US: consumer rights watchdog investigating AI “companion” chatbots
13 October 25
Jose Jehuda Garcia
The US consumer watchdog, the Federal Trade Commission, launched a comprehensive inquiry in September 2025 into seven major providers of consumer-facing AI companion chatbots. This is the most significant regulatory scrutiny of AI chatbot providers in the US so far. The investigation is particularly concerned with child safety and data privacy practices.
European Commission launches AI strategies to enhance AI uptake and competitiveness
12 October 25
Elisar Bashir
Flagship initiatives to promote an AI first policy in key sectors (e.g. telecommunications and the public sector) are at the heart of the Apply AI strategy. It further envisages the setting-up of a single governance mechanism, a coordination forum for Apply AI stakeholders, to advance the discussion on AI policy in strategic EU sectors. The strategy reiterates the Commission’s commitment to support the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act. A parallel AI in Science strategy will focus on fostering AI-driven research across scientific disciplines.
EU Digital & Media Weekly Report
12 October 25
Visiola Pula
This report gathers policy and regulatory developments at EU level covered by Cullen International’s Digital Economy and Media services over the past week. It also lists events taking place this week.
Big tech companies at centre of heated EU digital sovereignty debate in European Parliament
09 October 25
Javier Huerta Bravo
Representatives of the European Commission and the Council, and Members of the European Parliament from mainstream political groups (EPP, S&D, Renew and Greens) defended the EU’s right to set its own digital standards against pressure from the US administration and companies.
Italy adopts law on artificial intelligence
07 October 25
Marianna Mattera
The law on artificial intelligence (AI) limits minors’ access to AI technology and imposes imprisonment for harmful use of AI. The Agency for Digital Italy (AGID) and the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) are designated as competent national authorities for AI.
EU Digital & Media Weekly Report
05 October 25
Marianna Mattera
This report gathers policy and regulatory developments at EU level covered by Cullen International’s Digital Economy and Media services over the past week. It also lists events taking place this week.