ICO launches investigations into how social media and video sharing platforms use UK children’s personal information

The ICO has announced three investigations looking into how TikTok, Reddit and Imgur protect the privacy of their child users in the UK. Tiktok Its investigation into TikTok is considering how the platform uses personal information of 13–17-year-olds in the UK to make recommendations to them and deliver suggested content to their feeds. This is…

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Ofcom makes information requests regarding illegal harms risk assessments

The first set of duties on sites and apps in scope of the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 came into force when Ofcom published its illegal harms codes of practice and guidance on 16 December 2024. From that point, providers had three months to carry out a ‘suitable and sufficient’ illegal content risk assessment, in…

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CJEU rules that data subjects are entitled to explanations of automated credit decisions

The CJEU has issued its ruling in C-203/22 CK v Dun & Bradstreet Austria GmbH and Magistrat der Stadt Wien.  A mobile telephone operator refused to allow a customer to enter into a contract because her credit standing was insufficient. The operator relied on an assessment of the customer’s credit standing carried out by automated…

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Ofcom publishes final guidance on information gathering powers

The Online Safety Act gives Ofcom powers to require and obtain information it needs to exercise, or decide if to exercise, its online safety duties and functions. Following consultation, it has issued its final guidance about how and when it might use these powers.  The guidance takes effect immediately. The guidance is not binding and…

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Irish government publishes legislative programme

The Irish government has published its legislative programme for Spring 2025. The items that will of interest to techlaw lawyers are set out below: Title of Bill Purpose of Bill Status of Bill Legislation for Priority Publication Spring Session 2025 Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Bill The Bill encompasses the necessary amendments to the Copyright and…

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UK government publishes response to call for evidence on open justice

The UK government has published the outcome of its call for evidence which sought comments on ten areas relating to open justice and transparency. This included questions on the principles around open justice and transparency, as well as specific areas of the justice system, particularly those that have undergone a period of rapid change over…

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Ofcom consults on draft guidance: A safer life online for women and girls

Ofcom is consulting on draft guidance to protect women and girls under the Online Safety Act.  The guidance sets out areas where technology firms can contribute towards improving women and girls’ online safety by taking responsibility, designing their services to prevent harm and supporting their users. As SCL readers will be aware, the Online Safety…

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