Cybersecurity Archives | Page 2 of 362 | Digital Watch Observatory

EIB highlights AI as key driver of Croatia’s economic growth

The European Investment Bank and the Croatian National Bank have emphasised the strategic importance of AI in strengthening Croatia’s economic competitiveness. Discussions at a joint conference focused on accelerating AI adoption through coordinated investment, policy development and skills enhancement.

Despite strong investment activity among firms in Croatia, the uptake of advanced technologies remains limited. Only a small share of companies systematically use generative AI, with applications largely confined to internal processes, highlighting significant untapped potential for productivity gains.

Participants identified key structural barriers, including limited access to finance, shortages of skilled workers and regulatory uncertainty.

Addressing these challenges requires a combined approach that mobilises private capital, improves access to funding for smaller firms and supports the development of a more robust innovation ecosystem.

The EIB continues to play a central role in Europe’s digital transformation, with major funding initiatives aimed at scaling AI technologies and strengthening strategic infrastructure.

By aligning financial instruments with policy priorities, the initiative seeks to enhance long-term growth, resilience and integration into global value chains.

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EPO accelerates digital patent shift with paperless system by 2027

The European Patent Office (EPO) is accelerating its transition towards a fully digital patent system, with plans to implement a paperless patent-granting process by 2027.

Discussions at the latest eSACEPO meeting highlighted steady progress and broad stakeholder support for modernising patent workflows.

Electronic filing and communication are set to become the default, with paper-based processes limited to exceptional cases. The shift aims to improve efficiency and accessibility, supported by legal adjustments and the gradual introduction of structured data formats to enhance processing accuracy.

Digital tools continue to evolve, with the MyEPO platform expanding its functionality through interface upgrades, self-service features and new capabilities such as colour drawing submissions.

The rollout of DOCX filing, alongside optional PDF backups, reflects a cautious approach designed to balance innovation with reliability.

AI is increasingly integrated into patent examination processes, supporting tasks such as search and documentation.

However, the EPO maintains a human-centric model, ensuring that decision-making authority remains with patent examiners while AI enhances productivity and consistency.

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UN Global Mechanism on ICT security discusses procedures, debates co-facilitator appointments

The United Nations Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing responsible state behaviour in the use of ICTs held its third organisational meeting, focusing on operational arrangements for the newly established permanent forum.

The session, chaired by Ambassador Egriselda López of El Salvador, addressed decision-making procedures, meeting schedules for 2026, and the structure of two dedicated thematic groups (DTGs), which will complement plenary sessions.

Delegations discussed the mechanism’s working methods, with López noting that decisions would be taken by consensus in line with UN General Assembly rules of procedure.

A central point of discussion was the appointment of co-facilitators for the two DTGs, one focusing on ICT security challenges and the other on capacity development. López indicated that she intended to appoint co-facilitators, taking into account geographic balance.

Several delegations, including the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, China, and Belarus, said that such appointments should be agreed upon by consensus among member states. Other delegations, including the European Union, the United States, and Australia, expressed support for the Chair’s approach and emphasised the need to proceed with preparations for substantive work.

Delegations also addressed stakeholder participation, noting that non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and academia would contribute in a consultative manner, while decision-making would remain intergovernmental.

The provisional agenda for future substantive plenary sessions was discussed, with some delegations, including Iran and the Russian Federation, requesting adjustments to ensure alignment with the agreed mandate. Other delegations supported the structure proposed by the Chair, which is organised around the five pillars of the framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

The meeting concluded without agreement on the provisional agenda or the appointment of co-facilitators. The Chair said she would conduct informal consultations with member states to address outstanding issues ahead of the first substantive plenary session scheduled for July 2026.

The Global Mechanism is mandated to advance discussions on threats, norms and principles, the application of international law, confidence-building measures, and capacity development, as part of its role as a permanent UN forum on ICT security.

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France moves toward social media restrictions for children under 15

Legislative efforts in France signal a shift toward stricter governance of youth access to digital platforms, with policymakers preparing to debate a ban on social media use for children under 15.

A proposal that forms part of a broader strategy to address concerns over online harms and excessive screen exposure among adolescents.

The draft law in France extends beyond access restrictions, proposing a digital curfew for older teenagers and expanding existing school phone bans to include high schools.

These measures reflect increasing reliance on regulatory intervention instead of voluntary platform safeguards, as evidence links prolonged digital engagement with risks such as cyberbullying, disrupted sleep patterns and exposure to harmful content.

Political backing for the initiative has emerged from figures aligned with Emmanuel Macron, reinforcing the government’s position that stronger oversight of digital environments is necessary. The proposal also mirrors developments in Australia, where similar restrictions have already entered into force.

A debate that is further influenced by legal actions targeting major platforms, including TikTok and Meta, amid allegations that algorithmic systems contribute to harmful user experiences.

The outcome of the parliamentary discussions in France is expected to shape future approaches to child safety, platform accountability and digital rights governance across Europe.

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California challenges federal approach with new AI rules

The government of California is advancing a more interventionist approach to AI governance, signalling a divergence from federal deregulatory preferences.

An executive order signed by Gavin Newsom mandates the development of comprehensive AI policies within 4 months, prioritising public safety and protecting fundamental rights.

The proposed framework requires companies seeking state contracts to demonstrate safeguards against harmful outputs, including the prevention of child exploitation material and violent content.

It also calls for measures addressing algorithmic bias and unlawful discrimination, alongside increased transparency through mechanisms such as watermarking AI-generated media.

Federal guidance has discouraged state-level intervention, framing such efforts as obstacles to technological leadership.

The evolving policy landscape reflects growing concern over the societal impact of AI systems, including risks to employment, content integrity and civil liberties.

An initiative by California that may therefore serve as a testing ground for future regulatory models, shaping broader debates on balancing innovation with accountability in digital governance.

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Healthcare data breach raises concerns over cloud security

A cybersecurity incident involving CareCloud has exposed vulnerabilities in the protection of sensitive medical information, following unauthorised access to patient records stored within its systems.

A breach was detected on 16 March, allowing attackers to access electronic health records for several hours, which raised concerns about potential data exposure.

The company has stated that the intrusion was contained on the same day, with systems restored and an external investigation launched.

However, uncertainty remains about whether any data were extracted and the scale of the potential impact, particularly given the company’s role in supporting tens of thousands of healthcare providers and millions of patients.

Such an incident reflects broader structural risks within digital healthcare infrastructures, where centralised storage of highly sensitive data increases the potential impact of cyberattacks.

Cloud environments, including services provided by Amazon Web Services, are increasingly integral to such systems, amplifying both efficiency and exposure.

The breach follows a pattern of escalating cyber threats targeting healthcare data, driven by its high value in criminal markets.

As investigations continue, the case underscores the need for stronger data protection measures, enhanced monitoring systems and more robust regulatory oversight to safeguard patient information.

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Australia reviews compliance with under-16 social media age ban

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has released an update on rules requiring platforms to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts. Early results show significant action by companies, but also ongoing challenges in fully enforcing the restrictions.

By mid-December 2025, around 4.7 million accounts were removed or restricted, with more than 300,000 additional accounts blocked by March 2026. Despite these reductions, many children continue to retain accounts, create new ones, or pass age assurance checks.

Regulators identified several compliance concerns, including platforms that allow repeated attempts at age verification and encourage some users to update their ages. Reporting systems for underage accounts were often difficult to access, particularly for parents.

Investigations into five major platforms are ongoing to determine whether they have taken reasonable steps to meet their legal obligations. Authorities are assessing systems and processes rather than individual accounts, with enforcement decisions expected by mid-2026.

A new legislative rule introduced in March 2026 targets platform features linked to potential harm, such as recommender systems and continuous content feeds. Regulators will continue working with industry while gathering evidence and maintaining transparency during the enforcement process.

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EU boosts fact-checking with €5 million disinformation resilience plan

The European Commission has committed €5 million to strengthen independent fact-checking networks, reinforcing efforts to counter disinformation across Europe. The initiative seeks to expand verification capacity in all EU languages while improving coordination among key stakeholders.

The programme introduces a comprehensive support system for fact-checkers, covering legal assistance, cybersecurity protection and psychological support.

It also establishes a centralised European repository of verified information, designed to enhance transparency and improve access to reliable content across the EU.

Led by the European Fact-Checking Standards Network, the project builds on existing frameworks such as the European Digital Media Observatory. The initiative forms part of the EU’s broader strategy to strengthen information integrity and safeguard democratic processes.

By reinforcing independent verification ecosystems, the programme reflects a policy-driven effort to address disinformation threats while supporting a more resilient and trustworthy digital environment across Europe.

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World Data Organisation launches in Beijing to advance global data governance

The World Data Organisation was formally established in Beijing on 30 March 2026, as the first professional international body focused on global data development and governance. The organisation aims to operate as a non-governmental, non-profit platform for dialogue, rule-making, and international collaboration.

The WDO has three stated goals: bridging the data divide, unlocking data’s value, and powering the digital economy. These priorities are intended to reduce disparities in digital capacity between developed and developing countries.

Global data use has become central to addressing challenges such as poverty reduction, public health, climate change, and AI development. Disparities persist, with digitally deliverable services accounting for over 60% of service exports in advanced economies but only 15% in least developed countries.

China’s digital infrastructure has advanced rapidly, with 4.8 million 5G base stations built by the end of 2025, and computing power ranked second globally. Officials said platforms like the WDO and UN will help shape international data governance, promote cooperation, and support secure cross-border data flows.

The WDO seeks to safeguard countries’ rights to develop data while respecting privacy, security, and enterprise interests. By 2030, it is expected to become a globally influential platform and a trusted hub in international data governance.

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FTC accuses OkCupid of sharing user data contrary to privacy promises

The US Federal Trade Commission has taken action against OkCupid and Match Group Americas over allegations that the dating app shared users’ personal information, including photos and location data, with an unrelated third party despite privacy promises saying such sharing would not occur without notice or an opportunity to opt out.

According to the FTC’s complaint, OkCupid gave the third party access to personal data from millions of users even though the recipient was not a service provider, business partner, or affiliate within the company’s corporate family. The agency says consumers were not informed and were not given a chance to opt out.

The complaint says the third party sought large OkCupid datasets because OkCupid’s founders were financial investors in that company, despite there being no business relationship with the app. The FTC alleges that OkCupid provided access to nearly 3 million user photos, along with location and other information, without formal or contractual limits on how the data could be used.

Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said: ‘The FTC enforces the privacy promises that companies make. We will investigate, and where appropriate, take action against companies that promise to safeguard your data but fail to follow through—even if that means we have to enforce our Civil Investigative Demands in court.’

The FTC also alleges that, since September 2014, Match and OkCupid have taken extensive steps to conceal and deny that the apps shared users’ personal information with the data recipient, including conduct the agency says obstructed its investigation. One example cited in the complaint is that, after a news report revealed the third party had obtained large OkCupid datasets, the company told the media and users that it was not involved with that third party.

Under the proposed settlement, OkCupid and Match would be permanently prohibited from misrepresenting how they collect, maintain, use, disclose, delete, or protect personal information, including photos, demographic data, and geolocation data. Restrictions would also cover how they describe the purposes of data collection and disclosure, as well as how they present privacy controls and consumer choices under state privacy laws.

The Commission vote authorising staff to file the complaint and stipulating the final order was 2-0. The FTC filed both in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The agency notes that a complaint reflects its view that it has ‘reason to believe’ the law has been or is about to be violated, while stipulated final orders carry the force of law only if approved and signed by the district court judge.

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