New Rules Aim to Speed Up GDPR Enforcement: A new EU regulation introduces deadlines to speed up cross-border GDPR cases, with simpler ones to be resolved in 12 months. Critics warn this could lead to weaker enforcement or dismissed complaints. The key challenge will be balancing efficiency with strong data protection. The reform also aims to reduce administrative burdens and improve coordination between national data protection authorities. 

Italy Upholds Ban on Replika to Safeguard Children’s Privacy: Italy’s data protection authority has reaffirmed its ban on the AI chatbot Replika, citing continued violations of GDPR rules and serious risks to minors and vulnerable users. Despite previous warnings, the company failed to implement effective age verification and transparency measures, prompting a €5 million fine. This decision highlights the growing importance of stringent oversight for AI-driven platforms that may impact user privacy and well-being. 

Tighter EU Rules on Foreign Data Requests: The EDPB finalized guidelines under GDPR Article 48, stating that foreign court or agency demands need valid international agreements or legal bases to justify data transfers. It sets a two-step test: data controllers must have a lawful basis under Article 6 and meet Chapter V transfer rules like adequacy or safeguards. The EDPB also launched training in AI security and data protection and will draft a joint opinion on easing GDPR duties for SMEs.

EU Begins Telecom Law Reform: The European Commission has launched a public consultation to update the EU telecom framework with a new Digital Networks Act focused on simplifying authorisation, reducing reporting burdens, and unifying rules across member states. The plan includes streamlining spectrum licensing, allowing longer licences and cross border sharing, and setting clear rules for services like network slicing. A key goal is to boost EU digital sovereignty by improving infrastructure security and aligning access rules for telecom, cloud and satellite services. 

Europe’s 6 GHz Push to Secure 6 G Leadership: Twelve major European telecom operators are calling for the full upper 6 GHz band to be allocated for mobile use, warning that without it Europe risks lagging behind the US and China in the race to deploy 6 G. They argue this spectrum is one of the few remaining large mid-band blocks capable of supporting both growing 5 G demands and future 6 G rollout. 

Swedish Military Joins NorthStar 5G Programme: The Swedish Armed Forces have joined Telia and Ericsson’s NorthStar innovation programme to test advanced 5G applications for military communication, logistics, and security, including tactical 5G networks and positioning for vehicles and personnel. This move driven by rising geopolitical tensions and Sweden’s NATO integration aims to modernize defense infrastructure using civilian 5G expertise. The partnership also invites startups to contribute technological solutions, reinforcing Sweden’s resilience and interoperability within the alliance. 

IMY Highlights Data Protection and AI at Almedalen 2025: During Almedalen Week 2025, Sweden’s data protection authority IMY is engaging in discussions on the intersection of data protection, AI, and innovation. IMY’s leadership, including Director General Eric Leijonram, is participating in seminars and roundtables addressing how AI development can align with privacy rights and how regulatory tools like the sandbox can support innovation amid legal uncertainty. The agency aims to promote responsible digitalization while safeguarding individuals’ privacy rights.  

EU Commissioner Visits RISE to Support European AI Factory Initiative: On June 2, 2025, EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen visited RISE in Sweden to highlight the EU’s investment in AI factories, including the Swedish AI hub MIMER, co-led by RISE and Linköping University. The initiative aims to boost Europe’s AI capabilities by providing startups and researchers with access to supercomputing infrastructure and expert support. Virkkunen emphasized the importance of building EU-based technological capacity to reduce dependency on third countries and praised Sweden’s proactive role in advancing AI innovation.  

Building Trust in AI for Health: A Collaborative Path Forward: The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group, has released a report outlining strategies to build trust in AI systems used in healthcare. The report identifies three key priorities: enhancing technical capacity among regulators and innovators, evolving regulatory models through tools like sandboxes and post-market surveillance, and fostering public–private partnerships to co-develop standards and ensure quality assurance. These efforts aim to ensure that AI in health is safe, effective, and equitable, while supporting innovation and addressing the unique challenges posed by rapidly evolving AI technologies.

Sweden Proposes New Cybersecurity Law to Implement EU’s NIS 2 Directive: The Swedish government has proposed a new cybersecurity law to implement the EU’s NIS 2 Directive, aiming to strengthen the protection of network and information systems. The law will require both public and private operators in critical sectors to take security measures and report significant incidents. It also introduces oversight mechanisms and updates related legislation, with the proposed changes set to take effect on January 15, 2026.  

EU Adopts New Cyber Blueprint to Strengthen Crisis Management: On June 6, 2025, the Council of the EU adopted a revised Cyber Blueprint to enhance the Union’s ability to respond to large-scale cybersecurity incidents. Driven by an evolving threat landscape and geopolitical tensions, the new framework aims to improve coordination among Member States, EU institutions, and cybersecurity bodies like ENISA, CSIRTs, and EU-CyCLONe. The Blueprint is a key part of the EU’s Preparedness Strategy, offering practical tools and processes to ensure a unified and effective response to cyber crises affecting critical infrastructure and public safety.  

NIST Publishes 19 Practical Models for Building Zero Trust Architectures: The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released new guidance offering 19 example implementations of Zero Trust Architectures (ZTAs) using commercial, off-the-shelf technologies. These models, detailed in Special Publication 1800-35, aim to help organizations transition from traditional perimeter-based security to a zero trust approach, which continuously verifies access requests regardless of location. Developed with input from 24 industry collaborators, the guide provides practical insights, best practices, and replicable architectures to support secure, modern network environments.  

Record Participation at the 2025 IP Enforcement Summit: The 2025 International IP Enforcement Summit, held in Athens, gathered over 640 participants from more than 40 countries, including policymakers, law enforcement, and industry leaders, highlighting the growing global commitment to IP protection. Key discussions focused on leveraging AI and emerging technologies, securing trade flows, and addressing cross-border enforcement challenges, especially for SMEs. The summit emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation and investment in enforcement capabilities to combat counterfeiting and piracy in an increasingly digital and globalized economy. 

Getty’s Landmark UK Lawsuit on AI Copyright Set to Begin: Getty Images’ high-profile UK lawsuit against Stability AI is set to begin, marking one of the first major legal tests of how copyright law applies to AI-generated content. The case centers on Getty’s claim that Stability AI unlawfully used millions of its copyrighted images to train its AI model without permission or compensation. The outcome could have significant implications for companies using copyrighted data in AI development and for clients relying on AI-generated content in commercial settings. 

UKIPO Publishes Latest Consumer Study on Counterfeit Goods: The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) released the fourth wave of its consumer study, surveying 5,000 UK adults on their attitudes and behaviors toward counterfeit goods. While 76% of respondents reported never knowingly purchasing counterfeits, younger consumers (ages 18–34) were significantly more likely to do so, especially in categories like clothing, sports, and toys. The findings will help inform enforcement strategies and targeted interventions, supporting companies and clients in understanding consumer motivations and reducing IP crime. 

Japan Records Trade Deficit Amid U.S. Tariffs: In May 2025, Japan posted a trade deficit of ¥637.6 billion (approx. $4.4 billion) after exports fell 1.7%, largely due to a nearly 25% drop in auto shipments to the U.S. following hefty tariffs imposed by former President Trump. Imports also declined by 7.7%, signaling softer domestic demand alongside the export slump. Despite G7 talks between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump, no resolution was reached, leaving further economic pressure on Japan’s trade balance. 

Tariffs Tightrope between Deficit Gain and Economic Pain: The CBO warns that Trump’s sweeping tariffs could reduce the U.S. federal deficit by $2.8 trillion over the next decade but this comes at a cost, shrinking the economy and squeezing household purchasing power. Inflation is projected to rise by about 0.4 percentage points in 2025–26, while real GDP growth could slow by approximately 0.06 percentage points annually. Even as revenues from tariffs help lower deficits, critics highlight the broader risks: higher prices, weaker economic output, and recession potential. 

EU Explores 10 % Tariff Offer in US Trade Talks (US Speculative Report): A US-based report suggests the EU is considering accepting a flat 10 % tariff on all exports to the United States, aiming to prevent steeper duties on cars, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. This proposed concession would be conditional and temporary, and in exchange, the EU may lower its tariffs on American-made vehicles and ease technical barriers. However, the European Commission has dismissed the plan as speculative, affirming that negotiations are ongoing and emphasizing its rejection of unjustified US tariffs. 

• ENISA Trust Services and eID Forum – CA Day 2025 

Date:  Sep 24 – 25, 2025 

Time: 9:00 am – 5:00pm 

Location: University of Split, FESB Faculty, Ruđera Boškovića 32, 21000 Split, Croatia / online 

Registration: Link 

• AI Sweden “Investment in AI in the regions” 

Date:  Sep 18, 2025 

Time: 09:00 am – 10:30  am 

Location: Online 

Registration: Link 

• Annual Privacy Forum (APF) 2025 

Date:  Oct 22 – 23, 2025  

Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm 

Location: ExCeL London, UK 

Registration: Link