Caresyntax, a Berlin-based healthtech startup founded by Björn von Siemens, has filed for insolvency. The company developed digital assistance systems for operating rooms to reduce human error during surgeries.
The EU has fined Temu, a Chinese e-commerce company, for selling dangerous products, including baby products.
Motorola’s pre-installed software on Android phones was found to be intercepting app launches and manipulating user behavior
The association argues that the current 21% VAT rate has led to an artificial increase in market value, reduced accessibility of supplements, and put pressure on producers, distributors, and consumers
PKP Intercity, the Polish national railway company, is reportedly planning to remove ticket machines from train stations. This move is being compared to the obsolescence of public phone booths and suggests a shift towards digital or alternative ticketing solutions.
Veriff conducted a survey with Kantar among 3,000 respondents in the US, UK, and Brazil revealing that Americans score only 0.07 on a deepfake detection scale (where 0 represents random guessing). The research shows only 63% of US adults are familiar with deepfakes compared to 74% in the UK and 67% in Brazil. Approximately 7% of users are overconfident in their ability to detect deepfakes while remaining inaccurate, creating a significant fraud vulnerability. The research emphasizes the need for automated, AI-powered identity verification systems rather than relying on human visual inspection alone.
The Azores Regional Government’s SATA administration proposed new privatization terms requiring the sale of at least 75% of Azores Airlines, with mandatory job protection for 30 months and commitment to maintain key routes and operational headquarters in the Azores. The process uses a private negotiation model instead of a public tender and must be completed by year-end per European Commission requirements.
The Consumentenbond Saxony is pursuing a class action lawsuit against Amazon Prime Video regarding the introduction of advertising in the streaming service. Over 200,000 people have joined the lawsuit. The consumer protection organization argues that Amazon informed customers of the change but did not obtain their consent before introducing mandatory advertisements. Users must pay an additional €3 per month to avoid ads. The Bavarian High Court has expressed serious doubts about the admissibility of the case, and a verdict is expected on July 17, 2024.
The French prudential regulator ACPR’s Sanctions Committee condemned Société Générale to pay a 20 million euro fine plus formal reprimand for serious violations of insurance distribution rules. The violations concerned two areas: the bundled offering ‘Sobrio’ which automatically included collective damage insurance without proper information and advisory compliance, and standalone insurance contracts sold outside the bundle that failed advisory duties and client interest obligations. Société Générale stated their interpretation of bundled product laws differed from authorities and they may appeal to the State Council.
Benfica is considering blocking American investor Tim Leiweke’s €10+ per share acquisition of a 16% stake in Benfica SAD, citing article 13 of club statutes that allow rejection of acquisitions by investors with competing interests. Leiweke and his daughter lead a consortium that recently invested €100 million in Italian club Venezia FC.