The EU probes porn sites over DSA violations

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into four major pornographic websites—Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos—over concerns they may be violating the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The probe centres on whether these platforms provide adequate protection for minors, notably regarding age verification.

According to the Commission, all four currently use simple click-through age checks, which are suspected of failing to meet DSA requirements. Authorities primarily focus on assessing whether the platforms have conducted proper risk assessments and implemented safeguards to protect children’s mental and physical health.

The European Commission emphasised that the investigation is a priority and will include collaboration with the EU member states to monitor smaller adult sites that fall under the 45-million-user threshold. In its statement, the Commission reiterated plans to roll out a standardised EU-wide age verification system by the end of next year.

While Pornhub, XVideos, and Stripchat were previously designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), the Commission announced on Tuesday that Stripchat will no longer hold that status moving forward.

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EMSA given broader powers for digital maritime threats

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is set to take on an expanded role in maritime security, following a provisional agreement between the European Parliament and the Council.

Instead of focusing solely on traditional safety tasks, EMSA will now help tackle modern challenges, including cyber attacks and hybrid threats that increasingly target critical maritime infrastructure across Europe.

The updated mandate enables EMSA to support EU member states and the European Commission with technical, operational and scientific assistance in areas such as cybersecurity, pollution response, maritime surveillance and decarbonisation.

Rather than remaining confined to its original scope, the agency may also adopt new responsibilities as risks evolve, provided such tasks are requested by the Commission or individual countries.

The move forms part of a broader EU legislative package aimed at reinforcing maritime safety rules, improving environmental protections and updating inspection procedures.

The reforms ensure EMSA is equipped with adequate human and financial resources to handle its wider remit and contribute to strategic resilience in an increasingly digital and geopolitically unstable world.

Created in 2002 and based in Lisbon, EMSA plays a central role in safeguarding maritime transport, which remains vital for Europe’s economy and trade.

With more than 2,000 marine incidents reported annually, the agency’s modernised mandate is expected to strengthen the EU’s ability to prevent disruptions at sea and support its broader green and security goals.

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EU extends cybersecurity deadline for wireless devices

The European Commission has extended the deadline for mandatory cybersecurity requirements targeting wireless and connected devices sold within the EU.

Under the Delegated Act (2022/30) of the Radio Equipment Directive, manufacturers must embed robust security features to guard against risks such as unauthorised access and data breaches. The rules will now take effect from 1 August 2025.

A broad range of products will be affected, including mobile phones, tablets, cameras, and telecommunications devices using radio signals.

Internet of Things (IoT) items—such as baby monitors, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and connected industrial machinery—also fall within the scope. Any device capable of transmitting or receiving data wirelessly may be subject to the new requirements.

The deadline extension aims to give manufacturers additional time to adopt harmonised standards and integrate cybersecurity into product design. The Commission emphasised the importance of early action to avoid compliance issues when the rules become binding.

Despite the grace period, businesses are urged to act now by reviewing development cycles and addressing potential vulnerabilities well ahead of the implementation date.

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Europe cracks down on Shein for misleading consumers

The European Commission and national consumer protection authorities have determined that online fashion giant Shein is in breach of six EU consumer laws, giving the company one month to bring its practices into compliance.

Announced today, the findings from the European Commission mark the latest in a string of regulatory actions against e-commerce platforms based in China, as the EU intensifies efforts to hold international marketplaces accountable for deceptive practices and unsafe goods.

Michael McGrath, the commissioner for consumer protection, stated: ‘We will not shy away from holding e-commerce platforms to account, regardless of where they are based.’

The investigation, launched in February, identified violations such as fake discounts, high-pressure sales tactics, misleading product labelling, and hidden customer service contact details.

Authorities are also examining whether Shein’s product ranking and review systems mislead consumers, as well as the platform’s contractual terms with third-party sellers.

Shein responded by saying it is working ‘constructively’ with authorities and remains committed to addressing concerns raised during the investigation.

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EU workshop gathers support and scrutiny for the DSA

A packed conference centre in Brussels hosted over 200 stakeholders on 7 May 2025, as the European Commission held a workshop on the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA).

The pioneering law aims to protect users online by obliging tech giants—labelled as Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines (VLOPSEs)—to assess and mitigate systemic risks their services might pose to society at least once a year, instead of waiting for harmful outcomes to trigger regulation.

Rather than focusing on banning content, the DSA encourages platforms to improve internal safeguards and transparency. It was designed to protect democratic discourse from evolving online threats like disinformation without compromising freedom of expression.

Countries like Ukraine and Moldova are working closely with the EU to align with the DSA, balancing protection against foreign aggression with open political dialogue. Others, such as Georgia, raise concerns that similar laws could be twisted into tools of censorship instead of accountability.

The Commission’s workshop highlighted gaps in platform transparency, as civil society groups demanded access to underlying data to verify tech firms’ risk assessments. Some are even considering stepping away from such engagements until concrete evidence is provided.

Meanwhile, tech companies have already rolled back a third of their disinformation-related commitments under the DSA Code of Conduct, sparking further concern amid Europe’s shifting political climate.

Despite these challenges, the DSA has inspired interest well beyond EU borders. Civil society groups and international institutions like UNESCO are now pushing for similar frameworks globally, viewing the DSA’s risk-based, co-regulatory approach as a better alternative to restrictive speech laws.

The digital rights community sees this as a crucial opportunity to build a more accountable and resilient information space.

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DW Weekly #213 – The UAE’s AI campus | Cybersecurity’s turbulent sea | The race for space, quantum, and supercomputing

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16 – 23 May 2025


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Dear readers,

The UAE is going to have ‘the world’s largest AI campus outside the USA

In the past week, we have seen the United Arab Emirates surging to the forefront of the global AI and infrastructure race, with announcements such as the world’s largest AI campus outside the USA, a 10-square-mile, 5-gigawatt facility in Abu Dhabi led by G42, backed by a $200 billion deal sealed during President Trump’s Gulf tour as part of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.

Further amplifying this momentum, G42 and OpenAI are collaborating on the Stargate Initiative, a massive AI data facility. At the same time, du and Microsoft have launched a $544 million AI data centre to boost regional computing power. Meanwhile, the UAE’s EDGE Group unveiled an AI accelerator to advance defence and technology innovation.

Additionally, the UAE is opening to cryptocurrency, as Ripple has introduced cross-border blockchain payments in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to boost cryptocurrency adoption in the region.

Navigating cybersecurity’s turbulent sea

The cybersecurity landscape resembled a turbulent sea in the week behind us, with threats and policy shifts challenging AI governance and digital policy worldwide. Japan has taken a bold step forward, enacting its Active Cyberdefence Law to allow preemptive offensive cyber operations, marking a historic shift from its pacifist stance to counter escalating threats from state-sponsored actors. 

Across the Pacific, US lawmakers are grappling with a reported one-day pause in offensive cyber operations against Russia, raising questions about strategic shifts in digital warfare amid geopolitical tensions. 

In Europe, the Netherlands has expanded its espionage laws to include cyber activities, imposing up to 12 years in prison for digital spying, reflecting a broader push to secure critical infrastructure. 

Adding to the turmoil, Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a cyberattack costing up to $400 million, underscoring vulnerabilities in the private sector’s digital defences.

 Electrical Device, Solar Panels, Astronomy, Outer Space, Satellite

The race for space, quantum, and supercomputing

The global race for dominance in space, quantum, and supercomputing is accelerating. China is leading the charge with the launch of its first AI-powered satellites, forming an orbital supercomputer network designed to process vast datasets in space, bolstering its strategic edge in AI-driven defence and communications. 

Meanwhile, Taiwan is intensifying its terrestrial efforts, unveiling a new NVIDIA-powered supercomputer to enhance its AI capabilities, confirming itself as a key player in the global tech supply chain amid rising geopolitical tensions. 

On the quantum frontier, Google’s breakthrough with a new quantum chip, capable of simulating complex systems and hinting at multiverse-like computational possibilities, is a new transformative potential of quantum computing for AI innovation.

Digital policy highlights

The European Commission is taking significant steps to create a safer online environment for children by introducing draft guidelines under the Digital Services Act.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Take It Down Act, which will criminalise the sharing of explicit images, whether real or AI-generated, without consent.

The UK government has suffered a second defeat in the House of Lords over its Data (Use and Access) Bill, as peers once again backed a copyright-focused amendment to protect artists from AI content scraping.

Russia’s Ministry of Justice is working on legislation that would classify crypto assets as property, enabling their confiscation during criminal investigations.

Event reminder:

If you are based in Geneva, today, 23 May, is the last day to register for the luncheon debate with Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary-General of ITU hosted by FSPI, which will be held on Monday, 26 May. Overlapping with the luncheon is ILO’s webinar officially launching a new guide on the digitalisation and blending of training programmes. Monday also marks the start of the next TSAG meeting in Geneva, which will wrap up on Friday, 30 May.

Nestled in the middle of the week, on Wednesday, 28 May, is our briefing for diplomats on the UN80 Initiative, AI, and digital governance (for inquiries, contact us at [email protected].) Later in the day, UNHCR, UNDP, IOM, UNICC and the Permanent Mission of Switzerland will officially launch the Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS) during an event where participants will discuss how digital innovation is reshaping the future of aid delivery.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 16 – 23 May 2025

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Investors are shifting into Bitcoin as long-term bonds lose their appeal as traditional safe havens.

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Trade Ministers of the BRICS approved the Data Economy Governance Understanding, aiming to promote a fair data economy among BRICS nations and establishing a roadmap.

european union eu flag

The firm acquired Cyprus-based A.N. Allnew Investments to gain regulatory approval and expand its reach under the EU’s financial regulations.

Google US Department of justice Trump Antitrust Chrome

The lawsuit alleges an AI chatbot manipulated a vulnerable teen by acting as a therapist and romantic partner before he died by suicide in February 2024.

africa on the globe map

Horizon Europe backs African innovation and health projects

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Finance officials say the new authority will help Pakistan lead the global blockchain race.

Pavel Durov Telegram

France denies accusations that it tried to pressure Telegram into political censorship.

researchers validate quantum mimicry of organic molecules

Ion-based simulation offers a scalable quantum chemistry breakthrough.

us capitol building washington dc

The Senate has advanced the GENIUS Act after reaching a bipartisan deal on new stablecoin rules.

coinbase cryptocurrency US SEC SP 500

Coinbase declines ransom, offers $20 million reward for information on hackers.

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Recently, 96 countries met at the UN to discuss AI-powered weapons, expanding the conversation to include human rights, criminal law, and ethics, with a push for legally binding agreements by 2026.


READING CORNER
blog diplomatic theory

Diplomatic theory says: follow orders. Practice shows: shape reality. Between theory and practice lies the diplomat’s quiet craft. Aldo Matteucci asks if theory can catch up.

DIPLO BLOGS generic

What does ‘compromise’ truly mean, and why does the word so often carry negative connotations?

caregiver robot

AI-powered tools from Google, IBM, and startups improve diagnostics, clinical documentation, and patient care, reducing clinician workloads and enhancing healthcare outcomes worldwide.

BLOG featured image 2025 72

The Vatican’s potential role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine highlights its historical significance in diplomacy. Amid today’s geopolitical complexities, Pope Leo XIV’s initiative, alongside the Community of Sant’Egidio’s proven mediation successes, embodies the Vatican’s unique moral authority.

UPCOMING EVENTS
FORUM SUISSE DE POLITIQUE INTERNATIONALE
26 May 2025, 11:45h – 14:00h

The event’s theme will be ‘Bridging the Digital Divide in the AI Era’.

ILO
26 May 2025, 13:00h – 14:00h

The International Labour Organization (ILO) will host an online presentation to launch a new practical guide on the digitalisation and blending of training programmes, on 25 May 2025.

ITU
26 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

The International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) will hold its first meeting of the 2025–2028 study period from 26 to 30 May 2025 at ITU headquarters in Geneva.

CYCON 2025
27 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

The 17th International Conference on Cyber Conflict (CyCon 2025), organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), will take place from 27 to 30 May 2025.

IGF Brazil 2025
27 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

The 15th edition of IGF Brazil (Fórum da Internet no Brasil (FIB15)) will take place from 26 to 30 May, 2025, at the Fiesta Bahia Hotel in Salvador, Bahia.

Geneva Internet Platform 2 2
28 May 2025

The International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) will hold its first meeting of the 2025–2028 study period from 26 to 30 May 2025 at ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

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28 May 2025, 14:00h – 17:00h

The official launch of the Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS) will occur on 28 May 2025.

IGF2025
23 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025
The Government of Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025.
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24 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025
Thailand will host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 24 to 27 June 2025.

EU funds African science with €500 million in new initiative

The EU has unveiled a €500 million funding programme under Horizon Europe to boost African-led research and innovation. A total of 24 funding calls are organised around five thematic areas.

Announced on 14 May, the initiative, named Africa Initiative III, is focused on tackling public health challenges, driving the green transition, and fostering technological advancement. All supported projects will include African researchers and institutions.

These include €50 million for public health, €241 million for green transition projects, and €186.5 million for innovation and technology. Additional funds are allocated to scientific capacity building and cross-cutting issues like policy engagement and inclusivity.

Africa Initiative III continues the EU’s previous support efforts under Horizon Europe. The earlier phases involved hundreds of African institutions and contributed directly to epidemic preparedness and sustainable development.

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

Epic Games wins long battle with Apple

Fortnite has returned to the Apple app store in the US, nearly five years after it was removed in 2020. The ban followed Epic Games’ attempt to bypass Apple’s 30% commission by introducing its own payment system, sparking a major legal fight.

The game is now also available on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU. This development is being widely viewed as a win for Epic Games in its lengthy dispute over app store practices.

Analysts say it may shift power dynamics in distribution, giving creators more influence against platform holders.

The US return comes just days after Fortnite was briefly unavailable globally due to a blocked update. It had already reappeared in the EU earlier this year due to new competition laws. With over 400 million players worldwide, Fortnite remains one of the most popular games in the world.

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

EU to propose new rules and app to protect children online

The European Commission is taking significant steps to create a safer online environment for children by introducing draft guidelines under the Digital Services Act. These guidelines aim to ensure that online platforms accessible to minors maintain a high level of privacy, safety, and security.

The draft guidelines propose several key measures to safeguard minors online. These include verifying users’ ages to restrict access where appropriate, improving content recommendation systems to reduce children’s exposure to harmful or inappropriate material, and setting children’s accounts to private by default.

Additionally, the guidelines recommend best practices for child-safe content moderation, as well as providing child-friendly reporting channels and user support. They also offer guidance on how platforms should govern themselves internally to maintain a child-safe environment.

These guidelines will apply to all online platforms that minors can access, except for very small enterprises, and will also cover very large platforms with over 45 million monthly users in the EU. The European Commission has involved a wide range of stakeholders in developing the guidelines, including Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) Youth ambassadors, children, parents, guardians, national authorities, online platform providers, and experts.

The inclusive consultation process helps ensure the guidelines are practical and comprehensive. The guidelines are open for feedback until June 10, 2025, with adoption expected by summer.

Meanwhile, the Commission is creating an open-source age-verification app to confirm users’ age without risking privacy, as a temporary measure before the EU Digital Identity Wallet launches in 2026.

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

DW Weekly #212 – EuroDIG 2025: the takeaways, UNGA reassesses terms for AI governance | EU and the cyberdefence policy

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9 – 16 May 2025


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Dear readers,

In the week behind us, Diplo followed the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG 2025), with just-in-time reporting on this pivotal multistakeholder platform that fosters open dialogue on the future of digital governance. Organised by the Council of Europe in collaboration with the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the event convened stakeholders from governments, civil society, the private sector, and technical communities under the theme ‘Safeguarding Human Rights by Balancing Regulation and Innovation’. 

Held at the Palais de l’Europe, EuroDIG 2025 featured a dynamic programme of main sessions, eleven workshops, and eight flash sessions, addressing pressing issues in internet governance while emphasising inclusivity, emerging technologies, and multilateral cooperation.

The workshops and flash sessions delved into cutting-edge topics such as digital sovereignty, quantum computing, and digital inclusion. The workshop on ‘The Interplay Between Digital Sovereignty and Development,’ for example, proposed a balanced approach to national control over digital infrastructure, advocating for policies that promote local innovation while maintaining global interoperability. Quantum computing discussions highlighted the need for preemptive governance frameworks to address its disruptive potential in cryptography and data security. Digital inclusion sessions called for targeted investments in digital literacy programmes to bridge access gaps, particularly in underserved regions.

Key propositions, such as ethical frameworks for neurotechnology, privacy-preserving age assurance, and sustainable AI metrics, offer actionable pathways to address current challenges. 

The emphasis on youth engagement through YOUthDIG and the call for transatlantic cooperation signal a forward-looking approach to digital policy.

With such conclusions, EuroDIG 2025 is reinforcing Europe’s leadership in shaping digital governance through collaborative, inclusive dialogue. As usual, the event’s consensus-based outcomes or key takeaways compiled from the discussions, workshops, and main sessions will feed into the global IGF 2025, influencing international policy. 

Other highlights of the week:

The EU Council has extended its sanctions on cyberattacks until 18 May 2026, with the legal framework for enforcing these measures now lasting until 2028. The sanctions target individuals and institutions involved in cyberattacks that pose a significant threat to the EU and its members.

On 15 May 2025, a revised draft UNGA resolution outlined updated terms for the Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The Panel, comprising 40 members appointed for a 3-year term, will deliver annual policy-relevant AI assessments.

Amazon has announced a new partnership with Humain, an AI company launched by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to invest over $5 billion in creating an ‘AI Zone’ in the kingdom.

Two US senators, Cynthia Lummis and Bernie Moreno, are urging US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to revise how corporate digital assets are taxed. They have proposed a change to the definition of ‘adjusted financial statement income’ under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Chinese start-up AgiBot is leading the charge in humanoid robotics, using data-intensive training to develop machines capable of everyday tasks like folding clothes and making sandwiches.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 9 – 16 May 2025

UNHQ

As negotiations advance among UN General Assembly members in New York, a revised draft resolution (rev1) has been issued.

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In response to rising cyber threats, the EU has prolonged its legal authority to sanction attackers for another three years.

google mobile application smart phone screen

The familiar Google ‘G’ has a new look, blending its classic colours with subtle gradients instead of the solid segments used since 2015.

china advancements in quantum technology

China is investing billions in quantum technology, outpacing the West and increasing the urgency of cryptographic reform.

trump

His memecoin profits and potential conflict of interest have caused gridlock in Congress, delaying key legislation.

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As the battle over AI and copyright intensifies, Britain’s most celebrated artists are drawing a line to protect the future of human creativity.

ai chip tracking for national security

New US legislation targets chip smuggling and aims to safeguard the country’s tech leadership.

OpenAI Sam Altman PBC for profit transition

Critics welcome OpenAI’s compromise but raise questions about long-term governance and ownership.

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The exchange plans to launch perpetual futures and other derivatives for advanced traders in Europe following its latest regulatory milestone.

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Authorities confirmed no data was stolen in the phishing incident affecting Edinburgh schools.

agentic ai automation in businesses

UiPath and other leaders say agentic automation enables problem-solving beyond the limits of traditional automation.


READING CORNER
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Once hailed as the future of financial freedom, Bitcoin now finds itself swayed by political power, elite influence, and media manipulation — raising urgent questions about whether the revolution has…

blog When nature weeps

Humanity has the tools to prevent environmental collapse – but not the collective will. Water scarcity, unchecked pollution, and political inaction are pushing us toward crisis, writes Milan Jazbec.

BLOG featured image 2025 68 Geopolitics of the deep sea

Beneath the waves lies a geopolitical battleground over the future of critical minerals.

blog medical industrial

Why does healthcare cost so much, yet so often fail us at the end of life?

blog Part 1 An introduction to digital twins

When Spain & Portugal went dark, it wasn’t just lights that failed. It was a reminder: technology isn’t just a tool – it’s the system we live in.

BLOG featured 160 years of tech diplomacy at ITU

Over 160 years, ITU has maintained its mission to balance national sovereignty with shared connectivity amidst evolving technologies.

UPCOMING EVENTS
West Africa Internet Governance Forum WAIGF
19 May 2025 – 23 May 2025

The West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) is a regional initiative that brings together various stakeholders to discuss and address internet-related issues in West Africa. It serves as a collaborative…

IGF2025
23 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

The Government of Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025.

UNESCO logu blue background
24 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

Thailand will host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 24 to 27 June 2025.