As digital platforms become increasingly central to economic activity, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of significant regulatory evolution - especially across the UK and EU. Deloitte’s Digital Regulatory Outlook 2026 highlights how policymakers are recalibrating the rules that govern digital ecosystems and underscores what leaders of marketplaces and digital platforms need to do now to stay ahead of compliance risks and turn change into a strategic advantage.

If you run a marketplace or digital platform, you already know consumer reviews aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re mission critical. Reviews drive discovery, build trust, and shape purchase decisions. But with that power comes risk. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now signaling it intends to enforce its Consumer Review Rule in earnest — and that’s a big deal for every platform operator.

The company limited the collection of facial recognition information to employees when it started a security pilot program in its New York City stores in 2024.

Online shopping remains a popular trend worldwide, particularly during the holiday season. However, with the rise of online retailers, there has also been an increase in consumer fraud, particularly for online marketplaces that allow third-party sellers to sell directly to consumers.

Making the Internet safe for children has long been a goal for parents, legislators, and regulators, but AI chatbots add another wrinkle to the ongoing problem. As the AI chatbots get more and more engaging and empathetic, they are able to convince children and adults alike to do some terrible things, including murder and suicide.