In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital economy, staying informed about policy changes is crucial for businesses, governments, researchers, and consumers alike. November 2024 brought significant developments across various core areas of digital policy, as highlighted in the latest roundup by Digital Policy Alert. This independent repository provides a comprehensive overview of policy changes affecting the digital economy worldwide, ensuring transparency by linking every finding to official government sources. By leveraging the Digital Policy Alert dataset, users can access, filter, and download relevant information while benefiting from customizable notification services to stay updated on their areas of interest.
Content Moderation
Content moderation remained a focal point in the digital policy landscape this November, particularly regarding youth protection and harmful content. In Australia, legislation passed to establish a minimum age of 16 for social media users necessitates age verification measures, although specifics on implementation are yet to be clarified. Similarly, South Korea took decisive action against the proliferation of deepfake sexual content through a joint response plan among its governmental agencies.
In contrast, Canada ordered TikTok to cease operations over national security concerns; however, the app remains accessible to Canadians. The European Commission’s ongoing effort to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) involved inquiries into TikTok’s content moderation practices during Romanian elections and scrutiny of Apple’s geo-blocking policies. Furthermore, Russia introduced stringent laws prohibiting content that discourages childbearing, culminating in significant fines levied against several technology companies for non-compliance.
AI Regulation
Amid a backdrop of global concern regarding the implications of artificial intelligence, the G20 leaders’ declaration underscored the importance of pro-innovation governance that respects human rights and transparency. Notably, the UN passed a resolution addressing the military use of AI, emphasizing accountability to prevent arms races.
In Europe, the establishment of a scientific panel comprising independent experts has been proposed to assist with AI regulatory enforcement. The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology initiated consultations to promote responsible AI management among SMEs while discussing the growing AI assurance market, projected to soar from GBP 1.01 billion to GBP 6.53 billion by 2035.
Across Asia, China is making strides in AI regulation through consultations on standardization and labeling of AI-generated content, with South Korea developing an AI Privacy Risk Assessment model to manage risks autonomously. Japan also closed its consultation on generative AI, emphasizing competition concerns within the growing market.
Competition Policy
Competition policy witnessed significant activity in November, especially in Europe. The European Commission imposed a hefty fine of EUR 797.72 million against Meta for its monopolistic practices related to Facebook Marketplace. Investigations into data center firms for potentially illegal agreements suggest a rigorous approach to enforcing the Digital Markets Act.
India’s Competition Commission fined Meta INR 213.14 crore for its controversial privacy policy update and launched an inquiry into Google’s practices. Meanwhile, Canada’s Competition Bureau is revising merger guidelines and pursuing legal action against Google for alleged anti-competitive behavior in ad tech.
With ongoing concerns about market concentration, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority published draft guidance for designating firms with strategic market status, indicating an active stance on regulating digital markets.
Data Governance
Data governance is gaining prominence as countries worldwide grapple with data protections and cross-border transfers. In Europe, the EU’s NIS2 Directive on cybersecurity came into force, while member states like France and Germany advanced several initiatives aimed at enhancing data security.
China is actively shaping its data landscape by introducing comprehensive guidelines for cross-border data transfers under multiple laws. Additionally, the country is forging recent initiatives for national data infrastructure, emphasizing a significant shift toward robust data governance.
On the enforcement front, Turkey took action against Twitch and X over privacy breaches and misuse of user data. Similarly, Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority initiated proceedings against TikTok related to children’s data handling, indicating a global consciousness regarding the safety and protection of personal data.
Conclusion
The roundup for November 2024 encapsulates critical advancements in digital policy across content moderation, AI regulation, competition policy, and data governance. Each highlight reflects the urgent need for governments and organizations to ensure a balanced approach that fosters innovation while protecting users and promoting fair competition.
To fully navigate this intricate web of digital policies, stakeholders are encouraged to utilize tools provided by Digital Policy Alert to access real-time updates and engage with legal texts regarding evolving rules across the globe. As the digital economy continues to grow and influence various facets of society, remaining informed is not just advantageous but essential.