The EU thinks Big Tech is the weak link in Europe’s fight against fraud

The article discusses the drawbacks of cookie banners, which are meant to protect user privacy but often create frustration and confusion. With users in the EU spending an estimated 720,000 hours daily dismissing these pop-ups, the piece advocates for a zero-consent architecture as a more effective solution. This approach not only enhances user experience by eliminating unnecessary interruptions but also ensures better data integrity for organizations. Embracing this shift could lead to a more seamless online environment, benefiting both users and businesses alike.

The ongoing debate about how big tech companies should account for emissions from AI data centers has escalated into an international issue. This discussion is crucial as it impacts environmental policies and corporate responsibility, highlighting the need for transparency in emissions reporting.

WB Electronics SA, Europe's leading drone manufacturer, is planning to go public on the Warsaw stock exchange. This move comes as the company aims to expand its investments in response to increased EU funding for defense initiatives. This is significant not only for the company but also for the European defense sector, as it highlights the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare and security.

The European Union is collaborating with private investors to establish a multibillion-euro scale-up fund, aiming to grow it to €25 billion. This initiative is significant as it reflects the EU's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups, which can drive economic growth and job creation across the region.

In 2025, Big Tech's lobbying expenditures in the EU reached a record €151 million, a significant increase from €113 million in 2023 and €97 million in 2021. This surge in spending reflects the growing influence and interest of major tech companies in shaping EU regulations. Between January and June 2025, these companies held 146 meetings with EU officials, highlighting their proactive approach to engage with policymakers. This trend is important as it raises questions about the balance of power in regulatory processes and the potential impact on legislation affecting technology and innovation.

Senators are taking a stand to protect children from potentially harmful companion bots developed by Big Tech. This proposed law aims to keep these technologies away from kids, addressing growing concerns about their safety and privacy. While Big Tech has labeled the legislation as 'heavy-handed,' the move reflects a significant shift towards prioritizing child safety in the digital age, highlighting the need for responsible tech development.

Oppo has officially launched its latest smartphones, the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, in the UK and EU markets, priced at €999 and €1,299 respectively. These devices feature impressive silicon-carbon batteries with capacities of 7,025mAh and 7,500mAh, ensuring long-lasting performance. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip, the Find X9 series promises to deliver a powerful user experience. This launch is significant as it showcases Oppo's commitment to innovation in the competitive smartphone market, particularly with its focus on battery technology and performance enhancements.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed strong support for Gotion High-Tech Co.'s decision to invest €1.2 billion in an electric-car battery plant in Slovakia. This development is significant as it highlights Slovakia's growing role in the electric vehicle sector, especially amid rising tensions between China and the European Union. Fico's endorsement of the project reflects a strategic move to bolster the country's economy and position in the global automotive industry.

In a shocking incident, over 1,000 artifacts, including a rare historical daguerreotype, were stolen from the Oakland Museum. This theft not only robs the community of its cultural heritage but also raises concerns about the security of museums nationwide. The loss of such significant pieces highlights the ongoing challenges museums face in protecting their collections, making it crucial for institutions to enhance their security measures to prevent future incidents.

Meta is making headlines with its plan to raise up to $30 billion through bond offerings, signaling a significant increase in its capital expenditures for the upcoming year compared to 2025. This move is noteworthy as it reflects Meta's confidence in its growth strategy and its commitment to investing in future projects, which could have a positive impact on its market position and innovation efforts.

Apple is optimistic about its upcoming Q1 revenue, projecting a growth of 10% to 12% year-over-year, driven by strong iPhone sales expected to rise by double digits. This positive outlook comes despite a 4% decline in Q4 revenue from China, which fell to $14.5 billion, slightly below estimates. The company's ability to forecast growth amidst challenges highlights its resilience and the continued demand for its products, making it a key player in the tech industry.

The evolution of form management in Angular is making waves, especially with the introduction of signal-based forms. This update simplifies how developers handle custom validation errors by allowing them to use plain JavaScript objects instead of relying on the previous customError utility function. This change not only enhances the ergonomics of form handling but also significantly improves the overall developer experience, making it easier and more efficient to create robust forms.

Navan's initial public offering (IPO) faced a significant setback, plummeting 20% on its first day of trading. The company ended the day with a valuation of approximately $4.7 billion, which is nearly half of its previous private valuation of $9.2 billion. This decline highlights the challenges companies face in the current market environment, especially under the constraints of regulatory changes like the SEC shutdown workaround.

Conduent, a major player in business services that separated from Xerox in 2017, has confirmed a significant data breach affecting over 10.5 million individuals in 2024. This incident raises serious concerns about data security and the potential risks to personal information, highlighting the ongoing challenges companies face in protecting sensitive data. As breaches become more common, the implications for consumer trust and corporate responsibility are profound.