According to research from Ofcom, starting secondary school is often the moment that many children get their first smartphone and time online rises steeply with age, with children aged 8-14 spending an average of one day a week online, and doubles to around 2 days a week for 15-17 year olds. Following its consultation, the…
Snap, Meta and Roblox have confirmed to Ofcom that they will introduce new safety measures designed to protect children from online strangers, ranging from tighter default settings, to AI detection tools and direct chat controls. The p[platforms have made the commitments in response to Ofcom’s demands in March to urgently strengthen protections for children online. …
Read More… from Tech firms commit to stronger anti-grooming measures in response to Ofcom demands
UK law UK government consults on data intermediaries Data intermediaries are third-party organisations that act on behalf of individuals to exercise their data subject rights under data protection legislation. Services range from secure personal data storage to donating health data to support scientific research. Last year’s call for evidence identified key issues affecting data intermediaries,…
In Case T-1078/23 | Meta Platforms v Commission, the EU’s General Court annulled the European Commission’s decision designating Meta as a gatekeeper for Marketplace under the Digital Markets Act. However, it maintained the gatekeeper designation for Meta’s interpersonal communications service, Messenger. In September 2023, the European Commission designated Meta as a gatekeeper under the DMA….
UK law High Court considers case where solicitors used misleading AI-generated material in correspondence with court In Cork and another v Smith [2026] EWHC 1199 (Ch), the High Court considered a case involving misleading legal submissions made by the applicants’ former solicitors. The court found that a junior lawyer had relied on generative AI to…
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a new conduct requirement on Google Search, requiring it to take specific action under the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act 2024. The CMA says the measure is intended to secure a fairer deal for publishers and consumers, while improving Google’s search services in the…
Read More… from CMA imposes new conduct requirement on Google Search under the DMCC Act
Ofcom has issued two new codes of practice for larger streaming services, one on content and the other on accessibility. Under new powers in the Media Act 2024, Ofcom will enforce a new content standards Code for streaming services. The aim of the Code is to level the regulatory playing field between streamers and traditional…
Read More… from Ofcom consults on new content and accessibility standards for streaming services
UK law GDS and DSIT publish guidance on AI-assisted vulnerability risks in open-source code The Government Digital Service (GDS) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) have published guidance on safely publishing source code in the open and reducing the risk of AI-accelerated vulnerability discovery. Technology leaders are asking whether AI-accelerated vulnerability discovery…
The European Commission has adopted a recommendation designed to enable everyone in the EU to have access to age verification tools based on anonymous proof-of-age technologies, aiming to ensure the highest standards for privacy and data protection. Age verification is part of the Commission’s strategy to protect minors online. The recommendation discusses actions that the…
Read More… from European Commission sets out approach for age verification
UK law ICO fines South Staffordshire plc and South Staffordshire Water plc £963,900 following cyberattack and data breach The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined South Staffordshire plc and South Staffordshire Water plc £963,900. This follows a cyberattack and data breach which led to the personal information of 633,887 customers and employees being extracted and published…