The regulation of foundation models in the EU AI Act
Among the various aspects of the EU artificial intelligence (AI) regulation (“the ‘AI Act’), that of the foundation models was one of the most controversial and contentious of the entire interinstitutional negotiation, capable right up until the end of derailing the agreement in the trilogue and spreading uncertainty even up to the date of the definitive approval by part of the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union (Coreper) on 2 February 2024.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’: A brief overview of the European Commission White Paper
On 21 February, the European Commission published a White Paper on ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’ in view of the technological, economic and geopolitical challenges facing the EU in the digital decade. This White Paper identifies key trends and challenges in the digital infrastructure sector and discusses possible scenarios for public policy actions, such as a possible future Digital Networks Act, which aims to incentivise the building of the digital networks of the future, master the transition to new technologies and business models, meet the future connectivity needs of all end-users, underpin the competitiveness of our economy, and ensure secure and resilient infrastructures as well as the EU’s economic security. The White Paper proposes three main pillars of action: creating the 3C Network – ‘Connected Collaborative Computing’; completing the Digital Single Market; and ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructures for Europe. It launches a broad consultation of stakeholders and invites comments until 30 June 2024. This article provides a summary of the White Paper.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
Pakistan's IT and ITeS export strategy: a gateway to economic prosperity and global recognition
Pakistan's recent launch of its first-ever information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITeS) Export Strategy, which aims to raise IT exports to $10 billion over the next three years, represents a pivotal moment in the country's economic and technological progress.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
Tackling interconnect debts in the Nigerian telecommunications industry
A troubling feature of interconnection relationships in Nigeria is the huge interconnect debt profile of many operators. It appears that some operators have taken undue advantage of the fact that their creditors cannot unilaterally disconnect without the approval of the telecoms industry regulator.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
Investment and deployment of submarine cables: achieving a friendlier national and European regulatory environment
This article explores the Portuguese and European regulatory environment for the growing submarine telecommunications cables industry. It juxtaposes Portugal's proactive strategies to simplify the installation process with the current and upcoming European and national frameworks governing this sector, thus offering valuable insights for potential investors in this industry.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
Regulation of access to telecom physical infrastructure for deployment of electronic communications networks in Bulgaria: model for infrastructure access regulation or going in circles?
The Bulgarian Communications Regulation Commission plans to reinstate the asymmetrical regulation of access to telecom physical infrastructure for the deployment of electronic communications networks, which was withdrawn in its last market analysis of the wholesale local access market in 2019.
Released on Apr 12, 2024
Italy – its unusual route towards a ‘single ultra broadband network’
A robust broadband infrastructure is vital for a country’s economic growth and technological advancement. With this in mind, the Italian Government has set the objective of ensuring broadband internet access for every household.
Released on Sep 21, 2023
Fair share: what stage is the European legislative proposal on the internet tax at?
The European ‘fair share’ debate is certainly one of the ‘telecommunications’ hypes of 2023, and so far has created an incredible mass of work for consultants, lobbyists and conference organisers. This subject has become an absolute priority for the largest European telcos, assuming a very important role in the digital agenda of the European Commission lead by commissioner Thierry Breton, former Chief Executive Officer of Orange, the French telecom incumbent.
Released on Sep 13, 2023
Chile: The implications and pending challenges of recent cybersecurity regulations in Chile
This article seeks to address the cybersecurity bill currently being discussed in the Chilean Congress, identifying its main innovations and pending issues.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
Navigating the maze: implications of the EU’s AI Regulatory Framework for the electronic communications sector
: The proposed AIA and the proposals of the PLD II and AI Liability Directives of the European Commission will significantly impact AI systems within the electronic communications sector. This article examines key components of the impending AI Regulatory Framework and its potential effects on the electronic communications sector.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
M2M and IoT – similarities, differences and the European Regulatory Framework
M2M communications and IoT technologies are revolutionising connectivity between devices, offering smart solutions and creating new market opportunities. However, ensuring regulatory compliance, robust security measures and adequate contractual design are essential to maximise their benefits and mitigate potential risks.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
Regulation of digital platform services in Australia: tracking the European Union
In recent years, Australia has, similarly to the European Union and many other jurisdictions, shone a regulatory spotlight on the practices of digital platforms. This article looks at the steps Australia has taken – and is proposing to take – to regulate those platforms, including through the introduction of equivalent laws to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA).
Released on Jul 24, 2023
Data privacy and protection in Pakistan
The dynamic adoption of technology has made the transfer and storage of private and personal data convenient, as the majority of transactions are now generated electronically. The exchange of data through such means has globally pushed for regulation of the collection, handling and processing of personal data and information in order to ensure its privacy and protection.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
Internet regulation – legislative proposals in Brazil
Digital Market Act- and Digital Services Act-like bills of law are being discussed in the Brazilian National Congress. At the same time, the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court is close to ruling the leading case on a platform’s liability for user-generated content.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
Cybersecurity in the electronic communications sector in Europe: navigating the digital frontier
In an era where digital has become the cornerstone of human society, cybersecurity has encountered unprecedent focus. Recognising the importance of ensuring security and the specific challenges of the electronic communications sector, the European Union has been establishing a robust legal framework, demanding a proactive and evolving approach against increasing and evolving cyber threats. However, cybersecurity is not a static field and, with technology continually advancing, this legal framework is constantly evolving, posing challenges to organisations.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
In search of a definition for private electronic communications networks (ECN) and non-publicly available electronic communications services (ECS)
The deployment of 5G network-based solutions and the increasing use of IoT technologies (in multiple fields, from healthcare to smart cities, industry and agriculture) have driven the demand for private connectivity systems. Despite establishing different regimes, the EU Electronic Communications Code (EECC) does not clearly distinguish between publicly accessible and non-publicly accessible electronic communications services.
Released on Jul 24, 2023
The Data Act: new EU rules for data sharing
The European Union‘s strategy for data, aims at creating a single market for data that will allow it to flow freely within the EU and across sectors for the benefit of businesses, researchers and public administrations. The free movement of data is defined as the ‘five freedoms’ of the European market. In this context, on 23 February 2022 the European Commission published its proposal for a regulation on harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data.
Released on Oct 14, 2022
Communications Law Committee (CLC) – Message from the Chairs – October 2022
Released on Oct 14, 2022
Around the world – developments, trends and news impacting the communications sector*
A collection of developments, trends and news impacting the communications sector around the world.
Released on Oct 14, 2022
The Communications Commission's Licensing Framework for the Establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators in Nigeria: a review
This article gives an overview of the recently published Licensing Framework for the Establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria. The Framework provides for a four-tier system, while a fifth-tier unified virtual operator may decide the level of service it desires to offer from tiers 1 to 4. The conditions of all five tiers are outlined in brief.
Released on Jun 20, 2022
The history and fundamentals of Turkish data protection law
This article considers the history and fundamentals of Turkish data protection law.
Released on Jun 20, 2022
Considerations regarding the potential refarming process for the 3.5 GHz band in Chile
This article argues that a potential refarming of frequency bands in the 3.4-3.6 GHz range in Chile should only be carried out following an in-depth analysis by the state’s telecom regulator, as it might involve a series of exceptional measures that could affect the telecom market structure and the rights and obligations of telecom concessionaires.
Released on Jun 20, 2022
From the Co-Chairs – Communications Law
An introduction to the August 2021 IBA Communications Law Committee newsletter
Released on Aug 2, 2021
New Steps into Media Regulation: German Pioneer Legislation for Platforms, User Interfaces and Intermediaries
This article addresses Germany’s new State Treaty on the modernisation of media legislation (Medienstaatsvertrag or MStV). Special emphasis is given to the aims of new media regulation, in particular the regulation of media platforms, user interfaces and media intermediaries.
Released on Aug 2, 2021
The Brazilian National Data Protection Authority’s Established Guidelines on Best Practice Regarding Data Breaches
Incidences of several cases of data leaks reported in Brazil in early February 2021, has resulted in the Brazilian Data Protection Authority (ANPD) issuing general guidelines on how data subjects and data processing agents should proceed when they are involved in data breaches
Released on Aug 2, 2021
The European Commission’s Ambitious Regulatory Agenda in the Field of Digital Services and AI: a status update from Brussels on the DSA, DMA and AI Act
The European Commission has demonstrated an extremely ambitious agenda for digital regulation with the publication of ground-breaking proposals to introduce new rules to regulate online platforms and govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI). These proposals, which are now under discussion in the European Parliament and Council, demonstrate a desire to set global standards for the regulation of digital platforms and services, and adopt legislation with extraterritorial reach to shape the way in which international companies conduct their business in the digital marketplace.
Released on Aug 2, 2021
Chile’s Public Bid Process for 5G Services and its Key Characteristics
It is an undeniable truth that connectivity is becoming an everyday essential asset to humankind. In such a way, the deployment of 5G services has been chosen by governments and international entities as one of their main objectives, understanding that a swift improvement to their networks would make a huge difference in the tech race, along with allowing the community the benefits of countless new digital tools, products, and services. This article briefly shows how the 5G public bidding process was came about and developed in Chile and describes some of its key characteristics.
Released on Aug 2, 2021
Governance in the Digital Economy: the Challenge of Governing Algorithms
The ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, as coined by Klaus Schwab, creates new governance challenges. We are immersed in a digital transformation triggered by the exponential effect of emerging technologies that are changing the world: changing the way we communicate, socialise, entertain, work, produce, and provide services. Among the exponential technologies, AI (which can be defined as a collection of technologies that combines data, algorithms, and computing power) is one of the most important applications of the data economy.
Released on Aug 2, 2021
EU Draft Regulation for Regulating AI
The European Commission has taken a step forward in its strategy aimed at achieving a trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) environment within the European Union (EU): on 21 April 2021, the European Commission published its proposed Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (draft Regulation). This article outlines this regulation, its requirements, penalties, data governance and future projections.
Released on Aug 2, 2021
EU privacy and data protection in the age of the coronavirus
Privacy and data protection rules should not be an obstacle in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, users’ safeguards should be upheld: this is the basic assumption that should guide national authorities currently facing the Covid-19 emergency, who are looking for technological instruments to make their actions more effective (such as access and treatment of citizens’ personal data, and the use of tracing applications).
Released on Mar 26, 2020