China and EU discuss AI, cross-border data flow | UK to work with Meta on encryption and online safety

China and EU discuss AI, cross-border data flow 

In this week’s news roundup, the pair engaged in talks on Monday in Beijing, China’s capital city, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing and the European Commission Vice President for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova.

The European Commission voiced concerns about “difficulties faced by EU companies in China to make use of their industrial data, as a result of the application of recent legislation”.

Zhang said China welcomes companies from across the world to share in the development opportunities of its digital economy, despite renewed tensions with Europe. Both agreed to an open, fair, and non-dissimilatory environment for the development of the digital economy.

.https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/china-and-eu-hold-talks-ai-cross-border-data-flow-amid-renewed-tensions-3780211

UK to work with Meta on encryption and online safety

Also in this week’s news roundup, Meta has been warned by the government not to roll out encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without safety measures to protect children from sexual abuse.

Meta argues that encryption can help protect users from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals, and plans to provide an update to the measures it’s taking to satisfy the government.

“My call to Meta is to work with us more constructively to roll out end-to-end encryption with robust safety measures because what they’re proposing at the moment will make Facebook and Instagram Direct (messages) safe havens for paedophiles,” Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the BBC.

Braverman said she believed the pair would be able to resolve their difficulties without having to impose financial penalties on Meta under a new law.

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britain-wants-work-constructively-with-meta-over-encryption-braverman-2023-09-20/

Meta launches WhatsApp Business messaging in India

Announced during Zuckerberg’s Meta Conversations event held in Mumbai, Indian customers are now able to pay businesses on the app. The accepted payment methods include Pay on WhatsApp, credit/debit cards, net banking, Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.

Zuckerberg also announced that Meta Verified would expand to businesses on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Verified businesses will get an official badge, impersonation protection, account support, and business features in the coming months.

The WhatsApp parent also announced WhatsApp Flows — set to launch in the coming weeks — which will help automate business processes such as booking tickets, filling in forms, or submitting applications.

https://www.ft.com/content/64104575-50ed-49ef-b9c9-4354294d96d2

Shell opens largest EV charging station in China, Shenzhen

The station opened its doors in Shenzhen, China, just outside the airport. It features 258 charging points and solar panels with an annual generation capacity of 300,000 kilowatt-hours. The new station marks the largest EV charging station worldwide.

According to reports, the station is operated as a joint venture between Shell and Chinese EV giant BYD, adding to Shell’s 800–strong army of EV charging stations across China.

https://www.usnews.com/news/technology/articles/2023-09-19/shell-opens-its-largest-ev-charging-station-globally-in-china