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The EU’s latest cybersecurity certification draft may pave the way for Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to more easily secure cloud computing contracts within the bloc. According to a recent Routers report, this development comes from the removal of a contentious requirement in the draft rules, which previously mandated that vendors must be independent of non-EU legal jurisdictions. The change could have profound implications for how cloud services are procured and secured across the EU, balancing the drive for cybersecurity with the realities of global tech dominance.
The EU has long grappled with establishing a comprehensive cybersecurity certification scheme (EUCS) aimed at ensuring the cybersecurity integrity of cloud services. Such a scheme is crucial for both governments and private entities in the EU, aiding them in selecting secure and trustworthy vendors for their cloud computing needs. The stakes are high, as the dominance of U.S.-based tech giants in the cloud sector has sparked concerns over potential illegal state surveillance and the stifling of emerging EU cloud providers.
The EU’s shift in requirements for cybersecurity certification
Initially, draft requirements circulated among EU governments proposed stringent “sovereignty requirements.” These included compelling U.S. tech companies to form joint ventures with EU counterparts and to localize the storage and processing of customer data within the EU to be eligible for the coveted EU cybersecurity label. This approach, however, faced backlash from various sectors within Europe, including banks, insurance groups, and startups. Critics argued that the focus should be on technical cybersecurity measures rather than on political or sovereignty considerations.
The latest draft, dated March 22, reflects a pivot from these earlier sovereignty requirements. Instead of demanding independence from non-EU laws or mandating data localization within the EU, the revised rules only require cloud service vendors to disclose the locations where customer data is stored and processed, along with any applicable laws. This adjustment could significantly lower the barriers for Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, allowing them to participate more freely in the EU’s cloud computing market without the need for complex legal restructuring or data localization measures.
EU countries are currently reviewing the updated draft, which will eventually be formalized into a final scheme by the European Commission. This move signals a pragmatic approach to cybersecurity, acknowledging the global nature of cloud computing services while still striving to protect the data and interests of EU citizens and businesses.
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Apple is delving into the realm of personal robotics, a move that could redefine the tech giant’s future offerings. According to insiders interviewed by Bloomberg, Apple’s foray into robotics includes a mobile robot designed to follow users around their homes and an advanced table-top device featuring a robotic arm to move a display. This exploration is part of Apple’s efforts to diversify its product lineup and find new revenue streams, especially after shelving its electric vehicle project and while its mixed-reality ventures are still gaining traction.
Under the guidance of the company’s hardware engineering division and AI and machine-learning group, led by John Giannandrea, these projects signal Apple’s ambition to integrate more deeply into consumers’ homes through advanced technology. However, these initiatives are still in the nascent stages, and their eventual release remains uncertain.
Apple’s home robotics revolution
Among the projects, the robotic smart display has attracted attention within Apple, intriguing senior executives with its potential to revolutionize video calling by mimicking head movements and focusing on specific individuals in a group. Despite this interest, concerns about consumer demand and technical hurdles, like the balance of robotic motors, have stalled definitive progress.
Apple’s venture into personal robotics aligns with its strategy to pioneer in uncharted technology territories. The company’s historical focus on groundbreaking products, from the iPhone to the more recent Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, underscores its continual search for the “next big thing.” Robotics offers a unique opportunity to merge AI advancements with practical, everyday applications, potentially transforming how users interact with Apple products at home.
The tech industry has witnessed various attempts at introducing personal robots, such as Amazon’s Astro and the enduring popularity of the Roomba vacuum. Apple’s entry into this market could shake up the competition, leveraging its expertise in hardware design, software integration, and consumer trust. Yet, the challenge of creating a robot that genuinely adds value to the home environment is significant, requiring innovations that go beyond current offerings.
With job postings for robotics-related roles, Apple is evidently ramping up its efforts in this field, hinting at a long-term commitment to developing intelligent robotic systems. While the tangible outcomes of these projects are yet to be seen, Apple’s exploration into personal robotics could mark the beginning of a new era for the company and its users, promising a future where technology serves not just as a tool for communication and entertainment but as an integral part of the home.
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