The FTC has launched an inquiry into AI chatbots acting as digital companions, sending information requests to seven major firms including Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI, and X.AI. The study will focus on child safety, data use, and whether companies are taking adequate steps to prevent harm, particularly under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
The EU Data Act takes effect on September 12, 2025, giving users the right to access and share data from connected devices like cars and smartwatches. From 2026, products must be designed to allow free data access, opening opportunities for small businesses to offer new services and reducing manufacturers’ exclusive control.
The guidelines aims to ensure consistent application of both frameworks in protecting users’ rights online.
The new proposed rules for digital service providers include ID collection and data retention.
Media groups seek urgent guidance on what qualifies as political advertising under new EU rules.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has published an update from its Government and Intergovernmental Organization Engagement team, reviewing cyber discussions at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The report covers the second Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICT security, the Ad Hoc Committee on cybercrime (AHC), and the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
Diella, already active on Albania’s digital services portal, will now oversee public tenders, using AI to reduce bribery, conflicts of interest, and administrative delays.
The aim of the establishment of committees is to ensure that online platforms protect personal data, monitor security incidents, ensure compliance, and improve transparency through regular meetings and user communication.
The call for proposals is open to content creators, media organisations, technology companies, civil society groups, and social media platforms. Applications can be submitted between 30 September and 2 December 2025 via the EU’s Funding and Tenders Portal.
ICANN is seeking public feedback on proposed updates to how GNSO stakeholder groups and constituencies amend their charters. The goal is to modernise a process last revised in 2013, ensuring it reflects today’s more complex governance environment.
Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is a project co-funded by the European Union.
