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.
The House of Lords has concluded its Committee stage review of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, debating amendments on AI's impact on children, national security risks, and compliance with copyright law. Report stage is scheduled for 21 January 2025.
The House of Lords has completed its meticulous line-by-line examination of the Data (Use and Access) Bill 2024-25 during the Committee stage, wrapping up deliberations on 18 December 2024.
This legislative step offered peers the chance to debate critical amendments aimed at sharpening the Bill’s focus on AI governance, data protection, and national security.
The Bill, which is central to the government’s plan to regulate data use across sectors, has stirred interest and concern from experts, businesses, and advocacy groups.
As it moves to the Report stage, three key amendment areas are generating particular buzz.
One standout proposal debated in the Committee stage is the introduction of a code of practice on children and AI. This amendment reflects mounting public concern over how AI systems interact with and influence young users.
From targeted advertising to the use of AI-driven algorithms in educational tools, the amendment seeks to establish ethical guardrails to ensure AI systems prioritise the safety and well-being of children.
Baroness Kidron, a longtime advocate for children’s digital rights, highlighted the urgency of this issue during discussions. “The power of AI in shaping a child’s experiences online cannot be underestimated.
Clear guidance is needed to hold developers accountable,” she said. This amendment, if passed, could pave the way for stricter oversight of AI systems used in educational and entertainment platforms frequented by young people.
Amendments tackling national security and data privacy risks also took centre stage.
With data breaches and cyber threats on the rise, Lords debated provisions that would strengthen the government’s ability to assess and mitigate risks posed by AI and data usage in sensitive areas.
Lord West of Spithead stated the importance of this amendment, warning that “data vulnerabilities could serve as a Trojan horse for malicious actors targeting critical national infrastructure.”
Peers discussed how enhanced data-sharing agreements with private companies must strike a balance between innovation and safeguarding the UK’s security interests.
A third major area of focus was the compliance of AI systems with UK copyright law. With the rise of AI technologies capable of generating text, music, and art, questions over intellectual property rights have grown more pressing.
Lords debated how the Bill could clarify the legal responsibilities of AI developers regarding copyright infringement.
Viscount Stansgate stressed the need to “prevent a legal vacuum where creators are left unprotected.”
Discussions included potential measures to require AI systems to identify and disclose training data sources, ensuring they respect copyrighted material.
The Bill is scheduled for Report stage on 21 January 2025.
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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