Canada proposes new guidance for biometric data processing
23 February 24
Jose Jehuda Garcia
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada closed consultations on draft guidelines for the lawful handling of biometric information by both private sector and government entities in Canada. This Global Trends Flash explains the rationale and content of these draft guidelines. It also notes that several other governments around the world have recently been addressing the need to better protect biometric data.
Quantum-related policy trends in the EU
07 February 24
Elena Scaramuzzi
At end of its term, in December 2023, the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU launched a Quantum Declaration, calling on member states to “making Europe the quantum valley of the world.” A few weeks later, the European Commission announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU's economic security in key technology areas, including, amongst others, quantum technology. This Global Trends Flash provides an update of recent quantum-related policy initiatives currently implemented or under debate in the EU.
Japan evaluates effectiveness of transparency and fairness policies of digital platforms
05 February 24
Elena Scaramuzzi
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has closed its consultations on the implementation of transparency and fairness policies of Amazon, Apple, Google, LINE Yahoo, Meta, and Rakuten in 2023. METI identified room for improvement in several areas. Among the developments expected in 2024, the Japanese government might consider introducing new measures to encourage competition in the market of mobile app distribution and payment systems. Japan is actively contributing to international debates on competition in digital markets, this Global Trends Flash also highlights.
Australia concludes consultation on framework to combat scams
05 February 24
Jose Jehuda Garcia
This Global Trends Flash discusses the details behind a scams code framework proposed by the Australian Treasury. The framework would set clear roles and responsibilities for government, regulators, and industry to combat scams. It would focus on banks, telecommunications providers, and digital communications platforms. The proposal was submitted to public consultation in November 2023. Other governments around the world are also addressing how to protect consumers and businesses from scammers, who are more active online than ever.
Nigeria launches multi-stakeholder initiative to accelerate broadband deployments and take-up
29 January 24
Gilles Bana
Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), in January 2024. The NBAN aims to support broadband availability and affordability beyond the most populated urban areas of the country. It intends to do this by incentivising private investment in backbone and middle-mile infrastructure.
Like in Nigeria, this Global Trends Flash also highlights that several other countries in sub-Saharan Africa have tried to bridge relevant infrastructure gaps nationwide.
Canada wraps up consultation on artificial intelligence and copyright
26 January 24
Jose Jehuda Garcia
This Global Trends Flash discusses the details behind a public consultation Canada’s federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development agency launched in October 2023 to gather input from stakeholders on the implications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, for copyright policy. Other governments around the world are addressing this issue as well.