EU Probe of Musk’s X Tests Bloc’s Digital Clout in Trump Era

Irish authorities have been formally requested to investigate Microsoft due to allegations of unlawful data processing by the Israeli Defense Forces, following revelations of Israel's mass surveillance of Palestinians utilizing Microsoft cloud services.

The European Union has announced plans to open bidding for large-scale AI gigafactories in early 2026, aiming to establish public-private partnerships that will enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence technology. This initiative is part of the EU's strategy to compete more effectively with the United States in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The European Union has initiated an antitrust investigation into WhatsApp's artificial intelligence policies, focusing on potential market manipulation and competitive practices. This inquiry reflects ongoing regulatory scrutiny of major tech companies and their influence in the digital landscape.

Meta Platforms Inc. faces the risk of a temporary ban from the European Union regarding its new AI policies for WhatsApp, following an investigation into the company's market practices. This scrutiny is part of a broader examination of Big Tech's influence in Europe, raising concerns about compliance with regulatory standards.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has explored potential deals to either acquire or partner with a rocket company, aiming to establish a competitor to Elon Musk's SpaceX. This move reflects Altman's ambition to expand OpenAI's influence beyond artificial intelligence into the aerospace sector.

Bitcoin has rebounded to a two-week high, reflecting a cautious recovery in the digital-assets market following a significant selloff that began in early October. Concurrently, the European Union has finalized a deal to accelerate the phase-out of Russian gas, impacting energy markets. Inditex, the parent company of Zara, reported a rise in November sales, indicating strong consumer spending resilience.

A partially reusable Chinese rocket, developed by a local startup, crash-landed shortly after launch, as reported by state media. This incident highlights the significant challenges China faces in advancing its space technology to compete with established players like SpaceX, led by Elon Musk.

Tesla has privately alerted the UK government that any weakening of electric vehicle regulations could adversely affect battery car sales and jeopardize the nation's carbon dioxide reduction targets. The warning was revealed through documents obtained from a government consultation earlier this year.