Google faces antitrust déjà vu as US seeks to break up its digital advertising business

After deflecting the U.S. Justice Department’s attack on its illegal monopoly in online search, Google is facing another attempt to dismantle its internet empire during a trial focused on its abusive tactics in digital advertising. The trial that begins Monday will revolve around the harmful conduct that caused parts of Google's digital advertising technology to be declared a monopoly. Google and the Justice Department spar in court while presenting evidence in a “remedy” trial that will decide how to unwind the monopoly. The Justice Department wants to break up Google's ad system after being thwarted in its attempt to break up the company is a search monopoly case.

Moldova's election faces AI-driven disinformation from Russia

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldovans are facing a wave of AI-driven disinformation ahead of a crucial parliamentary election on Sunday. Online monitoring groups have tracked Russian propaganda campaigns aimed at reducing support for the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity, or PAS. Researchers say these campaigns mark a new phase in Russian influence operations, using AI to impersonate Western media and flood comment sections. Moldovan President Maia Sandu has warned that this vote is the most consequential in the country's history, determining its future with the EU or Russia. The Moldovan government has tried to counter the disinformation by establishing a center to combat it.

High-tech tax authority helps Greece return to Europe’s financial mainstream

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s once notorious tax system has been transformed into one of Europe’s most efficient, powered by drones, big data and real-time surveillance. At the Independent Authority for Public Revenue headquarters in Athens, inspectors track millions of transactions and launch raids on businesses flagged by algorithms. The digitally-enabled reforms have helped restore Greece’s bonds to investment grade and drove budget surpluses after decades of deficits. While critics argue that austerity-era tax hikes remain unfair, the government points to billions in new revenue funding tax cuts. Officials insist the digital overhaul is irreversible, marking a sharp turnaround from Greece’s financial crisis years.

Ukraine uses remote-controlled vehicles for dangerous missions to protect soldiers

DONETSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Faced with a shortage of soldiers, the Ukrainian army is eager to deploy robots on the battlefield — for efficiency and to save lives. Lately, some battalions have turned to remote-controlled vehicles that look like miniature tanks to ferry supplies, clear mines and evacuate the wounded or dead. Robotic vehicles are not new in warfare. The German army used a wire-guided miniature tank in World War II, and in recent decades the U.S., Britain, Israel, China and others have developed modern versions for combat engineering and other battlefield roles. But analysts say Ukraine’s extensive deployment of these vehicles is noteworthy and could lead to advances.

White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won't apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s latest plan to overhaul the American immigration system has left some immigrant workers confused. That left the White House on Saturday scrambling to clarify that its new $100,000 fee on visas for skilled tech workers that soon will go into effect only applies to new applicants and not to current visa holders. The president on Friday signed a proclamation that will require the fee for what are known as H-1B visas — meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill.

Cyberattack disrupts check-in systems at major European airports

LONDON (AP) — A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems has disrupted air traffic at several major European airports. On Friday night, the attack hit a service provider affecting airports like Brussels and Berlin's Brandenburg. Brussels Airport says the incident has forced manual check-ins, causing significant delays. Berlin's airport operators cut off connections to the affected systems. London Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, reports a technical issue with a service provider. Collins Aerospace, the provider, is experiencing problems that may delay departures. Airports are advising travelers to check their flight status and apologize for the inconvenience.

Oracle names Magouyrk and Sicilia as CEOs; Catz to become executive vice chair of the board

Oracle has named Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia as CEOs, with current CEO Safra Catz becoming executive vice chair of the technology company’s board.Oracle said Monday that Magouyrk previously served as president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. Sicilia was president of Oracle Industries and joined the company when Oracle acquired Primavera Systems.

Trump reveals Murdochs and Dell could potentially take part in TikTok deal

President Donald Trump has mentioned that billionaires like Rupert Murdoch and Michael Dell could be part of deal in which the U.S. will take control of TikTok. Trump discussed the deal on Fox News, highlighting the potential involvement of Murdoch and his son Lachlan. He also mentioned Oracle founder Larry Ellison's involvement, which was previously disclosed. The deal aims to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. amid concerns about data security and manipulation by Chinese authorities. Congress has passed legislation for a TikTok ban, but Trump has signed orders allowing it to operate while negotiations continue. Trump credits TikTok for helping him connect with young voters.

Nvidia to invest $5 billion in struggling rival Intel

Nvidia has announced a new partnership with Intel to work on custom data centers and personal computer products. Nvidia is also investing $5 billion in Intel's common stock. The deal unveiled Thursday is subject to regulatory approvals. The deal comes a month after the U.S. government took a 10% stake in Intel. This agreement provides a lifeline for Intel, which has struggled after missing the shift to mobile computing. Intel has fallen behind amid the artificial intelligence boom that has propelled Nvidia into becoming the world's most valuable company.

The Taliban internet ban spreads across Afghanistan as more provinces are shut down

JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP) — A Taliban crackdown to “prevent immorality” is spreading across Afghanistan, with more provinces losing access to fiber-optic internet after the country’s leader imposed a complete ban on the technology. It’s the first time a ban of this kind has been imposed since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. Mobile internet remains functional, however. The northern Balkh province confirmed a Wi-Fi shutdown on Tuesday, with reports of severe disruption in other parts of the country. On Thursday, officials in the east and north said internet access was cut off in the provinces of Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Takhar. The Afghanistan Media Support Organization condemned the ban and expressed its concern.