Ofcom publishes approach for setting fees and maximum penalties under the Online Safety Act

Following consultation, Ofcom has published details about how it intends to set the fees and maximum penalties that will apply under the Online Safety Act. The Act specifies that the costs of Ofcom’s online safety work are to be funded by the tech companies it regulates. This is in line with how Ofcom is funded…

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CMA proposes to designate Google with strategic market status under the DMCC Act

The Competition and Markets Authority is proposing to designate Google with strategic market status (SMS) in general search and search advertising under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The CMA is consulting on the proposal before it makes a final decision in October. If designated, the CMA would be able to introduce targeted…

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23andMe fined £2.31 million for failing to protect UK users’ genetic data

The ICO has fined genetic testing company 23andMe £2.31 million for failing to implement appropriate security measures to protect the personal information of UK users, following a large-scale cyber-attack in 2023. The penalty follows a joint investigation conducted by the ICO and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Between April and September 2023,…

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ICO consults on guidance for consumer Internet of Things products and services

The ICO is consulting on new guidance for smart products. It points out that from smart speakers and fitness trackers to Wi-Fi fridges and interconnected air fryers, smart products often collect large amounts of personal information from users, including sensitive information, so manufacturers and developers must ensure their products are designed with data protection in…

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Super-complaints regime for online safety due to come into force on 31 December 2025

The Online Safety Act 2023 established the basis for creation of an online safety super-complaints regime. The process will allow for complaints about systemic issues (features or conduct of regulated services) to be raised with the regulator where those issues are, appear to be, or present a material risk of: For the online safety super-complaints…

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