The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is receiving complaints related to the Digital Services Act (DSA), but it currently lacks formal authority to act until the law is fully transposed by the national parliament. The DSA, which aims to regulate large online platforms and protect users, became applicable in February 2024, but enforcement will only begin once the Netherlands passes the necessary implementing legislation.
Martijn Snoep, Chairman of the ACM, highlighted that enforcement under the DSA is expected to lead to clashes between regulators and Big Tech leaders, although he plans to approach this more neutrally. The ACM focuses on three main areas: ensuring platforms comply with basic rules, protecting minors online, and tackling irresponsible hosting providers. While the Dutch regulator is investigating non-compliant companies, it cannot yet take enforcement actions against foreign firms or force them to share information.
The ACM has received 227 complaints, mostly regarding companies based outside the Netherlands, and while it can redirect these to other regulators, it cannot yet act on them. Snoep emphasised that, despite challenges, the Netherlands is preparing to enhance its regulatory capacity to ensure fair compliance, though he prefers waiting before introducing new legislation on emerging issues like online child safety or advertising.
Despite the slow start, the ACM is confident that over time, as the industry adapts to a more regulated environment, digital platforms will gradually become more compliant with the DSA’s requirements.
Data brokers Mobilewalla and Gravy Analytics have agreed to stop using sensitive location data following a settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The agreement addresses concerns about tracking individuals’ religious beliefs, political leanings, and pregnancy status through mobile device data.
The settlement represents the first instance of banning the collection of location data through online advertising auctions. The FTC accused the companies of unfair practices, stating that Mobilewalla gathered information without consent from ad auction platforms. Such platforms allow advertisers to bid on specific audiences but inadvertently exposed consumers to privacy risks.
Gravy Analytics, owned by Unacast, sold location data to government contractors, prompting constitutional concerns from FTC commissioners. Mobilewalla disputed the allegations but stated the agreement allows it to continue offering insights while respecting privacy. Both companies committed to halting sensitive data usage and introducing opt-out options for consumers.
FTC Chair Lina Khan highlighted the broader risks of targeted advertising, warning that Americans’ sensitive data is at risk of misuse. The settlement is part of the Biden administration’s effort to regulate data brokers and strengthen privacy protections, as outlined by proposed rules from the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Australia‘s competition watchdog has called for a review of efforts to ensure more choice for internet users, citing Google’s dominance in the search engine market and the failure of its competitors to capitalise on the rise of AI. A report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) highlighted concerns about the growing influence of Big Tech, particularly Google and Microsoft, as they integrate generative AI into their search services. This raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated search results.
While the use of AI in search engines is still in its early stages, the ACCC warns that large tech companies’ financial strength and market presence give them a significant advantage. The commission expressed concerns that AI-driven search could lead to misinformation, as consumers may find AI-generated responses both more useful and less accurate. In response to this, Australia is pushing for new regulations, including laws to prevent anti-competitive behaviour and improve consumer choice.
The Australian government has already introduced several measures targeting tech giants, such as requiring social media platforms to pay for news content and restricting access for children under 16. A proposed new law could impose hefty fines on companies that suppress competition. The ACCC has called for service-specific codes to address data advantages and ensure consumers have more freedom to switch between services. The inquiry is expected to close by March next year.
The SEC has settled allegations against ICBC Financial Services, a US-based unit of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, following a ransomware attack in November 2023.
The attack disrupted the company’s operations, including its ability to maintain accurate records and notify customers of securities-related transactions for nearly four months.
Regulators cited the firm’s lack of preparation for a significant cybersecurity incident as a factor leading to the breach. Despite this, the SEC refrained from imposing a civil fine, crediting the company’s meaningful cooperation and extensive remedial efforts in addressing the situation.
ICBC Financial Services neither admitted nor denied any wrongdoing in the settlement. The agreement highlights the SEC’s focus on ensuring firms take proactive steps to strengthen their cybersecurity defences.
This holiday season, millions of shoppers are set to buy gifts online, but tech companies are vying to make AI agents the new shopping assistants. Platforms like Perplexity, OpenAI, and Google are developing AI tools that can browse websites, select products, and even complete purchases. Perplexity recently launched a shopping agent that combines navigation and checkout features, though it’s still ironing out inefficiencies.
AI-driven shopping isn’t without challenges. Early tests show agents struggling with stock availability and delayed purchases, while companies like Perplexity rely on human oversight to address errors. Privacy concerns are also emerging, especially with AI systems accessing billing information. However, partnerships like Perplexity’s with Stripe, which uses single-use payment cards, aim to mitigate risks and provide secure transactions.
These tools could revolutionise online shopping by saving time and uncovering hidden deals, but they also threaten traditional e-commerce models. Retailers and advertisers may resist as fewer consumers visit storefronts and targeted ad opportunities shrink. Despite the hurdles, 2025 is expected to see significant advancements in AI shopping agents, promising a glimpse into the future of effortless online retail.
France, Germany, and Sweden have urged the next European Commission to bolster Europe’s battery production to meet green transition goals without becoming reliant on Chinese imports. In a joint paper, the countries emphasised the need for streamlined regulations, faster project approvals, increased funding, and alternative sources for raw materials like lithium.
The call comes as Sweden’s Northvolt faces financial difficulties, with fears that Europe’s dependence on Chinese manufacturing could mirror its earlier reliance on Russian gas. Leaders stressed the urgency of securing the region’s competitiveness.
Incoming EU leadership is expected to outline strategies for sustainable economic growth and climate goals within its first 100 days, focusing on policies that support scaling up European battery initiatives.
Wise, the British money transfer firm, has enacted a formal remediation plan following a regulatory review by the Belgian National Bank (BNB) regarding anti-money laundering compliance. In early 2022, the BNB identified that Wise lacked proof of address for hundreds of thousands of customers.
The company worked closely with the regulator to address the issues, implementing a plan requiring customers to provide proof of address within weeks. Non-compliant accounts were frozen as part of the measures. Wise stated it has fully resolved the concerns.
Founded in 2011, Wise aims to simplify international money transfers and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The BNB declined to comment further on the matter.
Canada’s Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech giant of abusing its dominant position in online advertising. The bureau seeks an order for Google to divest two ad tech tools and pay a penalty to ensure compliance with competition laws.
The investigation, launched in 2020, found that Google controls key aspects of the ad tech stack in Canada and allegedly employed tactics to entrench its market power. Google disputes the claims, arguing that the online ad market remains competitive.
The case mirrors global scrutiny of Google’s advertising practices, including a similar lawsuit in the United States and ongoing EU investigations. Google’s earlier offer to sell an ad exchange failed to satisfy European publishers.
Mexico’s recent constitutional reform, which dissolves the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and six other regulatory agencies, has drawn criticism for potentially undermining regulatory independence. Passed by the Senate and awaiting state legislature approval, the reform shifts oversight responsibilities from autonomous bodies to federal executive control, sparking fears of inefficiency and diminished regulatory effectiveness.
The IFT, instrumental in modernising Mexico’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, warned that eliminating institutional autonomy could disrupt competition enforcement and sector regulation. Critics, including the Mexican Association for the Right to Information (Amedi), argue the changes risk political interference, jeopardising impartiality in decision-making.
The reform also raises concerns about Mexico’s adherence to international agreements, such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which mandates independent regulators for telecommunications. The government has suggested transferring the IFT’s responsibilities to existing ministries or creating a new agency, leaving the sector’s future regulatory framework uncertain.
Australia has proposed a law to curb anti-competitive practices by major tech companies, including fines of up to A$50 million ($33 million) for suppressing competition or preventing consumers from switching services. The move builds on recent efforts by the Labor government to regulate Big Tech, including a ban on social media use for children under 16 passed last week.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones highlighted the dominance of platforms like Apple, Google, and Meta, warning that their practices stifle innovation, limit consumer choice, and inflate costs. The proposed law, inspired by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, aims to make it easier for users to switch between services such as social media platforms, internet browsers, and app stores.
The law would empower Australia’s competition regulator to enforce compliance, investigate digital market practices, and impose fines. It prioritises oversight of app stores and ad tech services, targeting practices like promoting low-rated apps and favouring in-house services over competitors. Consultation on the legislation will run until February 14, with further discussions to refine the draft.
Big Tech companies, which dominate Australia’s digital market, have yet to comment on the proposal. Government reports reveal Google controls up to 95% of online search, Apple’s App Store handles 60% of app downloads, and Facebook and Instagram account for 79% of social media services in the country.
