Macron Says Germany, France Seek to Delay High-Risk AI Rules

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.

LearnUpon, based in Dublin, has acquired Courseau, a German AI course creator. This acquisition is expected to enable businesses to generate content 50 times faster, enhancing the efficiency of learning and training processes.

The European Union has announced a comprehensive plan to streamline digital regulations aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the artificial intelligence sector and supporting local tech companies. This initiative reflects the EU's commitment to fostering innovation and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for technology firms.

In late September, Deutsche Lufthansa AG announced plans to cut 4,000 administrative jobs by the end of the decade, attributing part of this decision to the increased use of artificial intelligence. This move reflects a growing trend among companies to leverage AI for operational efficiencies, often at the expense of human jobs.

A new mega data center is set to be constructed in eastern Germany, aimed at establishing a foundation for a competitive European AI sector against the United States and China. This initiative is part of Germany's broader strategy to achieve digital sovereignty.

Teresa Ribera, the European Union’s competition chief, announced that regulators are reviewing a significant offer from Google aimed at addressing alleged antitrust violations related to its advertising technology business. This scrutiny follows a substantial fine of nearly €3 billion ($3.5 billion) imposed on Google for these violations.

Raith, a German supplier of nano-technology for critical sectors like quantum computing, is considering a sale that could value the company at approximately €1 billion ($1.2 billion). The private equity owner is exploring this option amid growing interest in quantum technologies, which are becoming increasingly vital in various industries.

Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Corp.'s Azure are currently under investigation by the European Union. The inquiry aims to assess whether these leading cloud platforms should be subjected to regulations intended to limit the market power of major technology companies. This scrutiny reflects ongoing concerns about the dominance of Big Tech in the cloud computing sector and its implications for competition and consumer choice in the digital economy.