APAC Developments: Tech Regulations, Investment, and Cybersecurity
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Google and Apple Adapt to Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act
Last week, Google and Apple announced changes allowing developers to distribute their apps through third-party stores and accept payments from alternative providers, aligning with Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). Neither company was pleased with the law:
- Apple warned that the new requirements could increase malware, fraud, scams, and security risks. Despite this, Apple introduced measures such as Notarization for iOS apps, app marketplace authorizations, and safeguards to protect children from inappropriate content. Additionally, Apple reduced its App Store commissions to 10% for most developers.
- Google called for careful regulation and enforcement to prevent negative consequences. The company now provides Japanese users with options to choose their browser/search engine and supports in-app purchases via third-party payment providers. It also enables developers to offer purchase options either through Google Play or their own websites.
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AMD Plans to Strengthen Investment in China
During a recent visit to China, AMD CEO Lisa Su reaffirmed the company’s commitment to deepen its investments and collaboration within China’s industrial sectors. According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, AMD intends to foster innovation and industrial development jointly with local enterprises.
Minister Li Lecheng expressed hope that AMD would advance China’s industrialization efforts, emphasizing mutual growth and shared benefits across the supply chain.
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Asahi’s Cyberattack Highlighted as Management Flaw
Japanese brewer Asahi has attributed its October cyberattack and data leak to management failures. Company president Atsushi Katsuki admitted that security measures at the executive level were insufficient. Despite implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and engaging cybersecurity experts, vulnerabilities remained.
Katsuki reflected that earlier adoption of a zero-trust communication model might have prevented the breach, signaling a focus on improving governance over information security.
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Debian Supports China’s Loongson CPUs in Upcoming Release
The Linux distribution Debian announced that its upcoming version 14, dubbed “Forky,” will include support for loong64 (LoongArch 64-bit), a proprietary architecture developed by Chinese company Loongson. The architecture combines elements of MIPS and RISC technology and is part of China’s national effort to promote local chip manufacturing.
Some Chinese Linux distributions based on Debian already promote Loongson hardware as an alternative to Windows.
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Unusual Share Price Spike Suspends Infosys Trading
Trading of Infosys’s American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) was halted twice last Friday on the NYSE due to a nearly 50% surge in share price. The company issued a statement clarifying it was unaware of any material events causing the spike.
Additionally, Infosys announced settlement of a class action related to a 2024 cybersecurity breach at its US subsidiary, Infosys McCamish Systems, which agreed to pay $17.5 million into a settlement fund.
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Hong Kong Cracks Down on Pirate Karaoke Venues
Hong Kong’s Customs authority announced a comprehensive crackdown on illegal karaoke venues ahead of the holiday season. The operation resulted in two arrests for alleged violations of copyright law.
Authorities pledged to intensify inspections during Christmas and New Year to protect copyright owners’ rights and combat infringement activities across the territory.
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(Note: Images used in the original article include logos of tech companies, cybersecurity icons, Chinese industrial imagery, and stock market graphs.)