Apple removed 1,213 apps from its App Store in 2025 at the request of Russia’s internet regulator. This represents over half of the 2,045 apps removed globally by Apple in 2025 due to government requests.
Standards bodies and regulators quietly decide what becomes mandatory long before it reaches a press release. This category follows DRM and anti-piracy enforcement, codec licensing and patent pools, AI training-data copyright, and net neutrality and privacy rules shaping the industry.
Apple removed 1,213 apps from its App Store in 2025 at the request of Russia’s internet regulator. This represents over half of the 2,045 apps removed globally by Apple in 2025 due to government requests.
Australia's law mandating a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts, effective December 2025, has spurred a global movement toward similar age restrictions on platforms like YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, and Kick. Several countries, including the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Portugal, Turkey, Norway, Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and New Zealand, are implementing or planning bans or strict age-verification for underage users on social media platforms. Challenges remain in implementing these bans effectively, with reports indicating many underage users can still easily bypass restrictions.
Canon Inc. and Canon Europe Ltd. announced the rollout of their Authenticity Imaging System for supported camera models, starting in May 2026. This system is designed to be C2PA-compliant, providing image authenticity for news organizations.
Japanese voice actor Tsuda Kenjiro has filed a lawsuit against the operator of video-sharing app TikTok. The lawsuit seeks the removal of videos that allegedly used his voice without permission, generated by AI. This legal action targets content on a major video-sharing platform that utilizes AI-generated voice. No further details are available in the provided text.
The article explains the 'landing page controversy' in Indian television broadcasting, where certain channels are automatically shown to viewers upon turning on their set-top boxes, artificially inflating their viewership numbers and Television Rating Points (TRPs). It details the Kerala High Court's involvement in addressing this issue, which directly impacts advertising revenue distribution. The court ordered the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to take action to stop these practices.
The Italian Finance Police (Guardia di Finanza) conducted over 100 searches as part of an operation against the "Cinemagoal" audiovisual piracy system. Authorities estimate damages of €300 million resulting from the illicit activity. This action resulted in fines being imposed on those involved.
India's Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has blocked 18 OTT platforms and 19 websites due to the publication of 'obscene content'. This action was taken in coordination with various intermediaries.
Actor Vijay Sethupathi urged the Tamil Nadu government to launch its own state-run OTT platform. This appeal was directed at Joseph Vijay, suggesting a government-led initiative for streaming services.
Yanik Guillemette criticizes Canadian regulators, specifically the CRTC, regarding their digital regulations, arguing they have "completely lost the plot." The criticism focuses on the increasing complexity of regulations within Canada's digital landscape.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang urged Super Micro Computer to improve its export compliance controls following a $2.5 billion smuggling bust. This comes as Taiwan also initiates efforts to curb the smuggling of AI GPU chips into China.
State attorneys general, in conjunction with DIRECTV, are attempting to halt the proposed merger between Nexstar and Tegna, despite prior approval from federal regulators. The article expresses concern over these efforts to block the deal.
Google executive James Manyika criticized France for its approach to artificial intelligence regulation, stating that it is detrimental to French users. The criticism came during Google's annual innovation unveiling event. Manyika implied that France's stance on AI is causing the country to sidestep advancements in the field.
Disney-owned ABC stations have petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for an exemption for 'The View' from rules typically applied to news organizations. The FCC has initiated a public comment period regarding this request.
Apple is set to integrate Google Cast and similar protocols into iOS 27, in addition to its existing AirPlay feature. This change is being made to comply with regulations stipulated by the EU's Digital Markets Act. This will allow iPhone users more options for casting content to TVs.
Canada's CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) has ordered American digital platforms to contribute 15% of their Canadian revenues to subsidize local independent production. This mandate has drawn criticism from major studios, who characterize it as a discriminatory investment.
Senators are calling for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a thorough review of foreign ownership interests related to the proposed purchase of Warner by Paramount Skydance. This request could potentially impact the planned acquisition.
This article provides a weekly summary of regulatory developments relevant to broadcasters, covering the period from May 18 to May 22, 2026. It serves as an update on ongoing policy changes and actions affecting the broadcasting industry.
The FCC has approved wireless spectrum deals involving three major 5G companies. These deals aim to support the expansion of broadband access, strengthen satellite connectivity, and increase the use of existing wireless technologies.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has issued a warning that placing Kan's budget under government control could lead to Israel's possible expulsion from Eurovision. The EBU stated that such a move would undermine the broadcaster's independence and damage Israel's democratic image.
Google announced at I/O 2026 that it will implement a new technology to detect AI-generated or edited images using Google Search and Chrome. This initiative aims to combat the spread of fake images on the internet by providing tools for users to identify manipulated content.
OpenAI has announced two new measures, including a free AI image verification tool, to combat the spread of misinformation from AI-generated deepfakes. This initiative addresses the increasing concern over synthetic media and its potential misuse. The tools aim to help identify the origin and authenticity of digital images.
Asstel, an Italian telecommunications association, is advocating for a cost-free renewal of frequencies, stating that if the state demands another 6 billion euros, they will not be able to guarantee 5G network completion. This move aims to secure necessary spectrum for next-generation mobile networks without incurring significant additional costs. The association implies that high government fees could hinder the rollout of 5G infrastructure.
European authorities are investigating Google, Meta, and TikTok. The probes relate to allegations that scam advertisements persisted on their platforms despite user complaints. This action highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny over content moderation and advertising practices on large digital platforms.
Malaysia is implementing new regulations that will require digital platforms to enhance age safeguards and content controls for users under 16. These changes are set to take effect from June 1.
Indonesia's digital regulator is urging global platforms to establish local representative offices, citing that only 20% of their content removal requests are currently being complied with. This move aims to enhance content enforcement within the country.
Malaysia has directed TikTok to take action regarding its failure to remove content considered offensive towards the royal institution. This mandate emphasizes the government's push for responsible content moderation on digital platforms.
The article discusses how India's current labor laws are insufficient to protect the mental health and working conditions of content moderators, particularly those involved in AI content moderation for global technology companies. It highlights that these workers, predominantly based in India, face significant mental health challenges due to the nature of their work, which the existing legal framework has not yet addressed. This situation leaves workers without adequate recourse or protection under Indian law.
AI-generated political advertisements are impacting U.S. congressional races, as evidenced by a pro-Trump super PAC called "MAGA Kentucky" targeting Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, leading to his primary loss. This highlights the disruptive potential of synthetic media in political campaigns and raises questions regarding regulation and content authenticity.
DirecTV and several broadband organizations have petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block Scripps' proposed acquisition of Inyo stations. They argue that the acquisition would give Scripps greater leverage in retransmission consent negotiations. The petitioners are concerned about potential increases in retransmission fees affecting consumers.
The article discusses a Public Notice released by the FCC's Media Bureau concerning the processing of applications when a “remedial” foreign ownership petition is pending. However, the provided article text is incomplete, preventing a full summary of the notice's implications.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly requested that TNT Sports make the Champions League final free to view on television. This plea aims to make the high-profile sporting event accessible to a wider audience without a subscription.
NordVPN is facing a new Spanish court ruling in a blocking dispute, following a previous rejection of fines against LaLiga. The legal conflict centers on anti-piracy measures taken by LaLiga and concerns regarding IP-level overblocking by NordVPN in Spain.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is charging a total of $5.22 billion in spectrum renewal fees. This move has reportedly triggered an "industry uproar" among affected entities.
AT&T has filed a lawsuit in a California court and an application with the FCC to initiate the shutdown of its copper-based services in California. This action aims to retire older infrastructure in the state.
Malaysia plans to implement new regulations starting June 1 to safeguard children and reduce their exposure to inappropriate content on online platforms. These measures aim to protect youth on digital services.
Malaysia's government has instructed TikTok to strengthen its content moderation processes following the circulation of "grossly offensive" and "defamatory" content related to the king. The watchdog indicated this action aims to address such content on the social media platform. No specific details about the content were provided.
SIM IP has acquired a portfolio of 126 video coding patents from Alibaba, focusing on current and future video coding technologies including AV1, AV2, and VCM. SIM IP plans to offer transparent licensing for these technologies to address what it describes as a fractured and inefficient licensing landscape, particularly for AI-driven data centers and streaming platforms.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined Cox Media Group and two other companies for making false claims about their use of AI for ad targeting. The companies allegedly asserted they could use AI to track consumer conversations to inform advertising strategies. This action highlights regulatory scrutiny over misleading claims regarding AI capabilities in advertising.
Canada's federal broadcast regulator has mandated that large online streaming services contribute 15% of their Canadian revenues to Canadian content. This new rule triples the financial contributions previously required from these American-based streamers, impacting their revenue allocation within the country.
Ofcom has unveiled a draft content standards code for streaming services, following powers granted by the UK government's recent Media Act. This code will enable Ofcom to regulate content standards for streaming platforms.
EU lawmakers banned AI tools used to create nonconsensual intimate imagery and child abuse material. This action occurred days before Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical on AI. The ban targets specific harmful applications of AI technology.
The European Commission has issued new draft guidelines pertaining to the transparency requirements for specific AI systems under Article 50 of the AI Act. This development provides further detail on how certain artificial intelligence applications must comply with EU regulations.
EU lawmakers have agreed to simplify the bloc's landmark AI Act, a legislative move aimed at cutting red tape. While supporters view this as a pragmatic fix, critics interpret it as a concession to larger entities.
The European Commission published draft merger guidelines on April 30, 2026, which are set to replace the existing 2004 Horizontal Merger Guidelines and 2008 guidelines. These new guidelines introduce 10 key changes impacting M&A activity within the EU. The changes aim to update the regulatory framework for business combinations.
European governments and businesses are working to reduce reliance on American technology companies. This effort is driven by initiatives aiming for digital sovereignty.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued an amendment to the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity, revising its guidelines. This action by TRAI signifies a regulatory update pertaining to digital connectivity infrastructure. The article does not specify the details of the revisions or their impact.
The CRTC has increased Canadian content funding requirements for streaming services, three years after the introduction of the Online Streaming Act. This move is anticipated to deepen political tensions with the U.S. government.
Canada's telecom regulator, the CRTC, will require large online streaming providers to contribute a greater portion of their revenue to Canadian content. This decision aims to level the playing field between traditional broadcasters and streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video by ensuring foreign streamers contribute to Canadian cultural industries.
Senate Democrats are warning the FCC to apply extra scrutiny to foreign investment, specifically from Middle East sovereign wealth funds, in the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. This action indicates heightened regulatory interest in the financial backing of significant media industry transactions.
The 8th Circuit Court has vacated the FCC's digital discrimination rule. The court determined that the agency overstepped its authority as defined by the Infrastructure Act.