#Digital Map Market Size

[latestmarketresearchnews]

Digital Map Market Scope, Technological Development and Competitive Insights to 2030

The global digital map market size is estimated to reach USD 54.98 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to have a significant demand from navigational application developers as well as geographical information system (GIS) operators, who are driven by an increasing end-user base. The increase in the number of smartphone and internet users has fueled global growth. Moreover, the rise in the number of connected and semi-autonomous cars, and expected developments in self-driving and navigation technology, among others are anticipated to drive global demand.

Rising demand for geospatial information in recent years is driving the growth of digital cartography technology. Applications such as logistics management, congestion intelligence, location, traffic, and smart parking need routing and congestion updates in real-time. With significant technological advancements in digital cartography, it is supporting these applications with data feeds and information. In addition, the increasing number of businesses that are using location-based services for marketing and advertising is also estimated to enhance the demand growth in the coming years.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Digital Map Market

The growing demand for topographical & environmental information systems is accelerating their adoption in the public & government sectors. Further, the growing need for maintaining information systems for local governing bodies, defense forces, and law enforcement officials owing to the notable rise in natural & manmade threats is expected to drive the market growth. Market players are focusing on data integration technology in digital map for smooth integration between information systems and maps which is expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period. The key players are expected to indulge in mergers and acquisitions in order to strengthen their digital map offerings, maintain a competitive edge, and achieve higher profitability.

Digital Map Market Report Highlights

Digital orthophotography segment is expected to register a CAGR of 17.8% from 2023 to 2030. Digital orthophotography type segment is anticipated to emerge as the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period owing to the growth of image-processing, data analysis technology, and the increasing applications in multiple end-use segments such as automotive and mobile devices.

Consulting segment is anticipated at a CAGR of 18.9% from 2023 to 2030. The consulting segment is expected to witness considerable growth owing to shifting various end-use companies focus digital map consulting services for managing end-to-end mapping services and reduce operational costs.

The indoor mapping type segment is anticipated to witness the highest market growth of 19.3% CAGR over the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing use of digital map for navigating complex and huge infrastructures.

The asset tracking application segment is the fastest growing segment registering a CAGR of 18.3% over the forecast period. This is owing to the increasing demand for digital maps across enterprise solutions, infrastructure, logistics, and other businesses to operate valuable details and streamline their business operations.

Mobile devices segment is expected to register a CAGR of 17.9% through 2030. The mobile devices segment is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period owing to a significant rise in location-based services demand to improve the user's experience and maximize business profitability.

Exploration activities are expected to increase in developing regions of the world, while demand for real-time data and information is expected to increase in developed countries. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional segment registering a CAGR of 17.0% in the forecast period, owing to an increase in the number of smartphone users and vehicles in the region. Further, the rising technological advancements in navigation and significant penetration of smartphones is driving the Asia Pacific digital map market.

Browse through Grand View Research's Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

AI Training Dataset In Healthcare Market: The global AI training dataset in healthcare market size was estimated at USD 423.0 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.9% from 2025 to 2030.

Artificial Intelligence In Marketing Market: The global artificial intelligence in marketing market size was estimated USD 20,447.1 million in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.0% from 2025 to 2030.

Digital Map Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global digital map market based on type, usage, service, application, and region:

Digital Map Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Geographic Information System (GIS)

LiDAR

Digital Orthophotography

Aerial Photography

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Digital Map Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Consulting

Development & Integration

Support & maintenance

Digital Map Mapping Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Indoor

Outdoor

Metaverse

Digital Map Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Asset Tracking

Geo-positioning and Geocoding

Routing and Navigation

Others (Reverse Geocoding, Real-time location data management, Catchment Analysis)

Digital Map End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Automotive

Military & Defense

Mobile Devices

Enterprise Solutions

Logistics, Travel, and Transportation

Infrastructure Development and Construction

Others (Oil & gas, Agriculture)

Digital Map Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

MEA

Order a free sample PDF of the Digital Map Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[researchreportinsight]

Digital Map Market In-depth Analysis and Forecast Report, 2030

The global digital map market size is estimated to reach USD 54.98 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to have a significant demand from navigational application developers as well as geographical information system (GIS) operators, who are driven by an increasing end-user base. The increase in the number of smartphone and internet users has fueled global growth. Moreover, the rise in the number of connected and semi-autonomous cars, and expected developments in self-driving and navigation technology, among others are anticipated to drive global demand.

Rising demand for geospatial information in recent years is driving the growth of digital cartography technology. Applications such as logistics management, congestion intelligence, location, traffic, and smart parking need routing and congestion updates in real-time. With significant technological advancements in digital cartography, it is supporting these applications with data feeds and information. In addition, the increasing number of businesses that are using location-based services for marketing and advertising is also estimated to enhance the demand growth in the coming years.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Digital Map Market

The growing demand for topographical & environmental information systems is accelerating their adoption in the public & government sectors. Further, the growing need for maintaining information systems for local governing bodies, defense forces, and law enforcement officials owing to the notable rise in natural & manmade threats is expected to drive the market growth. Market players are focusing on data integration technology in digital map for smooth integration between information systems and maps which is expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period. The key players are expected to indulge in mergers and acquisitions in order to strengthen their digital map offerings, maintain a competitive edge, and achieve higher profitability.

Digital Map Market Report Highlights

Digital orthophotography segment is expected to register a CAGR of 17.8% from 2023 to 2030. Digital orthophotography type segment is anticipated to emerge as the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period owing to the growth of image-processing, data analysis technology, and the increasing applications in multiple end-use segments such as automotive and mobile devices.

Consulting segment is anticipated at a CAGR of 18.9% from 2023 to 2030. The consulting segment is expected to witness considerable growth owing to shifting various end-use companies focus digital map consulting services for managing end-to-end mapping services and reduce operational costs.

The indoor mapping type segment is anticipated to witness the highest market growth of 19.3% CAGR over the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing use of digital map for navigating complex and huge infrastructures.

The asset tracking application segment is the fastest growing segment registering a CAGR of 18.3% over the forecast period. This is owing to the increasing demand for digital maps across enterprise solutions, infrastructure, logistics, and other businesses to operate valuable details and streamline their business operations.

Mobile devices segment is expected to register a CAGR of 17.9% through 2030. The mobile devices segment is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period owing to a significant rise in location-based services demand to improve the user's experience and maximize business profitability.

Exploration activities are expected to increase in developing regions of the world, while demand for real-time data and information is expected to increase in developed countries. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional segment registering a CAGR of 17.0% in the forecast period, owing to an increase in the number of smartphone users and vehicles in the region. Further, the rising technological advancements in navigation and significant penetration of smartphones is driving the Asia Pacific digital map market.

Browse through Grand View Research's Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

AI Training Dataset In Healthcare Market: The global AI training dataset in healthcare market size was estimated at USD 423.0 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.9% from 2025 to 2030.

Artificial Intelligence In Marketing Market: The global artificial intelligence in marketing market size was estimated USD 20,447.1 million in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.0% from 2025 to 2030.

Digital Map Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global digital map market based on type, usage, service, application, and region:

Digital Map Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Geographic Information System (GIS)

LiDAR

Digital Orthophotography

Aerial Photography

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Digital Map Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Consulting

Development & Integration

Support & maintenance

Digital Map Mapping Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Indoor

Outdoor

Metaverse

Digital Map Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Asset Tracking

Geo-positioning and Geocoding

Routing and Navigation

Others (Reverse Geocoding, Real-time location data management, Catchment Analysis)

Digital Map End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Automotive

Military & Defense

Mobile Devices

Enterprise Solutions

Logistics, Travel, and Transportation

Infrastructure Development and Construction

Others (Oil & gas, Agriculture)

Digital Map Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

MEA

Order a free sample PDF of the Digital Map Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[marketresearchreportinsight]

Digital Map Market Product Analysis, Share by Types and Region till 2030

The global digital map market size is estimated to reach USD 54.98 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to have a significant demand from navigational application developers as well as geographical information system (GIS) operators, who are driven by an increasing end-user base. The…

[oliviadlima]

Digital Map Market Size, Share, Growth | Industry Analysis

The digital map market was valued at $21.8 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $89.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2023 to 2032.

Download Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2735

More Insights: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/digital-map-market

[ashimbisresearch]

Unearthing the Future: Emerging Trends in the Digital Soil Mapping Platforms and Applications Market | BIS Research

In the era of precision agriculture, understanding soil health and composition has become paramount for optimizing crop yields and ensuring sustainable farming practices. Digital soil mapping platforms and applications are at the forefront of this agricultural revolution, providing detailed insights that empower farmers and agribusinesses to make informed decisions. This article delves into the burgeoning digital soil mapping market, highlighting key trends, market segmentation, growth projections, and how various industries are leveraging these advancements to stay competitive.

Market Overview: Robust Growth Trajectory

The global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market is experiencing significant growth. Valued at $228.2 million in 2023, it is projected to reach $798.5 million by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.16% during the forecast period of 2024-2034. This upward trend is driven by the increasing adoption of precision agriculture, advancements in geospatial technologies, and a heightened focus on sustainable farming practices.

Key Trends Shaping the Market

Integration of IoT and Advanced Sensors:

IoT devices and sensors enable real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, and nutrients.

Helps in precision irrigation and fertilization, improving crop yields.

Adoption of AI and Machine Learning:

AI-driven analytics predict soil health trends and pest infestations.

Machine learning enhances decision-making for farm management.

Focus on Sustainable Agriculture:

Soil mapping tools aid in regenerative farming by tracking organic matter and erosion risks.

Supports biodiversity and long-term soil health.

Government Initiatives and Support:

Subsidies and policies encourage farmers to adopt digital agriculture solutions.

Helps boost food security, especially in developing regions.

Request for a sample research report on the digital soil mapping platforms and applications market

Key Market Segmentation

Segmentation 1: by Application

Agriculture Cooperatives

Government and Private Research Institutes

Agribusiness Companies

Others

Segmentation 2: by Product Type

Drone Scouting

Mobile Scouting

Satellite Imagery

Segmentation 3: by Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Rest-of-the-World

The North America region dominated the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. The region is home to multiple leading companies, including Trimble Inc., Deere & Company, and Ag Leader Technology.

Industries Leveraging Digital Soil Mapping

Various sectors are capitalizing on digital soil mapping technologies to enhance their operations and maintain a competitive edge:

Agriculture: Farmers and agronomists use soil mapping to tailor crop management practices, leading to improved yields and resource efficiency.

Environmental Management: Organizations involved in land conservation and environmental monitoring employ soil mapping to assess soil degradation and plan remediation efforts.

Urban Planning and Construction: Urban planners and construction firms utilize soil data to inform land use decisions, ensuring infrastructure stability and sustainability.

Recent Developments in the Global Digital Soil Mapping Platforms and Applications Industry

In February 2024, EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA) announced a collaboration with AgriProve, Australia’s leading soiltech carbon developer, to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) monitoring using AI-powered satellite imagery. This collaboration is supported by the Australian government with a $6.0 million grant. The collaboration aims to create detailed soil carbon maps and predictive models, offering farmers invaluable insights for optimizing land management practices and improving soil and climate resilience.

In January 2024, EarthOptics surpassed one million acres of physically mapped farmland and ranch land, positioning its SoilMapper platform as a market leader in comprehensive soil intelligence. Since 2021, the company has mapped land across four continents and 45 U.S. states, utilizing advanced technologies such as ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic induction scanning.

Get more insights on the agriculture market research reports.

Future Market Outlook

The digital soil mapping market is poised for continued expansion, driven by technological advancements and increasing awareness of sustainable agriculture. Key factors influencing future growth include:

Technological Innovations: Advancements in remote sensing, data analytics, and machine learning will enhance the accuracy and usability of soil mapping platforms.

Regulatory Support: Policies promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation will encourage the adoption of digital soil mapping tools.

Global Food Security Concerns: As the global population grows, optimizing agricultural productivity through precision farming practices will become increasingly critical.

Conclusion

Digital soil mapping platforms and applications are revolutionizing agriculture by providing detailed, actionable insights into soil health and composition. The market's robust growth trajectory reflects the increasing recognition of these tools' value across various sectors. As industries continue to prioritize sustainability and efficiency, integrating digital soil mapping into operational strategies will be essential for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring long-term success.

[aarunresearcher]

United States digital map market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.49% during 2024-2032. The widespread adoption of this technology that has an essential role in shaping the landscape of spatial information management, along with the growing advancement in the navigation systems, is primarily driving the market growth across the country.

[futuretonext]

The Global Aviation Digital Maps Software Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.51% during the forecast period, i.e., 2022-27. The Global demand for aviation digital maps is expected to grow, owing to various factors such as increasing government expenditure on aerospace & military aircraft, and the growing demand for predictive analysis of aircraft. The growing requirement to improve the accuracy & durability to avoid high replacement costs for various industries would drive the Global Aviation Digital Maps Software market. Furthermore, the up-gradation of digital maps software in commercial aircraft after every 28 days during the inspection, repair, and service of aircraft has positively impacted the Global Aviation Digital Maps Software market.

[mossybee-exe]

Solaprunk Worldbuilding 1 - Eco-Cities

I've been working on worldbuilding a solarpunk setting for a slice of life story I'm writing and thought I'd share some of my ideas to maybe inspire other people!

In this world there is no government, no rules, no pressures or bad people. Just society working together after a global crash. A second chance to do things right this time.

(Mind the spelling mistakes)

Although far and few in between, big cities and towns still exist in this universe. However, they've all worked hard to keep it as eco-friendly as possible and still choose to live alongside and work with nature rather than fight it.

Trash and recyclingcans can now be found almost everywhere, giving no one an excuse to litter. Community composters are also a thing.

Skyscrapers, now skeletons of the old world, are draped in thick ivy vine walls, native flowering vines, moss panels, and vertical hydroponics that wrap around the metal and glass bones. These help regulate temperature, absorb CO2, and create habitats fors birds and insects.

Former office buildings and shopping centers like malls have been repurposed into shared living spaces, community markets, workshops, and event areas. Floors have open walls and breeze tunnels to reduce reliance on cooling systems. Those can be shut during colder months.

In taller districts, tree houses extend from reclaimed buildings, blending organically with planted rooftop forests. Rope bridges and wind-activated elevators made if recycled parts help people travel between vertical spaces.

Cities are completely walkable and don't require transportation. Streets are narrow and shaded with plant canopies. Most paved areas are soft permeable cobblestone or moss-tile paths that allow rain to soak through instead of pooling or flooding.

Painted murals double as maps - bold, hand-painted designs show landmarks, walking trails, tram routes, and local art projects. Updated regularly by volunteers.

Giant sculpted trees or mushrooms function ad rainwater collectors, solar lanterns, or even mist sprayers during hot days. Children often climb on them or gather nearby to play. They can also provide shade.

Metal "bike trees" hold dozens if free-to-use bikes, all maintained by volunteers. Bikes come in all colors and sizes, some decorated with flowers or art to reflect the community's personality.

Solar Trams glide quietly on narrow tracks. They're sleek but not flashy, designed with recycled metals and glass. Inside, seats are made from reclaimed wood, each with a small solar lamp or charging port. Solar Buses work in a similar fashion.

Public Plazas now have eco-escalators that are powered by pedaling like on a bike.

Interactive screens at intersections and stops show local events, weather and climate, community votes or messages, and tutorial videos on composting, repair, herbal medicine, or art-making. Digital marketing and advertisements are no more.

Most people carry small, solar-powered devices that have replaced phones called "Data Stones" - slate-like digital notebooks that sync to the city's mesh network. People use them for Journaling, mapping, music, or community messaging, but never for mindless scrolling. Digital use is intentional, not addictive.

The internet exists, but it's localized. Instead of one global net, each town or city has a mesh intranet. Communities upload and share stories, tech guides, magazines, songs, and documentaries- all accessible for free.

At every city node is a "Commons Booth"-a repurposed phone booth now used for small trades, gifts, or lost-and-found. You might find a hand-knit hat, seeds, poems in a bottle, hand-bound journals, or a small bag if dried herbs for tea.

Public parks host weekly workshops: mushroom log inoculation, fixing Guardianers, upcycling old tech, dyeing fabrics with natural materials, and crafting musical instruments from trash.

Fireflies are protected and welcomed into urban life with dedicated "nightlight gardens"- small glowing sanctuaries that bloom under moonlight (usually a mix of regular and bioluminescent plants). People sit quietly here, reading or singing. Festivals are celebrated not with fireworks, but light dances, candlelit parades, or bioluminescent art. It's also a romantic place for a date.

Children and adults alike use "Learning Loops"- open-air circles of benches and tree stumps near gardens and community spaces where mentors teach based on skills, not age. There's no formal school system. Learning is woven into life.

On a certain day each month, citizens volunteer to teach something for free-sailing knots, solar repair, compost chemistry, storytelling, mediation, bird language. The city slows down that day. It's treated like a holiday.

In addition to tire-posted Little Libraries (where people can take a book and leave one in it's place), entire alleys have been converted into "Book Gardens"- free libraries under pergolas or vines, surrounded by reading hammocks and native wildflowers.

Local businesses and shops are still a thing, but are not kept up by money. Money has no use in this world anymore. Businesses upkeep it themselves and will happily trade their wares for something in return. For example, a bakery can trade a cake for something in return like a jar of jam or something else. It's like that everywhere.

Citizens enjoy solar-charged cooking stoves, clean water from centralized purification systems, access to upcycled tech, 3D-printed tools, and digital artist hubs.

Markets overflow with herbs, handmade instruments, mushroom leathers, fermented goods, and hand-bound books from across the region. Some city dwellers specialize in creating high-tech eco-dafe goods to trade with the countryside.

Most people live in co-housing clusters or share entire floors of old skyscrapers converted into lush indoor gardens and social spaces. They might not know everyone, but each block has caretakers and community gatherings.

They're alive with creativity and innovation. Mural projects, street musicians using windows instruments powered by movement, and holographic poetry displays powered by pedals or solar generators.

With more people comes more variety in skills. It's common to find classes in herbalism, robotics, or solar carpentry happening daily in public courtyards.

The ideas are free to use for whatever you want or use for inspiration! All I ask is that you CREDIT ME! And feel free to send me an ask on more details to this lovely world :)

[homestuckreplay]

Gushers Tasting Notes

(page 974-979)

John is, once again, coming along in leaps and bounds with his sylladex activities. His array of queuestacks (great band name) looks like a circus tent in the panel overlay. Perhaps John is recalling the embarrassing memory of Cirque du Soleil filing a restraining order against his dad (p.253).

But mostly this update is Gushers themed, so let’s get some important historical context. Gushers were created and marketed by Betty Crocker in 1991, a subsidiary of General Mills. Betty Crocker is a fictional character crafted by the company to be relatable to 1920s housewives, and she also makes Fruit Roll-Ups and Fruit by the Foot, so John needs to be careful.

Gushers were originally made in strawberry and grape flavors, but tropical and watermelon have since become popular. Since the start they’ve been made in the famous hexagonal bipyramid (‘grist’) shape. They’ve always been marketed to kids, as focus group testing showed that younger people liked the product far more, and are known for their weird commercials. From 2005-2009 they’ve run the ‘Gushers Re-Do Your Room’ flash game, where players can rearrange furniture and paint walls in a digital bedroom, and get extra items through codes on Gushers packs . The gushers-grist connection and this game being a simpler Sburb makes this a very unexpected, but possibly intentional, Homestuck intertext. In 2009 Gushers are also running the ‘Beware the Gush’ promotion. They’ve created thirteen pieces of web content, accessed by codes on Gushers packaging and ranging from a fake German TV commercial to a Google Maps tie-in, intended for kids to “gush their friends” – the multimedia aspects of this are also very Homestuck, and I bet John is gushing his friends.

I found a mini packet of Gushers in my craft box, so have done a taste test right now instead of relying on memory. Now my favorite candy is Welch’s fruit snacks blue variety bag, so to me Gushers are a pale imitation of the king, but even so I will taste these Gushers like they are a fine wine.

Appearance. Mass manufacturing takes its toll on the Gushers shape. The barest hint of the bipyramid is visible, but these candies have been squashed and battered into near-unrecognizable blobs.

Flavor diversity. The Gushers packet still includes nine candies, the same as in 1991, although the size of the actual candies has shrunk. I got all four flavors, but four blues and only one orange.

Smell. Gushers of all flavors carry a gentle aroma of wax, reminiscent of a basic candle, which makes me wonder how one would behave if set on fire.

Texture. The outside of a Gusher is a homogeneous squeaking silicone with just enough resistance to provide enrichment. The inside liquid is surprisingly cool, resulting in a pleasant contrast in temperature as well as consistency.

Taste. A lick of the Gusher’s smooth outside reveals The green Gushers are fairly sour, with notes of sherbet, while the red have the overt, juicy sweetness of a maraschino cherry. The common blue Gusher’s notes of pineapple and mango conjure ideas of ‘island time’, and the rare orange Gusher dares to suggest bright, ripe clementine.

After effects. Having recently consumed Gushers, I can feel a faint film of sugar clinging to my tongue. I have not begun tripping or suffered any adverse health effects as of (13.4 minutes post consumption) but I will update this post if this changes.

Overall opinion. As the ancient truism states, ‘Gushers don’t gush, they ooze.’ I found that the oozing center of the Gusher best revealed itself when eating the Gusher in two halves, otherwise, the liquid was too engulfed in its prison to come to the forefront. With this in mind, I award Gushers a 7.5/10. I would be cool with getting these for my birthday.

For a moment John considers taking an extended candy break, and honestly he’s earned it. Unfortunately it seems like John may never eat a Gusher again, because he’s realized for the first time that his arch nemesis the ‘heinous batterwitch’ is the mastermind behind them.

In [S] John: Mental breakdown (p.979), John, looking very smart in his new suit actually, is surrounded by pulsing Gushers and definitely-real flavors: Cool Fructose Monsoon, Kiwi Mango Colonic Rush, Wicked Watermelon Groin Injury, Mixed Berry Social Anxiety Disorder, Neon Green Ecto-Facial Blast, Jammin Sour Diabetic Coma, Wild Cherry Apeshit Apocalypse and Ranch Dressing Rampage. (His new box is Massive Tropical Brain Hemorrhage). He looks concerned, then afeared, then terrified and near-screaming, and eventually comes to the conclusion that ‘this is stupid’, accompanied by record scratch.

I do not think this is stupid. I do think it’s notable that John’s had similar breakdowns before when WV has been commanding him, and John doesn’t respond to anything besides the voice shouting in his head. Watching this I wonder if this is a problem John has dealt with more generally – I think there’s a solid argument that John has depression and/or autism, and freezing in the face of a difficult situation could be linked to either of these.

In terms of this specific trauma, John has had food pushed on him to the point of pain or sickness, I find it very believable that he’d physically struggle to eat anything made by the brand he associates that with, even if he knows it’s irrational. Betty Crocker also represents the ideal of the American housewife, someone who devotes her life to cooking and caring for the house and kids. Someone who, due to the expectations on her, might be considered stuck at home. Or something. Dad is filling that role in John’s life so it’s not quite so gendered in their house, and Betty Crocker the cultural idea could be another reminder of a suburban nuclear-family future that John wants to avoid.

On another note, I’ve noticed a few instances of color in the narrative text recently, which has previously always been black. This first showed up on page 919 where Jade takes over the narrative with her speech, finishing with a red ‘<3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’. It happens again on page 934 with the green word ‘ectobiology’, and it’s here on page 978 with John’s ‘WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY???????????’ in Betty Crocker red. The only earlier examples are page 640 (an embedded image reading ‘SWEET CATCH!’ in green) and page 663 (a link to Sweet Bro & Hella Jeff using red Comic Sans). Based on all this, I wonder if color enters the narrative text when one of the main characters ‘takes over’ and wants to add something. Although these uses don’t correspond to Pesterchum colors, they all seem intended as things the kids are saying or writing, except for ‘ectobiology’, which is so closely associated with John that it’s practically his name.

> John: Search house for non-Crocker branded candy.

[titanrpg]

Hey, Lex, got a question. At some point in the last two decades, somebody in the indie space mentioned that it was all well and good to develop a system, but that what a lot of games lack is support, and that supplemental material like monster- or magic-folios or adventure modules or what have you. The argument was something to the effect that we have sort of a lot of one off, single page or even whole simulation systems, but once you have the base thing, there's not really much suggested to do with it, and while plenty of GMs and tables don't need help getting started, plenty do.

Is this anything, y'think? Do you have thoughts on the subject of supplemental material? Do you think it "helps" your ttrpgs, for whatever metric that... is measuring, lmao.

Hey! I've heard this here and there, and I'll share my thoughts as a relative newcomer (I'm around the 2.5 year mark of seriously making my own games).

I don't think it's a problem to have one-off games and barebones systems. In fact, make it as barebones as possible, and you have yourself an SRD essentially. We all know I love me an SRD.

That being said, the whole deal with Caltrop Core (my first SRD) was lowering the barrier to entry for people to start making games. If you can sufficiently lower a barrier, it'll be much easier for people to start. It goes for full TTRPGs as well. An ecosystem of support is the dream for any system, but the step I take before that is including materials in my game to help people get started.

Even though I don't consider myself the type of player who needs the extra help/content, I still like seeing a starter adventure or a table of ideas, as it helps me find where to start. Examples of play are also a big part of this. Wanderhome does a really nice job of this (is there anything this game doesn't do a really nice job of?).

Identifying the action you want someone to take and doing everything in your power to minimize the friction/number of steps between that person and the action -- that's digital marketing in a nutshell.

People mostly apply this thought process to sales, but it works for everything. When I'm finishing up a game, I'm concerned with one action in particular: someone actually playing my game.

As indie devs, it can often feel like no one actually plays our games. (Side note: I think it's worth making peace with this aspect of indie publishing. I make games because I like making games. If people play my stuff, great. If they don't, okay. I would have made this thing anyway.) If this is something you're worried about with a project, I believe the best thing to do is identify the type of supplemental material that will bridge the gap from reading the game to running/playing it. To me, that's what "helping" my TTRPG means. I often see quickstart one-pagers for medium sized games, and I think that's a really strong option.

You also do not have to have this supplemental materials ready when you first hit "Publish" on itch.io or wherever. For one of my own game jams, I wrote a minimum playable version (MPV, is that a thing?) of HEXFALL. Then later I went back and added a bunch of materials (new hex types, new maps, new examples, new story hooks) to help people get started as easily as possible. I pitched it as an expansion, and even came up with a cool dramatic subtitle which I always love doing.

It's really up to the designer and where they're at. If you're out here trying to build a publishing business, then I think this type of material should be included in your base game. Hobbyists should do whatever is most fun for them.

Thanks for the fun question! I hope I answered sufficiently!

[digitemb]

Improve Your Online Visibility with Expert SEO Services

In the digital-first era, a solid online presence is no longer a want—it's a must. If you're a startup or a legacy business, a good SEO service is a building block of long-term success. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the intentional process of increasing your website's visibility on search engine pages. Executed correctly, it drives more organic traffic, establishes credibility, and fuels conversions. At Local pro1, we offer customized SEO services to help take your business to the next level. From keyword research and on-page SEO to technical site audits and link building, our experts take care of every aspect of your site to make it optimized for performance.

Why SEO service is important:

Search engines like Google use intricate algorithms to decide what websites show up at the top of search results. A strong SEO strategy ensures your site becomes high in rankings for the most suitable keywords your consumers are looking for. High visibility means more clicks, more interaction, and more business. Since more than 90% of online activity starts with a search engine, paying for professional SEO service is among the best investments your company can make.

Our Full-Service SEO Service Features:

1. Keyword Research & Strategy:

                     We find top-performing keywords related to your business objectives and users' intent. Our experts take care that your content addresses the correct phrases without overloading them.

2. On-Page Seo

From meta descriptions and title tags to content styling and internal linking, we optimize all aspects on your website for users and search engines.

3. Technical SEO Audits

We conduct thorough audits to find and correct technical issues like site speed, mobile usability, crawl errors, and duplicated content.

4. Content Development

Content reigns supreme in SEO. Our writers create high-quality, related content that not only ranks well but also appeals to your target audience.

5. Building Links

We build a diversified link-building campaign with outreach, guest blogging, and local citations to enhance your website authority.

6. Local Search Engine Optimization

For small businesses, local exposure matters the most. We optimize your company listings, handle your Google Business Profile, and maintain your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency.

7. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

We offer monthly reports that segment important metrics such as traffic, rankings, and conversion rates so you can track ROI effectively.

SEO Service for Small Business:

Our SEO service for small businesses is specifically designed to provide high-impact results at a budget-friendly price.

Key Benefits for Small Businesses:

Increased Local Visibility:

Show up in local searches and maps

More Website Traffic:

Drive qualified visitors willing to convert

More ROI:

Increase value for every dollar invested in marketing

Targeted Strategies:

 SEO strategies suited to your business and objectives

Why Choose Us?

Guaranteed Results: We have the history of aiding businesses rank better and receive increased traffic.

Customized Solutions:

 No one-size-fits-all approach—only solutions that meet your business.

Transparent Communication:

 We let you know each step of the way.

Affordable Packages:

 Quality SEO doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

Experienced Team:

 Our experienced team of SEO professionals remains current with the most recent algorithm updates and industry developments.

Our Process:

 From Consultation to Execution

Step 1: Free SEO Consultation

We begin with a free consultation to get to know your business, objectives, and existing online presence.

Step 2: Website Audit

A detailed audit reveals areas of concern and opportunities. This becomes the foundation for your personalized strategy.

Step 3: Strategy Development

We develop a comprehensive SEO plan, such as keyword targets, content strategy, and technical enhancements.

Step 4: Implementation

Our team executes the plan, with best practices applied throughout your site.

Step 5: Ongoing Optimization

SEO is not a one-off. We keep optimizing and adjusting according to performance and search engine algorithm changes.

Step 6: Transparent Reporting

We believe in full transparency. You'll receive regular updates and reports that show what we've done, and the results achieved.

FAQs Regarding Our SEO Service

Q1: How long do results take to see with SEO?

A: SEO is a long-term plan. Most companies begin seeing significant improvement in 3 to 6 months.

Q2: Do you promise first-page rankings?

A: No ethical SEO company can promise certain rankings because algorithms keep changing. But we aim for sustainable growth and better visibility.

Q3: Can small businesses gain from SEO?

A: Yes. Small business SEO service evens the playing field so that local and niche businesses can compete fairly.

Q4: What is the difference between local SEO and overall, SEO?

A: Local SEO focuses on optimizing your presence for a specific geographic area, whereas general SEO targets broader search terms.

Q5: Is SEO better than paid ads?

A: Both have their place. SEO offers long-term growth and better ROI over time, while ads provide immediate but short-lived traffic.

Get Started with Our SEO Service Today:

Ready to take your online visibility to the next level? Whether you’re looking for a complete SEO overhaul or targeted SEO service for small business, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover what smart SEO can do for you.

[spookymastermindreaper]

The Authority in Financial Recovery: Reyno & Orton Law Firm

With the rapid expansion of global financial markets, scams such as online fraud, fake investment schemes, and cross-border Ponzi operations have become increasingly common, causing major financial losses for individuals and businesses alike. In this landscape, asset recovery has become a critical legal service—and Reyno & Orton Law Firm has earned a reputation as an authority in this field.

A Specialized Team for Precise Action Reyno & Orton boasts a seasoned team of legal professionals experienced in financial law, cross-border litigation, and criminal investigation. Each attorney is well-versed in the intricacies of global finance and is capable of swiftly identifying money trails and legal leverage points.

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the firm tailors strategies to each unique case—whether it's an individual investor defrauded or a business suffering major losses. Rapid risk assessment and action plans are core strengths of their service.

Legal Technologies Meet Data Intelligence Modern fraud cases are notoriously fast-moving and tech-savvy. To counter this, Reyno & Orton integrates powerful investigative tools into its legal arsenal:

1）Blockchain Transaction Tracing: The firm uses top-tier tools to track the flow of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and USDT, pinpointing final receiving wallets.

2）Digital Evidence Recovery: Chat records, browser history, and screenshots are reconstructed to form a compelling evidentiary base.

3）AI-Driven Case Evaluation: The firm’s proprietary AI system quickly assesses case viability, estimates recovery potential, and maps efficient recovery paths.

This blend of legal prowess and technological sophistication allows the firm to tackle even the most complex recovery scenarios.

Cross-Border Legal Reach Fraud rarely respects borders—and neither does Reyno & Orton. With a network of partner firms across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, they can:

1）Launch Multinational Legal Actions: Asset freezes, injunctions, and disclosure orders are filed swiftly.

2）Coordinate with International Authorities: Including Interpol, the FBI, and local police to accelerate investigations.

3）Enforce Foreign Judgments: Legal victories abroad can be executed for asset collection across jurisdictions.

This international capacity gives clients a distinct advantage in cross-border fraud recovery.

Proven Cases, Proven Power In 2023, a Canadian investor lost $900,000 to a fraudulent stock trading platform. The stolen funds were split between traditional banks and crypto wallets. Reyno & Orton:

1）Filed asset freeze orders in three countries;

2）Tracked wallet addresses via crypto platforms;

3）Cooperated with law enforcement;

4）Recovered $750,000 within eight months.

Such cases are not uncommon at the firm, forming the basis of its industry reputation and client trust.

Client-Centric Philosophy Reyno & Orton is known not just for results but for how they treat clients. They offer:

1）Free Case Evaluations

2）Transparent, Stage-Based Fees

3）Regular Progress Updates

4）Strict Data Privacy Measures

Clients feel secure, respected, and supported—not just legally, but emotionally.

Conclusion: Asset Recovery, Made Real In an age where scams feel more sophisticated and recovery more elusive, Reyno & Orton Law Firm makes justice tangible. As the undisputed authority in asset recovery, they stand as not just legal professionals—but as partners in restoring hope, trust, and financial stability.

[classytheoristnut]

How do you market online

With digital marketing, businesses and products are promoted online. It lets firms look at their marketing plans to see what’s working. Companies reach out to new and existing customers through Google search, social media, email, and websites.

How people shop has changed because of the Internet. Before buying something, people spend a lot of time online researching it. 

SEO services Company In Chennai use digital marketing to reach people on the Internet. Marketing means getting in touch with your audience at the right place and time. Online is the best place to look for potential customers.

How digital Marketing Works?

Digital marketing is the best way to build a business’s brand and spread the word about it. A company can reach its target audience online with the help of digital marketing.

Websites are the heart and soul of Chennai Digital Marketing Agency. SEO and SEM use a company’s website to spread the word about its brand or bring in more business. SEO, or “Search Engine Marketing,” tells search engines how to rank websites. 

When a website ranks high in search engine results, the company will likely get more business since most people click on the first page of results.

Your business can grow if you use digital marketing.

People and businesses of all sizes are doing everything to keep up with new technologies. Most companies are changing how they do business online or market themselves to reach a more extensive online market.

Getting targeted audiences online makes the difference between a business idea that fails and one that works. Even if many people visit your site, only a small number of leads will turn into sales. Business owners can stay in business and do well if they use YouTube video promotion Company in Chennai in the right way.

Businesses can grow with the help of digital marketing

Digital marketing counts every click and looks at how customers to act. It tells you about your audience so you can make ads that are more relevant to them. Digital marketing helps any size of business build a reliable brand. 

All a Facebook advertising Company in Chennai needs to create a consistent brand in the market is a unique logo, a tagline, and good graphics. This branding helps connect big and small businesses. 

An excellent digital marketing campaign will help you make more money by making more sales. Most small companies can’t afford to market. Digital marketing is a better way to market because it makes connecting with clients easier, converting audiences and keeping costs down.

Why is digital marketing important for businesses?

For a business to grow, digital marketing is a must. Digital marketing is a cheap way to take over the Internet. Even if you have a lot of traffic on the Internet, it’s useless if you can’t turn it into a return on investment (ROI). 

Your plan for digital marketing needs to be well thought out. Work with a website design, development, and SEO expert in Social Media Marketing Chennai and SEO in Chennai.

Conclusion

DLK Technologies Pvt Ltd  is a social media marketing Company in Chennai that has won awards and wants to help your online business do well. We use the best digital marketing methods and the newest ways to do it. 

Every day, marketers develop new ways to reach web users with the right message. We, google map promotion Company in Chennai, work hard and effectively to make sure our customers are happy. We use the latest methods and tools to serve clients worldwide.

[seoinindia01]

India’s Best SEO Services: Boost Your Website Rankings with Proven Strategies

Why SEO is Essential for Your Online Success

In today’s digital world, search engine optimization services in Delhi play a crucial role in helping businesses enhance their online presence. SEO is not just about ranking higher on search engines; it’s about building brand credibility, driving organic traffic, and increasing conversions. Companies investing in SEO services in New Delhi enjoy long-term benefits that help them outperform competitors and establish a strong online footprint.

As an experienced SEO company in Delhi, we understand that SEO is a continuous process that requires a strategic approach. With evolving search engine algorithms, businesses must adapt and refine their SEO tactics to maintain their visibility and attract potential customers. Our professional SEO services agency in Delhi ensures that your website is optimized for both technical and content aspects, making it easier for search engines to crawl and rank your pages effectively.

The Benefits of SEO for Websites

Many businesses underestimate the importance of SEO, assuming that a well-designed website is enough to attract visitors. However, without proper search engine optimization services in Delhi, even the most attractive websites remain undiscovered. Here’s why investing in the right SEO service in Delhi is essential:

Enhanced Visibility & Ranking – A website optimized with best SEO services in Delhi NCR ranks higher on search engines, making it easier for potential customers to find your business.

Targeted Organic Traffic – Unlike paid ads, organic traffic through affordable SEO services in Delhi has a higher conversion rate as users actively search for related products or services.

Improved User Experience – SEO enhances website speed, navigation, and content quality, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Brand Authority & Credibility – A website ranking on the first page of Google gains credibility, influencing customer trust and engagement.

Cost-Effective Marketing Strategy – Compared to SEM, SEO or SEM, which is better? SEO provides sustainable, long-term results at a lower cost.

Local SEO Services: A Game-Changer for Businesses

For businesses targeting specific locations, local SEO services in Delhi are crucial for attracting customers within a defined geographical area. Our SEO services provider in Delhi ensures that your website appears in local search results, Google Maps, and business directories, helping you reach customers who are actively looking for your services.

If you operate a physical store or offer location-based services, local SEO services in Delhi can drive foot traffic to your business, increasing your chances of converting visitors into loyal customers. Our SEO services near me strategy helps small businesses compete with larger enterprises by optimizing their presence in location-specific searches.

How Much Do SEO Services Cost in India?

A common question businesses ask is, how much does SEO cost in India? The cost varies based on factors such as the competitiveness of keywords, the size of the website, and the scope of work required. While some companies offer affordable SEO services in Delhi, others charge premium rates for specialized strategies. We offer flexible SEO packages designed to meet the needs of startups, small businesses, and enterprises alike.

Wondering how much should I pay for SEO services? The best approach is to choose an SEO plan that aligns with your business goals and budget. We provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality, ensuring measurable results and long-term growth.

Our SEO Strategy: A Roadmap to Success

As a top SEO services agency in Delhi, we follow a comprehensive approach that includes:

Technical SEO: Enhancing website speed, mobile-friendliness, and structured data optimization.

On-Page SEO: Optimizing content, meta tags, URLs, and internal linking.

Off-Page SEO: Building high-quality backlinks, social signals, and brand mentions.

Local SEO: Optimizing Google My Business (GMB) profiles and local citations.

Content Optimization: Creating engaging, keyword-rich content that resonates with your audience.

Get the Best SEO Services in Delhi Today!

If you’re looking for freelance SEO services in Delhi, or want to collaborate with an expert SEO company South Delhi, we are here to help! Our team of SEO specialists ensures that your website ranks higher, drives more traffic, and converts visitors into paying customers.

Contact us today to explore our best SEO service in Delhi NCR packages and take your online presence to the next level. Whether you need financial SEO service in Delhi or e-commerce SEO solutions, we have the expertise to deliver measurable success.

[mariacallous]

The latest in a series of duels announced by the European Commission is with Bing, Microsoft’s search engine. Brussels suspects that the giant based in Redmond, Washington, has failed to properly moderate content produced by the generative AI systems on Bing, Copilot, and Image Creator, and that as a result, it may have violated the Digital Services Act (DSA), one of Europe’s latest digital regulations.

On May 17, the EU summit requested company documents to understand how Microsoft handled the spread of hallucinations (inaccurate or nonsensical answers produced by AI), deepfakes, and attempts to improperly influence the upcoming European Parliament elections. At the beginning of June, voters in the 27 states of the European Union will choose their representatives to the European Parliament, in a campaign over which looms the ominous shadow of technology with its potential to manipulate the outcome. The commission has given Microsoft until May 27 to respond, only days before voters go to the polls. If there is a need to correct course, it may likely be too late.

Europe’s Strategy

Over the past few months, the European Commission has started to bang its fists on the table when dealing with the big digital giants, almost all of them based in the US or China. This isn’t the first time. In 2022, the European Union hit Google with a fine of €4.1 billion because of its market dominance thanks to its Android system, marking the end of an investigation that started in 2015. In 2023, it sanctioned Meta with a fine of €1.2 billion for violating the GDPR, the EU’s data protection regulations. And in March it presented Apple with a sanction of €1.8 billion.

Recently, however, there appears to have been a change in strategy. Sanctions continue to be available as a last resort when Big Tech companies don’t bend to the wishes of Brussels, but now the European Commission is aiming to take a closer look at Big Tech, find out how it operates, and modify it as needed, before imposing fines. Take, for example, Europe’s Digital Services Act, which attempts to impose transparency in areas like algorithms and advertising, fight online harassment and disinformation, protect minors, stop user profiling, and eliminate dark patterns (design features intended to manipulate our choices on the web).

In 2023, Brussels identified 22 multinationals that, due to their size, would be the focus of its initial efforts: Google with its four major services (search, shopping, maps, and play), YouTube, Meta with Instagram and Facebook, Bing, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Amazon, Booking, Wikipedia, Apple’s App Store, TikTok, Alibaba, Zalando, and the porn sites Pornhub, XVideos, and Stripchat. Since then, it has been putting the pressure on these companies to cooperate with its regulatory regime.

The day before the Bing investigation was announced, the commission also opened one into Meta to determine what the multinational is doing to protect minors on Facebook and Instagram and counter the “rabbit hole” effect—that is, the seamless flood of content that demands users’ attention, and which can be especially appealing to younger people. That same concern led it to block the launch of TikTok Lite in Europe, deeming its system for rewarding social engagement dangerous and a means of encouraging addictive behavior. It has asked X to increase its content moderation, LinkedIn to explain how its ad system works, and AliExpress to defend its refund and complaint processes.

A Mountain of Laws …

On one hand, the message appears to be that no one will escape the reach of Brussels. On the other, the European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has to demonstrate that the many digital laws and regulations that are in place actually produce positive results. In addition to the DSA, there is the Digital Markets Act (DMA), intended to counterbalance the dominance of Big Tech in online markets; the AI Act, Europe’s flagship legislation on artificial intelligence; and the Data Governance Act (DGA) and the Data Act, which address data protection and the use of data in the public and private sectors. Also to be added to the list are the updated cybersecurity package, NIS2 (Network and Information Security); the Digital Operational Resilience Act, focused on finance and insurance; and the digital identity package within eIDAS 2. Still in the draft stage are regulations on health data spaces and much-debated chat measures which would authorize law enforcement agencies and platforms to scan citizens’ private messages, looking for child pornography.

Brussels has deployed its heavy artillery against the digital flagships of the United States and China, and a few successful blows have landed, such as ByteDance’s suspension of the gamification feature on TikTok Lite following its release in France and Spain. But the future is uncertain and complicated. While investigations attract media interest, the EU’s digital bureaucracy is a large and complex machine to run.

On February 17, the DSA became law for all online service operators (cloud and hosting providers, search engines, e-commerce, and online services) but the European Commission doesn’t and can’t control everything. That is why it asked states to appoint a local authority to serve as a coordinator of digital services. Five months later, Brussels had to send a formal notice to six states (Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia) to urge them to designate and fully empower their digital services coordinators. Those countries now have two months to comply before Brussels will intervene. But there are others who are also not in the clear. For example, Italy’s digital services coordinator, the Communications Regulatory Authority (abbreviated AGCOM, for Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni, in Italian), needs to recruit 23 new employees to replenish its staff. The department told WIRED Italy that it expects to have filled all of its appointments by mid-June.

The DSA also introduced “trusted flaggers.” These are individuals or entities, such as universities, associations, and fact-checkers, committed to combating online hatred, internet harassment, illegal content, and the spread of scams and fake news. Their reports are, one hopes, trustworthy. The selection of trusted flaggers is up to local authorities but, to date, only Finland has formalized the appointment of one, specifically Tekijänoikeuden tiedotus- ja valvontakeskus ry (in English, the Copyright Information and Anti-Piracy Center). Its executive director, Jaana Pihkala, explained to WIRED Italy that their task is “to produce reports on copyright infringements,” a subject on which the association has 40 years of experience. Since its appointment as a trusted flagger, the center’s two lawyers, who perform all of its functions, have sent 816 alerts to protect films, TV series, and books on behalf of Finnish copyright holders.

… and a Mountain of Data

To assure that the new commission is respected by the 27 states, the commission set up the DSA surveillance system as quickly as possible, but the bureaucrats in Brussels still have a formidable amount of research to do. On the one hand, there is the anonymous reporting platform with which the commission hopes to build dossiers on the operations of different platforms directly from internal sources. The biggest scandals that have shaken Meta have been thanks to former employees, like Christopher Wylie, the analyst who revealed how Cambridge Analytica attempted to influence the US elections, and Frances Haugen, who shared documents about the impacts of Instagram and Facebook on children’s health. The DSA, however, intends to empower and fund the commission so that it can have its own people capable of sifting through documents and data, analyzing the content, and deciding whether to act.

The commission boasts that the DSA will force platforms to be transparent. And indeed it can point to some successes already, for example, by revealing the absurdly inadequate numbers of moderators employed by platforms. According to the latest data released last November, they don’t even cover all the languages spoken in the European Union. X reported that it had only two people to check content in Italian, the language of 9.1 million users. There were no moderators for Greek, Finnish, or Romanian even though each language has more than 2 million subscribers. AliExpress moderates everything in English while, for other languages, it makes do with automatic translators. LinkedIn moderates content in 12 languages of the European bloc—that is, just half of the official languages.

At the same time, the commission has forced large platforms to standardize their reports of moderation interventions to feed a large database, which, at the time of writing this article, contains more than 18.2 billion records. Of these cases, 69 percent were handled automatically. But, perhaps surprisingly, 92 percent concerned Google Shopping. This is because the platform uses various parameters to determine whether a product can be featured: the risk that it is counterfeited, possible violations of site standards, prohibited goods, dangerous materials, and others. It can thus be the case that several alerts are triggered for the same product and the DSA database counts each one separately, multiplying the shopping numbers exponentially. So now the EU has a mass of data that further complicates its goal of being fully transparent.

Zalando’s Numbers

And then there’s the Big Tech companies’ legal battle against the fee they have to pay to the commission to help underwrite its supervisory bodies. Meta, TikTok, and Zalando have challenged the fee (though paid it). Zalando is also the only European company on the commission’s list of large platforms, a designation Zalando has always contested because it does not believe it meets the criteria used by Brussels. One example: The platforms on the list must have at least 45 million monthly users in Europe. The commission argues that Zalando has 83 million users, though that number, for example, includes visits from Portugal, where the platform is not marketed, and Zalando argues those users should be deducted from its total count. According to its calculations, the activities subject to the DSA reach only 31 million users, under the threshold. When Zalando was assessed its fee, it discovered that the commission had based it on a figure of 47.5 million users, far below the initial 83 million. The company has now taken the commission to court in an attempt to assure a transparent process.

And this is just one piece of legislation, the DSA. The commission has also deployed the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a package of regulations to counterbalance Big Tech’s market dominance, requiring that certain services be interoperable with those of other companies, that apps that come loaded on a device by default can be uninstalled, and that data collected on large platforms be shared with small- and medium-size companies. Again, the push to impose these mandates starts with the giants: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, ByteDance, and Microsoft. In May, Booking was added to the list.

Big Tech Responds

Platforms have started to respond to EU requests, with lukewarm results. WhatsApp, for instance, has been redesigned to allow chatting with other apps without compromising its end-to-end encryption that protects the privacy and security of users, but it is still unclear who will agree to connect to it. WIRED US reached out to 10 messaging companies, including Google, Telegram, Viber, and Signal, to ask whether they intend to look at interoperability and whether they had worked with WhatsApp on its plans. The majority didn’t respond to the request for comment. Those that did, Snap and Discord, said they had nothing to add. Apple had to accept sideloading—i.e., the possibility of installing and updating iPhone or iPad applications from stores outside the official one. However, the first alternative that emerged, AltStore, offers very few apps at this time. And it has suffered some negative publicity after refusing to accept the latest version of its archenemy Spotify’s app, despite the fact that the audio platform had removed the link to its website for subscriptions.

The DMA is a regulation that has the potential to break the dominant positions of Big Tech companies, but that outcome is not a given. Take the issue of surveillance: The commission has funds to pay the salaries of 80 employees, compared to the 120 requested by Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton and the 220 requested by the European Parliament, as summarized by Bruegel in 2022. And on the website of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), Adam Kovacevich, founder and CEO of Chamber of Progress, a politically left-wing tech industry coalition (all of the digital giants, which also fund CEPA, are members), stated that the DMA, “instead of helping consumers, aims to help competitors. The DMA is making large tech firms’ services less useful, less secure, and less family-friendly. Europeans’ experience of large tech firms’ services is about to get worse compared to the experience of Americans and other non-Europeans.”

Kovacevich represents an association financed by some of those same companies that the DMA is focused on, and there is a shared fear that the DMA will complicate the market and, in the end, benefit only a few companies—not necessarily those most at risk because of the dominance of Silicon Valley. It is not only lawsuits and fines, but also the perceptions of citizens and businesses that will help to determine whether EU regulations are successful. The results may come more slowly than desired by Brussels as new legislation is rarely positively received at first.

Learning From GDPR and Gaia-X

Another regulatory act, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), has become the global industry standard, forcing online operators to change the way they handle our data. But if you ask the typical person on the street, they’ll likely tell you it’s just a simple cookie wall that you have to approve before continuing on to a webpage. Or it’s viewed as a law that has required the retention of dedicated external consultants on the part of companies. It is rarely described as the ultimate online privacy law, which is exactly what it is. That said, while the act has reshaped the privacy landscape, there have been challenges, as the digital rights association Noyb has explained. The privacy commissioners of Ireland and Luxembourg, where many web giants are based for tax purposes, have had bottlenecks in investigating violations. According to the latest figures from Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), 19,581 complaints have been submitted in the past five years, but the body has made only 37 formal decisions and only eight of those began with complaints. Noyb recently conducted a survey of 1,000 data protection officers; 74 percent were convinced that if privacy officers investigated the typical European company, they would find at least one GDPR violation.

The GDPR was also the impetus for another unsuccessful operation: separating the European cloud from the US cloud in order to shelter the data of EU citizens from Washington’s Cloud Act. In 2019, France and Germany announced with great fanfare a federation, Gaia-X, that would defend the continent and provide a response to the cloud market, which has been split between the United States and China. Five years later, the project has become bogged down in the process of establishing standards, after the entry of the giants it was supposed to counter, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Huawei, and Alibaba, as well as the controversial American company Palantir (which analyses data for defense purposes). This led some of the founders, such as the French cloud operator Scaleway, to flee, and that then turned the spotlight on the European Parliament, which led the commission to launch an alternative, the European Alliance for Industrial Data, Edge and Cloud, which counts among its 49 members 26 participants from Gaia-X (everyone except for the non-EU giants) and enjoys EU financial support.

In the meantime, the Big Tech giants have found a solution that satisfies European wishes, investing en masse to establish data centers on EU soil. According to a study by consultancy firm Roland Berger, 34 data center transactions were finalized in 2023, growing at an average annual rate of 29.7 percent since 2019. According to Mordor Intelligence, another market analysis company, the sector in Europe will grow from €35.4 billion in 2024 to an estimated €57.7 billion in 2029. In recent weeks, Amazon web services announced €7.8 billion in investments in Germany. WIRED Italy has reported on Amazon’s interest in joining the list of accredited operators to host critical public administration data in Italy, which already includes Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. Notwithstanding its proclamations about sovereignty, Brussels has had to capitulate: The cloud is in the hands of the giants from the United States who have found themselves way ahead of their Chinese competitors after diplomatic relations between Beijing and Brussels cooled.

The AI Challenge

The newest front in this digital battle is artificial intelligence. Here, too, the European Union has been the first to come up with some rules under its AI Act, the first legislation to address the different applications of this technology and establish permitted and prohibited uses based on risk assessments. The commission does not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. Mindful of the launch of the GDPR, which in 2018 caused companies to scramble to assure they were compliant, it wants to lead organizations through a period of voluntary adjustment. Already 400 companies have declared their interest in joining the effort, including IBM.

In the meantime, Brussels must build a number of structures to make the AI Act work. First is the AI Council. It will have one representative from each country and will be divided into two subgroups, one dedicated to market development and the other to public sector uses of AI. In addition, it will be joined by a committee of technical advisers and an independent committee of scientists and experts, along the lines of the UN Climate Committee. Secondly, the AI Office, which sits within Directorate-General Connect (the department in charge of digital technology), will take care of administrative aspects of the AI Act. The office will assure that the act is applied uniformly, investigate alleged violations, establish codes of conduct, and classify artificial intelligence models that pose a systemic risk. Once the rules are established, research on new technologies can proceed. After it is fully operational, the office will employ 100 people, some of them redeployed from General Connect while others will be new hires. At the moment, the office is looking to hire six administrative staff and an unknown number of tech experts.

On May 29, the first round of bids in support of the regulation expired. These included the AI Innovation Accelerator, a center that provides training, technical standards, and software and tools to promote research, support startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises, and assist public authorities that have to supervise AI. A total of €6 million is on the table. Another €2 million will finance management and €1.5 million will go to the EU’s AI testing facilities, which will, on behalf of countries’ antitrust authorities, analyze artificial intelligence models and products on the market to assure that they comply with EU rules.

Follow the Money

Finally, a total of €54 million is designated for a number of business initiatives. The EU knows it is lagging behind. According to an April report by the European Parliament’s research service, which provides data and intelligence to support legislative activities, the global AI market, which in 2023 was estimated at €130 billion, will reach close to €1.9 trillion in 2030. The lion’s share is in the United States, with €44 billion of private investment in 2022, followed by China with €12 billion. Overall, the European Union and the United Kingdom attracted €10.2 billion in the same year. According to Eurochamber researchers, between 2018 and the third quarter of 2023, US AI companies received €120 billion in investment, compared to €32.5 billion for European ones.

Europe wants to counter the advance of the new AI giants with an open source model, and it has also made its network of supercomputers available to startups and universities to train algorithms. First, however, it had to adapt to the needs of the sector, investing almost €400 million in graphics cards, which, given the current boom in demand, will not arrive anytime soon.

Among other projects to support the European AI market, the commission wants to use €24 million to launch a Language Technology Alliance that would bring together companies from different states to develop a generative AI to compete with ChatGPT and similar tools. It’s an initiative that closely resembles Gaia-X. Another €25 million is earmarked for the creation of a large open source language model, available to European companies to develop new services and research projects. The commission intends to fund several models and ultimately choose the one best suited to Europe’s needs. Overall, during the period from 2021 to 2027, the Digital Europe Program plans to spend €2.1 billion on AI. That figure may sound impressive, but it pales in comparison to the €10 billion that a single company, Microsoft, invested in OpenAI.

The €25 million being spent on the European large language model effort, if distributed to many smaller projects, risks not even counterbalancing the €15 million that Microsoft has spent bringing France’s Mistral, Europe’s most talked-about AI startup, into its orbit. The big AI models will become presences in Brussels as soon as the AI Act, now finally approved, comes into full force. In short, the commission is making it clear in every way it can that a new sheriff is in town. But will the bureaucrats of Brussels be adequately armed to take on Big Tech? Only one thing is certain—it’s not going to be an easy task.

[aarunresearcher]

United States digital map market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.49% during 2024-2032. The widespread adoption of this technology that has an essential role in shaping the landscape of spatial information management, along with the growing advancement in the navigation systems, is primarily driving the market growth across the country.