Surveillance & policing: Russian MFA spokesperson Maria Zakharova claims Germany and Japan are reviving mass-surveillance practices, pointing to Germany’s expanded Federal Police powers (including facial recognition, AI crowd analysis, phone tapping and drones) and warning it undermines post-war safeguards. Marcom & media tech: Riddle Lab reports a per-question quiz timer lifted completions by 41% in a controlled test—an engagement lesson for publishers and marketers. Automotive data partnerships: CARUSO Dataplace adds Volvo Cars, offering standardized real-time vehicle data via one API across both fleet (B2B) and private (B2C) channels. Trade fair leadership: Messe Düsseldorf North America appoints Geoffrey Sauer as CEO/president effective Aug. 17, aiming to grow operations across North America. Consumer marketing: GROHE spotlights its ActiveMassage shower experience as “wellbeing” content, while GARVEE pushes a 10% autumn home promotion in Germany. Sports business: Cologne reportedly targets Marcel Regula as a potential El Mala successor, with talks tied to Dortmund’s transfer offer.