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EU media giants push Digital Fairness Act toward Big Tech

Major European broadcasters and publishers are urging EU regulators to ensure the upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA) focuses on dominant tech platforms rather than traditional media companies.

Industry groups including ACT — representing firms such as Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, RTL and ITV — argue broadcasters already face heavy regulation and that applying the same digital rules broadly could damage journalism, media pluralism and advertising-supported business models.

The proposed DFA is expected to address dark patterns, addictive product design, misleading influencer tactics and subscription traps. Media groups warn that features like autoplay, recommendation engines and personalized advertising are essential business tools, not inherently harmful practices.

They are calling for a risk-based framework that targets Big Tech’s market power rather than imposing blanket obligations across structurally different industries.

US Court Blocks New Jersey From Regulating Kalshi Prediction Market

A federal appeals court has ruled that New Jersey regulators cannot block Kalshi from offering its prediction market services in the state, marking a significant development in the legal battle over the regulation of event-based trading.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that oversight of Kalshi’s contracts falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), rather than state gaming authorities.

Kalshi allows users to trade contracts tied to real-world outcomes, including sports and political events. While states like New Jersey argue these resemble gambling and should be subject to local laws, Kalshi maintains that its products qualify as financial derivatives regulated at the federal level.

The court’s 2–1 decision sided with Kalshi, affirming that its event contracts are legally classified as “swaps” traded on a CFTC-approved platform. This classification effectively preempts state-level restrictions under existing federal law.

The ruling represents a key precedent in an ongoing nationwide dispute, as multiple states attempt to regulate or restrict prediction markets. Some courts have issued conflicting decisions, and further legal challenges are expected.

New Jersey officials have indicated they are reviewing their options, which could include seeking a rehearing. Meanwhile, the case underscores the growing tension between traditional gambling regulation frameworks and emerging financial-style betting platforms.

Greece Moves Toward Social Media Ban for Under-15s

Greece is preparing to introduce a social media ban for children under 15, as concerns over addiction, cyberbullying and online safety intensify among parents and policymakers.

The expected measure, backed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government, would align Greece with countries like Australia that have already implemented similar restrictions. While details on enforcement and timing remain unclear, an official announcement is anticipated soon.

Public support for the move appears strong. Surveys indicate that around 80% of respondents favor a ban, reflecting widespread concern over the impact of platforms such as Meta’s Instagram and TikTok on young users.

Data from Greece’s Safer Internet Centre shows a sharp rise in cyberbullying cases and online abuse, with helpline calls more than doubling in a year. Experts warn that a large proportion of children using social media are too young to manage associated risks effectively.

Despite support, some parents remain skeptical about enforcement, noting that children may find ways to bypass restrictions. Others argue that family-level controls could be more effective than government intervention.

The initiative reflects a broader global shift toward tighter regulation of social media access for minors, as governments respond to growing evidence of its impact on youth mental health and behavior.