EU probes Amazon, Microsoft’s cloud services for potential curbs

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.

Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has been developing a distinctive vehicle for the past decade. While competitors like Tesla's Robotaxi and Waymo attract significant media attention, Zoox's unique design and technology have remained relatively under the radar, yet they are memorable once seen.

Adobe has announced a $1.9 billion acquisition of Semrush, a software provider that assists businesses, including major companies like Amazon and TikTok, with search-engine optimization and marketing strategies. This deal highlights Adobe's commitment to enhancing its digital marketing capabilities.

The Netherlands has suspended its state seizure of the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, pausing a dispute that had threatened global car production. Dutch Economic Affairs Minister Vincent Karremans announced the decision, which aims to alleviate tensions between the EU and China over semiconductor supply chains.

The Navy Secretary has expressed concerns that workers in the shipbuilding industry may prefer jobs at Amazon, where they can earn higher wages. This situation poses a challenge for attracting talent to build America's warships, especially as the industry, which contributes $37.3 billion to the GDP, has been overshadowed by China's advancements in recent years.

The European Union (EU) is set to establish a central authority dedicated to the procurement of critical minerals, according to a report by Investing.com. This initiative aims to streamline the acquisition process for essential materials that are vital for various industries, including technology and renewable energy.

Elon Musk has reignited his long-standing feud with Bill Gates after the Gates Foundation sold 65% of its Microsoft stake, resulting in an estimated gain of $8.8 billion. Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Gates, particularly targeting his philanthropic efforts while holding a significant short position against Tesla. This public spat highlights the ongoing tensions between the two billionaires, reflecting Musk's disdain for Gates' financial strategies.

OneStream has strengthened its partnership with Microsoft to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) solutions specifically for the finance sector. This collaboration aims to leverage Microsoft's AI capabilities to provide advanced financial insights and analytics. The move is part of a broader trend in the industry, where companies are increasingly integrating AI to improve operational efficiency and decision-making processes in finance.