Engage from Delib: October 2026 – Technology

Looking back on October, there is a clear theme that emerges – technology is changing the world. From positive stories of how advances in technology can speed up processes and make public bodies more efficient and effective, to scary examples of how cyber-attacks are changing how we think about security, and forcing governments to prepare their citizens for the worst.

We start this month's Engage with a look at how our customers are using Citizen Space to reckon with a rapidly changing world. We then go on to look at some of the most consequential news stories of the month.

Customer insights and inspiration:

Below are just a few examples of how customers are using Citizen Space to consult citizens on how technology should affect their lives.

ICO calls for evidence on agentic AI

In October, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) launched a call for evidence on agentic AI, seeking views on how existing data protection laws should apply to several new case studies. Agentic AI systems are capable of taking actions with varying degrees of autonomy, which raises questions around both data security and who should be held accountable for the actions of AI agents.

The call for evidence explores transparency, automated decision-making and the lawfulness of processing certain data. The ICO is particularly interested in understanding the distinctive risks posed by agentic AI as opposed to existing cyber threats, and where organisations may need further guidance to ensure they comply with data protection law.

The consultation is taking place on Citizen Space and is open to organisations and other interested stakeholders until 20 November 2026. Feedback will help inform the final version of the ICO guidance on agentic AI.

An Action Plan for Australia

The Australian Government sought public feedback to help shape its Fourth National Action Plan under the Open Government Partnership, an initiative which seeks to improve public participation in government. This plan will set out commitments for the two-year period from January 2027 to December 2028.

The consultation covered seven proposed commitments, including:

• Strengthening youth engagement in government decision-making.
• Improving transparency around AI and digital accessibility.
• Enhancing corporate ownership transparency.
• Making government information more accessible to people with disabilities.
• Promoting media literacy.
• Improving fraud prevention.
• Strengthening civic participation through better-designed engagement processes.

The Attorney-General's Department asked the public and stakeholders to share their views on which commitments matter to them most along with any concerns about their implementation. The consultation has now closed, and will be used to inform their next Action Plan.

A framework for smart data

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has opened a consultation on proposals for a new smart data legislative framework for the energy sector. The framework aims to make it easier and safer for consumers to share their energy data with authorised services, where they choose to do so.

The proposals would introduce mandatory requirements for relevant data holders to make specified datasets available securely. The consultation seeks views on which data should be shared, who should be involved, and how consumer protections should work.

The consultation is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including energy suppliers, technology companies, consumer groups and members of the public. It is currently open and will remain so until 8 January 2027.

Industry and legislative news:

Important industry news from October, this month we look at how rapidly scaling technology is impacting Europe.

A new budget for a new government

In October, the UK Government announced its Autumn Budget. The budget set out a wide range of spending commitments, policy changes and tax measures that will shape the country's economic direction over the coming years. While there was a great deal of content to the full budget, the headlines were largely dominated by plans to cut household energy bills by £100 and introduce new taxes on banks and the gambling industry.

Beyond these headline announcements, the Budget contains a number of measures that could have wider implications for public policy and consultation activity across the UK. To read more about the Budget and other October announcements affecting consultation and engagement, click here. 

EU Kids Act

The European Commission has unveiled proposals for a new EU KIDS Act, which aims to strengthen online safety for children by restricting social media platforms' access to younger users. Under new proposals, children under 13 would be prevented from accessing social media, while those under 15 would require parental involvement to create accounts.

The proposed legislation goes further than age restrictions, placing greater responsibility on technology companies to demonstrate that their services are safe for young users. Measures include tackling addictive platform features, limiting harmful algorithms and introducing stronger privacy protections. AI companions and chatbots would also face additional safeguards. The proposals have been submitted to the European Parliament and Council for consideration.

Cyber attacks across Europe

October saw a number of significant cyber-attacks across Europe, with some unusual targets making headlines. Supermarket refrigeration systems in France were initially targeted by hackers, who remotely changed temperature settings, causing some fridges to heat up to 50°C. This has forced retailers to dispose of large quantities of food. Similar incidents followed in multiple countries across Europe.

The attacks have raised questions about the security of everyday internet-connected equipment, particularly systems that may not receive regular software updates. Alongside these incidents, vulnerabilities affecting PHP, a widely used programming language that underpins much of the web, have also highlighted the importance of maintaining secure digital infrastructure. 

Many governments across Europe have begun to suggest that their citizens prepare for a number of possible emergency situations, largely due to the threats posed by these cyber-attacks.

Events coming up:

AI Britain Summit - 28 January 2027 - London, UK

The AI Britain Summit explores how AI could reshape the state, public services and the way citizens experience government. The programme brings together government officials, policymakers and digital-government experts to examine public-service reform, AI priorities and governance.

Register here.

2027 Train-the-Trainers Winter School – 23–25 February 2027 – Ispra, Italy

The European Commission’s Competence Centre on Participatory and Deliberative Democracy is hosting a three-day winter school for practitioners looking to develop their expertise in citizen participation. The programme is aimed at people with experience in public engagement who want to train others in designing and delivering participatory processes.

Register here

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