Jurisdiction

Meta expands global push against online scam networks

The US tech giant, Meta, outlined an expanded strategy to limit online fraud by combining technical defences with stronger collaboration across industry and law enforcement.

The company described scams as a threat to user safety and as a direct risk to the credibility of its advertising ecosystem, which remains central to its business model.

Executives emphasised that large criminal networks continue to evolve and that a faster, coordinated response is essential instead of fragmented efforts.

Meta presented recent progress, noting that more than 134 million scam advertisements were removed in 2025 and that reports about misleading advertising fell significantly in the last fifteen months.

It also provided details about disrupted criminal networks that operated across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Facial recognition tools played a crucial role in detecting scam content that utilised images of public figures, resulting in an increased volume of removals during testing, rather than allowing wider circulation.

Cooperation with law enforcement remains central to Meta’s approach. The company supported investigations that targeted criminal centres in Myanmar and illegal online gambling operations connected to transfers through anonymous accounts.

Information shared with financial institutions and partners in the Global Signal Exchange contributed to the removal of thousands of accounts. At the same time, legal action continued against those who used impersonation or bulk messaging to deceive users.

Meta stated that it backs bipartisan legislation designed to support a national response to online fraud. The company argued that new laws are necessary to weaken transnational groups behind large-scale scam operations and to protect users more effectively.

A broader aim is to strengthen trust across Meta’s services, rather than allowing criminal activity to undermine user confidence and advertiser investment.

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UK ministers advance energy plans for AI expansion

The final AI Energy Council meeting of 2025 took place in London, led by AI Minister Kanishka Narayan alongside energy ministers Lord Vallance and Michael Shanks.

Regulators and industry representatives reviewed how the UK can expedite grid connections and support the necessary infrastructure for expanding AI activity nationwide.

Council members examined progress on government measures intended to accelerate connections for AI data centres. Plans include support for AI Growth Zones, with discounted electricity available for sites able to draw on excess capacity, which is expected to reduce pressure in the broader network.

Ministers underlined AI’s role in national economic ambitions, noting recent announcements of new AI Growth Zones in North East England and in North and South Wales.

They also discussed how forthcoming reforms are expected to help deliver AI-related infrastructure by easing access to grid capacity.

The meeting concluded with a focus on long-term energy needs for AI development. Participants explored ways to unlock additional capacity and considered innovative options for power generation, including self-build solutions.

The council will reconvene in early 2026 to continue work on sustainable approaches for future AI infrastructure.

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Irish regulator probes an investigation into TikTok and LinkedIn

Regulators in Ireland have opened investigations into TikTok and LinkedIn under the EU Digital Services Act.

Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Team believes there may be shortcomings in how both platforms handle reports of suspected illegal material. Concerns emerged during an exhaustive review of Article 16 compliance that began last year and focused on the availability of reporting tools.

The review highlighted the potential for interface designs that could confuse users, particularly when choosing between reporting illegal content and content that merely violates platform rules.

An investigation that will examine whether reporting tools are easy to access, user-friendly and capable of supporting anonymous reporting of suspected child sexual abuse material, as required under Article 16(2)(c).

It will also assess whether platform design may discourage users from reporting material as illegal under Article 25.

Coimisiún na Meán stated that several other providers made changes to their reporting systems following regulatory engagement. Those changes are being reviewed for effectiveness.

The regulator emphasised that platforms must avoid practices that could mislead users and must provide reliable reporting mechanisms instead of diverting people toward less protective options.

These investigations will proceed under the Broadcasting Act of Ireland. If either platform is found to be in breach of the DSA, the regulator can impose administrative penalties that may reach six percent of global turnover.

Coimisiún na Meán noted that cooperation remains essential and that further action may be necessary if additional concerns about DSA compliance arise.

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eSafety highlights risks in connected vehicle technology

Australia’s eSafety regulator is drawing attention to concerns about how connected car features can be misused within domestic and family violence situations.

Reports from frontline workers indicate that remote access tools, trip records and location tracking can be exploited instead of serving their intended purpose as safety and convenience features.

The Australian regulator stresses that increased connectivity across vehicles and devices is creating new challenges for those supporting victim-survivors.

Smart cars often store detailed travel information and allow remote commands through apps and online accounts. These functions can be accessed by someone with shared credentials or linked accounts, which can expose sensitive information.

eSafety notes that misuse of connected vehicles forms part of a broader pattern of technology-facilitated coercive control, where multiple smart devices such as watches, tablets, cameras and televisions can play a role.

The regulator has produced updated guidance to help people understand potential risks and take practical steps with the support of specialist services.

Officials highlight the importance of stronger safeguards from industry, including simpler methods for revoking access, clearer account transfer processes during separation and more transparent logs showing when remote commands are used.

Retailers and dealerships are encouraged to ensure devices and accounts are reset when ownership changes. eSafety argues that design improvements introduced early can reduce the likelihood of harm, rather than requiring complex responses later.

Agencies and community services continue to assist those affected by domestic and family violence, offering advice on account security, safe device use and available support services.

The guidance aims to help people take protective measures in a controlled and safe way, while emphasising the importance of accessing professional assistance.

eSafety encourages ongoing cooperation between industry, government and frontline workers to manage risks linked to emerging automotive and digital technologies.

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EU moves forward with Bulgaria payment review

The European Commission has given partial approval to Bulgaria’s request for €1.6 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The assessment followed the country’s submission in early October and confirmed that most reforms and investments linked to the payment were completed.

Progress spanned the green and digital transition, research, innovation, healthcare, social protection, sustainable transport and business modernisation.

Officials confirmed that 48 of 50 milestones were met, supporting Bulgaria’s efforts to strengthen economic growth and improve long-term competitiveness, rather than delaying structural change.

Measures covered a prohibition on new coal or lignite power installations, limits on emissions from existing plants, investment in renewable energy and steps to make healthcare careers more appealing.

The Commission noted that these areas formed core elements of Bulgaria’s recovery plan.

Two milestones were considered incomplete. The first relates to the establishment of an operational anti-corruption body; the second concerns aspects of legal acts linked to criminal proceedings and the accountability of the Prosecutor General.

Additionally, the Commission proposed a temporary deferral for the portion of funding connected to those elements, allowing Bulgaria to receive money for milestones already achieved instead of holding back the entire request.

The next stage involves a review by the Economic and Financial Committee within four weeks. Bulgaria will also have one month to respond to the Commission’s concerns. If issues remain unresolved, part of the payment will be withheld until the outstanding milestones are met.

Once corrective actions are completed, the remaining funds will be released in line with the standard procedure for the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

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Singapore and the EU advance their digital partnership

The European Union met Singapore in Brussels for the second Digital Partnership Council, reinforcing a joint ambition to strengthen cooperation across a broad set of digital priorities.

Both sides expressed a shared interest in improving competitiveness, expanding innovation and shaping common approaches to digital rules instead of relying on fragmented national frameworks.

Discussions covered AI, cybersecurity, online safety, data flows, digital identities, semiconductors and quantum technologies.

Officials highlighted the importance of administrative arrangements in AI safety. They explored potential future cooperation on language models, including the EU’s work on the Alliance for Language Technologies and Singapore’s Sea-Lion initiative.

Efforts to protect consumers and support minors online were highlighted, alongside the potential role of age verification tools.

Further exchanges focused on trust services and the interoperability of digital identity systems, as well as collaborative research on semiconductors and quantum technologies.

Both sides emphasised the importance of robust cyber resilience and ongoing evaluation of cybersecurity risks, rather than relying on reactive measures. The recently signed Digital Trade Agreement was welcomed for improving legal certainty, building consumer trust and reducing barriers to digital commerce.

The meeting between the EU and Singapore confirmed the importance of the partnership in supporting economic security, strengthening research capacity and increasing resilience in critical technologies.

It also reflected the wider priorities outlined in the European Commission’s International Digital Strategy, which placed particular emphasis on cooperation with Asian partners across emerging technologies and digital governance.

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EU members raise concerns over the Digital Networks Act

Six EU member states urged the Union to reconsider the direction of the Digital Networks Act by asking for greater room for national decision-making.

Their joint position emphasised the wish to retain authority over frequency management and questioned proposals that could expand telecom rules into the digital services sector.

An intervention that followed previous debates at the ministerial level, where governments signalled reluctance to introduce new interconnection measures and stressed the need to consider the specific roles of different actors across the value chain instead of applying a single regulatory model to all.

Consumer groups and business organisations voiced further doubts as plans for network fees resurfaced in recent discussions. They argued that earlier consultations had already shown major risks for competition, innovation, and net neutrality, making renewed consideration unnecessary.

The US–EU trade agreement added another layer by including a clause that commits the EU to avoid such fees, leaving open how the Commission will balance domestic expectations with international obligations.

The Digital Networks Act faced an additional setback when the EU’s Regulatory Scrutiny Board delivered a negative opinion about its preparedness. That view disrupted earlier hopes of releasing a draft before the end of the year.

Even so, the Commission is expected to present an updated proposal in January 2026, setting the stage for one of the most difficult legislative debates of the coming year.

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Concerns grow over WhatsApp rules as Italy probes Meta AI practices

Italy’s competition authority has launched an investigation into Meta over potential dominance in AI chatbots. Regulators are reviewing the new WhatsApp Business terms and upcoming Meta AI features. They say the changes could restrict rivals’ access to the platform.

Officials in Italy warn that the revised conditions may limit innovation and reduce consumer choice in emerging AI services. The concerns fall under Article 102 TFEU. The authority states that early action may be necessary to prevent distortions.

The case expands an existing Italian investigation into Meta and its regional subsidiaries. Regulators say technical integration of Meta AI could strengthen exclusionary effects. They argue that WhatsApp’s scale gives Meta significant structural advantages.

Low switching rates among users may entrench Meta’s market position further in Italy and beyond. Officials say rival chatbot providers would struggle to compete if access is constrained. They warn that competition could be permanently harmed.

Meta has announced significant new AI investments in the United States. Italian regulators say this reflects the sector’s growing influence. They argue that strong oversight is needed to ensure fair access to key platforms.

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New digital strategy positions Uzbekistan as emerging AI hub

Uzbekistan has outlined an extensive plan to accelerate digital development by introducing new measures at major AI forums in Tashkent.

The leadership detailed a national effort to strengthen the domestic AI ecosystem, supported by a supercomputer cluster built with Nvidia and a National Transfer Office established in Silicon Valley.

AI-focused curricula will be introduced across regional Future Centres to broaden access to advanced training.

A strong emphasis has been placed on nurturing young talent. An annual interschool competition will identify promising AI startup ideas. At the same time, a presidential contest will select one hundred young participants each year for internships in leading technology companies in the US, the UAE and Europe.

November will be marked as ‘AI month for youth’, and the Silk Road AI Forum will become a recurring event.

A central part of the strategy is the ‘five million AI leaders’ project, which aims to train millions of students, along with teachers and public servants, by 2030. The programme will integrate AI education across schools, vocational institutions and universities instead of limiting it to specialist groups.

The government highlighted the country’s growing appeal for technology investment. Nearly two billion dollars have already been secured for AI and digital projects, IT service exports have risen sharply, and startup activity has expanded significantly.

Work has begun on a central green data centre, developed in collaboration with a Saudi partner, as Uzbekistan seeks to strengthen its position in regional digital innovation.

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EU moves forward on new online child protection rules

EU member states reached a common position on a regulation intended to reduce online child sexual abuse.

The proposal introduces obligations for digital service providers to prevent the spread of harmful content and to respond when national authorities require the removal, blocking or delisting of material.

A framework that requires providers to assess how their services could be misused and to adopt measures that lower the risk.

Authorities will classify services into three categories based on objective criteria, allowing targeted obligations for higher-risk environments. Victims will be able to request assistance when seeking the removal or disabling of material that concerns them.

The regulation establishes an EU Centre on Child Sexual Abuse, which will support national authorities, process reports from companies and maintain a database of indicators. The Centre will also work with Europol to ensure that relevant information reaches law enforcement bodies in member states.

The Council position makes permanent the voluntary activities already carried out by companies, including scanning and reporting, which were previously supported by a temporary exemption.

Formal negotiations with the European Parliament can now begin with the aim of adopting the final regulation.

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