Google, Meta Criticise UK and EU AI Regulations

Tech Republic

Google, Meta, and other major tech companies such as Spotify, SAP, and Ericsson have criticized European AI regulations, expressing concerns about their potential to stifle innovation. In an open letter, these companies highlighted issues with “inconsistent regulatory decision-making” from European Data Protection Authorities, particularly regarding the uncertainty around the types of data that can be used to train AI models. The letter calls for clearer and faster decisions on data regulations, advocating for policies similar to the GDPR that allow the use of European data for AI development. The signatories also warned that Europe risks missing out on advances in “open” AI models, which are freely accessible, and “multimodal” AI models, capable of processing and generating content across various formats like text, images, and speech.

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Mobile applications: CNIL publishes its recommendations for better privacy protection

CNIL

The French data protection authority, CNIL, has published final recommendations to help developers design mobile applications that respect user privacy. These guidelines, which will be enforced starting in 2025, were created following a public consultation.

As mobile apps become a central part of daily life in France, with the average citizen using their phone for over three hours daily and downloading 30 apps in 2023, the CNIL highlights the growing risks to data confidentiality and security. Mobile apps often access more sensitive data, such as real-time location and health information, and require extensive permissions (e.g., access to the microphone and contact lists). Additionally, the complex nature of app ecosystems, involving multiple parties, increases the potential for data collection and sharing, making privacy safeguards more critical.

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iOS 18: What You Need to Know About RCS Messaging on Your iPhone

CNET

Apple released iOS 18 to the public on September 16, following its announcement of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and Apple Watch Series 10. The update includes several new features, such as text effects in Messages and more lock screen personalization options.

A notable addition is support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in Messages, allowing iPhone users to enjoy features like typing indicators and delivery confirmations when messaging Android users. RCS also improves the quality of photos and videos sent between iPhone and Android devices, bridging a long-standing gap between the two platforms.

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GOV.UK One Login faces barriers to adoption

Think Digital

The UK Government Digital Service (GDS) has uncovered challenges with its GOV.UK One Login digital identity scheme after conducting research with over 2,000 participants. A small but notable percentage of users, between 4-9%, lack the necessary documents for digital identity verification. Additionally, a larger group struggles with insufficient credit history, which poses a major obstacle to using the service. This issue particularly affects individuals who do not have a mobile phone contract, active bank accounts, credit cards, loans, or mortgages, making it difficult to establish a financial digital footprint in the UK.

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Argentina telcos seal deal for biometric ID verification with govt agencies

Biometric Update

Argentina’s national communications and media regulator (ENACOM) and the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER) have reached an agreement with telecommunications providers Movistar, Personal, and Claro to simplify digital ID verification for their customers. The deal enables these companies to use RENAPER’s database for identity checks through fingerprint and facial biometrics matching. RENAPER offers access to its database for identity verification, working with approved vendors like Jumio, which uses ID numbers and selfie biometrics, and Incode, another approved provider for verification services.

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Swisscom gets EU nod for Vodafone Italia deal

Mobile World Live

Swisscom has confirmed that its proposed €8 billion acquisition of Vodafone’s Italian unit is expected to be completed in Q1 2025, following approval from the European Commission under the EU foreign subsidies regulation. The deal has already received clearance from the Swiss Competition Commission and Italy’s Presidency of the Council of Ministers. However, the transaction still faces scrutiny from the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), which launched a second phase investigation due to concerns over potential competition impacts on Italy’s fixed wholesale and retail markets. Despite this, Swisscom remains confident about completing the deal in 2025.

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Mobile Banking Set to Surpass Online Banking as Top Global Digital Banking Platform

Banking Exchange

According to Allied Market Research, mobile banking is rapidly growing and may soon surpass online banking as the most widely used digital banking platform. In 2023, online banking dominated the market, accounting for nearly 75% of global digital banking platform revenue. This growth was fueled by the increasing preference for digitization, automation, and fintech adoption. However, between 2023 and 2032, the mobile banking segment is expected to experience the highest growth, positioning it to potentially overtake online banking in popularity.

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From Walled Garden Platforms to Mobile Gaming: Why Advertisers Should Shift their Ad Spend

Exchange Wire

Advertisers and media buyers often overlook mobile gaming when allocating their ad budgets, due to misconceptions that gamers are mainly young kids. However, Mark Slade, MD at Digital Turbine, highlights that gaming is now a widespread activity across demographics. Digital Turbine, an ad tech company specializing in mobile campaigns, argues that advertisers are missing a significant opportunity by not investing in mobile gaming ads. They presented data showing that 33% of consumers spend more time on mobile gaming than on walled garden platforms like YouTube, emphasizing the untapped potential of mobile gaming for reaching a broader audience.

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