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
Governing cross-border data transfers
Last updated 25 May 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.
Governing cookies
Last updated 26 May 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, including the display thereof on digital interfaces, the availability of selection options for consumers and the legality of "cookie walls". This thread collects all policy and enforcement relating to "c...
The regulation of digital advertisement
Last updated 26 May 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 platforms, often to protect users. This thread bundles policy and enforcement specifically targeting the online advertisement sector.
All threads
Governing cross-border data transfers
Last updated 25 May 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 26 May 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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33
The regulation of digital advertisement
Last updated 26 May 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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56
The non-binding side of digital policy
Last updated 26 May 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 18 May 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 25 May 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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Regulating digital infrastructure
Last updated 26 May 2023
The digital economy builds on an intricate infrastructure provided by different sectors. The businesses delivering digital infrastructure include telecommunication network providers, internet service providers and data storage providers, e.g. cloud and server providers. Given the importance of the d...
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Employment rules for the digital economy
Last updated 03 May 2023
Increasing parts of the labour force are employe by the digital economy. This economic opportunity brings challenges for policymakers, especially when foreign firms use novel methods in hiring and employing domestic workers. Governments have imposed employment rules on such digital economy working r...
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E-commerce policy
Last updated 26 May 2023
E-commerce platforms are a common regulatory object. Governments impose obligations on the quality of products, the authenticity of reviews and platforms' behaviour towards competitors and suppliers. In addition, the taxation of electronic commerce is a significant revenue stream for governments. Th...
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Cybersecurity frameworks
Last updated 26 May 2023
As data has risen in relevance to the global digital economy, its security has become a key concern for policymakers. Cybersecurity is a focal point of governments' data governance regimes, especially in the presence of prominent data breaches. Policymakers impose measures to prevent, detect and com...
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