AIG Newsletter 27 April 2026

NEWS

In this week's edition:The Commission launches an EU-wide age verification app and sets out new DMA measures compelling Google to share search data with rival services. EU negotiators discuss compromise proposals on the AI Omnibus ahead of an expected political agreement later this month. Digital Europe Programme opens call for skills proposals, IAB Europe launches its 2026 AI advertising survey, and Eurostat publishes its updated Digitalisation in Europe report.   

COMMISSION UNVEILS EU-WIDE AGE VERIFICATION APP

President von der Leyen announced the launch of the European age verification app, highlighting it as a privacy-preserving, anonymous and open-source tool to protect minors online and give parents a reliable solution. President Virkkunen stressed that the app complemented stronger enforcement under the Digital Services Act, noting ongoing actions against major platforms for failing to protect children and confirming plans for an EU-wide coordination mechanism to ensure a harmonised rollout across Member States.

DMA MEASURES COMPEL GOOGLE TO SHARE SEARCH DATA

The European Commission has set out preliminary measures under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requiring Google to share key search data – such as ranking, query and click data – with third-party search engines on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. The measures specify technical parameters such as eligibility criteria for data beneficiaries (including AI-based search services), the scope and format of datasets, frequency of access, anonymisation requirements, and pricing methodologies. The proposed measures are subject to public consultation from 17 April to 1 May. The Commission will assess feedback before adopting a final binding decision, expected by July 2026.

EU NEGOTIATORS DISCUSS NEW AI OMNIBUS COMPROMISE

EU institutions will reportedly discuss a new compromise proposal on how the AI Act interacts with sector-specific legislation, as part of final negotiations on the AI Omnibus ahead of a political agreement expected by 28 April. The new proposal aims to reduce duplication, simplify compliance and narrow the scope of high-risk AI systems. It includes a mechanism allowing the Commission to limit the AI Act’s application where sectoral rules provide equivalent protections, as well as guidelines – due by August 2027 – to clarify how requirements should be combined. The text also refines the definition of “safety component” and adjusts risk management obligations to focus on risks linked to an AI system’s intended purpose, while clarifying compliance options for manufacturers.

CALL FOR SKILLS PROPOSALS UNDER DIGITAL EUROPE PROGRAMME

Calls for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme have been published, covering both advanced digital skills and the deployment of digital technologies, with applications opened on 21 April 2026. Under the Advanced Digital Skills strand (around €12.5 million), funding will support AI training in healthcare, the expansion of national digital skills coalitions, and an EdTech accelerator to help startups scale innovative education solutions. Under the Accelerating Best Use of Technologies strand (around €24.4 million), the focus is on deploying digital health infrastructure under the European Health Data Space and expanding Safer Internet Centres to enhance online safety for children. The calls include budgets of up to €14.4 million per topic, with a submission deadline of 1 October 2026.

IAB EUROPE LAUNCHES 2026 SURVEY ON AI IMPACT ON DIGITAL ADS

IAB Europe has launched its 2026 “Impact of AI on Digital Advertising” survey to map how AI is reshaping the digital advertising value chain and to benchmark industry readiness, risks and opportunities. The deadline is Friday 15 May 2026 for responses. Results are expected to be analysed and published later in 2026 as part of IAB Europe’s ongoing AI insight and readiness work.

EUROSTAT PUBLISHES 2026 DIGITALISATION IN EUROPE REPORT

Eurostat has released the 2026 edition of its interactive publication "Digitalisation in Europe", offering updated data and new insights across a range of digital economy indicators. The new edition retains coverage of online shopping, ICT security, and digital skills, and introduces two new subsections: the environmental impact of ICT, and the use of AI tools by individuals. On the environmental front, nearly a third of EU businesses used ICT systems in 2025 to reduce energy or materials consumption, with Belgium, Denmark, and Malta leading among member states. The publication features dynamic data visualisations and allows users to explore and compare indicators at both national and EU level.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

17 April: Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield. Link here.

28 April: Political trilogue on the AI Omnibus.

29 April: Informal meeting of the Telecommunications ministers. Link here.

1 May: Deadline to respond to the AVMSD Consultation. Link here.

4 May: Implementation dialogue on the AVMSD. Link here.

5 May: Upholding Consumers' Digital Rights in the Omnibus Era hosted by BEUC. Link here.

1 June: AIG Exchange Partners Meeting

8 June: Eighth Meeting of the European Artificial Intelligence Board