The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (DMCC) which becomes law later this year (autumn) and is aimed at promoting fair competition, regulating digital markets, and protecting consumer rights in the UK, may mean that Apple will need to open up its business practices.

Similar to being a ‘gatekeeper’, for example, if the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit (DMU) decides Apple has a ‘Strategic Market Status’ (SMS) and decides that Apple has “substantial and entrenched market power” and a “position of strategic significance”, Apple may be forced to change its business practices to enhance competition and consumer choice.

This could involve measures like allowing third-party app stores, enabling app sideloading, unbundling WebKit from browsers, sharing data with competitors, and avoiding preferential treatment of its own services. However, some commentators have suggested that if strict regulations hurt Apple’s business, it could impact the 4.8 million jobs supported by the iOS app economy in the US and Europe.

A political consultant who paid a local street magician $150 to make a deepfake anti-Biden robocall, asking people not to vote in the New Hampshire Democratic primary, is now facing $6 million fine.

It’s been alleged that Steven Kramer, 54, of New Orleans, commissioned and paid for the bogus Biden AI deepfake voice call, used ID spoofing to hide the source, and hired a telemarketing firm to play fake recording to 5,000+ voters over the phone.

Mr Kramer now faces felony charges of voter suppression and misdemeanor impersonation of a candidate and faces the multi-million dollar fine from the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for the bogus call. This is likely to send a powerful message to those looking to misuse AI deepfakes in this year’s US presidential election.

Finish company Enifer is bringing back a protein made from fungus (a microprotein) that was first developed and used in the 1970s for animal feed but could now work as a sustainable protein source for the human diet.

Pekilo ® 

Enifer’s Pekilo ® microprotein was developed from fungus in the 70s and used for fifteen years in farming as fodder before being forgotten after the general biorefining focus at the time shifted to waste-water treatment, and the engineering company that developed it also went bankrupt.

Fast forward to 2020 and thanks to the memory of one of the original R&D workers, and the rediscovery of an R&D project, startup Enifer was formed out of the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland with five co-founders, Simo Ellilä being the CEO.

Factory Funding 

Enifer has now secured €33 million of Series B funding for the world’s first commercial factory to produce the mycoprotein ingredient from the food industry side stream raw materials at Kirkkonummi, Finland.

What Is Pekilo® And What’s So Good About It? 

Pekilo® is a single-cell protein (SCP) produced through a fermentation process using the biomass of fungi. It is produced from industrial side streams (i.e. waste products from other industries) such as lactose from the dairy industry and lignocellulosic hydrolysates (by-products of processes such as wood and paper production).

Pekilo® has many advantages, such as:

– It offers sustainable production. Being produced from industrial side streams means it’s a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of protein. For example, the process utilises waste materials, reducing overall waste and promoting circular economy principles.

– Pekilo® has a high protein content, typically ranging between 60-70 per cent. This makes it an excellent source of protein for both human consumption or animal feed. Enifer says, for example, it’s “an ideal drop-in ingredient for aquafeed, pet food, and food production”. 

– In addition to the high protein content, Pekilo® also has a generally high nutritional value. For example, it contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals necessary for animal growth and health, which is why it is a comprehensive dietary supplement/drop-in ingredient.

– Pekilo® has a lower environmental impact compared twith traditional protein sources like soy or fishmeal. It also requires less land and water and generates lower greenhouse gas emissions.

– The product can be manufactured to have consistent quality in terms of protein content and nutritional profile, which is crucial for feed formulation and ensures reliable nutrition for livestock.

– The fermentation process for producing Pekilo® is relatively fast, meaning this can facilitate rapid production and scalability. This can meet the growing world demand for protein in a sustainable manner.

– It’s antibiotic-free, which means a reduced risk of antibiotic resistance and a cleaner product for animal feed.

– Pekilo® is economically viable because it utilises industrial by-products for its production. This can lower feed costs, enhance economic viability for producers, and make it an attractive alternative to conventional protein sources.

– The fact that it can be used in various feed applications, including aquaculture, poultry, and pigs, makes it a very versatile and flexible component in animal nutrition.

– Pekilo® has long shelf life due to its drying process, which removes moisture and prevents spoilage. Proper packaging and storage in cool, dry conditions further preserve its nutritional value, making it a reliable and stable feed ingredient over extended periods.

– Its neutral flavour (the food grade version) means it’s suitable for a wide range of human foods, Savoury or sweet. Although currently the feed-grade version apparently has a distinctive taste, Enifer is working on making the flavour more neutral. This means it will be more versatile in feed formulations, more acceptable to various animal species and will ensure better feed intake.

Regulatory Clearance Needed First 

Although the product sounds very promising, the food-grade human version will first need to get regulatory clearance as a novel food before being added to any foods for human consumption. It’s understood that Enifer has so far applied to regulators in the EU, with plans to target Singapore and the US next.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

The introduction of Enifer’s Pekilo® could be a significant advancement in sustainable protein production. For example, it could offer substantial benefits for UK businesses looking to align with environmental goals and meet growing global protein demand. Using industrial side streams to produce this microprotein not only reduces waste but also promotes a circular economy, making it an eco-friendly choice that could revolutionise the protein industry.

For companies in the food and feed sectors, Pekilo® offers a high-protein, nutritionally rich ingredient that can enhance the quality of animal feed while significantly lowering the environmental impact compared to traditional protein sources like soy and fishmeal. Its consistent quality and rapid production capabilities mean it could reliably meet the increasing demand for protein in a scalable and sustainable manner.

Also, Pekilo®’s long shelf life and neutral flavour mean it could be a versatile ingredient for various applications, including aquaculture, poultry, pig food, and potentially human foods. As consumer awareness and demand for sustainable and plant-based proteins grow, incorporating Pekilo® into product lines could help food businesses to position themselves at the forefront of this market shift. It could also help facilitate the transition towards more plant-based diets, thereby reducing reliance on meat and the associated environmental footprint.

Although regulatory clearance is still required for human consumption, the prospects for Pekilo® seem promising. As Enifer progresses through the necessary approvals, early adoption and integration of this sustainable protein source may offer a competitive edge. Businesses that embrace Pekilo® may not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also appeal to a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers, ultimately driving long-term growth and success in a rapidly evolving market.

By integrating Pekilo® into business operations, food-based businesses may not only investing in a sustainable future but may also help address the urgent need for environmentally friendly protein alternatives. In addition to enhancing a brand’s reputation, incorporating this or similar ingredients could be a way for food businesses to meet consumer demand for sustainable products, and play a crucial role in the global shift towards a more sustainable food system.

This video-update looks at how you can invite ChatGPT to a Zoom meeting. In this case, it talks about LinkedIn …

Dynamic Lock uses the proximity of your Bluetooth-paired phone to automatically lock your Windows PC when you step away. This helps enhance security by ensuring your device is locked when you’re not around. Here’s how to set it up:

– Pair your Bluetooth-enabled phone with your PC.

– Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

– Scroll down to the Dynamic lock section and check the box for Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.

– Windows will use the signal strength of your paired phone to determine when to lock your PC, adding an extra layer of security.

It’s been reported in Chinese state media that Microsoft has asked at least 100 employees to consider relocating to other countries.

Why? 

It’s been reported that Microsoft has asked hundreds of its China-based employees, particularly those involved in cloud computing and AI, to consider relocating to other countries. It’s thought that this decision was prompted by escalating tensions between the United States and China, e.g. over technological advancements and trade issues, such as AI and semiconductors. Differing reports put the number that have been given the option to relocate between approximately 100 and 800 employees (mainly Chinese nationals). It’s also been reported that the employees only have less than one month to decide.

However, Microsoft appears keen to emphasise that offering internal transfer opportunities to employees is part of its standard global business management practice and is a regular part of managing its global operations.

Why Is This Move Potentially Significant? 

Bearing in mind the backdrop of increasing tensions between the United States and China, the relocation offers and the relatively short decision-making window for those affected could be seen by some as an indication that the company is planning to reduce its dependency on China. In doing so, it may be a way for Microsoft to mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical instability and trade conflicts, thereby helping it to maintain smooth operations and protect itself from any risks to its intellectual property, e.g. from potential regulatory challenges in China. Microsoft has reportedly said, however, that it remains committed to its presence in China

Where? 

Reports indicate that Microsoft has suggested the United States, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand as countries the employees have the option to re-locate to.

New Tariffs Announced

The trade conflicts and tech war between the US and China that may be behind Microsoft’s employee relocation ideas don’t look like lessening any time soon. For example, the Biden administration has just imposed tariffs on around $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles (EVs) and various other products in a measure to shield US industries from being undercut by cheaper Chinese imports, which are often subsidised by the Chinese government.

Also, last October, the Biden administration restricted the sale of certain semiconductors to China to limit China’s access to advanced technology critical for both commercial and military applications, thereby maintaining the US’s technological superiority and addressing national security concerns.

These and other trade restrictions could all be viewed as part of the ongoing tech war between the US and China, characterised by escalating competition in high-tech sectors like AI, 5G, and semiconductor manufacturing with the US becoming increasingly wary of China’s rapid technological advancements and their implications for global power dynamics.

Cyber Attack Protection For UK Politicians 

Meanwhile, 2024 is a major global election year for at least 64 countries including the US, UK, India, and South Africa. Here in the UK, this being the general election year, together with the threat of how AI (deepfakes) and email-based threats could be abused by adversaries, The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC – part of the GCHQ) has announced that it’s to provide “Personal Internet Protection” to politicians and high-profile individuals at risk from attack. The Chinese State (the Chinese Communist Party) is very likely to be one of the key states that the UK’s NCSC is offering protection from, especially since back in March, a Chinese state hacking group targeted the email accounts of over 40 UK parliamentarians that had spoken out against China or were members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC).

The type of protection to be offered as part of (opt-in) “Personal Internet Protection” will be alerting people if any malicious activity is detected on their email accounts or devices.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The decision by Microsoft to ask hundreds of its China-based employees, especially those in cloud computing and AI, to consider relocating to other countries is a notable development amidst rising US-China tensions. This move highlights the ongoing challenges multinational companies face in managing geopolitical risks. While Microsoft may frame these relocations as part of standard global business management, the context suggests a strategic shift aimed at reducing dependency on China and mitigating risks related to intellectual property and regulatory hurdles.

For UK businesses, the escalating trade and tech war between the US and China could have significant repercussions. Actions like the imposition of a new raft of tariffs on Chinese imports, restrictions on semiconductor sales to China, plus an economic decoupling between the US and China, are reshaping global supply chains and impacting multinational companies. For UK businesses, this decoupling could mean disruptions in supply chains and increased costs if they rely on components or products from China or the US. Also, as the tech war intensifies, UK companies may need to navigate a more fragmented global market, with different standards and regulations across regions.

The strategic shifts by companies like Microsoft, combined with the broader geopolitical landscape, underscore the need for UK businesses to diversify their supply chains and remain agile. Understanding and preparing for potential regulatory changes and trade barriers will be crucial. Additionally, businesses should monitor developments closely and consider the implications of these geopolitical tensions on their operations and strategic planning.

Broadly speaking, the US-China tech war and associated economic decoupling (of which Microsoft’s latest move may be a symptom) present both challenges and opportunities for UK businesses. By staying informed and proactive, UK businesses can better navigate this complex environment, ensuring resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly divided global economy.

As for UK politics, it remains to be seen how effective “Personal Internet Protection” will be against determined state-sponsored hackers with huge resources at their disposal, especially if it’s simply an opt-in protection scheme.