China Anti-Monopoly Regulator Launches Probe into Google 

A signage for Google is displayed near their office in Beijing, China, 04 February 2025. (EPA)
A signage for Google is displayed near their office in Beijing, China, 04 February 2025. (EPA)
TT
20

China Anti-Monopoly Regulator Launches Probe into Google 

A signage for Google is displayed near their office in Beijing, China, 04 February 2025. (EPA)
A signage for Google is displayed near their office in Beijing, China, 04 February 2025. (EPA)

China's anti-monopoly regulator said on Tuesday it had launched an investigation into Alphabet's Google, minutes after an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods imposed by US President Donald Trump came into effect.

The investigation by China's State Administration of Market Regulation was announced as Beijing also slapped tariffs on some US products such as coal and oil in a rapid response to the new US duties on Chinese goods.

The Chinese regulator said Google was suspected of violating the country's anti-monopoly law, and it had initiated an investigation into the company in accordance with the law. It did not offer any further details on the investigation or on what it alleged Google had done to breach the law.

Google products such as its search engine are blocked in China, but it works with local partners such as advertisers in the country.

Google did not respond immediately to a request for comment.



Saudi Arabia, France Bolster Tech, Research Partnerships to Boost Innovation via AI

Saudi Arabia, France Bolster Tech, Research Partnerships to Boost Innovation via AI. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia, France Bolster Tech, Research Partnerships to Boost Innovation via AI. (SPA)
TT
20

Saudi Arabia, France Bolster Tech, Research Partnerships to Boost Innovation via AI

Saudi Arabia, France Bolster Tech, Research Partnerships to Boost Innovation via AI. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia, France Bolster Tech, Research Partnerships to Boost Innovation via AI. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha held a series of strategic meetings in Paris with several leading research institutions and global companies specialized in artificial intelligence (AI), space, data governance, and deep technologies.

The meetings align with Saudi Arabia's efforts to accelerate the adoption of AI and advanced technologies and to empower its research and innovation ecosystem, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.

Alswaha met with CEO of Inria Bruno Sportisse, with whom he discussed partnership opportunities in AI, quantum computing, robotics, and the establishment of joint research laboratories. The two sides also discussed programs for researcher exchange and competency development.

In a meeting with CEO of Mistral AI Arthur Mensch, Alswaha discussed areas of cooperation in developing open-source large language models (LLMs) and enhancing partnerships in generative AI.

Additionally, the minister and CNIL President Marie-Laure Denis discussed prospects for collaboration in data governance and protection and the exchange of expertise in AI regulations. The meeting spotlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts and international initiatives to develop innovative regulatory frameworks that support the responsible use of emerging technologies.

The Saudi delegation also met with Thales Group Chairman and CEO Patrice Caine to discuss collaboration in developing technological solutions in smart systems and space technologies. The goal is to support Saudi Arabia's priorities in building a digital infrastructure that contributes to empowering vital sectors and advancing high-tech industries in line with Saudi Vision 2030.