Core Points - The European Union (EU) has intensified its regulatory scrutiny of major US tech companies, launching three independent investigations into Amazon and Microsoft's cloud computing businesses to assess their potential classification under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) [1][2] - The investigations will evaluate whether Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure should be designated as "gatekeepers" under the DMA framework, despite not currently meeting the specified quantitative thresholds [1][2] - The DMA requires companies providing core platform services to have over 45 million monthly active users and a market capitalization exceeding €75 billion to be classified as "gatekeepers" [1][2] Investigation Details - Two of the investigations will focus on AWS and Azure's eligibility for "gatekeeper" status, while the third will assess whether the existing DMA framework is sufficient to address anti-competitive behavior in the European cloud computing sector [1][2] - Companies found in violation of the DMA could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue [1] Regulatory Standards - A notable aspect of the EU's investigation is the possibility of designating companies as "gatekeepers" even if they do not meet the established quantitative standards [2] - The criteria for "gatekeeper" designation include a market capitalization of at least €75 billion over the past three years, annual revenue exceeding €7.5 billion in the EU, and a minimum of 45 million monthly active users [2] Corporate Responses - AWS representatives expressed confidence that the EU will conclude that stricter regulations are unnecessary, citing the vibrant and innovative nature of the cloud computing industry [3] - Microsoft stated its readiness to cooperate with the investigation, acknowledging that if AWS and Azure are deemed "important gateways," they may be added to the core platform services list [3] - If designated as "gatekeepers," both companies would need to comply with DMA rules within six months, which could impose new obligations such as interoperability requirements and preferential treatment of their own products [3] Strategic Implications - The EU's heightened regulatory focus on the cloud computing market underscores its commitment to controlling digital infrastructure, especially as artificial intelligence and digital transformation accelerate [3] - The outcomes of these investigations are expected to significantly impact the European business strategies of global tech giants [3]

Core Insights - Brazil's global digital competitiveness ranking has improved to 53rd among 69 major economies, rising 4 places from the previous year [1] Group 1: Performance Metrics - Brazil ranks 9th in research publication productivity, 16th in private investment in artificial intelligence, 19th in the prevalence of online public services, and 19th in smartphone penetration [1] Group 2: Challenges - High interest rates are identified as a barrier to financing in Brazil's digital industry, although they are not seen as the decisive factor [1] - The main obstacle to investment in Brazil, according to corporate feedback, is the instability of local regulatory policies [1]

Core Insights - The World Bank urges Thailand to adopt new development strategies to escape the middle-income trap and achieve high-income status by 2037 [1][2] - Thailand's traditional economic growth engines have stagnated for over a decade, leading to a GDP growth of only about 2% in 2025, which is below the required annual growth rate of 5% [1][2] Development Strategies - The World Bank recommends that Thailand leverage its strategic location in Southeast Asia, robust digital infrastructure, and international reputation for high-quality products [2] - Five key development areas are suggested: digital services, advanced green manufacturing, agricultural industry, sustainable and health tourism, and creative economy [2] Competitiveness Enhancement - Thailand must enhance three types of competitiveness: green competitiveness, digital competitiveness, and service competitiveness [2] - The country should capitalize on global trends by implementing green low-carbon policies, achieving digital transformation, establishing itself as the "world kitchen," leading in digital services, and developing high-value-added service industries [2] Upcoming Events - Thailand will host the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group's annual meeting in October 2026, the first time since 1991, attracting global investors and large enterprises to discuss challenges and opportunities [2]

Group 1 - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has reported 57 apps and SDKs for infringing user rights, highlighting issues such as excessive personal information collection and forced permissions [1][2] - The report emphasizes the importance of user data security and the necessity for digital economy development to operate within legal frameworks [1][2] - The reported violations include forced authorization for location, contacts, and camera access, which not only disrupt user experience but also pose risks of personal information leakage and misuse [1][2] Group 2 - The MIIT's actions are based on laws such as the Personal Information Protection Law and the Cybersecurity Law, showcasing a combination of legal and technical regulation [2] - Since 2019, the MIIT has conducted multiple campaigns against illegal app behaviors, with over 5,200 apps ordered to rectify or removed in 2024 alone [2] - Companies are encouraged to adopt a user-centric approach in product design, ensuring privacy protection principles are integrated from the outset [2][3] Group 3 - The era of "data sovereignty" is approaching, necessitating respect for users' rights to know, control, and delete their personal information [3] - Effective complaint and feedback mechanisms should be established to ensure users feel secure in their data usage [3] - The governance of data in China is evolving towards a more systematic, legal, and professional approach, with a focus on both regulatory enforcement and proactive industry mechanisms [3]