Google has made its powerful Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available to free users for the first time. Previously reserved for subscribers, the experimental version is now accessible via the Gemini app, web platform, and AI Studio.
The model is designed to handle complex prompts, showcase advanced reasoning, and assist with coding tasks. It performs strongly in maths and science benchmarks, and even created a working video game from just one line of text in a demo.
Though still experimental, Gemini 2.5 Pro supports tools like file uploads and app extensions. Users can also see how it breaks down a request before replying, offering deeper insight into the through process of the AI.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
TikTok is expanding its e-commerce push by launching TikTok Shop in France, Germany and Italy. Already active in Spain and Ireland, the feature allows users to buy products directly within the app via videos, livestreams and a dedicated shop tab.
Customers can now browse, order, and get personalised product suggestions without leaving TikTok. However, users under 18 won’t be able to access content linked to TikTok Shop, with the platform promising stricter moderation.
The move has sparked concern among French retailers, with trade groups calling on the government to act against what they see as unfair competition from platforms like TikTok, Shein and Temu. Lawmakers are also investigating TikTok’s impact on young users.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The Coimisiún na Meán has warned that differing interpretations of the Digital Services Act (DSA) by EU regulators are hindering a unified approach to online platform regulation.
Maria Donde, Director of International Affairs at Coimisiún na Meán, highlighted the challenges of aligning various regulators’ approaches to the DSA, which has left room for interpretation.
She emphasised the importance of finding common ground, especially as the DSA, which came into effect last February, imposes transparency and election integrity requirements on platforms.
The DSA requires each EU member state to appoint a Digital Services Coordinator as a point of contact for platforms. Ireland, home to major platforms like TikTok and X, is at the forefront of enforcement.
Donde stressed the need for a consistent voice within the EU, particularly as the law faces criticism globally. The US government has condemned the EU’s regulatory approach, calling it a threat to free speech and accusing Europe of sidelining US tech companies.
The European Commission has already initiated several investigations under the DSA, targeting platforms such as X, TikTok, and Temu. These probes are ongoing, with potential fines for non-compliance reaching up to 6% of a company’s global turnover.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Binance has introduced Apple Pay and Google Pay as new payment options for depositing EUR via credit and debit cards. The feature is available on both the Binance website and mobile app, in Lite and Pro modes.
By integrating these popular digital wallets, Binance aims to offer users an easier way to fund their accounts for cryptocurrency trading.
To use these payment options, Binance users must log in and select the EUR deposit option. After choosing either Apple Pay or Google Pay, users can enter the amount they wish to deposit.
Mobile users must update their Binance app to the latest version to access the new payment methods.
In addition to this feature, Binance has been actively securing investments and enhancing its services. The exchange secured a USD 2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX in March 2025.
It marks the largest institutional investment in a cryptocurrency firm. Binance has also been involved in a legal battle with the SEC, seeking a 60-day delay in the ongoing lawsuit.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Microsoft is marking its 50th anniversary as a pillar of modern computing, having grown from humble beginnings into a $2.9 trillion tech titan. Once known for Windows and Office, the company now bets big on AI to shape its future.
Under CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has shifted to cloud-based services and embraced AI through its partnership with OpenAI. While its cloud business thrives, critics note the firm still trails rivals like Google and AWS in building core AI technologies.
Despite past missteps in mobile and social platforms, Microsoft remains a major force, with ventures like Xbox, LinkedIn, and a bid for TikTok. As it turns 50, the tech giant is navigating a new era, one where AI defines the next frontier.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
California has amended its money transmission bill to include significant protections for Bitcoin and crypto investors. The focus is on securing self-custody rights for the state’s 40 million residents.
Originally introduced as the Money Transmission Act, the bill has now been renamed ‘Digital Assets.’ It aims to ensure that digital assets are recognised as valid payment forms in private transactions.
The updated legislation guarantees Californians the right to self-custody their digital assets. It also prohibits public entities from restricting or taxing them based solely on their use as payment.
Additionally, it expands the state’s Political Reform Act to prevent public officials from engaging in digital asset transactions that could create conflicts of interest.
California’s bill positions the state as a potential leader in setting national policy for digital assets. Dennis Porter, CEO of Satoshi Action Fund, suggested that if successful, similar legislation could spread across the US.
Currently, 99 merchants in California accept Bitcoin payments. Major crypto firms, such as Ripple Labs and Solana Labs, are also based in the state.
Meanwhile, a stablecoin-related bill has been introduced to provide clearer regulations on stablecoin collateral and security audits. The rise in Bitcoin-related legislation continues across the country, with 95 bills introduced in 35 states.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Apple has been fined €150 million ($162.42 million) by French antitrust regulators for allegedly abusing its dominant position in mobile app advertising between 2021 and 2023. The fine is the first to be imposed on Apple over its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool.
While the tool, which allows iPhone and iPad users to control app tracking, is not criticised itself, the French competition watchdog claimed its implementation was excessive and not proportional to its goal of protecting personal data.
The French regulators stated that ATT particularly harmed smaller publishers, who rely heavily on third-party data for their business. Despite the fine, Apple was not required to modify the ATT tool.
The decision follows complaints from online advertisers, publishers, and internet networks, who accused Apple of misusing its market power. Apple expressed disappointment with the fine but noted that no changes to the tool were mandated.
The fine comes after a €1.8 billion penalty last year from the EU, which accused Apple of restricting music streaming competitors. Additionally, the German antitrust agency has launched a probe into Apple for allegedly giving itself preferential treatment with the same privacy tool.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is preparing to introduce a major regulatory shift by classifying cryptocurrencies as financial assets. The plan includes bringing digital assets under insider trading laws.
The changes will align cryptocurrencies with regulations for stocks and other traditional financial instruments. The FSA is currently working on amending the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to implement these changes.
The proposed amendment may be submitted to the parliament of Japan as early as next year. It reflects a broader global trend of increasing regulatory oversight for digital assets.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken similar steps. It recently announced that digital asset derivatives will be regulated like other financial products. The FDIC allows banks to engage in crypto transactions without prior approval if they manage risks effectively.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued guidance for banks on cryptocurrency integration. Institutions must implement appropriate risk management measures in their operations.
FDIC Acting Chairman Travis Hill called it a shift toward a more secure crypto environment. The developments highlight a growing global recognition of digital assets and the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The US is just days away from imposing a ban on TikTok unless a deal is struck with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. The ban, set to take effect on Saturday, would affect 170 million American users of the popular app.
However, President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached in time. He extended the deadline from January to April 5 to give ByteDance more time to find a non-Chinese buyer for TikTok’s US operations.
Trump mentioned that there is significant interest from potential buyers, with private equity firm Blackstone reportedly evaluating a minority investment in TikTok’s US business.
The discussions are centred on ByteDance’s existing non-Chinese shareholders, including Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic. Washington’s main concern is that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance allows the Chinese government to potentially influence the app and collect data on Americans.
Despite the pressure, TikTok has yet to comment on the situation. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, TikTok faces the risk of being banned, though the app would remain on users’ devices if already installed. However, new users would not be able to download it.
The app is already banned in countries like India over similar national security concerns.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
UK authorities have frozen nearly $7.7 million worth of illicit cryptocurrency assets in just one year, according to recent reports. The largest freeze, amounting to $2 million, targeted a wallet hosted on Coinbase.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and police have been granted special powers to freeze, seize, and destroy cryptocurrencies connected to criminal organisations. The powers allow law enforcement to freeze crypto wallets for up to three years.
Despite the $7.7 million being small compared to global crypto transactions, experts believe UK authorities are making significant progress. The government devotes more resources to combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
However, challenges persist, as many suspects are foreign nationals. Additionally, criminals often use private wallets to hide illicit funds.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
