News - For Consumers

Daily digest of all European digital development news

Spanish companies have returned to hiring in 2026. The problem is that there is no one to hire
Spanish companies have returned to hiring in 2026. The problem is that there is no one to hire

Spanish companies have returned to hiring in 2026. The problem is that there is no one to hire

Spanish firms planned to boost hiring in 2026 but face a severe talent shortage. 81% of companies aim to expand, yet 93% struggle to find qualified candidates.

February 19, 2026 at 15:30
Xataka
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Ukraine's latest death trap for Russian soldiers has confirmed something we suspected: the new "atomic bomb" is invisible
Ukraine's latest death trap for Russian soldiers has confirmed something we suspected: the new "atomic bomb" is invisible

Ukraine's latest death trap for Russian soldiers has confirmed something we suspected: the new "atomic bomb" is invisible

Ukraine's conflict showcases how satellite connectivity is the new battlefield advantage. Disconnected forces lose sight and coordination, proving speed is the ultimate weapon.

February 19, 2026 at 14:30
Xataka
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Chancellor Merz calls for mandatory real names for "protection of freedom"
Chancellor Merz calls for mandatory real names for "protection of freedom"

Chancellor Merz calls for mandatory real names for "protection of freedom"

Germany's Friedrich Merz urges mandatory real names online to "protect freedom." This push for clear identity on the web and in apps aims to increase accountability.

February 19, 2026 at 14:23
WinFuture.de
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Dear Europe: we are sending you a free VPN to watch football for free. Sincerely, the U.S. Department of State
Dear Europe: we are sending you a free VPN to watch football for free. Sincerely, the U.S. Department of State

Dear Europe: we are sending you a free VPN to watch football for free. Sincerely, the U.S. Department of State

US launches freedom. gov to bypass European content restrictions, offering VPN tools for access....

February 19, 2026 at 13:46
Xataka
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Only two weeks left: 29,000 companies must register with the BSI
Only two weeks left: 29,000 companies must register with the BSI

Only two weeks left: 29,000 companies must register with the BSI

German companies face a March 6 deadline to register under NIS2, impacting 29,000 businesses. TÜV SÜD warns of non-compliance risks as the cybersecurity directive tightens.

February 19, 2026 at 13:11
Heise Online
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Revolut Business has a new weapon to conquer French merchants
Revolut Business has a new weapon to conquer French merchants

Revolut Business has a new weapon to conquer French merchants

Revolut Business launches payment terminals and POS app in France, aiming for merchant platform dominance. This fintech move targets professionals with a new digital offering for transactions.

February 19, 2026 at 11:38
Presse-Citron
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Suspicionless mass surveillance: EU data protection officer against indiscriminate scanning in voluntary chat control
Suspicionless mass surveillance: EU data protection officer against indiscriminate scanning in voluntary chat control

Suspicionless mass surveillance: EU data protection officer against indiscriminate scanning in voluntary chat control

EU data protection chief demands safeguards against indiscriminate scanning for voluntary chat control. Companies like Meta and Google may lose renewal of exceptions if mass surveillance risks aren't addressed.

February 19, 2026 at 11:05
netzpolitik.org
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Report: Meta plans Smartwatch and Ray-Ban Display 2 still for this year
Report: Meta plans Smartwatch and Ray-Ban Display 2 still for this year

Report: Meta plans Smartwatch and Ray-Ban Display 2 still for this year

Meta plans to launch its stalled smartwatch and the second generation of Ray-Ban smart glasses this year, signaling a renewed push into wearable tech. The company is reportedly restructuring its roadmap for AR/VR headsets as well.

February 19, 2026 at 09:25
Heise Online
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Notepad++: Security Update Against Code Smuggling Vulnerability
Notepad++: Security Update Against Code Smuggling Vulnerability

Notepad++: Security Update Against Code Smuggling Vulnerability

Notepad++ plugs critical code execution vulnerability. The widely used text editor's security update closes a loophole exploited by attackers to run malicious code.

February 19, 2026 at 08:08
Heise Online
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See you tomorrow at the Big Brother Awards?
See you tomorrow at the Big Brother Awards?

See you tomorrow at the Big Brother Awards?

Big Brother Awards highlight privacy breaches in Amsterdam. Awards recognize 2025's worst offenders against digital rights, alongside a champion for digital freedoms.

February 19, 2026 at 07:56
Bits of Freedom
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#heiseshow: Social Media Ban, Spotify's AI Development, Smart Meter Mandate
#heiseshow: Social Media Ban, Spotify's AI Development, Smart Meter Mandate

#heiseshow: Social Media Ban, Spotify's AI Development, Smart Meter Mandate

Germany debates a child social media ban as Spotify accelerates AI development. E....

February 19, 2026 at 06:11
Heise Online
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Mark Zuckerberg and his Ray-Ban entourage have their day in court
Mark Zuckerberg and his Ray-Ban entourage have their day in court

Mark Zuckerberg and his Ray-Ban entourage have their day in court

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in court, with his Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses highlighting the intersection of tech and societal impact. Parents affected by social media addiction sat nearby during the proceedings.

February 19, 2026 at 05:13
The Verge Policy
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Google’s AI music maker is coming to the Gemini app
Google’s AI music maker is coming to the Gemini app

Google’s AI music maker is coming to the Gemini app

Google's Gemini app now generates AI music using DeepMind's Lyria 3 model. This feature, available globally in eight languages, lets users create 30-second tracks from text, images, or videos.

February 18, 2026 at 17:00
The Verge Policy
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Groundbreaking ruling: VPNs must block illegal sports streams
Groundbreaking ruling: VPNs must block illegal sports streams

Groundbreaking ruling: VPNs must block illegal sports streams

Spanish court orders VPN providers NordVPN and Proton VPN to block illegal sports streams. LaLiga can update blocklists in real-time to instantly halt piracy during live games.

February 18, 2026 at 16:15
WinFuture.de
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AI and Data Protection: Where the EU's Digital Omnibus Is Currently Rolling
AI and Data Protection: Where the EU's Digital Omnibus Is Currently Rolling

AI and Data Protection: Where the EU's Digital Omnibus Is Currently Rolling

EU lawmakers accelerate digital policy overhaul, eyeing AI Act amendments and a "Data Omnibus" to simplify regulations. The ambitious plan aims to boost European competitiveness by streamlining existing laws.

February 18, 2026 at 16:14
netzpolitik.org
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Google's Pixel 10a has just landed: here are the new features, for the same price
Google's Pixel 10a has just landed: here are the new features, for the same price

Google's Pixel 10a has just landed: here are the new features, for the same price

Google launches Pixel 10a with faster charging and SOS satellite messaging. The smartphone debuts with a refined design and brighter screen, maintaining its predecessor's price point.

February 18, 2026 at 16:04
Presse-Citron
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"We had to make difficult engineering decisions to maintain that price": Toni Urban, Pixel Product Manager, on the Pixel 10a
"We had to make difficult engineering decisions to maintain that price": Toni Urban, Pixel Product Manager, on the Pixel 10a

"We had to make difficult engineering decisions to maintain that price": Toni Urban, Pixel Product Manager, on the Pixel 10a

Google's Pixel 10a targets the competitive mid-range market with challenging engineering decisions to maintain its price. The device incorporates advanced features, aiming to bridge the gap with premium models.

February 18, 2026 at 16:00
Xataka
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Google Pixel 10a: it doesn't reinvent the wheel, and yet it's a clear contender for the mid-range throne
Google Pixel 10a: it doesn't reinvent the wheel, and yet it's a clear contender for the mid-range throne

Google Pixel 10a: it doesn't reinvent the wheel, and yet it's a clear contender for the mid-range throne

Google launches Pixel 10a, focusing on computational photography and software enhancements. The €549 device aims to dominate the mid-range market with its AI-powered camera.

February 18, 2026 at 16:00
Xataka
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Google Pixel 10a: AI and durability arrive in the mid-range for just 559 euros
Google Pixel 10a: AI and durability arrive in the mid-range for just 559 euros

Google Pixel 10a: AI and durability arrive in the mid-range for just 559 euros

Google democratizes AI with the Pixel 10a, bringing advanced features to the mid-range market. The new smartphone offers AI capabilities for just 559 euros.

February 18, 2026 at 16:00
Pplware
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Claude Sonnet 4.6 promises to handle paperwork for you. Now it has the challenge of its life: dealing with Spanish administration websites
Claude Sonnet 4.6 promises to handle paperwork for you. Now it has the challenge of its life: dealing with Spanish administration websites

Claude Sonnet 4.6 promises to handle paperwork for you. Now it has the challenge of its life: dealing with Spanish administration websites

Claude Sonnet 4. 6 agents now navigate websites and complete tasks, showcasing AI's leap into action....

February 18, 2026 at 13:30
Xataka
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