IGF 2026 to hold second open consultations and MAG meeting in Geneva
The Internet Governance Forum will hold its second round of open consultations and a meeting of its Multistakeholder Advisory Group from 7 to 9 September 2026 in Geneva and online.
Applications open for 2026–2027 DPI Safeguards Working Groups
The UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies and UNDP are inviting government officials, technical experts and other practitioners to join working groups focused on financing, governance and technical safeguards for digital public infrastructure.
German privacy watchdog urges EU to scrap cookie banners
Germany’s federal data protection authority is calling on EU lawmakers to abandon the current cookie-banner model and replace it with a centralised, machine-readable consent system embedded in the Digital Omnibus package. In new recommendations published on 13 August 2026, the Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit (BfDI), Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider, argues that cookie banners have [...]
Youth delegates present AI governance declaration at the UN
More than 600 young people gathered at UN Headquarters in New York on International Youth Day to present a Youth-led Declaration on AI Policy and Governance. The declaration sets out youth perspectives and recommendations on AI and is intended to contribute to future UN discussions and the implementation of the Global Digital Compact.
ETSI opens approval process for 17 standards supporting the EU Cyber Resilience Act
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has submitted 17 draft standards for public review as part of the EU Cyber Resilience Act. The standards are intended to give manufacturers practical technical guidance for meeting the cybersecurity requirements that will apply to products with digital elements.
ICANN receives more than 1,600 applications in 2026 new gTLD round
ICANN has closed the application window for its 2026 New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program Round, receiving more than 1,600 primary applications. The final number will depend on whether applicants complete the required evaluation fee payments, after which ICANN will begin reviewing the applications.
Uzbekistan approves 49 countries for cross-border personal data transfers
Uzbekistan has approved 49 countries and territories as providing an adequate level of personal data protection, establishing a legal basis for certain cross-border transfers and processing of personal data.
France’s Constitutional Council rejects under-15 social media ban
France’s Constitutional Council has struck down legislation that would have banned children under 15 from accessing social media, finding that the measure disproportionately restricted their freedom of expression and communication. The government is now expected to prepare a revised proposal that complies with the ruling and the EU’s regulatory framework.
Montenegro moves to bring .me domain management under state control
Montenegro has launched a process to establish a state-owned company that would manage the country’s .me domain, seeking greater control over a strategic digital resource and a larger share of the revenues it generates.
Internet Freedom Foundation publishes factsheet on children’s use of social media in India
The Internet Freedom Foundation has published a factsheet on children’s use of social media in India, outlining legal and policy considerations and recommending public consultation before any age‑based access restrictions are introduced.
