Apple asked the European Union to scrap its landmark digital competition law on Thursday, arguing that it poses security risks and creates a “worse experience” for consumers.

The US tech giant and the EU have repeatedly locked horns over the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which Brussels says seeks to make the digital sector in the 27-nation bloc fairer and more open.

“The DMA should be repealed while a more appropriate fit for purpose legislative instrument is put in place,” Apple said in a formal submission to the European Commission as part of a consultation on the law.

The latest clash came as President Donald Trump sought to pressure the EU over decisions and laws affecting US Big Tech—with key industry figures including Apple chief Tim Cook moving closer to the White House since Trump’s return to power.

“It’s become clear that the DMA is leading to a worse experience for Apple users in the EU,” the tech giant said in a blog post accompanying its submission. “It’s exposing them to new risks, and disrupting the simple, seamless way their Apple products work together.”

Pushing for wholesale reform of the law if it is not repealed, Apple suggested enforcement “should be undertaken by an independent European agency” rather than the commission, the EU’s executive arm and digital watchdog.

The DMA challenges Apple’s closed ecosystem, but Brussels argues that it is necessary to do so to level the playing field for Apple’s rivals and avoid unfair market domination.

The law tells Big Tech firms what they can and cannot do on their platforms. For example, companies must offer choice screens for web browsers and search engines to give users more options.

Violations of the DMA can lead to hefty fines.

Brussels in April slapped a 500-million-euro ($590-million) fine on Apple under the DMA, which the company has appealed.

Delays for EU users

Apple says dangers are posed when Europeans can download app marketplaces that rival its App Store.

The giant also cites an increasing number of complaints from users about DMA-related changes but has not provided exact figures.

It argued in its 25-page submission that the EU’s law had forced it to delay new features in the bloc.

For example, Apple has not yet rolled out “live translation”—which allows consumers to choose another language to hear via AirPods in their ears.

The technology was launched this month in the United States but Apple says it must undertake further engineering work to ensure users’ privacy in the EU.

Under the DMA, companies including Apple must make sure their products can work seamlessly with third-party devices such as earphones.

The commission said it was “normal” companies sometimes needed more time to make sure their products were in line with the new law and that it was helping them comply.

DMA enforcement began in March 2024 and the EU’s consultation on the first review of the law ended just before midnight on Wednesday.

Independently from the digital rules, Apple has faced the heat under different EU competition rules. Brussels slapped it with a 1.8-billion-euro fine in March 2024.

© 2025 AFP

The UK government is supporting the launch of its second artificial intelligence (AI) growth zone in North East England by creating a task force that will work to ensure the proposed benefits of the endeavour are realised.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said the task force will comprise a coalition of tech firms, local universities and skills providers who will work together to create jobs and ease any planning issues that arise from the creation of the growth zone.

“With new roles expected, including in construction through to energy to cutting-edge AI, the new taskforce will work hand-in-hand with local organisations to create training and apprenticeship routes that ensure the benefits are felt across the region,” said DSIT in a statement. “With members spanning the AI sector, from datacentre builders to local training providers and world-class researchers, the taskforce kicks off work today [25 September 2025].”

The taskforce’s launch will be overseen by technology secretary Liz Kendall and North East England mayor Kim McGuinness, who said the aim is to “focus minds” on getting the sites that will make up the AI growth zone – in Blyth and Cobalt Park – up and running as quickly as possible. 

“Spades are expected in the ground within weeks, with the taskforce laser-focused on unblocking planning issues, securing further investment and ensuring energy access,” said DSIT.

While the taskforce will initially focus on getting the AI growth zone up and running, in the longer term its focus will be on making sure the local economy benefits from the impact of AI, in terms of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for young people. 

“We’re backing local talent with the skills and training they need to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow,” said Kendall.  “From laying the physical foundations and building datacentres to launching careers in AI, this growth zone is about creating real opportunities for people right across the region.” 

McGuinness, who was elected mayor in May 2024, said the creation of the growth zone stands to have a “transformational” impact on the local economy, with the creation of thousands of jobs for local residents while allowing North East England to lead the way on AI.

“Now we need to work with businesses to develop the talent right here, and make sure the benefits of AI reach the people of the region,” she said. “We’ve already mobilised a taskforce of business leaders, industry experts and skills providers to deliver exactly that. I want kids in school here today to see their place in an AI-driven future, and this is how we make sure it provides a new future for our young people.” 

The government’s AI growth zone agenda was announced back in January 2025, in its AI opportunities action plan policy paper, which set out the steps it is planning to take to position the UK as an AI superpower.

The AI growth zones themselves are described by the government as being designated sites that are well-suited to housing AI-enabled datacentres and their supporting infrastructure, as they have access to power supplies of at least 500MW and sympathetic planning support.

The AI growth zone in North East England is the second zone the government has announced, with the first confirmed in January 2025 as being located in Culham, Oxfordshire.

I will be a Groupon stan until I die. I have used their coupons for massages, haircuts, oil changes, and for experiences like a Camel ride in the Sahara while I was in Morocco and a deal on glamping in an Airstream trailer in Joshua Tree. I even found my favorite waxing aesthetician on Groupon. Groupon is one of the best ways to get reduced prices on something you’ve always wanted to try, but don’t want to pay full price for. If you want to be as hairless as a dolphin like me or want to take advantage of other services and experiences, take a look at our Groupon promo codes for reduced prices on almost anything you’ve wanted to try.

Get 30% Off With these Groupon Coupon Codes and Top Deals

As mentioned above, the magic of Groupon is what you make it. Want an immersive trampoline jumping experience? You got it. A romantic couples massage, or a massage for yourself? Look no further. Plan a fun date night at a trampoline park or a photoshoot. Heck, even Botox injections are discounted at Groupon. When I tell you Groupon has a coupon for almost anything, I’m not lying.

If you’re looking to embrace fall with open arms but you’re not sure where to start, we have a few hot tips. For those who don’t spook easily (or do, but love the thrill), grab a discounted ticket for Ultimate Horror Nights at AMC Theatres. Groupon is also offering up to 40% off tickets to select dates for Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights if you want to save money while also getting chased by a ghoul.

For those looking to do something a bit more traditional and less terrifying, Groupon also has up to 50% off sightseeing tours now, with an extra 5% off Go City attraction passes when you book with promo code GOCITY5. There are tons of fun options, like the popular tour, Chicago Explorer Pass, (which is up to 50% less compared to individual tickets), where you can explore the city over 60 days at your own pace. This customizable tour includes Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Tour Chicago, and tickets for main attractions like the Navy Pier, SkyDeck, Griffin Museum, and 2-hour bike rentals to see the Windy City. Sunshine and celebs more your thing? Get up to an additional 25% off a Planet Hollywood Gift Card with code HOLLYWOOD, now through September 28.

At a loss for date night? You can’t go wrong with a classic movie and pizza night, now you can get 15% off movie tickets, along with a $10 Dominos gift card with Groupon promo code SHOWCASE and up to 14% off movie tickets with code LOOK (through September 28).

Save 20% With a Groupon Promo Code

Whether you’re looking to save on top-tier activities (get outside and enjoy the warmer weather), beauty (schedule that overdue wax), or even just that car maintenance you’ve been putting off (remember, the check engine light doesn’t have to be a mainstay), Groupon has you covered. Get a 20% off Groupon promo code when you subscribe to the brand’s emails. Not only can members get even more savings on top offers, you’ll also be the first to know exclusive deals.

Save up to 50% on Family Passes, Memberships, and More Groupon Coupons

Some of the best Groupon deals include family fun vacations to Great Wolf Lodge. In this hotel-water park, single-day passes are up to 30% off for online bookings. Plus, if you get together the whole family and go with a group, you can get free food, drink, and arcade credits. Speaking of family, save more when you buy more with a Sam’s Club membership. With Groupon membership packages, you can save 50%, get $25 off a one-year Club membership, and $40 off Sam’s Club Plus memberships. Believe it or not, Costco Memberships are Groupon bestsellers so you can save big on all your bulk items.

If you’re like me and are clueless about what’s happening under your car’s trunk (or tires, or engine, or the underneath entirely), you can save up to 50% on car repair and maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations, including up to 25% off Valvoline oil changes. Like I mentioned, Groupon’s spa packages and beauty treatments are one of my favorite ways to save in my favorite self care areas, with up to 40% off massages, coolsculpting, and laser treatments.

More Ways to Save at Groupon in 2025

Groupon also offers awesome seasonal sales, with special offers for nearly every holiday. Check their site often for Groupon exclusive offers, with deals on things like travel with Expedia and custom gifts from Shutterfly. Groupon student discounts also give students money off on all the best brands for college essentials, like clothes and tech.