Telecommunications infrastructure Archives

Civil society groups warn EU Digital Networks Act could weaken net neutrality

A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns about the European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act, warning that it could weaken existing net neutrality protections. The signatories argue that the legislation could weaken net neutrality protections and alter the existing framework governing the open internet.

According to the coalition, the proposal would incorporate the Open Internet Regulation into the broader Digital Networks Act while removing many of its explanatory provisions. The groups argue that this could reduce legal certainty and make net neutrality protections more vulnerable to reinterpretation.

The signatories also oppose proposed provisions on IP interconnection, arguing that there is insufficient evidence of market failure to justify regulatory intervention. They warn that proposed cooperation and conciliation mechanisms could formalise commercial negotiations between network operators and content providers, potentially paving the way for network fees.

The coalition is urging EU lawmakers to remove Articles 191 to 193 from the proposal and keep the Open Internet Regulation as a separate legal instrument. The coalition argues that doing so would help preserve consumer protections, competition and the principle of an open internet across the EU.

Why does it matter?

Net neutrality has been a cornerstone of EU internet policy, requiring internet service providers to treat online traffic equally rather than favouring or disadvantaging particular services, platforms or content. Supporters argue that these rules help protect competition, innovation and consumer choice online.

The debate over the Digital Networks Act highlights broader tensions between telecom operators, digital platforms and civil society groups over the future governance of internet infrastructure. Proposed changes to interconnection rules and the legal framework for net neutrality could have implications for how internet services are delivered, regulated and financed across Europe.

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China sets AI integration targets for communications networks

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has released a three-year plan to accelerate the integration of AI with the country’s information and communications sector.

The implementation guideline, covering 2026 to 2028, sets targets for more autonomous networks, wider low-latency access to computing power and expanded AI applications. By 2028, China aims for information and communications networks to reach an initial stage of high-level autonomous intelligence.

The plan also calls for more than 30 high-value use cases, specialised intelligent agents and at least 75% coverage of one-millisecond-latency access to computing power in metropolitan areas.

MIIT identified several research priorities, including AI-driven network architectures, collaboration between large and small AI models, multi-agent systems and intelligent agent communications. It also calls for faster construction of major computing power channels and improved network resource scheduling.

Looking beyond the three years, China aims to make significant breakthroughs in core technologies for integrating AI with information and communications networks by 2030. The ministry said the longer-term goal is to strengthen integrated sensing, communications, computing and intelligence capabilities, while building a broader collaborative innovation and industrial ecosystem.

Why does it matter?

The plan shows China treating AI as part of the core architecture of future communications networks, not only as an application layer. The targets link AI, telecommunications, computing power and sensing infrastructure, which could shape how autonomous networks, industrial AI, smart cities and future digital services are deployed. It also reflects China’s broader push to align AI development with national digital infrastructure and industrial upgrading.

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EU tests cyber crisis response for rail and maritime networks

The European Commission has carried out Cyber Europe 2026, a large-scale cybersecurity exercise testing how Europe would respond to attacks on rail and maritime transport networks.

Organised by the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, the exercise took place on 10 and 11 June and involved around 5,000 experts from across the EU, industry and partner countries. Participants included cybersecurity specialists from the public and private sectors, policymakers, the EU institutions and representatives from the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine.

The scenario simulated cyberattacks on Europe’s rail and maritime networks, causing severe operational disruption and escalating into a wider cybersecurity crisis. The exercise was designed to test coordination between authorities, industry and institutions during a major cross-border incident affecting critical transport infrastructure.

Cyber Europe 2026 was also the first EU-wide test of the 2025 EU Cyber Blueprint, which clarifies roles and responsibilities during a cyber crisis. The exercise also tested the Cybersecurity Reserve, created under the Cyber Solidarity Act to provide support during significant cybersecurity incidents.

The Commission said lessons from the exercise will help consolidate the Cyber Blueprint and embed cyber crisis management more firmly into the EU’s wider emergency preparedness and response frameworks.

Why does it matter?

Transport networks are critical infrastructure, and cyber incidents affecting ports, railways or logistics systems can disrupt trade, supply chains, military mobility and emergency response across borders. Cyber Europe 2026 is important because it tests not only technical response, but also EU-level coordination, crisis decision-making and support mechanisms under newer cyber resilience tools such as the Cyber Blueprint and Cybersecurity Reserve.

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European Commission welcomes the new G7 cybersecurity declaration

The European Commission has welcomed a new G7 Cybersecurity Working Group Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation in response to growing cyber threats.

Adopted under France’s G7 Presidency, the declaration calls for coordinated action to address cybersecurity challenges associated with quantum computing, AI, telecommunications infrastructure, and the protection of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

One of the declaration’s central priorities is accelerating the transition to post-quantum cryptography. As quantum computing capabilities continue to advance, governments and industry are being urged to accelerate preparations for new encryption standards capable of resisting future quantum attacks. The declaration describes migration to quantum-resistant encryption as an urgent cybersecurity priority that organisations should begin addressing now.

AI is another major focus of the declaration. The G7 declaration recognises that AI can both strengthen and threaten cybersecurity. Concerns include AI-enabled cyberattacks, model manipulation, data breaches, and software vulnerabilities.

The European Commission noted that it is preparing an action plan on AI and cybersecurity to help Member States and businesses address emerging risks while strengthening Europe’s cyber resilience.

The declaration also emphasises the importance of resilient telecommunications infrastructure and stronger protection for SMEs. Building on initiatives such as the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act, the EU said it will continue working with international partners to strengthen cybersecurity standards, protect critical infrastructure and support organisations facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Why does it matter?

The declaration reflects growing international recognition that cybersecurity challenges are increasingly transnational and require coordinated responses. Emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing are creating new opportunities for innovation, but also introducing new vulnerabilities that could affect governments, businesses and critical infrastructure.

The emphasis on post-quantum cryptography is particularly significant, as organisations worldwide face the long-term challenge of protecting sensitive data against future quantum-enabled attacks. The declaration also highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in building cyber resilience and securing digital ecosystems.

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China launches a major 6G pilot programme to accelerate future connectivity

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a ministry-provincial collaborative pilot programme to advance 6G innovation and development.

The initiative is designed to support future commercial deployment of next-generation communications technologies and strengthen the country’s 6G industrial ecosystem.

The programme focuses on advancing frontier 6G technologies and deepening the integration of communications networks with AI, satellite internet, and wireless sensing. It will also accelerate research and development of 6G base stations, core network equipment, terminals, chips, and operating systems.

Pilot regions will test practical applications tailored to local economic priorities. Planned use cases include immersive communications, industrial manufacturing, embodied intelligence, low-altitude economic activities, and smart maritime operations.

The initiative follows China’s recent approval of trial spectrum in the 6 GHz band for 6G technology testing in selected regions. That approval was granted to the IMT-2030 (6G) promotion group to support 6G technology trials and validation.

China currently operates the world’s largest 5G network and is seeking to build on that infrastructure base as global competition shifts towards 6G. Authorities say future 6G networks could deliver major improvements in speed, reliability, latency, and connectivity across terrestrial, aerial, maritime, and space-based networks.

Why does it matter?

The pilot programme shows how China is moving from 6G research towards coordinated industrial testing and local application scenarios. By linking 6G with AI, satellite internet, wireless sensing, chips, operating systems, embodied intelligence, and the low-altitude economy, China is treating next-generation connectivity as part of a wider industrial and strategic technology agenda.

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RCC meeting focuses on AI, roaming and regional connectivity

The Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications and the CIS Coordination Council for Informatization held a joint meeting in St Petersburg on 5 June, bringing together communications officials, international organisations and industry representatives.

The meeting was chaired by Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, in his role as Chair of the RCC Board of Heads of Communications Administrations and the CIS Coordination Council.

Participants discussed preparations for the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, the development of non-geostationary orbit communication systems, interstate roaming across RCC and CIS countries, IT parks, start-ups and regional cooperation in communications and information technologies.

AI was also among the key themes. Participants discussed the application of AI and the creation of a regional expert council on AI and digital technologies.

The meeting also addressed the establishment of a Regional Fund for the Development of the RCC Sovereign Digital Space and broader efforts to strengthen digitalisation and technological development across the region.

Representatives from ITU, the Universal Postal Union, the Eurasian Economic Commission, CIS bodies and other international organisations also took part. The next joint meeting is scheduled to September 2026 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Why does it matter?

The meeting shows how regional communications bodies are linking traditional telecom issues, such as roaming, satellite systems and IT parks, with newer digital policy priorities, including AI governance and sovereign digital infrastructure. The proposed regional expert council on AI and digital technologies is the strongest governance angle, while the RCC Sovereign Digital Space fund points to growing regional interest in digital autonomy and infrastructure coordination.

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China widens access to value-added telecom services for foreign companies

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has approved 166 foreign-invested enterprises to participate in pilot programmes for value-added telecommunications services since the first approvals were issued in February 2025, according to Xinhua.

The approved companies are authorised to provide services across China, including internet data centre operations, internet access services and information services. The move forms part of broader efforts to expand access to the country’s telecommunications market.

The ministry said the reforms align with international trade and investment rules while building on existing policy frameworks, including China’s commitments under the World Trade Organization and regulations governing free-trade zones. Under the pilot measures, foreign ownership restrictions have been lifted for selected categories of value-added telecommunications services.

More than 3,100 foreign-invested telecommunications enterprises are currently operating in China, and authorities said additional measures are planned to encourage further participation in the sector. Pilot reforms are currently being implemented in Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan and Shenzhen.

Why does it matter?

China’s telecommunications sector has historically maintained restrictions on foreign participation, particularly in value-added services. Expanding pilot programmes and easing ownership limits could increase opportunities for international companies seeking access to one of the world’s largest digital markets.

The reforms also signal China’s broader efforts to attract foreign investment and align aspects of its telecommunications framework with international trade commitments, while testing market-opening measures in selected regions before potential wider implementation.

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Brazil’s telecom regulator adopts AI governance framework

Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, has approved a new AI governance policy aimed at ensuring the ethical, secure, and transparent use of AI across its regulatory and administrative activities. The framework positions the agency among public institutions in Brazil, proactively addressing the challenges and opportunities of AI-driven transformation.

Developed by the agency’s IA.lab research group, the policy establishes principles including human oversight, transparency, data security and the protection of fundamental rights. It also creates a permanent forum to monitor AI use, assess risks, and support decision-making, ensuring AI complements rather than replaces human judgment in regulation.

A key objective of the policy is to strengthen technological sovereignty by encouraging the development and adoption of AI solutions built in Brazil and, where appropriate, trained on local data and optimised for Portuguese-language use cases.

The policy also lays the groundwork for a broader national AI strategy within the agency, designed to expand responsible innovation across telecommunications regulation and public service delivery.

Anatel said the governance model is intended to balance innovation and accountability, enabling the use of AI to improve efficiency while maintaining security, trust and regulatory integrity.

Why does it matter?

The policy places Anatel among a growing number of public-sector regulators establishing formal governance frameworks for AI. As regulatory agencies increasingly adopt AI tools, questions around transparency, accountability, human oversight and risk management are becoming central to public trust.

The framework also reflects broader efforts by governments to promote technological sovereignty by supporting domestic AI capabilities while ensuring that innovation aligns with legal, ethical and public-interest objectives.

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UK Ofcom sets out AI safety and innovation strategy

Ofcom has outlined its approach to enabling safe and secure AI adoption across the UK communications sectors it regulates and within its own work.

The regulator said its approach is technology-neutral and outcomes-based, aligning AI oversight with its wider mission of making communications work for everyone while supporting innovation and growth.

Ofcom’s report uses case studies to show how AI is already shaping regulatory work and the sectors it oversees. Planned and recent initiatives include building a pilot data lake to make spectrum licensing and online safety data more accessible, engaging with innovators to identify regulatory uncertainty, and assessing public trust in AI chatbots.

The regulator is also examining the impact of AI on telecoms customer experience, exploring AI deployment in broadcasting, assessing AI use in cybersecurity for telecommunications networks, and considering how AI could support network management and optimisation.

Alongside innovation support, Ofcom said it is monitoring AI-related risks and emerging harms. Its work includes guidance on technology-led mitigation against deepfakes, research into chatbot-related harms, and action to address risks posed by AI systems to users.

Ofcom said it coordinated with the AI Security Institute and the National Cyber Security Centre to brief stakeholders on the frontier AI cybersecurity implications following Anthropic’s preview of Claude Mythos, which caused concern. It also said it launched a formal investigation into X’s Grok chatbot.

The regulator is also piloting responsible AI use internally, including tools to support policy development, research, consultation processes, tracking of technical standards, and operational efficiency. Ofcom said it will take a safety-first approach and roll out internal AI tools only once it is confident they are safe and secure.

Why does it matter?

Ofcom’s approach shows how AI governance is becoming operational inside sector regulators, not only debated at the government level. The strategy links innovation support with risk monitoring across online safety, telecoms, broadcasting, cybersecurity, spectrum management, and consumer protection. It also shows regulators experimenting with AI in their own workflows while trying to maintain safety, accountability, and public trust.

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OECD examines national security limits in competition enforcement

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has published a policy paper examining how national security considerations are increasingly influencing competition enforcement across a growing range of sectors.

The report highlights the impact of geopolitical developments, technological change, and stronger attention to economic security, resilience, and technological capability. National security issues are increasingly intersecting with competition policy in areas such as energy, telecommunications, and advanced technologies.

The paper explores how competition authorities should address these concerns while maintaining their established legal and analytical responsibilities. It argues that security concerns should be assessed by competition authorities only where they can be expressed as competition-relevant effects under established competition law tools.

Concerns that fall outside the analytical remit of competition authorities should instead be assessed by governments or specialised bodies, according to the OECD.

The paper proposes an analytical framework to distinguish between national security concerns that can be examined through competition law and those that require separate institutional assessment.

Drawing on cross-jurisdictional experience, the OECD examines how national security considerations can arise in assessments of competitive constraints, merger control, coordinated conduct, unilateral conduct, and remedy design.

The paper concludes that preserving clear institutional roles, legal predictability, analytical boundaries, and effective enforcement will become increasingly important as national security considerations continue to shape economic policymaking.

Why does it matter?

The paper reflects a growing tension in competition policy: governments increasingly view sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and advanced technologies through a national security lens, but competition authorities still need clear legal boundaries. OECD’s framework aims to prevent competition enforcement from becoming a catch-all tool for broader security or industrial policy concerns, while still allowing authorities to consider security-related issues when they have measurable competition effects.

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