Politics

List of Big Tech companies, carmakers shunning Russia grows longer: Services and apps go dark, putting pressure on Russian consumers. But will continued sanctions influence the Russian government?

Google’s latest report shows how transparency has become crucial for social platforms: The company said it has banned thousands of Chinese spam accounts.

Europe’s energy transition kicks into high gear: In a move toward energy independence from Russia, Europe shifts focus to renewable and nuclear energy, but even that could spark conflict.

Hollywood’s Russia boycott is a sign of dwindling reliance on foreign box offices: Several film studios have paused current and future film releases in the country.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis puts further strain on already-burdened supply chains: Companies are withdrawing or suspending their operations in the region in response to continued conflict and economic sanctions.

Big Tech faces dilemma in Russia-Ukraine conflict: While rushing to get refugees to safety, companies debate remaining neutral, which would seem like compliance with Russia, or leveling sanctions and risking retribution from the Kremlin.

Ukraine conflict presents a chance for social media to amend a history of misinformation: American tech firms clashed with Russia over the weekend, often rebuking its requests.

Ukraine conflict could bog down various supply chains: Russia and Ukraine are a significant source for materials and energy supplies, and continued conflict and Russian sanctions will lead to shortages.

The Ukraine crisis forces video platforms to make tough decisions: Political content is thriving on Twitch and YouTube, but so is misinformation.

China mounts ambitious effort to regulate AI: Initiatives to scrutinize and regulate algorithms could spare Chinese consumers from discriminatory algorithms in the short term but could stagnate innovation in the long term.

Chamber aligns with Big Tech: The largest US lobbying group is going against the FTC as Big Tech’s new enforcer. Its involvement could make it harder for the government to enforce antitrust laws.

France is expanding its nuclear power arsenal: The country’s move to add more reactors will help with energy issues in the long run, but short-term solutions are lacking.

10M US households sign up for affordable broadband: Tens of millions of eligible households could be left behind due to service providers failing to cooperate, digital discrimination, and lack of awareness.

$5B allotted to build half a million EV charging stations: The Biden administration sets up the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to build an alternative fuel corridor in 50 states to help power the transition to EVs but will this be enough for the expected onslaught of EVs?

Nvidia ends quest to purchase Arm for $40B: The merger that collapsed under regulatory pressure and potential lawsuits serves as a cautionary tale in a frenzied Big Tech M&A environment.

The European Chips Act can wrangle $49B to accelerate chip production: The EC wants the ability to prioritize specific products during shortages, which could complicate negotiations with foreign chip manufacturers.

TikTok strengthens its content moderation policy: After criticism about its effect on minors and connection to the Chinese government, the social media platform makes changes.

Google, Meta find themselves in Europe’s regulatory crosshairs once more: As increased scrutiny drives up the cost of doing business, Big Tech tries to fight back.

House passes $52B chip R&D and acceleration bill: Tech companies are clamoring for the infusion of funds, which can increase the US’ 12% share of global semiconductor production capacity.

Google’s EU antitrust woes multiply: Sweden’s PriceRunner sues Google for skewing search results toward its own shopping service. The move could prompt more legal action from European shopping services.