Technology Regulation

Spain Blacklists Palantir Amid Data Privacy Concerns

The Spanish government has initiated a directive for state-controlled entities to blacklist U.S. data analytics firm Palantir Technologies due to concerns over national security and the potential misuse of classified information. This decision, impacting major entities like Telefónica and Indra, aims to prevent contracts that could compromise Spanish national sovereignty and mirrors similar pushback against Palantir across Europe. While Palantir maintains existing contracts with the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the government is also accelerating funding for domestic technology platforms in response to geopolitical tensions and a desire to preserve national data sovereignty.

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Maine Considers Data Center Ban Amidst Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns

Maine is on the verge of enacting the nation’s first statewide ban on new data center construction, a move that could influence other states grappling with the burgeoning industry. Lawmakers have advanced a bill to halt data center development until November 2027, while also establishing a council to propose future regulations. This measure, supported by bipartisan consensus but opposed by tech interests concerned about economic impact, aims to address worries about rising energy prices. The proposed ban stems from concerns that the significant energy demands of data centers could exacerbate Maine’s already high electricity costs, particularly impacting lower-income residents.

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