Online Safety

EU and Australia Announce Trade Deal, Security Partnership and Critical Minerals Collaboration

In an April 2026 address to the Australian Parliament, the European Commission President announced that the EU and Australia have concluded a trade deal, signed a security partnership, and advanced a critical minerals collaboration with decarbonisation at the core. These agreements signal deeper EU-Australia alignment on energy resilience, supply-chain security, climate policy, and online safety, creating a more predictable framework for future trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation.

19 Apr 2026, 16:42ec.europa.euEuropean UnionAustralia

New Jersey Bill S4019 Would Ban Targeted Social Media Ads for Vapor Products Aimed at Under-21s

New Jersey has introduced Senate Bill S4019 to make targeted social media advertising of vapor products to individuals under 21 an unlawful practice, backed by civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation. If enacted, this would significantly increase compliance and enforcement risk for vaping brands, retailers, and platforms running social media campaigns in New Jersey, likely requiring rapid changes to youth-targeting, audience tools, and ad content.

15 Apr 2026, 15:17pub.njleg.govUnited States

EU Parliament Adopts Position Proposing Delayed Artificial Intelligence Act Application and Ban on Nudifier Apps

The European Parliament has adopted its position on the Digital Omnibus on AI, proposing staggered compliance deadlines through 2028 and a ban on non-consensual AI image generation. Manufacturers of AI-integrated products must prepare for phased enforcement that aligns AI Act obligations with existing sectoral safety frameworks for medical devices, toys, and radio equipment.

28 Mar 2026, 16:02europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany Justice Minister Signals Youth Social Media Protections, Anti-Greenwashing Rules and Right to Repair

Germany has signaled legislative priorities for stricter anti-greenwashing enforcement, a mandatory right to repair for electronics, and enhanced digital protections for minors. Companies should anticipate more rigorous substantiation requirements for environmental claims and mandatory serviceability obligations for consumer hardware and digital platforms.

27 Mar 2026, 18:31bundesregierung.deGermany

Minnesota Legislature Proposes Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (HF 4511)

Minnesota introduced legislation in early 2026 to mandate safety-by-design and strict data privacy standards for online products likely to be accessed by minors. Impacted firms must prioritize child well-being over commercial interests and prepare for mandatory impact assessments to mitigate substantial per-child civil penalties.

26 Mar 2026, 19:06revisor.mn.govUnited States

New York Assembly Proposes Consumer Camera Privacy Act for Networked Camera Devices (Bill A10687)

New York has introduced legislation to strictly regulate networked camera devices, mandating explicit opt-ins for surveillance features and imposing tight data retention limits. Manufacturers must prepare for significant product design and data governance shifts, including mandatory point-of-sale disclosures and increased litigation risk from a private right of action.

26 Mar 2026, 12:18assembly.state.ny.usUnited States

Global CBPR Forum Updates Cross-Border Privacy Program Requirements From April 2027

The Global CBPR Forum has expanded its certification criteria from 50 to 57 requirements, becoming mandatory for all new and renewing participants starting April 1, 2027. Organizations must strengthen data governance to meet stricter mandates on sensitive data handling and mandatory breach notifications to maintain compliant international data transfers.

26 Mar 2026, 11:33globalcbpr.orgJapanGlobal

New York Senate Bill S9508: Security Features And Warning Labels For Internet-Connected Baby Monitors

New York has proposed legislation requiring internet-connected baby monitors to incorporate mandatory cybersecurity features and specific risk-warning labels. Manufacturers must integrate security-by-design and prescriptive packaging disclosures to mitigate unauthorized access risks and maintain compliance in the New York market.

20 Mar 2026, 16:48nysenate.govUnited States

EU Parliament Committees Back Digital Omnibus Amendments To AI Act

EU Parliament committees have endorsed delaying compliance deadlines for high-risk AI systems under the AI Act until late 2027 and 2028. This extension provides essential lead time for technical compliance while new prohibitions and watermarking requirements indicate a shift toward stricter oversight of specific AI applications.

20 Mar 2026, 13:35europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council Agrees Position on Digital Omnibus to Streamline AI Rules

The EU Council has reached a consensus on the Digital Omnibus proposal, establishing fixed compliance deadlines for high-risk AI systems through 2028. This agreement provides essential timeline certainty for manufacturers while reinforcing registration and data processing standards for systems seeking high-risk exemptions.

14 Mar 2026, 08:31consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

European Parliament Publishes Roll-Call Results For 11 March 2026 Plenary Session

The European Parliament approved the extension of ePrivacy derogations and advanced key files on AI, gender equality, and the single market during its March 2026 plenary session. These votes signal a continued tightening of EU digital governance and social reporting requirements, requiring businesses to align with evolving standards for data privacy and workplace equity.

13 Mar 2026, 06:25europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

United States Issues Executive Order on Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens

A new US Executive Order establishes a coordinated federal offensive to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks and predatory scam centers. Organizations should prepare for intensified public-private intelligence sharing and monitor for emerging sanctions risks targeting entities involved in cyber-enabled fraud.

11 Mar 2026, 12:23whitehouse.govUnited States

European Parliament Briefing Analyses AI-Enabled Disinformation Targeting Women

EU institutions are coordinating the enforcement of the AI Act and Digital Services Act to combat AI-enabled disinformation and gender-based cyber violence. Digital providers must implement mandatory content labeling by August 2026 and prepare for enhanced liability regarding non-consensual AI-generated material.

9 Mar 2026, 17:54europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

UK Government Launches Consultation on Measures to Protect Children on Social Media, Gaming Platforms and AI Chatbots

The UK government has launched a landmark consultation on stringent new online safety measures for children targeting social media, gaming, and AI platforms. Impacted digital services face significant regulatory pressure to redesign core engagement features and implement restrictive usage controls such as mandatory curfews and enhanced age verification.

6 Mar 2026, 20:28gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Publishes Report on Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Through Adult Services Websites

The UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has called for urgent regulatory reform and platform accountability to address systemic sexual exploitation on adult services websites. Digital platforms and advertising services face heightened legal and compliance risks as proposed legislative amendments seek to criminalize profiting from online exploitation.

6 Mar 2026, 09:52antislaverycommissioner.co.ukUnited Kingdom

US House Proposes SCAM Act to Curb Fraudulent Online Advertising

The US House introduced the SCAM Act in February 2026 to hold online platforms liable for fraudulent paid advertisements by removing Section 230 immunity. This proposal creates significant litigation risk and requires platforms to implement rigorous advertiser verification and automated fraud detection systems.

25 Feb 2026, 18:59govinfo.govUnited States

Programmes and Interventions on Population, Technology and Research in the Context of Sustainable Development: Report of the Secretary-General

The UN Secretary-General's 2026 report advocates for rights-based governance of AI and digital technologies to address global digital divides and demographic shifts. This signals a global push for mandatory human rights due diligence and safety-by-design for digital products, increasing compliance expectations for AI systems and data-driven services.

20 Feb 2026, 06:34docs.un.orgGlobal

European Commission Launches Investigation Into Shein Under the Digital Services Act

The European Commission has initiated formal enforcement proceedings against Shein under the Digital Services Act to investigate illegal product sales and addictive platform designs. This action underscores a heightened regulatory focus on platform accountability, necessitating more rigorous product compliance and algorithmic transparency for all major online marketplaces operating in the EU.

18 Feb 2026, 20:40ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Galicia Adopts Law 6/2025 on Protection of Minors’ Health and Prevention of Addictive Behaviours

Galicia has enacted Law 6/2025, imposing strict bans on the sale of energy drinks and nicotine-delivery devices to minors effective February 2026. Affected businesses must overhaul regional marketing, age-verification, and product placement strategies to comply with new restrictions that equate vapes with tobacco and regulate high-caffeine beverages.

18 Feb 2026, 19:25boe.esSpain

European Commission Launches Action Plan Against Cyberbullying

The European Commission has launched a non-binding Action Plan Against Cyberbullying to harmonize victim support and national prevention strategies across the EU. While non-legislative, the plan signals a shift toward standardized digital safety expectations and increases pressure on platforms to adopt proactive protection measures.

13 Feb 2026, 07:12commission.europa.euEuropean Union