The European Commission has requested, under the EU Digital Services Act (EU DSA), that Microsoft provide information regarding Bing-related generative artificial intelligence (AI) risks. Having not received an answer to its 14 March 2024 request for information, the company now has until 27 May 2024 to provide the requested information. With this legally binding request, the Commission is asking Bing to provide internal documents and data that were not disclosed in Bing's previous response. The request is based on the suspicion that Bing may have breached the EU DSA for risks linked to generative AI, such as so-called 'hallucinations', the viral dissemination of deepfakes, as well as the automated manipulation of services that can mislead voters. Following its designation as Very Large Online Search Engine, Bing is required to comply with the full set of provisions introduced by the EU DSA. In this particular case, the Commission considers that the suspected violations of the EU DSA may present risks linked to civic discourse and electoral processes. According to Article 67(3) of the EU DSA, the Commission is empowered to request, by decision, further information to Bing relating to suspected infringements. The request for information does not prejudge potential further steps the Commission may or may not decide to take. Based on the assessment of the replies, the Commission will assess the next steps, including, potentially, the opening of formal proceedings under the EU DSA.

The European Commission has sent a formal request for information to 17 Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) designated as such on 25 April 2023 under the EU Digital Services Act (EU DSA). They must provide information on the measures they have taken to comply with the obligation to give access, without undue delay, to the data that is publicly accessible on their online interface to eligible researchers by 8 February 2024. Based on the replies, the Commission will then determine next steps.

The European Commission has sent Amazon a request from information under the EU Digital Services Act (EU DSA). The Commission wants more information on the measures the platform has taken to comply with the EU DSA obligations related to the design, development, deployment, testing and maintenance of the online interface of Amazon Store’s Ad Library and supporting documents regarding its risk assessment report. As Amazon was designated as a Very Large Online Platform under the EU DSA, it must comply with the full set of EU DSA obligations. Amazon must provide the requested information by 26 July 2024. The Commission will then assess the next steps.

The European Commission has sent Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos requests for information under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), following their designation as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). The request involves providing more detailed information on the actions they have taken to diligently assess and mitigate risks related to the protection of minors online, and to prevent the expansion of illegal content and gender-based violence. The Commission is requiring details on age assurance mechanisms adopted by these pornographic platforms. The Commission is also requesting detailed information on the internal organisation of the companies to ensure compliance with the EU DSA. Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos must provide the requested information by 4 July 2024. The Commission can impose fines for incorrect, misleading or incomplete information provided under Article 74 (2) of the EU DSA.

ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is not maintained. The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (Directive 2014/65/EU) (MiFID II) and Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (Regulation (EU) 600/2014) (MiFIR) (together the EU MiFID II framework) govern the provision of investment services or activities in the EEA. The EU MiFID II framework applies not only to investment firms, regulated markets, and credit institutions providing investment services, but also to data reporting service providers. The majority of MiFID II and MiFIR became applicable on 3 January 2018. For more information on MiFID II and MiFIR, see Practice Note: EU MiFID II and MiFIR—essentials. The EU MiFID II framework included a mandatory review process to assess the overall functioning of the regime after two years of application. This Practice Note outlines the main stages of the MiFID II review process as well as the resulting legislative proposals to amend the EU MiFID II framework. It also tracks the development of the Commission’s proposals into their final form. For information

The European Commission has published a report on the implementation of the Fourth Money Laundering Directive (EU) 2015/849 (MLD4), along with a Commission staff working document. The documents include contributions from the European Banking Authority (EBA) and from the Council of Europe, and the results of two surveys conducted among Member States.

The European Commission has called for evidence requesting feedback on guidelines on the protection of minors online. These guidelines aim to assist online platforms in ensuring they comply with requirements under Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), to provide a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors, and to ensure collective implementation of such rules in all EU countries. The Commission intends to adapt the guidelines in the first half of 2025. The feedback period opens from 31 July 2024 and closes on 30 September 2024.

The European Commission has published a public consultation on a draft regulation seeking to impose a ban on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials (FCMs), including plastic and coated packaging. The measure will address the use of other bisphenols in FMCs to avoid replacing BPA with other harmful substances and also outline derogations and transitional periods that may apply to businesses. The Commission is seeking feedback which will be considered when finalising this initiative. The feedback period is open until 8 March 2024 (midnight Brussels time).

The European Commission has opened a call for evidence on its guidance for solar deployment. The guidance will focus on barriers of a regulatory nature, barriers of a non-regulatory nature, ie natural, social, technological, economic and industrial and examples of good practices on how to overcome them. Feedback should be submitted by 2 April 2024 (midnight Brussels time).

The European Commission has opened a 4-week feedback period on draft regulations revising ecodesign requirements for external power supplies (EPS). The proposal aims to complement the Radio Equipment Directive on common chargers, extending the concept to products not previously covered. The Commission has introduced more stringent energy efficiency requirements and a distinct EU common charger logo. These changes are expected to improve interoperability, consumer convenience, and resource efficiency, while reducing consumer expenditure and environmental impact. The Commission is aiming to table a revised text for discussion in the first quarter of the following year.

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to gather input on the Savings and Investments Union (SIU). This initiative seeks feedback from stakeholders, including consumers, on the progress of the Capital Markets Union and the challenges that the SIU should address. The SIU aims to enhance EU prosperity by increasing returns on savings for citizens and expanding financing opportunities for businesses. It focuses on integrating capital markets and the banking sector, supporting innovation, and promoting sustainable competitiveness. The Commission plans to present a comprehensive strategy on the SIU to ensure all Member States and stakeholders benefit from strong, integrated financial markets, together with well-developed domestic markets. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their views on the Have your Say Portal within four weeks, which will inform the upcoming Communication on the SIU, expected in early 2025.

The European Commission is seeking feedback on its review of the Solvency II Delegated Regulation. The Commission is seeking feedback regarding changes to the technical rules governing the valuation of insurers’ liabilities, the calculation of solvency requirements, reporting and disclosure obligations, group supervision, and other related areas. Responses are sought by 5 September 2025.