WSIS+20 High-level Meeting begins today
The United Nations is launching today the High-level Meeting on the overall review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20).
Ofcom updates Online Safety information-powers guidance, adding new data-preservation rules for cases involving deceased children
The United Kingdom’s Office of Communications has issued updated guidance on its information-gathering powers under the Online Safety Act 2023, including a new authority to issue data-preservation notices to prevent the alteration or deletion of a deceased child’s information.
Digital violence surge across Africa: new Paradigm Initiative study warns of systemic failures
A new pan-African study reveals that technology-facilitated gender-based violence is widespread and escalating, with young women disproportionately affected and formal reporting systems largely failing to provide protection or accountability.
RIPE NCC opens consultation on new charging scheme models
The RIPE Network Coordination Centre has launched the first phase of its consultation on proposed changes to its annual fee structure, seeking member feedback on two alternative charging models.
The European Telecommunications Standards Instituteurges EU to anchor standardisation at the core of the upcoming Quantum Act
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has issued its formal response to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the EU Quantum Act, signalling that standardisation must play a central role in Europe’s quantum strategy. The Commission is preparing legislation to implement the Quantum Europe Strategy, which aims to strengthen Europe’s position in quantum communications, [...]
Tech Global Institute warns WSIS+20 Rev2 weakens core safeguards and limits implementation pathways
Tech Global Institute has submitted its analysis to the WSIS+20 IMSB-led consultation, arguing that Revision 2 weakens several essential normative protections, removes important safeguards, and narrows the mechanisms needed to deliver an ambitious digital-development agenda.
China approves new mandatory national standard on secure data erasure in electronic products
China has approved a new mandatory national standard governing how data must be securely erased from electronic products, aiming to reduce privacy risks in the rapidly expanding second-hand device market. The standard takes effect on 1 January 2027.
UK civil society calls for regulation of age-assurance providers under the Online Safety Act
Open Rights Group and the Age Verification Providers Association warn that unregulated age-assurance services mandated by the Online Safety Act expose UK users to unnecessary privacy and security risks, urging government intervention ahead of a parliamentary debate on the law.
The Global Network Initiative publishes reflections on WSIS+20 Outcome Document revisions
The Global Network Initiative (GNI) has released a detailed blog analysing Revisions 1 and 2 of the WSIS+20 Outcome Document, outlining its views on progress made and remaining gaps in areas such as human rights, multistakeholder participation and digital governance.
Netherlands questions EU Digital Omnibus
The Netherlands has broadly supported the European Commission’s effort to simplify digital legislation through the Digital Omnibus package. However, it has raised firm concerns that proposed changes to data-protection rules, particularly the definition of personal data, could weaken fundamental rights protections across the European Union.
