EU

EU regulators to drop Apple probe after compliance changes

EU antitrust regulators are preparing to close their year-long investigation into Apple’s web browser options on iPhones.

The inquiry, launched under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), examined whether Apple’s design restricted users from easily switching to rival browsers or search engines.

Changes implemented by the company have addressed the concerns of the European Commission, leading regulators to conclude the case.

The probe, which began in March last year, was part of the EU’s broader effort to ensure fair competition in digital markets.

Apple made modifications to its browser settings to comply with the new regulations, avoiding potential fines or further legal action. These changes align with the goal of the European Union to prevent dominant technology firms from imposing unfair restrictions on users.

Regulators are expected to officially close the investigation soon, marking a significant step in enforcing the DMA. The outcome highlights the EU’s growing influence over global tech policies, compelling major companies like Apple to adjust their practices to meet stricter competition standards.

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MetaAI rolls out in Europe after regulatory hurdles

MetaAI, Meta’s AI chat function, is set to launch across Europe after delays caused by regulatory scrutiny regarding the use of personal data to train its models.

The European Commission is reviewing a risk assessment from Meta to ensure that the new feature complies with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). However, this regulation mandates companies to submit risk assessments in advance of deploying new functions.

MetaAI was first launched in the US in September 2023, followed by India in June 2024, and the UK in October.

However, its European rollout was delayed last summer after the Irish Data Protection Commission raised concerns about using data from Facebook and Instagram users for AI training.

Meta faced criticism over Europe’s regulatory approach, with company officials, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, expressing frustration with the delays.

Despite the regulatory hurdles, Meta is now moving forward with its plans to bring MetaAI to the EU, with the company noting that the process has taken longer than expected due to Europe’s complex regulatory landscape.

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EU pushes for satellite internet funding for Ukraine

The European Commission has urged EU nations to fund Ukraine’s access to satellite internet through European commercial providers, amid growing concerns over the country’s reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The call, outlined in a newly published defence white paper, comes as Ukraine faces potential service disruptions unless it agrees to a minerals deal with the US. European satellite operators are now in talks with the EU to explore alternative solutions.

Brussels has proposed granting Kyiv access to the EU’s space programme to ensure stable connectivity for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience by diversifying its satellite-based services. Poland, which partially funds Ukraine’s Starlink access, has also backed the need for alternative providers.

Spain’s Hisdesat has confirmed plans to expand its coverage over Ukraine, while other European satellite firms, such as Eutelsat and SES, have been approached for potential involvement.

The move reflects Europe’s broader strategy to secure independent infrastructure for Ukraine and reduce dependence on private or non-EU providers.

The Commission’s proposal, if implemented, could mark a significant shift in how Kyiv maintains vital communications during the ongoing conflict.

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Google and Apple risk fines under EU’s Digital Markets Act

Google has been charged with two violations of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), while Apple has been ordered to allow greater interoperability with rival devices.

The European Commission accused Google of restricting app developers from promoting external offers outside its Play Store and favouring its own services, such as Google Flights, over competitors in search results. If found guilty, the company could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

The Commission also directed Apple to make its iPhones and iPads more accessible to rival smartphone and accessory makers. Additionally, Apple must respond to app developers’ requests for interoperability with its systems within a set timeframe.

Both companies pushed back against the EU’s findings, with Google arguing that compliance could harm consumers and businesses, while Apple claimed the rules would slow innovation and unfairly benefit competitors.

Regulators have intensified their crackdown on Big Tech despite warnings from the United States government against targeting American firms.

Google has already been fined over €8 billion for previous antitrust violations in Europe, and failure to comply with the latest orders could lead to further penalties for both tech giants.

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Apple faces EU crackdown over closed technology

The European Commission has ordered Apple to grant rival smartphone, headphone, and virtual reality companies access to its technology and mobile operating system.

The directive, part of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act, aims to curb the dominance of major tech firms and enhance competition. A separate mandate also requires Apple to establish a structured process for responding to interoperability requests from app developers.

Apple strongly criticised the decision, arguing that it places unfair constraints on its ability to innovate and benefits competitors without imposing the same restrictions on them.

Expressing concerns, the company warned that the new rules could negatively impact its products and European users, adding that the additional regulatory burden might slow progress.

The European Commission, however, dismissed Apple’s objections, stating that the order simply enforces existing laws and provides regulatory clarity.

Failure to comply could result in an investigation and potential fines of up to 10% of Apple’s global annual revenue. The ruling underscores the EU’s determination to rein in the power of Big Tech and ensure a more competitive digital market.

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EU faces pressure to boost semiconductor supply chain

Leading semiconductor firms are calling on the European Commission to introduce a follow-up to the 2023 EU Chips Act, arguing that a new policy must extend beyond manufacturing to include chip design, materials, and equipment.

Industry groups say the original programme, while encouraging investment, has failed to attract advanced chipmakers or build a competitive supply chain. Approval processes have also been criticised for being too slow, delaying key projects.

Following discussions in Brussels with European lawmakers, representatives from industry groups ESIA and SEMI Europe announced plans to formally request a ‘Chips Act 2.0’ from the Commission.

They argue that the EU must take decisive action to strengthen the entire semiconductor industry, including research and development as well as supplier subsidies.

European Parliament Member Oliver Schenk highlighted how other regions, such as Taiwan, have successfully integrated suppliers into their chip manufacturing ecosystem, whereas Europe still lacks such cohesion.

The meeting included major semiconductor companies such as NXP, Infineon, Bosch, and STMicroelectronics, alongside equipment makers ASML, ASM, and Zeiss.

Meanwhile, a coalition of nine EU countries has pledged to work with the Commission to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor capabilities.

The Commission has yet to outline specific plans, but it has previously stated its intention to launch investment initiatives this year, particularly in artificial intelligence and technology.

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Eutelsat’s Russian contracts under investigation by French regulator

France’s broadcasting regulator, Arcom, is on the verge of deciding whether satellite operator Eutelsat has breached European sanctions against Russia.

The decision follows requests from several NGOs, including Comité Diderot, which has raised concerns over Eutelsat’s contracts with Russian media outlets like the army’s Zvezda channel and state-run VGTRK.

These contracts represent a small fraction of Eutelsat’s revenue, about 4%, but the watchdog’s ruling could have significant financial consequences for the company.

In 2022, Eutelsat complied with Arcom’s request to halt the broadcast of three Russian TV channels. However, the company still maintains agreements with other Russian media outlets, which some critics argue continue to violate EU sanctions.

Eutelsat has expressed respect for regulatory decisions, but the investigation has drawn attention to its ongoing contracts with Russian entities.

Arcom, which now has the authority to ensure EU sanctions compliance under France’s 2024 SREN law, may impose a fine of up to 3% of Eutelsat’s annual revenue.

If further violations are found, the penalty could rise to 5%. The French National Assembly recently supported the call for Arcom to enforce stricter compliance, reflecting growing pressure on Eutelsat amid the ongoing sanctions against Russia.

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Semiconductor industry’s environmental impact calls for EU action

The European Union is being advised to strengthen its focus on sustainable semiconductor production as emissions from the industry continue to rise.

A new study by the think-tank Interface highlights the growing pollution caused by the manufacturing of cutting-edge chips, essential for AI technology.

Over the past eight years, global energy consumption in the semiconductor sector has surged by 125%, largely due to the increasing demand for advanced chips, which require higher energy input and generate more emissions.

While the industry’s high-emission production methods have raised concerns, the report also points to opportunities for Europe to capitalise on its strengths in the manufacturing of ‘legacy’ chips.

These chips, used in sectors like automotive, energy, and industrial applications, tend to have a smaller environmental footprint. European companies such as STMicroelectronics, Infineon, and NXP are already market leaders in this area, which could be key to the EU’s efforts to foster a greener transition.

Despite the EU’s ambitions, including the 2023 Chips Act aimed at boosting production, questions remain over whether Europe should invest further in cutting-edge chip manufacturing.

The study suggests that pursuing this route could have significant environmental costs, particularly due to the high energy consumption involved. However, the EU’s access to renewable energy sources and water might provide an advantage over the high-cost, energy-hungry production processes in Asia.

Julia Hess, the study’s lead author, argues that chips manufactured under higher environmental standards could offer Europe a long-term competitive edge in the semiconductor industry, driving both sustainability and technological leadership.

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EU delays ETIAS launch until late 2026

The European Union has announced that the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will require visa-free travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, to obtain authorisation before short stays in the Schengen Area.

Initially planned for 2026, the system has been delayed and is now set to launch in late 2026, with full implementation not expected until 2027. The ETIAS aims to improve border security and will apply to travellers from 60 non-EU countries who don’t need a visa.

To apply for the ETIAS, travellers will need to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions, and pay a €7 fee.

However, this authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and remain valid for three years, or until the passport expires. Also, children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the fee, though they still need to apply for authorisation.

The ETIAS will not become mandatory until six months after the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational. The EES, which is set to launch in phases starting in October 2025, will be a registration system for non-EU travellers, including those from the UK and US.

However, due to delays in the installation of necessary technology at Schengen borders, the launch of the ETIAS has been pushed back to late 2026.

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EU draft AI code faces industry pushback

The tech industry remains concerned about a newly released draft of the Code of Practice on General-Purpose Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), which aims to help AI providers comply with the EU‘s AI Act.

The proposed rules, which cover transparency, copyright, risk assessment, and mitigation, have sparked significant debate, especially among copyright holders and publishers.

Industry representatives argue that the draft still presents serious issues, particularly regarding copyright obligations and external risk assessments, which they believe could hinder innovation.

Tech lobby groups, such as the CCIA and DOT Europe, have expressed dissatisfaction with the latest draft, highlighting that it continues to impose burdensome requirements beyond the scope of the original AI Act.

Notably, the mandatory third-party risk assessments both before and after deployment remain a point of contention. Despite some improvements in the new version, these provisions are seen as unnecessary and potentially damaging to the industry.

Copyright concerns remain central, with organisations like News Media Europe warning that the draft still fails to respect copyright law. They argue that AI companies should not be merely expected to make ‘best efforts’ not to use content without proper authorisation.

Additionally, the draft is criticised for failing to fully address fundamental rights risks, which, according to experts, should be a primary concern for AI model providers.

The draft is open for feedback until 30 March, with the final version expected to be released in May. However, the European Commission’s ability to formalise the Code under the AI Act, which comes into full effect in 2027, remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the issue of copyright and AI is also being closely examined by the European Parliament.

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