The BBC is taking measures against the unauthorised use of its iPlayer service by actively blocking UK VPN services. The measures aim to prevent foreigner based users from accessing iPlayer without permission, but they're also blocking many legitimate UK citizens from surfing the Internet securely.
The BBC’s online catchup service iPlayer has been a great success, both in the UK and abroad.
The Economy Minister today announced that there are about 117,000 vehicles in Portugal affected by the emissions fraud committed by Volkswagen. These vehicles need to be corrected and he estimated these problems should be solved over the next year.
Previously the minister said that he had spoken with management at Volkswagen’s Autoeuropa plant at Palmela, later assuring everyone that the "vehicles produced in Portugal in recent years, do not have the special fraudulent kit incorporated. I have every reason to believe Autoeuropa."
The cost of tolls on Portugal’s formerly free SCUT roads has led to the closing down of 3,000 transport companies according to the Carriers Association, which fears the situation may worsen.
The implementation of tolls on the former free roads includes the Algarve’s Via do Infante/A22 motorway where high toll fees deter many trade and private drivers from using the east-west route.
Despite the political hiatus in Portugal, its banking sector has had the thumbs up from Moody’s as the ratings agency today changed its outlook for the sector from "negative" to "stable."
The agency reported a "modest economic recovery in the country" and market conditions that are benefiting Portugal’s banks.
Pires de Lima, Portugal’s Minister for the Economy seems not to have been paying much attention to the massive row over the taxi drivers’ nemesis, Uber.
In a feeble response when action is needed to sort out the confusing mess, Pires de Lima's ministry today ‘seeks clarification’ from the app-based personal transport provider.
As the political stand-off and bickering continues between Portugal's main political parties, and unnatural alliances are suggested only to fade away, the President of the Republic (pictured) has given his squabbling brood until next week to come up with clear proposals as to how best Portugal should be governed, and by whom.
Today was the day that President Cavaco Silva’s announcement of the new prime minister was due, but the ruling coalition is unable to sit in the same room as the socialists and its leaders are taking the high ground as the October 4th general election winners, despite being without sufficient seats in parliament to get anything done - especially next year’s State Budget.
The captain of the port of Figueira da Foz, Paul Inácio, today tendered his resignation which was accepted by the Maritime Authority.
Commander Paulo Vicente, a spokesman for the Navy said that "The captain of the port of Figueira da Foz today offered his resignation which was accepted."
Ireland has slashed its corporation tax to just 6.25%, but only for those companies which can demonstrate genuine innovation, employing highly skilled people.
"Fostering innovation in Ireland will be critical to our new economic model," finance minister Michael Noonan told the Irish parliament.
