EU May Withdraw Digital Tax Plan, Easing Pressure on U.S. Tech Giants
Foreign media reported on July 15 that the European Commission has formally withdrawn its plan to impose a digital tax on major tech companies during the latest budget negotiations. The decision is seen as a key compromise in EU-U.S. trade talks, temporarily relieving U.S. tech giants like Apple and Meta from heavy tax pressures, while the EU paves the way for broader trade agreements by adjusting its fiscal strategy.
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Meta Declines to Sign EU's Voluntary AI Code Amid Regulatory Impasse
Meta has confirmed it will not sign the European Union's voluntary code of conduct for general-purpose artificial intelligence, just two weeks before the bloc's binding Artificial Intelligence Act takes effect on August 2, 2025. The social media giant cited "legal uncertainty" introduced by the voluntary guidelines and argued they exceed the scope of existing regulations, creating potential compliance risks for companies.
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Netflix Debuts Generative AI Visual Effects in Argentine Series "The Eternals"
Netflix has revealed that it employed generative AI tools to create a building collapse sequence in the Argentine sci-fi series "The Eternals," which premiered on April 30, 2025. This marks the first time the streaming giant has used a generative AI-generated final shot in its original content, according to co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
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Tech Giants Google, Microsoft, OpenAI Expand AI Interfaces for Search and Learning
Leading technology companies are rapidly advancing visual and conversational interfaces, integrating generative AI into everyday tools to enhance search and learning experiences. This wave of innovation highlights the industry’s push to make artificial intelligence more accessible and intuitive for global users.
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NVIDIA Becomes First Company to Hit $4 Trillion Market Cap Amid AI Boom
During the early trading session on July 9, NVIDIA's stock surged nearly 2.8% to $164.42 (approximately ¥1,178.58), briefly pushing its total market capitalization beyond $4 trillion. This milestone makes NVIDIA the first company globally to achieve this feat. Currently, only three companies exceed $3 trillion in valuation: Microsoft ranks second at $3.75 trillion, followed by Apple at $3.14 trillion
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DCSA Unveils 2025-2030 IT Strategy to Strengthen Defense Digital Ecosystem
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) on July 9 released its 2025-2030 IT Strategic Plan, outlining six core objectives to modernize defense cybersecurity, enhance data-driven decision-making, and foster collaboration with industry and academia. The initiative aims to create a secure digital ecosystem aligned with the Pentagon’s broader digital transformation goals, particularly supporting the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO) in advancing AI integration and governance .
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U.S. Department of Defense Becomes Largest Shareholder of MP Materials, Accelerating Domestic Rare Earth Supply Chain
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has taken a historic step by acquiring a 15% stake in MP Materials through a $400 million preferred stock purchase, making it the largest shareholder of the U.S.-based rare earth producer . This move aims to address critical national security vulnerabilities by reducing reliance on foreign (particularly Chinese) rare earth supplies, which are essential for advanced military systems, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies.
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iPhone 17 Air Battery Capacity Leaked: Under 3,000mAh, Highlighting Design vs. Endurance Trade-off
Recent leaked reports suggest that Apple's upcoming ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a battery capacity of approximately 2,800 mAh, a figure that not only falls below the industry-standard 3,000 mAh threshold but also smaller than the battery capacities of all models in the current iPhone 16 series.
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StackSocial Offers Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License for $9.97 Ahead of Windows 10 Support End
Online marketplace StackSocial is currently running a limited-time promotion, offering lifetime license keys for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro at a heavily discounted price of $9.97—down from the original $199. The deal is set to expire on July 20 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time, making it a time-sensitive opportunity for users looking to upgrade their operating systems.
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Twitch to Exit Russian Market Amid Regulatory Pressures, Facing $800,000 in Fines
Amazon-owned live streaming platform Twitch is planning a full withdrawal from the Russian market, citing concerns over economic viability and mounting regulatory pressures, according to recent reports.
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Brazilian Retail Rebounds in May: Street Commerce Drives Recovery, Holidays and Climate Play Pivotal Roles
SAO PAULO, Brazil, June 25 (News Wire) – Brazil's retail sector staged a recovery in May, with foot traffic at physical stores rising 1.86% year-on-year, marking a significant turnaround from April's 3.99% decline. This rebound was primarily fueled by a robust 3.8% surge in street commerce, according to Seed Digital's Retail Purchase Intent Index (IICV Seed).
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South Korea's Retail Market Rebounds in May: Double-Digit Online Growth, Luxury Goods Drive First Offline Rise in Four Months
South Korea's retail sector showed signs of recovery in May, with offline sales returning to growth after a four-month slump, driven by strong demand for high-value products, data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy revealed on Wednesday.
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Portugal: A Blend of Economic Stability and Tourism Excellence
Portugal often sparks debates about its economic status, yet it stands as a nation with a well - developed economy and a thriving tourism sector. Positioned as the 49th largest economy globally, it has carved out a unique niche in the international economic landscape, combining solid economic fundamentals with a vibrant industry that attracts millions of visitors annually.
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Middle East Turmoil Drives Shipping Risks: China-Middle East Container Rates Surge 50%
The ongoing tension and volatility in the Middle East are significantly impacting the global shipping industry. On June 24, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the immediate 生效 of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, a move that caused international oil prices—previously soaring due to escalating conflicts—to plunge sharply. However, the region's uncertain situation continues to disrupt the shipping sector.
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Alentejo: Portugal's Hidden Gem for Exceptional Wines
Nestled in the southeastern part of Portugal, Alentejo has emerged as a remarkable wine - producing region, thanks to its hot and arid climate. This unique climatic condition contributes significantly to the creation of wines of outstanding quality, making Alentejo a must - visit destination for wine enthusiasts around the world.
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