The proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) represents a significant step in the evolution of the European electronic communications law, replacing the existing directive-based framework with a directly applicable regulation. By centralising competences in areas such as market entry authorisation, spectrum management and enforcement, the DNA recalibrates the balance of powers between the EU and national authorities, with far-reaching implications in terms of state autonomy and market integration.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
Over the past three years, the European debate on digital networks has been largely dominated by the discussion on the level playing field, namely how to balance relationships and interests between connectivity operators and large over-the-top (OTT) platforms within the digital ecosystem. In this contribution, I will try to show how, behind the apparent technical neutrality of the DNA proposal, lies a redefinition of the regulatory vocabulary on interconnection, net neutrality and the role of over the top infrastructures, which may profoundly affect future relationships between telcos and OTTs even in the absence of a true ‘fair share’ regime.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
On 21 January 2026, the European Commission published the long-awaited proposal for a Digital Network Act (DNA). This article explores the prospects of the DNA’s implementation, the surrounding debates by EU Member States regarding its effectiveness and how much of a change it really is from the previous Directive.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
This article explores the carefully reasoned decision in Commission for Communications Regulation v Sky Ireland Ltd, on whether contracts described as being of ‘indeterminate duration’, but containing a fixed minimum commitment period, fall within the scope of an EU Directive. This judgement sets out important clarifications on regarding contract law not only in Ireland, but addresses a structural feature common across EU telecommunications markets and grapples with the balance between formal contractual characterisation and the functional reality of consumer lock-in.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
France is experiencing a sustained and increasing involvement of its national authorities in the regulation of cloud services and generative artificial intelligence (AI). Through the combined efforts of the Government, the French Competition Authority (Autorité de la concurrence) (FCA) and the telecoms regulator (ARCEP) – and in anticipation of recent European instruments (the Data Act, the Digital Markets Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act) – a hybrid framework is emerging. This model, which integrates competition law and sector-specific regulation, may serve as a blueprint for other jurisdictions.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
This article examines Article 323-3-2 of the French Criminal Code, which criminalises certain conduct by online platform providers. Recent amendments have increased penalties and extended the provision’s scope, prompting high-profile criminal investigations. This analysis explores potential legal challenges based on incompatibility with EU provisions and definitional uncertainties.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
This article examines Colombia’s Law 2489 of 2025 and its draft implementing decree, which establish a regulatory framework for the protection of children and adolescents in digital environments, and identifies key legal questions arising from their implementation.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
Brazil’s Federal Government has submitted Bill No 4,675/2025 to the Brazilian Congress, proposing to grant the Brazilian antitrust authority (CADE) ex ante regulatory powers over digital markets, including the designation of systemically relevant platforms and imposition of special obligations, aligning Brazil with the global trend toward platform regulation.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
This article examines India’s 2025 SIM-binding directions and explains how continuous SIM-linked identity verification aims to curb telecom-enabled cyber fraud, while also raising important technical, operational and privacy considerations.
Released on Mar 26, 2026
In a recent significant judgment with wide-ranging implications for electronic communications service providers, the High Court of Ireland has clarified the legal framework governing consumer switching under the Universal Service Regulations. The case, brought by the Commission for Communications Regulation (otherwise known as ComReg) against Virgin Media Ireland Ltd, was the first of its kind under Regulation 31, which empowers the High Court to declare non-compliance with the obligations imposed on communication providers by the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users’ Rights) Regulations.
Released on Jul 17, 2025
The past few years have seen the emergence of section 19a of the Act against Restraints of Competition as a central instrument for Germany’s intervention in digital markets, with the German Federal Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof or BGH) upholding the German Federal Cartel Office’s (Bundeskartellamt) decisions. This national regime complements the harmonised European Union-wide regime introduced by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Bundeskartellamt remains at the forefront of digital platform regulation in Europe, serving as both an enforcer and a testing ground for innovative approaches. This article provides an overview of the evolving regulatory landscape, the interplay between German and EU law and recent enforcement actions against major digital platforms.
Released on Jul 17, 2025
Directive (EU) 2022/2555 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and Directive (EU) 2018/1972, and repealing Directive (EU) 2016/1148, commonly referred to as the NIS2 Directive, was due to be transposed into law and applied in Bulgaria by 17 October 2024. However, delays in the transposition of the law have been observed across most EU Member States. As of June 2025, Bulgaria’s transposition of the NIS2 Directive remains in the final stage of the legislative process before the national Parliament.
Released on Jul 17, 2025
This article examines the regulatory framework in Ukraine for the electronic communications sector, established by the Law on Electronic Communications and its primary goal of achieving harmonisation with European Union legislation. It highlights the key regulatory pillars applicable to the sector, including the principles of general authorisation for market entry, radio frequency spectrum management and enhanced end-user rights. The article also addresses the special regulatory regime under martial law, the sanctions framework and key future developments aimed at the market’s continued evolution.
Released on Jul 17, 2025
AI-powered smart homes leverage IoT to promote sustainable living by optimising energy, security, and comfort. These systems manage resources, adapt to changing conditions, and anticipate future demands, decreasing waste and costs while supporting sustainable energy goals. Ghana's 2024 Digital Economy Policy incorporates ethical AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity, allowing authorities to defend rights and foster confidence.
Released on Jul 17, 2025
Poland is working on new law aimed at guaranteeing the safety of minors on the internet, by increasing the responsibility of the providers of electronic services for the content published on their services.
Released on Jul 17, 2025
After legislating to create the world’s first News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code in March 2021, Australia has moved very slowly in regard to introducing other digital platform-specific reforms. That may be about to change in 2025, as the Australian government progresses its consultation on a range of reforms.
Released on Jul 16, 2025
Japan is shaping a distinctive artificial intelligence (AI) governance model built on non-binding, yet strategic, instruments: a promotional act, practical business guidelines and evolving legal interpretations addressing generative AI. This layered approach balances innovation and accountability, while promoting international harmonisation.
Released on Jul 16, 2025
Among the various aspects of the EU artificial intelligence (AI) regulation (“the ‘AI Act’), that of the foundation models was one of the most controversial and contentious of the entire interinstitutional negotiation, capable right up until the end of derailing the agreement in the trilogue and spreading uncertainty even up to the date of the definitive approval by part of the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union (Coreper) on 2 February 2024.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
On 21 February, the European Commission published a White Paper on ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’ in view of the technological, economic and geopolitical challenges facing the EU in the digital decade. This White Paper identifies key trends and challenges in the digital infrastructure sector and discusses possible scenarios for public policy actions, such as a possible future Digital Networks Act, which aims to incentivise the building of the digital networks of the future, master the transition to new technologies and business models, meet the future connectivity needs of all end-users, underpin the competitiveness of our economy, and ensure secure and resilient infrastructures as well as the EU’s economic security. The White Paper proposes three main pillars of action: creating the 3C Network – ‘Connected Collaborative Computing’; completing the Digital Single Market; and ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructures for Europe. It launches a broad consultation of stakeholders and invites comments until 30 June 2024. This article provides a summary of the White Paper.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
Pakistan's recent launch of its first-ever information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITeS) Export Strategy, which aims to raise IT exports to $10 billion over the next three years, represents a pivotal moment in the country's economic and technological progress.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
A troubling feature of interconnection relationships in Nigeria is the huge interconnect debt profile of many operators. It appears that some operators have taken undue advantage of the fact that their creditors cannot unilaterally disconnect without the approval of the telecoms industry regulator.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
This article explores the Portuguese and European regulatory environment for the growing submarine telecommunications cables industry. It juxtaposes Portugal's proactive strategies to simplify the installation process with the current and upcoming European and national frameworks governing this sector, thus offering valuable insights for potential investors in this industry.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
The Bulgarian Communications Regulation Commission plans to reinstate the asymmetrical regulation of access to telecom physical infrastructure for the deployment of electronic communications networks, which was withdrawn in its last market analysis of the wholesale local access market in 2019.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
A robust broadband infrastructure is vital for a country’s economic growth and technological advancement. With this in mind, the Italian Government has set the objective of ensuring broadband internet access for every household.
Released on Sep 21, 2023
The European ‘fair share’ debate is certainly one of the ‘telecommunications’ hypes of 2023, and so far has created an incredible mass of work for consultants, lobbyists and conference organisers. This subject has become an absolute priority for the largest European telcos, assuming a very important role in the digital agenda of the European Commission lead by commissioner Thierry Breton, former Chief Executive Officer of Orange, the French telecom incumbent.
Released on Sep 13, 2023
This article seeks to address the cybersecurity bill currently being discussed in the Chilean Congress, identifying its main innovations and pending issues.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
: The proposed AIA and the proposals of the PLD II and AI Liability Directives of the European Commission will significantly impact AI systems within the electronic communications sector. This article examines key components of the impending AI Regulatory Framework and its potential effects on the electronic communications sector.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
M2M communications and IoT technologies are revolutionising connectivity between devices, offering smart solutions and creating new market opportunities. However, ensuring regulatory compliance, robust security measures and adequate contractual design are essential to maximise their benefits and mitigate potential risks.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
In recent years, Australia has, similarly to the European Union and many other jurisdictions, shone a regulatory spotlight on the practices of digital platforms. This article looks at the steps Australia has taken – and is proposing to take – to regulate those platforms, including through the introduction of equivalent laws to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA).
Released on Jul 24, 2023
The dynamic adoption of technology has made the transfer and storage of private and personal data convenient, as the majority of transactions are now generated electronically. The exchange of data through such means has globally pushed for regulation of the collection, handling and processing of personal data and information in order to ensure its privacy and protection.
Released on Jul 24, 2023