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 SEC's 2024 report highlights alarming spikes in investment fraud, with cryptocurrency scams and AI-enabled schemes driving billions in losses. Advanced technologies empower both investors and fraudsters, prompting urgent calls for stronger safeguards to protect investors.
The SEC's Office of the Investor Advocate (OIAD) has issued a warning about a sharp rise in investment fraud, especially within cryptocurrency schemes.
In its 2024 Report on Activities, submitted to Congress on 12 December 2024, the OIAD highlights the pressing need for stronger safeguards to protect investors from mounting financial scams.
Investment fraud is hitting record levels. According to the Federal Trade Commission, losses from fraud skyrocketed to $158.3 billion in 2023, a stark jump from previous years.
Investment schemes now outpace even business email compromise as the leading source of monetary losses for victims.
Cryptocurrency scams alone have led to reported losses of over $5.6 billion, a 45% increase from 2022, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
While technological advances in investment platforms are helping more people access the financial markets, they are also arming fraudsters with new tools.
The popularity of cryptocurrencies has attracted both legitimate investors and bad actors, leading to an explosion in cyber-enabled financial crimes.
From phishing schemes to AI-powered deception, scammers are taking advantage of the digital shift to target unsuspecting investors.
The report details how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, have made it easier for criminals to craft convincing frauds. These advancements pose a challenge for regulators and law enforcement agencies attempting to keep up with innovative scams.
Cryptocurrency remains a hotbed for fraudulent activity. With the rise of blockchain-based investments, scammers are exploiting the relative novelty of these assets.
Reports from the Federal Trade Commission reveal a 21% increase in losses from cryptocurrency-related investment scams, amounting to $4.6 billion in 2023 alone.
To tackle these growing threats, the OIAD has ramped up its efforts to educate and protect investors.
Its THRIVE Panel, a survey initiative aimed at gathering insights into investor behaviour, has seen a fourfold increase in participant engagement compared to the previous year.
By understanding investor decision-making, the panel aims to design better protective measures.
The OIAD is also strengthening its partnerships with agencies such as the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
A notable development is the establishment of the Interagency Securities Council, which fosters cooperation across federal, state, and law enforcement agencies.
The Ombuds Office, serving as a bridge between retail investors and regulatory bodies, has noted a significant uptick in fraud-related complaints. This shows the urgency of rebuilding trust in financial systems.
Many investors are now calling for greater transparency and more effective communication from regulators to help safeguard their assets.
The SEC’s 2024 report makes one thing clear: investment fraud is evolving, and both investors and regulators must stay vigilant to protect against these threats.
California introduced Bill AB 1018 to regulate automated decision systems impacting employment, education, housing, and healthcare. The Bill mandates performance evaluations, independent audits, and consumer disclosures to ensure accountability and transparent decision-making.
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.
European Central Bank expands distributed ledger settlement possibilities by linking these transactions with central bank money. This approach seeks to promote a secure foundation for tokenised trading, while opening pathways for cross-border and foreign exchange operations.
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.
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