Chinese AI company DeepSeek is rapidly expanding in Africa, Russia, Belarus, and other markets using low-cost, open-source models backed by government subsidies. Microsoft warns that U.S. tech firms risk falling behind as their paid, controlled AI systems struggle to compete on price and accessibility.
WeatherlyPayPal will soon be a payment option in Google’s new AI-powered checkout through the Universal Commerce Protocol, which connects AI agents, retailers, and payment providers. The protocol was developed with major retailers and aims to make online shopping easier, more secure, and interoperable across different platforms.
AnaisSpain’s government has approved draft laws making it illegal to use AI to create or reuse people’s images or voices for commercial purposes without consent, with stronger protections for children and a minimum age of 16 to give consent. Exceptions are allowed for creative, satirical, or public figure content clearly marked as AI-generated.
AnaisUganda cut off public internet access during the presidential election, causing a surge in downloads of the encrypted messaging app Bitchat. The app allows people to communicate without the internet, and VPNs also saw high downloads as users sought ways to access information.
WeatherlyPolygon Labs has bought US crypto payments company Coinme and Canadian crypto infrastructure firm Sequence to become a regulated payments platform in 48 U.S. states. The acquisitions give Polygon fiat on- and off-ramps, wallet infrastructure, and cross-chain tools to simplify crypto and stablecoin payments for businesses and consumers.
AnaisStablecoin payments on Revolut jumped 156% in 2025 to about $10.5 billion, with most transfers between $100 and $500 showing everyday use. Ethereum leads the volume, and Revolut’s easy exchange feature and growing user adoption are driving the surge.
WeatherlyVisa has partnered with BVNK to let businesses send and receive payments using stablecoins through Visa Direct, putting digital dollars directly into recipients’ wallets. The rollout will start in markets with high demand for digital asset payments, with plans to expand globally over time.
WeatherlyX has restricted Grok from editing or creating sexualised images of real people after global backlash and regulatory action over misuse of the chatbot. Several countries have launched investigations or blocked the service, pushing the company to tighten safety controls and limit image tools to paying users.
AnaisBitpanda plans to list on the Frankfurt stock exchange in the first half of 2026, targeting a valuation of €4–5 billion. The Vienna-based crypto platform serves over seven million users, has strong revenue growth, and has secured regulatory approvals in Germany and the UK.
WeatherlyChina has told local companies to stop using cybersecurity software from more than a dozen U.S. and Israeli firms, citing national security risks and fears that sensitive data could be sent overseas. The move supports Beijing’s push to rely more on home-grown technology and reduce dependence on Western suppliers.
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