Controls

• The US government is considering extending export controls to cloud services to prevent China from accessing advanced AI models and computing power. • This move follows a surge in Chinese AI capabilities and aims to close loopholes that allow Chinese firms to bypass hardware restrictions via third-party cloud providers. • Some experts warn that these regulations could inadvertently weaken US market dominance if data centers in Southeast Asia shift toward Chinese chips.

• Italy has condemned Spain's introduction of border controls on Italian visitors, labeling the move "unacceptable." • The retaliation follows a diplomatic dispute triggered by events in Ceuta, leading Madrid to implement checks on travelers from Italy. • This escalation highlights deep sensitivities regarding migration management across the EU and reflects growing tensions between member states.

• Spain has implemented border controls on travelers arriving from Italy following a diplomatic dispute triggered by a border rush in Ceuta. • The move follows a failed ultimatum from Madrid demanding that Rome halt its own entry checks on non-EU nationals arriving from Spain. • Italy has rejected Spain's demands, stating it will not accept "ultimatums" and will maintain its suspension of Schengen rules until at least August 15.

Travellers caught up in ongoing migration row as Madrid introduces retaliatory measures on visitors from Italy after Rome imposed checks Italy’s foreign minister has called Spain’s decision to impose retaliatory checks on travellers from Italy “incomprehensible and completely unacceptable” as people making their way between the two EU countries were left grappling with the fallout of the escalating feud.Spain started carrying out spot checks on visitors from Italy at midnight on Saturday. The tit-for-tat move came after Rome infuriated Madrid by launching checks on 1 August for travellers from Spain in response to the recent influx of about 72,000 people into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in north Africa. Continue reading...

Despite reports the PM wants Labor’s bill to be passed in full or withdrawn, Anika Wells insists she is prepared to negotiateFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor will face strong opposition from gambling giants if it accedes to Coalition and Greens demands for a tough new ban on financial inducements for betting, part of closely watched Senate dealmaking expected within days.Despite reports on Thursday that the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, could insist Labor’s bill to limit advertising for online sports betting be passed in full or be withdrawn, the communications minister, Anika Wells, insisted she was prepared to negotiate. Continue reading...

• EU interior ministers met on Tuesday to demand tougher action against migrant smuggling networks and the implementation of stronger return policies. • The emergency meeting follows a massive surge last week where approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. • The crisis resulted in at least 75 deaths due to drowning and crushing during the chaotic crossings, sparking alarm across the 27-member bloc.

• New Jersey has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company's control over its delivery contractors is illegal. • The state claims that Amazon's restrictive practices have negatively impacted driver wages, labor competition, and overall working conditions. • This legal action highlights growing regulatory scrutiny regarding the "gig economy" and the classification of independent contractors versus employees.