Tuesday: Blackwell chip only for the USA, EU funds went to spyware manufacturers

US President Donald Trump wants to exclude not only China but also other countries from the most advanced AI chips from US semiconductor company Nvidia. Recent statements suggest this. The EU Commission wants to immediately stop funding commercial spyware firms that are allegedly involved in “serious professional misconduct.” An investigative portal has made the questionable subsidies public. And OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is sensitive about his company's billion-dollar losses—the most important news in a brief overview.

The head of the US chip company Nvidia, Jen-Hsun Huang, is trying, according to media reports, to convince the US government that a strong competitor for US chips could emerge in China if the market there remains closed to Nvidia. His goal: the lifting of export restrictions for Nvidia's most advanced AI chips, such as Blackwell. Before his Asia trip, US President Donald Trump indicated he would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about Nvidia's new AI chips. However, this did not happen. After his return, Trump indicated in a TV interview new export restrictions for Nvidia's top chip. And these could affect not only China. Trump: Nvidia's most powerful AI chip, Blackwell, only for the USA

The European Union (EU) is financing—albeit apparently unintentionally—spyware that has been or is still being used in EU member states and third countries for repressive purposes. This was revealed by an investigative portal in cooperation with other media partners. More than three dozen EU parliamentarians from four factions subsequently demanded clarification in a joint letter from the EU Commission. It is now responding and wants to immediately stop funding spyware producers who have been guilty of “serious professional misconduct.” Brussels admits: Substantial EU funds have flowed to spyware manufacturers.

Twelve billion US dollars in losses were incurred by ChatGPT manufacturer OpenAI last quarter. On the other hand, the company has already contractually committed one trillion US dollars in expenses for various infrastructure projects. When confronted with the figures on a podcast, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was taciturn and immediately went on the offensive. He knows enough people who are interested in shares of OpenAI, Altman said. Revenues would increase, he assured. The only question is whether they will increase enough to recoup the many billions in losses. Altman's reaction to OpenAI's billion-dollar loss: “It's enough.” 

The messenger service WhatsApp has been classified as “extremist” and banned by the Russian Federation. Competitors Signal and Viber have already been blocked in Russia since 2024. And Telegram, founded by a Russian brother duo, is now operated from abroad. Recently, Russian network operators have been trying, on state orders, to restrict the use of Telegram and WhatsApp as well. They have now begun to block SMS and calls from the two providers. This is intended to block the codes that are necessary for 2-factor authentication (2FA) for new or existing accounts of the messenger services. Russia prevents 2-factor SMS for Telegram and WhatsApp.

In Germany, operators of telecommunications and data processing systems face increased security requirements. On Monday, the Federal Network Agency published the draft of a new catalog of requirements and submitted it for consultation. The new security catalog is intended to be adapted to the current state of the art. It introduces “hazard potentials” for operators of telecommunications systems. Strict rules apply in cases of high public interest. The aim is to tighten security measures against current threats and new, technology-driven hazard potential. This is happening in light of the Huawei debate, according to which the federal government can prohibit the use of “critical components” if there are “foreseeable impairments of public safety and order.” The Federal Network Agency tightens security requirements for telecom providers. 

Also important:

• Google has released a new October update for its Pixel smartphones. The company does not specify concrete innovations, but Verizon provides initial details. Pixel 7 to 10: Google surprisingly releases second October update

• New rules will apply to YouTubers in two weeks: Drastic depictions of violence from computer games should only be visible to adults. YouTube tightens rules for game violence and gambling

• An ADAC data analysis on battery condition shows good durability but differences among manufacturers. Used car buyers should insist on a test. ADAC data analysis on battery life in plug-in hybrids

• The slow transition to ECC encryption may force many doctor's offices to take an unusual step. Health insurance physicians warn the Federal Network Agency of serious consequences: Tens of thousands of practices will likely soon have to switch back to paper prescriptions

• Not every damage caused by digital deception is directly covered by household insurance with internet protection, according to the Bielefeld District Court. Phishing victim gets nothing: Insurance rejects SMS fraud

• A streamer was ordered to pay a penalty after Nintendo sued. “EveryGameGuru” had systematically ignored the proceedings. Nintendo wins legal battle against defiant streamer

• Luke Maximo Bell's solar drone flies with the power that solar cells are currently supplying. The drone's design is particularly efficient. Purely solar drone takes off without buffer capacitor or battery

• How to deal with stolen iPhones? London police accuse Apple of ignoring a national database of stolen devices. London police and Apple dispute handling of stolen iPhones

• Apple's AI division continues to struggle with departures and technical problems. For Siri, the iPhone manufacturer seems to be relying on Google's help. Siri by Gemini: Apple reportedly settles on Google AI

• Newly purchased iPhones often don't work as users expect. Apple itself reveals specific reasons for this. Upgrade or iPhone switch: Apple explains why battery life is reduced

• Microsoft considers a vulnerability in the LNK display unfixable. It has since been exploited. Zero-day vulnerability in LNK display in Windows exploited against diplomats

• Attackers are exploiting vulnerabilities in VMware and XWiki, warns IT security authority CISA. Updates patch the gaps. Warning of attacks on vulnerabilities in VMware and XWiki

(akn)