Updates

China opens consultation on draft measures for network data security risk assessments

China’s Cyberspace Administration has launched a public consultation on draft rules governing how organisations must assess and report network data security risks. The proposal sets detailed obligations for processors of important data, introduces oversight mechanisms for third-party assessors, and outlines new enforcement tools.

AI, cultural rights and development: APC and Derechos Digitales submit analysis to UN expert mechanism

APC and Derechos Digitales have submitted a joint contribution to the UN Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development, examining how artificial intelligence affects cultural rights and equitable development. The submission argues that AI can both support and undermine cultural expression, identity and participation, depending on how systems are designed, governed and deployed. It calls for rights-based, feminist and culturally aware approaches to AI policy to ensure that technological development strengthens, rather than erodes, the right to development.

Digital rights groups raise concerns over post-election restrictions and online account blocks in Tanzania

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition have issued a joint statement highlighting concerns about reported human rights violations and digital restrictions in Tanzania following the October 2025 elections. They also raise questions about recent Meta account blocks requested by national authorities. Signatories—including CIPESA, Paradigm Initiative and SMEX – call on the government, Meta and telecom operators to uphold international standards on rights and connectivity.

Commission fines X €120 million for breaching transparency rules under the Digital Services Act

The European Commission has imposed a €120 million fine on X for violating several transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act, citing deceptive design of its verification system, insufficient advertising transparency, and barriers to researcher access to public data. The decision marks the first formal non-compliance ruling issued under the DSA.

EU ministers call for faster progress toward 2030 digital goals

EU ministers have endorsed new conclusions on digital competitiveness, calling for stronger skills, wider technology adoption and simpler rules for businesses. While prioritising support for SMEs and start-ups, governments stressed that regulatory simplification must not weaken data protection, online safety or fundamental rights.

UN launches Digital Cooperation Portal to support global coordination on the digital agenda

The United Nations has launched a new Digital Cooperation Portal, a public platform designed to map global digital initiatives, support coordination across sectors, and strengthen implementation of the Global Digital Compact. The portal is now live and open to governments, civil society, UN entities, researchers and businesses.

New report warns biometric ID systems across Africa are excluding millions from essential rights and services

A new study from the African Digital Rights Network and the Institute of Development Studies finds that biometric digital-ID systems are preventing millions in Africa from accessing basic services, highlighting systemic exclusion, weak legal safeguards and growing mistrust in governments’ handling of sensitive data.

Revision 2 of the WSIS+20 outcome document released

About two weeks ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting dedicated to the 20-year review of the implementation of outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a new version of the outcome document has been released. We look at some of the main changes compared to the zero draft.

EU opens antitrust investigation into Meta’s integration of AI features in WhatsApp

The EU has opened an antitrust investigation into Meta’s integration of AI features within WhatsApp, assessing whether the move restricts competition for conversational tools. Regulators aim to clarify how embedded assistants affect market access for rivals as generative AI becomes a core part of digital communication.

noyb study finds users prefer non-tracking options when genuinely available

A new study commissioned by noyb examines how people navigate ‘pay or okay’ consent models and whether these systems provide a genuine choice. The research finds that most users reject tracking in principle but accept it when no alternative is provided. When a non-tracking, ad-supported option is introduced, users overwhelmingly shift toward it, indicating that current consent structures do not reflect their actual preferences and raise questions about the voluntariness of consent under EU da

Sources