Digital standards Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

ENISA opens public review of draft EUDI Wallet cybersecurity scheme

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity has published a draft candidate scheme for the European Digital Identity Wallet and the electronic identity schemes under which it is provided. ENISA describes it as a draft version of the European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for European Digital Identity Wallets.

ENISA states the draft addresses the certification of the cybersecurity of cloud services and is being developed under Article 48(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/881, the Cybersecurity Act.

As per ENISA, an ad hoc working group has been set up to prepare the candidate scheme. The agency says the public review is intended to validate the principles and general organisation of the proposed scheme and to gather feedback on the draft and its annexes.

ENISA also says the draft candidate scheme is accompanied by an early draft of a separate document, Wallet-Related Service Provider Security Requirements, version 0.5.614, which is provided as a reference and for early opinion on the approach used to define those requirements.

The public review will remain open until the end of April 2026. ENISA has also said it will organise a webinar on 8 April to provide information about the draft candidate scheme and answer questions.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Transparency push for online advertising systems

Researchers from the University of California and Iowa have warned that structural weaknesses in the digital advertising ecosystem continue to expose advertisers to hidden risks and fraud. The study highlights how complexity and limited transparency enable manipulation across the supply chain.

A key issue identified is ‘dark pooling’, in which lower-quality advertising inventory is bundled with premium placements, obscuring their true value. This practice can mislead buyers and distort pricing across the market.

The authors argue that current safeguards fail to address these vulnerabilities effectively, as responsibilities are fragmented among multiple stakeholders. This lack of coordination allows systemic issues to persist.

To address the problem, the researchers propose a shared vulnerability notification framework involving advertisers, publishers and intermediaries. The study suggests such collaboration could strengthen accountability and improve trust in digital advertising markets in the US.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Student AI rights framework unveiled

A newly released ‘Student AI Bill of Rights’ in the US outlines a proposed framework to protect learners as AI tools become increasingly widespread in education. The initiative aims to establish clear standards for fairness, transparency and accountability.

The document highlights the need for students to be informed when AI systems are used in teaching, assessment or administration. It also stresses that students should retain control over their personal data and academic work.

Another central principle is accountability, with students given the right to question and appeal decisions made or influenced by AI systems. The framework also calls for safeguards to prevent bias and ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

While not legally binding, the proposal is designed to guide higher education institutions in developing responsible AI policies. It reflects growing efforts to define ethical standards for AI use in education in the US.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

UK Research and Innovation review calls for reform at The Alan Turing Institute

An independent review by UK Research and Innovation has assessed the performance of The Alan Turing Institute. The evaluation examined whether the institute meets expectations as a national centre for AI and data science.

Findings recognise scientific excellence, strong partnerships and valuable contributions within the UK research system. However, the review identifies the need for a clearer strategic purpose and stronger delivery.

The panel concludes that alignment with national priorities and value for money is not yet satisfactory. Recommendations include improved governance, clearer prioritisation and renewed external scientific scrutiny.

Additional proposals call for stronger stakeholder engagement and a defined mission focused on resilience, security and defence. A framework for value for money is also expected to be agreed with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

UK Research and Innovation will work with the institute’s leadership and partners to implement the changes. A development plan is expected by September 2026, with further assessment to follow.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

ENISA conference in Cyprus to focus on EU cybersecurity certification

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) is holding the 2026 European Cybersecurity Certificatio n Conference in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, with support from the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Commission.

The agency says the conference will address the evolution of the EU cybersecurity certification, updates on certification schemes for the European Digital Identity Wallet and managed security services, exchange across the European cybersecurity ecosystem, and interplays with the Cyber Resilience Act, the Cyber Solidarity Act, and NIS 2.

The programme includes keynote contributions from Despoina Spanou, Deputy Director-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology at the European Commission, Juhan Lepassaar, Executive Director of ENISA, and Kyriakos Iordanou, General Manager at the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus.

It also includes a presentation by Steffen Zimmermann, Head of Industrial Security at VDMA, followed by an EU cybersecurity certification award ceremony involving Chloe Blondeau, Seconded National Expert at ENISA.

Sessions on ‘CSA2’, the European Digital Identity Wallet, conformity assessment bodies, national accreditation bodies, certification bottlenecks, and managed security services are also included in the agenda.

Speakers listed in the programme include Maika Fohrenbach, Head of Sector for product security and certification policy at DG CONNECT, Apostolos Malatras, Head of the Cybersecurity Certification Unit at ENISA, Xenia Kyriakidou, Head of the National Cybersecurity Certification Authority of Cyprus, Evgenia Nikolouzou, Cybersecurity Expert at ENISA, and Nikolaos Soumelidis, IT/Cyber Security Certifications Director at Q-CERT.

Franz Weprazjetzky of the European Commission, Vicente Gonzalez Pedros, Cybersecurity Expert at ENISA, and Philippe Blot, Deputy Head of Unit and Head of Sector in the Cybersecurity Certification Unit at ENISA, are also listed in the programme.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

ENISA launches consultation on EU digital wallet certification

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has launched a public consultation on a draft candidate certification scheme for the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallets.

The draft was developed with a dedicated ad hoc working group, and the consultation aims to gather feedback on its structure, core elements, and annexes. Responses are open until 30 April 2026.

The initiative follows the adoption of a regulation establishing the European Digital Identity Framework. The European Commission has mandated ENISA to support the certification of EUDI Wallets, including the development of a European cybersecurity certification scheme under the Cybersecurity Act.

The objective is to define cybersecurity requirements for digital identity solutions and support their consistent implementation across the EU.

In February 2026, ENISA signed a €1.6 million contribution agreement with the European Commission for two years to support the development and rollout of national certification schemes.

Funded under the Digital Europe Work Programme 2025–2027, the agreement supports capacity development, skills development, and alignment with a future European certification framework. Member states are expected to provide at least one certified EUDI Wallet by the end of 2026.

Digital identity wallets are intended to enable secure identification and the protection of personal data in both digital and physical environments.

The proposed certification scheme aims to verify compliance with cybersecurity requirements, addressing the limited use of formal certification in current wallet implementations.

The initiative carries significant regulatory weight as it translates the European Digital Identity Framework into enforceable cybersecurity standards. It ensures harmonised compliance across member states while strengthening trust, interoperability, and legal certainty within the EU’s digital identity ecosystem.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU delegation in China calls for sustainable e-commerce and safety standards

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) completed a visit to Beijing and Shanghai to address pressing e-commerce challenges affecting the European single market.

The delegation studied local business models and market supervision frameworks, engaging with Chinese regulators, e-commerce platforms, and the EU company representatives.

The discussions highlighted the surge of parcels from China, which now account for 91% of small shipments to Europe, and the resulting pressures on fair competition.

MEPs stressed that regulatory compliance must be consistent across all operators, ensuring consumer protection is not compromised by disparities in market practices or enforcement gaps.

The delegation urged representatives of e-commerce platforms to implement preventive measures, reinforcing accountability in areas such as product safety, customs compliance, and the removal of unsafe goods from the market.

MEPs underscored that these standards are essential to maintaining a sustainable and secure e-commerce environment for European citizens.

The visit, the first in eight years, demonstrated the EU’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring digital commerce evolves in a manner that is fair, transparent, and safe for all citizens.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Global cyber stability conference set for May 2026 in Geneva

The Cyber Stability Conference 2026 will take place on 4–5 May at the Centre International de Conférences Genève in Geneva, bringing together global stakeholders to discuss the future of ICT security and cyber governance.

Organised by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, the event will run in a hybrid format during Geneva Cyber Week.

The conference comes amid growing international efforts to strengthen frameworks for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and improve coordination on digital security challenges. It is positioned within a broader push to adapt governance systems to rapid technological change.

Discussions will focus on how cyber governance can respond to emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Emphasis will be placed on aligning regulatory and security approaches with technological development to reinforce international stability.

Participants from government, academia, industry, and civil society will review past lessons, assess current risks, and explore future pathways for global ICT security governance.

Cyber stability is becoming a core pillar of global security as digital infrastructure underpins economies, governance systems, and critical services. Stronger coordination on cyber governance is essential to reducing systemic risks and ensuring technological progress does not outpace security frameworks.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

MIT develops AI framework to test ethics in autonomous systems

Researchers at MIT have introduced a new framework designed to evaluate the ethical impact of autonomous systems used in high-stakes environments. The approach aims to identify cases where AI-driven decisions may be technically efficient but fail to meet fairness expectations.

Growing reliance on AI in areas such as energy distribution and traffic management has raised concerns about unintended bias. Cost-optimised systems can still disadvantage communities, especially when ethical factors are hard to measure.

The framework, known as SEED-SET, separates objective performance metrics from subjective human values. A large language model is used to simulate stakeholder preferences, enabling the system to compare scenarios and detect where outcomes diverge from ethical expectations.

Testing shows the method generates more relevant scenarios while reducing manual analysis. Findings highlight its potential to improve transparency and support more balanced decision-making before AI systems are deployed.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

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.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!