All posts by : Lukas Ameel

This edition maps a landscape where the gap between regulatory ambition and real-world enforcement remains the central storyline. From the European Commission’s long-awaited decision on X under the DSA to the arrest of Dutch intermediaries linked to the Doppelganger operation, accountability is slowly but visibly catching up with those exploiting Europe’s digital infrastructure for hybrid purposes. Health disinformation networks are meanwhile recycling COVID-era playbooks to exploit hantavirus fears, the Digital Fairness Act signals fresh regulatory ambition on addictive platform design, and progress on DSA data access for researchers remains frustratingly slow.

As accountability takes centre stage, this edition examines mounting pressure on EU institutions and platforms alike: from the Ombudsman’s maladministration finding against the Commission to fresh DSA enforcement actions targeting Meta and X. We also look at how AI tools are raising new safety and governance concerns, how foreign interference is shrinking civic space from Zambia to Alberta, and how monetisation systems continue to fuel disinformation ecosystems. Throughout, a common thread emerges: the gap between regulatory ambition and real-world enforcement remains wide, and closing it requires both strong institutions and an empowered civil society.
We also examine how platform design, monetisation systems, and AI are reshaping information risks, while coordinated influence operations and strategic narratives continue to shape political, geopolitical, and climate debates.

As enforcement moves to the forefront of the fight against disinformation, this edition looks at growing pressure on platforms through legal action, investigations, and national policy responses, highlighting the gap between ambition and implementation.

We also examine how platform design, monetisation systems, and AI are reshaping information risks, while coordinated influence operations and strategic narratives continue to shape political, geopolitical, and climate debates.

As political and informational pressures intensify across Europe, patterns of change are emerging. This edition explores shifting dynamics around elections, accountability and platform power, from developments in Hungary to evolving approaches to enforcement and oversight in the EU. We also examine the growing impact of AI-driven manipulation, coordinated influence operations, and the expanding role of civil society and regulators in defending information integrity.

European courts are beginning to activate the Digital Services Act. This edition looks at key rulings against Meta and X, the growing role of courts and civil society in enforcing platform rules, and new challenges from generative AI, election interference, and climate disinformation.

European courts are beginning to activate the Digital Services Act. This edition looks at key rulings against Meta and X, the growing role of courts and civil society in enforcing platform rules, and new challenges from generative AI, election interference, and climate disinformation.