AIG Newsletter 14 July 2025

NEWS

In this week's edition: The Commission receives the final version of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice. New harmonised DSA transparency rules come into effect and a review of the DMA is launched. The EU Digital Services Board holds an ad hoc meeting to discuss the guidelines for protection of minors online. Meanwhile, the 2025 Rule of Law Report highlights significant challenges remain regarding media freedom. MEPs debate the priorities of the Danish Presidency. Finally, leaked documents reveal that the EU Council is seeking a simplification of media rules.

ONE STEP CLOSER TO A GEN AI CODE OF PRACTICE

The EC has received the final version of the General-Purpose (Gen AI) AI Code of Practice, a voluntary framework aimed at helping industry comply with the AI Act's rules on generative AI. The Code takes effect on 2 August and comprises chapters on Transparency, Copyright, and Safety and Security. Once endorsed by Member States and the EC, providers who sign the Code will benefit from reduced administrative burden and increased legal certainty.

NEW DSA TRANSPARENCY REPORTING RULES NOW LIVE

On 1 July, harmonised transparency reporting rules under the DSA came into effect through an Implementing Regulation that standardises formats, content, and reporting periods for intermediary services. Whilst the obligation to publish annual reports has existed since last year, the new templates standardise the process. Annual reports are due each February for most providers, though Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) must report bi-annually. 

EU DIGITAL BOARD DISCUSSES MINOR PROTECTION

On 2 July, the European Board for Digital Services held an ad hoc meeting to review the EC's draft Art 28(4) DSA guidelines on protecting minors' privacy, safety and security online. The guidelines are anticipated to be formally adopted within the coming weeks. The Board's next scheduled meeting is set for 23 September.

MEDIA FREEDOM IN THE 2025 RULE OF LAW REPORT

On 8 July, the EC published its 2025 Rule of Law Report, highlighting media freedom developments across the EU's 27 Member States. Although legal protections for journalists are being enhanced and media regulators are expanding their competences to comply with the DSA, the report concluded that further action is required to address journalist safety concerns and strengthen safeguards for media regulator and public service media independence. 

MEPS DEBATE DANISH PRESIDENCY PRIORITIES

Speaking to the EP on 8 July, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised that the Danish Presidency will boost EU competitiveness through simplified cybersecurity and data protection rules, and advance European Business Wallet negotiations. Consumer protection priorities include developing the 2025-2030 Consumer Agenda, promoting the EU Democracy Shield, and updating regulatory frameworks such as the AVMSD. MEPs generally welcomed the focus on competitiveness, with many calling for Draghi Report implementation, support for SMEs, and acceleration of the green transition.

EC LAUNCHES DMA REVIEW CONSULTATION

On 3 July, the EC launched a public consultationfor the first review of the DMA, seeking feedback on the Act's impact and effectiveness. Whilst the EC observed positive impacts from the DMA thus far, it is particularly interested in assessing the legislation's readiness to address emerging challenges such as AI-powered services. Interested parties have until 24 September to submit views, which will inform the EC's review report. The EC is required to conduct this review by 3 May 2026, and subsequently every 3 years.

EU COUNCIL CONSIDERS EASING NEWS MEDIA RULES

The EU Council is preparing to ease regulatory burdens on responsible media through the upcoming EU Democracy Shield. The leaked document called for simplifying rules for "editorially responsible" media outlets to help them compete with online platforms that monetise informational content without adhering to editorial standards. The Council also requested that editorial news media be exempted from burdensome regulatory requirements and that the upcoming 2026 evaluation of the AVMSD focuses on simplifying media rules.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

14 July: EP ENVI Committee Meeting  

15 July: EP IMCO Committee Meeting

15 July: Consumer Protection in the digital environment dialogue with Commissioner McGrath

15 July: Completing the Single Market - Competitiveness, Competition & Connectivity: The Future of Telecom Regulation in Europe (ECTA & VATM)

16 July: EP ITRE Committee Meeting

16 July: Informal meeting of research ministers for internal market and industry

16 July: Implementation dialogue on the application of the GDPR with Commissioner McGrath

16 July: EP CULT Committee Meeting

17 July: EP EUDS Committee Meeting

24 July: IAB Europe Insights Revealed: Attitudes to Retail Media(IAB Europe)