Dutch Clampdown on Nexperia Puts Europe’s Chip Sovereignty Strategy to the Test

The European Commission has been accused of a significant rollback of digital protections following proposals to delay key aspects of the Artificial Intelligence Act and dilute data protection regulations. If implemented, these changes would allow tech companies to utilize personal data for AI model training without user consent and reduce the frequency of consent requests for online tracking.

The European Commission has initiated a Digital Markets Act (DMA) investigation into US hyperscalers, focusing on their market power in the cloud infrastructure sector. This move is part of the EU's strategy to secure a competitive digital landscape in Europe and ensure fair practices among major tech players.

The Netherlands has temporarily halted its efforts to seize control of the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, a move seen as a gesture of goodwill aimed at easing tensions in the ongoing EU-China dispute. This decision comes amid concerns over the impact on global car supply chains, which have been affected by semiconductor shortages.

The European Union has proposed updates to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which include simplifying cookie permission pop-ups. Additionally, there are plans to dilute the AI Act in response to pressure from the United States and major technology companies. This shift marks a significant change in the EU's regulatory stance towards tech giants, raising concerns about the protection of user data and the integrity of AI governance.

Ainekko has acquired the intellectual property of the struggling startup Esperanto and has announced that it will open-source this technology. This move raises questions about whether this is the first instance of RTL design being fully attempted in an open-source manner.

The State of European Tech Report reveals that optimism in Europe's technology sector has reached a 10-year high, with the sector now valued at $4 trillion. The report emphasizes the importance of Europe defining its future independently, highlighting the need for innovation and investment in the region.

WeEn has launched a 2000V rectifier, a specialized diode designed for converting AC to DC in high-voltage electrical systems. This rectifier allows current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the reverse, making it suitable for applications requiring high voltage conversion.

WeEn Semiconductors has launched TOLT and TSPAK top-side cooling packages specifically designed for SiC MOSFETs and Schottky barrier diodes. These innovative packages aim to enhance the thermal management of these semiconductor devices.