In the last eight months, regulators in Europe have launched action against Meta in four different policy areas. We argue this approach is the result of the predictable and continued reality of regulating perverse incentives in the digital economy.
As well as regulating AI, policymakers themselves are using it as part of their day-to-day work from document review to spectrum management. So far most have been slow to do so and remain cautious. International guidelines for the use of AI in the public sector could change that.
Age assurance engages the familiar trade-off in online safety regulation between protecting children and guarding privacy rights. As appetite grows for restrictions on access to digital services, we examine existing methods, regulatory approaches, and wider debate.
Given the growing influence of big tech firms in subsea cable investment , governments are intent on regulating underwater infrastructure for a modern world. In the second of a series of reports, we outline the existing subsea cable regulatory toolbox and suggest points of focus for new policy interventions.
UK mobile operators continue to invest and deliver good consumer outcomes, but face persistent challenges around monetisation and increased political pressure. Here we share views on what the Government should consider including in the new SSP.
The EC is considering rolling back regulation on the sector, particularly ex-ante rules that often apply to former incumbent operators. We consider whether this deregulatory push is part of a wider global trend.
The subsea cable sector has undergone a significant transformation with growing investments from big tech firms. In the first of a series of reports, we detail the changes in cable ownership and manufacturing and consider concerns with cable resilience in this context.
Despite identifying competition concerns, the CMA has outlined a set of remedies that could lead to approval of the merger. In doing so it would transform the UK’s mobile market while helping to deliver government ambitions for connectivity and economic growth.
The UK fixed telecoms sector has developed positively since the last SSP in 2019, with expanded full fibre coverage, significant network investment and various interventions to protect consumers. Here we share views on what the Government should consider including in the new SSP.
With a growing market share, and some of the lowest prices and best customer service, MVNOs play a vital role in the market as an important competitive constraint and in keeping MNOs honest.
With technological advances bringing satellite connectivity to the fore again, policymakers have identified core uses for space-based communications. We outline the role for satellite connectivity and consider the limitations for broader adoption
Despite previously finding there was no case to answer for, in the UK, Ofcom is considering whether it should change its approach. Looking elsewhere suggests that imposing regulation in this market may not be in the long-term interests of end users.
The EC has published its preliminary findings and proposed measures in two cases aimed at ensuring interoperability with Apple’s software
Ofcom’s proposals update rather than overhaul its approach to calculating charges for the use of spectrum, but nonetheless represent a win for industry
Despite completing a new analysis, the NMHH is seeking to carry over existing remedies until the market settles down
The framework prioritises internal and international coherence, referencing the provisions of the DSA and DMCC Act while mirroring existing regulation of the sector
Ministers signal support for continued ex-ante regulation of the sector but question whether telecoms and cloud providers should face the same rules
The Government has published its draft statement of strategic priorities on online safety for Ofcom to consider as it begins to enforce the Online Safety Act starting next year
While preserving the spirit of its last market review, ComReg is proposing deregulation in more than half of the overall leased lines market
Approval from the CMA based on behavioural, rather than structural, remedies is unusual but sensible. It does, however, mean that much of the real work starts now
Mandating an SMS sender ID registry is the latest addition to Australia’s world-leading suite of scam prevention measures
The package of measures from DSIT, Ofcom and the telecoms industry should ensure a smoother migration for consumers, local authorities and critical infrastructure providers
The ACCC’s proposals would affect the costs facing both NBN Co and its competitors, while having price implications for broadband consumers
The tech giant argues that a forced divestment of Chrome or Android would be extreme, harming US consumers and jeopardising the country’s tech leadership
Also in the briefing: The fairness agenda, and the energy demands of digital infrastructure
Also in the briefing: Life after inflation-linked mid-contract price rises, and adding sustainability to the regulatory mandate
Also in the briefing: Responses to the EC’s connectivity White Paper
In the briefing: Tech and telecoms in the UK general election, and EU election debrief
Also in the briefing: European price rises in context, and competition and AI
Also in the briefing: Net neutrality and ‘fair share’ outside Europe, and a spectrum policy roundup
Also in the briefing: DSA/DMA implementation and enforcement, and the EC’s White Paper
Also in the briefing: PSTN switch-off and the migration to digital voice, and efforts to tackle scams and nuisance calls
Benchmark of Fines Issued by DPAs updated to include the fine imposed by the DPC in Ireland on Meta following a breach of Facebook users’ data
DMA and DSA Implementation benchmark updated to include the EC’s investigation into TikTok for potential DSA violations during the Romanian presidential elections
Competition and Markets benchmark updated to reflect the European Commission’s ongoing antitrust investigation into Nvidia’s potential acquisition of Run:ai
Cybersecurity Frameworks benchmark updated to reflect the passing of the Cyber Security Bill in Australia
Low-Band and Mid-Band Awards benchmarks updated to include the results of the 850/900MHz and 2.3GHz auction in Hong Kong
Updated to include a new benchmark monitoring countries’ progress in switching off the PSTN
2G/3G Switch-Off benchmark updated to reflect One New Zealand’s decision to delay its 3G switch-off by 9 months to the end of 2025
USO benchmark updated to include details of the obligation in India, Japan, Malta and South Korea
Protection Against Nuisance Calls and Texts benchmark updated to include Anatel's latest efforts to combat unwanted and fraudulent phone calls in Brazil
Sustainability Targets benchmark updated to include targets related to Vodafone and Google's participation in the 24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition
Legislative Frameworks benchmark updated to reflect the FCC’s adoption of rules to protect net neutrality in the US