Online safety priorities for Ofcom published and study on effects of social media on children launched

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has set out his priorities for the Ofcom, as it prepares to implement and enforce the Online Safety Act next year. The Online Safety Act requires the government to publish a Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP). The SSP will be laid in Parliament for approval, before being formally designated by the…

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UK government consults on detail of new subscription contracts regime

The UK government has published a consultation on the new subscription contracts regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Digital Markets Act 2024.  It seeks views on how the regime will work in practice.  The feedback will inform secondary legislation and guidance, with the regime planned to come into force in 2026. Cooling-off rights: return…

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European Commission and national authorities call on Apple to stop geo-blocking practices

Following investigation, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national consumer authorities (led by those in Belgium, Germany and Ireland) and the European Commission have notified Apple about several potentially prohibited geo-blocking practices that the CPC Network has identified on certain Apple Media Services, including App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books and Podcasts….

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European Commission and national authorities urge Temu to comply with EU consumer protection laws

Following investigation at European level, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national consumer authorities and the European Commission have notified the online marketplace Temu that some of its practices infringe EU consumer law. The CPC Network directed Temu to bring those practices in line with EU consumer laws. Temu remains under investigation and was…

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ICO issues tech futures report on emerging genomics

Over the last decade there has been a rapid increase in investment and influence in genomic technologies in a range of sectors. The technology offers well-known benefits in areas like advanced disease treatment and personalised healthcare, and there is a drive to deliver a genomic-focused healthcare system. However, the rapid growth of applications in sectors…

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European Commission publishes results of Digital Fairness Fitness Check

The European Commission has published the findings of the Digital Fairness Fitness Check, which assessed if current EU consumer protection laws are fit for purpose to ensure a high level of protection in the digital environment. The Fitness Check covered three core Directives: the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the Consumer Rights Directive, and the Unfair…

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Ofcom issues update about its progress to bring Online Safety Act into effect

Ofcom has published an update on its progress to bring the Online Safety Act 2023 into effect.  The Act means that companies that operate a wide range of online services are legally responsible for keeping people, especially children, safe online. Online platforms and services will soon have new duties to protect UK users by assessing…

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