16 February - 22 February 2026
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Cullen International's Weekly Highlights provide a concise overview of the key regulatory developments covered by our analysts in the past week.
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Telecoms The US telecoms regulator, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is imposing new national security reporting requirements across the entire US telecommunications sector. The aim is to identify entities under "foreign adversary" control (FAC). Generally, any entity under FAC will have to make certain disclosures to the FCC and be held to ongoing reporting obligations. Non-compliance may be subject to penalties, including fines and the revocation of licences and authorisations. The new requirements will likely become effective during Q2 2026.
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Media The Commission opened a formal investigation to assess if the Chinese marketplace Shein may have breached the risk management obligations of the Digital Services Act. The investigation relates to the sale of illegal products and potential harms to consumers from certain addictive features. The case also focusses on the transparency of Shein's recommender systems, and the possibility for users to switch to non-profiling recommender systems.
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Digital Economy The information and communications technology (ICT) supply chain security toolbox (non-binding) recommends EU member states to restrict the use of high-risk suppliers (HRS) in priority sectors. HRS restrictions are also extended to ICT components and hardware used in connected and automated vehicles through an EU coordinated risk assessment that analyses cybersecurity risks affecting these systems and their supply chain. While the recommended measures in the toolbox and risk assessment are voluntary, similar obligations are included in the proposal for a revised Cybersecurity Act (CSA2), which would be legally binding.
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Postal The Council of the European Union has introduced a €3 customs duty per item on goods imported from non-EU countries with a value below €150, applicable as of 1 July 2026. This temporary measure aims to restore fair competition for EU businesses. The Council stated that many imported parcels are currently undervalued or split into multiple shipments to bypass the €150 customs threshold.
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Sustainability The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rescinded its own 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding on 12 February 2026. As the endangerment finding was the legal basis for the EPA to take actions under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the EPA also rescinded all motor vehicle GHG standards.
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Global Trends
Singapore and China have both moved to address emerging risks linked to artificial intelligence. Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority has launched what it describes as the world's first governance framework for agentic AI, providing practical guidance on limiting agents' powers, embedding human oversight, and applying safeguards throughout their lifecycle. Meanwhile, China's Cyberspace Administration has proposed draft rules to regulate AI companion services, citing risks of emotional dependence and psychological addiction, with specific protections for minors and seniors. Together, the initiatives signal a shift toward more targeted, risk-based AI regulation in the region.
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Telecoms The Commission is concerned that imposing regulation on the operator that invested most intensively, particularly in less attractive rural areas, could create a chilling effect on future investment.
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Postal The European Commission approved state aid for a maximum of €350m, intended to be paid by the Italian government to Poste Italiane as compensation for the postal universal service obligation (USO) to be provided in the period 1 January 2025 to 30 April 2026. Poste Italiane carries out the USO in line with its extended public service contract with the government.
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Online - March-April 2026 24 hours of interactive online sessions
EU telecoms regulation continues to evolve - and staying on top of the key debates has never been more important. Our online Telecoms Masterclass helps you navigate the EU regulatory framework, understand current policy discussions, and place them in a broader international context where relevant.
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Online - 2026 edition 16 hours of interactive online sessions
Early-bird ends on 23 March!
Europe's media regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly - and understanding what is changing has never been more important. Our online media masterclass explores child protection online, prominence of media services of general interest, audience measurement under the EMFA, and what to expect from the next AVMSD reform.
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Online - May-June 2026 15 hours of interactive online sessions
Early-bird ends on 5 April!
From AI governance to cybersecurity resilience, the EU is redefining its regulatory framework. This online training provides a clear overview of the new rules, their implementation, and what they mean in practice for organisations and markets.
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