O2 to launch 5G UK network, without Huawei’s help
UK telecom company O2 has announced the launch of its 5G mobile network this October, in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, and Slough, according to BBC News. The following summer, it will expand the network to a total of 50 cities. The company will first deploy 5G in areas with capacity that is often pushed to […]
Equifax to pay $700m to US regulators, over a data breach that affected 150m people
Equifax has agreed to pay up to $700 million in a settlement over a 2017 data breach that exposed the records and social security numbers of at least 147 million people, according to The Guardian. The incident was among the largest ever breaches of private data, and the settlement will be the largest of its kind ever […]
US fines Facebook $5bn over Cambridge Analytica, as Europe steps up data enforcement
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted last week to issue a $5 billion (€4.46 billion) fine against Facebook over the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which they claim that Facebook violated a prior agreement to not misuse consumer data. The move comes as European authorities levy increasingly large fines against companies over their handling of […]
UK startup unveils platform to coordinate drone flights, paving the way for automation
A UK startup is offering a new service to help drone operators avoid conflicts with other drones, aircraft, and restricted airspace, according to TechCrunch. The move comes as more companies like Amazon are exploring drone deliveries, and could help open the door to automated flights. Altitude Angel, based in Reading, England, has provided drone operators with […]
Privacy startup OneTrust reaches $1.3 billion valuation, offering tools for GDPR compliance
A privacy startup that helps companies navigate the complexities of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) reached a $1.3 billion (€1.16 billion) valuation in its first round of funding, an achievement rivaled by few other tech startups, according to Forbes. It’s rare to reach $1 billion in a first round of funding, but after raising $200 […]
France will establish new military space command
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the creation of a new space command within the Air Force, to help the nation better protect its satellites and other space assets, according to BBC News. The new command will officially be created in September. Macron announced the move on Saturday, speaking to military personnel, saying: “We will strengthen […]
France approves new tax on multinational tech giants
French lawmakers have voted to approve a new tax on digital services, aimed primarily at large international tech giants based in the US, according to BBC News. A 3 percent tax on sales by large multinational tech companies was passed by the French senate Thursday, after it was approved by the lower house a week earlier. […]
Amazon to work with the UK’s NHS to help Alexa answer medical questions
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is collaborating with Amazon to provide health advice through the company’s Alexa virtual assistants, according to Business Insider. UK citizens will be able to ask Alexa questions like “How do I treat a migraine?” or “What are the symptoms of the flu?” and receive professional recommendations directly from the […]
UK authorities fine Marriott £99 million over data breach
The UK’s data protection authority is issuing a £99 million fine against US hotel company Marriott, over a data breach that exposed personal information from over 330 million guests, according to BBC News. Marriott reported the incident last year, although it dates back to 2014. Hackers breached the central reservation database of Starwood, a rival hotel group […]
UK mobile carriers are working with Huawei to build 5G networks, despite security fears
The controversial Chinese tech giant Huawei is working with the UK’s four largest mobile carriers to develop the nation’s next-generation 5G cell networks, despite accusations from US officials that the company could pose a security threat, The Guardian reported Saturday. The move could spark tension between the UK and the US, which is taking a […]