Werbung und Marktkommunikation, Fachgruppe

AIG Newsletter 19 May 2025

Advertising Information Group-Newsletter

Lesedauer: 4 Minuten

03.06.2025

CONTENT:

NEWS
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

NEWS

In this week's edition: The EC hosts DSA systemic risks workshop while MEPs emphasise reducing bureaucracy during an EP Plenary Debate. The EDPB & EDPS cautiously welcome the EC's plans to simplify GDPR record-keeping requirements for SMEs. EP ENVI Committee reports substantial progress on the Green Claims Directive, while EP JURI Committee holds hearing on reporting obligations. The EC launches consultation on its protection of minors online guidelines, while EP IMCO Chair, MEP Cavazzini proposes plan to strengthen the internal market. OECD publishes research on "greenwashing" and lastly, the Council approves conclusions ahead of the AVMSD review.

COMMISSION HOSTS ONLINE RISKS WORKSHOP

The EC hosted a workshop on assessing and mitigating systemic risks under the DSA, bringing together very large online platforms, civil society organisations, and academics alongside Digital Services Coordinators. Participants took part in scenario-based discussions, focusing on illegal content risks, protection of minors and mental health, and consumer protection. A report on this topic from the first year of DSA implementation is expected to be published later this year.

EP DISCUSSES HOW TO WIN THE GLOBAL TECH RACE

During a Plenary Debate on 7 May, MEPs stressed the importance of reducing bureaucracy, supporting start-ups and facilitating cross-border growth. MEP Maydell noted transformative technologies including AI and quantum computing, calling for increased capital, public-private partnerships, and better commercialisation of research. Polish Minister Szłapka called for a more dynamic innovation ecosystem and announced a digital simplification package.

EDPB & EDPS RESPOND TO GDPR SIMPLIFICATION PLANS

The EDPB and EDPS have jointly responded to the EC's forthcoming proposal to simplify GDPR record-keeping requirements, scheduled for presentation on 21 May. The proposal aims to extend the existing derogation under Article 30(5) to include SMEs and certain non-profits, whilst restricting the exemption to cases not "likely to result in high risk" to individuals' rights. Whilst broadly welcoming this targeted simplification to reduce administrative burdens, they have requested clarification regarding the proposal's scope and potential impact.

EP ENVI REPORTS ON GREEN CLAIMS TRILOGUES

On 5 May, EP ENVI Chair, MEP Decaro, reported substantial progress on the Green Claims Directive during latest round of trilogues. He noted preliminary agreements were reached on claims, labels, labelling systems, consumer information and highly polluting industries. A package deal on verification, access to justice and penalties was agreed in principle, with technical refinements on penalties still needed. The next trilogue is scheduled for June.

EP JURI DISCUSSES REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

Experts at an EP JURI public hearing on 13 May, highlighted how current EU sustainability reporting frameworks create significant administrative burdens through duplicated and inconsistent requirements, with companies producing excessively long reports and over-reporting to ensure compliance. While SMEs are technically exempt, they face substantial data requests from larger firms under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Panellists endorsed the Commission's simplification initiatives and emphasised the need for harmonisation with global standards.

EC PUBLISHES GUIDELINES TO PROTECT MINORS ONLINE

The EC launched a consultation on 13 May, seeking feedback on new guidelines under the DSA aimed at protecting minors online. These guidelines recommend measures such as age assurance systems, private-by-default accounts for children, adjusted recommender systems, and blocking capabilities to reduce exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying. The final guidelines are expected to be published by summer 2025.

EP IMCO PROPOSES PLAN TO FIX INTERNAL MARKET

During a debate on "Old Challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market",

IMCO Chair Anna Cavazzini proposed four key areas to strengthen: simplifying access for small businesses, enforcing digital market regulations, advancing the green transition and enhancing consumer protection. EVP Séjourné acknowledged the need for a revised internal market strategy focused on reducing barriers and improving competitiveness.

OECD PAPER EXAMINES "GREENWASHING"

The OECD paper examined the rising concern of "greenwashing" amid increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. It documented the prevalence and harmful effects of false or misleading environmental claims, providing examples of deceptive practices and corresponding enforcement actions. The paper highlighted various policy initiatives implemented across OECD member countries and partner economies to combat greenwashing.

COUNCIL OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR THE AVMSD

The EU Council approved conclusions ahead of the AVMSD 2026 review, highlighting that current TV and on-demand services rules must adapt to accommodate new developments including influencers, disinformation, AI, and video-sharing platforms. The conclusions emphasised that the revised AVMSD should have a broad, clear scope covering all relevant audiovisual content; provide strong protections for children; ensure robust governance of video-sharing platforms and combat disinformation through reliable media.