‘Self-regulation ship has sailed’: UK data watchdog targets Facebook after Cambridge Analytica scandal November 6, 2018 Facebook showed a “disturbing level of disrespect” for users whose data was stolen in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, according to the head of the UK’s data watchdog. Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham also called for the tech giant to be regulated, saying she was “astounded” at the sheer amount of personal data held by the social [...]
EU leaders split on plans for a European digital tax November 6, 2018 EU member states have failed to reach a consensus on imposing an EU-wide digital services tax, which affects firms such as Facebook and Alphabet, over fears of potential US retaliation. The plan, which requires approval from all 28 EU member states, is opposed by many. The levy would see a three per cent tax placed [...]
Theresa May emerges from Cabinet meeting insisting she will not agree a Brexit deal ‘at any cost’ November 6, 2018 Theresa May has emerged from a tense Cabinet meeting this morning insisting she will not agree to a Brexit deal "at any cost", despite the clock ticking on reaching a Withdrawal Agreement. The Prime Minister's spokesperson said ministers needed more time to consider possible mechanisms that will prevent the UK from being tied to the European [...]
Trade minister Liam Fox says it is ‘impossible’ to say whether a Brexit deal will be achieved this month or next November 6, 2018 International trade minister Liam Fox has admitted that it is impossible to say whether a Brexit deal can be reached with the European Union in the next two months, as negotiations continued to stall over the Irish backstop. Asked by Reuters whether a Brexit deal will be struck this month Fox said: “That’s impossible for me [...]
Ofgem’s energy price cap to come into effect from new year, but critics say switching is still more effective November 6, 2018 Ofgem's energy price cap is set to come into force from 1 January, the regulator said today. But consumer groups have warned it is a “temporary fix” that could put customers off switching between providers to find the cheapest deals. Ofgem said the cap, announced in September, will reduce £1bn in overcharging on gas and electricity [...]
Pound hits two-week high as markets grow optimistic over Brexit deal November 6, 2018 The pound hit a two-week high today as the markets expressed optimism that a Brexit deal is close. Sterling rose as high as 1.308 against the dollar this morning, its highest since 18 October, following a report from The Times that the EU was set to agree to compromise over the thorny issue of the Irish [...]
Forget Trump, the midterms are about populism November 6, 2018 When the results of the US midterms start to come in this evening, some here in the UK will roll their eyes and think “what a crazy country”. Others will wonder why Britain and America are such anomalies with Brexit and Trump, and wish that we could be more like, say, Germany. The truth is [...]
From artificial intelligence to quantum computing, Britain is a tech superpower November 6, 2018 Thousands of leaders from across the tech industry are descending on Lisbon this week for the annual international Web Summit. I’m excited to be here to champion the success of British tech to a global audience of investors and entrepreneurs. Britain is unmatched in Europe at producing tech-savvy, billion-dollar businesses. Last week, banking startup Monzo [...]
Bitcoin scam: Blue-tick Twitter accounts hacked to push bitcoin scams under Elon Musk’s name November 6, 2018 Verified Twitter accounts were hacked yesterday by scammers who masqueraded as billionaire Elon Musk in an attempt to persuade users to part with bitcoins. Fashion firm Matalan, film distributor Pathe UK and Panthoen Books, a publishing house, were all hacked by scammers who proceeded to use promoted tweets to send their adverts out far and [...]
Truce or dare: A Trump stunt, or the end of the US-China trade war? November 6, 2018 Last Thursday, Donald Trump took to Twitter to tell the world that trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping were “moving along nicely”. His words prompted a rise in Asian stock markets; the Shanghai Composite index climbed by almost 2.7 per cent during trading on Friday, and the Hang Seng surged by about 4.2 per cent, [...]