Reuters Unmatched Coverage

Facebook to put 1.5 billion users out of reach of new EU privacy law

Reuters reported exclusively that Facebook was changing terms of use for its members so only those based in the European Union would be covered by new EU privacy rules – a change potentially affecting up to 1.5  billion users. The previously unreported move, which Facebook confirmed to Reuters, shows the world’s largest online social network is keen to reduce its exposure to GDPR, which allows European regulators to fine companies for collecting or using personal data without users’ consent.

Trump’s “Buy American” weapons initiative

Reuters exclusively reported that the Trump administration plans to roll out a new “Buy American” initiative aimed at allowing more countries to buy more and even bigger weapons. It will loosen U.S. export rules on equipment including fighter jets, drones, warships and artillery. The initiative will provide guidelines that could allow more countries to be granted faster deal approvals, possibly trimming back to months what has often taken years to finalize. Shares of major U.S. defense contractors added to gains after the Reuters report was published and Raytheon’s stock hit an all time high.

China seeks trade firewall with U.S. allies in rush of ambassador meetings

Reuters reported exclusively that China’s international trade representative held a series of meetings with ambassadors from major European nations to ask them to stand together with Beijing against U.S. protectionism. Some of the Western diplomats involved in the meetings with Fu Ziying, who is also a vice-commerce minister, have viewed the approaches as a sign of how anxious Beijing is getting about the expanding conflict with Washington, several sources told Reuters. The meetings involved ambassadors from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and the European Union.

U.S.-French-British air strikes in Syria