News - For Consumers

Daily digest of all European digital development news

Microsoft Alternative: Nextcloud and Ionos develop open-source "Euro-Office"
Microsoft Alternative: Nextcloud and Ionos develop open-source "Euro-Office"

Microsoft Alternative: Nextcloud and Ionos develop open-source "Euro-Office"

Nextcloud and Ionos fork OnlyOffice to launch a modern, open-source "Euro-Office" suite this summer. The collaboration aims to provide a European-based alternative to existing office software.

March 27, 2026 at 15:53
Heise Online
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Concern about loophole: Will some products be exempted from AI rules?
Concern about loophole: Will some products be exempted from AI rules?

Concern about loophole: Will some products be exempted from AI rules?

The EU Parliament finalized its position on the AI Act, including a ban on deepfake exploitation. However, criticism mounts over proposed exemptions for AI in medical devices, smartwatches, and toys from key regulations....

March 26, 2026 at 17:08
netzpolitik.org
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EU accuses Pornhub, XVideos, and others of not protecting minors
EU accuses Pornhub, XVideos, and others of not protecting minors

EU accuses Pornhub, XVideos, and others of not protecting minors

The European Commission accuses Pornhub and XVideos of allowing access to minors, violating the Digital Services Regulation (DSA). The platforms face scrutiny under the EU's new legislation for digital content.

March 26, 2026 at 16:00
Pplware
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EU backs nude app ban and delays to landmark AI rules
EU backs nude app ban and delays to landmark AI rules

EU backs nude app ban and delays to landmark AI rules

European lawmakers delay EU AI Act compliance until December 2027 and August 2028 for high-risk and sector-specific systems. They also backed proposals to ban nudify apps.

March 26, 2026 at 13:49
The Verge Policy
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DSA: EU Commission targets Snapchat and porn platforms
DSA: EU Commission targets Snapchat and porn platforms

DSA: EU Commission targets Snapchat and porn platforms

The EU Commission demands better age verification from major porn platforms and Snapchat. Failure to comply could lead to investigation under the Digital Services Act.

March 26, 2026 at 13:02
Heise Online
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Narrowed AI Act scope risks fragmentation and leaves major consumer risks unaddressed
Narrowed AI Act scope risks fragmentation and leaves major consumer risks unaddressed

Narrowed AI Act scope risks fragmentation and leaves major consumer risks unaddressed

BEUC warns the EU's AI Act risks fragmentation, leaving major consumer risks unaddressed by narrowing its scope. MEPs' proposal to exclude many AI-embedded products from high-risk classification weakens protections.

March 26, 2026 at 10:26
BEUC
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European broadcasters demand end to Google and Samsung control over Smart TV
European broadcasters demand end to Google and Samsung control over Smart TV

European broadcasters demand end to Google and Samsung control over Smart TV

European broadcasters urge the EU to regulate smart TV platforms, challenging Google and Samsung's content control. The ACT association demands stricter rules to ensure fair access and visibility for European content creators.

March 24, 2026 at 10:30
Pplware
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The AI that wages war on the United States is moving closer to Europe: England adopts it to monitor fraudsters
The AI that wages war on the United States is moving closer to Europe: England adopts it to monitor fraudsters

The AI that wages war on the United States is moving closer to Europe: England adopts it to monitor fraudsters

Palantir lands UK financial regulator contract to combat fraud and money laundering. This US data giant's expansion into Europe follows its deepening integration with the US military.

March 24, 2026 at 07:00
Presse-Citron
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European Parliament blocks Chat Control: victory for privacy on WhatsApp and Signal
European Parliament blocks Chat Control: victory for privacy on WhatsApp and Signal

European Parliament blocks Chat Control: victory for privacy on WhatsApp and Signal

European Parliament rejects Chat Control 2. 0, safeguarding digital privacy....

March 23, 2026 at 12:30
Pplware
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AP publishes practical guide 'Health data in the cloud'
AP publishes practical guide 'Health data in the cloud'

AP publishes practical guide 'Health data in the cloud'

Dutch data watchdog publishes cloud guide for health data processors. The practical guide aims to ensure careful consideration of risks when organizations utilize cloud solutions for sensitive health information.

March 23, 2026 at 10:47
Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens
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ChatGPT and Co.: Overwhelming data protectionists with AI recommendations
ChatGPT and Co.: Overwhelming data protectionists with AI recommendations

ChatGPT and Co.: Overwhelming data protectionists with AI recommendations

ChatGPT and AI recommendations flood German data protection regulators with over 6,000 complaints in 2025. This surge highlights growing concerns over AI-driven data handling and privacy implications.

March 23, 2026 at 10:34
Heise Online
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Online age checks came first — a VPN crackdown could be next
Online age checks came first — a VPN crackdown could be next

Online age checks came first — a VPN crackdown could be next

EU regulators may target VPNs after age verification mandates. This digital crackdown could impact privacy tools for millions.

March 22, 2026 at 13:00
The Verge Policy
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CEO of a social network is asking for a ban on access for minors under 16 years old
CEO of a social network is asking for a ban on access for minors under 16 years old

CEO of a social network is asking for a ban on access for minors under 16 years old

Social media CEO calls for 16+ age limits, opposing typical platform stances. This move could reshape child safety regulations across Europe's digital landscape.

March 22, 2026 at 11:00
Pplware
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Artemis II's journey to the Moon will carry Madrid technology: NASA chose it for a critical ship system
Artemis II's journey to the Moon will carry Madrid technology: NASA chose it for a critical ship system

Artemis II's journey to the Moon will carry Madrid technology: NASA chose it for a critical ship system

Madrid-made technology powers NASA's Artemis II Moon mission, selected for a critical spacecraft system. This Spanish-designed thermal control unit travels aboard the European Service Module, launching April 2026.

March 21, 2026 at 16:01
Xataka
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heise+ | Goodbye, ChatGPT: European chatbots with data protection and privacy
heise+ | Goodbye, ChatGPT: European chatbots with data protection and privacy

heise+ | Goodbye, ChatGPT: European chatbots with data protection and privacy

European AI chatbots emerge as privacy-focused alternatives to US giants. These platforms aim to protect user data with strong privacy safeguards.

March 20, 2026 at 17:50
Heise Online
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Political Online Advertising: Bundestag to Ensure Protection of Press Freedom
Political Online Advertising: Bundestag to Ensure Protection of Press Freedom

Political Online Advertising: Bundestag to Ensure Protection of Press Freedom

Germany implements EU rules on political online ads, sparking debate over press freedom. Experts warn broad definitions risk silencing media, with some pushing to scrap the regulations entirely.

March 20, 2026 at 17:47
netzpolitik.org
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Thunderbird expands Exchange support
Thunderbird expands Exchange support

Thunderbird expands Exchange support

Thunderbird adds robust Exchange support, enhancing its European appeal and digital productivity tools. The email client's 2026 roadmap includes new Pro services and mobile features.

March 20, 2026 at 11:41
Heise Online
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Friday: Complaint for Online Traumatization, Google Plan for App Sideloading
Friday: Complaint for Online Traumatization, Google Plan for App Sideloading

Friday: Complaint for Online Traumatization, Google Plan for App Sideloading

Google plans to limit app sideloading on Android, frustrating developers. Meanwhile, a new Digital Act targets online trauma for minors, impacting platform responsibility.

March 20, 2026 at 06:15
Heise Online
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EDRi-gram, 18 March 2026
EDRi-gram, 18 March 2026

EDRi-gram, 18 March 2026

EU lawmakers question mandatory scanning of private messages for illicit content. Digital rights groups warn this proposal threatens end-to-end encryption and online privacy for millions.

March 18, 2026 at 11:10
EDRI
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Five lessons from three years of risk assessments under the Digital Services Act
Five lessons from three years of risk assessments under the Digital Services Act

Five lessons from three years of risk assessments under the Digital Services Act

DSA risk assessments fail to deliver transparency or accountability for Big Tech, according to ECNL's analysis. Three years of these reports show major gaps, questioning their usefulness for millions of users.

March 18, 2026 at 09:30
EDRI
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