chinese universities for AI projects. These activities highlight the increasing demand for US technology in China and the challenges in enforcing export controls. Both Amazon and Microsoft declined to comment on specific deals, but the implications for US-China tech relations are significant.
Visitors to the Great Wall of China can now enjoy the convenience of having food and drinks delivered by drones. Chinese delivery company Meituan has launched the first drone service in Beijing, designed to serve tourists exploring a remote section of the Great Wall. The drones, which can carry up to 2.3 kilograms, cover the distance from a nearby hotel rooftop to a watchtower in just five minutes, significantly faster than the 50 minutes it would take on foot.
The service operates between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a nominal delivery fee of just 4 yuan. After completing deliveries, drones also assist in carrying waste to recycling stations. While the drones are autonomous, they still require human assistance to load packages at the hotel and receive them at the watchtower, where app users collect their orders.
Meituan’s expansion into drone delivery is part of a broader trend across China, where drones are increasingly used for logistics in both urban and rural areas. The company first tested drone deliveries in Shenzhen in 2021 and now operates over 30 routes across multiple cities, including Shanghai. These drones navigate urban spaces by following set paths and delivering packages to designated kiosks.
The rise in drone delivery services aligns with the Chinese government’s push to develop the ‘low-altitude economy,’ a new growth sector focusing on businesses that utilise civil aerial vehicles. This initiative is seen as a key driver for the country’s economic future, reflecting the growing importance of innovative technology in everyday life.
A fast fashion retailer Shein has escalated its legal battle against rival Temu by filing a lawsuit accusing Temu of operating as an unlawful enterprise. The allegations against Temu include counterfeiting, theft of trade secrets, and manipulating sellers on its platform. Shein claims Temu exerts complete control over its sellers, even preventing them from removing products after admitting to intellectual property infringement.
The lawsuit is part of an ongoing feud between the two budget retailers, which have exchanged legal threats before. Temu had previously accused Shein of pressuring manufacturers to cut ties with it, while Shein claimed Temu encouraged false statements by influencers. Both companies are known for aggressive tactics to dominate the US market, where Temu has recently overtaken Shein in sales.
Shein’s latest lawsuit also highlights its own struggle to improve its reputation as it prepares to go public in the US. The company, notorious for poor working conditions and accusations of copying independent designers, now accuses Temu of similar practices. Both retailers are heavily reliant on the Chinese supply chain and exploit trade loopholes to maintain their competitive pricing.
Meanwhile, Shein itself faces a class action lawsuit, accused of large-scale copyright infringement against small designers and artists. Despite these legal challenges, Shein continues to battle Temu in a race to the bottom in the competitive world of fast fashion.
India’s Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, has accused Amazon and other e-commerce giants of predatory pricing practices that threaten the survival of millions of traditional brick-and-mortar stores in the country. He expressed concerns that these companies are using their vast investments to mask business losses and undercut smaller retailers, thus bypassing Indian regulations designed to protect local businesses.
Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart have significantly transformed India‘s retail sector by investing billions to attract consumers with enticing discounts. However, India’s regulations prohibit these companies from directly selling to consumers, limiting them to operating marketplaces where third-party sellers offer products. Despite these restrictions, small retailers have alleged that Amazon and Flipkart use complex business structures to circumvent the rules.
Goyal’s comments came during an event in New Delhi, where he criticised Amazon, accusing the company of using its substantial investments to cover up losses linked to predatory pricing tactics. He questioned the legitimacy of Amazon’s business practices but did not provide specific evidence to support his claims. Both Amazon and Flipkart have yet to respond to these allegations.
Why does this matter?
In the past, Goyal has openly criticised US e-commerce companies for exploiting their scale and access to low-cost capital to the detriment of small retailers. A report in 2021 revealed that Amazon allegedly helped a select group of sellers thrive on its Indian platform by offering them discounted fees, which allowed the company to bypass foreign investment laws—a claim Amazon has denied.
Both Amazon and Flipkart are currently under investigation by Indian antitrust authorities, but they continue to deny any wrongdoing. Goyal’s remarks have reignited the debate over the impact of large e-commerce players on India’s traditional retail landscape.
As a part of its ongoing investigation, the European Commission has imposed a final duty of 36.3% on imported electric vehicles manufactured in China. Some specified companies who have cooperated with the EU in the process of the investigation will, however, be subjected to a reduced tariff rate of 21.3%.
The EU launched the investigation in October 2023 against the backdrop of a witnessed spike in low-cost electric vehicle export from China to the EU and is expected to conclude by November this year. It seeks to examine whether Chinese clean tech products are dumping subsidised goods in the EU market and if Chinese-owned entities operating within the EU avail of any other unfair subsidy advantages.
The final duty needs further approval from EU’s 27 countries and will take effect unless a majority of 15 countries representing 65% of the EU population vote against it. These duties are expected to be confirmed by 30 October and typically last for five years. Meanwhile, talks between Europe and China could also lead to a compromise to mitigate or avoid the tariffs altogether.
A recent report from research firm Arize AI reveals a dramatic surge in Fortune 500 companies identifying AI as a significant risk. Out of the 500 companies, 281—accounting for 56.2%—cited AI as a risk, marking a 473.5% increase from the previous year. The report suggests that while AI is seen chiefly as a risk factor, there are opportunities for businesses to stand out through innovation and transparency in their use of generative AI.
The media and entertainment industry is the most concerned, with 91.7% of its Fortune 500 companies citing AI risks. Netflix and Disney, for instance, highlighted potential competitive disadvantages and unsettled regulations impacting revenue and production processes. Other sectors such as software and tech (86.4%), telecommunications (70%), healthcare (65.1%), financial services (62.7%), and retail (60%) also expressed significant concerns. Conversely, the automotive, energy, and manufacturing sectors reported fewer AI-related issues, with only 18.8%, 37.3%, and 39.7% respectively recognising AI risks.
Notable companies have provided concrete examples of AI-related risks. Motorola warned that AI might malfunction or use flawed datasets, potentially harming operational results and reputation. Salesforce highlighted possible governmental scrutiny and reputational damage tied to its AI solutions, especially around human rights and privacy. The importance of AI in cybersecurity was also emphasised, noting both its potential for enhancing security and posing new threats.
The report underscores the need for consumer acceptance of AI’s benefits, with academic experts stressing that public trust is crucial. Overall, the findings indicate that AI risks are now a prominent concern for corporate America, but they also offer a chance for businesses to differentiate through proactive innovation and clear communication.
A new AI-driven device, the Bzigo Iris, is poised to change how we deal with mosquitoes at home. Equipped with advanced technology, the device detects and tracks pests using AI and infrared LEDs, even in complete darkness. Once detected, the Bzigo Iris marks its location with a safe laser pointer and sends an alert to your smartphone, guiding you to the precise spot.
Designed primarily for use in bedrooms, the Bzigo Iris offers a chemical-free, eco-friendly solution to mosquito control. It stands out by distinguishing them from other insects, ensuring minimal false alarms, and operates continuously without the need for refills or batteries. The device is easy to set up, requiring only a plug-in and a simple app download to start working.
However, while the Bzigo Iris excels at locating mosquitoes, it doesn’t kill them. Users must still rely on the included rechargeable electric swatter to eliminate the pests. Despite this, the device offers significant advantages, particularly for those seeking a safe, non-toxic method to manage gnats.
Priced at $339, the Bzigo Iris represents a significant investment, but its potential to provide a mosquito-free environment around the clock could make it a valuable addition to homes struggling with these persistent insects.
The Bank of Ghana has introduced draft regulations to establish a secure framework for the cryptocurrency sector. The proposed rules aim to enhance financial inclusion while safeguarding consumers against financial crimes. Virtual asset service providers (VASPs) will need to register with authorities and adhere to strict guidelines. Commercial banks are prohibited from directly engaging with virtual asset businesses.
Ghana’s increasing digital asset usage, driven by widespread internet access, has prompted the need for regulation. The central bank’s analysis highlighted the role of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and USDT in cross-border payments and remittances. The regulations are designed to address money laundering, fraud, and cybersecurity risks, aligning with international standards.
The proposed regulations will primarily oversee cryptocurrency exchanges and VASPs. These entities must register with either the Bank of Ghana or the Ghanaian Securities and Exchange Commission. They are also required to meet capital requirements and implement risk management frameworks. Financial institutions can only provide services to registered VASPs, with direct dealings with virtual asset businesses strictly prohibited.
Before the regulations are finalised, the Bank of Ghana plans to conduct sandbox testing to refine the rules. The public has been invited to submit feedback on the proposed regulations until the end of August.
