Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is once again under fire by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) over its ad-free subscription service. Introduced in 2023, the fee-based option offered European users the ability to opt out of personalised ads, with a subsequent price cut of 40% implemented later that year. However, BEUC claims these changes are merely superficial and fail to address deeper concerns about fairness and compliance with EU consumer and privacy laws.
BEUC’s Director General, Agustin Reyna, criticised Meta for not providing users with a fair choice, alleging that the company still pressures users into accepting its behavioural advertising system. Reyna called on consumer protection authorities and the European Commission to investigate Meta’s practices urgently, emphasising the need for decisive action to safeguard users’ rights. The consumer group also accused Meta of misleading practices, unclear terms, and failing to minimise data collection while restricting services for users who decline data processing.
In response, a Meta spokesperson defended the company’s approach, arguing that its November 2023 updates go beyond EU regulatory requirements. Despite these assurances, EU antitrust regulators have raised concerns, accusing Meta of breaching the Digital Markets Act. They claim the ad-free service forces users into a binary choice, sparking broader concerns about how the tech giant balances profit with consumer protection.
As pressure mounts, Meta faces growing scrutiny over its compliance with EU laws, with regulators weighing potential measures to address BEUC’s allegations and ensure fair treatment for European users.
California Representative Maxine Waters has raised alarms over the potential risks of the Trump Coin, a meme coin launched by Donald Trump shortly before his inauguration. Speaking at a House Financial Services Committee meeting, Waters criticised the Republican leadership for failing to prioritise oversight of the controversial cryptocurrency. She warned that the token could open the door to corruption and allow hostile entities to funnel money to the former president under the guise of digital transactions.
Waters highlighted that Trump’s coin, along with a similar project by Melania Trump, has faced criticism for leveraging the presidency to increase personal wealth. She suggested that the rapid increase in memecoin value, surpassing a $14 billion market cap, could expose investors to risks, particularly if major stakeholders sell off their positions.
Despite the controversy, the committee’s new chair, French Hill, has indicated plans to address regulatory gaps in the crypto space. Hill aims to establish clear rules for digital assets to encourage innovation while safeguarding financial systems. However, the growing scrutiny surrounding Trump Coin has intensified debates on whether stricter oversight is needed.
MTN, China Telecom, and Huawei have partnered to launch Africa’s largest 5G-enabled smart mine in Northern Cape, South Africa. That initiative marks a milestone in the continent’s mining sector, leveraging a state-of-the-art 5G private network to revolutionise operations.
The network provides ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity for applications such as personnel surveillance, vehicle tracking, and unmanned trucks, significantly improving productivity, workplace safety, and operational efficiency. Additionally, the project promotes greener mining practices by optimising energy consumption and resource management, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The collaboration also demonstrates the potential of 5G to drive industrial transformation and positions the mine as a leader in sustainable mining while contributing to Africa’s broader digital transformation. The success of this initiative stems from the expertise of the three industry leaders.
Huawei delivered a tailored 5G private network, MTN provided robust infrastructure and network integration expertise, and China Telecom contributed its global knowledge in system integration and innovative digital solutions. Beyond mining, MTN is rapidly expanding its 5G private network business across sectors such as oil and gas, ports, manufacturing, and education, as well as extending its 5G presence to countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon.
President Donald Trump unveiled a $500 billion private-sector initiative on Tuesday aimed at transforming AI infrastructure in the US. The joint venture, called Stargate, brings together OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to build 20 massive data centres and create over 100,000 jobs. Backers have committed $100 billion for immediate deployment, with the remainder spread over the next four years.
The announcement, made at the White House with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison in attendance, underscores America’s push to lead in AI development. Ellison revealed that the first data centres, each half a million square feet, are already under construction in Texas. These facilities aim to power advanced AI applications, including analysing electronic health records to assist doctors.
Trump attributed the project’s launch to his leadership, with executives expressing their support. “We wouldn’t have decided to do this unless you won,” Son said. However, the ambitious project arrives amid concerns over the rising energy demands of AI data centres. Trump promised to simplify energy production for these facilities, even as experts warn of potential power shortfalls across the country in the coming decade.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of surging AI investments since OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in 2022, which sparked widespread adoption of AI across industries. Oracle and other tech stocks, including Nvidia and Dell, climbed on the news, reflecting market enthusiasm for the Stargate project.
Indonesia’s antitrust agency has fined Google 202 billion rupiah ($12.4 million) for abusing its dominance in payment systems. Investigations revealed that app developers were forced to use Google Play Billing at higher rates, or risk removal from the platform.
The agency found Google’s practices reduced developers’ earnings and violated monopoly laws. Charging up to 30% in fees, Google dominated the market with a 93% share in a nation of 280 million people. The ruling aims to protect the fast-expanding digital economy.
Google plans to appeal, stating its practices support a competitive app ecosystem and comply with local laws. The company highlighted the introduction of alternative billing options for developers.
Similar fines in the past have targeted Google’s operations in the European Union. Over $8.3 billion has been paid for breaches linked to pricing, Android systems, and advertising.
U Mobile has secured financial backing from CIMB Bank to support its role as the country’s second 5G network provider. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the 5G rollout, with the partnership aligning with Malaysia’s digitalisation goals and aspirations for high-income status.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently approved U Mobile as the second 5G provider, signalling a shift from a single-operator 5G model to a dual-network setup. That move follows the government’s decision to diversify network providers after Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), initially the sole 5G operator, laid the foundation for 5G infrastructure in Malaysia.
U Mobile plans to establish 5,000 to 7,000 new 5G sites and enhance its existing 4G infrastructure to benefit enterprises, consumers, and the public sector. The company is also expected to collaborate with other operators to facilitate the rollout and expand 5G coverage across the country.
CIMB Bank has expressed its commitment to supporting digital innovation through 5G, underscoring the importance of such collaborations for advancing Malaysia’s technological infrastructure. That partnership is set to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s digital economy and its aspirations for a connected, high-tech future. By expanding 5G coverage and enhancing its network, U Mobile positions itself to play a key role in shaping Malaysia’s telecommunications landscape.
On 20 January, Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term as President, delivering a speech focused on unity, economic growth, and border control. However, the crypto community noticed a glaring omission—there was no mention of cryptocurrencies or Bitcoin, despite recent developments involving the Trump family in the crypto space, including the launch of their meme coins. The lack of attention to crypto has left the industry uncertain about Trump’s stance, but optimism remains.
The first day of Trump’s second term saw a flurry of executive orders, but none addressed cryptocurrency. Despite hopes for swift action on issues like Bitcoin reserves or crypto advisory councils, the day passed without immediate policy clarity. However, insiders suggest that significant moves are still in the pipeline, including potential executive orders banning central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and easing restrictions on banks holding digital assets.
Behind the scenes, the Trump family has continued to bet on crypto, with Donald Trump Jr. announcing $120 million in investments across various crypto assets, including Ethereum, Wrapped Bitcoin, and Chainlink. Additionally, key regulatory changes have already begun, with pro-crypto figures taking leadership roles in the SEC and CFTC, which may signal a more favourable regulatory environment for the industry.
Although Trump’s administration has yet to take definitive action on crypto, the market remains hopeful, with Bitcoin maintaining strong performance and hints of regulatory shifts sparking optimism. While the immediate future is unclear, the crypto industry remains eager for what might come next under Trump’s leadership.
Thailand is strengthening its digital partnerships with Japan and Vietnam to drive innovation, enhance connectivity, and position itself as a Southeast Asia digital economy leader. These collaborations focus on emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, 3D printing, and cybersecurity and foster innovation through startup promotion in gaming, entertainment, and other sectors.
Both partnerships prioritise developing digital skills to build a proficient workforce and improve regional connectivity, including submarine cable networks. Thailand has invited Japan to invest in the ‘Thailand Digital Valley’ project, which aims to make Chonburi Province a hub for digital innovation.
Furthermore, Thailand and Vietnam are advancing cooperation through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), while Japan continues its collaboration under the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoC). These agreements provide a structured framework for initiatives in digital transformation, regulatory development, cybersecurity, and regional infrastructure.
Through these efforts, Thailand aims to establish itself as a regional hub for digital technology, promoting sustainable growth and innovation across ASEAN. By leveraging these strategic partnerships, Thailand is building a connected and digitally advanced society, reflecting its commitment to becoming a key player in shaping the region’s digital future.
Several high-profile crypto influencers are facing backlash after amplifying the story of a purported US Treasury XRP wallet, which has now been exposed as a scam. On 22 January, influencers shared the wallet’s details, claiming it was linked to major institutions like JPMorgan and Bank of America. The story gained momentum on social media platforms but was soon debunked through on-chain analysis, which revealed the wallet was based in the Philippines, not the US Treasury.
The fraudulent wallet, identified by the address ‘rfHhX6hA54LBqA3j7r7EnCs6qyaRK2Lyfq’, was even KYC-verified, which added to its legitimacy. Critics within the crypto community have called out influencers for spreading misinformation, citing examples of previous false claims, including one about Ripple being a Central Bank Digital Currency.
This incident highlights the increasing number of crypto-related scams, which have been rising in tandem with the popularity of social media platforms like X. Recent data shows a dramatic spike in impersonation accounts and phishing schemes, with scammers hijacking major company handles and exploiting technical vulnerabilities in blockchain systems.
The rise in crypto scams serves as a stark reminder for users to be cautious and stay vigilant online.
Donald Trump expressed openness to Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, should the Tesla CEO choose to pursue the purchase. The social media platform, widely popular in the US, was taken offline temporarily after a law requiring its sale by its Chinese owner ByteDance came into effect. Officials cited national security concerns, stating that Americans’ data might be at risk under Chinese control.
Reports have surfaced about early discussions between Chinese officials and Musk regarding TikTok’s US operations, though the company denied any such plans. Trump, however, supported the idea, suggesting a partial financial benefit for the United States if a sale occurred.
TikTok has contested the ban, emphasising its storage of American user data on Oracle-operated servers in the US. Content moderation for the app is also reportedly handled within the country. Critics of the ban argue it infringes on free speech, while Musk highlighted the disparity in business access between the US and China.
The controversy over TikTok’s future underscores broader tensions in US-China relations, particularly regarding data security and market fairness. With Musk’s influence and interest in tech and free speech, his potential involvement could significantly shape TikTok’s trajectory.
