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DW Weekly #207 – China disagrees with Trump over $54B TikTok deal due to tariffs rise

6 – 14 April 2025

People, Person, Crowd, Face, Head, Audience

Dear readers,

Last week, we saw the TikTok saga unfold as the Chinese government has not agreed to sell the ByteDance daughter company to a US majority TikTok entity, so US President Donald Trump extended the deadline to find a non-Chinese buyer by another 75 days, pushing the cutoff to mid-June after a near-miss on 5 April.

Amid the tariff rise turmoil, President Donald Trump’s administration has granted exemptions from steep tariffs on smartphones, laptops, and other electronics, relieving tech giants like Apple and Dell.

The cryptocurrency landscape was waved by a blockchain analytics firm, which has alleged that the team behind the Melania Meme (MELANIA) cryptocurrency moved $30 million worth of tokens, allegedly taken from community reserves without explanation.

In the ever-evolving world of AI, two leading AI systems, OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 and Meta’s Llama-3.1, have passed a key milestone by outperforming humans in a modern version of the Turing Test.

On the cybersecurity stage, Oracle Health has reportedly suffered a data breach that compromised sensitive patient information stored by US hospitals.

The European Union has firmly ruled out dismantling its strict digital regulations in a bid to secure a trade deal with Donald Trump. Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s top official for digital policy, said the bloc remained fully committed to its digital rulebook instead of relaxing its standards to satisfy US demands.

Meta’s existence is threatened by a colossal antitrust trial which commenced in Washington, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arguing that the company’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were designed to crush competition with monopoly aims instead of fostering innovation.

Elon Musk’s legal saga with OpenAI intensifies, as OpenAI has filed a countersuit accusing the billionaire entrepreneur of a sustained campaign of harassment intended to damage the company and regain control over its AI developments.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 6 – 14 April 2025

Former Facebook executive says Meta misled over China

Wynn-Williams says Meta executives prioritised business growth in China over national security.

Algorithms confront tariffs featured image

Tech stocks rally after Trump halts tariffs

The Nasdaq jumped over 12%, its best day in decades, following a temporary halt on trade tariffs by the Trump administration.

DeepSeek highlights the risk of data misuse

Data stored today could be vulnerable to decryption in the near future.

Meta to block livestreaming for under 16s without parental permission

Instagram users under 16 won’t be able to livestream or view blurred nudity in messages unless approved by a parent, Meta announced.

openAI Sam Altman TED 2025 ChatGPT users

ChatGPT hits 800 million users after viral surge

OpenAI is developing agents that can act autonomously on behalf of users, with safeguards.

Google rolls out AI to improve US power grid connections

Energy connection delays face AI-powered fix through Google’s new initiative.

Google offers steep discounts to US federal agencies

The 71% discount on Google Workspace is part of a cost-cutting initiative under President Trump’s government reform, targeting federal spending efficiency.

Japan’s FSA proposes new framework for regulating crypto assets in Japan

A discussion paper on crypto regulation in Japan highlights issues like market access, insider trading, and classification of assets into funding and non-funding categories.

Microsoft pauses $1 billion data centre project in Ohio

As AI demand shifts, Microsoft has slowed down major data centre projects, including the one in Ohio, and plans to invest $80 billion in AI infrastructure this year.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Navigating the AI maze: How to choose the right AI platform or tool – Diplo

With over 10,000 AI applications available, selecting the right AI tool can be daunting. Diplo advocates starting with a ‘good enough’ tool to avoid paralysis by analysis, tailoring it to specific needs through practical use.

Don’t waste the crisis: How AI can help reinvent International Geneva – Diplo

International Geneva faces significant challenges, including financial constraints, waning multilateralism, and escalating geopolitical tensions. To remain relevant, it must embrace transformative changes, particularly through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Microsoft at 50 – A journey through code, cloud, and AI

Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, Microsoft grew from a small startup into the world’s largest software company. Through strategic acquisitions, the company expanded into diverse sectors,…

On the origins of ideas – Diplo

Do ideas have origins? From medieval communes to WWI, Aldo Matteucci shows how political thought, like a river, is shaped by experience, institutions, and historical context — not just theory.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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GITEX Africa 2025 – Diplo Event

GITEX Africa 2025 Jovan Kurbalija will participate at GITEX Africa (14-16 April 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco).

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Tech attache briefing: WSIS+20 and AI governance negotiations – Updates and next steps – Diplo Event

Tech attache briefing: WSIS+20 and AI governance negotiations – Updates and next steps. The event is part of a series of regular briefings the Geneva

Internet Platform (GIP) is delivering for diplomats at permanent missions and delegations in Geneva following digital policy issues. It is an invitation-only event.

23 April 2025

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation?

The event will provide a timely discussion on methods, approaches, and solutions for AI transformation of International Organisaitons.

dig.watch

WIPO Conversation 11: AI and IP: Infrastructure for rights holders and innovation

WIPO’s 11th Conversation on IP and AI will take place on April 23-24, 2025, focusing on the role of copyright infrastructure in supporting both rights holders and AI-driven innovation. As…

DW Weekly #206 – Impact of Trump’s tariffs on tech industry

DW Weekly #206 - Impact of Trump's tariffs on tech industry 42

Dear readers,

Last week brought tectonic shifts in the global economy following the US tariffs dismantling the existing trade order. So far, the tech and digital sectors have been indirectly affected mainly by the price increase of hardware components, including semiconductors and servers, imported from China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Apple and Samsung already announced a rise in the prices of smartphones.

However, the impact on the US tech sector and the global digital economy can worsen if the trade war escalates. In such a scenario, the European Union and other countries will likely introduce digital services taxes and stricter regulations of the US tech giants, as analysed by Jovan Kurbalija in Algorithms confront tariffs: A hidden digital front in an emerging trade war.

Forthcoming economic uncertainty may lead to a rise in the value of Bitcoin as a safer than other options for saving wealth and investment.

TikTok bidding war intensified as Amazon entered the fray with Trump’s last call to resolve TikTok’s future. However, the TikTok deal stalled amid US-China trade tensions.

Amid geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity has risen in relevance. The UK and Japan passed new cybersecurity bills that protect critical infrastructure. As of 1 April, Switzerland requires critical infrastructure operators to report cyberattacks within 24 hours to the National Cybersecurity Center.

The pushback against strict AI safety regulations continues as the industry has lobbied South Korea for a less strict AI Basic Act than the European Union.

Microsoft is scaling down the development of new AI data centres as a sign of lower dynamism in this field and precautionary measures against AI bubble.

Ghibli-style images overwhelmed OpenAI servers and OpenAI layers as they opened the question of copyright breaches. The EU AI Act’s Code of Practice clarified the regulation of using copyrighted materials to develop AI models.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 28 March – 4 April 2025

EU regulators seek common approach on DSA

Coimisiún na Meán, leading DSA enforcement in Ireland, faces varying interpretations of the law among EU members, making a unified approach crucial to regulation.

Authors in London protest Meta’s copyright violations

Notable authors such as Kate Mosse and Tracy Chevalier are participating, with the demonstration organised by the Society of Authors (SoA).

The US House Committee passes a bill to strengthen stablecoin oversight

US lawmakers are advancing stablecoin legislation aimed at increasing transparency, securing reserves, and strengthening the dollar’s role in digital payments.

The overlooked legacy of the Lwów–Warsaw school in shaping modern AI

The logical and analytical foundations laid by the Lwów–Warsaw School significantly support both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI transformation.

TikTok bidding war intensifies as Amazon enters the fray

Key interested parties now include Amazon too, expressing its interest in line with its social media expansion ambitions, and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely, proposing a model…

Japan passes landmark cyber defence bill

The Active Cyber Defence Bill would enable pre-emptive and active cyber measures by military and law enforcement, mandating incident reporting from critical infrastructure, and allowing limited data collection to monitor…

Studio Ghibli AI trend overwhelms OpenAI

What started as a fun artistic trend has quickly turned into a technical nightmare for OpenAI, with its CEO pleading for a break as servers buckle under pressure.

TikTok deal stalled amid US-China trade tensions

Talks about spinning off TikTok’s US operations have hit a wall after China signalled disapproval following President Trump’s new tariff hikes.

AI’s energy hunger drives nuclear energy resurgence

Big Tech’s energy needs are pushing the nuclear renaissance as AI models become increasingly power-hungry.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Algorithms confront tariffs: A hidden digital front in an emerging trade war – Diplo

President Trump’s tariffs on goods have intensified global trade tensions, notably with the EU. However, they largely ignore the critical sector of digital services, where the US holds a strong advantage. In response, European nations have proposed digital services taxes (DSTs) aimed at American tech giants, framing them as necessary for fiscal fairness. The collapse of OECD negotiations has prompted unilateral digital taxes across various countries, escalating the trade conflict. This shift towards digital taxation could redefine international trade diplomacy, posing challenges for US tech dominance and potentially leading to retaliation that affects both goods and digital markets.

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Digital sovereignty: The end of the open internet as we know it? (Part 1) – Diplo

The concept of digital sovereignty has gained prominence. This discussion examines the tension between territorial politics and transborder digital operations, highlighting how demands for autonomy reflect a desire to navigate external influences within an interconnected digital landscape. As sovereignty claims become entwined with security narratives, the necessity to socially anchor digital sovereignty policies is emphasized.

The Hidden Influence: How Lwów–Warsaw School shaped AI developments – Diplo

The Lwów–Warsaw School of Philosophy, a pioneering movement in Polish thought, has made lasting contributions to philosophy highly relevant to modern AI. The school’s work in logic and semantics provides essential tools for AI, while its analytical approach offers insights into ethical challenges.

The strategy of provocation – Diplo

An ermine plays peek-a-boo from a rotting tree. Cute? Maybe. But it might also be a calculated survival tactic. Aldo Matteucci explores provocation in the wild – and its unsettling parallel in human behaviour.

Ghibli trend as proof of global dependence on AI: A phenomenon that overloaded social networks and systems

How Ghibli-inspired AI art went viral, exploring mainstream AI trends, creativity impact, and ethical concerns raised by Hayao Miyazaki.

UPCOMING EVENTS

commission on science technology and development

7-11 April 2025

28th Session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development

The twenty-eighth session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will take place from 7 to 11 April 2025.

4 A visual representation of structured digital governance

9 April 2025

Briefing on digital governance for Armenian CSOs

The briefing will discuss the role of civil society organisations in digital governance and AI developments.

15 April 2025

GITEX Africa 2025

Jovan Kurbalija will discuss how AI can help African development and preservation of local knowledge and traditions.

23 April 2025

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation?

The event will provide a timely discussion on methods, approaches, and solutions for AI transformation of International Organisaitons.

DW Weekly #205 – Turkish protests

Dear readers,

In this week’s edition, we untangle the clash of free speech, power, and platforms, during the mass protests in Türkiye, where many X accounts have been suspended, digging into what it means for global diplomacy, content policy, and the future of online speech.

IN FOCUS: Turkish protests – Freedom of speech has taken centre stage this week, with Türkiye’s streets erupting in mass protests and Elon Musk’s platform X again under fire. With account suspensions, government requests, and a tech giant caught between free expression and compliance, all eyes are on how X navigates this storm.

RADAR: UN General Assembly adopts resolution on WSIS+20 review modalities; Trump weighs tariff cuts to secure TikTok deal; EU softens AI copyright rules; SoftBank leads massive investment in OpenAI.

READING CORNER:

EXPLORE…

IN FOCUS

Turkish protests

The recent suspension of many accounts on X (formerly Twitter) amid Türkiye’s civil unrest has provoked a complex debate surrounding freedom of speech and content moderation policies. Another case in the row shows the complex balance social media platforms must maintain between upholding free expression and adhering to governmental regulations, particularly in politically volatile environments.

THE CONTEXT: What’s happening in Türkiye?

The turmoil in Türkiye was sparked by the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a potential candidate in the Turkish presidential election on behalf of an opposition party. Charged with alleged corruption and ties to terrorism, İmamoğlu’s detention led to widespread protests across major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. Demonstrators viewed the arrest as a politically motivated attempt to sideline a key opposition figure ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. The government’s response was swift, resulting in over 1,100 arrests, including several journalists.

Amid the escalating protests, the Turkish Information and Communication Technologies Authority reportedly requested X to block more than 700 accounts, including those of news organisations, journalists, and political figures. These accounts primarily shared information about protest locations and organised demonstrations. Yusuf Can, the Wilson Center’s Middle East Program coordinator, noted that many suspended accounts were ‘university-associated activist accounts, basically sharing protest information, locations for students to go.’

However, X’s actions were inconsistent. While it allegedly suspended some accounts selectively, the platform publicly rejected the broader demand to block over 700 accounts, labelling the request as ‘illegal’ and asserting:

‘X will always defend freedom of speech everywhere we operate.’

X’s partial compliance with these requests has been criticised, especially given Elon Musk’s previous assertions of championing free speech on the platform. Despite Musk’s stance, X generally does respond to governmental content removal requests, with the company’s transparency report indicating an 86% compliance rate during the second half of 2024 in Türkiye.

Either way, the suspension of accounts during the Turkish protests raises critical questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms. While platforms like X operate globally, they must navigate a complex web of local laws and regulations. In Türkiye, laws mandate that social media companies appoint local representatives and comply with content removal requests under threat of fines or bandwidth reductions. This legal framework places platforms in a challenging position, balancing governmental compliance while trying to preserve user rights and freedom of expression.

To conclude:

The measures taken by X amid Türkiye’s protests underscore a constant challenge: content policy isn’t unchangeable; it’s a continuous legal dispute between big tech, national power and the voice of the people. Therefore, as social media platforms play an integral role in political discourse and activism, their content moderation policies and responses to governmental requests will remain under intense scrutiny. However, these common controversies demand transparent policies enabling companies to uphold the principles of free expression while curbing harmful content and being mindful of the complex landscape of content policies and political dynamics.

Find the full dig.watch analysis he r e or in our READING CORNER!

For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

SEC lawsuit against Elon Musk sparks political debate

Legal experts are divided over whether the SEC’s lawsuit against Musk is justified or politically motivated.

RADAR:

UN General Assembly adopts resolution on WSIS+20 review modalities

On 25 March 2025, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution defining the modalities for the overall review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (the WSIS+20 review).

Trump weighs tariff cuts to secure TikTok deal

US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to reduce tariffs on China as part of a deal with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the popular short-video app.

Other topics and updates

Visit dig.watch now for the latest updates and other topics!

Marko and the Digital Watch team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 21-28 March 2025

Does Section 230 of the US Communication Decency Act protect users or tech platforms?

By allowing platforms to govern their digital spaces, Section 230 supports freedom of expression and guards against excessive censorship.

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EU softens AI copyright rules

Amid European legal shifts, developers of general-purpose AI models are finding clearer ground, as the latest draft of the EU AI Act’s copyright guidelines embraces practicality and proportionate enforcement.

SoftBank leads massive investment in OpenAI

As ChatGPT’s features continue to capture the public’s imagination, OpenAI is close to sealing a colossal funding deal led by SoftBank that would double its valuation within months.

malaysia exports semiconductors to china

Malaysia under scrutiny over semiconductor exports to China

The US is investigating whether banned AI chips reached Chinese firm DeepSeek.

Russian Central Bank renews push for nationwide crypto ban

Financial authorities are split on crypto regulation, with the Central Bank pushing for a ban and the Ministry of Finance considering limited access for top investors.

EU regulators to drop Apple probe after compliance changes

Apple has avoided penalties as the EU concludes its inquiry into iPhone browser options, following regulatory adjustments by the company.

China faces Nvidia chip shortages

Demand for Nvidia’s H20 chips is surging as Chinese tech giants, including Tencent and Alibaba, rush to adopt AI models, straining already limited supplies.

DeepSeek launches V3 to challenge OpenAI

The V3 model from DeepSeek offers enhanced performance metrics and positions the Chinese startup as a growing rival to major AI players like OpenAI and Anthropic.

US report highlights China’s growing military capabilities

China rejected US accusations in the intelligence report, accusing Washington of using outdated Cold War thinking and hyping the ‘China threat’ to maintain military dominance.

crypto crime bitcoins and handcuffs black and white but not too dark

Crypto crime surge triggers market instability

Bitcoin has dropped from $106,000 to $83,000 amid rising crypto crime, with analysts predicting further declines in the coming weeks.

View all updates

READING CORNER

dig.watch

X’s Türkiye tangle, between freedom of speech, control, and digital defiance

Freedom of speech has taken centre stage this week, with Türkiye’s streets erupting in mass protests and Elon Musk’s platform X again under fire. With account suspensions, government requests, and a tech giant caught between free expression and compliance, all eyes are on how X navigates this storm.

www.diplomacy.edu

Yellow Rain: Natural dust, scientific truth, and diplomatic tool – Diplo

Every March, yellow rain coats European cities, tinting cars and sidewalks with a golden hue. This striking phenomenon occurs when Saharan dust, carried by wind, travels thousands of kilometres and is washed down by rain. I learnt about it through conversations at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), where my office is located. In 2021, when 180,000 tonnes of dust swept across Europe, a webinar with Dr Slobodan Nickovic, creator of the ‘dust model’, deepened my understanding of this interplay between nature, science, and diplomacy, leading to reflections you can read in the original blog.

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Do we have a moral obligation to save wild bees? – Diplo

Only 2% of wild bees do 80% of the pollination. Should we still save the other 700 species? The debate is not just ecological – it’s moral vs economic.

www.diplomacy.edu

Part 6: Governing the metaverse through standards – Diplo

No system works without standards – not cities, not cyberspace. As the metaverse grows, it needs rules that go beyond code. Read Part 6 of the new metaverse blog series: UN 2.0 and the Metaverse: Are We Seeing What Is Possible?

BLOG featured image 2025 48 Nuclear renaissance

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Is AI the key to nuclear renaissance? – Diplo

As AI’s energy demands surge, nuclear power is emerging as a key solution to sustain its growth while minimising carbon emissions. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are investing heavily in nuclear energy to power AI-driven data centres, signalling a potential nuclear renaissance in the age of AI.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Global AI Summit on Africa

The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, will host the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa…

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Training for the Republic of Serbia Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection – Diplo Event

Training for the Republic of Serbia Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection The representatives of the Commissioner for

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Digital Sovereignty and the open internet: Can they coexist? – Diplo Event

Digital Sovereignty and the open internet: Can they coexist? The Internet Governance Project (IGP) in collaboration with the Quello Center will gather

X faces major outage in the US and UK

Social media platform X is experiencing widespread outages in the US and the UK, with thousands of users reporting issues, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.

Reports indicate over 21,000 incidents in the US and more than 10,800 in the UK, suggesting significant disruptions.

Downdetector, which gathers status reports from various sources, noted that the actual number of affected users may be higher.

Many have turned to other platforms to discuss the outage, but X has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The cause of the disruption remains unclear, and there is no official timeline for when full service will be restored. Users continue to face difficulties accessing the platform, impacting communication and social media activity globally.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Tech giants challenge Australia’s exemption for YouTube

Major social media companies, including Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok, have urged Australia to reconsider its decision to exempt YouTube from a new law banning under-16s from social media platforms.

The legislation, passed in November, imposes strict age restrictions and threatens heavy fines for non-compliance. YouTube, however, is set to be excluded due to its educational value and parental supervision features.

Industry leaders argue that YouTube shares key features with other platforms, such as algorithmic content recommendations and social interaction tools, making its exemption inconsistent with the law’s intent.

Meta called for equal enforcement, while TikTok warned that excluding YouTube would create an ‘illogical, anticompetitive, and short-sighted’ regulation. Snapchat echoed these concerns, insisting that all platforms should be treated fairly.

Experts have pointed out that YouTube, like other platforms, can expose children to addictive and harmful content. The company has responded by strengthening content moderation and expanding its automated detection systems.

The debate highlights broader concerns over online safety and fair competition as Australia moves to enforce some of the world’s strictest social media regulations.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

UK regulator sets deadline for assessing online content risks

Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, has set a 31 March deadline for social media and online platforms to submit a risk assessment on the likelihood of users encountering illegal content. This move follows new laws passed last year requiring companies such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as ByteDance’s TikTok, to take action against criminal activities on their platforms. Under the Online Safety Act, these firms must assess and address the risks of offences like terrorism, hate crimes, child sexual exploitation, and financial fraud.

The risk assessment must evaluate how likely it is for users to come across illegal content, or how user-to-user services could facilitate criminal activities. Ofcom has warned that failure to meet the deadline could result in enforcement actions against the companies. The new regulations aim to make online platforms safer and hold them accountable for the content shared on their sites.

The deadline is part of the UK‘s broader push to regulate online content and enhance user safety. Social media giants are now facing stricter scrutiny to ensure they are addressing potential risks associated with their platforms and protecting users from harmful content.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 97 – March 2025

Snapshot: The developments that made waves

AI governance

Chinese companies are increasingly backing DeepSeek‘s AI, marking a pivotal moment for the industry.

The European Commission has launched the OpenEuroLLM Project, a new initiative to develop open-source, multilingual AI models.

Australia has banned Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from all government devices, citing security risks.

World leaders gathered in Paris for the second day of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, where the focus turned to balancing national interests with global cooperation.

In his op-ed, From Hammurabi to ChatGPT, Jovan Kurbalija draws on the ancient Code of Hammurabi to argue for a principle of legal accountability in modern AI regulation and governance.

Technologies

DeepSeek, an up-and-coming AI startup from China, is rapidly pushing forward the release of its latest AI model, R2, following the remarkable success of its predecessor, R1.

Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has unveiled its latest AI model, Grok-3, which the billionaire claims is the most advanced chatbot technology.

The New York Times has officially approved the use of AI tools for its editorial and product teams, allowing AI to assist with tasks such as generating social media copy, writing SEO headlines, and coding.

Microsoft has announced a groundbreaking quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, which it claims could make useful quantum computers a reality within years.

China has warned that the United States‘ efforts to pressure other nations into targeting its semiconductor industry will ultimately backfire.

Infrastructure

A state-of-the-art space lab on the outskirts of Cairo, touted as Africa’s first satellite production facility, has been built with substantial Chinese involvement.

Elon Musk’s Starlink network is facing increasing competition in the satellite internet market, particularly from SpaceSail, a Shanghai-based company backed by the Chinese government, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

Cybersecurity

The EU Commission introduced a proposal aimed at strengthening the EU’s response to large-scale cyber attacks.

Hackers have stolen $1.5 billion from Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit in what is believed to be the largest digital heist in history.

Following the recent security breach at Bybit, major cryptocurrency firms have joined forces to combat the attack and mitigate its impact.

Digital rights

Elon Musk has reignited his rivalry with OpenAI by leading a consortium in a staggering $97.4 billion bid to acquire the nonprofit that governs the ChatGPT creator.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has raised concerns about the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, accusing it of excessively collecting personal data and using it for training purposes.

TikTok has introduced a new method for US Android users to download the app directly from its website, bypassing restrictions imposed by app stores.

South Korea’s data protection authority has suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, citing concerns over non-compliance with the country’s privacy laws.

A US federal judge has denied a request to temporarily block Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing data from seven federal agencies or making further workforce cuts.

Legal

An online education company has filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming its AI-generated search overviews are damaging digital publishing.

The Trump administration is reevaluating the conditions of CHIPS and Science Act subsidies, which allocate $39 billion to boost domestic semiconductor production.

Elon Musk-owned social media platform X has successfully removed a judge from a German court case concerning demands for real-time election data.

Trump Media & Technology Group and Rumble have filed an emergency motion in a US court against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

Internet economy

Chinese investors are flocking to AI-related stocks, betting that the success of home-grown startup DeepSeek will propel China to the forefront of the AI race amid the escalating Sino-US technology conflict.

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 that has disrupted the global tech industry.

Macron announced private sector investments totalling around 109 billion euros ($112.5 billion) in its AI sector at the Paris AI summit, according to President Emmanuel Macron.

Elon Musk, who is leading Donald Trump’s federal cost-cutting initiative, has announced that efforts are underway to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he was in active discussions with China over the future of TikTok, as the US seeks to broker a sale of the popular app.

Elon Musk’s social media company X is currently discussing raising funds from investors at a $44 billion valuation.

Development

Alibaba has announced plans to invest at least 380 billion yuan ($52.44 billion) in cloud computing and AI infrastructure over the next three years.

US drugmaker Amgen has announced a $200 million investment in a new technology centre in southern India, which will focus on using AI and data science to support the development of new medicines.

Sociocultural

A German court has ruled that Elon Musk’s social media platform X must provide researchers with data to track the spread of misinformation ahead of the country’s national election on 23 February.

French prosecutors have launched an investigation into X, formerly known as Twitter, over alleged algorithmic bias.

Meta has launched a new initiative with UNESCO to enhance AI language recognition and translation, focusing on underserved languages.

A recent report by Australia’s eSafety regulator reveals that children in the country are finding it easy to bypass age restrictions on social media platforms.

A Russian court has fined Google 3.8 million roubles (£32,600) for hosting YouTube videos that allegedly instructed Russian soldiers on how to surrender.

Mexico has strongly opposed Google’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America’ for US Google Maps users.

For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Data Protection Day 2025: A new mandate for data protection

Data Protection Day 2025 brought experts to Brussels and online to discuss the latest privacy challenges. The event featured key speeches, panels, and discussions on data protection enforcement, international cooperation, and the impact of emerging technologies.

In his keynote, Leonardo Cervera Navas warned about algorithms being used to destabilise the EU democracies and the power imbalance caused by tech monopolies. Despite these challenges, he emphasised that European values and regulatory tools like the Digital Clearing House 2.0 could help uphold privacy.

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A panel moderated by Kait Bolongaro examined data protection priorities and enforcement challenges. European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiorowski stressed the role of strong data protection authorities (DPAs) in ensuring GDPR compliance. Matthias Kloth highlighted the modernisation of Convention 108+ as a key legal advancement. The discussion also covered international cooperation, with panellists agreeing that while global collaboration is necessary, privacy standards must not be diluted.

Audience questions raised concerns about the complexity and cost of enforcing privacy rights. Wiewiorowski saw no major GDPR overhaul in the near future but suggested procedural adjustments. Jo Pierson proposed that civil society organisations assist individuals facing legal barriers. The discussion also touched on China’s DeepSeek AI, with panellists refraining from labelling it a threat but stressing the need for Europe to control AI training datasets. Wiewiorowski likened the AI race to the Cold War’s ‘Sputnik moment,’ questioning if Europe was falling behind.

A session on future data protection challenges, led by Anna Buchta, highlighted regulatory complexity. Marina Kaljurand noted a significant digital knowledge gap among European lawmakers, complicating policy decisions. She also raised concerns about the UK’s adequacy decision, which expires in June 2025, and worsening US-EU relations under Trump. UK Information Commissioner John Edwards emphasised AI’s disruptive impact on biometrics and tracking, while Alberto Di Felice from DIGITALEUROPE criticised excessive bureaucracy, advocating for streamlined regulatory oversight.

Beatriz de Anchorena, head of Argentina’s data protection authority, championed Convention 108+ as a global privacy standard. Argentina, the first non-European country to receive EU adequacy, has remained a leader in data protection reform.

A discussion on neuroscience and privacy, moderated by Ella Mein, explored ethical concerns surrounding brain data. Professor Marcello Ienca warned of potential ‘neuro-discrimination’ and the dangers of exploiting brain data. ECtHR Jurisconsult Anna Austin highlighted legal challenges, noting the high standards required for data waivers.

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The final panel, led by Gabriela Zanfir-Fortuna, addressed the need for stronger enforcement. Johnny Ryan of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties criticised the EU’s slow response to data misuse, while Nora Ni Loideain emphasised the GDPR’s role in giving DPAs greater enforcement power.

The event underscored the need for robust regulation, global cooperation, and better enforcement mechanisms to protect privacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Legacy media vs social media and alternative media channels

The rapid spread of digital information has transformed communication, offering opportunities and challenges. While social media and alternative platforms have democratised access to information, they have also enabled misinformation, deepfakes, and sensationalism to flourish. The tension between traditional media and these new forms of communication is at the heart of current debates on content policy and media integrity.

The case of Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open highlights this shift. After a Channel 9 journalist made derogatory remarks about him and his Serbian supporters, Djokovic refused an on-court interview and took to social media to share his perspective. His video went viral, attracting support from figures like Elon Musk, who criticised traditional media as a ‘negativity filter,’ This incident underscored the ability of social media to bypass mainstream media narratives, raising questions about journalistic objectivity, editorial oversight, and the role of direct communication in shaping public discourse.

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Similarly, alternative media’s influence on political discourse was evident in Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. In 2024, Donald Trump’s appearance on the podcast allowed him to engage with audiences outside traditional news constraints, potentially boosting his presidential campaign. In contrast, Kamala Harris declined an invitation after requesting pre-approved questions. This difference illustrated how politicians navigate new media environments—some embracing unscripted discussions, others preferring controlled narratives. The case of Vladimir Klitschko further demonstrated how alternative media offers international figures a platform for nuanced discussions on global issues.

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Elon Musk’s experience with the media further highlights these dynamics. After traditional media misrepresented a gesture he made at a public event, Musk turned to X (formerly Twitter) to counter the narrative. His criticism of ‘legacy media’ as biassed and slow to adapt resonated with many, reinforcing the growing preference for direct, unfiltered communication. However, this shift presents risks, as social media and alternative platforms lack the editorial oversight that traditional outlets provide, allowing misinformation to spread more easily.

The rise of podcasts, independent media, and social networks has disrupted traditional journalism, offering new ways to engage audiences. While these platforms provide greater freedom of expression, they raise concerns about accuracy, misinformation, and accountability. The challenge remains in balancing openness with factual integrity, ensuring that media—whether traditional or alternative—serves the public responsibly in an era where the boundaries between truth and fabrication continue to blur.

Australian kids overlook social media age checks

A recent report by Australia’s eSafety regulator reveals that children in the country are finding it easy to bypass age restrictions on social media platforms. The findings come ahead of a government ban, set to take effect at the end of 2025, that will prevent children under the age of 16 from using these platforms. The report highlights data from a national survey on social media use among 8 to 15-year-olds and feedback from eight major services, including YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

The report shows that 80% of Australian children aged 8 to 12 were using social media in 2024, with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat being the most popular platforms. While most platforms, except Reddit, require users to enter their date of birth during sign-up, the report indicates that these systems rely on self-declaration, which can be easily manipulated. Despite these weaknesses, 95% of teens under 16 were found to be active on at least one of the platforms surveyed.

While some platforms, such as TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube, have introduced tools to proactively detect underage users, others have not fully implemented age verification technologies. YouTube remains exempt from the upcoming ban, allowing children under 13 to use the platform with parental supervision. However, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stressed that there is still significant work needed to enforce the government’s minimum age legislation effectively.

The report also noted that most of the services surveyed had conducted research to improve their age verification processes. However, as the law approaches, there are increasing calls for app stores to take greater responsibility for enforcing age restrictions.

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Young people rely on social media for political news

A growing number of young Europeans are turning to social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube as their primary news source, surpassing traditional outlets such as TV and print media. According to the latest European Parliament Youth Survey, 42% of people aged 16 to 30 rely on social media for news about politics and social issues. This shift highlights changing preferences toward fast-paced, accessible content but also raises concerns about the growing risk of disinformation among younger generations.

Younger users, especially those aged 16 to 18, are more likely to trust platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while those aged 25 to 30 tend to rely more on Facebook, online press, and radio for their news. However, the rise of social media as a news source has also led to increased exposure to fake news. A report from the Reuters Institute revealed that 27% of TikTok users struggle to identify misleading content, while Instagram has faced criticism for relaxing its fact-checking systems.

Despite being aware of the risks, young Europeans continue to engage with social media for news. A significant 76% of respondents reported encountering fake news in the past week, yet platforms like Instagram remain the most popular news sources. This trend is impacting trust in political institutions, with many young people expressing scepticism toward the EU and skipping elections due to a lack of information.

The reliance on social media for news has shifted political discourse, as fake news and AI-generated content have been used to manipulate public opinion. The constant exposure to sensationalised false information is also having psychological effects, increasing anxiety and confusion among young people and pushing some to avoid news altogether.

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Russia denies digital rouble expiry rumours

The Russian Central Bank has dismissed claims that unused digital rouble coins in inactive wallets will be erased. Officials say the reports, spreading on social media, are false and have no basis in law. Alla Bakina, a senior bank executive, stressed that digital roubles, like cash, belong entirely to the wallet holder, who can spend them whenever they choose.

Concerns have also surfaced that Russian citizens will be forced to use the digital rouble. However, the Central Bank insists that opening a digital rouble wallet will remain voluntary. Officials criticised social media “pseudo-experts” for spreading misinformation and reassured the public that there is no need to submit formal refusals to banks or government offices.

Despite these reassurances, scepticism remains. Some critics argue that while the bank may not impose expiry dates now, digital currencies allow for future spending restrictions. The digital rouble has been in testing since August 2023, with a full rollout expected before the year’s end.

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