We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… Apple says Trump’s tariffs will boost costs by $900mn in June quarter, AI in national security raises proportionality and privacy concerns, Revolut takes on mobile network operators and much more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.
Apple says Trump’s tariffs will boost costs by $900mn in June quarter
FT
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that U.S. tariffs under President Trump could raise Apple’s costs by $900 million in the June quarter. He cited ongoing uncertainty in global trade policy, making future cost predictions difficult. The warning follows similar concerns from Amazon and McDonald’s, reflecting broader corporate impacts from the tariffs. Apple’s shares dropped nearly 4% in after-hours trading.
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Apple referred for possible criminal contempt investigation
BBC
A U.S. district judge has determined that Apple willfully violated an injunction issued in a 2021 antitrust case brought by Epic Games, creator of Fortnite. The injunction was intended to prevent Apple from engaging in anti-competitive practices by requiring it to allow third-party payment options in the App Store. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers also stated that a senior Apple executive “outright lied” under oath and referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California to consider possible criminal contempt proceedings. In response, Apple stated it “strongly disagrees” with the ruling, will comply with the order, and plans to appeal. The case centers on Apple’s control over App Store payments and its commission fees of up to 30%.
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AI in national security raises proportionality and privacy concerns
Computer Weekly
A new study released alongside the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security 2025 event reveals growing public concern over the use of automated data processing in national security. The report, UK Public Attitudes to National Security Data Processing: Assessing Human and Machine Intrusion, finds that public awareness of national security agencies’ activities remains low. During a panel discussion, Investigatory Powers Commissioner Sir Brian Leveson highlighted the impact of rapidly advancing technologies—particularly AI—on intelligence operations. He warned that while AI could significantly enhance data gathering and analysis, it also introduces risks related to privacy, proportionality, and collateral intrusion. Leveson emphasized that AI may soon play a central role in investigatory processes, amplifying both the capabilities and ethical concerns facing public authorities.
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UK Treasury: ‘Privacy Is Paramount’ in Digital Pound Decision
PYMNTS
The Bank of England and the UK Treasury remain undecided on whether to proceed with a digital pound, but a joint report confirms two key positions: a central bank digital currency (CBDC) would not replace cash, and legislation would be needed to safeguard user privacy. Economic Secretary to the Treasury Bim Afolami emphasized the importance of preparing for innovation in payments, stating that any future rollout would maintain cash access and prioritize privacy. The report represents the latest step in the UK’s ongoing evaluation of a digital pound. While no final decision has been made, proponents aim to introduce the currency by 2030, aligning with global trends as numerous countries explore or implement their own CBDCs.
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Mobile Banking Shake-Up: Thai Users Face Security Check Deadline
The Nation
Thai mobile banking users have been urged to verify their identities by April 30 as part of a nationwide effort to combat online fraud. Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced the initiative, which targets users flagged by banks through their mobile apps. Failure to complete the verification may result in account restrictions. The campaign, led by the Technology Crime Suppression Committee and coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), aims to ensure that mobile banking account holders’ identities match the owners of the registered SIM cards. Banks are cross-referencing customer data with mobile network operators, categorizing users as matched (Y), unregistered (P), or mismatched (N), in a key step to deter fraudulent activity.
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Meta targets ChatGPT with standalone AI app
Mobile World Live
Meta Platforms has launched a standalone AI assistant app powered by its open-source Llama 4 large language model, aiming to compete more directly with chatbot products from companies like OpenAI. While Meta had already integrated AI features into Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the new Meta AI app marks a distinct expansion. The company highlights that its assistant stands out by leveraging users’ existing data—such as profile details and engagement history—across Meta’s platforms to deliver more personalized interactions. According to Meta, the assistant can remember user-provided information and infer relevant context, drawing on years of experience in personalizing user experiences on its social media platforms.
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Revolut takes on mobile network operators
Finextra
Revolut has announced the launch of its new Mobile Plans, offering unlimited calls, texts, and domestic data, along with 20GB of EU and US roaming. The plans come with no fixed contracts and will initially roll out in the UK and Germany, with additional markets to follow. Users can join a waitlist to access an introductory rate of £12.50 per month. Customers will have the option to activate a new Revolut number or port their existing one, and can pay using RevPoints, the company’s loyalty rewards. Following its successful global eSIM launch in 2024, which became Revolut’s most-used non-banking product, the company continues to expand into mobile connectivity services.
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UK Bans SIM Farms to Tackle Telecoms Crime and Cyber Fraud
Cyber Magazine
The UK has become the first European country to ban SIM farms as part of a broader crackdown on cyber fraud, following a surge in mobile-enabled crime now accounting for over 40% of reported offences in England and Wales. The ban, introduced by Fraud Minister Lord Hanson, will take effect six months after the Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent. SIM farms—devices that can hold and automate activity across numerous SIM cards—are frequently used by criminals to send scam texts, conduct phishing attacks, and create fake accounts. The move coincides with Vodafone’s efforts to block cybercrime, having intercepted 73.5 million scam texts, marking a significant advance in UK telecom and mobile security.
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Google Messages rolling out ‘Unsubscribe’ button to stop SMS and RCS spam
9to5 Google
Google Messages is rolling out a new “Unsubscribe” feature aimed at reducing spam and unwanted texts or RCS messages from businesses. Available in select countries—including the US, UK, India, and several others—the feature allows users to easily opt out of promotional or non-essential communications. The “Unsubscribe” button appears either above the message input field or in the conversation menu. Upon clicking, users can specify a reason such as spam, too many messages, or lack of interest, and in spam cases, they can report the sender. Google then automatically sends a “STOP” message on the user’s behalf to halt further messages.
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