UK law
Ofcom consults on how online platforms, broadcasters and streaming services should promote media literacy
Ofcom is consulting on a set of recommendations designed to help people acquire the skills and information needed to critically and safely engage with online content. Ofcom has a statutory duty to promote media literacy and its three-year strategy outlines its plans and approach in carrying out this work. It is required to publish a statement recommending ways in which services might develop, pursue and evaluate activities or initiatives relevant to media literacy. It recommends that services are designed to give people meaningful choice in how they engage with content. That means making inclusive design and policy choices right from the start. The second recommendation is that people are empowered to shape and control their own experience. Services should equip people with practical tools to manage and personalise their online experiences. The third recommendation is that people are supported to develop critical engagement skills, building trust and confidence. Services should help people to understand, interpret and critically assess the credibility of content they encounter, including by promoting relevant programming or educational content. The fourth recommendation is continuous improvement in these areas through ongoing evaluation. Services should conduct and publish evaluations of the impacts of their design choices and initiatives. Empowering people to have greater control over their online experience is one of Ofcom’s strategic priorities, especially as it implements and enforces new rules under the Online Safety Act. Ofcom recognises that services vary in size and reach, and its proposed recommendations are designed to be proportionate, ensuring that all services can play a meaningful role in promoting media literacy. The consultation ends on 8 December 2025 and Ofcom plans to publish its final set of recommendations by Spring 2026.
Ofcom consults on data preservation notices
Ofcom is also consulting on updates to its Online Safety Information Powers Guidance with respect to Data Preservation Notices and Coroner Information Notices. Under section 101 of the Online Safety Act 2023, Ofcom has information gathering powers to support a coroner’s or procurator fiscal’s investigation into the death of a child by issuing a Coroner Information Notice. In February 2025, it published a statement setting out how and when it might issue Coroner Information Notices alongside its wider powers to require and obtain information that it needs to exercise its online safety duties and functions. On 19 June 2025, the Data (Use and Access) Act received Royal Assent. It provides Ofcom with additional functions to support coroners’ investigations into the death of a child. From 30 September 2025, if a coroner provides Ofcom with certain information about the death of a child, it has a duty to issue a Data Preservation Notice to relevant regulated services. It also has a power to issue a Data Preservation Notice to certain other parties. The consultation sets out its proposed updates to the Online Safety Information Powers Guidance with respect to Data Preservation Notices. It is also consulting on a small number of updates to its guidance on Coroner Information Notices based on early experience of processing requests from coroners. The consultation ends on 28 October 2025.
First court appearance for three ‘finfluencers’ charged for illegal promotions
Three individuals have appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, each individually charged with an offence relating to their social media posts. The individuals (so-called “finfluencers” are alleged to have encouraged social media followers to invest in foreign exchange (forex or FX) trading through contracts for difference, without having the authorisation to promote these investments. The charges follow the FCA’s announcement in June 2025 of a coordinated global enforcement action targeting illegal financial promotions by finfluencers across multiple jurisdictions. As part of that operation, the FCA authorised criminal proceedings against these three individuals. All three defendants pleaded not guilty and will appear at Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on 8 October 2025.
Brand advertising regulations issued
The UK government has issued its response to the consultation on draft advertising regulations, which was held between 16 July and 6 August 2025. The finalised Advertising (Less Healthy Food and Drink) (Brand Advertising Exemption) Regulations 2025 and explanatory memorandum were laid on 10 September 2025 alongside the publication of this consultation response. These regulations provide an explicit exemption for “brand advertising” from the advertising restrictions for less healthy food or drink on television and online. The restrictions will take effect UK-wide on 5 January 2026.
EU law
Commission collects feedback to simplify rules on data, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in the upcoming Digital Omnibus
The European Commission has opened a call for evidence with a view to simplifying its legislation in the upcoming Digital Omnibus, especially when it comes to data, cybersecurity and AI. This is part of the Commission’s simplification agenda and efforts to create a more favourable business environment, by lightening administrative burdens and costs on companies. The initiative also supports the Commission’s target in the Competitiveness Compass to cut administrative burden by at least 25% for all companies and at least 35% for small and medium-sized enterprises. The call for evidence ends on 14 October 2025.
