News - For Consumers
Daily digest of all European digital development news
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
A diretiva NIS2 reforça obrigações de cibersegurança para milhares de organizações na União Europeia. A segurança da cadeia de fornecimento é agora uma prioridade, exigindo novas medidas para proteger empresas.
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.
The European Parliament disconnects Google: MEPs must use the French search engine Qwant
Le Parlement européen abandonne Google pour le moteur de recherche français Qwant, marquant une étape vers la souveraineté numérique. Qwant devient le moteur de recherche par défaut sur les ordinateurs de l'institution à partir du 4 juin.
Claude Mythos would finally arrive in Europe, but France is not waiting for the Americans to arm itself against security flaws
Anthropic’s Claude Mythos expands to 15 European countries, including France, and 150 organizations like NATO and ENISA. Meanwhile, French firm Mistral develops an AI alternative for banks hesitant about US technology.
Nordic Media Giant Schibsted switches to “Pay or Okay” – complaint filed!
Norwegian Consumer Council and noyb file complaint against Schibsted's "Pay or Okay" system. The news giant's practice forces users to pay for privacy, setting a dangerous precedent in the Nordics.
Online Advertising: When Surveillance Capitalism and the Surveillance State Grow Together
The German police are using data from the online advertising industry for covert surveillance. This practice, revealed through an IFG investigation, involves accessing granular location data from mobile phones via data brokers.
G7 Summit in Paris: United Front for Youth Protection on the Internet
G7 digital ministers agreed on principles for a safer internet at their Paris summit. However, no consensus was reached on the energy consumption of AI.
User-replaceable batteries are coming back in a big way
The EU is mandating user-replaceable batteries in portable tech products. New regulations aim to improve device longevity, repairability, and recyclability, with specific rules for smartphones and tablets taking effect soon.
Nextcloud and Partner Name Launch Date for Controversial Euro-Office
Euro-Office, the new European open-source alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Docs, is launching soon. This office suite promises digital sovereignty but is already overshadowed by a significant license dispute.
Cybersecurity: Critical infrastructure is catching up, but the "risk zone" is growing
Brussels accelerates critical infrastructure cybersecurity with NIS2, but space and transport sectors face growing digital threats. A new Enisa report highlights progress alongside escalating risks.
EU imposes record fine on Temu for deficient risk assessment
EU fines Chinese marketplace Temu €200 million under the Digital Services Act. The penalty stems from a deficient risk assessment, highlighting enforcement of the DSA.
Sale of illegal products in Europe: Temu receives the largest fine in the history of the DSA
The EU fined Temu €200 million for failing to prevent illegal product sales, marking a significant enforcement of the Digital Services Act. This penalty serves as a strong warning to all Chinese e-commerce platforms operating within the bloc.
Insecure cheap imports: EU Commission imposes a hefty fine on Temu
EU-Kommission verhängt €200M Strafe gegen Temu für Verstöße gegen den Digital Services Act. Die Plattform wird beschuldigt, unsichere und illegale Produkte anzubieten, was ein hohes Risiko für EU-Kunden darstellt.
What’s behind the EU’s digitalisation push? Surveillance, control and exclusion
The EU's digitalisation push prioritises surveillance and control over citizen rights, according to EDRI. This political choice normalises exclusion of marginalised groups within the digital welfare state.
A push back to Czech football club‘s plan to install facial recognition CCTV system
Czech football clubs face public pushback over plans for stadium facial recognition. Digital rights groups oppose the biometric surveillance, citing illegality, as officials consider implementation.
Provide a response to the guidelines on scientific research and personal data
The European Data Protection Board issued new guidelines on using personal data in scientific research. Public consultation is now open for feedback on the proposed regulations.
For 250 million Euros: Federal government creates new dependencies on IT corporations
Germany contracts SAP and Telekom for a €250M "AI Cloud" to host public administration software. Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger hails it as sovereign infrastructure, but critics warn of new IT dependencies.