Jurisdiction Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

EU digital wallet nears rollout

Interoperability tests for the European Digital Identity Wallet have marked a significant step towards deployment, following a major industry-wide exercise. Systems were tested under real conditions to ensure compatibility across providers.

The initiative forms part of the EU’s plan to provide citizens with a secure digital wallet for identification and online services. The system will allow users to store identity data and access services, including electronic signatures.

Results showed that most test scenarios were successfully completed, confirming that independent systems can work together effectively. The exercise also highlighted areas requiring further refinement ahead of wider implementation.

EU officials and industry leaders said the progress supports the development of a unified digital ecosystem. The wallet is expected to simplify everyday services while strengthening security and trust in digital identity solutions.

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UNESCO promotes safe AI use and gender equality in Caribbean workshop

A regional workshop in Kingston has been organised by UNESCO to explore the relationship between AI, gender equality and online safety, reflecting wider efforts to support inclusive digital governance across the Caribbean.

Discussions examined the impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including harassment, impersonation and image-based abuse, which continue to affect women and girls disproportionately.

Generative AI was presented as both an opportunity and a risk, with concerns linked to bias, deepfakes, misinformation and non-consensual content.

More than 50 participants from government, civil society and youth organisations engaged in practical sessions aimed at strengthening awareness and digital skills. A participatory approach encouraged peer learning and critical thinking, aligning with UNESCO’s ethical AI principles.

‘Technology reflects the hands that build it and the society that feeds it data. If we are not careful, AI will not just mirror our existing inequalities; it will magnify them.‘

The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport of Jamaica.

‘The pursuit of equality must extend into every space where women live, work, and where they connect and express themselves – including the digital world,‘

For Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that digital transformation supports inclusion rather than reinforcing existing disparities, while equipping stakeholders with tools for safe and responsible AI use.

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TikTok disinformation study raises concerns over AI content and EU regulation

A new study by Science Feedback indicates that TikTok has a higher proportion of misleading content than other major platforms operating in the EU.

The analysis covered France, Poland, Slovakia and Spain, assessing content across multiple thematic areas including health, politics and climate.

Findings suggest that approximately one in four posts on TikTok contained misleading elements, placing the platform ahead of competitors such as Facebook, YouTube and X. Health-related narratives were the most prominent category, reflecting broader patterns observed across digital ecosystems.

Researchers describe disinformation as a persistent feature embedded within platform structures instead of an isolated occurrence.

The study also highlights a growing presence of AI-generated content, particularly in video formats, where synthetic material accounted for a significant share of misleading posts. Despite existing platform policies, most identified content lacked clear labelling.

The regulatory context remains under development.

While the Digital Services Act integrates voluntary commitments from the EU disinformation code, it does not impose mandatory requirements for identifying AI-generated material.

Ongoing debates therefore focus on transparency, accountability and the evolving responsibilities of digital platforms within the European information environment.

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EU scrutiny intensifies over Broadcom VMware licensing dispute

Broadcom is facing increased regulatory pressure in the EU following a formal antitrust complaint concerning changes to VMware licensing practices.

The complaint highlights growing tensions between large technology providers and European cloud infrastructure firms.

The filing, submitted by Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe, raises concerns that revised licensing models could significantly alter market dynamics.

European providers argue that the changes may limit flexibility, increase costs, and affect their ability to compete effectively in the cloud services sector.

At the centre of the dispute lies the broader issue of market concentration and control over critical digital infrastructure.

Industry stakeholders suggest that restrictive licensing conditions could reshape access to essential virtualisation technologies, which underpin a wide range of cloud and enterprise services across the EU.

Regulatory attention is expected to focus on whether such practices align with the EU competition rules, particularly regarding fair access and market neutrality.

The case emerges at a time when European policymakers are intensifying oversight of dominant technology firms and seeking to strengthen digital sovereignty across strategic sectors.

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UK drops AI copyright opt-out plan amid growing industry divide

The UK Government has abandoned its previous preference for an AI copyright opt-out model, signalling a shift in policy following strong opposition from creative industries.

Ministers now acknowledge that there is no clear consensus on how AI developers should access copyrighted material.

Concerns from writers, artists and rights holders focused on the use of their work in training AI systems without permission.

Liz Kendall confirmed that extensive consultation exposed significant disagreement, prompting the government to step back from its earlier position that would have allowed the use of copyrighted content unless creators opted out.

A joint report from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport states that further evidence is required before any legislative change.

Policymakers in the UK will assess how copyright frameworks influence AI development, while also examining international regulation, licensing models and ongoing legal disputes.

Government strategy now centres on balancing innovation with fair compensation.

Officials emphasise that creators must retain control over how their work is used, while AI developers require access to high-quality data to remain competitive. Potential measures include labelling AI-generated content to reduce risks linked to disinformation and deepfakes.

No timeline has been set for reform, reflecting the complexity of aligning economic growth with intellectual property protection.

The debate unfolds alongside broader ambitions outlined by Rachel Reeves, who has identified AI as a central driver of future economic expansion, with the UK aiming to lead adoption across the G7.

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EU advances AI simplification effort ahead of further negotiations

A committee within the European Parliament has approved a proposal to simplify aspects of AI regulation, marking a step forward in efforts to refine the implementation of the AI Act.

An initiative that seeks to adjust certain requirements to support clearer compliance, particularly for industry stakeholders.

The proposal focuses on technical and procedural elements linked to how AI rules are applied in practice.

Lawmakers aim to ensure that regulatory obligations remain proportionate while maintaining existing safeguards. Part of the discussion includes how specific categories of AI systems should be addressed within the broader framework.

Some elements of the proposal may require further discussion in upcoming negotiations with the Council of the European Union. Areas under consideration include the treatment of sensitive AI applications and the balance between regulatory clarity and enforcement effectiveness.

The development reflects ongoing efforts within the EU to refine its approach to AI governance. As discussions continue, policymakers are expected to assess how adjustments can support innovation while maintaining consistency with existing legal principles.

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Meta to end Instagram private message encryption after May 8

The US tech giant, Meta, has announced that end-to-end encryption for private messages on Instagram will no longer be supported after 8 May.

Previously, such a technology ensured that only intended recipients could read messages, preventing even Meta from accessing their contents.

The decision follows concerns from law enforcement and child protection organisations, which argued that encrypted messages can make it harder to identify harmful content involving children.

Meta has stated that the update allows the platform to monitor messages while maintaining standard privacy safeguards.

End-to-end encryption had been the default for several messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and other Meta services.

The company first signalled its intent to expand encryption across Instagram and Messenger in 2019, implementing it in 2023. The plan was met with objections from organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation and the Virtual Global Taskforce.

These groups highlighted potential risks in preventing the timely detection of harmful content, particularly child sexual abuse material.

Meta’s shift reflects a compromise between privacy, platform security, and online child safety. The company has not provided further details on changes to encryption policies beyond Instagram’s private messaging service.

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Google responds to UK digital market rules and CMA proposals

Debate over proposed UK digital market rules is intensifying, with Google outlining its position and emphasising the need to balance competition with user experience and platform integrity. The company said it supports the objectives of the Competition and Markets Authority but warned that some proposals could introduce risks for users.

G o ogle argued that maintaining fair and relevant search results remains a priority, stating that its ranking systems are designed to prioritise quality rather than favour its own services. It cautioned that certain third-party proposals could expose its systems to manipulation, potentially weakening protections against spam and reducing the pace of product improvements.

The company also addressed user choice on Android devices, noting that existing options already allow users to select preferred services. It suggested that adding frequent mandatory choice screens could disrupt user experience, proposing instead a permanent settings-based option to change defaults without repeated prompts.

Regarding publisher relations, Google highlighted efforts to increase control over how content is used, particularly with generative AI features such as AI Overviews. It said new tools are being developed to allow publishers to opt out of specific AI functionalities while maintaining visibility in search results.

Google said it would continue engaging with UK regulators to shape rules that support users, publishers, and businesses, while ensuring that innovation and service quality are not compromised.

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EU child safety rules lapse amid ongoing debate over privacy and enforcement

The European Union has been unable to reach an agreement on extending temporary rules that allow online platforms to detect child sexual abuse material, leaving the current framework set to expire in April.

Discussions between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union concluded without reaching a consensus on how to proceed with such measures.

The existing rules permit technology companies to voluntarily scan their services for harmful content, supporting efforts to identify and remove illegal material.

The European Commission had proposed a temporary extension while negotiations continue on a permanent framework under the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation, but differing views on scope and safeguards prevented agreement.

Stakeholders across sectors have highlighted the importance of maintaining effective tools to address online harms, while also emphasising the need to respect fundamental rights.

Previous periods of legal uncertainty have shown that detection capabilities may be affected when such frameworks are absent, although assessments of effectiveness remain subject to ongoing debate.

At the same time, concerns have been raised regarding the broader implications of monitoring digital communications. Some perspectives stress that any approach should carefully consider privacy protections, particularly in relation to secure and encrypted services.

Attention now turns to ongoing negotiations on a long-term regulatory solution.

The outcome will shape how the EU approaches the challenge of addressing harmful online content while safeguarding rights and ensuring proportional and transparent enforcement.

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South Korea seeks support for global AI hub

South Korea is seeking international support for a proposed global AI hub to advance cooperation on technology and governance. The initiative was discussed during talks with Switzerland’s leadership.

Officials in Switzerland met with South Korea’s prime minister to strengthen bilateral ties and support the project. The programme is intended to promote collaboration on AI rules, education and innovation.

The government of South Korea has also engaged several UN agencies to support the initiative. Agreements outline cooperation to help establish the hub and expand global dialogue on AI development.

Leaders in South Korea say the country aims to contribute its strong information technology capabilities to the project. The initiative reflects broader efforts to position the nation as a key player in global AI policy and innovation.

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