Jurisdiction

Trump and Nvidia CEO met to discuss DeepSeek and AI chip export

In a meeting at the White House on Friday, US President Donald Trump and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang discussed the emerging challenges posed by China’s AI advancements, particularly the rapid rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company that has disrupted the global tech industry. The conversation focused on strengthening US leadership in AI technology and tightening restrictions on exporting advanced AI chips to China. While President Trump did not disclose specific details, he described the meeting as ‘good’ and praised Huang as a ‘gentleman.’

DeepSeek has recently sent shockwaves through the tech world by introducing an AI model that matches the performance of leading US technologies but at a fraction of the cost. Its launch has raised concerns about China’s ability to close the gap in AI development with the US. Within days of its debut, DeepSeek became the most downloaded app in Apple’s App Store, and its emergence wiped approximately $1 trillion off the market value of US tech stocks, including a 17% plunge in Nvidia shares. The development has reignited fears that China could challenge the United States’ dominance in AI.

As part of the US response, Trump’s administration is considering further restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chips, designed for the Chinese market. These chips, capable of powering AI software, were specifically developed to comply with previous export limits imposed by the Biden administration. However, the Trump administration aims to tighten the rules further to ensure advanced computing power stays within US borders and allied nations. Discussions among Trump officials about restricting the shipments of these chips are in the early stages, but they reflect a growing bipartisan concern about maintaining technological supremacy over China.

The president’s meeting with Nvidia’s CEO highlighted a potential opportunity for US tech companies. According to a source familiar with the discussions, Trump views DeepSeek’s ability to produce low-cost AI models as a wake-up call, suggesting that American firms could adopt more cost-efficient strategies to compete without massive spending. The administration sees this as a chance to recalibrate the US AI innovation and leadership approach.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have echoed calls for tighter controls. Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, co-leads of the House Select Committee on China, urged the Commerce and State Departments to review US export controls in light of China’s advancements. Their concerns are amplified by reports suggesting that DeepSeek may have used restricted US chips in its operations, prompting an investigation by the Commerce Department.

The US government has long relied on export controls to maintain its technological edge, but DeepSeek’s rise has exposed vulnerabilities in this strategy. As the US grapples with its response, the battle for AI dominance will be a defining feature of US-China relations in the years ahead. The outcome will impact the global technology landscape and influence geopolitical dynamics in an increasingly interconnected world.

India removes import duties to boost mobile phone production

India has scrapped import duties on key mobile phone components to support local manufacturing, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the annual budget. The move benefits major firms such as Apple and Xiaomi and is expected to strengthen India‘s position as a global smartphone manufacturing hub. The country has more than doubled its electronics production in six years, reaching $115 billion in 2024, making it the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer.

Key components such as printed circuit board assemblies, camera module parts, and USB cables, which previously faced a 2.5% tax, are now exempt from import duties. The cuts aim to enhance India’s competitiveness against China and Vietnam in the smartphone export market. The Indian IT ministry had previously warned that maintaining high tariffs could cause India to fall behind in the race to attract global companies.

Sitharaman’s budget follows a broader review of India’s customs duty structure to simplify trade and remove tariff inconsistencies. With global trade uncertainty driven by United States President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, India is positioning itself to capitalise on shifts in global supply chains. Experts believe that a more efficient tariff system will encourage further investment in local production and exports.

DeepSeek’s use of Nvidia chips raises security concerns in Washington

Pressure is mounting on the Trump administration to impose stricter export controls on Nvidia’s AI chips following concerns over China’s DeepSeek. A bipartisan call from lawmakers John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi urges officials to assess the national security risks linked to the firm’s reliance on advanced US technology.

A letter addressed to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz highlights that DeepSeek’s latest AI model has extensively used Nvidia’s H20 chips, which remain outside current export restrictions. The request forms part of a wider review into US export policies in response to strategic threats.

Concerns in Washington are growing over China’s rapid AI advancements, with the US House of Representatives warning against using DeepSeek’s technology. Officials fear AI could bolster cyber threats or facilitate bioweapons development, leading to increasing efforts to limit China’s access to cutting-edge chips.

Nvidia has stated that its products fully comply with US regulations and expressed willingness to work with authorities. Reports indicate that Trump’s administration is already considering new restrictions on H20 chip exports to China as part of its evolving AI security strategy.

FBI and Europol target cybercrime networks in global crackdown

A global law enforcement operation has shut down a series of cybercrime websites used for selling stolen data, pirated software, and hacking tools. The FBI and Europol coordinated the takedown as part of ‘Operation Talent’, targeting platforms associated with Cracked, Nulled, StarkRDP, Sellix, and MySellix.

Seizure notices appeared on the affected websites, and officials confirmed that information on customers and victims had also been obtained. Europol stated that further details would be released within 24 hours, while the FBI has not yet commented on the operation.

Reports suggest that the targeted sites played various roles in the cybercrime ecosystem, facilitating the trade of stolen login credentials, compromised credit card details, and video game cheats. A message in a Cracked Telegram channel acknowledged the seizure, with administrators expressing uncertainty over the next steps.

Authorities continue to investigate, with the crackdown highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt cybercriminal networks. More updates are expected as officials analyse the seized data and determine potential follow-up actions.

Binance faces new investigation in France over alleged crimes

French prosecutors have launched a new investigation into Binance, marking the second time authorities have scrutinised the crypto exchange. The probe includes allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion, with possible additional charges yet to be disclosed. This follows an earlier inquiry in 2023 over suspected financial crimes linked to the platform.

Regulators worldwide have tightened their grip on cryptocurrency firms after the collapse of FTX and other high-profile failures. Binance has faced mounting legal challenges, including a record $4.3 billion settlement with US authorities. Despite leadership changes, including the resignation of founder Changpeng Zhao, the company remains under regulatory pressure.

As Binance navigates legal battles across multiple jurisdictions, its future in key markets remains uncertain. The latest investigation in France adds to the exchange’s ongoing struggles, reinforcing the global crackdown on crypto platforms accused of financial misconduct.

South Sudan lifts ban on Facebook and TikTok after violent unrest

South Sudan has lifted a temporary ban on Facebook and TikTok, imposed following the spread of graphic videos allegedly showing the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. The National Communications Authority confirmed on 27 January that the disturbing content, which had sparked violent protests and retaliatory killings across South Sudan, has been removed from the platforms.

The videos, which documented ethnically targeted attacks in Sudan’s El Gezira state, had led to widespread outrage. Rights groups blamed the Sudanese army and its allies for the violence, while the army denounced the incidents as isolated violations. South Sudanese authorities urged for a balanced approach to addressing online incitement while protecting the public’s rights.

The unrest highlights the volatile relationship between social media and violence in the region. Authorities continue to call for action to address the root causes of such content while promoting accountability and safety.

EU sanctions three Russians over 2020 cyberattacks on Estonia

The European Union has imposed sanctions on three Russian nationals for their alleged role in cyberattacks targeting Estonia in 2020. Nikolay Korchagin, 28, Vitaly Shevchenko, 28, and Yuriy Denisov, 45—suspected operatives of the cyber division of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service—are accused of breaching classified Estonian government networks and stealing sensitive data.

According to the Council of the EU, the attacks compromised thousands of confidential documents, including business secrets, health records, and other critical information. In September 2024, Estonia publicly attributed the attack to Unit 29155, marking the first time the country formally identified a state-backed cyber operation.

‘Both a national and an international investigation that included 10 countries showed that Russia aimed to damage national computer systems, obtain sensitive information and strike a blow against our sense of security,’ Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated at the time.

As part of the sanctions, Korchagin, Shevchenko, and Denisov face an asset freeze, a prohibition on EU individuals and businesses providing them with funds, and a travel ban barring them from entering or transiting through the EU territory.

The move follows a similar decision by the US government in September last year. The US Department of Justice indicted members of Unit 29155 and placed a $10 million bounty for information aiding prosecution. The indictment primarily focused on the WhisperGate cyberattack—a data-wiping operation targeting Ukraine ahead of Russia’s 2022 invasion. Korchagin and Denisov were specifically named in the US sanctions, while Shevchenko was labelled an ‘associated individual’ by the State Department.

Last year, the EU’s credibility in cyber sanctions was undermined when a clerical error in a formal sanctions notice mistakenly identified the wrong Russian intelligence agency responsible for a series of cyberattacks. Additionally, Bart Groothuis, a Dutch MEP and former Ministry of Defence employee, noted that the EU’s response remains fragmented, particularly in comparison to coordinated actions taken by the US and UK.

Italy suspends DeepSeek AI app amid data protection concerns

The Chinese AI app DeepSeek was removed from Apple and Google app stores in Italy on Wednesday, following a request by the country’s data protection authority for information on its handling of personal data. Italy’s Garante regulator gave DeepSeek 20 days to clarify what data it collects, its sources, purposes, and whether it is stored in China. Concerns over safeguarding underage users, potential bias, and risks of electoral interference were also highlighted by Garante chief Pasquale Stanzione.

The app, which recently surpassed ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store, remains functional for Italian users who had already installed it. It is also still available in other European Union countries and the UK. Ireland‘s Data Protection Commission has also sought details about DeepSeek’s data processing practices for Irish users, while Germany‘s government has voiced concerns about potential AI-driven election interference ahead of its February vote.

Italy’s Garante is known for its proactive stance on AI regulations, having temporarily banned ChatGPT in 2023 over alleged breaches of EU privacy laws. DeepSeek, which touts itself as a cost-efficient alternative to U.S. AI services, has faced mounting scrutiny as it gains popularity. Meanwhile, Irish regulators noted that DeepSeek has not designated Ireland as its EU headquarters, complicating oversight under EU data protection rules.

Google appeals EU’s record antitrust fine

Google has appealed to the EU’s top court to overturn a record 4.3-billion-euro antitrust fine imposed seven years ago, arguing that the penalty punished the company for its innovation. The fine was originally levied by the European Commission, which accused Google of using its Android operating system to suppress competition by forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google Search, Chrome, and the Google Play store on devices. While the fine was later reduced to 4.1 billion euros by a lower court, Google maintains that its actions fostered competition, not hindered it.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Google lawyer Alfonso Lamadrid stated that the Commission failed to meet its legal obligations and relied on errors in law. Lamadrid defended Google’s agreements with phone manufacturers, insisting they were not anti-competitive, but rather beneficial to the market. The case centres on whether the European Commission acted appropriately in its investigation and decision to reshape markets through such penalties.

The judges of the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union will make a final ruling in the coming months, with no further opportunity for appeal. In addition to this case, Google remains under scrutiny by EU regulators for its advertising business, with another major decision expected later this year.

Trump reveals Microsoft in negotiations to buy TikTok

US President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok, expressing a desire for a bidding war over the popular app. While Microsoft declined to comment, TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, did not immediately respond to media inquiries. TikTok, which has around 170 million US users, faced a brief shutdown just before a law that could force ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban took effect in January.

Trump mentioned last week that he was in talks with various parties regarding TikTok’s future, promising a decision within 30 days. The president also indicated that he would be open to Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, although the Tesla CEO has yet to comment. In addition to Microsoft, AI startup Perplexity AI proposed merging with TikTok, suggesting a potential deal where the US government could hold up to half of the new company.

This marks the second time Microsoft has been involved in potential talks to acquire TikTok. Back in 2020, Microsoft emerged as a frontrunner in buying the app, but those discussions eventually collapsed. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella later described the situation as “the strangest thing” he had ever worked on, noting how the deal abruptly disappeared after the Trump administration pushed for a divestment.