Facebook’s Europe taxes, Tesla recalls, coronavirus censorship

Mark Zuckerberg accepts Facebook may have to pay more tax in Europe. The company’s CEO is scheduled to speak at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, alongside thirty-five heads of state, the NATO secretary general, and other high-ranking officials. [Quartz Daily Brief]( Good morning, Quartz readers! What to watch for today and over the weekend Mark Zuckerberg accepts Facebook may have to pay more tax in Europe. The company’s CEO is [scheduled to speak]( at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, alongside thirty-five heads of state, the NATO secretary general, and other high-ranking officials. Mike Pompeo makes his first official trip to Africa. The US secretary of state [starts his tour]( Senegal, Angola, and Ethiopia tomorrow. The growing role of China on the continent is a key point of discussion. US senators head to Ukraine. Two Republicans and one Democrat [meet president Volodymyr Zelenskiy]( today in Kyiv, to re-emphasize the two countries’ strategic partnership. Ukraine was at the center of Donald Trump’s recent impeachment trial. While you were sleeping Germany’s economy stagnated. Preliminary estimates show that Europe’s largest economy [failed to grow at all]( in the fourth quarter, compared to 0.2% in the previous three months. Last week, Germany posted its [worst industrial production figures]( since 2009. The WHO said coronavirus cases are stabilizing. According to the global health body, the mortality rate and number of infections [have not shifted]( apart from a spike in Hubei province. More than 1,300 people have died from the virus, including six health workers in China. China ordered Tesla to recall more than 3,000 Model Xs. The country’s market regulator [mandated the recall]( to begin in June, because of a potential steering issue that could increase the chances of a collision. RBS profits soared. The Edinburgh-based bank [reported £3.1 billion]( ($3.98 billion) in annual profits, roughly double what it earned in 2018. The bank also announced it would rebrand as NatWest Group, perhaps because some 80% of its customers use its NatWest brand. Billie Eilish released her Bond theme. The 18-year-old American [released the official song]( for the upcoming No Time to Die movie on streaming sites, featuring her signature grungy melancholic vibe. She will perform the song at the Brit Awards on Feb. 18. Quartz membership Direct-to-consumer brands could be the next chapter of ecommerce. From Dollar Shave Club to Warby Parker, new brands rely on strong brand identity and customer loyalty to drive sales, [Quartz contributor Lawrence Ingrassia reports](. But is that enough to beat Amazon? Quartz daily obsession Espresso proves that good things come in small packages. Though its receptacle is barely larger than a thimble, espresso is chemically complex, and brewing the perfect cup requires the mastery of temperature, pressure, and time. [The Quartz Daily Obsession spills the beans.]( Matters of debate Let’s reconsider ordering takeout. It creates an [enormous amount]( of plastic waste. Coronavirus is upending China’s work culture. Many more people are [working from home]( and proving they’re just as productive. We should revive the love letter. A [handwritten note]( brings substance to the ephemeral. Surprising discoveries SoftBank is behind a quarter of British fintech investment. Two deals alone by the Japanese giant [amounted to $1.24 billion]( last year. China has shared more coronavirus news with the world than its own citizens. Most Chinese people didn’t know their scientists [sequenced the new virus last month]( for example. For $5, a Texas zoo will name a cockroach after your ex. And then they’ll [feed it to an animal](. A sea of hairy tarantula skins could help clean up oil spills. Polish researchers behind the new concept say the eight-legged creatures have “[very strong]( water repellent properties. Modern cars are catnip for rats. They love to gnaw on the [wires and hoses]( can be costly and dangerous for vehicle owners. Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, startup investment, and love letters to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by[downloading our app]( on iOS or Android, and[becoming a member](. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Adam Rasmi and Hasit Shah. [facebook]( Enjoying the Daily Brief? Forward it to a friend! They can [click here to sign up.]( Want to advertise in the Quartz Daily Brief? Send us an email at ads@qz.com. To unsubscribe from the Quartz Daily Brief, [click here](.