While the US has largely pursued AI development with minimal regulatory oversight, Europe has taken a markedly different approach. The Data Protection Act, the GDPR, and the recent AI Act — aligned more closely with local workers’ laws and unions — have set the continent on a separate path.  A recent joint study from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Poland’s National Research Institute (NASK) found that Europe — along with Asia — tops the list of most exposed regions to AI, far surpassing the Americas. With studies finding that one in four jobs are at risk of being transformed by…

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Europe’s deep tech future hinges on evolving investment strategies. The reason for this is that traditional funding models cannot support the long-term financial commitments that innovation demands. There is a European paradox where, despite substantial scientific research, early commercialisation and a focus on shorter-term goals prevent the region from realising the full potential of deep tech. Although startups provide strong support, the sector still lags behind the US and Asia in bringing breakthroughs from the lab to market. To maintain a competitive industry, Europe needs to advance technologies like AI, robotics, synthetic biology, and quantum computing, which are at the…

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Dutch startup Lalaland, a pioneer of AI-generated fashion models, has been snapped up by software firm Browzwear for an undisclosed sum. Based at TNW City in Amsterdam, Lalaland quickly made waves — and sparked debate — after launching its customisable, realistic AI avatars in 2019. They’re pitched as a way for brands to save money while showcasing more diversity in their advertisements.  Browzwear, best known for developing 3D design tools that let fashion brands prototype clothes without making physical samples, was already a Lalaland user before the acquisition. CEO Greg Hanson said the company is now bringing the Lalaland team…

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UK-based fintech Cleo, known for its AI-powered budgeting app, has launched its most advanced product to date. Dubbed Cleo 3.0, the new version introduces features such as voice interaction, long-term memory, and improved reasoning capabilities. Barney Hussey-Yeo, Cleo’s founder and chief executive, said Cleo 3.0 is less chatbot and more “conversational AI money coach.” Users can now have real-time voice conversations with Cleo, which the company says makes financial help feel more natural and accessible. “Cleo remembers your goals, learns your habits, and delivers personalised financial guidance previously only available to the wealthy,” said Hussey-Yeo, who founded the fintech in…

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Proton VPN has become the UK’s most downloaded free app, as Britons rush to bypass a new law requiring users to verify their age before accessing websites hosting adult content.  Proton VPN reported a staggering 1,400% surge in UK sign-ups almost immediately after the Online Safety Act came into effect. It is now Britain’s most downloaded free app, overtaking ChatGPT, according to Apple’s App Store rankings. The Switzerland-based virtual private network (VPN) said in a post on X that the surge in interest has been “sustained.” This contrasts with recent short-term spikes, such as when people in France temporarily lost…

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