Updates

5 Feb 2026

Title: UN chief submits list of experts for new global AI scientific panel

The United Nations Secretary-General has forwarded to the UN General Assembly a proposed list of 40 international experts to serve on a newly established scientific panel on artificial intelligence. The panel is intended to offer independent, science-based insight into AI’s impacts on society, economies, and governance.

5 Feb 2026

World Wide Web Consortium publishes draft method for evaluating digital accessibility

The World Wide Web Consortium has released a draft document that explains, in simple and structured steps, how to assess whether websites and digital services meet international accessibility standards. The methodology is intended to support consistent and transparent accessibility evaluations.

5 Feb 2026

World Wide Web Consortium publishes accessibility testing rules as an official web standard

The World Wide Web Consortium has approved a technical standard that explains how accessibility tests should be written and documented. The new recommendation aims to make accessibility testing more consistent, transparent, and easier to share across tools and organisations.

5 Feb 2026

ICANN publishes 2026 gTLD Applicant Guidebook in six languages

ICANN has released the official rulebook for the 2026 round of new generic top-level domains in six languages. The Applicant Guidebook explains, step by step, how organisations can apply to operate new domain name extensions and how those applications will be evaluated.

5 Feb 2026

ICANN releases analysis of internationalised domain names flagged in security block lists

ICANN has published a report examining how often internationalised domain names appear in Internet security block lists. The analysis covers reported cases of malware, phishing, and botnet activity between late 2023 and late 2025.

4 Feb 2026

Member of Freedom Online Coalition have issued a joint statement on Internet shutdowns in Iran

Members of the Freedom Online Coalition have issued a joint statement responding to a nationwide internet shutdown in Iran. The statement outlines concerns about the impact of connectivity disruptions on access to information and fundamental rights.

4 Feb 2026

ICANN asks for public input on planned change to a core Internet security key

ICANN has opened a public consultation on a proposal to change the cryptographic algorithm used to secure the core of the Internet’s domain name system. The change, planned to begin in 2027, affects how trust is established when users access websites worldwide.

4 Feb 2026

Civil society letter addresses proposed revisions to Swiss data retention rules

A coalition of human rights and digital rights organisations has sent an open letter to the Swiss government warning that proposed changes to data retention rules could undermine privacy, free expression, and Switzerland’s alignment with European human rights standards.

4 Feb 2026

EU AI Office to host two sessions at India AI Impact Summit 2026

The EU’s AI Office will take part in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 by hosting two panel sessions focused on public-sector innovation and the governance of advanced AI systems. The sessions aim to explain how cooperation between governments and AI developers can shape practical and accountable uses of artificial intelligence.

3 Feb 2026

Spain plans ban on social media access for children under 16

Spain is preparing legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. The proposal is part of a broader effort to address online risks for minors and would introduce mandatory age-verification requirements for platforms.

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