Tech & Space

Europe’s SpaceX Rival Raises $160mn to Develop Reusable Spacecraft Nyx

November 18, 2024

Europe’s SpaceX Rival Raises $160mn to Develop Reusable Spacecraft Nyx

The Exploration Company (TEC), a Germany-based rival to SpaceX, has raised €151.7 million in Series B funding to advance its reusable space cargo capsule, Nyx. This funding, supported by French and German government-backed entities, brings TEC’s total funding to €200 million as it aims to bolster Europe’s competitiveness in the growing space transportation market.

EU Fines Meta €797mn for Antitrust Violations

November 14, 2024

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EU Fines Meta €797mn for Antitrust Violations

The European Commission has imposed a €797.72 million fine on Meta, Facebook's parent company, for abusing its dominant market position by bundling Facebook Marketplace with the social network. This decision follows an investigation into Meta’s practices, which the Commission found to be anti-competitive, giving Facebook Marketplace an unfair advantage over other online classified ads services.

Netherlands to Host European Pilot Plant for Photonic Chips

November 12, 2024

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Netherlands to Host European Pilot Plant for Photonic Chips

The Netherlands has been chosen to establish a European pilot plant for photonic chips, a transformative technology that uses light instead of electrons to transmit data. With €380 million in public investment from Europe and eleven partner countries, the initiative is set to allocate €133 million specifically to Dutch development sites in Eindhoven and Enschede.

Qwant and Ecosia Join Forces to Create a European Alternative to Google

November 12, 2024

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Qwant and Ecosia Join Forces to Create a European Alternative to Google

French and German search engines Qwant and Ecosia have announced a partnership to develop an independent European search index, aiming to enhance digital sovereignty, data privacy, and sustainability in the EU. The project, European Search Perspectives (EUSP), is set to launch in early 2025 and aims to reduce reliance on tech giants Google and Microsoft.

Scandinavia's Rising Role as Europe's Potential Silicon Valley

November 6, 2024

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Scandinavia's Rising Role as Europe's Potential Silicon Valley

The Nordic and Baltic regions are emerging as strong candidates to become Europe’s main technology hubs, producing the highest density of unicorns (companies valued over $1 billion) per capita across the continent. Despite challenges compared to the US and China, countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Estonia show promise in creating a European Silicon Valley.

Irish Watchdog Fines LinkedIn €310mn for GDPR Violations

October 24, 2024

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Irish Watchdog Fines LinkedIn €310mn for GDPR Violations

LinkedIn has been fined €310 million by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) for violating the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in its use of user data for behavioral analysis and targeted advertising.

Intel Wins Long EU Legal Battle Over €1bn Competition Fine

October 24, 2024

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Intel Wins Long EU Legal Battle Over €1bn Competition Fine

Intel has won a significant victory in its long-standing legal dispute with the European Commission over a €1.06bn fine for alleged market abuse. The European Court of Justice upheld a previous ruling that overturned the fine, but Intel still faces a separate €376m penalty related to the case.

Russia Bans Social Platform Discord for Law Violations

October 8, 2024

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Russia Bans Social Platform Discord for Law Violations

Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked U.S.-based social platform Discord for violating Russian laws. Discord, primarily used by gamers, failed to remove nearly 1,000 items of content deemed illegal by the authorities.