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There has been a significant surge in the number of virtual private networks (VPNs) used to bypass online age verification methods in countries where these have been put in place by law. Protection of children online is high on the political agenda, and new legislative frameworks are being implemented that require a minimum age to access certain online products and services. The European Union's Digital Services Act has introduced recommended guidelines for age assurance, which apply to online intermediaries ...

The European Cybersecurity Act adopted in 2019 established a permanent mandate for the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and introduced a European cybersecurity certification framework to strengthen trust and resilience across the Union. Its implementation faced a fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape since the Act’s adoption, marked by a 150% increase in cyberattacks in 2024 and an expanding regulatory landscape, including the network and information systems Directive, the Cyber Resilience ...

This is the tenth edition of an annual EPRS paper aimed at identifying and framing many of the key issues and policy areas that will feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year. The topics analysed encompass, the next long term EU budget, Ukraine's integration into the EU, defence, EU-China relations, the impact of artificial intelligence on the web, the potential of startup companies, irregular migration, climate policy, action for ...

This briefing provides background on digital assets ahead of the ECON public hearing on 3 December 2025. In addition to providing quantitative and qualitative background information on digital assets including stablecoins, the briefing also aims to clarify how the decentralized and centralized parts of crypto assets interact. It offers two main take-aways: First, since the creation of Bitcoin as the first genuine digital asset, alternatives have in general re-introduced risks by imitating business ...

A growing number of children are navigating digital environments not designed for them. There is therefore a discussion on whether to enhance the protection of minors online. The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) has adopted an own-initiative report with recommendations for safer digital environments for minors. During the November II plenary session, Parliament is due to debate and vote on the report.

This study explores how the AI Act relates to various other crucial pieces of EU digital legislation, such as the GDPR, the Data Act and the Cyber Resilience Act. It assesses overlaps and gaps between these acts, and shows that, while each of them is individually well targeted, their interplay creates significant regulatory complexity. Finally, it also provides reflections and suggestions for possible evolutions of the AI Act, and of EU digital legislation as a whole, keeping in mind the objective ...

This study investigates the integration and effects of artificial intelligence and algorithmic management (AM) technologies within European workplaces, extending beyond the realm of platform work. It thoroughly examines the European regulatory framework for the use of AM technologies, engages in stakeholder interviews, and analyses case studies within the logistics, healthcare, telecoms, automotive and manufacturing sectors, revealing notable gaps in worker protection and regulatory oversight. The ...

This study reviews the current framework to protect democracy in the EU in view of the forthcoming European Democracy Shield. It provides a comprehensive map of the existing instruments, while identifying and assessing outstanding policy challenges, regulatory gaps and implementation issues. The study also formulates recommendations to strengthen democratic resilience. The study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties and Institutional Affairs ...

Nearly all forms of serious and organised crime have a digital footprint and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted fraud is a growing threat. Thanks to generative AI, fraudsters can replicate voices and create deepfake video calls and synthetic identities. Deepfake voice scams are escalating rapidly, posing a serious threat to both individuals and businesses, as well as legislative frameworks worldwide. Protecting against these threats requires a multi-layered approach using proactive and reactive ...

Satellite services play a key role across our economies – from enabling Earth observation to ensuring the resilience of several sectors such as mobility, finance and defence – thanks to navigation, timing and positioning systems. In the future, they are expected increasingly to provide connectivity services, including coverage in remote areas and secure connectivity for public authorities. This situation comes with a set of threats and challenges. While the number of satellites in orbit is growing ...