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TechCrunch
a day ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Germany tells Apple, Google to remove DeepSeek from the country's app stores
In Brief Germany has told Apple and Google to remove Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their app stores in the country, saying the app transfers users' information to China illegally, Reuters reported. Meike Kamp, Germany's data protection commissioner, told the companies that DeepSeek did not provide 'convincing evidence' that users' data was protected as required by EU laws, the report said. 'Chinese authorities have far-reaching access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies,' Kamp said, adding that the two tech firms must now decide whether to remove the app. Kamp said that her office had asked DeepSeek to comply with EU laws for transferring data outside the bloc or pull its app from the country, but the Chinese company did not do so. Italy earlier this year banned DeepSeek from app stores in the country, citing similar data protection concerns. Notably, two key details about DeepSeek that consumer privacy advocate groups in the EU highlighted are that the service is made in and operates out of China. Per its privacy policy, this includes the information and data that DeepSeek collects and stores, which is also housed in its home country. Apple and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
EU to clamp down on unsafe goods sold on-line
The EU is clamping down on products sold on-line that flout safety and consumer protection rules, according to Irish Commissioner, Michael McGrath . Europeans buy more than 12.6 million small items a-day on-line, a total of 4.6 billion a-year with 90 per cent of them coming from China , Mr McGrath told the Institute of Directors (IOD) on Thursday. Many of these goods break the EU's product safety or consumer protection rules, a practice the bloc intends to halt, the commissioner said. 'I will be visiting China later this year to take on that issue,' he added. READ MORE Speaking afterwards, Mr McGrath, whose brief includes consumer protection, explained that there was no question of the EU banning the purchase of legal products. However, he pointed out the commission has told websites to take down ads for goods breaching its rules following on-line product safety sweeps. The EU also has other options open to it, including revisiting customs rules and duties applied to goods bought digitally, the commissioner noted. Along with threats to consumers, flouting EU consumer and safety rules gives the businesses involved an unfair advantage over compliant companies, including those based in the union, Mr McGrath argued. The commissioner, who was speaking with IOD chief executive, Caroline Spillane, hopes new legislation for a harmonised company law system will pass next year. The system will allow businesses to opt-in to an EU-wide regime with uniform rules rather than having to negotiate different laws across each of the 27 member states. According to Mr McGrath, it will sit alongside each country's own company law codes.
Dublin Live
22-05-2025
- General
- Dublin Live
Social welfare Ireland: Exact criteria for scheme that helps pay energy bills
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A social welfare scheme is available that contributes towards the cost of gas, electricity and the TV licence. The Household Benefits Package is automatically available to everyone aged 70 and over. You don't need to be receiving a state pension to qualify and there's no means testing involved. Some individuals under 70 are also eligible for the scheme , but additional criteria apply. Here's all you need to know about the Household Benefits Package: Who qualifies for the Household Benefits Package Those aged over 70 who live full-time in Ireland, are the sole person in the household receiving the HBP and have an electricity or gas bill in their name are eligible for the payment. Those under 70 living with a spouse, cohabitant, civil partner or other adults can receive the payment if they are receiving a qualifying social welfare payment and: You are getting an increase in your qualifying social welfare payment for them (see list of qualifying social welfare payments below), or They are getting their own qualifying social welfare payment listed below, or They are getting a social welfare payment not listed below and they satisfy a means test The qualifying social welfare payments for people aged between 66 and 70 are: State Pension (Contributory) State Pension (Non-Contributory) Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension Deserted Wife's Benefit Carer's Allowance (full or half-rate payment), but you must be living with the person you are caring for. An ordinary Garda Widow's Pension from the Department of Justice An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement If you are aged between 66 and 70 and are not getting a qualifying social welfare payment, you must pass a means test. The qualifying social welfare payments for those aged under 66 are: Disability Allowance Invalidity Pension Blind Pension Incapacity Supplement (for at least 12 months) with Disablement Pension (for at least 12 months) Carer's Allowance (full or half-rate payment), but you must be living with the person you are caring for. An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement What's included in the Household Benefits Package. The HBP offers a monthly payment of €35 towards either your electricity or natural gas bills. Additionally, it provides a free TV licence. The utility bill allowance is transferred to either a bank account or post office on the first Tuesday of every month. If your energy supplier is Electric Ireland for electricity or Bord Gais for gas, the allowance can be credited directly to your bill each month. How to apply for the Household Benefits Package You can apply online for the Household Benefits Package using if you have a MyGovID account. If you cannot apply online, you can fill in the Household Benefit Package application form (pdf) and return it to the Household Benefits Package section: Household Benefits Package, Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo, Ireland, F91 T384. For more information, click here. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
