UMG Unveils a Welcome Share Buyback Plan
Universal Music Group launched its first €500 million share buyback program on Wednesday, with the option to subsequently cancel those shares. This is no April Fool’s joke. A few days after our article on UMG’s disappointing stock performance, the major label launched its €500 million ($579 million) share buyback program…
Free Launches the World’s First Low-Cost MVNO
After shaking up the market in 2012, Free Mobile is launching Free Max, a mobile plan featuring "unlimited" internet in 135 countries (with VPN and Free TV+). This strategic move, coming just a few months before the World Cup, marks the company's shift toward premium services and its preparation to…
Regulating Without Laws: UNESCO Proposes a Model for Speech Governance Without Judges
While the European Union is strengthening its tools for controlling the information space, UNESCO outlines in a report a model based on cooperation with platforms. A flexible form of governance, largely removed from the judicial sphere, which aims to regulate online speech without waiting for legislation or always clearly defining…
Trusted Cloud: France’s Strategy to Avoid an Industrial Deadlock
As the European Union prepares its future cloud and AI strategy, France is making its move with SecNumCloud, which has become the cornerstone of its “trusted cloud.” Behind the country’s growing success, a political question arises: can this standard shape a European market… without undermining its own players? Adopted in…
UMG: The Reasons Behind a Significant Stock Market Decline
Outpacing other major labels and falling to €15, Universal Music Group’s stock is plummeting due to slowing streaming growth, AI-related concerns, and the postponement of its dual listing, leaving the door open to speculative investors. Listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Universal Music Group shares have lost momentum in recent…
Belgium Upholds Netflix’s Investment Obligations
By upholding the bulk of the investment obligations in the Walloon audiovisual sector imposed on Netflix, the Belgian Constitutional Court reinforces the ability of states to regulate streaming giants in the name of cultural diversity. However, by referring several questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union, it…
Neighboring rights for the press: National Assembly passes bill to address loopholes
Passed by the French National Assembly, the Balanant bill aims to address structural flaws in the neighboring rights of press publishers. By imposing unprecedented transparency requirements to platforms, the bill could serve as a test case for the future European review of the 2019 directive. More than six years after…