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

Belgian Itsme replaces iDIN: online identification via an app (and this changes for you)
Itsme, a Belgian digital identity app, replaces iDIN for online identification services in the Netherlands. Starting in 2026, Itsme will become the standard for digital verification, replacing the previous system.

New Cybersecurity Law: is your company covered?
Portugal's new Cybersecurity Law, transposing the NIS 2 Directive, is now in effect, impacting various entities. This decree, defined by Decree-Law No....

HAN receives a fine of 175,000 euros for insufficient security of personal data
The Dutch Data Protection Authority fined HAN University €175,000 for failing to adequately secure personal data. The investigation revealed insufficient measures were taken to protect student and employee information.

TikTok unlawfully tracks your shopping habits – and your use of dating apps
TikTok faces scrutiny for unlawfully tracking user activity, including shopping and dating app usage, potentially violating privacy laws. The platform's off-app tracking capabilities raise concerns about data collection practices.

Consumer views on Digital Omnibus proposals - keep protections under GDPR and uphold the AI Act
BEUC urges the EU to uphold consumer protections within the Digital Omnibus proposals, specifically regarding GDPR and the AI Act. The consumer organization expresses concerns that recent proposals may weaken these safeguards.

GDPR reform: "In terms of data protection, Germany is now closer to Silicon Valley than to the rest of the EU"
European privacy advocate Max Schrems criticizes the EU's proposed GDPR reform, arguing it needs significant changes. Schrems advocates for a reform that would ease burdens on small businesses while more strictly regulating data giants.

The arrival of AI in video games seems inevitable. But not everyone is equally convinced
The gaming world is hotly debating the ethical implications of AI. The demo for 'Codex Mortis', a game developed entirely by AI, has sparked a divided response, with only 60% of Steam reviews being positive.

New Cybersecurity Law: main changes in Portugal
Portugal implements the NIS2 directive with a new cybersecurity law to enhance digital protection. The law broadens responsibilities and introduces significant changes to national legislation.

Firefox Strategy: Back to Growth with AI and New Leadership
Mozilla reorganizes Firefox leadership, naming Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as CEO, and will focus on privacy and AI. This shift aims to boost growth.

AP warns users: TikTok continues to send personal data to China
TikTok continues sending user data to China, defying European privacy regulators' joint decision that deems the data transfer unlawful. The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) warns users about the privacy implications of the social media platform's data practices.

Reform of the GDPR: Data protection conference criticizes plans of the EU Commission
German data protection authorities criticize the EU Commission's digital omnibus plans, citing concerns about legal uncertainties. The Conference of Data Protection Authorities of the Federation and the Länder (DSK) has proposed alternative reform suggestions to address these issues.

EU Parliament: Social Democrats want to examine digital regulation
EU Social Democrats seek to understand the Digital Services Act's implementation by forming an investigation committee. This move follows the first penalty under the DSA: a €120 million fine against X.

There are people investigating if AIs are better hackers than human hackers. And we do not have very nice news
AI hackers are approaching, and may soon surpass, human hackers, according to a Stanford University study. Researchers pitted an AI hacking bot, Artemis, against professional ethical hackers, revealing the AI's potential in cybersecurity threats.

FinTech and data protection: PayPal collects the sexual preferences of customers
PayPal's foray into advertising is under fire for allegedly collecting and selling extensive personal data, including sensitive information, to advertisers. A legal analysis concludes that PayPal's practices violate data protection laws.

Fortnite only had one space left to conquer: the Android store. The law has ended up giving it the reason
Fortnite returns to the Android store in the US after a legal battle against Google's monopoly, marking a victory for Epic Games. The game's re-emergence follows a court order, though global expansion awaits final approval.

WhatsApp brings the big update of the season: the most important change is not on the mobile, but on the computer
WhatsApp rolls out significant updates, including a new voicemail feature, enhancing its calling capabilities for users. The new 'Missed Call Messages' feature enables users to leave video or audio messages when calls go unanswered, offering a more complete phone-like experience.

DMA: Google threatens high EU fine because of Play Store
Google faces a potential hefty fine from the EU due to the Play Store, unless it makes more adjustments. The penalty could be levied early next year.

Expert opinion: Massive data protection violations at PayPal
PayPal faces criticism again after an audit revealed significant GDPR violations and data misuse for advertising purposes. The report details multiple shortcomings in the service's data protection practices.

Better than Excel? Proton Sheets attacks Microsoft and Google
Proton, the Swiss provider, launches Proton Sheets, a privacy-focused spreadsheet application. It offers end-to-end encryption and real-time collaboration, directly challenging Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

Electoral Center: How TikTok wants to protect the presidential elections in Portugal
TikTok is deploying its "Electoral Center" to combat misinformation during Portugal's presidential elections, following its use in legislative and local elections. The platform aims to provide reliable information and resources to voters.
