News - For Consumers
Daily digest of all European digital development news
"Trumpian legislative practices": Max Schrems criticizes gutting of fundamental rights
European data privacy expert Max Schrems slams the European Commission's planned GDPR reform, calling it a fundamental rights demolition. The reform, revealed in a leaked document, threatens to overturn 40 years of European fundamental rights doctrine.
IKEA wipes the slate clean: its home automation catalog is completely renewed with 21 Matter-compatible devices
IKEA overhauls its smart home catalog, launching 21 new devices fully compatible with Matter. This move aims to simplify home automation by ensuring seamless integration across various smart home ecosystems.
WhatsApp is preparing a shielded mode to protect against cyberattacks
WhatsApp is developing a new, hardened security mode to defend users against cyberattacks. This feature will integrate existing protections like blocking suspicious files and calls.
From four becomes one: EU digital reform weakens data protection
Brussels plans to overhaul GDPR, potentially weakening privacy protections for Europeans. The changes would permit cookie tracking without consent and allow AI training with personal data, impacting data security.
Apple complains in unusually harsh words about the EU Commission
Apple fiercely criticizes the EU Commission, accusing it of hypocrisy regarding conflicting regulations. The tech giant claims new laws force it to weaken security while claiming to protect users.
"Digital Omnibus": EU Commission wants to gut General Data Protection Regulation and AI regulation
Brussels plans a major overhaul of European digital regulations, presenting a "digital omnibus" proposal in November. The plan aims to simplify rules related to data protection, data usage, cybersecurity, and AI regulations.
Nexperia had the entire European automotive industry in check. We have good news
The Netherlands may drop its control over semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia if China allows the export of critical chips again. China has lifted the export ban on Nexperia's semiconductors, which threatened to halt global automotive production.
Following Databroker Files: Circular warns EU employees of danger from tracking
EU staff are warned of potential risks from tracking, following revelations about location data sold by data brokers. A new internal email from the EU Commission advises employees on how to protect themselves from surveillance through mobile data.
Cookie Manager: Condemned to fail without obligation
German regulators certified Consenter, a new consent management platform, to give users more control over their data online. The service aims to simplify managing cookie permissions, but its effectiveness depends on website and tracking firm compliance.
Apple removes a convenience feature from its smartwatch for EU users
Apple is removing automatic Wi-Fi synchronization between iPhones and Apple Watches for EU users with iOS 26. 2....
Digital Euro: While Parliament argues, development continues
The European Parliament is divided on the digital Euro, with debates intensifying due to disagreements over its implementation. While the Parliament argues, the European Central Bank continues advancing the digital currency's development, pushing forward with the project.
Digital Omnibus: EU Commission apparently aims for a sweeping reduction in data protection
Brussels is reportedly planning major cuts to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as part of its "digital omnibus" proposal. The move aims to simplify digital regulations but could weaken data protection for Europeans.
Agreement moves closer: EU Council could abandon mandatory chat control
The EU Council may scrap mandatory chat control, potentially ending years of debate over scanning private communications. A compromise proposal from Denmark could secure agreement, with Germany signaling approval.
Doctolib fined 4.6 million euros for abuse of dominant position: the French unicorn denounces "a worrying signal"
Doctolib, the French healthcare tech unicorn, faces a record €4. 6 million fine for abusing its dominant market position....
'iOS 26.2 disables convenient Wi-Fi feature between iPhone and Apple Watch in the EU': this is why
Apple is disabling a convenient Wi-Fi syncing feature between iPhones and Apple Watches in the EU with iOS 26. 2....
Office alternative from Germany by Ionos and Nextcloud is now available
Ionos and Nextcloud launch "Workspace," a German alternative to Microsoft 365, to boost digital sovereignty. The service aims to provide a secure option, avoiding reliance on US-based cloud services.
Tesla Launches Its “MultiPass” in France to Facilitate the Charging of Its Vehicles
Tesla rolls out its "MultiPass" in France, allowing drivers to locate and pay for third-party charging stations directly. This new feature simplifies the charging process for Tesla owners by integrating various charging networks.
European Parliament backs Europol expansion: “A dangerous step towards mass surveillance in the EU”
The European Parliament approved a new Europol Regulation, prompting strong criticism of potential mass surveillance. Civil society and the European Data Protection Supervisor raised warnings about the Facilitators Package expansion, which passed with 59 votes in favor.
Photo giant Getty fails with copyright lawsuit against AI tool
A London court mostly sided with Stability AI in Getty Images' copyright lawsuit, impacting AI training's legal landscape. The ruling found no copyright infringement, though key questions on AI and image rights remain unresolved.
Cover letters were a treasure for recruiters, until AI turned them into wet paper
The rise of AI has devalued cover letters in job applications, diminishing their impact on hiring decisions. A Princeton and Dartmouth College study analyzing 2....