US Lawmakers Push New Chip Export Curbs Targeting China

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A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has proposed new legislation to tighten export restrictions on semiconductor manufacturing equipment destined for China, escalating efforts to maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.

The draft MATCH Act would expand controls on advanced chipmaking tools, directly impacting companies such as ASML and Nikon, which dominate key segments like deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems.

The proposal specifically targets equipment used to produce advanced chips, aiming to block access for major Chinese firms including SMIC, Huawei and other leading domestic chipmakers.

Unlike previous export controls introduced through executive actions, this initiative originates in Congress and seeks to align restrictions across allied countries, ensuring foreign suppliers adhere to similar limitations as U.S. companies.

Currently, Dutch regulations already prevent ASML from exporting its most advanced chipmaking tools to China. However, the company continues to sell less advanced DUV systems. The proposed law would extend restrictions to cover these products as well, potentially cutting off a significant portion of China’s access to critical semiconductor equipment.

China has been a major market for ASML, accounting for roughly one-third of its sales in 2025, though this share is expected to decline. The proposed legislation underscores intensifying technological competition between the United States and China, particularly in strategic sectors such as AI and semiconductor manufacturing.

Amazon Eyes $9B Globalstar Deal to Challenge Starlink

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Amazon is reportedly in talks to acquire satellite communications firm Globalstar in a deal valued at around $9 billion, as it accelerates efforts to compete in the low-Earth-orbit satellite market.

Globalstar, which provides voice, data and asset-tracking services through its satellite network, has seen its market value rise sharply over the past year. The potential acquisition would strengthen Amazon’s position in space-based connectivity as it expands its satellite initiative, known as Project Kuiper.

A key complication in the negotiations is Apple’s roughly 20% stake in Globalstar, requiring coordination between Amazon and Apple as part of any potential agreement.

The move is widely seen as a strategic push to rival Starlink, operated by SpaceX. Starlink currently leads the market with thousands of satellites in orbit and millions of global users.

Amazon has launched hundreds of satellites so far under its own program and aims to scale rapidly to serve enterprise, government and consumer markets. The company is seeking to close the gap with SpaceX as demand for global satellite internet and connectivity services continues to grow.

Discussions are ongoing, and no final agreement has been confirmed.

Greece Moves Toward Social Media Ban for Under-15s

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Greece is preparing to introduce a social media ban for children under 15, as concerns over addiction, cyberbullying and online safety intensify among parents and policymakers.

The expected measure, backed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government, would align Greece with countries like Australia that have already implemented similar restrictions. While details on enforcement and timing remain unclear, an official announcement is anticipated soon.

Public support for the move appears strong. Surveys indicate that around 80% of respondents favor a ban, reflecting widespread concern over the impact of platforms such as Meta’s Instagram and TikTok on young users.

Data from Greece’s Safer Internet Centre shows a sharp rise in cyberbullying cases and online abuse, with helpline calls more than doubling in a year. Experts warn that a large proportion of children using social media are too young to manage associated risks effectively.

Despite support, some parents remain skeptical about enforcement, noting that children may find ways to bypass restrictions. Others argue that family-level controls could be more effective than government intervention.

The initiative reflects a broader global shift toward tighter regulation of social media access for minors, as governments respond to growing evidence of its impact on youth mental health and behavior.