Digital Privacy 26 January 2026 - 28 January 2026

Apple Faces Fresh German Fine Threat After Publishers Reject App Tracking Changes
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Apple Faces Fresh German Fine Threat After Publishers Reject App Tracking Changes

German publishers and advertisers urged the country's cartel office to reject Apple's proposed changes to App Tracking Transparency and impose a fine, arguing the revisions still give Apple too much control over ad data. The regulator is reviewing Apple's December offer and has not ruled out penalties. France fined Apple €150 million over ATT last year. Apple shares rose 0.9% in U.S. premarket trading Tuesday.
March 10, 2026
UK watchdog puts Google Search on notice: publishers may get an AI Overviews opt‑out
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UK watchdog puts Google Search on notice: publishers may get an AI Overviews opt‑out

Britain’s competition watchdog has proposed binding rules requiring Google to let publishers opt out of AI Overviews and certain AI training, while staying in Search. The Competition and Markets Authority set a Feb. 25 deadline for feedback. The package also addresses ranking transparency, Android and Chrome choice screens, and data portability. Google Search holds over 90% of UK search queries.
January 28, 2026
EU launches fresh X probe after Grok sexual deepfake outcry, widens algorithm case
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EU launches fresh X probe after Grok sexual deepfake outcry, widens algorithm case

The European Commission has launched a formal Digital Services Act probe into X, focusing on Grok’s image tools and the spread of illegal sexual deepfakes. Regulators also expanded a separate investigation into X’s recommender algorithms. X says it has restricted image editing and location tracking, but the Commission warns new risks persist. No deadline has been set for the case.
January 26, 2026