BaFin Clarifies Interpretation of § 34 WpHG Following ECJ Ruling

The German financial regulator BaFin has issued guidance clarifying its interpretation of Section 34 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG) following a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling. BaFin will now only attribute voting rights in cases also covered by the EU Transparency Directive, but will continue to apply Section 30 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpÜG) unchanged.

BaFin Supervisory Announcement on EU Court Ruling Impact on German Financial Law

BaFin has issued a supervisory announcement clarifying the interpretation of German financial laws, specifically sections of the WpHG and WpÜG, following a European Court of Justice ruling on 'Acting in Concert' (AiC). The announcement details how BaFin will adjust its administrative practice regarding voting rights attribution to align with EU law, impacting reporting obligations for listed companies and market participants.

EU Regulators Focus on Cross-Regulatory Cooperation for Digital Laws

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is increasing focus on cross-regulatory cooperation for EU digital laws, including the GDPR, AI Act, and Digital Markets Act. The EDPB is developing joint guidance with the European Commission on these interactions and on data protection and competition, aiming for consistent interpretation and enforcement.

China PIPL Compliance Audit Guidance and Enforcement Trends

China's Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) requires organizations to audit personal information processing for compliance. Recent regulatory developments, particularly concerning minors' data, indicate an increasing expectation for audits to be repeatable, verifiable, and evidence-backed, with a focus on demonstrating consistent implementation and technical reality.

Senator Blackburn Proposes AI Framework for Child Safety and Copyright

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has introduced a discussion draft for a federal AI policy framework focusing on children's online safety and copyright protection. The proposal aims to establish national standards, incorporating elements from the Kids Online Safety Act and the NO FAKES Act, and includes provisions for a private right of action for child harms.

BaFin Warns Consumers About Unauthorized Website gfi-hold(.)com

BaFin, the German financial supervisory authority, has issued a warning to consumers regarding the website gfi-hold(.)com. The website is allegedly offering financial, investment, and cryptoasset services without the required authorization from BaFin, constituting an unauthorized business operation.

Northern Colorado Woman Convicted of Securities Fraud

A Northern Colorado woman, Ann Vick, has been convicted on eight counts of securities fraud following a trial. She defrauded approximately 25 investors out of $3,000,000 through a fraudulent options trading and promissory note scheme. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2026.

K. et al v. Sonoma County et al - Summary Judgment Motion

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has recorded multiple filings related to the case K. et al v. Sonoma County et al. Notably, motions for summary judgment were filed by Amy Lafferty and by County Social Worker De La Cruz and other defendants on March 19, 2026. A hearing for Amy Lafferty's motion is scheduled for July 9, 2026.

MA Governor Supports Lifting Sunday Hunting Ban and Expanding Access

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced support for legislation to modernize hunting laws, including lifting the Sunday hunting ban and expanding crossbow use. Concurrently, the MA Department of Public Health will raise awareness about alpha-gal syndrome and make it a reportable condition.

US v. Sang Huynh - Criminal Sentence Appeal

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated and remanded the sentence for Sang Thanh Huynh, who was convicted of firearm, racketeering, drug conspiracy, and money laundering charges. The court agreed with the government's concession that errors in the district court's imposition of supervised release conditions require resentencing.