WhatsApp faces European antitrust investigation over artificial intelligence

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 is conducting a probe into Elon Musk's platform, X, as part of its efforts to finalize regulatory measures before the year's end. This investigation highlights the EU's ongoing scrutiny of major digital platforms and their compliance with European regulations.

Venmo has announced that it is 'back up and running' after resolving a widespread service outage that affected users' ability to send and receive money. The company confirmed that the issue impacting its payment service has been fixed, allowing normal operations to resume.

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.

PlayStation recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades since the launch of the iconic video game console that has significantly influenced the gaming industry. Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show featured a stage design that resembled a giant PlayStation controller, highlighting the console's cultural impact.

Chile has enacted a new law prohibiting the use of mobile phones and other smart devices in elementary and middle school classrooms. This legislation aims to enhance the learning environment by minimizing distractions caused by technology during instructional time.

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.