This is the ODPA's monthly round-up of data-related developments from around the world.
On 1 January, the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) published its global legislative predictions for 2025 featuring insights from around the globe and predictions for the year ahead: IAPP Global Legislative Predictions 2025
On 7 January, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced that it was phasing out its factchecking program with a user generated verification system: Facebook and Instagram get rid of fact checker - BBC News
On 8 January, the European General Court rendered an impactful decision on data transfer litigation: European General Court renders impactful decision on data transfer litigation | IAPP
On 12 January, the UK government announced a plan to unleash artificial intelligence across the country to deliver a decade of national renewal: Prime Minister sets out blueprint to turbocharge AI - GOV.UK
On 12 January, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stated the government would always be in control of patient data as it targets billions of pounds of investment by opening the UK’s vast store of NHS health data to big tech companies: Tech firms can mine NHS archives in bid to fuel AI revolution - The Times
On 13 January, Jersey's Deputy Chief Minister has revealed it is costing the Government around £1m a year to deal with Freedom of Information requests: Freedom of Information requests costing Jersey's government £1m a year | ITV News Channel
On 22 January, the BBC published an explainer about social media app TikTok: Trump TikTok deal: Who might own the app and how would it work? - BBC News
On 28 January, the ICO published a blog debunking data protection myths about AI: Debunking data protection myths about AI | ICO
On 31 January, Italy’s data protection authority blocked access to the Chinese AI application DeepSeek to protect users’ data and announced an investigation into the companies behind the chatbot: Italy blocks access to the Chinese AI application DeepSeek to protect users' data | AP News