Italy probes Google over alleged unfair user data practices

Italy’s competition watchdog said that it had opened an investigation into Google and its parent company Alphabet over suspected “unfair commercial practices” linked to user data consent requests sent to consumers.

“The request for consent that Google submits to its users to the linking of the services offered may constitute a misleading and aggressive commercial practice,” the AGCM competition authority said in a statement.

“Indeed, it appears to be accompanied by inadequate, incomplete and misleading information and it could influence the choice of whether and to what extent consent should be given,” it said.


Samsung acquires British AI startup

Samsung has acquired the British artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge graph tech startup Oxford Semantic Technologies in a bid to strengthen its in-device AI capabilities.

Oxford Semantic Technologies has successfully commercialised its knowledge graph technology, optimising data processing and enabling advanced reasoning both in the cloud and on-device.

Its AI-centric engine, RDFox, collaborates with organisations across Europe and North America in sectors such as finance, manufacturing and e-commerce.

Samsung said that Oxford Semantic Technologies’ expertise in knowledge graphs will significantly enhance its on-device AI technology, particularly in the latest Galaxy S24 smartphone series. This integration aims to offer a more personalised user experience while securing personal data on the device.

Elon Musk moves SpaceX and X headquarters to Texas

Taking to his X handle, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that he is moving the headquarters of both SpaceX and the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to Texas, citing several criticisms he has of California and doing business in San Francisco.

Pointing to a new state law that bans teachers from telling families about student gender identity changes, Musk tweeted that he is moving the headquarters of SpaceX from Hawthorne to the company’s launch test site in Texas, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“This is the final straw,” posted Musk shortly after noon. “Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas.”