EU's €20 Billion AI Gigafactory Plan Attracts 76 Bids Across 16 Countries

The European Commissions has received 76 proposals from companies aiming to develop AI gigafactories across 16 EU member states, far exceeding expectations for its €20 Billion ($23 billion) initiative to boost Europe's AI capabilities.

• These giga factories-large-scale AI computing and data storage hubs-will each be equipped with around 100,000 advanced AI chips.
• Application include both EU and non-EU tech giants, telecoms, data centre operators, and financial investors, collectively planning to acquire at least 3 million next-generation AI processors
• an official call for project implementation is expected at the end of 2025. 

Canada Drops Digital Tax, U.S. Trade Talks to Resume

 

The United States will restart trade negotiations with Canada after Ottawa agreed to scrap its digital services tax aimed at U.S tech companies. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett confirmed the talks would resume immediately. The decision follows President Donald Trump's  request during the G7 summit in Canada, where he urged Canadian officials to remove the tax to facilitate renewed negotiations.

Europol Dismantles €460 Million Crypto Fraud Network in Spain

 

Europol announced the dismantling of a major cryptocurrency investment fraud ring in Spain, which allegedly laundered €460 million ($540 million) through a global network of accomplices. Spanish police led the mission with support from law enforcement in France, Estonia and U.S. Five individuals were arrested-three in the Canary Islands and two in Madrid. The criminal network used a complex system of cash withdrawals, bank and crypto transfers, and a corporate structure based in Hong Kong to move illicIt funds. The investigation remains ongoing.

Tesla launches V4 Superchargers in China, Expanding Fast-Charging Network

Tesla has officially launched its first batch of V4 Superchargers in China, with initial stations operating in Shanghai, Chongqing, Gansu, and Zhejiang. The first known V4 station is located at the Jiejiazui service area in Dingxi, Gansu Province. The company plans to expand network to Bejing, Guangdong, and other regions, with access open to non-Tesla electric vehicles. The V4 Superchargers offer peak output of 500kW and support voltage platforms from 400V to 1000V, enabling up to 30% faster charging for high-voltage EVs, including those with 800V systems like the Cyber truck.

DeepSeek Under Fire: Allegations of Data Transfers and Military Links

Photo credit: Matheus Bertelli

 Germany's data protection commissioner, Meike Kamp, has formally requested that Apple and Google remove the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their app stores in Germany. 

The reason:**DeepSeek allegedly transfer German users' personal data to China without adequate safeguards**,violating EU data protection laws.

Kamp started that DeepSeek failed to prove that user data stores in China is protected to EU standards. She also emphasized that Chinese authorities have broad access to data held by domestic companies, raising serious privacy concerns. Despite being asked in May to comply EU rules or withdraw voluntarily, DeepSeek didn't respond.

This move follows similar actions across Europe:

• Italy has already banned the app from its stores.
• The Netherlands barred it on government devices.
•  Belgium advised officials not to use it.
• Spain is investigating potential risks.

Adding to the controversy, Reuters reported that DeepSeek may be supporting China's military and intelligence operations further intensifying scrutiny.

If Apple and Google act on Germany's request, it could set a precedent for an EU-wide ban.