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Technology Regulation Storm: Amazon's Huge Fine, Android's Closed Source Controversy, and TikTok's Countdown …
2025-04-03
Technology Regulation Storm: Amazon's Huge Fine, Android's Closed Source Controversy, and TikTok's Countdown …
Google Debunks Android Closed-Source Controversy: Development Shifts to Internal Loop, Open Source Commitment Remains Unchanged
Google recently officially responded to rumors about the "closed source" of the Android system, emphasizing that it will continue to release complete source code for subsequent versions to AOSP (Android Open Source Project). However, since March 27th, its development model has shifted to an "internal closed loop": the main branch of AOSP has been locked in read-only status, and development is concentrated in a single internal branch. Only manufacturers who have signed the GMS agreement can obtain the code through the early access program. Google said this move aims to simplify the development process and reduce the risk of code conflicts, with data showing that the annual operation and maintenance cost of AOSP has reached $830 million. Although mainstream manufacturers are affected to a limited extent, small and medium-sized developers need to rely on Google's review to submit code, and long-term closed source concerns still exist.
Google Play tax policy adjustment: differentiated rules implemented in the UK, Japan, and South Korea.
The UK, Japan, and Ivory Coast have recently adjusted their tax policies for in-app purchases on Google Play. The UK requires third-party payments to pay a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) themselves, with compliance costs exceeding £1500 per month, while using Google's settlement service is cost-free. Japan charges a 10% Consumption Tax (JCT) for overseas developers, and third-party payments require additional invoices. Ivory Coast implements a dual-track system where Google will withhold VAT for domestic developers using third-party payments; if the developer does not submit a TIN tax number, Google will withhold 20% of the revenue. Developers need to reassess their tax strategies based on the market and payment methods to cope with increased compliance costs.
Amazon fined 5.7 billion euros for data processing violations, setting a record for the largest GDPR fine.
The Luxembourg Data Protection Authority recently fined Amazon 746 million euros (about 5.72 billion yuan) for violating the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This penalty amount set a new record, as Google was previously fined 50 million euros for similar issues. Amazon said it would appeal, but analysts pointed out that this move reflects the EU's increasingly strict regulation of data privacy for tech giants, and companies need to further strengthen their compliance measures.
Google UK launches user-selected billing services to optimize payment experience.
In response to EU antitrust requirements, Google launched a user choice billing service in the UK on March 29, allowing developers to integrate third-party payment systems. This move aims to reduce payment costs, enhance user experience, and avoid conflicts with app store revenue-sharing policies. Developers can choose their own payment methods but must assume corresponding compliance responsibilities.
iOS 18.4 is officially released: Chinese AI features debut, optimizing multi-scene experiences.
Apple released the iOS 18.4 update on April 1, adding support for Apple Vision Pro applications, AI notification features, and recipe functions, while also optimizing the Photos app. The addition of Chinese AI marks Apple's further localization of AI services, allowing users to achieve more precise Chinese interactions through Siri. Additionally, system performance and privacy protection continue to be upgraded, adapting to the new hardware ecosystem.
Trump sets deadline for TikTok sale, Blackstone plans to bid for minority stake
US President Trump reiterated that TikTok's US operations must be sold by April 5, or face a ban. Currently, private equity giant Blackstone Group is working with other investors to assess the possibility of acquiring a minority stake, making this consortium the most powerful bidder. Trump said he "hopes TikTok continues to exist," but ByteDance has not yet formally responded. The outcome of the deal will affect the global short video market landscape and the direction of Sino-US technology competition.
Musk announces xAI's acquisition of X: post-merger valuation reaches $113 billion
Tesla CEO Elon Musk's AI company xAI acquired the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in an all-stock deal. After the merger, xAI was valued at $80 billion and X at $33 billion. The acquisition aims to integrate AI and social platform resources to accelerate technology implementation. Musk stated that after the merger, X will be "safer and smarter," but did not disclose specific integration plans.
Utah passes age verification bill for app stores, mandating parental account association.
The Governor of Utah signed the "App Store Accountability Act," which requires users under 18 to link their accounts with a parent's account when creating an account, and adults can authorize minors to use specific applications. The bill will take effect on May 7th, strengthening the protection of minors and complementing the existing Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Apple, Google, and other app stores need to adjust their age verification mechanisms to comply with the new regulations.
👉Extended reading: Utah passes the nation's first age verification bill for app stores, presenting new compliance challenges for developers
Navigation
Technology Regulation Storm: Amazon's Huge Fine, Android's Closed Source Controversy, and TikTok's Countdown …
Google Debunks Android Closed-Source Controversy: Development Shifts to Internal Loop, Open Source Commitment Remains Unchanged
Google Play tax policy adjustment: differentiated rules implemented in the UK, Japan, and South Korea.
Amazon fined 5.7 billion euros for data processing violations, setting a record for the largest GDPR fine.
Google UK launches user-selected billing services to optimize payment experience.
iOS 18.4 is officially released: Chinese AI features debut, optimizing multi-scene experiences.
Trump sets deadline for TikTok sale, Blackstone plans to bid for minority stake
Musk announces xAI's acquisition of X: post-merger valuation reaches $113 billion
Utah passes age verification bill for app stores, mandating parental account association.
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