Digital Infrastructure
EU
Harmonised standard supporting AI Act
The European Commission published the reference to the first harmonised standard supporting the implementation of the AI Act in the Official Journal of the European Union. The standard, entitled ‘EN 18286:2026 - Artificial intelligence - Quality management system for EU AI Act regulatory purpose’, was published through Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2274 and provides a clear legal pathway for providers of high-risk AI systems to comply with quality management system requirements under Article 17 of the AI Act. Providers implementing this standard will benefit from a presumption of conformity with Article 17 requirements.
Council agrees position on digital rulebook to simplify data protection, privacy and cyber reporting rules
The Council of the European Union agreed its position on the proposed simplification of rules on data protection, privacy and cybersecurity, while maintaining strong levels of protection for personal data. The proposal forms part of the so-called ‘Omnibus VII’ legislative package that aims to simplify the EU’s digital legislative framework and the implementation of harmonised rules on AI.
Digital Networks Act: connectivity reforms
EU telecommunications ministers met on 12-13 October 2026 to continue discussions on the proposed Digital Networks Act, the Commission’s proposed overhaul of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications and connectivity. Discussions focused on the transition from copper to fibre networks and satellite connectivity, as well as subsea cable connectivity, network resilience and consumer protection. The legislative proposal remains under consideration by the European Parliament and Council.
Europe’s Telecom Reality Check
Following a public consultation that concluded in May 2026, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications published its fact-finding report on connectivity, competition and regulatory highlights in the EU compared to other jurisdictions, including the USA, Canada, Australia, China, South Korea, Japan, and the UK. The report covers several aspects such as regulatory approaches, the deployment of fixed and mobile fast broadband networks, supply of services and the financial performance of telecom operators.
Ireland
AI Insights Report
The Data Protection Commission published a report on its supervision of AI products and services between 2021 and 2025. It provides useful guidance to controllers providing AI, illustrating the application of GDPR principles by the DPC and providing insights into how the authority engages with the many large global technology companies based in Ireland. Our briefing on the report is available here: The Data Protection Commission’s 2026 AI insight report.
ComReg publishes observations on the proposed Digital Networks Act
ComReg published a summary of its observations to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport on the European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act. The publication forms part of ComReg’s ongoing engagement on the proposed overhaul of the EU electronic communications framework and follows its earlier consideration of the Act, including its concerns regarding aspects of the proposed spectrum framework.
guidance on the use of AI in end-user dispute resolution
ComReg published guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in end-user dispute resolution. The guidance addresses the use of AI in the context of ComReg’s procedures for resolving disputes involving end-users and forms part of the regulator’s wider consideration of the appropriate use of AI in its regulatory and consumer protection functions.
ComReg considers long-term future of sub-700 MHz spectrum
ComReg published an Information Notice concerning Digital Terrestrial Television and the long-term future use of the sub-700 MHz spectrum band. The publication forms part of ComReg’s consideration of the future use of spectrum currently associated with DTT and is relevant to the longer-term development and allocation of Ireland’s spectrum resources.
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