Unregulated digitalization of political arena
From structural platformization to regulation and datafication of political communication, issues pertaining regulation will set ground rules to protect citizens and work in their best interest. Digitalization of political arena is met with multi challenges.
EU probes Musk’s Grok AI feature over deepfakes of women, minors
The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X over its AI chatbot, Grok, following reports that the tool
EU launches inquiry into X over sexually explicit images made by Grok AI
The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X to determine if its AI chatbot, Grok, violated the Digital
French lawmakers vote to ban social media use by under-15s
French lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban children under the age of 15 from using social media, a measure championed by President Emmanuel
UK police to use AI facial recognition tech linked to Israel’s war on Gaza
Gemini said British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a nationwide expansion of facial recognition technology, increasing the UK’s fleet of surveillance vans from 10
UK ministers launch consultation on whether to ban social media for under-16s
UK ministers launched a consultation to consider banning children under 16 from using social media as part of a wider effort to curb mobile phone
Experts warn of threat to democracy from ‘AI bot swarms’ infesting social media
A global consortium of experts has warned that political leaders could soon deploy swarms of human-imitating AI agents to manipulate public opinion and undermine democracy.
Earlier posts:
Elon Musk says UK wants to suppress free speech as X faces possible ban
The UK government threatened to fine or potentially ban the social media platform X after its AI tool, Grok, was used to generate unauthorized sexually explicit and “nudified” images of women and children. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned that the platform could be blocked under the Online Safety Act if it fails to effectively prevent the creation of such harmful material. Elon Musk responded by accusing the UK government of attempting to “suppress free speech,” while also noting a surge in downloads for the Grok app following the controversy.
Date: January 10, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Software tackling deepfakes to be piloted for Scottish and Welsh elections
The UK Electoral Commission is launching a pilot project to detect AI-generated deepfakes ahead of upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales. The initiative aims to protect candidates from misinformation and targeted harassment by identifying hoax videos and images before they can spread during the campaign. Upon detection, officials plan to alert the police, notify the affected candidates, and inform the public while urging social media platforms to remove the fraudulent content. The Commission is seeking legally enforceable “takedown” powers from the UK government to ensure social media companies are required to remove malicious AI-generated material.
Date: January 8, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Iran plunged into internet blackout as protests over economy spread nationwide
Iran was plunged into a complete nationwide internet blackout as authorities attempted to suppress rapidly spreading protests sparked by a severe economic crisis and currency collapse. According to the article, demonstrations have expanded to all 31 provinces, evolving from economic grievances into broader anti-government sentiment, with human rights groups reporting at least 45 deaths during the crackdown.
Date: January 8, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Grok turns off image generator for most users after outcry over sexualised AI imagery
Elon Musk’s AI tool, Grok, has disabled its image creation feature for most users following a global outcry over its role in generating sexually explicit and violent imagery of women and children. The decision comes as the UK government and regulators threatened X with significant fines or a potential ban under the Online Safety Act if the platform failed to curb the “nudifying” content. While the feature remains available to paying subscribers whose data is stored for identification, critics argue this move merely turns a harmful tool into a premium service. Despite the restrictions on the main platform, researchers found that a separate Grok app was still capable of generating photorealistic pornographic and violent content without consent.
Date: January 9, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Fact check: The disinformation we debunked in 2025
In 2025, DW’s fact-checking team observed that disinformation became increasingly sophisticated, heavily utilizing AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated media to distort reality. Major global events, particularly the escalation of regional conflicts and high-stakes international elections, served as primary catalysts for the viral spread of false narratives. The report highlights a significant trend where “cheapfakes”—low-tech edits of real footage—remained just as effective at misleading the public as complex artificial intelligence.
Date: December 30, 2025. Source: dw.com
France targets Australia-style social media ban for children next year
The French government has introduced a draft bill to ban social media use for children under the age of 15, aiming for implementation by September 2026. President Emmanuel Macron is a key advocate for the measure, citing research that links excessive screen time to declining school performance and rising mental health issues. The proposed law also includes a total ban on mobile phones in high schools, extending existing restrictions already in place for primary and middle school students.
Date: December 31, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
More than half a million pounds spent on influencers by UK government since 2024
The UK government has spent more than £500,000 on social media influencers since 2024 to promote various public campaigns, according to figures obtained via Freedom of Information requests. This expenditure involves hiring 215 influencers—with 126 engaged in 2025 alone—as part of a strategic shift to reach younger audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. While Downing Street defends the move as a necessary way to engage disengaged voters, critics and lobby journalists argue the practice avoids traditional media scrutiny and relies on “softball” questioning.
Date: December 25, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
France’s postal service disrupted by suspected cyberattack
A suspected cyberattack has caused significant disruptions to France’s postal service, La Poste, impacting its digital infrastructure and mail tracking systems. The incident, which began just before the busy holiday season, forced the company to take several servers offline as a precautionary measure to contain the breach. While physical mail delivery continues, customers have faced major difficulties accessing online services and real-time package updates.
Date: December 22, 2025. Source: lemonde.fr
Trump administration bans two British free speech campaigners from US as censorship row escalates
The Trump administration has banned two British free speech campaigners, Imran Ahmed of the CCDH and Clare Melford of the GDI, from entering the U.S. as part of an escalating row over digital censorship. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the pair of leading efforts to coerce American platforms into suppressing opposing viewpoints, labeling them “radical activists.” The move is part of a broader crackdown that includes visa bans for several European officials, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, over their roles in regulating social media. European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, have condemned the move as an act of intimidation against digital sovereignty and regulation.
Date: December 25, 2025. Source: independent.co
The EU laws reining in big tech and fighting disinformation – but angering Trump
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) have become major points of contention between Brussels and the Trump administration. These laws, designed to curb the power of Big Tech and police online content, are viewed by the U.S. government as tools for censoring American viewpoints and unfairly targeting U.S. companies. In response, the U.S. has implemented travel bans on European officials involved in enforcing these regulations, escalating a trade and diplomatic rift.
Date: December 24, 2025. Source: france24.com
Public don’t perceive how fast AI is reshaping journalism
The article highlights a significant gap between the rapid integration of AI in newsrooms and the general public’s awareness of its influence on journalism. While media organizations are increasingly using AI for efficiency and content creation, experts warn that this shift could undermine trust if transparency is not prioritized. Industry leaders emphasize that the “human touch” remains essential for accountability, even as automated tools become more sophisticated. Ultimately, the report calls for better communication with audiences to ensure they understand how AI is being used to shape the information they consume.
Date: December 23, 2025. Source: euractiv.com
Backlash after CBS pulls 60 Minutes report on El Salvador’s CECOT prison
CBS is facing significant backlash after pulling a “60 Minutes” report about El Salvador’s controversial CECOT mega-prison just before its scheduled airing. Critics and journalists have accused the network of self-censorship, suggesting the decision may have been influenced by a desire to avoid friction with the Trump administration or El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. While CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss defended the move by citing a need for “comprehensive and fair” coverage, others argue it undermines journalistic independence regarding human rights issues. The segment was expected to highlight the harsh conditions within the facility, which has become a symbol of Bukele’s aggressive crackdown on gangs.
Date: December 23, 2025. Source: aljazeera.com
Denmark blames Russia for cyberattacks on water utility and election websites
Denmark publicly attributed cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and election-related government websites to pro-Russian hacking groups linked to the Russian state. Authorities said the goal was to create insecurity and punish Denmark for supporting Ukraine—classic “hybrid” pressure tactics. The episode also spotlights how vulnerabilities (including cost-cutting on cybersecurity) can amplify distrust when essential systems fail or appear compromised.
Date: December 19, 2025. Source: euronews.com
Former Swiss intelligence officer targeted by new EU sanctions against Russia
Swissinfo reports that the EU sanctioned former Swiss colonel Jacques Baud, describing him as a conduit for pro‑Russian propaganda and conspiracy narratives under measures aimed at information manipulation.
The article notes these sanctions are part of a broader EU package responding to information manipulation and cyberattacks. It also highlights a regulatory asymmetry: while the EU can sanction individuals, Switzerland indicated it would not mirror this “destabilising activities” list—showing how fragmented frameworks can leave gaps in countering digital influence.
Date: December 19, 2025. Source: swissinfo.ch
How Europe’s far right used unlabelled AI to win votes — and now writes the rules
Far-right parties in Europe reportedly used unlabeled AI and “cheapfakes” to influence voters during the 2024 elections. Consequently, 37 MEPs from these parties now sit on committees tasked with regulating the very digital tools they used. This creates a paradox where lawmakers who benefited from AI manipulation are now writing the rules to prevent it. Currently, no EU mechanism exists to sanction political parties for these ethical breaches.
Date: December 22, 2025. Source: euobserver.com
US social media rules for tourists could have ‘chilling effect’ on travel
The U.S. travel industry warns that a new proposal requiring visitors to provide five years of social media history could deter international tourists. Part of a stricter vetting policy, the rule would affect millions of travelers from 42 “visa waiver” countries. Experts fear these requirements will divert billions in revenue to other nations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Certain work visa applicants are already being forced to make their private social media profiles public for government inspection.
Date: December 15, 2025. Source: aljazeera.com
Trump signs executive order aimed at preventing states from regulating AI
President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing states from regulating artificial intelligence and halting any state laws that limit the technology. The order, which lacks the full force of law, creates a federal taskforce whose “sole responsibility” will be to challenge state AI regulations in court. Critics, including civil liberties groups, worry the order will empower Big Tech and expose vulnerable people to the harms of unchecked AI development.
Date: December 12, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Foreign states using AI videos to undermine support for Ukraine, says Yvette Cooper
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that foreign states are using AI-generated videos and deepfakes to conduct “information warfare” and undermine support for Ukraine. She highlighted that new technologies have lowered the barrier for malign actors to interfere in democracies and sow social division.
Date: December 8, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
YouTube channels spreading fake, anti-Labour videos viewed 1.2bn times in 2025
A study has revealed that over 150 anonymous YouTube channels are using cheap AI tools to churn out fake, inflammatory stories about the UK Labour party, amassing 1.2 billion views. The content includes AI-generated scripts and deepfakes targeting politicians like Keir Starmer, often monetized through the platform’s ad system. This highlights how unregulated AI content creation is being used to manipulate political discourse and profit from division.
Date: December 13, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Tensions boil over in wake of EU landmark €120m fine against X
The European Commission has fined Elon Musk’s platform X €120 million for breaching the Digital Services Act (DSA), specifically regarding deceptive design and lack of transparency. The decision sparked a backlash from Musk and US officials, highlighting the conflict between EU attempts to regulate digital platforms and the “free speech” absolutism that resists such oversight. The fine represents the first major enforcement action under the EU’s new digital rulebook.
Date: December 8, 2025. Source: euobserver.com
Meta shuts down global accounts linked to abortion advice and queer content
Meta has restricted or removed dozens of accounts belonging to abortion access providers and LGBTQ+ groups worldwide in recent weeks. Campaigners describe this as one of the biggest waves of censorship on the company’s platforms, affecting organizations in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Meta denies targeting specific groups, stating that all users are subject to the same rules, but activists argue the move mirrors a broader suppression of reproductive and queer rights.
Date: December 11, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Millions of children and teens lose access to accounts as Australia’s world-first social media ban begins
Australia has enacted a world-first ban on social media for all users under the age of 16, leading to millions of account deactivations. Major platforms like TikTok and Instagram must comply or face massive fines. Though not perfect, the ban establishes a clear national standard, yet some parents are reportedly helping children bypass the restrictions. The initiative has garnered significant global attention, with other countries now considering similar age bans.
Date: December 9, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Commission fines X €120 million under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has fined X (formerly Twitter) €120 million for multiple breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The violations include the deceptive design of its paid “blue checkmark,” which falsely implies account verification, misleading users and exposing them to scams. X was also found to lack transparency and accessibility in its advertising repository, hindering researchers’ ability to scrutinize online advertising for risks. Finally, the platform failed to provide researchers with proper access to its public data, imposing unnecessary barriers and undermining research into systemic risks in the EU.
Date: December 5, 2025. Source: europa.eu
AI Deepfakes of Real Doctors Spreading Health Misinformation on Social Media
An investigation by the fact-checking organization Full Fact uncovered hundreds of AI-generated deepfake videos hosted on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. These videos manipulate real footage of respected doctors and health influencers to falsely promote unproven supplements, particularly for menopause and other ailments. One expert reported that it took six weeks and multiple complaints to get the platforms to remove the videos, highlighting the dangerously slow response time of social media giants to malicious content. Critics warn that if individuals posing as doctors faced criminal prosecution, the same standard should apply to the creators of these digital fabrications.
Date: December 5, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
‘I don’t take no for an answer’: how a small group of women changed the law on deepfake porn
A campaign in the UK led to the rapid passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, which criminalized the creation of non-consensual deepfake intimate images. This legislative victory addresses a significant gap in protection, as previous laws required proving intent to cause distress, which was often impossible. The new consent-based law, which includes provisions for forced deletion of the material, marks a major step in regulating the uncontrolled spread of digital harms. It demonstrates how legislative action can quickly respond to emerging digital threats.
December 4, 2025. theguardian.com
‘It was extremely pornographic’: Cara Hunter on the deepfake video that nearly ended her political career
Irish politician Cara Hunter recounted being targeted by a malicious deepfake video during her 2022 election run, an event that almost ended her career. She highlighted the challenge of fighting these attacks, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp where encrypted messages protect users’ privacy over victims’ rights. Hunter has since become a key voice pushing for stronger digital regulation, noting the severe, disproportionate impact these tools have on women in politics. This case illustrates the real-world harm of unregulated synthetic media on democratic processes.
December 1, 2025. theguardian.com
EU Set to Postpone Key High-Risk AI Rules
The EU is preparing to postpone the implementation deadline for key rules concerning high-risk AI systems, which include technologies used in democratic processes and critical infrastructure. This delay is driven by concerns from member states, companies, and lobby groups who argue that the necessary technical standards for compliance cannot be developed in time. The move illustrates the practical limits of digital regulation, where the speed of legislative adoption often outstrips the technical capacity required for real-world enforcement. This postponement effectively extends the period during which these powerful, politically sensitive AI systems operate under relatively looser oversight.
Nov 15, 2025. cadeproject.org
The EU has unveiled its big plan to win the ‘battle of influence’ – but does it go far enough?
The European Union launched a new “Democracy Shield” plan, featuring a European Centre for Democratic Resilience, to detect and respond to foreign interference and disinformation campaigns. The plan acknowledges the serious threat posed by constantly improving AI deepfakes, which have the potential to significantly impact EU elections by misleading unsuspecting voters. The proposal also includes setting up an independent, pan-European network of fact-checkers operating in all official languages to boost the bloc’s verification capabilities. Meanwhile, the EU’s investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform for breaching Digital Services Act (DSA) rules on content moderation is still progressing, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges against Big Tech.
November 12, 2025. thejournal.ie
Ukraine risks exclusion from sensitive projects in Horizon Europe
An internal European Commission memo revealed that Ukraine risks exclusion from participating in sensitive areas of the EU’s Horizon Europe research program, including projects related to AI, quantum computing, and digital technologies. The potential ban for 2026 and 2027 is based on the Commission’s assessment that Ukraine has provided “insufficient assurances” for the security of these sensitive topics. This move highlights the geopolitical dimension of digital regulation, where access to cutting-edge, politically strategic technology is increasingly restricted based on national security concerns. Conversely, countries like Canada and the United Kingdom have provided “sufficient assurances” to participate in these restricted topics.
November 27, 2025. sciencebusiness.net
Anthropic warns of AI-driven hacking campaign linked to China
AI company Anthropic reported disrupting what researchers believe is the first operation to use artificial intelligence to largely automate a hacking campaign, linked to the Chinese government. The use of AI agents to direct cyberattacks is a disturbing development that could significantly expand the reach and effectiveness of state-sponsored hackers. These advanced AI tools can be weaponized by foreign adversaries to automate attacks, spread inflammatory disinformation, and generate digital clones of government officials. This development demonstrates the rapid evolution of unregulated AI capabilities and the increasing viability of large-scale cyberattacks aimed at political and economic targets.
Nov 14, 2025 aljazeera.com
EU proposes softening AI and data privacy regulations
The European Commission presented plans to ease regulations on AI and data privacy, claiming the move is necessary for the bloc to compete with tech firms in the US and East Asia. Key proposals include delaying stricter rules for high-risk AI and softening rules on the use of “cookies” to reduce administrative burdens for businesses. The executive body also seeks to establish when data is no longer considered “personal,” potentially paving the way for firms to use anonymous EU data for AI training. Critics, including prominent privacy activist Max Schrems, accused the Commission of caving to Big Tech lobbying and undermining fundamental digital rights. The debate highlights the tension between promoting economic competitiveness and maintaining Europe’s role as a leader in robust digital regulation.
Nov 19, 2025 dw.com
Taiwan to distribute safety handbook on how to prepare for ‘Chinese aggression’
Taiwan announced plans to distribute a new public safety handbook to citizens on preparing for potential Chinese aggression. The official guidance specifically addresses the threat of hybrid warfare, which includes digital tools such as cyberattacks, infiltration, and misinformation campaigns. The handbook advises locals on dealing with these digital-age political weapons, underscoring the shift of geopolitical conflict into the cyber and information spheres. This preparedness measure highlights the challenges faced by democracies in managing unregulated digital threats from authoritarian state actors.
Nov 20, 2025 independent.co.uk
China’s ‘super app’ WeChat has become a powerful police surveillance tool
New research indicates that the Chinese ‘super-app’ WeChat has expanded its function beyond social media to become a key component of China’s public security infrastructure. The app’s integration into daily life, from messaging to mobile payments, means everyday digital activities are feeding into a sophisticated state security architecture. This joint operation between the state and a private company illustrates the risks of unregulated digital governance and mass surveillance. For the tech giant, compliance with government demands is necessary for business survival, severely impacting user privacy. This situation presents a significant challenge for Chinese diaspora communities who rely on the app to connect globally.
Nov 20, 2025 independent.co.uk