The European Union has ordered TikTok to modify its "addictive design" or face substantial fines, while severe weather continues to batter parts of Europe and northern Africa, and several companies are recalling baby formula products due to potential contamination. These developments come as Amazon announced a massive investment in artificial intelligence and the head of a lobbying firm co-founded with Peter Mandelson resigned following revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The European Commission informed TikTok that it must change its platform's design, citing concerns that features like autoplay did not adequately assess potential harm to users, including children. This followed an investigation that began in February 2024. A TikTok spokesperson told the BBC that the findings were a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform."
Meanwhile, Storm Leonardo has brought torrential rain and strong winds to the Iberian peninsula. Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, issued its highest red alert for heavy rainfall in Cádiz and parts of Málaga. Flash floods in Morocco have forced over 100,000 people to evacuate.
In the business sector, Amazon revealed plans to invest $200 billion in artificial intelligence and infrastructure, becoming the latest tech giant to significantly increase its spending in the field. This investment dwarfs the $125 billion Amazon spent on AI last year, causing investors to send the company's shares down more than 11 in after-hours trading. According to the BBC, major players like Meta, Google, and Microsoft will collectively invest $650 billion in AI and related projects this year. However, some experts have warned of a potential AI bubble.
Food safety concerns have also led to further recalls of baby formula products in the UK. Food manufacturer Danone recalled 14 more batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant and follow-on milks due to potential contamination with the toxin cereulide, which can cause vomiting and stomach cramps. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advised parents to check the batches listed on their website and stop using them. According to the BBC, 36 children in the UK are suspected to have been affected by food poisoning.
Finally, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the chief executive of Global Counsel, a lobbying firm co-founded with Peter Mandelson, announced his resignation. This decision followed the release of information in the Jeffrey Epstein files, which detailed apparent links between the company and the convicted sex offender. Global Counsel has advised clients including Shell and TikTok.
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