Jurisdiction Archives | Page 2 of 137 | Digital Watch Observatory

Deepfakes scandal puts Elon Musk and X under scrutiny in France

French prosecutors have escalated concerns about deepfakes linked to Elon Musk’s platform X, alerting US authorities to suspicions that manipulated content may have been used to influence the company’s valuation.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the controversy surrounding sexually explicit deepfakes generated by Grok, X’s AI tool, may have been deliberately amplified to artificially boost the value of X and its associated AI entity ahead of a planned stock market listing in June 2026.

Authorities in France confirmed they had contacted the US Department of Justice and legal representatives at the Securities and Exchange Commission to share findings related to the deepfakes investigation and potential financial implications.

The case builds on an ongoing French probe into X, which initially focused on alleged algorithmic interference in domestic politics. Investigations have since expanded to include the spread of Holocaust denial content and the dissemination of sexualised deepfakes through Grok.

French regulators have taken additional steps, including summoning Musk for a voluntary interview and conducting searches at X’s local offices, actions he has described as politically motivated. Parallel investigations have also been launched in the UK and across the European Union into the use of AI tools to generate harmful deepfakes involving women and minors.

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

Europe boosts AI, talent and investment to compete with US and China

Efforts to strengthen technological competitiveness in Europe focus on advancing AI capabilities, developing new forms of talent and improving access to investment.

Discussions at the CTx Tech Experience in Seville highlighted a growing consensus that innovation must scale more effectively if the region is to compete globally.

Participants emphasised that Europe continues to face structural challenges, including fragmented markets, regulatory complexity and limited capital for high-growth companies.

These constraints have made it more difficult for startups to expand, prompting calls for stronger coordination between public institutions and private investors.

AI is increasingly viewed as the foundation of the transformation. Industry leaders pointed to the emergence of new business opportunities driven by AI, alongside the need to translate innovation into scalable commercial outcomes.

At the same time, labour market dynamics are shifting towards hybrid skillsets that combine technical expertise with business understanding and critical thinking.

In such a context, strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity is seen as essential to competing with global powers such as the US and China.

As technological competition intensifies, the ability to align talent, capital and policy frameworks will play a decisive role in shaping the region’s position within the global digital economy.

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

EU lawmakers call for faster enforcement of digital competition rules

Members of the European Parliament are calling for more rapid progress in implementing the bloc’s digital competition framework, with particular focus on the Digital Markets Act.

In a recent resolution, lawmakers urged the European Commission to ensure timely and effective enforcement of the rules designed to regulate large online platforms. The legislation aims to address concerns around market dominance and promote fair competition across the digital economy.

The discussions reflect ongoing concerns that delays in enforcement could undermine the framework’s effectiveness, particularly as major technology companies continue to expand their influence. Platforms such as Google, Apple and Meta are among those expected to comply with the new obligations.

At the same time, policymakers are balancing regulatory oversight with the need to maintain innovation and competitiveness. The debate forms part of a broader effort in the EU to strengthen digital governance and reinforce the region’s position in global technology markets.

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

EU faces pressure to strengthen digital safeguards ahead of elections

Emmanuel Macron has called for stronger enforcement of the EU digital rules, urging Ursula von der Leyen to act against risks linked to foreign interference in elections. The request comes amid growing concern over attempts to influence democratic processes across Europe.

In a letter addressed to the Commission, Macron stressed the importance of safeguarding electoral integrity in a challenging geopolitical environment.

He wrote:

‘In a geopolitical context marked by a multiplication of hostile stances against the European model and its democratic values, it is crucial that the Union… ensure the integrity of civic discourse and electoral processes’.

The proposal focuses on stricter enforcement instead of new legislation, particularly regarding the Digital Services Act. European authorities are encouraged to ensure that online platforms properly assess and mitigate systemic risks, including the spread of manipulated content and coordinated disinformation.

Attention is also directed toward algorithmic amplification, AI-generated content labelling and the removal of fake accounts.

As multiple elections approach across the EU, policymakers are considering how to apply existing regulatory tools more effectively to protect democratic systems.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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