News - For Consumers
Daily digest of all European digital development news
Senators ask Meta why it waited so long to make teen accounts private by default
US Senators grill Meta on delayed teen privacy protections, citing internal documents. Instagram default private accounts rolled out September 2024, with Facebook and Messenger following.
Anthropic has taken Apple's strategy against Microsoft to the Super Bowl: making it look ridiculous to use the rival
Anthropic launches Super Bowl ads targeting OpenAI with an anti-advertising stance for AI. This move signals a major debate over AI's business model: ad-supported versus subscription-based.
Telefónica sought to lay off 4,525 employees with its ERE. Now it has a problem called 5,124 volunteers
Telefónica's Spanish ERE sees 5,124 volunteers, exceeding the 4,525 planned layoffs. Over 350 workers are now outside the voluntary redundancy plan due to the surge.
AI displaces entry-level jobs: This is the price companies pay for their cost-saving measures
AI tools replace entry-level jobs, costing companies long-term. Companies are substituting AI for young talent requiring salaries and training, jeopardizing future innovation.
Russian hackers exploit Microsoft Office vulnerability to attack Ukraine and Poland
Russian state-backed hackers exploit Microsoft Office flaw to breach organizations in Ukraine and Poland. Dozens of diplomatic, maritime, and transport entities compromised across multiple countries.
Ten municipalities fined for illegal processing of information about Muslim people
Dutch municipalities fined €250K for illegally processing sensitive data on Islamic residents. This violation of the GDPR highlights privacy breaches and unauthorized handling of religious and political affiliations.
Our response to US pressure on the Digital Services Act
US lawmakers attack EU's Digital Services Act, labeling it censorship and targeting NGOs. Europe vows to uphold digital sovereignty and enforce its platform laws, despite US pressure.
Our reaction to US pressure on the Digital Services Act
US lawmakers label European Digital Services Act a censorship tool, attacking NGOs and pushing back on enforcement. Europe defends the DSA, calling US actions "coercion" and asserting digital sovereignty.
Europe has just realized an alarming scenario: that Russia has known all its moves from space for years
Russia is using decades-old, unencrypted European satellites for espionage, exploiting a critical blind spot. This reveals a major strategic vulnerability in Europe's space architecture, now a silent battlefield.
EDRi-gram, 4 February 2026
EDRi flags digital rights concerns over borders, biometrics, billionaires, and bots. The newsletter covers the latest tech policy debates across Europe.
Aufrüstung im All: Bundeswehr plant eigenes „Starlink“ mit Laserwaffen und Störsystemen
Germany plans a military satellite network with laser weapons and jamming systems, a €10B project by Rheinmetall and OHB. This network aims for secure communication and offensive capabilities for the Bundeswehr.
Panic for nothing: Flitsmeister does not stop, but this is new
Flitsmeister denies closure rumors after a marketing stunt. The navigation app introduces a new device, clarifying its ongoing services and future plans.
End for SharePoint and OneDrive: Microsoft forces users into expensive suites
Microsoft cuts standalone SharePoint and OneDrive licenses, forcing users onto pricier M365 suites. Customers must switch by 2029 as options narrow.
AI boom helps Infineon through weak markets, purchase of part of ams Osram
Infineon reinvests €500M into AI chip production amid weak markets and a strong dollar. The tech giant pivots to capitalize on AI's booming demand.
Don't panic! Flitsmeister isn't stopping, but presents Flitsmeister DOT
Flitsmeister launches its new "DOT" device, calming user fears of the app shutting down. This hardware accessory aims to assist drivers with advanced features.
Next target are VPNs? Blocking social media could bring this scenario
Europe's social media blockades hint at upcoming VPN restrictions, potentially limiting online freedom. This evolving digital policy landscape raises concerns for user privacy and access.
Open Letter: Civil society concerned about extensive and indiscriminate data retention regime in Switzerland
Swiss civil society warns against proposed data retention law, fearing privacy invasion. 19 groups urge alignment with top privacy standards, spotlighting concerns over indiscriminate data collection.
#DIDit: EDRi members spark movement for alternatives to Big Tech
EDRi members launch #DIDit movement for digital independence, sparking alternatives to Big Tech. 189 organizations now support monthly meet-ups exploring Big Tech alternatives.
The EU Commission is gutting net neutrality
EU Commission's new Digital Networks Act dismantles net neutrality protections, risking paid fast lanes and political control. This move threatens the open internet by weakening independent regulators and could empower biased traffic prioritization.
UK adequacy decision: a risk for the future and a lesson to be learnt
UK data adequacy decision renewal faces scrutiny, risking future EU-UK digital rights relations. Open Rights Group highlights the implications of continued data transfers.