2025 brought impressive developments in the digital world, with impacts on digital policies and regulations globally. Discover the topics that trended most amongst the Global Trends subscribers in 2025.

Nigeria is seeking to establish a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for digital transformation in the country. The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025, which is in its final steps before enactment, aims to consolidate multiple digital policy areas into a single law, this Global Trends Flash highlights.

Several satellite operators provide connectivity to end-user devices or are preparing such services. In contrast to previous mobile satellite services, which often required special devices, end users can use mass-market handsets like smartphones or smartwatches. This Explainer provides an overview of the technical background of satellite direct-to-device (D2D) and the operators providing or preparing such services.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is consulting until 21 November 2025 on a draft amendment to the universal service and access obligations currently applicable to Telkom, the country’s incumbent telecom operator. The proposal aims to update Telkom’s legacy licence conditions by providing fast broadband internet connectivity at 171 multi-purpose government facilities providing citizens’ access to digital public services across the country. This Global Trends flash outlines ICASA’s rationale in its review of Telkom’s obligations and provides an overview of South Africa’s universal service regime. Several other African countries are transitioning their respective universal service regimes from basic telephony to broadband internet connectivity.

Australia has issued regulatory guidance to enforce age verification requirements for social media platforms. The age limits, as originally planned, are enforceable from 10 December 2025. This Global Trends Flash details the key stages of Australia’s regulatory efforts in this area, from legislation to consultations to finalising the applicable regulatory guidance. Additionally, the report puts the age verification measures in a global context.

The European Commission is consulting until 26 November 2025 on potential new legislation, a Quantum Act. The Act would establish at EU level a coherent governance framework for quantum research, strengthen industrial capacity through coordinated investment tools, and create mechanisms for supply-chain resilience. This Global Trends flash analyses key aspects of the proposal and presents recent quantum policy developments from around the world.