News - For Consumers
Daily digest of all European digital development news

Digital Sovereignty in the EU: Workflow for Security-Critical Chips
EU policymakers launch new workflow for secure chip design, keeping sensitive data within the bloc. Globalfoundries Dresden now manufactures Qualinx GNSS chips entirely within EU borders.

Bundestag passes AI law: Federal Network Agency to become central supervisory authority
The German Bundestag passed its AI Act implementation law, appointing the Federal Network Agency as the central market surveillance authority. This marks a significant step in enforcing the EU's AI Act at the national level.

heise+ | Tools for Surveys on German and EU Servers Under Test
German survey tools using EU servers offer privacy-friendly alternatives to US-based platforms like MS Forms. Testing focuses on data protection for online surveys and voting.

AI, DMA & Co.: Do you feel digitally well protected in the EU?
EU digital regulations delay major tech services like Apple's Siri AI launch in Europe. However, 83% of EU consumers surveyed believe authorities should ensure AI and new tech respect EU rights and values.

GDPR: Court significantly reduces multi-million euro fine for Deutsche Wohnen
GDPR: Court significantly reduces multi-million fine for Deutsche Wohnen. Berlin data protection authority imposed a fine of 14....

AI Omnibus deal: EU lawmakers should reject a rollback of AI safeguards
EU lawmakers are urged to reject the AI Omnibus deal, which weakens AI safeguards and transparency. The agreement, presented as a technical simplification of the AI Act, risks setting a dangerous precedent for the EU's digital rulebook.

Judgment on data protection fine: Deutsche Wohnen gets off lightly
Deutsche Wohnen's €14. 5M GDPR fine cut to €900K by court....

WhatsApp Opening: EU Commission Now Acts Firmly Against Meta
EU Commission forces Meta to grant AI providers free WhatsApp access. Brussels reprimands discrimination against foreign assistants and gives Meta only five working days for implementation.

Wednesday: NASA Moon landing further postponed, EU threatens WhatsApp with fines
EU threatens WhatsApp with fines over its AI fee. This is part of a broader investigation into the practices of major messaging services.

EU: WhatsApp must allow other AI chatbots free of charge, otherwise a penalty payment threatens
WhatsApp faces an EU mandate to allow rival AI chatbots freely within five days or risk hefty fines. Meta is protesting this rare regulatory action.

Office EU: what it is, what it includes, and how much the European alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace will cost
Office EU launches as a European alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, prioritizing data privacy within the EU. The Dutch-based suite, built on Nextcloud Hub and integrating Collabora Online, aims to keep user data in Europe and out of reach of US CLOUD Act access.

'Blame the DMA rules'
Apple's new Siri AI is not coming to the EU on most devices due to DMA rules. The tech giant cited regulatory compliance as the reason for the delayed rollout.

EU reacts to Apple's Siri AI blockade, rejects DMA accusations
The European Commission rejects Apple's claims that the Digital Markets Act (DMA) hinders its new AI system for Siri. Brussels counters Apple's assertion that the DMA prevents integration of its AI features.

Secret scoring: Join the CRIF class action now!
noyb is launching a class action against Austria's CRIF credit agency for alleged GDPR violations. The agency allegedly built a "shadow registry" using personal data to assign scores that impact access to essential services.

Strict EU regulations halt AI: Apple cuts Siri AI for iPhones
Apple ditches Siri AI for iPhones in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act. The new iOS 27 features will not launch in Europe this fall as planned.

Digital Sovereignty: European Union has a plan to reduce dependence on the USA
The EU plans to reduce its reliance on US and Chinese software, facing significant challenges. This digital sovereignty initiative aims to foster European alternatives and bolster the continent's tech independence.

EU package for digital sovereignty: "Danger of technological decoupling"
EU tech sovereignty package sparks debate: Open-source advocates cheer, but US industry groups warn of market disruption. The initiative raises fears of technological decoupling.

Upcoming identification app from the Dutch government requires Apple or Google account: why experts are concerned
The Dutch government's upcoming NL Wallet app requires an Apple or Google account, raising concerns amid calls for independence from US tech giants. Experts worry about dependency on these platforms.

NIS2: supply chain security has become a priority
The NIS2 directive reinforces cybersecurity obligations for thousands of organizations in the European Union. Supply chain security is now a priority, requiring new measures to protect companies.

Court ruling: Facebook Messenger continues to be considered a dominant internet service
Facebook Messenger remains a dominant internet service, facing stricter Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules after a court ruling. Meta's appeal against its gatekeeper status was largely rejected by the EU court.
