EU

EU orders Apple to end geo-blocking practices

The European Union has issued a directive for Apple to cease geo-blocking content on several of its platforms, including the App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts. Geo-blocking, the practice of limiting access to content based on a user’s location, is considered discriminatory by the EU, as it creates barriers for consumers depending on where they live or are based. The European Commission has expressed its concerns, warning that if Apple does not address these issues within the next month, national regulators across EU member states could step in with enforcement actions.

European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager underscored the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair access to digital services, stating that no company, regardless of its size, should be allowed to unfairly limit customers’ access to services based on nationality, place of residence, or other factors unrelated to the services provided. Apple now has one month to submit a detailed plan that addresses these concerns and outlines how the company will eliminate geo-blocking practices from its platforms. Failure to meet this deadline could result in penalties or legal consequences as the EU continues to prioritise consumer rights and digital market fairness across Europe.

EU Commissioner calls for tougher 5G security measures

The incoming European Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, expressed dissatisfaction with the limited action taken by EU member states to exclude high-risk telecom suppliers, such as China’s Huawei and ZTE, from critical infrastructure. During her confirmation hearing in the European Parliament, Virkkunen noted that although the European Commission adopted 5G security measures in 2020, fewer than half of the EU member states have implemented restrictions on these suppliers. She indicated that this issue will be addressed in the planned revision of the Cyber Security Act next year and stressed the need for more serious action from national governments.

Virkkunen also pointed out that while the EU had adopted the 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox to protect telecom networks, only 11 of the 27 member states have fully implemented measures, including bans and restrictions on high-risk vendors. In addition to her efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, Virkkunen plans to propose a Digital Networks Act in 2025 to overhaul telecom regulations and boost investment and connectivity. On the topic of US Big Tech compliance with EU rules, she reaffirmed the importance of cooperation but emphasised that all companies must adhere to EU regulations, including those set out in the Digital Services Act.

EU and UK universities begin metaverse classes

Universities across the EU and UK are set to introduce metaverse-based courses, where students can attend classes in digital replicas of their campuses. Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, announced the launch of Europe’s first ‘metaversities,’ immersive digital twins of real university campuses. With the help of Meta’s VR partner VictoryXR, students can explore campus grounds, work on projects, and participate in simulations from their VR headsets or PCs, offering a more interactive experience than traditional video calls.

Several institutions are embracing the metaverse: the UK’s University of Leeds started metaverse courses in theater this fall, while Spain’s University of the Basque Country will introduce virtual physiotherapy and anatomy classes by February 2025. In Germany, schools in Hannover will launch immersive classes by the start of the 2025 school year. VictoryXR, which has collaborated with over 130 campuses worldwide, sees these “digital twin” campuses as ideal for field trips, group experiments, and real-time assignments.

Meta has provided VR headsets to educators at numerous universities in the US and UK, including Imperial College London, to encourage innovative teaching in fields such as science and language arts. According to Meta, these metaversities mark a ‘significant leap forward’ in education, creating interactive and engaging learning environments.

EU invests in Dutch photonic semiconductor production

EU has committed €133 million ($142 million) to support pilot production facilities for photonic semiconductors in the Netherlands, according to the Dutch economy ministry. This initiative forms part of a larger €380 million fund under the EU’s Chips Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership designed to bolster Europe’s semiconductor industry. Photonic semiconductors, which use light instead of electrons for calculations, promise enhanced speed and energy efficiency and are increasingly essential in fields like data centres and automotive technology.

Dutch economy minister Dirk Beljaarts emphasised photonics as a “technology of strategic importance” for Europe’s economic competitiveness. By building strong domestic capabilities in research, innovation, and supply chains, the EU aims to reduce dependence on global tech rivals. The move follows calls from European industry leaders for significant EU investment to keep pace with advancements in Asia and the US.

The Dutch pilot facilities, slated to begin construction in 2025, will involve Eindhoven and Twente universities alongside the TNO research institute, with co-investment from companies utilising the new infrastructure.

Musk could face EU fines despite possible Trump appointment

If Elon Musk takes up a role in the incoming Trump administration, he could still face personal liability from the European Commission for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA) by his company X. The EU executive emphasised that the US election would not affect its enforcement of platform rules. X is under investigation for failing to curb illegal content and allowing dark patterns, with a decision expected soon.

Musk’s potential appointment would not provide him immunity from any fines or legal actions under the DSA, according to a European Union spokesperson. While the Commission can fine a business entity or a decision-maker, it remains unclear if Musk himself would be personally held accountable, though he could face penalties based on his company’s worldwide turnover.

Despite being praised by Trump and potentially offered a cabinet role, Musk’s relationship with the EU remains complex. Former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton stated that any necessary corrections to X’s operations would be enforced, even if political tensions arise. If Musk takes a public position, it’s uncertain how his actions might affect the regulatory landscape for tech companies in Europe.

Apple faces first EU fine under Digital Markets Act

Apple is set to face its first fine under the European Union‘s Digital Markets Act (DMA) for breaching the bloc’s antitrust regulations, according to sources familiar with the matter. This comes after EU regulators charged Apple in June for violating the new tech rules, which are designed to curb the dominance of big tech companies. The fine, expected to be imposed later this month, adds to Apple’s ongoing antitrust challenges in the EU.

In March, Apple was hit with a €1.84 billion fine for restricting competition in the music streaming market through its App Store policies. The company also faces additional investigations related to new fees on app developers and potential violations of the DMA, which could result in penalties of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

The Digital Markets Act, which came into effect earlier this year, mandates Apple to make changes, such as allowing users to choose default browsers and permitting alternative app stores on its operating systems. Apple has not commented on the impending fine, and the European Commission has yet to provide a response.

EU unveils new transparency rules under DSA for intermediary service providers.

The European Commission has introduced an Implementing Regulation that standardises transparency reporting for providers of intermediary services under the Digital Services Act (DSA). That regulation aims to ensure consistency and comparability in the data shared with the public by requiring providers to disclose specific information about their content moderation practices.

Providers must report on the number of pieces of content removed, account suspensions, the accuracy of automated systems, and the composition of their moderation teams. Very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) are required to submit reports twice a year, while all other providers must report annually.

In addition to content moderation, the regulation mandates transparency in average monthly user numbers, recommender system parameters, and advertising data. Providers must also submit ‘statements of reasons’ for content moderation decisions to the DSA Transparency Database, aligning with the newly specified data categories.

The regulation addresses past inconsistencies by harmonising reporting templates, content, and timelines, ensuring clearer public access to information about digital services’ practices. To facilitate the transition, the regulation includes a clear implementation timeline.

Providers must begin collecting data under the new rules by 1 July 2025, with the first harmonised transparency reports expected in early 2026. That timeline allows digital services time to adjust their systems and practices to comply with the new requirements, further promoting accountability and public trust in the digital services sector across the EU.

Apple’s iPad OS faces EU scrutiny over tech compliance

The European Union’s (EU) antitrust regulators are set to review Apple’s iPad operating system to ensure it aligns with the bloc’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to curb the power of major tech companies. This assessment comes after Apple submitted a compliance report for iPad OS, which the EU had designated as a crucial ‘gateway’ for businesses to reach consumers. Apple’s obligations under the DMA include enabling alternative app stores, allowing users to set their preferred web browser, and supporting third-party device features like headphones and pens.

In a statement, the European Commission confirmed that it would ‘carefully assess’ Apple’s compliance measures for iPad OS. Feedback from stakeholders, including other tech companies and consumer advocates, will be considered during the review process. Apple has not yet commented on the EU’s latest scrutiny of its iPad software.

The DMA, introduced earlier this year, represents the EU’s latest effort to prevent monopolistic practices among large tech firms. Non-compliance with these rules could result in hefty fines, up to 10% (and 20% for repeat offences) of a company’s global revenue, adding pressure on Apple to meet the standards set by EU regulators.

Temu eyes EU anti-counterfeit initiative amid scrutiny

Chinese online retailer Temu is exploring joining a European Union-led initiative to combat counterfeit goods, which includes major retailers such as Amazon, Alibaba, and brands like Adidas and Hermes. Temu is scheduled to present at an upcoming meeting on 11 November as a ‘potential new signatory’ to the Memorandum of Understanding on counterfeits, a voluntary anti-counterfeit agreement supported by the European Commission.

Temu’s interest in the initiative coincides with increasing regulatory pressure from the European Union. The European Commission recently launched an investigation into Temu over potential breaches of EU laws prohibiting the sale of illegal goods, following an earlier request for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a law governing large online platforms. In May, the Commission designated Temu a ‘very large online platform,’ requiring it to take stronger measures against illegal content and counterfeits.

As a subsidiary of China‘s PDD Holdings, Temu has rapidly expanded in Europe and the United States, luring customers with low prices and a ‘shop like a billionaire’ slogan. Its platform offers items like clothing and accessories that often resemble popular branded products at significantly lower prices. Some industry insiders have expressed concerns that Temu’s entry into the anti-counterfeit network could impact the credibility of the initiative.

Nvidia’s $700 million Run:ai acquisition under EU review

Nvidia is seeking antitrust approval from the European Union for its planned acquisition of Israeli AI startup Run:ai valued at approximately $700 million. The European Commission has raised concerns that the merger could harm competition in the markets where both companies operate, prompting increased scrutiny of tech giants acquiring startups. This move reflects a broader regulatory trend aimed at preventing potential monopolistic practices in the tech sector.

Although the acquisition does not meet the EU’s turnover threshold for automatic review, it was flagged by Italy’s competition agency, which requested the EU to investigate further. The Commission has accepted this request, indicating that the transaction could significantly impact competition across the European Economic Area.

In response to the regulatory review, Nvidia expressed its readiness to cooperate and answer any questions regarding the acquisition. The company is committed to ensuring that AI technologies remain accessible across various platforms, emphasising its role as a leader in the chip industry, particularly for AI applications like ChatGPT.