Author: France 24

US internet search giant Google was ordered by a US federal jury on Wednesday to pay about $425 million for gathering information from smartphone app use even after people had opted for privacy settings. On the same day, France’s government watchdog for data privacy slapped a €325 million fine on the company for failing to adequately secure user consent before setting advertising cookies. Also in this edition: the Trump administration asks the US Supreme Court to rule once and for all on the legality of tariffs.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival is coming to a close Saturday as its juries make final choices for the awards. The prizes, including nods for acting, directing and best picture, called the Golden Lion, will be handed out during an evening ceremony. Story by Shirli Sitbon.

Since arriving emaciated in Italy from Gaza, little Shamm Qudeih has celebrated her second birthday and gained weight on a new diet — progress welcomed by doctors treating her for severe malnutrition worsened by a genetic metabolic disease. Story by Catherine Viette.

Germany already have their backs against the wall after a 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their first match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This is the first time that Germany have lost an away qualifying match. Meanwhile, Spain had no trouble securing a 3-0 win in Bulgaria, while Belgium crushed Liechtenstein 6-0.

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were caught on a hot mic on Wednesday discussing human longevity in a brief exchange that touched on living to 150 years old and even the prospect of “immortality.” The unscripted conversation took place right before a military parade in Beijing, which marked 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II. FRANCE 24’s James Vasina reports.

This week we zero in on the military tech sector in Ukraine with our correspondent Gulliver Cragg and Kateryna Bondar, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, an improvised industry of defence tech startups has surged, and technology – particularly drones – has helped Kyiv to hold the line against Moscow. But the country currently lacks the funding to scale production. Meanwhile the Kremlin is catching up, rapidly growing its domestic production of Shahed drones.  

The Normandy beach town of Deauville is welcoming Hollywood heavyweights Kristen Stewart, Pamela Anderson and Kim Novak alongside indie talents at this year’s American Film Festival. FRANCE 24’s Genie Godula brings us the highlights of the opening weekend, as Michael Angelo Covino’s “Splitsville” kicks off proceedings, starring Dakota Johnson and Kyle Marvin. We also hear more about Kristen Stewart’s and Scarlett Johansson’s directorial débuts and the retrospectives providing insight into American film icons. Plus tributes pour in from the world of music, fashion and movies following the death of designer Giorgio Armani.  

Israel’s foreign minister said Thursday that his government would not agree to a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron so long as Paris plans to recognise a Palestinian state. All the while, Nelson Mandela’s grandson is joining a group of 10 South African activists in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes dozens of boats and hundreds of people from 44 countries to challenge the humanitarian blockade. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24’s Mark Owen welcomes French diplomat and former French ambassador Bertrand Besancenot, and UCL’s Deputy Director of University College London’s MSc and Lecturer in Humanitarian Policy…

Giorgio Armani built one of the most iconic fashion empires of the last half century. With his passing, the world bids farewell to a visionary whose name became synonymous with elegance, innovation, and soft power. His legacy lives on in a brand that remains deeply entwined with his identity. It was a “family affair”. To reflect on Armani’s remarkable journey and enduring influence, FRANCE 24’s Mark Owen and Eve Jackson are joined by acclaimed Paris-based author and journalist Dana Thomas. A leading voice in fashion journalism, Ms. Thomas followed Armani’s career closely for 35 years, enjoying rare, unfettered access to…

The French women’s boxing team have been barred from competing at the World Championships in Liverpool after the results of their mandatory gender tests were not delivered on time, the French Boxing Federation (FFBoxe) said Thursday. World Boxing announced last month that all female competitors at the Liverpool event would be required to undergo mandatory genetic sex testing as part of its new policy.