Meta’s prediction markets app to prompt scrutiny from British regulators Betting Meta’s reported plans to launch a standalone prediction market app could face regulatory hurdles in Britain, where rival US platforms have already struggled to gain access to one of the world’s largest betting markets. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the Facebook owner is internally developing Arena, a new experimental prediction market product [...]
Oracle slashes 21,000 jobs amid AI embrace as tech sell-off rocks Asia Tech Software giant Oracle axed around 21,000 roles in the last year as the US tech giant turbocharged its AI adoption plans – even as markets continue to question the rapid acceleration of the tech boom. The computing firm – which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange – said in its annual report the [...]
Government to take on big tech in bid to boost British news Tech The government is preparing to force social media platforms to boost the presence of British news providers to counter misinformation, in a move likely to ruffle the feathers of big tech firms. Ministers are preparing to consult on rules which would require platforms like YouTube and Meta to make UK news sites like the BBC, [...]
Big Tech’s AI capex splurge can’t go on forever June 17, 2026 The eye-watering capital expenditure plans of Big Tech has been one of the year’s biggest stories. Google, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft have all splurged to secure a podium spot in the race to build out the infrastructure which will run the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. Total capex by these four firms is expected to reach $750bn [...]
Musk brands UK a ‘police state’ as Big Tech rebels against Starmer’s social media ban June 16, 2026 Elon Musk, Meta and Google’s YouTube have all attacked Keir Starmer’s planned social media ban for under-16s, warning the restrictions will drive teenagers towards less safe corners of the internet and create sweeping new surveillance powers. The backlash comes as ministers consider forcing Apple and Google to carry out age checks on millions of British [...]
Tiktok falls under ban just as brands ramp up ad spend June 16, 2026 Tiktok’s UK ad business has been growing 40 per cent year on year, with brands increasing spending ahead of what the firm expected to be its biggest trading period on record. But that momentum now faces a test after Keir Starmer confirmed plans to plan under-16s from accessing the platform. The social media giant, which [...]
VPN demand rockets as UK prepares for under-16 social media ban June 15, 2026 Searches for VPNs jumped 165 per cent overnight after the government confirmed plans to ban under-16s from social media, fuelling demand for digital workarounds. The rush came within hours of Keir Starmer unveiling one of the world’s toughest online safety regimes, which will block social media platforms from offering services to under-16s and introduce wider [...]
BGC boss warns tech giants over black market ads ahead of World Cup betting surge June 12, 2026 The boss of Britain’s gambling trade body has urged major tech platforms to crack down on illegal betting adverts ahead of what is expected to be the biggest World Cup for gambling in history. In an open letter seen by City AM, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chief executive Grainne Hurst warned that black market [...]
‘Novel and extreme’: Analysts calls out SpaceX governance days before IPO June 9, 2026 Analysts and major institutional investors have expressed alarm over the corporate governance of SpaceX as its Wall Street debut creeps closer. The concerns from institutional investors, in particular public pension funds, over corporate governance at Elon Musk’s space tech company “run deep”, with firms in New York and California deeming the structure “novel and extreme”. [...]
Bluesky bets on the end of X and Meta’s social media grip June 2, 2026 Social media is moving beyond platforms controlled by a “few billionaires”, according to Bluesky’s chief operating officer, as governments in the UK and Europe step up scrutiny of X, Meta, and other Big Techs. Speaking at SXSW London, Rose Wang said Bluesky was built in response to a social media market dominated by a handful [...]