EU

EU urged to cover platform monetisation in Digital Fairness Act

A coalition of civil society organisations, academics, and advocates has published an open letter urging the European Commission to ensure that forthcoming Digital Fairness Act rules on influencer marketing extend beyond third-party advertising payments to include income generated through platform monetisation services.

The signatories welcome the Commission’s proposal to require influencers to disclose payments received for their content but argue that it leaves a significant transparency gap. They note that social media platforms increasingly provide creators with monetisation tools such as subscriptions, donations, affiliate marketing, branded partnerships and platform-funded bonus programmes, many of which would fall outside rules focused solely on third-party advertising payments.

The letter proposes minimum transparency measures including labels identifying content that benefits from platform monetisation, account-level labels showing participation in monetisation programmes, public monetisation libraries to support independent oversight, and disclosures explaining platforms’ monetisation policies, moderation practices and enforcement.

The coalition, whose members include AlgorithmWatch, Bits of Freedom, Corporate Europe Observatory, and the Digital Rights Foundation, together with academic experts including an associate professor from Finland’s Hanken School of Economics, has invited the Commission to discuss ways of incorporating these proposals into the Digital Fairness Act before it is finalised.

Why does it matter?

The debate reflects a broader shift in how online influence is financed. Increasingly, creators earn income not only from advertisers but also through platform-designed monetisation systems that reward engagement, subscriptions and other forms of user activity. Without transparency around these incentives, audiences may struggle to distinguish between organic content and content shaped by commercial rewards built into platform design.

The Digital Fairness Act, therefore, presents an opportunity to broaden consumer protection beyond traditional advertising disclosure. Extending transparency requirements to platform monetisation could improve accountability for creators and platforms alike while giving regulators, researchers and users greater visibility into the financial incentives shaping online content.

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MEPs to debate EU AI cybersecurity strategy

Members of the European Parliament are set to question the European Commission on its latest AI and cybersecurity proposals, including a new AI cybersecurity strategy expected to be unveiled on 7 July.

According to the European Parliament’s plenary newsletter, the Commission’s action plan is expected to include measures to help EU member states and companies address AI-related cybersecurity risks.

The strategy is also expected to strengthen Europe’s AI cybersecurity capabilities as policymakers examine how AI is reshaping both cyber threats and cyber defence.

The debate follows the European Commission’s welcome of the G7 cybersecurity declaration on strengthening global cyber resilience. Parliament is also considering two legislative proposals collectively referred to as the ‘Cybersecurity Act 2‘.

The proposals are expected to address issues including the NIS2 framework, the role of the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the EU cybersecurity certification framework and ICT supply chain security.

The debate is scheduled for 7 July, as part of a European Commission statement followed by parliamentary scrutiny.

Why does it matter?

The debate shows that AI-related cybersecurity risks are becoming part of the EU’s broader cyber resilience agenda. By linking AI policy with NIS2, ENISA, certification and supply chain security, the EU is preparing to treat AI not only as an innovation priority but also as a cybersecurity concern.

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Ireland introduces AI Bill to implement EU AI Act

Ireland’s government has introduced the Regulation of AI Bill 2026, with Digital Transformation Minister Niamh Smyth describing the legislation as essential to protecting citizens while supporting innovation during its Second Stage debate in the Dáil.

The Bill is intended to give full effect to the EU AI Act in Ireland by establishing the national institutions needed to supervise and enforce the regulation ahead of the EU implementation deadline of 2 August 2026.

A central element of the Bill is the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland as an independent statutory body. The office will act as Ireland’s national point of contact with the European Commission and other member states, oversee enforcement of the AI Act, promote AI literacy and innovation, and operate a regulatory sandbox for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Smyth acknowledged both the opportunities and risks presented by AI, highlighting advances in areas such as healthcare and scientific research while warning that, without appropriate safeguards, the technology could reinforce discrimination, manipulate behaviour and exploit vulnerabilities. She emphasised that the Bill is an implementing measure and does not introduce obligations beyond those already established by the EU AI Act.

Smyth also said the legislation would strengthen Ireland’s position as an ‘EU centre of excellence and digital regulatory hub‘. She argued that a robust enforcement framework would provide businesses with the regulatory certainty needed to invest and innovate, with the government seeking passage of the Bill before the August deadline.

Why does it matter?

Ireland’s implementation of the EU AI Act carries particular significance because many of the world’s largest technology companies base their European operations there. The establishment of an independent AI Office with enforcement responsibilities and a regulatory sandbox positions Ireland as a key player in applying the EU’s AI rules in practice.

The legislation also illustrates the broader challenge facing EU member states as the AI Act enters into force. Governments must rapidly establish the institutions, expertise and enforcement mechanisms needed to supervise AI systems while providing businesses with regulatory certainty and supporting continued innovation.

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Council of the EU backs interim rules on online child abuse detection

The Council of the European Union has adopted its position on interim legislation that would restore a legal basis for online service providers to voluntarily detect, report and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their platforms.

The proposal aims to restore legal certainty after the previous temporary framework expired on 3 April 2026, while negotiations continue on a permanent EU regulation to combat online child sexual abuse.

The interim regulation introduces a limited derogation from the EU’s electronic communications privacy rules, allowing online platforms to voluntarily detect child sexual abuse material and report suspected offences to law enforcement authorities.

According to the Council, these voluntary measures are essential for identifying children at risk, supporting criminal investigations, prosecuting offenders and reducing the circulation of child sexual abuse material online.

The Council proposes extending the temporary framework until 3 April 2028 to avoid a prolonged legal gap while negotiations continue on the long-term Child Sexual Abuse Regulation.

Irish Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said restoring providers’ ability to detect online child sexual abuse is essential to protecting victims and bringing offenders to justice. The proposal will now move to the European Parliament for a second reading, where MEPs may approve, amend or reject the Council’s position.

If adopted, the measure would restore the legal basis for voluntary detection activities while policymakers continue negotiations on a permanent framework governing the detection of child sexual abuse material across digital services in the European Union.

Why does it matter?

The proposal addresses a legal gap that emerged after the previous temporary framework expired, creating uncertainty for online platforms that voluntarily detect and report child sexual abuse material. Restoring a clear legal basis would allow providers to continue supporting law enforcement while longer-term legislation is negotiated.

The debate also reflects the EU’s continuing effort to balance child protection with privacy and fundamental rights. While the interim proposal focuses on voluntary detection, negotiations on a permanent framework are expected to continue raising questions about the appropriate balance between online safety, privacy and the responsibilities of digital platforms.

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Europol Roblox game wins EU award for online child safety

Europol’s Cyber Defenders initiative has won the 2026 European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration.

The free educational game, built on Roblox, is designed to help children recognise online risks and develop safer behaviour in digital environments.

Cyber Defenders received the overall award, selected from 48 nominations submitted by the EU institutions, bodies and agencies. It also won the Excellence in Technological Innovation and the Use of AI category award.

The game teaches children about risks such as fraud, identity theft and online grooming through interactive missions rather than traditional awareness campaigns.

Europol says the project was developed to reach children in online gaming environments they already use, while making them more comfortable asking for help when they encounter risks.

The agency has also published supporting resources for teachers, parents and schools, including a game guide, lesson assessment, poster and letter to parents.

The award follows earlier recognition of Europol digital initiatives, including Trace An Object, which uses public participation to help identify victims of child sexual abuse.

Why does it matter?

Cyber Defenders shows how law enforcement agencies are experimenting with interactive tools to improve children’s digital safety skills. Game-based learning can make online safety more relevant for younger users, especially in gaming environments where risks such as grooming, scams and identity theft may appear. The award also reflects broader recognition that digital literacy and prevention are part of child online safety, alongside regulation, enforcement and platform accountability.

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EU introduces €3 duty on low-value e-commerce imports

From 1 July 2026, the European Commission is introducing a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value goods imported into the EU from outside the bloc, primarily through e-commerce platforms. The duty applies to a wide range of commonly purchased goods including clothing, toys, and electronics, covering items worth up to €150.

The duty is charged per customs tariff classification rather than by quantity. For example, purchasing five T-shirts attracts a single €3 charge because they share the same tariff code, whereas buying three T-shirts and a watch incurs two €3 charges because they fall under different classifications. Sellers or importers will declare and pay the duty through the customs process.

The measure is intended to create fairer competition for the EU businesses, improve consumer protection by strengthening oversight of imported goods, reduce customs fraud linked to undervaluation and false declarations, and address the environmental impact of growing volumes of low-value shipments.

The European Commission said the measure forms part of a broader customs reform package aimed at modernising border procedures, strengthening the single market and ensuring that businesses selling into the EU comply with the bloc’s safety and regulatory standards. The duty is described as a temporary measure.

Why does it matter?

The new customs duty reflects the EU’s broader effort to adapt its customs system to the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce. By introducing a flat charge on low-value imports, the Commission aims to reduce incentives for undervaluation, improve enforcement of product safety rules and create more equal competitive conditions for businesses operating within the single market.

The measure could also influence the business models of major online retailers and marketplaces that rely on high volumes of low-cost imports. Whether the duty succeeds in improving compliance without significantly increasing costs for consumers or slowing legitimate trade will help shape future reforms of the EU’s customs framework.

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EU launches Cybersecurity Skills Coalition EDIC

The European Commission and participating member states have launched the Cybersecurity Skills Coalition European Digital Infrastructure Consortium to strengthen cybersecurity skills across the EU.

The consortium, known as CSC-EDIC, will support the implementation of the EU Cybersecurity Skills Academy, a flagship initiative launched by the Commission in 2023.

Announced during Digital Skills EU Days 2026, the consortium will be based in Athens. Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Croatia and Slovenia are founding members, while Czechia and Poland have joined as observers. Other member states will be able to join later.

The Commission said CSC-EDIC will develop and deliver tailored cybersecurity training programmes, measure cybersecurity skills gaps and serve as the secretariat for the Industry-Academia Network.

Working with ENISA, the consortium will also support cyber resilience in critical sectors, particularly the healthcare sector. Planned activities include an EU-wide attestation scheme for cybersecurity skills, career pathways and micro-credentials.

The initiative has received a €3.1 million grant from the Digital Europe Programme to support its initial governance, staffing and operations.

The Commission said the Cybersecurity Skills Academy has already secured 26 industry pledges, helping train more than 900,000 cybersecurity professionals. Ten partnerships have also been established through the Industry-Academia Network.

Why does it matter?

Europe’s cybersecurity workforce shortage affects the resilience of governments, businesses and critical sectors such as healthcare. CSC-EDIC gives member states a formal structure to pool resources, coordinate training and align skills development with EU cyber priorities. The initiative also shows how the EU is treating cybersecurity capacity as part of digital infrastructure, rather than solely as a labour-market issue.

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EU customs reform targets low-value online imports

The EU has abolished the customs duty exemption for e-commerce parcels worth less than €150, introducing a temporary €3 duty on low-value items imported directly from non-EU countries.

The measure entered into force on 1 July 2026 and forms part of the wider EU Customs Reform. It is intended to create fairer competition between the EU retailers and non-EU online sellers while strengthening controls on unsafe or non-compliant products.

The previous exemption was designed for an earlier period of limited cross-border online shopping. The Commission said 5.9 billion low-value parcels entered the EU in 2025, representing 97% of all imported items but only 2% of their total value.

The EU authorities argue that the exemption distorted competition and created incentives to undervalue or split shipments to remain below the €150 threshold.

Under the new system, consumers should not have to pay the duty at the time of delivery. Businesses involved in selling and transporting imported goods will be responsible for customs payment and compliance.

The €3 duty is a transitional measure and will remain in place until 1 July 2028. After that, low-value imports will be treated under the standard customs framework, with duties based on product classification, origin and value.

The reform also introduces Product Identifiers, which become mandatory from 1 November 2026 to improve traceability and safety checks. A separate handling fee for imported e-commerce goods is also expected by November 2026.

Why does it matter?

The change addresses one of the biggest pressure points in the EU e-commerce: billions of low-value parcels entering the single market with limited customs duties and weak product-level data. Removing the exemption could reduce unfair advantages for non-EU sellers, strengthen enforcement against unsafe products and give customs authorities better tools to manage mass e-commerce imports. It also shows how the EU is treating online retail as a trade, consumer protection and digital platform accountability issue, not only a customs matter.

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OECD explores AI-powered regulatory inspections

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a working paper examining how data-driven regulation and digital technologies, including AI and data analytics, can help authorities carry out more targeted, risk-based and effective inspections.

The paper identifies licensing, permitting and inspections as the three pillars of regulatory delivery, arguing that these mechanisms are most effective when supported by risk-based approaches that minimise unnecessary administrative burdens while improving regulatory outcomes. The core argument is that by adopting risk-based approaches supported by technology, regulators can concentrate their efforts where they are most needed rather than applying uniform enforcement across all actors.

The OECD highlights practical uses for AI and data analytics, including identifying high-risk areas, prioritising inspections, streamlining enforcement and allocating resources more efficiently. The aim is to improve compliance while reducing unnecessary interventions for lower-risk businesses and activities.

The paper also argues that technologies can strengthen public trust in regulation by making inspections more transparent, consistent and evidence-based, improving both the effectiveness and legitimacy of regulatory enforcement.

The project forms part of broader EU efforts to modernise regulatory delivery. Drawing on Italy’s pilot experience, the OECD aims to identify lessons that can be applied across member states and other jurisdictions pursuing evidence-based regulatory reform.

Why does it matter?

The paper illustrates how AI and data analytics could help regulators move away from one-size-fits-all enforcement towards more targeted, risk-based oversight. By focusing inspections where they are most needed, authorities could improve compliance while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, particularly for smaller businesses.

The report also reflects a wider shift towards evidence-based regulation. As governments seek to modernise public administration without weakening regulatory standards, technologies such as AI are increasingly being viewed as tools for improving both regulatory efficiency and public trust through more transparent and proportionate enforcement.

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EU launches three new digital skills academies

The European Commission has launched three new Digital Skills Academies focused on AI, quantum technologies and virtual worlds.

The academies were announced during Digital Skills EU Days, an annual event bringing together digital skills projects, national coalitions, policymakers, industry representatives and education organisations from across the EU.

Funded under the Digital Europe Programme, the academies are intended to establish specialised training in critical technology areas and help the EU meet its Digital Decade targets.

The Commission said Europe’s competitiveness and leadership depend on digital talent, linking the initiative to the Union of Skills, the AI Continent Action Plan, the Apply AI Strategy and the Digital Decade Policy Programme.

The new academies add to wider Digital Europe Programme investments in skilling, upskilling and reskilling. The programme has invested more than €294 million in the EU digital skills initiatives covering areas such as data, cloud, cybersecurity and AI.

During the event, the Commission also presented the 2026 European Digital Skills Awards, recognising projects focused on AI literacy, cybersecurity education, digital inclusion, research data management and women’s participation in ICT.

Why does it matter?

The new academies show that the EU is treating digital skills as part of its strategic technology agenda, alongside regulation, infrastructure and industrial policy. AI, quantum technologies and virtual worlds all require specialised expertise, and shortages in these areas could slow deployment across businesses, research institutions and public services. The initiative also supports the EU’s broader goal of strengthening technological competitiveness and reducing dependence on external talent and capabilities.

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