The 2026 Digital Media Conference offers a practical, immersive look at the legal challenges shaping today’s digital platforms. We will take attendees ‘behind the scenes’ of a fictional user-generated content audiovisual platform to explore a variety of legal issues that General Counsel would need to navigate when building, launching, and/or operating a digital media business. The platform at the heart of this conference is a video-sharing service where users can upload and share audiovisual content, post comments, interact with one another, and make use of an AI chatbot that recommends content tailored to their interests.
Speakers will guide attendees through the key issues, examining regulatory, data privacy, intellectual property and advertising challenges facing modern digital platforms in three informative sessions.
We are also asking attendees to submit questions they would like to be discussed during the Masterclass. Please email hello@scl.org with any questions you have by EOP Wednesday 1 July.
Sessions to include:
Platform Regulation, Online Safety and Data Privacy.
This session examines the regulatory framework for digital platforms under the UK Online Safety Act and the EU Digital Services Act, covering content moderation, risk assessments, and user protections. Speakers will also address privacy challenges – including user profiling, content recommendations, and cookie consent changes – under the GDPR and the UK Data (Use and Access) Act. There will be a particular focus on the interplay between online safety and data protection obligations owed to children, including in light of the Ofcom/ICO joint statement on Age Assurance and recent ICO enforcement action.
Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence.
How should digital businesses protect and commercialise their IP? This session will discuss the traditional protection strategies for software (copyright, know-how, confidentiality etc.) as well as the patentability of software in light of the Supreme Court ruling in Emotional Perception. The session will examine the current legal and regulatory landscape regarding copyright and AI, including the UK Government’s proposal outlined in its Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence. Speakers will also dive deeper into issues arising from user-generated content (incl. deepfakes) and obligations under the EU AI Act.
Advertising and Accessibility
This session examines the advertising rules and regulations affecting digital platforms, covering both self-promotion and the hosting of third-party advertising. Speakers will examine influencer marketing requirements and the EU’s proposed Digital Fairness Act. The session will also address obligations under the UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act for platforms with strategic market status, including its unfair commercial practices provisions and current CMA enforcement actions. Finally, speakers will consider the EU Accessibility Act’s impact on advertising content presentation and platform compliance obligations.
Designed for lawyers, in-house counsel, and professionals working at the intersection of media, technology and regulation, this conference provides practical insight into how legal frameworks operate in real-world digital environments.
Speakers (with more to follow):
Edmund Berney, Associate in the Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions Group, Paul, Weiss.
Edmund focuses on advising on M&A transactions and the acquisition, licensing, development and commercialisation of technology and IP, as well as on commercial contracts.
This event is hosted and sponsored by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and organised by the SCL Digital Media Group.
Administration notes:
Fees:
£200 + VAT (£240) for SCL members
£400 + VAT (£480) for non-members
Booking: To secure your place, please book online using the link above or send an email to hello@scl.org with details of who is attending this event and also the address details for the invoice.
Non-members: To enquire about SCL membership and receive the discounted fee, please email hello@scl.org.
Booking terms and conditions:
Please refer to SCL’s full event terms and conditions here.
Venue address:
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
20 Air Street
London
W1B 5AN
Registration and attendee arrival:
Registration for this event begins at 1:30 pm and the event starts at 2:00 pm. We kindly ask that you arrive on time to ensure a prompt start.
Joining details:
For in-person events, you will receive joining details within 24 hours of the event.
Non-members wishing to join the Society are entitled to membership of the Society valid for 12 months from the date of payment including full access to the content of the SCL website www.scl.org plus notification of future SCL events. The cost of an annual SCL membership is £190.00. If you have any queries about SCL membership please contact the SCL office on Tel: 07948 517049 or Email: hello@scl.org
Free membership for trainee lawyers and UK students: SCL provides free membership for trainee lawyers until qualification and for UK students in full-time education with a valid ac.uk email address. Student members are eligible to attend SCL events at concessionary rates where a fee is applicable. Trainee members are entitled to attend SCL events at the standard members’ rate (the concessionary rate for UK students in full-time education does not apply). Trainees and UK students in full-time education can apply to join SCL for free by emailing hello@scl.org
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