Brussels

Brussels points to its “addictive design” and calls for changes

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Maybe TikTok be one of the many applications installed on your mobile. It’s even likely that in recent days you’ve found yourself swiping almost without realizing it through a flood of videos competing for your attention. However, the European Commission does not look favorably on some of the dynamics of this social network, and everything indicates that the experience as we know it could change sooner rather than later. Addictive design. Brussels has focused on what it considers a possible “addictive design.” In a statement published this Fridaythe Commission points out several functions of the platform that, in its opinion, respond to a constant reward mechanism guided by the algorithm, something that “encourages the need to continue browsing and activates the ‘autopilot’ mode in platform users.” With the focus on minors. The executive arm of the European Union maintains that the company would not have taken into account relevant indicators of compulsive use, such as the time that minors spend on TikTok during the night, the frequency with which they open the application or other similar parameters. Added to this is the risk that “minors have an experience that is inappropriate for their age due to a misrepresentation of their age.” Insufficient measures. The community evaluation preliminarily concludes that the platform “does not appear to implement reasonable, proportionate and effective measures to mitigate the risks derived from its addictive design.” According to the Commission, current screen time management and parental control tools are not sufficiently effective: in the first case, because they can be easily circumvented; in the second, because they require additional skills on the part of the parents for their activation. The changes sought by the Commission. Beyond the diagnosis, Brussels also makes clear what kind of changes it hopes to see. In this phase, the Commission considers that TikTok would have to tweak basic elements of its design, such as progressively deactivating functions associated with continuous consumption (including infinite scroll), introducing truly effective pauses of use, also during the night, and adjusting its recommendation system. The objective would be to mitigate the risks that the analysis itself links to the current operation of the platform. How we got here. The origin of this research is found in the Digital Services Law (DSA), approved in 2022 to impose stricter obligations on large platforms operating in the European Union. The procedure against TikTok began on February 19, 2024 and is still ongoing, so there is still a long way to go before a final decision is made. As in any process of this type, the company has the right to defend itself. TikTok may examine the file and respond in writing to the preliminary conclusions. If these are confirmed and the company does not take the necessary measures, it could face a penalty of up to 6% of its global annual turnover. The company has already reacted. In an email sent to Xataka, TikTok’s Spanish office states that “the Commission’s preliminary conclusions present a categorically false and totally unfounded description of our platform, and we will take all necessary measures to challenge these conclusions by all means at our disposal.” Topic of the moment: social networks. All this occurs in a European context that is increasingly demanding with the use of social networks by minors. France has taken the first step to prohibit access to minors under 15 years of agewhile in Spain The Government of Pedro Sánchez is working on a similar measure with the intention of setting the limit at 16 years.. Images | Guillaume Perigois | Eyestetix Studio In Xataka | The science of “doomscrolling”: how technology hacked psychology so we can’t let go of our phones

Brussels fine to Google with 2,950 million. The worst thing is that the EU points to a sale from its advertising business

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Brussels has launched a resounding notice to the technology industry: 2,950 million euros of fine to Google for abusing its position in the digital advertising market, As announced today the European Commission. The investigation points to self -preference practices that reinforced their domain in the Adtech chain and harmed competitors, advertisers and editors. The Community Executive suggests that the solution could go uninverting part of their advertising business. It is a movement that raises pressure on large technological ones and reinforces the regulatory role of the European Union. The case has a long journey in Brussels. The European Commission started in 2021 A file on Google’s power in the digital advertising sector, after detecting indications of dominant position abuse. In 2023 a specifications were issued that the company answered at the end of that year. The research analyzed Google activity in strategic markets such as the DFP advertisements and Google Ads and DV360 programmatic purchase tools, both with presence throughout the European economic space. What Brussels has ordered and what Google is played The core of the decision is in self -preference. The commission argues that, at least since 2014, Google took advantage of its domain on the DFP advertisements and in the Google Ads and DV360 tools for Grant advantages to your own platformA ADX. DFP warned ADX on the value of rival offers, and purchase tools prioritized participating in that same platform. This dynamic would have reduced competition and consolidated Google’s power in the advertising chain. For Brussels, it is a behavior designed to reinforce its position and its ability to collect high rates. Brussels set the sanction of 2,950 million euros based on its 2006 standards for anti -political fines. The calculation took into account “various elements, such as the duration and severity of the infraction, as well as ADX’s business volume in the EEE.” The commission defends that the amount is proportionate to the infraction and necessary to avoid new self -preference practices. The figure makes this file one of the most significant in the field of digital competence in Europe, reinforcing the role of the body as a regulator. The commission has given Google 60 days to present a plan that ends the conflicts of interest detected in the advertising chain. Once received, Brussels will evaluate whether the proposed measures really eliminate these practices. In its decision, the agency has already advanced its preliminary position: Only a partial disinvestment of advertising services I would solve the root problem. If Google’s proposal does not meet the criteria, the European regulator may impose structural remedies. Brussels hardens their pulse with technological while in Washington political discourse intensifies. Donald Trump published last month A message in Truth social criticizing laws and digital regulations that, according to him, “are designed to harm or discriminate against US technology companies.” He warned that it will impose tariffs and restrictions on countries that maintain these policies. Although he did not explicitly mention the European Union, its administration has repeatedly shown its discomfort with the measures against companies such as Google, Meta or X. The scope of this sanction goes beyond Google. Brussels seeks to reduce the dependency of editors and advertisers of a single intermediary, which could promote the Competition in digital advertising services. A mandatory divestment would open space for rivals in key segments such as advertisements and programmatic purchase platforms. The sector, accustomed to operating under the control of a few technological giants, could see changes in prices, access to commercial data and conditions. The EU thus reinforces its role as a referee in strategic digital markets. “Today’s decision shows that Google abused its dominant position in advertising technology, harming editors, advertisers and consumers. This behavior is illegal according to the EU antimonopoopoolio standards. Google must now present a serious solution to address their conflicts of interest and, if it does not, we will not hesitate to impose forceful measures,” said the Spanish commissioner Teresa Teresa Ribera, responsible for the competence of the community. Beyond the economic sanction, the decision of Brussels gives legal basis to those affected to claim. European regulations establish that commission resolutions are conclusive evidence that the infraction occurred. The Antitrust Damage Directive, together with a practical guide on the calculation of damages, facilitates that companies and individuals Get compensation. Thus, this case not only seeks to correct the market, but also repair those who suffered the consequences of the practices that reinforced Google’s domain in digital advertising. Just days ago, Google dodged in the United States the scene of selling Chrome. However, Europe has opened a new front: the possibility of forcing him to separate part of his advertising business. The plan that the company present in Brussels will be key to defining the outcome. If it does not convince, the European case could exceed the American process in impact, sitting a precedent that would affect the entire technological sector. Images | Alex doubt In Xataka | Apple’s most lucrative agreement has just improved: Google will pay without being able to prevent Microsoft from doing the same

ASML, Airbus and Mistral are planted before Brussels. They ask that the application of the law of AI and notify the risks delay

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Europe already has its great artificial intelligence law. What is missing, according to several companies, are the concrete rules to apply it. Only one month after the first standards for the most advanced models, more than 45 large companies – among them ASML, Airbus or Mistral – enter into force – They have signed an open letter asking Brussels to “stop the clock” and postpone their entry into force two years. They point to an unrealistic calendar and the difficulty of competing with the United States or China. What exactly is EU’s artificial intelligence law? The European Union Artificial Intelligence Law entered into force on August 1, 2024after having been politically approved by the European Parliament and the Council in December 2023. It is the first comprehensive regulation of the world focused on this technology, and regulates from how the models are trained to what contexts can be used. The key is in its approach to risk levels: the greater the potential impact, more legal obligations. And what exactly Asml, Airbus, Mistral and the rest ask? They demand a pause two years before the most demanding parts of the law enter into force, especially those that affect high -risk systems and the general purpose models, whose first section is scheduled for August 2025. The reason: The standard is too complex, overlaps with other regulations and still lacks key guides for its application. ASML headquarters in Veldhoven Among those guides is the code of good practices, that had to have been published in spring and still does not be ready. Companies argue that without that document, and with this level of uncertainty, the law can become a brake for European innovation. “This situation puts at risk not only the development of European leaders, but the ability of all industries to deploy the scale required by global competition,” They warn. They also ask that regulatory quality prioritize against speed, and warn that continuing without changes would send a wrong message to the seriousness of Europe in its commitment to technological competitiveness. The names behind this initiative. The request does not arise from an isolated startup or from an informal group of companies. Behind is the EU AI Champions Initiative, a group that groups more than 60 European companies that claim to be committed to the development of a competitive AI and aligned with the EU values. Among its members are names such as ASML, Airbus, Mistral AI, Mercedes-Benz, BNP Paribas, Siemens Energy, Lufthansa, Philips or Publicis. Of course, not all members of the US Ai Champions Initiative signed the letter published this week. Images | Sigmund | Rawpixel | ASML In Xataka | After strictly regulating AI, the European Union has identified a problem: it has been too European Union

Brussels Baraja tariffs of 10% and 25% to US products. The measure aims to take its toll on the European consumer

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We are attending a new climbing in the commercial war between Brussels and Washington. According to the EFE agencythe European Commission proposes to impose 10% and 25% tariffs to certain imported products from the United States. A proposal that, if progress, could have direct consequences for European consumers. The product list. Although the complete list of goods subject to the new tariffs proposed by the European Commission is not yet known, Bloomberg has had access to a document that includes dozens of categories. At the moment, there are two notable absences: digital services and whiskey. This is what appears on the list. Consumer and leisure goods: Appliances Motorcycles Recreation vessels Naipes Luxury products and others: Food products: Embutidos Corral birds and other agricultural products Personal and health care products: Industrial and Security Materials: Two possible tariffs. Bloomberg points out that most of the products included in the proposal would be subject to a 25%tariff, while a minority would face one of 10%. For now, it is not defined what percentage will apply to each category, so we will have to wait for the publication of the official document to know the details. Without bourbon on stage. As we point out, the final proposal does not include alcoholic beverages such as Bourbon whiskey, leaving out the 50% tariff that was initially shuffled. According to ReutersBrussels would have made this decision to avoid the 200% tariff to alcoholic beverages in the EU with which Trump threatened in case that measure went ahead. It is not yet official. 10% and 25% tariffs remain, for now, a proposal. Its public diffusion can be interpreted as a way of measuring the land in full commercial escalation. In any case, it is planned to be approved at the end of this week and enter into force on April 25. The collection, however, would begin in mid -May. View price increase. Tariffs, As explained by Tax Foundationthey function as taxes applied to imports. In practice, this additional cost is rarely assumed by companies: it ends up impacting directly on the consumer pocket. So if we are approved we will probably see products from the most expensive US. Images | European Parliament | The White House In Xataka | There is a clear winner with the 25% tariffs to the car: it is called byd and represents everything that China has to win

Brussels has asked to apply 5% VAT to electricity to protect industries and homes

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The year 2025 entered and the fiscal reduction of electricity ended in Spain, the same one that remained for three and a half years. We have gone from 5% to mitigate the effects of the energy crisis, to which return to its general type of 21%. However, Brussels have other plans. Brussels measure. The European Commission has presented An action plan to make energy more affordable in the EU. This includes a series of measures, such as energy reduction, in order to relieve electricity and energy costs for citizens and companies. The most outstanding measure is the proposal to apply a minimum VAT of 5% in electricity. Reduce VAT. The objective is based on reducing short -term costs for consumers and companies. The energy commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, has estimated Energy savings of 45,000 million in 2025, which will increase up to 130,000 million a year by 2030 and up to 260,000 million annually by 2040. In addition, from the EU they seek to “turn the current situation” characterized by dependence on foreign fossil fuels, the existence of a fragmented electrical system and a continuous increase in system costs. Gas dependence. The European Union has accelerated the emptying of its gas reserves in the last three years Due to the energy crisis. Gas is being one of the great War paradoxesbecause while European funds are destined for Ukraine to help it, Gas and oil are still bought from Russia. This dependence increases the cost of electricity production, especially when gas is used as a primary generation source. For its part, the price of gas has returned to high levels similar to those of 2022, especially affecting industries such as chemistry and metallurgical, which depend on both and energy source and raw material. This increase has been driven by cold temperatures and a lower renewable energy generation. The forecasts indicate that, if the demand remains high and the cold climate persists, the prices They could continue to go upwhich would impact the competitiveness and inflation of industrial products in Europe. So renewables? Another point is clean energies, Europe has a great renewable capacity, but as We have mentioned in Xataka, There are two factors that the EU still has to resolve: the famous “Dunkelflaute”, a period without wind or sun, which reduces the generation of renewables, and an aged electricity, which makes it difficult to transmit. These factors have made the dependence on fossil sources increase, raising costs. The consequences are reflected in a more volatile electricity market and the impact on consumers. And what happens in Spain? The year began with a series of fiscal changes in the country, such as VAT increase. This return to previous tax levels (21%) after the fiscal reduction implemented to mitigate the energy crisis has raised short -term costs. Although this has not been the only climb, they have also increased The Electricity Tax (IEE) and The Value Tax of Electric Power Production (IVPEE). However, a system of Progressive reduction in the social bonus For vulnerable homes, which could mitigate the effects on the most affected by the climb. On the other hand, the fees options, such as the PVPC rate and fixed or variable rates in the free market, will allow consumers to adapt their consumption and select a rate that best suits their needs and patterns of use, which can help optimize costs despite fiscal increases. Although Spain has advanced Towards a greater proportion of renewable energy, factors such as tax rise, dependence on fossil fuels and an aging of the energy network still affect the costs of electricity Image | Pxhere Xataka | Thousands of trapped people, chaos in the streets and a country looking for answers: Chile has faced the worst blackout in 14 years

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