EU regulation shaping platform accountability and child safety online
China is expanding its sanctions framework, with new measures targeting foreign entities deemed to threaten its interests. The changes could complicate compliance for multinationals navigating US/EU sanctions and Chinese countermeasures. Regulators warn penalties may include fines, asset freezes and export controls as they implement Decrees 834 and 835.
France has approved a law that will require social platforms to verify users' ages and bar under‑15s from accounts. The measure also bans mobile phones in secondary schools, phases in from September and will apply to existing accounts from January 2027. The law faces constitutional review and questions about technical feasibility and privacy.
The European Commission has fined AliExpress €1.2 billion for failing to stop the sale of illegal, unsafe and counterfeit goods on its platform. Regulators found weak staffing, bypassable checks, ineffective brand controls and recommendation systems that promoted flagged items. AliExpress says the penalty is disproportionate and will appeal; it must submit a compliance plan by 20 October 2026.
The European Commission has proposed public financing to attract 20 billion euros in private investment for AI gigafactories, aiming to scale computing power in Europe. Brussels argues that access to massive computing capacity is essential as AI development accelerates, with plans to build seven gigafactories and expand EU data centers. The move signals a push toward tech sovereignty amid tensions with the U.S. and China.
The Federal Communications Commission has voted 2-1 to remove the statutory 39% national TV ownership cap and replace it with case-by-case reviews of proposed mergers. Chair Brendan Carr has said the change will let broadcasters scale up and invest in local news; Democrats and press advocates say the commission lacks authority and will spur consolidation and legal challenges.
The European Commission has proposed a law to ban children under 13 from social media, allow 13–14-year-olds supervised "mini accounts" with time limits, and permit standalone accounts from 15. The proposal will require platforms to prove products are safe by design and could expose firms to fines and enforcement if they fail to comply.
The European Commission has fined X €120 million for deceptive blue‑check practices under the Digital Services Act. The U.S. Justice Department has filed to support X’s bid to annul the case at the EU General Court, marking a second recent intervention by the DOJ in Musk-owned ventures. The case tests EU tech rules and transatlantic regulatory frictions.