UK minister defends use of live facial recognition vans
She refutes claims that facial recognition is implemented outside legal limits.
US NIST finalizes standard to protect small devices with lightweight cryptography
NIST has finalized a lightweight cryptography standard to secure billions of small devices in the Internet of Things and beyond. Based on the Ascon family of algorithms, the standard offers efficient and adaptable protection while preparing for future cybersecurity needs.
Austrian Supreme Court asks EU’s top court to clarify rules on automated credit checks
The Austrian Supreme Court has asked the EU’s top court to clarify whether online retailers can legally use automated credit checks to limit customer payment options without violating data protection rights. The case centers on whether such decisions—like refusing installment payments based solely on algorithmic scoring—significantly affect consumers under Article 22 of the GDPR. The outcome could set a major precedent for how e-commerce companies across Europe use automation in financial decisions.
Wikimedia Foundation loses initial legal challenge over UK Online Safety Act
The High Court has rejected Wikimedia’s attempt to narrow the scope of the Online Safety Act’s strictest regulations, but left room for further legal review if Wikipedia is formally classified as a Category 1 service.
EU opens consultation on quantum-safe digital security
The EU is asking for public input on how to secure Europe’s digital future against the risks posed by quantum computing. Civil society, industry, and academia all have a role to play in shaping a safe, inclusive, and quantum-resistant internet.
Canada issues updated guidance on the use of biometric technologies
The Privacy Commissioner of Canada has released updated guidance for public and private sector organisations on the responsible use of biometric technologies, following an extensive consultation process.
ICANN working group seeks feedback on root server governance model
ICANN’s Root Server System Governance Working Group is seeking public feedback on a proposed Functional Model for managing the internet’s root server system. The consultation is open from 11 August to 22 September 2025 before the final report is submitted to ICANN’s Board and other stakeholders.
Article 19 report finds Belarus’s ‘anti-extremism’ laws threaten digital rights
The report finds Belarus’s ‘anti-extremist’ and ‘anti-terrorist’ laws repress digital rights by prosecuting individuals for online criticism. it additionally finds that these vague laws violate international human rights standards and create a chilling effect on free expression.
European Media Freedom Act enters into application across the EU to strengthen press independence and pluralism
On 8 August 2025, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) entered into application across the European Union, introducing a uniform legal framework to strengthen media independence, protect journalists, and promote pluralism. The regulation establishes new safeguards for editorial freedom, transparency in media ownership, and protection against unwarranted content removal by large online platforms.
European Commission report examines AI’s role in future healthcare delivery
The European Commission has published a study on 8 August 2025 analysing the deployment of artificial intelligence in healthcare across the EU. The report reviews AI’s potential to improve service efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and patient care, while identifying persistent barriers such as data standardisation gaps, regulatory complexity, funding constraints, and varying levels of digital literacy. It outlines practical measures to support safe, ethical, and effective AI integration, including common data governance standards, dedicated centres of excellence, and coordinated funding mechanisms.
