Henna Virkkunen
Finnish politician
55 stories
70 quotes
This summer, we have seen AI agents act in a ways we maybe never thought possible,
- Virkkunen notedPolitico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…
The U.S. has been very public saying they don’t want to have international regulation … because they have concerns that it’s hindering innovation,
- Virkkunen said on the stage of the RAID Conference in Brussels in response to questions by POLITICOPolitico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…
We have a different approach because we think that, if you are regulating in a pro-innovation manner, it’s also a good basis for innovation that people have trust in those technologies,
- said Virkkunen, the EU Commissioner responsible for technologyPolitico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…
Already under our rules we have very clear obligations on online platforms that they should take good care of the safety and privacy and the security of minors,
- Virkkunen saidIrish Timesirishtimes.com/technology/big…
Among the member states it has been very much [the] expectation that we have to be able also now to deliver soon and fast with this,
- commission vice-president Henna Virkkunen told The Irish Times in an interviewIrish Timesirishtimes.com/technology/big…
We have to find right balance so it can’t be that kind of blanket ban,
- Virkkunen said, suggesting the biggest global platforms will face pan-European enforcement instead of national enforcementIrish Timesirishtimes.com/technology/big…
Earlier
EU to Trump: We will keep pushing for global AI safety rules
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…Donald Trump praises tech bosses’ ‘self-regulation’ of AI
Financial Timesft.com/content/a8c1d14d…Major technology leaders converged on the White House on Tuesday for a luncheon with President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson as calls for an artificial intelligence slowdown and regulation reach a fever pitch
CNBCcnbc.com/2026/09…EU to curb teenage access to social media but stop short of outright ban
Irish Timesirishtimes.com/technology/big…Readers discuss how the city should shield children from social media’s harmful effects, and the public healthcare system
South China Morning Postscmp.com/opinion/letters…EU tech chief backs global AI rules in wake of extinction warning
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/henna…Spain’s spy agency warned of mass crossings into Ceuta before border crisis
Aljazeeraaljazeera.com/news/2026…Spain declassified documents that showed warnings issued a day before more than 70,000 migrants rushed the Ceuta border fence
Deutsche Welledw.com/en/ceuta…US, China gear up for mid-September AI safety talks
The Korea Timeskoreatimes.co.kr/world/2026090…US pushes looser approach to AI regulation, while EU pushes new law
Aljazeeraaljazeera.com/news/2026…With the high-stakes meeting just weeks away and tech tensions escalating, Beijing uses a G20 ministerial forum to advocate collaboration on the emerging technology
South China Morning Postscmp.com/tech/tech…ChatGPT becomes first AI chatbot to face tougher EU rules
Le Mondelemonde.fr/en/pixels…The Commission designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE), and Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs)
XinhuaNetenglish.news.cn/20260831/1014b…TikTok reaches $400 million settlement with US over children’s privacy case
Saudi Gazettesaudigazette.com.sa/article/66…The US Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024 over allegations that it violated children's online privacy laws
ABP Livenews.abplive.com/news/world…LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR AI-POWERED CYBERSECURITY
Politico Europepolitico.eu/sponsored/content…When a cybersecurity experiment goes wrong, the public response is predictable: Find out who is responsible, punish them, compensate the victims and make sure it never happens again
Fox Newsfoxnews.com/opinion/ai…Dozens of migrants who crossed into Ceuta reached mainland Spain, Sky News told
Sky Newsnews.sky.com/story/dozens…Right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and center-left Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Monday reiterated their push to combat illegal migration after thousands of unauthorized migrants surged into Spanish exclave Ceuta in late July
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/giorgia…EU holds talks with big tech over Ceuta misinformation
Deutsche Welledw.com/en/eu…Spain imposes border controls against Italy as Ceuta migration spat escalates
The Telegraphtelegraph.co.uk/world/news…White House to meet AI firms on advanced model safety
Aljazeeraaljazeera.com/economy/2026…The White House has completed a long-awaited voluntary framework for evaluating the nation's most advanced artificial intelligence models, meeting a deadline established by President Donald Trump's June executive order
International Business Timesibtimes.com/white/house…Britain open to AI regulation
CTV Newsctvnews.ca/sci/tech…Jon Hendricks speaks with technology analyst Carmi Levy about a recent incident involving OpenAI's model hocking another company's system without being directed
CTV Newsctvnews.ca/sci/tech…New EU team to crack down on AI deepfakes, illicit images and hacking
South China Morning Postscmp.com/news/world…Dr. Lance B. Eliot is a world-renowned AI scientist and consultant
Forbes UKforbes.com/sites/lanceeliot…TikTok charged with breaching EU rules on online safety for children
Sky Newsnews.sky.com/story/tiktok…The European Union on Friday, July 24, accused TikTok of failing to protect children since their account settings expose them to risks like cyberbullying and predatory behavior, putting the company at risk of a large fine
Le Mondelemonde.fr/en/international…Google’s search empire faces $1 billion EU fine over abuse of market power
Hindustan Timeshindustantimes.com/world/news…Google has been fined €890m (£759m) by the EU for allegedly abusing its power by favouring its own apps and services over those from rivals
BBCbbc.com/news/articles…China hits out at EU over AliExpress fine
China Dailychinadaily.com.cn/a/202607…Beijing expressed “strong dissatisfaction and serious concern” on Wednesday, urging the European Union to treat Chinese companies fairly after Brussels slapped e-commerce platform AliExpress with a €550 million (US$630 million) fine for breaching the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA)
South China Morning Postscmp.com/economy/global…AliExpress Fined $629 Million by EU Over Product-Safety Concerns
The Wall Street Journalwsj.com/tech/aliexpress…Last year, Brussels issued a $120 million penalty for Elon Musk’s social media site X
The Independentindependent.co.uk/news/europea…EU hits China’s Alibaba with €550M record fine over illegal products
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…Market regulator expected to close investigation into top online travel service provider, with potential fines running into billions of yuan
South China Morning Postscmp.com/tech/policy…EU forces Google to share search data and open Android to rival AI companies
The Independentindependent.co.uk/news/google…The Commission's order identifies 11 specific feature points spanning four broad categories where Google must grant equal access to rivals
International Business Times AUibtimes.com.au/eu/orders…Kremlin accuses EU of canceling Russian culture after budget cuts to Venice Biennale
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/kremlin…The European Commission has officially recommended ending grant funding for the Venice Biennale over the opening of the Russian pavilion
Ukrainska Pravdapravda.com.ua/eng/news…EU threatens Meta with fines over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram
TechCrunchtechcrunch.com/2026/07…Meta has been found in preliminary breach of the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) after regulators concluded that several design features on Instagram and Facebook encourage excessive use and fail to adequately protect children and vulnerable users
International Business Timesibtimes.com/eu/says…EU looks at tech to bulk up its police agency
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…Researchers traced these contracts as far back as 2013, when they hovered under $50m, and found a steady increase over time — with a bigger jump over the last two years
Guardiantheguardian.com/us/news…EU allows Ukraine to tap emergency cybersecurity support system
Ukrainska Pravdapravda.com.ua/eng/news…EU tech chief warns of reliance on US companies
Le Mondelemonde.fr/en/international…The European Commission has unveiled a strategy to put the EU on a path to digital sovereignty
Irish Timesirishtimes.com/opinion/editori…Europe is finally flexing its innovation muscles
Irish Timesirishtimes.com/business/econom…European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen stressed the strategic importance of technological development
International Business Timesibtimes.com/can/europe…Europe Unveils Sweeping Tech Sovereignty Plan to Boost Chips, AI
Bloomberg Newsbloomberg.com/news/articles…The 27-nation bloc unveiled a “tech sovereignty” package on Wednesday with measures to promote homegrown European alternatives to Big Tech services and hardware
Japan Todayjapantoday.com/category/tech…EU fines Temu 200 million euros for allowing sale of illegal products
Gulf Newsgulfnews.com/world/eu…The European Union has imposed a €200m ($232m; £173m) fine on Chinese-owned online retailer Temu for having illegal products such as dangerous baby toys and faulty chargers for sale on its platform
BBCbbc.com/news/articles…EU Plans to Reserve Most of Mobile Satellite Spectrum for Homegrown Operators
The Wall Street Journalwsj.com/business/telecom…The decision risks angering Washington as it will limit the frequencies available to U.S. companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Amazon Leo, and curtail their fast expansion
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…EU: Meta isn’t keeping underage users off Facebook, Instagram
The Hillthehill.com/policy/technology…The EU executive is also exploring a possible bloc-wide age limit on social media after coming under intense pressure to take broader action following Australia's groundbreaking ban on using such platforms for under-16s
Daily Tribunetribune.net.ph/2026/04…EU age verification app ready as Europe moves to curb children's social media access
Reutersreuters.com/world/eu…Big Tech faces crackdown as governments tighten rules to shield children from online harm
Gulf Newsgulfnews.com/world/europe…EU denies entry to 27,000 travellers under new EES border system
Gulf Newsgulfnews.com/business/tourism…Americans traveling to Europe are now encountering major changes at border crossings as the European Union’s long‑planned Entry/Exit System (EES) has officially come into force
Newsweeknewsweek.com/us/tourists…Indonesia issues second summons to Meta, Google on child safety
ANTARA Newsen.antaranews.com/news/410841…Marie Le Tiec was 15 when she ended her life in 2021
The New York Timesnytimes.com/2026/04…EU accuses four porn sites of allowing children access adult content
Le Mondelemonde.fr/en/international…Brussels targets big porn platforms over child safety concerns
Financial Timesft.com/content/f1250594…Latvia issues statement against Russia's participation in Venice Biennale, backed by 22 countries
Ukrainska Pravdapravda.com.ua/eng/news…The Russian art collective Pussy Riot, several members of which have first-hand knowledge of just how little tolerance the Putin regime has for self-expression, was among the first to express its outrage at the scale of the international community’s collective amnesia about the Kremlin’s crimes and argued strongly against allowing its return to the art world’s most prestigious event
Novaya Gazeta. Europenovayagazeta.eu/articles/2026…Iran urges EU leaders to oppose US-Israeli strikes
Financial Timesft.com/content/2300cff8…Spain rejects use of bases, UK hesitates and EU leaders urge de-escalation
Gulf Newsgulfnews.com/world/europe…Donald Trump’s envoys failed to reassure Europe
The Economisteconomist.com/international/20…EU investigates Shein over sale of child-like sex dolls and weapons
Global Newsglobalnews.ca/news/11671137…Close Shein protestors removed from opening of first store
The Independentindependent.co.uk/news/world…Washington pushes back against EU’s bid for tech autonomy
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…Zelensky slams ‘utterly stupid idea’ he would announce elections on anniversary of Putin’s invasion
The Independentindependent.co.uk/news/world…Ukraine has begun planning presidential elections alongside a referendum on any peace deal with Russia, after the Trump administration pressed Kyiv to hold both votes by May 15th or risk losing proposed US security guarantees
Irish Timesirishtimes.com/world/europe…EU ups drone cooperation amid hybrid threats
Deutsche Welledw.com/en/eu…Fear of Russia and doubts about US sparked surge in European defence projects
Reutersreuters.com/business/aerospace…European Commission announces EU-wide 'action plan' to combat cyberbullying
Euronewseuronews.com/2026/02…The European Union anti-cyberbullying initiative comes as countries around the world consider curbing children's social media access because of its impact on their health and safety
Reutersreuters.com/legal/litigation…Silver economy may be next blue ocean amid surging demand for 'well-aging': BOK chief
The Korea Timeskoreatimes.co.kr/economy/20260…South Korea has the second-highest number of paid ChatGPT users in the world — just behind the U.S., which has 290 million more people than the peninsula
Politicopolitico.com/newsletters/forec…Transatlantic cooperation underpins Europe’s deterrence
Politico Europepolitico.eu/sponsored/content…EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has backed a push to favour European firms over foreign rivals in "strategic" fields, ahead of a leaders' meeting on boosting the bloc's competitiveness
Hürriyet Daily Newshurriyetdailynews.com/eu/chief…Imec opens 2.5 bln euros chip pilot line as Europe looks to strengthen AI hand
Reutersreuters.com/business/imec…The comments signal an effort to counter the narrative of Europe’s overreliance on U.S. technology
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/us…TikTok Hit By EU Ultimatum Over Addictive Design Dangers
Bloomberg Newsbloomberg.com/news/articles…The European Commission set out its charges in preliminary findings to TikTok following a year-long investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA) which requires large online platforms to do more to tackle illegal and harmful content
Reutersreuters.com/business/media…Europe begins its slow retreat from US dependence
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/europe…2025 was a decisive year in the evolution of the transatlantic energy relationship
Foreign Policyforeignpolicy.com/2026/02…EU fires senior official Hololei after probe linked to Qatar gifts
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…Mr Hololei was negotiating an aviation agreement with Qatar when the alleged gifts were accepted
The Telegraphtelegraph.co.uk/news/2026…EU tech chief sounds alarm over dependence on foreign tech
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/henna…Baptiste calls for EU-wide effort on satellite autonomy
Reutersreuters.com/business/aerospace…European Union opens investigation into Musk's AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes
The Manila Timesmanilatimes.net/2026/01…The scrutiny from Brussels comes after Grok sparked a global backlash by allowing users through its AI image generation and editing capabilities to undress people, putting females in transparent bikinis or revealing clothing
Global Newsglobalnews.ca/news/11638030…French AI firm Mistral predicts revenue of €1 billion in 2026
Le Mondelemonde.fr/en/economy…EU Parliament backs Thierry Breton in free speech spat with Washington
Politico Europepolitico.eu/article/eu…Virkkunen is tasked with addressing the security threats facing the European Union, while also strengthening the 27-member bloc's external borders and its internal security
Reutersreuters.com/business/davos…European telcos to get unlimited radio spectrum under EU draft law
Reutersreuters.com/business/media…In a long-running debate, European telecom companies want "fair share" payments from tech giants like Netflix for the large amounts of bandwidth they use
The Korea Timeskoreatimes.co.kr/world/2026012…EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider Chinese tech bans
South China Morning Postscmp.com/news/china…The European Union plans to phase out telecom gear from companies in "high risk" countries, targeting Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE
The Independentindependent.co.uk/news/huawei…