AIG Newsletter 5 October 2026

CONTENT:

• NEWS
  • EP CULT DISCUSSES AI AND THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE SECTORS
  • COMMISSION SCHEDULES DIGITAL FAIRNESS ACT AND QUANTUM ACT
    
  • CPC NETWORK TAKES ACTION AGAINST VIDEO GAME COMPANIES
  • COMMISSION CONSULTS ON POSSIBLE TARGETED CHANGES TO EU COPYRIGHT RULES
  • EP SANT BACKS HARMONISED FRONT-OF-PACK LABELLING IN BEATING CANCER REPORT
  • DIGITAL SERVICES BOARD DISCUSSES CHILD SAFETY AND ELECTION INTEGRITY
• DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
  

NEWS

In this week's edition: EP CULT discusses its draft report on AI and the cultural and creative sectors, while the Commission schedules the Digital Fairness Act for 11 November. The CPC Network takes action against nine video game companies over in-game virtual currencies, and the Commission consults on targeted changes to EU copyright rules. EP SANT backs harmonised front-of-pack labelling in its Beating Cancer Plan report and, finally, the European Board for Digital Services discusses child safety and election integrity.

EP CULT DISCUSSES AI AND THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE SECTORS

The CULT Committee discussed its draft report on cultural and creative sectors in the age of AI, with rapporteur Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP) stressing that AI should support rather than replace human creativity. MEPs focused on copyright, transparency over AI training data, fair remuneration, consent, skills and protection against coercive contracts, while also highlighting cultural diversity and smaller European languages. The Commission said it is preparing a dedicated AI strategy for the cultural and creative sectors for 2027 and reviewing EU copyright rules, including possible changes on licensing, enforcement and creators' remuneration.

COMMISSION SCHEDULES DIGITAL FAIRNESS ACT AND QUANTUM ACT

According to the new Possible items for Commission agendas document, the Commission is expected to present the Consumer Package, including the Digital Fairness Act and a consumer enforcement initiative, on 11 November. The same document schedules the Quantum Act and the Advanced Materials Act for 18 November.

CPC NETWORK TAKES ACTION AGAINST VIDEO GAME COMPANIES

On 30 September, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network launched coordinated actions against nine video game companies, including King, Mojang, Riot Games, Supercell and Ubisoft, over commercial practices linked to in-game virtual currencies. The games concerned include Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Minecraft and Valorant. In a joint statement, national authorities raised concerns about loot boxes, misleading countdown timers, unfounded scarcity claims and direct exhortations to children to make purchases. They called on the companies to bring their practices into line with EU consumer law. Failure to address the concerns may lead to enforcement measures.

COMMISSION CONSULTS ON POSSIBLE TARGETED CHANGES TO EU COPYRIGHT RULES

The Commission launched a targeted consultation on possible future copyright measures covering generative AI, online piracy of live and other time-sensitive content, music remuneration and scientific research. The initiative will assess whether the EU copyright framework should be reinforced in response to technological and market developments, building on evidence gathered earlier this year. Stakeholders can submit feedback until 3 November 2026.

EP SANT BACKS HARMONISED FRONT-OF-PACK LABELLING IN BEATING CANCER REPORT

On 28 September, the Public Health Committee (SANT) adopted its own-initiative reporton Europe's Beating Cancer Plan by 27 votes to 8, with 5 abstentions. The report, drafted by rapporteur Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Renew), calls for mandatory, harmonised front-of-pack nutrition labelling and a European assessment of the health effects of ultra-processed foods. On alcohol, it calls for clearly visible health information on drinks and a review of the EU strategy, including measures to reduce exposure to marketing. On tobacco and nicotine, MEPs call for an urgent update of EU legislation covering e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, including restrictions on flavourings, plain packaging and a ban on online sales of nicotine products to minors. The plenary vote is provisionally scheduled for 11 November.

DIGITAL SERVICES BOARD DISCUSSES CHILD SAFETY AND ELECTION INTEGRITY

On 24 September, the European Board for Digital Services met in Brussels for its 20th meeting, focusing on child safety, election integrity and the role of trusted flaggers. The Board welcomed the Commission's proposal for an EU KIDS Act, unveiled on 17 September, noting that the protection of young Europeans online has been a key priority since its creation. Members also discussed the role of the DSA in strengthening election integrity in Europe.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

13 October: ICO's Data Protection Practitioner's Conference 2026 will offer keynotes, panels and practical sessions for data protection professionals, with tailored FOI content also included. 

13 October: Accountancy Europe is organising an online session on 'AI Governance – From AI ambition to board action' and will touch on key questions boards should be asking management to support informed, effective decision-making around AI.

14 October: As holder of the Council Presidency, Ireland will host the International AI Summit, as the official launch of European AI Innovation Month, which concludes in Brussels on 17 November.

17 November: The 10th Anniversary Edition of the EDAA Summit which takes place in Brussels will feature a keynote from Michael McGrath, Justice Commissioner.

1 December: DIGITALEUROPE's Digital Skills Summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders, educators, workforce actors and innovation ecosystems to discuss how Europe can strengthen its skills base, accelerate digital transformation and close the gap between policy ambition and operational implementation.