The German Federal Court of Justice recently clarified online platforms' liability for user-generated content, ruling platforms aren't directly liable without knowledge but must act swiftly upon notification, significantly impacting digital service providers across Europe.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner ordered Telegram to pay AUD 1 million for ignoring transparency obligations. Officials requested details on terrorist and child sexual content steps, but Telegram delayed months, triggering enforcement under the Online Safety Act.
On 28 February 2025, Japan’s Cabinet announced significant plans to introduce a Bill to promote research, development, and practical application of artificial intelligence technologies. The legislation focuses on transparency, protection of rights, and international cooperation.
Florida’s Online Protections for Minors Bill (HB 3) requires platforms hosting harmful content to implement age verification. Effective 1 January 2025, the law imposes civil penalties and mandates privacy safeguards to protect minors’ personal data and safety.
Florida has taken a definitive step towards enhancing online safety for minors with the implementation of the Online Protections for Minors Bill (HB 3).
This legislation, effective from 1 January 2025, imposes stringent requirements on commercial entities operating online platforms and applications with content potentially harmful to minors.
The Bill seeks to mitigate risks posed by such content while prioritising children’s privacy and safety.
At the centre of HB 3 lies the classification of “harmful material.” Defined as content appealing to prurient interests, depicting sexual conduct in a patently offensive manner, or lacking educational or artistic merit for minors, this material now falls under stricter regulatory scrutiny.
Any website or application comprising at least 33.3% of such content must implement robust age verification measures to restrict access by minors.
The Bill mandates that age verification is conducted by independent third parties, ensuring impartiality and reliability. These entities must utilise “anonymous age verification” methods, safeguarding personal data by preventing retention or misuse of identifying information.
Furthermore, platforms are required to provide transparent mechanisms for reporting breaches and instances of unlawful access.
Non-compliance carries significant penalties under HB 3. Entities failing to adhere to the law could face civil fines of up to USD 50,000 per violation. These financial repercussions are intended to deter businesses from neglecting their responsibilities under the Bill.
Importantly, HB 3 also prohibits the retention of personal identifying information gathered during age verification processes. This stipulation aligns with broader concerns about data privacy, particularly in contexts involving minors.
By enforcing these measures, the Bill addresses potential misuse of sensitive information and reaffirms its commitment to protecting children in the digital realm.
Italy has enforced new rules requiring digital devices to support parental control apps, ensuring parents can monitor children's online activity. The law also prevents companies from using collected data for advertising or profiling, strengthening privacy protections.
The CFPB seeks to categorise certain data brokers as consumer reporting agencies under Regulation V. Doing so would tighten obligations, require more transparency, and ensure consumers can see, correct, and control their own information.
House Bill H.210, introduced in Vermont, outlines new guidelines for digital platforms handling minors’ data. By mandating default high-privacy settings and transparent practices, legislators aim to reduce risks of emotional harm and excessive data harvesting.
Both GDPR and HIPAA are key regulations focused on protecting sensitive data. GDPR applies to personal data of EU residents, while HIPAA governs healthcare data in the U.S. Organisations must comply with both for international operations.
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