Content Policy Archives | Page 3 of 216 | Digital Watch Observatory

EU reviews X compliance proposal under Digital Services Act

X has submitted a compliance proposal to the European Commission outlining how it intends to modify its blue check verification system following regulatory concerns under the Digital Services Act.

The EU regulators concluded that the platform’s system allowed users to obtain verification simply by paying for a subscription without meaningful identity checks, potentially misleading users about the authenticity of accounts.

The Commission imposed a €120 million fine in December and gave the company 60 working days to propose corrective measures. Officials confirmed that X met the deadline for submitting a plan, which regulators will now assess.

The platform, owned by Elon Musk, must also pay the penalty while the Commission evaluates the proposed changes. The company has challenged the enforcement decision before the EU’s General Court.

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Europe aims to tighten AI rules and personal data standards

The European Council has proposed AI Act amendments, banning nudification tools and tightening rules for processing sensitive personal data. The move represents a key step in streamlining the continent’s digital legislation and improving safeguards for citizens.

Council officials highlighted the prohibition of AI systems that generate non-consensual sexual content or child sexual abuse material. The measure matches a European Parliament ban, showing strong support for tighter AI controls amid misuse concerns.

The proposal follows incidents such as the Grok chatbot producing millions of non-consensual intimate images, which sparked a global backlash and prompted an EU probe into the social media platform X and its AI features.

Other amendments reinstate strict rules for processing sensitive data to detect bias and require providers to register high-risk AI systems, even if claiming exemptions. Negotiations between the Council and Parliament will finalise the AI Act’s updated measures.

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OpenAI says ChatGPT advertisements remain limited to the US

Despite speculation that the feature was expanding internationally, OpenAI has clarified that advertisements in ChatGPT are currently available only to users in the US.

Questions about a broader rollout emerged after references to advertisements appeared in the platform’s updated privacy policy. Some users interpreted the language as evidence that advertising would soon be introduced globally.

OpenAI said the policy update does not signal an immediate expansion. According to the company, advertising features are still being tested within the US as part of a gradual deployment strategy.

ChatGPT advertisements were introduced in February 2026 and appear below responses generated by the chatbot. The ads are shown only to logged-in users on free subscription tiers and are not displayed to users under eighteen.

Company representatives stated that advertising systems operate independently from the AI model that generates responses. According to OpenAI, advertisers cannot influence or modify the content produced by ChatGPT.

The company also said it does not share user conversations or personal chat histories with advertisers. However, advertisements may still be personalised based on user queries, which has prompted discussions about how conversational interfaces could shape consumer decisions.

OpenAI indicated that it is adopting a cautious, phased approach before considering any wider rollout of ChatGPT advertising features in other markets.

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OpenAI plans to integrate Sora video generation into ChatGPT

According to reports, OpenAI is preparing to integrate its AI video generator Sora directly into ChatGPT, a move that could expand the platform’s capabilities beyond text and image generation.

Sora currently operates as a standalone application and web service. Integrating the tool into ChatGPT could dramatically increase its visibility and usage, particularly given the chatbot’s massive global user base.

The company released an updated version of the model in 2025 that allows users to create, remix and even appear inside AI-generated videos. Bringing those features into ChatGPT would represent a major step toward making video generation a mainstream function within conversational AI systems.

Competition in the generative video market is intensifying. Companies, including Google, are developing similar technologies, with the company’s Gemini platform offering video creation powered by the Veo system. Other developers are also launching text-to-video models as the field rapidly expands.

Despite the potential growth, integrating video generation into ChatGPT may significantly increase operating costs. Running large AI systems requires vast computing resources and energy, and the chatbot already costs billions of dollars annually to operate.

Although OpenAI earns revenue from subscriptions, the majority of ChatGPT users currently use the free version. The company is therefore exploring additional monetisation strategies, including advertising and new premium services.

Integrating Sora into ChatGPT could therefore serve both strategic and financial goals, strengthening the platform’s position in the competitive generative AI market while expanding the types of content users can create.

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AI-powered browsing arrives in Chrome for India New Zealand and Canada

Chrome is bringing its advanced AI features to users in India, New Zealand and Canada, aiming to simplify daily browsing tasks and provide instant support. The updates include the integration of Gemini in Chrome and support for over 50 languages.

Users can now interact with a personalised browsing assistant without switching tabs, receiving instant answers, summaries or creative suggestions. Gemini in Chrome allows multitasking and remembers previously visited pages for easier navigation.

Integrations with Google apps such as Gmail, Maps and YouTube enhance productivity directly from the browser. Users can draft emails, schedule meetings, or extract key points from videos without leaving their current page.

Chrome’s AI can also consolidate information from multiple open tabs, streamlining tasks like research or shopping. Nano Banana 2 allows users to transform images on the web in real time, without uploading files or switching windows.

Security remains a priority, with Chrome designed to detect threats and require confirmations for sensitive actions. Gemini in Chrome benefits from automated testing and updates to maintain robust protection as users explore new AI features.

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EU approves signature of global AI framework

The European Parliament has approved the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, the first international legally binding treaty on AI governance.

With 455 votes in favour, 101 against, and 74 abstentions, Parliament endorsed the EU’s signature to embed existing AI legislation in a global framework. The move reinforces the safe and rights-respecting deployment of AI across the EU and worldwide.

The convention sets standards for transparency, documentation, risk management, and oversight, applying to both public authorities and private actors acting on their behalf.

It establishes a global baseline for AI governance while allowing the EU to maintain higher protections under the AI Act, GDPR, and other EU legislation covering product safety, liability, and non-discrimination.

The EU co-rapporteurs highlighted that the agreement demonstrates the EU’s commitment to human-centric AI. By prioritising democracy, accountability, and fundamental rights, the framework aims to ensure AI strengthens open societies while supporting stable economic growth.

Negotiations on the convention began in 2022 with participation from the EU member states, international partners, civil society, academia, and industry. Current signatories include the EU, the UK, Ukraine, Canada, Israel, and the United States, with the convention open to additional global partners.

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Writer files lawsuit against Grammarly over AI feature using experts’ identities

A journalist has filed a class action lawsuit against Grammarly after the company introduced an AI feature that generated editorial feedback by imitating well-known writers and public figures without their permission.

The legal complaint was submitted by investigative journalist Julia Angwin, who argued that the tool unlawfully used the identities and reputations of authors and commentators.

The feature, known as ‘Expert Review’, produced automated critiques presented as if they came from figures such as Stephen King, Carl Sagan and technology journalist Kara Swisher.

Such a feature was available to subscribers paying an annual fee and was designed to simulate professional editorial guidance.

Critics quickly questioned both the quality of the generated feedback and the decision to associate the tool with real individuals who had not authorised the use of their names or expertise.

Technology writer Casey Newton tested the system by submitting one of his own articles and receiving automated feedback attributed to an AI version of Swisher. The response appeared generic, casting doubt on the value of linking such commentary to prominent personalities.

Following criticism from writers and researchers, the feature was disabled. Shishir Mehrotra, chief executive of Grammarly’s parent company Superhuman, issued a public apology while defending the broader concept behind the tool.

The lawsuit reflects growing tensions around AI systems that replicate creative styles or professional expertise.

As generative AI technologies expand across writing and publishing industries, questions surrounding consent, intellectual labour and identity rights are becoming increasingly prominent.

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Civil society urges stronger EU digital fairness rules

More than 200 civil society organisations have urged the European Commission to deliver strong consumer protections through the upcoming Digital Fairness Act. Advocacy groups in the EU say the proposal must address risks created by modern online platforms.

Campaigners argue that many existing EU consumer laws were designed decades ago and no longer reflect the realities of the digital market. The coalition warned policymakers in the EU not to treat regulatory simplification as a path toward deregulation.

Advocates are pushing for binding rules targeting deceptive design practices and addictive digital features. Survey responses across the EU show broad public support for stronger protections against dark patterns and unfair personalisation.

The European Commission is expected to present the Digital Fairness Act later this year. Officials in the EU are also considering expanding enforcement powers to strengthen consumer safeguards online.

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Telegram faces global outages as Russia slows service

Users of the messaging app Telegram have experienced outages in multiple regions over the past 24 hours, with the largest volume of complaints coming from Russia. Reports from the US, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway suggest the issues could be global.

Difficulties primarily affected the mobile app, with users reporting login issues, messaging delays, and limited access to features. In Russia, outages result from traffic slowdowns by Roskomnadzor, with similar restrictions affecting WhatsApp.

Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, has criticised the Russian government’s actions, arguing that authorities aim to push citizens towards a state-controlled alternative, the ‘Max’ messenger.

Despite Telegram overtaking WhatsApp in Russia with over 95 million active users, Max has now surpassed 100 million users, showing the Kremlin’s growing influence over digital communications.

Russian authorities have stated that Telegram must comply with local laws, moderate content, and consider data localisation to avoid further restrictions. Durov has reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to protecting user privacy and upholding freedom of speech.

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UK watchdog demands stronger child safety on social platforms

The British communications regulator Ofcom has called on major technology companies to enforce stricter age controls and improve safety protections for children using online platforms.

The warning targets services widely used by young audiences, including Facebook, Instagram, Roblox, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.

Regulators said that despite existing minimum age policies, large numbers of children under the age of 13 continue to access platforms intended for older users.

According to Ofcom research, more than 70 percent of children aged 8 to 12 regularly use such services.

Authorities have asked companies to demonstrate how they will strengthen protections and ensure compliance with minimum age requirements.

Platforms must present their plans by 30 April, after which Ofcom will publish an assessment of their responses and determine whether further regulatory action is necessary.

The regulator also outlined several key areas requiring improvement.

Companies in the UK are expected to implement more effective age-verification systems, strengthen protections against online grooming and ensure that recommendation algorithms do not expose children to harmful content.

Another concern involves product development practices.

Ofcom warned that new digital features, including AI tools, should not be tested on children without adequate safety assessments. Platforms are required to evaluate potential risks before launching significant updates.

The measures are part of the UK’s broader regulatory framework introduced under the Online Safety Act, which aims to reduce exposure to harmful online material.

The law requires platforms to prevent children from accessing content linked to pornography, suicide, self-harm and eating disorders, while limiting the promotion of violent or abusive material in recommendation feeds.

Ofcom indicated that enforcement action may follow if companies fail to demonstrate meaningful improvements. Regulators argue that stronger safeguards are necessary to restore public trust and ensure that digital platforms prioritise child safety in their design and operation.

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