#heiseshow: Social Media Ban, Spotify's AI Development, Smart Meter Mandate

The European digital policy landscape is seeing significant debate surrounding the potential for social media bans for children, reflecting broader concerns about platform regulation and user safety. This discussion highlights the EU's ongoing efforts to balance technological advancement with the protection of vulnerable populations, a key aspect of its digital sovereignty agenda. The implications for social media companies operating within the bloc are substantial, potentially reshaping user acquisition and engagement strategies. Spotify is making substantial investments in Artificial Intelligence development, signalling a strategic pivot towards AI-driven product enhancement and personalization. This move underscores the growing importance of AI and machine learning in the digital economy, particularly for subscription-based services seeking to improve user experience and retention. The company's focus on internal AI capabilities also suggests a desire to reduce reliance on external solutions and build proprietary technological advantages. Meanwhile, energy provider E.ON is advocating for a mandatory rollout of smart meters across Germany, emphasizing the role of digital infrastructure in the energy transition. This push for widespread digital metering infrastructure points to the increasing integration of digital technologies in critical sectors and the potential for data-driven efficiency gains. Such mandates could significantly impact the digital infrastructure and service providers involved in smart grid technologies.