Yazılar

EU Seeks Private Investment to Lead Quantum Technology by 2030

/in /tarafından

The European Union is turning to private funding to strengthen its position in quantum technology, aiming to reduce dependence on the U.S. and China, EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen announced Wednesday. Quantum computing promises vastly faster processing speeds than traditional computers and could revolutionize various sectors, potentially generating trillions of dollars in value over the next decade, according to McKinsey.

Virkkunen highlighted that while Europe has already invested over 11 billion euros ($13 billion) in public funding for quantum technology over the past five years, only 5% of global private investments flow to Europe. To address this gap, the EU plans to intensify efforts to attract private capital in the coming months.

The EU Quantum Strategy also calls for greater collaboration among member states to pool expertise, enhance research and infrastructure, and support a vibrant ecosystem of startups and scale-ups. A key focus is helping startups avoid acquisition by foreign entities or relocation to regions with better funding opportunities.

Looking ahead, the European Commission intends to propose a “Quantum Act” next year to build on the strategy and further promote Europe’s quantum ambitions.

Google Faces Setback as EU Court Adviser Supports Antitrust Regulators

/in /tarafından

Alphabet’s Google encountered a potential setback on Thursday after an adviser to Europe’s highest court sided with EU antitrust regulators over a landmark €4.34 billion ($4.98 billion) fine imposed seven years ago.

The European Commission ruled in 2018 that Google had abused its dominant position by using its Android mobile operating system to block competitors. While a lower court upheld the ruling in 2022, it slightly reduced the fine to €4.1 billion. Google subsequently appealed to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

Juliane Kokott, Advocate-General at the Luxembourg-based CJEU, issued a non-binding opinion recommending the court reject Google’s appeal and confirm the reduced fine. Kokott stated, “The legal arguments put forward by Google are ineffective.”

She dismissed Google’s claim that regulators should assess the situation by comparing Google with a hypothetical, equally efficient competitor. Kokott explained, “Google held a dominant position in several markets of the Android ecosystem and thus benefited from network effects that enabled it to ensure that users used Google Search.”

Judges typically follow the Advocate-General’s opinion in about 80% of cases. A final ruling is expected in the coming months.

Google responded by emphasizing Android’s role in creating choice and supporting businesses globally, expressing disappointment with the opinion. A spokesperson said, “If followed by the Court, [the opinion] would discourage investment in open platforms and harm Android users, partners, and app developers.”

The regulators’ investigation found Google had imposed illegal practices dating back to 2011, including requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome browser alongside Google Play on Android devices. Google also paid manufacturers to pre-install only Google Search and prevented the use of rival Android systems.

Google’s Android runs on approximately 73% of the world’s smartphones, according to Statcounter.

This fine is part of a broader enforcement effort against Google, which has amassed €8.25 billion in penalties across three antitrust cases over the past decade, with additional investigations ongoing.

Case Reference: C-738/22 P Google and Alphabet v Commission

EU Probes Corporate Structure of Elon Musk’s X Months After xAI Acquisition

/in /tarafından

The European Union announced on Thursday that it is seeking further information from Elon Musk’s social media platform X regarding recent changes to its corporate structure. This inquiry comes months after the platform was acquired by Musk’s xAI in a $33 billion deal.

A spokesperson for the European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, stated, “We are following closely changes in the corporate structure of X, as we would changes in any other designated platform.” However, the spokesperson did not confirm Bloomberg News reports suggesting that regulators are considering potential fines against X under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Bloomberg reported that the regulator might announce a fine on X before its summer recess in August for alleged violations under the DSA, though such a timeline could be delayed.

Representatives from both xAI and X did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Under the DSA, companies found in breach can face fines of up to 6% of their global turnover, with repeat offenders potentially banned from operating within Europe.

Earlier this month, X updated its blue checkmark disclaimer to preempt a possible substantial fine from EU antitrust authorities. The European Commission had issued preliminary findings in July last year stating that X violated the DSA’s rules on deceptive design by converting the blue checkmark into a paid verification, thereby misleading users about credibility. X has disputed this assessment.