Tech
Latest news on technology and digital transformation.
Are the EU's new rules on AI enough to protect Europeans?
AI agents going rogue and ever-louder doomsday warnings have led many in Europe to wonder: are the EU's artificial intelligence rules enough to protect against the potential dangers?
'Europe has power to act': EU to ban social media for under 13s
The European Union will ban social media for children under 13 and allow only limited, supervised access until the age of 15 under plans unveiled Wednesday by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Europe eyes battle over 'pervert' AI glasses
Calls are growing louder in Europe for action against "pervert" smart glasses after secretly filmed footage of girls and women appeared online -- with a petition in Britain demanding a ban on their sale.
Big tech to banking: Which companies spend the most on EU lobbying?
If there is an industry for it, there will be a lobby group representing its interests in Brussels, home to the European Union's institutions. But which companies or lobby groups splash out the most on seeking to influence EU policy?
Inside Italy: Why AI is no match for Italian bureaucracy
How can you make Italian bureaucracy even more needlessly complicated than it already is? Just ask an AI chatbot, writes Clare Speak in this week's Inside Italy.
Why you should make The Local one of your preferred sources on Google
If you like and trust The Local's coverage you can easily add us as a preferred source on Google to make sure our articles appear in your searches.
EU demands Meta 'protect our kids' after US settlement
The EU said Thursday it expects Meta to address "addictive" features of its platforms in Europe, after the tech giant agreed to sweeping limits on teen use of Facebook and Instagram in some US states.
Protests in Lombardy as Italy fast-tracks AI data centres
New data centres in Lombardy and Sardinia are part of a wider €25 billion government plan, but local communities have raised concerns over their environmental impact.
EU tells Meta, TikTok to boost monitoring, fact-checking
The EU's tech chief called on Meta and TikTok to "act decisively" to stem disinformation at times of crisis, saying the European Commission held talks with both platforms Friday following last week's Ceuta migrant surge.
Explained: The EU's new rules on AI, deepfakes and chatbots
AI watermarking and deepfake labelling will soon be required by law in the EU as the transparency part of the bloc’s sweeping AI Act comes into force on August 2nd.
EU gets new powers over powerful AI
The European Union will from Sunday have the power to enforce landmark artificial intelligence rules and hit any companies breaking the law with fines.
EU renews online child sex abuse detection powers
The European Union on Thursday allowed online platforms to scan for child sexual abuse material in users' chats -- but with an exemption for encrypted messaging services.
European countries move to ban social media for children
Lawmakers in France are scheduled to vote on Tuesday to ban social media for under-15s -- one of 20 countries worldwide to have proposed or introduced such measures, with many of them in Europe.
Google accuses EU of undermining privacy of 'millions of Europeans'
The European Union demanded Thursday that Google share data with other search engines and open up its Android system to rival AI services, but the US giant said the measures would put privacy at risk.
'Europeans are fully awake': Why the EU is pushing for a new 'digital euro'
The European Union is moving closer to creating a digital euro as an alternative payment system for Europeans. But why are lawmakers so keen to create a virtual currency and how would it work for EU residents?
Forget X here's W: The new European social network to take on Musk
As Europe pushes for more tech sovereignty, social network W believes it has the X-factor to win users away from other platforms: it's European.
EU court sides with Italy over Meta on publishers' compensation rights
The European Court of Justice sided on Tuesday with Italy against technology giant Meta in defending the rights of online publishers, saying they could negotiate compensation with digital platforms.
EU anti-waste law: New laptops sold in Europe must now use USB-C chargers
After standardising chargers for mobile phones, from Tuesday new computers sold in EU countries must also use the USB-C charging point, as the latest phase of EU anti-waste legislation comes into force.
14 essential apps to make your life in Italy easier
From commuting to paying taxes and shopping for groceries, mobile apps can make many of your daily tasks in Italy much simpler and quicker.
Replacement for cash? How the new 'digital euro' would work for Europeans
Supporters say it would let Europeans make online payments without relying on US payment system, but critics fear it would allow governments to surveil citizens' payments. How would the digital euro work?
How to set up internet at home in Italy
Setting up your home internet can be confusing, from finding coverage to choosing a provider. Here’s what you need to know to get online.
GUIDE: How to choose the right mobile phone provider in Italy
Deciding on the right provider depends on your streaming needs, where you live and work, your budget, and more. Here's a look at the main Italian carriers and what you need to consider.
ChatGPT: What do international students need to know?
Love it or hate it, ChatGPT has fast become the topic you can’t ignore – and the implications for students are profound.