According to Tech Digest, the UK government insists the $40 billion Tech Prosperity Deal with the US is not permanently dead, despite being paused after the US accused the UK of failing to lower trade barriers like its digital services tax. The European Union is moving forward with plans to create a new class of small, affordable electric cars, incentivizing manufacturers with extra emissions credits. In a major security breach, an investigation found that some browser privacy extensions, including Urban VPN Proxy with over six million users, are secretly harvesting and selling complete user conversations from AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. Elsewhere, former UK Chancellor George Osborne is joining OpenAI to lead its “OpenAI for Countries” program, Microsoft is testing new banners in Edge to discourage Chrome downloads by focusing on “protection,” and Reolink has launched a new £39.99 indoor WiFi camera with local storage and AI features.
That $40bn Tech Deal is in Serious Trouble
Look, when a government has to “insist” a deal isn’t dead, it’s usually on life support. The Tech Prosperity Deal was billed as historic, but now it’s just… paused. The US accusation about trade barriers, specifically that digital services tax on American tech giants, is a massive roadblock. It’s a classic standoff. The UK wants the prestige and economic boost of closer ties with Silicon Valley, but isn’t willing to give up a revenue stream it sees as fair. And with the political winds shifting in the US, does the current administration even have the appetite to push this through? I think this one’s going to gather dust for a good while.
The EU’s Small EV Plan Makes a Ton of Sense
This is actually a smart move. The EU pushing for a new class of small, affordable EVs inspired by Japan’s kei cars addresses two huge problems: cost and urban practicality. Everyone’s building huge, expensive electric SUVs, but what about people who just need a simple, cheap runabout for the city? Using extra emissions credits as a carrot for manufacturers is a clever way to spur development without just mandating it. The related pushback on the 2035 ICE ban shows the reality is setting in—the transition is harder than expected. Smaller, lighter, cheaper EVs could be a faster path to real adoption.
Your “Privacy” Extension is Probably Spying on You
Here’s the thing that’s both shocking and completely predictable. You install a “privacy” tool to feel safer, and it turns around and sells your every conversation with ChatGPT or Claude. The investigation finding that extensions like Urban VPN Proxy are doing this is a massive breach of trust. They have a Google “Featured” badge and millions of users! It’s a stark reminder that if a product is free, you are the product. This isn’t just collecting metadata; we’re talking about complete conversations. Think about what you might type into an AI assistant—private ideas, work data, personal problems. It’s all potentially for sale. Basically, you can’t trust anything in a browser extension store anymore without serious vetting.
Osborne to OpenAI is a Political Power Play
George Osborne joining OpenAI to lead outreach to governments is a fascinating hire. It’s not about tech; it’s about geopolitics and access. OpenAI is putting a well-connected political operator in London to smooth their path with regulators and national leaders. After all the governance drama they’ve had, they need friends in high places. Osborne’s job will be to convince governments that OpenAI’s way is the safe, responsible way to embrace AI. It’s a smart, if cynical, move. They’re building a lobbying arm with a very respectable face.
Microsoft’s Latest Chrome Block is Just Pathetic
We’ve seen this movie before. Microsoft trying to scare users away from downloading Chrome by popping up a banner in Edge about “protection” is so transparent. It’s the digital equivalent of a shopkeeper standing in their doorway telling you the store across the street has rats. They’ve lost the argument on features and user preference, so they’re falling back on FUD—fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Does anyone actually fall for this? It just makes Edge look desperate and insecure. If your browser is good, it should stand on its own. This kind of tactic never works in the long run.
Reolink’s New Camera is a Subscription-Free Steal
At just £39.99, the new Reolink E331 camera is hitting a sweet spot. Local storage and no monthly fee? That’s the dream for people sick of cloud subscriptions. Pair that with a sleek design and AI features like person detection, and it’s a compelling package. For anyone building out a smart home security system, this is a low-cost way to add an indoor cam without lock-in. It shows the market is finally responding to the demand for hardware you actually own and control.
