EU launches funding call to strengthen media literacy for young Europeans
The projects are expected to run for up to two years and should involve a participatory process that reflects the diverse perspectives and media habits of Europe’s youth.
NIST Releases Draft Update to Cybersecurity Framework for Manufacturers
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published the initial public draft of NIST Interagency Report (IR) 8183 Revision 2, titled Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 Manufacturing Profile. The draft is open for public comment until 17 November 2025. The updated Manufacturing Profile provides a voluntary, risk-based approach to help manufacturers strengthen their cybersecurity [...]
Europe urged to seize AI opportunity through action
Google’s Kent Walker calls for streamlined EU regulations to unlock €450 billion in AI-driven economic growth.
World Summit Awards warns WSIS+20 risks ‘Failing the Vision’ of the knowledge society
In its submission to the WSIS+20 Zero Draft, the World Summit Awards (WSA) criticised the draft for abandoning the original WSIS vision of a knowledge society, warning that it focuses too narrowly on technology rather than people. The organisation also called for stronger recognition of power concentration in the global digital economy and its impact on democracy, governance, and fairness.
Civil society groups urge EU action over Hungary’s AI surveillance law
The call follows Hungary’s recent laws allowing real-time facial recognition at public gatherings, including the banned Pécs Pride event. Civil society warns that such surveillance violates Article 5 of the AI Act and threatens fundamental rights.
Mozambique approves draft cybercrime and cybersecurity bills for parliamentary debate
As part of the same legislative push, the government is also preparing to accede to the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, with a move expected to take place in October.
Internet restored in Afghanistan after 48-hour shutdown
Afghanistan’s mobile and internet services were restored on October 1, 2025, after a 48-hour nationwide shutdown imposed by the Taliban. The blackout halted businesses, banks, airports, and schools, leaving the country almost entirely cut off from the outside world. The United Nations called on authorities to restore access, as no official explanation for the outage has been given.
California enacts first state-level AI safety law
SB 53 introduces new oversight for the AI industry in California, obliging major labs to reveal safety measures and disclose incidents such as cyberattacks.
ICANN opens nominations for 2026 leadership program
Civil society members active in ICANN community groups can take part in the 2026 Leadership Program if nominated by their organization’s chair.
CCAOI submits feedback on WSIS+20 Zero Draft
In its submission dated 27 September 2025, CCAOI welcomed the draft’s comprehensive nature and its reaffirmation of previous international commitments such as the Geneva Declaration, Tunis Agenda, Global Digital Compact, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The group commended the focus on multistakeholder participation, digital inclusion, and human rights.
