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TikTok moves into Japanese E-commerce

Chinese social media giant TikTok is preparing to launch its online shopping service in Japan within the coming months, according to a report by the Nikkei newspaper.

The company plans to begin recruiting sellers soon for TikTok Shop, its e-commerce arm that has already made waves in other regions through livestream-based sales of a wide range of products, from footwear to cosmetics.

The move is part of TikTok’s broader strategy to grow internationally, especially while its future in the US remains uncertain. The platform recently expanded into France, Germany and Italy, pushing further into the European market instead of relying solely on existing user bases.

TikTok Shop is known for offering attractive discounts and allowing users to earn commissions by promoting items in live broadcasts.

In contrast, TikTok’s operations in the US continue to face political and regulatory hurdles. A law passed in 2024 requires ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell off its US assets by January 19.

Although President Donald Trump indicated a deal might still happen, he also suggested any agreement could be delayed due to shifting dynamics in US-China trade relations.

Despite not immediately responding to media requests for comment, TikTok seems determined to strengthen its foothold in international markets.

By entering Japan’s e-commerce space, the company signals it intends to expand through business innovation and regional diversification instead of waiting for political clarity in the United States.

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UN prepares for possible shifts in US financial contributions

The United Nations faces renewed financial uncertainty as Donald Trump’s administration reviews all US support for international organisations. Trump has already slashed voluntary funding across multiple UN agencies and withdrawn from bodies like the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council.

A leaked White House memo even suggests that cuts to assessed contributions—mandatory payments that keep core UN operations running—are on the table, sparking fears of a major financial crisis. While a complete US withdrawal from the UN is seen as unlikely, experts warn that the US could cripple the organisation by indefinitely halting payments, creating a gaping hole in its budget.

In 2023, the US contributed around $13 billion to the UN, covering about a quarter of its budget. The potential for missed payments raises concerns not just about immediate financial collapse, but about the future of multilateralism itself, drawing parallels to the League of Nations’ demise in the early 20th century.

The situation is complicated by internal divisions within the Republican Party, with some favouring a transactional approach to UN reform while others push a hardline, anti-multilateralist agenda. With peacekeeping budget negotiations looming and no US ambassador to the UN yet appointed, uncertainty dominates.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has launched the UN80 initiative, aiming to streamline operations and reassure sceptical donors, but it remains unclear if these reforms will be enough to placate Washington.

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Trump’s first 100 days show steady tech policy

In his blog post ‘Tech continuity in President Trump’s first 100 days,’ Jovan Kurbalija highlights that Trump’s approach to technology remained remarkably stable despite political turbulence in trade and environmental policy. Out of 139 executive orders, only nine directly addressed tech issues, focusing mainly on digital finance, AI leadership, and cybersecurity, reflecting a longstanding US tradition of business-centric tech governance.

Trump’s administration reinforced the idea of letting the tech sector evolve without heavy regulatory interference, even as international players like the EU pushed for stronger digital sovereignty measures. Content moderation policies saw a significant shift, notably with an executive order to curb federal involvement in online censorship, aligning with moves by platforms like Meta and X (formerly Twitter) toward deregulation.

Meanwhile, the prolonged TikTok saga underlined the growing intersection of tech and geopolitics, with ByteDance receiving a deadline extension to sell its US operations amid rising tensions with China. In AI policy, Trump steered away from Biden-era safety concerns, favouring economic competitiveness and educational reforms to strengthen American AI leadership, while public consultations revealed a broad range of industry perspectives.

Kurbalija also noted the administration’s steady hand in cybersecurity, focusing on technical infrastructure while minimising concern over misinformation, and in digital economy matters, where new tariffs and the removal of the de minimis import exemption pointed toward a potentially fragmented global internet. In the cryptocurrency sector, Trump adopted a crypto-friendly stance by creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and easing previous regulatory constraints, though these bold moves sparked fears of financial volatility.

Despite these tactical shifts, Kurbalija concludes that Trump’s overarching tech policy remains one of continuity, firmly rooted in supporting private innovation while navigating increasingly strained global digital relations.

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Alibaba launches Qwen3 AI model

As the AI race intensifies in China, Alibaba has unveiled Qwen3, the latest version of its open-source large language model, aiming to compete with top-tier rivals like DeepSeek.

The company claims Qwen3 significantly improves reasoning, instruction following, tool use, and multilingual abilities compared to earlier versions.

Trained on 36 trillion tokens—double that of Qwen2.5—Qwen3 is available for free download on platforms like Hugging Face, GitHub, and Modelscope, instead of being limited to Alibaba’s own channels.

The model also powers Alibaba’s AI assistant, Quark, and will soon be accessible via API through its Model Studio platform.

Alibaba says the Qwen model family has already been downloaded over 300 million times, with developers creating more than 100,000 derivatives based on it.

With Qwen3, the company hopes to cement its place among the world’s AI leaders instead of trailing behind American and Chinese rivals.

Although the US still leads the AI field—according to Stanford’s AI Index 2025, it produced 40 major models last year versus China’s 15— Chinese firms like DeepSeek, Butterfly Effect, and now Alibaba are pushing to close the quality gap.

The global competition, it seems, is far from settled.

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Deepfake victims gain new rights with House-approved bill

The US House of Representatives has passed the ‘Take It Down’ Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, aiming to protect Americans from the spread of deepfake and revenge pornography.

The bill, approved by a 409-2 vote, criminalises the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery—including AI-generated content—and now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.

First Lady Melania Trump, who returned to public advocacy earlier this year, played a key role in supporting the legislation. She lobbied lawmakers last month and celebrated the bill’s passage, saying she was honoured to help guide it through Congress.

The White House confirmed she will attend the signing ceremony.

The law requires social media platforms and similar websites to remove such harmful content upon request from victims, instead of allowing it to remain unchecked.

Victims of deepfake pornography have included both public figures such as Taylor Swift and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and private individuals like high school students.

Introduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and backed by Democratic lawmakers including Amy Klobuchar and Madeleine Dean, the bill reflects growing concern across party lines about online abuse.

Melania Trump, echoing her earlier ‘Be Best’ initiative, stressed the need to ensure young people—especially girls—can navigate the internet safely instead of being left vulnerable to digital exploitation.

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IBM commits $150 billion to US tech

IBM has announced a major investment plan worth $150 billion over the next five years to solidify its role as a global leader in advanced computing and quantum technologies.

The move also aims to support US economic growth by expanding local innovation and manufacturing, instead of relying heavily on overseas operations.

Over $30 billion of the funding will be directed towards research and development, helping IBM advance in areas such as mainframe and quantum computer production.

According to CEO Arvind Krishna, this commitment ensures that IBM remains the core hub of the world’s most sophisticated computing and AI capabilities. The company already operates the largest fleet of quantum computing systems and intends to continue building them in the US.

The announcement comes amid a wider shift among major tech firms investing heavily in US-based infrastructure.

Companies like Nvidia and Apple have each pledged massive sums—Nvidia alone is preparing to invest up to $500 billion—in response to President Donald Trump’s call for greater domestic manufacturing through policies like reciprocal tariffs.

By focusing investment at home instead of abroad, IBM joins a growing list of tech leaders aligning with government efforts to revitalise American industry while maintaining their global competitiveness in AI and next-generation computing.

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Huawei develops Ascend 910D chip to rival Nvidia

Huawei Technologies is preparing to test its newest AI processor, the Ascend 910D, as it seeks to offer an alternative to Nvidia’s products following US export restrictions. The company has approached several Chinese tech firms to assess the technical feasibility of the new chip.

Extensive testing will follow to ensure the chip’s performance before it reaches the wider market. Sources claim Huawei aims for the Ascend 910D to outperform Nvidia’s H100 chip, widely used for AI training since 2022.

Huawei is already shipping large volumes of its earlier Ascend 910B and 910C models to state-owned carriers and private AI developers like ByteDance. Demand for these processors has risen as US restrictions tightened Nvidia’s ability to sell its H20 chip to China.

Increased domestic demand for Huawei’s AI hardware signals a shift in China’s semiconductor market amid geopolitical tensions. Analysts believe this development strengthens Huawei’s ambition to compete globally in the AI chip market.

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Japanese startup Craif raises funds to expand urine-based cancer test

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with nearly 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths recorded in 2022.

In response, Japanese startup Craif, spun off from Nagoya University in 2018, is developing an AI-powered early cancer detection software using microRNA (miRNA) instead of relying on traditional methods.

The company has just raised $22 million in Series C funding, bringing its total to $57 million, with plans to expand into the US market and strengthen its research and development efforts.

Craif was founded after co-founder and CEO Ryuichi Onose experienced the impact of cancer within his own family. Partnering with associate professor Takao Yasui, who had discovered a new technique for early cancer detection using urinary biomarkers, the company created a non-invasive urine-based test.

Instead of invasive blood tests, Craif’s technology allows patients to detect cancers as early as Stage 1 from the comfort of their own homes, making regular screening more accessible and less daunting.

Unlike competitors who depend on cell-free DNA (cfDNA), Craif uses microRNA, a biomarker known for its strong link to early cancer biology. Urine is chosen instead of blood because it contains fewer impurities, offering clearer signals and reducing measurement errors.

Craif’s first product, miSignal, which tests for seven different types of cancers, is already on the market in Japan and has attracted around 20,000 users through clinics, pharmacies, direct sales, and corporate wellness programmes.

The new funding will enable Craif to enter the US market, complete clinical trials by 2029, and seek FDA approval. It also plans to expand its detection capabilities to cover ten types of cancers this year and explore applications for other conditions like dementia instead of limiting its technology to cancer alone.

With a growing presence in California and partnerships with dozens of US medical institutions, Craif is positioning itself as a major player in the future of early disease detection.

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DOJ wants Google to sell Chrome to boost competition

The ongoing US antitrust case against Google has intensified speculation over the future of its Chrome browser, with DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg estimating its potential value at around $50 billion.

His remark, made during court testimony, far exceeds previous estimates and underscores how pivotal Chrome has become in the broader search and advertising ecosystem.

Weinberg, who leads one of Google’s search rivals, admitted that DuckDuckGo could not afford such a purchase, but would still be interested if money were no object.

Other major players, including OpenAI and Perplexity, have also expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if a court ruling mandates its divestment.

The Department of Justice and several states are pushing for such measures after Judge Amit Mehta found that Google illegally maintained a search monopoly through restrictive default agreements.

Executives from OpenAI and Perplexity testified that owning or partnering with Chrome would enable tighter integration of AI and search, reducing their dependence on Microsoft’s Bing.

OpenAI even approached Google for access to its search API last year but was rejected. As the US trial continues, the fate of Chrome hangs in the balance, with a forced sale likely to reshape the search and AI landscape dramatically.

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DW Weekly #209 – Big Tech on global trial: lawsuits, data leaks, cryptocurrency and viral tendencies

18 – 25 April 2025

Book, Comics, Publication, Person, Face, Head, Art

Dear readers,

The past week has delivered another wave of developments redefining the digital world. Legal battles involving Big Tech took centre stage on both sides of the Atlantic, with the EU and the USA involved in antitrust disputes, amid an escalating global trade war that may be fuelling this regulatory reckoning.

The EU has imposed its first fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), targeting Apple and Meta for anti-competitive practices. Apple faces a €500 million penalty for restricting app developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options outside its App Store. Meta has been fined €200 million for its ‘consent or pay’ model, which required users to either consent to personalised ads or pay a fee for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta is also facing fresh legal backlash in France as 67 French media companies representing over 200 publications filed a lawsuit alleging unfair competition in the digital advertising market.

European regulators are putting pressure on Big Tech, with Alphabet’s Google and Elon Musk’s X expected to be the next in line for penalties under the EU’s tough new digital rules. Despite US President Donald Trump’s objections, the EU appears undeterred, viewing the DMA as a veiled tariff on American tech firms.

On the other side of the Atlantic, we have the Google antitrust court case in the USA, where the US Department of Justice (DOJ) added the AI-driven search monopoly accusation to its court file. Namely, the DOJ launched its opening arguments in a long-awaited landmark antitrust trial against Google, aiming to curb the tech giant’s dominance in online search and prevent it from leveraging AI to entrench its position further.

One of the potential conditions for Google to comply with regulatory requirements may involve divesting its Chrome browser, for which OpenAI has expressed acquisition interest.

South Korea’s data protection authority has flagged serious privacy concerns over the operations of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, accusing the company of transferring personal data and user-generated content abroad without consent.

Speaking of cryptocurrency, Paul Atkins has officially been sworn in as the 34th Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Known for his pro-crypto stance, Atkins is expected to bring much-needed clarity to digital asset regulations.

Dutch banking giant ING is preparing to launch a Euro-based stablecoin. It is teaming up with other financial institutions to form a consortium.

Staying in the Netherlands, Adyen, the Dutch payment processor, fell victim to three coordinated DDoS attacks on Monday evening, severely disrupting debit card and online payments.

A viral development of the past seven days is the story about a controversial new startup called Cluely, which has secured $5.3 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered tool designed to help users ‘cheat on everything,’ from job interviews to exams.

To finish, the blog: Dr Jovan Kurbalija, the Director of Diplo, is dealing with AI and linguistics this time. In his blog ‘Linguists in the AI era: From resistance to renaissance,’ he introspects the shift from initial scepticism among linguists to a newfound synergy, as AI tools enhance language analysis, translation, and cultural understanding in diplomacy.

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

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 18 – 25 April 2025

eu flags in front of european commission

The EU Commission hits Apple and Meta with draconian fines

The EU has fired its first regulatory shot under the Digital Markets Act, fining Apple €500M and Meta €200M for anti-competitive practices. As US-EU digital tensions grow, the tech giants…

DALL%C2%B7E 2023 04 26 13.49.29 Google company making money from Search engine clear full light 50mm

DOJ adds to Google’s antitrust trial the AI-driven search monopoly

Prosecutors are calling for sweeping measures, including the sale of Chrome and a breakup of exclusive deals with device makers, including its Gemini app installed on Samsung devices, which reinforces…

AI startup Cluely offers controversial cheating tool

Cluely’s founders say their tool challenges outdated norms, but critics warn it could erode trust in recruitment and education.

CISA extends MITRE’s CVE program for 11 months

CISA has extended MITRE’s contract to operate the CVE program for 11 months, ensuring continuity of vulnerability tracking services. Meanwhile, a new non-profit CVE Foundation has been established to support…

Algorithms confront tariffs featured image

Temu and Shein to raise US prices due to new tariffs

Low-cost retailers face up to 145% tariffs under revised US trade rules.

Trump meme coin team moves $4.6M ahead of token unlock

Analysts warn of potential sell pressure as 40 million TRUMP tokens prepare to hit the market.

Adyen outage cyberattack DDOS servers payments

Adyen services disrupted by cyber blitz

Three DDoS attacks disrupted payment services on Monday, with full functionality only restored by 3:40 am, severely impacting Adyen’s operations.

Pro-crypto Paul Atkins sworn in as SEC Chair

With over 20 years in capital markets, Paul Atkins takes charge at the SEC, eyeing reforms for digital asset regulations.

OpenAI eyes Chrome in bid to boost ChatGPT

Nick Turley revealed OpenAI lacks a deal with Google and struggles to expand ChatGPT’s presence on Android despite a successful Apple partnership.

Crypto exchanges expand into Wall Street territory as synergy with TradFi increases

Digital asset exchanges like Kraken are expanding into traditional finance, highlighting the growing synergy between digital assets and Wall Street.

Russian hackers target NGOs with fake video calls

Researchers warn of a phishing campaign using video call links to compromise Microsoft 365 accounts of NGOs focused on Ukraine and human rights issues.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Linguists in the AI era: From resistance to renaissance – Diplo

In the context of Geneva’s multilingual landscape, the rise of AI has sparked both concern and opportunity within the linguistic community. While AI will automate many translation and interpretation tasks, linguists are essential for addressing the limitations of AI, particularly in navigating syntax and semantics.

BLOG featured image 2025 57 Cuban missile crisis

Triumph of diplomacy: The Cuban missile crisis – Diplo

The Cuban Missile Crisis pushed humanity to the edge of catastrophe—but it also revealed the quiet strength of diplomacy. In a tense standoff between superpowers, backchannel negotiations and mutual restraint averted disaster.

Politeness in 2025: Why are we so kind to AI? – Diplo

Why do ~80% of us say ‘please’ & ‘thank you’ to AI like ChatGPT? Explore the psychology, hidden costs, and what our AI politeness reveals about our humanity.

What’s wrong with doping? – Diplo

Trainers, labs, surgeons, psychologists – all boost performance. But doping? That’s banned. Is the real scandal the drugs – or the unequal coronas of support? Aldo Matteucci examines.

UPCOMING EVENTS

www.diplomacy.edu

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation? – Diplo Event

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation? 🗓️ 29 April 2025 | 🕐 13:00–14:00 CEST

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www.diplomacy.edu

AI Apprenticeship for International Organisations blended course – Diplo Event

Diplo Academy will launch the Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course on 16 September 2024 in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Stay updated on courses by subscribing to their newsletter.

dig.watch

Sexual and reproductive rights in the digital age: Tackling threats and seizing opportunities

The conference, organised by Medicus Mundi Schweiz, will provide a platform for examining the evolving role of AI and digital technologies in shaping public health and sexual and reproductive health…