The U.S. Senate submits a discussed bill that develops the CLARITY Act
The U.S. Senate continues to develop rules and regulations for the vast majority of the cryptocurrency market, publishing discussions on a market structure bill that more clearly defines some frameworks being considered by lawmakers.
The 35-page project published on Tuesday formulates new definitions of digital assets that are not securities and instructs the Securities and Exchange Commission to engage in regulatory activity regarding these assets, which will exempt them and their issuers from existing rules. Later, the bill instructs the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to engage in joint regulatory activity concerning certain aspects of the cryptocurrency market, such as portfolio margin.
As noted, an 'ancillary asset' is defined as a digital asset sold 'in connection with the purchase or sale of securities through an agreement that constitutes an investment contract', although the ancillary asset itself does not provide any financial rights to its owner.
Markets and automakers responded to the massive deal between the U.S. and Japan
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a trade agreement that will include a 15% tariff on imports from Japan. The Japanese Nikkei index jumped 2.6% amid rising shares of automakers. This came after the announcement that the new agreement reduces car tariffs from the proposed 25% to 15%. Meanwhile, shares of Mazda Motor rose by 17%, while Toyota Motor increased by 11%. Some automakers in the U.S. expressed concerns about the trade agreement. Representatives of a group representing General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler Stellantis are worried that the agreement will lower tariffs on car imports from Japan to 15%, while tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will remain at 25%.
Google removed nearly 11,000 YouTube channels related to China, Russia, and other countries
In recent months, Google removed nearly 11,000 YouTube channels linked to state propaganda campaigns in favor of China, Russia, and other countries.
In a press release dated July 21, the company announced that in the second quarter, they removed thousands of YouTube channels, advertising accounts, and Blogger blogs related to these countries.
This move was part of the work carried out by Google's Threat Analysis Group to counter disinformation campaigns.
In the first quarter of 2025, Google removed over 23,000 YouTube channels and a number of other Google-related assets, a significant portion of which was tied to China and Russia.
More than 7,700 channels and other assets removed in the second quarter were related to China, and the campaigns predominantly spread content in support of the Communist Party of China in both Chinese and English.
Of the remaining channels, over 2,000 were linked to Russia or Russian entities and spread content in multiple languages. The channels supported Russia and criticized Ukraine, NATO, and other Western countries.
Only in May, the company removed 20 YouTube channels, four advertising accounts, and one Blogger blog related to the Russian state media RT.
Other channels removed from the platform were part of campaigns linked to Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Israel, Romania, and Ghana.
The U.S. State Department accused the EU of 'Orwellian' censorship on social media
The U.S. State Department criticized Europe for its freedom of speech, stating that its regulation of social media and other online platforms is 'Orwellian' censorship. Politico reports this. On the evening of July 22, the State Department stated that thousands of people are being persecuted for criticizing their own governments. In this context, the State Department mentioned the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU's rules regarding technology and social media, stating: 'DSA only protects European leaders from their own people.' Several American social media giants, including Meta and X, have already faced lawsuits under the DSA, which came into effect in 2022. Apple is also preparing to challenge the European Commission's decision regarding the fine, accusing the EU body of ignoring the company's efforts and deciding to impose a large fine before an official conclusion. In June, it became known that Google might lose its attempt to overturn a record EU antitrust fine of 4.1 billion euros related to the Android mobile operating system.
The humanoid robot Walker S2 can autonomously replace its batteries
The new Walker S2 has become the world's first humanoid robot capable of autonomously replacing its batteries, thus acting independently. The company UBTech describes the humanoid robot Walker S2 as 'a new milestone for industrial sectors.' The Chinese robotics company has long established itself as a leader in integrating humanoids with emotional intelligence. Now, Walker S2 does not rely on a human operator to remove and replace the battery pack; instead, it can approach the charging station, remove the discharged battery from its back, and replace it with a fully charged battery from the station. No external assistance required.
It is compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and has a camera with 3D stereoscopic vision. The humanoid stands 170 cm tall, weighs 43 kg, and can carry loads in its strong hands while working nearly around the clock. The power supply consists of a 48-volt lithium battery and can power the robot for four hours (at rest). The robot can walk for about two hours on a full charge. The battery fully charges in approximately 90 minutes.
Trump wants to investigate Obama's activities
President Trump stated on Tuesday that the Department of Justice should hold former President Obama accountable after a report claimed that officials in the Obama administration manipulated intelligence data related to Russia's interference in the 2016 elections. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard sent criminal referrals to the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the report published on Friday, which alleged that Obama officials were involved in a 'state conspiracy.' 'He is guilty, that's not a question,' Trump said during a meeting in the Oval Office. 'This was treason.' 'Obama was caught red-handed,' he said. 'This is a crime at the highest level.'
The U.S. withdraws from UNESCO
President Donald Trump is withdrawing the U.S. from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The White House cites its anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments, as well as a 'woke' oriented agenda. Officials from the administration expressed disagreement with UNESCO's policy regarding diversity (DEI - diversity, equity, and inclusion) and its pro-Palestinian and pro-Chinese biases, a White House official reported. 'President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO, which supports provocative, divisive cultural and social issues that are completely contrary to the common sense that Americans voted for in November. This president will always put America first and ensure that our country's membership in all international organizations aligns with our national interests,' said Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly. Trump withdrew the U.S. from UNESCO in 2017, as he is doing now, citing anti-Israeli bias. Joe Biden returned the U.S. to the organization in 2023, claiming that American presence is necessary to counter the growing influence of China in the organization.
The creators of 'South Park' have signed a streaming deal with Paramount
Trey Parker and Matt Stone reached a landmark deal worth $1.5 billion for the streaming rights to their animated comedy show. Paramount acquired global streaming rights to the series, which will be available on Paramount's digital streaming service. This will be the first time 'South Park' is available on Paramount+ in the U.S. The deal will also restore the series on the platform in several foreign countries, as it was taken off last week due to the expiration of the license. Parker and Stone also agreed to produce 10 new episodes of 'South Park' per year. The exclusive streaming deal of the series with HBO Max for $500 million expired in June.
News in brief
Ozzy Osbourne has died — the star of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He was 76 years old.
Zelensky signed bill No. 12414, which amends the operation of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office and restricts it.
Members of parliament are preparing to submit to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to repeal bill 12414.
Umerov will lead the Ukrainian delegation in the next round of negotiations with Russia.
Ukraine lost a Mirage-2000 fighter, the pilot ejected.
Monobank starts accepting payments through Tap to Pay now on iPhone.
The Ukrainian foreign passport ranked 29th in the Henley & Partners ranking. With the Ukrainian passport, one can travel visa-free to 147 countries. Ukraine shares the 29th place with Grenada, an island nation in the Caribbean.
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