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 Scottish Government's response to the Independent Expert Group report highlights ethical and secure public sector data use. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and unlock benefits for communities through responsible data-sharing practices.
The Scottish Government has responded to the final report by the Independent Expert Group on the Unlocking the Value of Data programme.
This initiative seeks to harness Scotland’s public sector personal data for secure, ethical, and transparent public benefit.
With guiding principles and a proposed policy statement at its core, the report aims to set the stage for transformative access to public sector data while prioritising ethical considerations.
The Scottish Government
Central to the programme is the drive to establish a framework that balances innovation with integrity.
The report establishes a commitment to ethical practices that ensure personal data is handled transparently and securely. This approach seeks to build public trust by addressing potential concerns over data misuse or privacy violations.
Key recommendations include introducing robust governance mechanisms and promoting transparency in data sharing processes.
These steps aim to ensure that data-driven initiatives are aligned with Scotland’s broader social and economic goals.
The Scottish Government’s assessment acknowledges the report as a valuable addition to the ongoing dialogue on data usage. It highlights the importance of clear policy guidance to facilitate ethical access to public sector data.
One of the report’s standout features is its emphasis on collaboration, urging the public sector, private entities, and academia to work together in leveraging data for the common good.
Among the proposed measures is the development of a centralised data-sharing framework. This initiative aims to streamline how public sector data is accessed and used, enabling all stakeholders to adhere to the same high standards of ethical and transparent practices.
Such a framework could serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to unlock the potential of their public data.
The ultimate goal of the Unlocking the Value of Data programme is to translate policy into tangible public benefits.
By making public sector data more accessible, the initiative hopes to foster innovation in areas such as healthcare, education, and urban planning.
For instance, improved data sharing could enable more targeted healthcare interventions, reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for underserved communities.
Education is another area poised to benefit significantly. Enhanced access to data can help policymakers identify gaps in the education system, tailoring interventions to support students and teachers more effectively.
Meanwhile, urban planning could leverage data insights to design more sustainable and inclusive communities.
Despite its potential, the programme faces several challenges. Ensuring robust data security is paramount, particularly as the volume and sensitivity of shared data increase.
Additionally, fostering public trust will require consistent communication about how data is used and what measures are in place to protect it.
The Scottish Government's iterative approach signals a willingness to adapt and refine its strategies as the programme progresses.
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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