Current Threads
DPA threads group our database entries around current topics of public discourse, policy debate or international patterns identified by our team. The DPA threads are updated continuously and our team adds more in response to public and policy debates. Do you miss the factual base for a particular policy issue? Please email us at threads@digitalpolicyalert.org.
In the spotlight
Data localisation requirements in the digital economy
Last updated 18 Sep 2023
In addition to restrictions on cross-border data transfers, several governments impose data localisation requirements. In the digital economy, the obligation for companies to store the personal data they collect within a territory represents a market access barrier hindering international expansion. This thread lists the countries that introduced data localisation obligations.
Regulating Artificial Intelligence
Last updated 04 Oct 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a popular regulatory object. Governments issue laws, orders, standards and guidelines regulating the development and use of AI systems. Regulators prohibit certain AI, require transparency reports and risk assessments from developers and enhance the rights of affected employees, data subjects and users, be it in the context of hiring, targeted advertising or content recommendation. This thread illustrates the ever-growing variety of policy approaches to regulate A...
Online content moderation requirements
Last updated 04 Oct 2023
Digital platforms are crucial to the functioning of the digital economy. Platforms enable the dissemination of user-generated content, which may be deemed harmful or even illegal. Governments have introduced rules to hold platforms accountable for the content they display, obliging companies to moderate content including terrorism, hate speech, child pornography and misinformation. This thread tracks all policies imposing content moderation obligations on online platforms.
All threads
Data localisation requirements in the digital economy
Last updated 18 Sep 2023
In addition to restrictions on cross-border data transfers, several governments impose data localisation requirements. In the digital economy, the obligation for companies to store the personal data they collect within a territory represents a market access barrier hindering international expansion....
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14
Regulating Artificial Intelligence
Last updated 04 Oct 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a popular regulatory object. Governments issue laws, orders, standards and guidelines regulating the development and use of AI systems. Regulators prohibit certain AI, require transparency reports and risk assessments from developers and enhance the rights of affected...
378
205
Online content moderation requirements
Last updated 04 Oct 2023
Digital platforms are crucial to the functioning of the digital economy. Platforms enable the dissemination of user-generated content, which may be deemed harmful or even illegal. Governments have introduced rules to hold platforms accountable for the content they display, obliging companies to mode...
415
203
Taxation laws for the digital economy
Last updated 31 Aug 2023
The digital economy challenges international taxation rules as businesses provide services to consumers around the globe while residing in only one state. National governments, as well as international organisations, have attempted to challenge this status by introducing laws that either create new ...
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Governing cross-border data transfers
Last updated 03 Oct 2023
Cross-border data transfers is one of the most salient topics in digital policy. Data flows lie at the heart of the global digital economy, but rules differ across jurisdictions. This thread collects all recent policy changes concerning cross-border data transfers.
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Governing cookies
Last updated 21 Sep 2023
"Cookies" have become part of consumers' everyday internet experience. Cookies were originally introduced as a response to data protection policy by businesses to gather users' consent to data collection. Recently, governments have turned their attention to businesses' specific cookie practices, inc...
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The regulation of digital advertisement
Last updated 02 Oct 2023
Online advertisement is a key component of the digital economy but brings along specific downsides. Consumers can be exposed to hidden and false advertisements and may be targeted beyond their will. To tackle the risks of digital advertisements, governments across the globe have imposed rules on pla...
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The non-binding side of digital policy
Last updated 04 Oct 2023
Governments resort to non-binding outlines, such as strategies, guidelines and action plans, to complement binding policy affecting the digital economy. Outlines deserve attention since they signal future policy and enforcement priorities and specify the implementation of binding policy. This thread...
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The TikTok crackdown
Last updated 03 Oct 2023
TikTok's unique growth and Chinese origin have put it into the spotlight of Western policymakers and regulators. Recently, several Western governments have banned the app from government devices. Previously, TikTok faced scrutiny for its privacy practices and the content displayed on the platform (e...
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Registering and licensing the digital economy
Last updated 03 Oct 2023
The digital economy has disrupted many sectors, including certain sectors in which governmental approval is required for businesses to operate. The result is that digital businesses pursuing certain business models can be required to register with authorities or even obtain a license in advance. Suc...
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