Eurobites: UK does its own thing on data

It may not be as serious as invading a foreign country without good reason, but Russia clearly regards failure to comply with local data laws as something worth punishing. As Reuters reports, a Moscow court has fined Google 15 million roubles ($260,000) for repeatedly failing to obey a law requiring technology companies to "localize" user data. It's not the first time that Russia, increasingly on the defensive as it becomes an international pariah, has had a nibble at US tech giants – it has also restricted access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Hyperoptic, the London-based FTTP Internet service provider, has sealed a deal with Hillingdon Council to upgrade broadband services available to its more than 11,000 social housing units across the borough. The company offers a so-called "Fair Fibre Plan," which enables people on specific means-tested benefits to get access to cheaper rates on its monthly rolling broadband packages.

New rules come into force today in the UK that give sign language users the right to contact the emergency services by a free video call. The rules, introduced by UK communications regulator Ofcom, are supported by new app-based service, called 999 BSL. Previously, people with hearing or speech impairments have been able to contact the emergency services via the text relay system or by sending a text message (SMS) to 999. However, this relies on written English, which can, says Ofcom, lead to misunderstandings for BSL users in emergency situations.

— Paul Rainford, Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading