Top 3 tech, startup and sustainability stories of the week, 3rd

This week’s stories are about e-commerce, AI and Big Tech

1-EU: Temu, Shein and Amazon liable for ‘unsafe’ goods

The European Union is set to hold e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and Amazon Marketplace accountable for hazardous or illegal products sold online. I saw the story Financial Times and proposed customs reforms would require these platforms to share data before goods enter the EU, enabling authorities to monitor and inspect shipments more effectively. (By the way I have a story here about EU’s high-tech imports)

The draft proposal, cited by FT, states that the EU Customs Authority (EUCA) could assess potential risks even before products are shipped or physically arrive in the EU. Amazon, Shein, and the EU did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment, while Temu was unavailable for comment.

EU: Temu, Shein and Amazon liable for ‘unsafe’ goods

2-Most US teens distrust Big Tech

A new research from Common Sense Media reveals that American teenagers have lost confidence in big technology companies. The nonprofit, which evaluates media and technology—including AI—surveyed over 1,000 teens about their trust in companies like Google, Apple, Meta, TikTok, and Microsoft. I read this story at @techcrunch and the results reveal widespread skepticism regarding whether these corporations prioritize users’ well-being, make ethical choices and safeguard personal data. Nearly half of respondents expressed little to no faith in Big Tech’s ability to responsibly manage AI.

Distrust in tech giants has been growing for years, fueled by events such as the 2013 mass data collection scandal, the Cambridge Analytica controversy, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen’s 2021 revelations, and repeated congressional hearings scrutinizing Big Tech for safety concerns, monopolistic practices, and harmful algorithms.

While teens may not follow tech news as closely as adults, this overall decline in trust affects them. According to the report:

64% of teens don’t believe Big Tech cares about their mental health and well-being.
62% doubt companies will prioritize user safety if it threatens profits.
53% think major tech firms fail to make ethical design decisions, particularly with manipulative user interfaces.
52% don’t trust companies to protect their personal data.
51% believe Big Tech lacks fairness and inclusivity in serving diverse users.

Mistrust extends to artificial intelligence as well. 47% of teens don’t believe tech companies will handle AI responsibly. The report builds on previous research about generative AI’s impact, highlighting concerns over misinformation.

Most US teens distrust Big Tech (Photo: Getty Images)

3-US Copyright Office: AI-generated content to be copyrighted—if humans play a role

The US Copyright Office has clarified that certain AI-generated works can receive copyright protection if a human has meaningfully contributed to or modified them. This update, released in the second part of a report titled Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, Part 2: Copyrightability, reinforces that human creativity remains essential in copyright law, even as AI tools become more integrated into artistic and commercial efforts.

https://venturebeat.com/The report establishes that only works involving human creativity can be copyrighted. I read this story VentureBeat and AI can assist in content creation, but its output alone is not eligible for copyright unless a human has exercised substantial creative control. The Copyright Office outlined three scenarios where AI-generated works may qualify for copyright:

When human-created content is integrated into AI-generated material.
When a human significantly modifies or organizes AI-generated content.
When human contributions are expressive and creative.

After reviewing over 10,000 public comments, the Copyright Office concluded that current U.S. copyright laws are sufficient for handling AI-related issues. While some called for additional protections for AI-generated works, the Office sees no need for legislative changes at this time but will continue monitoring developments.

Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights, emphasized that copyright protections remain centered on human creativity. While AI-assisted works can be copyrighted, material whose expressive elements are determined solely by AI does not qualify.