Competition

Zalando loses its challenge against EU DSA VLOP designation

TMT analysis: On 3 September 2025, the General Court of the European Union delivered the first major judicial interpretation of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, the EU Digital Services Act (EU DSA) in its dismissal of Zalando’s challenge against its designation as a ‘very large online platform’ (VLOP) under the EU DSA. Zalando’s argument had focussed on the fact that its e-commerce platform is a hybrid service, via which the Berlin-based fashion retailer sells its own products (not an activity regulated by the EU DSA), as well as allowing third-party partners to market products (an activity that is in-scope of the EU DSA). Zalando argued that this means that users who use the platform only to buy directly from Zalando, and not to engage with listings by third-party partners, should not be counted when assessing whether the platform meets the EU DSA’s user number threshold to qualify as a VLOP. This case has captured widespread attention, not only due to its impact on Zalando but also because the decision affects how all in-scope hybrid platform providers should count, and report on, their user numbers, and how likely such providers are to qualify as VLOPs. Written by Catherine O’Callaghan of Slaughter and May.

DSIT announces partnership with Google DeepMind for AI research and public services

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a new partnership with Google DeepMind to advance the development of AI technologies for use in public services, education and scientific research. Under the voluntary, non-binding memorandum, Google DeepMind will establish its first automated research lab in the UK, expected to open in 2026, which will focus on superconductor materials research using AI and robotics integrated with Gemini technology. The partnership may also enable the creation of a ‘Gemini for Government’ platform to automate routine civil service tasks, as well as an education-focused version of Gemini aligned with the national curriculum and tested for safe deployment. UK scientists will receive priority access to Google DeepMind’s AI models, including the AlphaGenome and AlphaFold tools. The agreement builds on DeepMind’s existing partnership with the UK’s AI Security Institute and supports the government’s £137m AI for Science Strategy.

TMT weekly highlights—11 December 2025

Welcome to this week’s edition of the TMT weekly highlights: a hand-picked summary of news analysis, updates and new content from across the technology, media and telecoms sectors. These highlights focus on key topics including new technologies, software, cloud computing, internet, outsourcing, music, film & television, publishing, defamation and telecoms.

Ofcom consults on Wireless Telegraphy exemption amendment regulations

Ofcom has launched a consultation on proposals to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which would amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/493. The proposed regulations would introduce new licence exemptions for Short Range Devices, Group B Autonomous Maritime Radio Devices operating in the 9 MHz frequency band, coastal station radio training schools and 8 GHz Fixed Wireless Access equipment. They would also update existing licence exemptions for high density fixed satellite service systems to extend the frequency range for use in the 28 GHz band. The consultation closes on 22 January 2026 and follows policy decisions set out in Ofcom's February 2025 statement on increasing use of the 27.5–30 GHz and 32 GHz bands, as well as its October 2025 statement on making additional equipment licence exempt.