ICANN launches search for background-screening provider for the 2026 new domain-name round
ICANN’s background-screening RFP is one of many preparatory steps leading up to the 2026 new gTLD round.
MEPs on key Parliament committee back Europol reform
With the committee vote concluded, the draft Regulation now moves to the European Parliament plenary for a final vote at the end of November. MEPs will decide whether to approve, amend or reject the reform.
Australia orders major social media platforms to block users under 16 from December
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has directed major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, to enforce a minimum user age of 16 from 10 December. Services that fail to take 'reasonable steps' to block underage accounts could face penalties of up to 49.5 million AUD as part of strengthened child-protection measures.
EU begins work on code for labelling AI-generated content
The code will be developed over seven months by independent experts appointed by the European AI Office. The process began with a kick-off plenary meeting and will involve public input and contributions from stakeholders selected through an open call.
ICANN reports progress on digital inclusion and internet governance in its 2025 contribution to UNCTAD
ICANN’s annual report to UNCTAD highlights advances in multilingual internet access, preparations for the next round of new domain names, and continued support for global internet governance processes, while noting persistent risks such as fragmentation and growing pressure on multistakeholder cooperation.
ETSI releases new edge-computing specifications
With more specifications and support material expected as Phase 4 progresses, ETSI positions the work as part of a broader effort to standardise edge computing while ensuring compatibility with software-driven development ecosystems.
Tanzania’s election-period internet shutdown cost over US $238 million, report warns
A new analysis by digital-rights group Paradigm Initiative estimates that Tanzania’s five-day election-period internet blackout and the ongoing suspension of X have cost the country more than US $238 million in lost productivity, trade, and digital services. The organisation says the restrictions have also undermined access to information and free expression, and urges authorities to fully restore services and avoid future disruptions, particularly during democratic processes.
Civil society urges restoration of internet services in Nigeria’s Zamfara North
Digital-rights organisations warn that prolonged outages can hinder emergency communication, disrupt businesses, and isolate communities. They argue that internet access now underpins key services, creating social and economic risks when networks are switched off for extended periods.
Ghanaian journalists warn proposed cybersecurity amendments could affect press freedom
Ghana’s proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill has prompted warnings from the Ghana Journalists Association, which fears the reforms could unintentionally restrict press freedom if adopted without consultation. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor backed stronger cybersecurity laws but urged Parliament to engage media, civil-society groups, and digital-rights experts before passing the bill.
Governments set priorities for next internet domain expansion in ICANN84 communiqué
In the document, readers will find a strong focus on DNS abuse mitigation, mandatory access mechanisms for domain registration data, and equitable participation in the upcoming round of new top-level domains. The GAC raises concerns about low uptake in the Applicant Support Program, calls for stricter timelines for urgent data-access requests, and urges improvements in transparency and enforcement as the domain space expands.
