The European Commission’s recent decisions finding Apple and other tech companies non-compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) were announced without the usual press conference, reflecting an attempt to minimize transatlantic friction. The Commission emphasized these rulings were purely legal implementations. This approach contrasts with prior DMA enforcement, and follows recent efforts to de-escalate tensions with the U.S. over digital regulation. Despite this, concerns remain that the U.S., particularly given past statements indicating a protectionist stance, will oppose the Commission’s actions.
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Mexico’s President Sheinbaum announced legal action against Google if the company fails to revert the labeling of the Gulf of Mexico to its proper name on its maps. This follows Google’s refusal to comply with Mexico’s request to remove the “Gulf of America” designation, which the Mexican government argues misrepresents its territorial waters and contradicts a U.S. decree that only applied to U.S. territorial waters. Despite Google’s assertion that its map policy is impartial, Mexico views the name change as unacceptable and will pursue legal action to protect its sovereign territory. A high-level meeting between Mexico and the U.S. is also scheduled this week to address trade and security concerns amid these ongoing tensions.
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Google’s refusal to implement comprehensive fact-checking measures, despite the newly enforced EU law, highlights a significant clash between regulatory ambition and technological feasibility. The sheer volume of online content— encompassing text, images, and videos—presents an insurmountable challenge to any attempt at complete fact-verification. Imagine trying to extinguish a wildfire with a single fire hose; the task is simply too immense for existing resources.
This isn’t just about the practical limitations. The very act of determining what constitutes “fact” is fraught with complexities. Who decides what’s true and what’s false, especially on controversial or evolving topics? The potential for bias, misinterpretation, and even the weaponization of fact-checking itself raises serious concerns.… Continue reading
In short, Canada’s Competition Bureau is suing Google for alleged anti-competitive practices in online advertising, seeking a court order forcing the sale of two ad tech tools and financial penalties. The Bureau alleges Google abused its dominant market position to maintain its power. Google counters that the complaint overlooks robust competition and the benefits its ad tech provides to businesses and websites. This action mirrors a similar U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit, though Google contests those claims as well.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood