News - For Consumers

Brussels is investigating Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, for potential violations of EU competition law. The probe examines whether Meta's practices align with digital market regulations.

The EU is probing Meta over concerns its WhatsApp AI chatbot restrictions could violate antitrust laws and harm competition. Meta's policy, which took effect in October, prohibits third-party AI chatbots, potentially favoring its own "Meta AI" service and leading to potential fines of $16....

Brussels launches an antitrust investigation into Meta following WhatsApp's ban on AI services like ChatGPT. This move targets restrictions within WhatsApp Business Solution, potentially stifling competition in the AI sector.

The German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection criticizes EU data policy, saying the current debate is misguided. She argues that reforms require a societal goal, adding that data protection law isn't fulfilling its function.

German businesses overwhelmingly want reform of the GDPR, citing excessive data protection burdens that hinder digitalization. A Bitkom survey reveals that 97% of companies find compliance costly and complex.

French AI startup Mistral AI launches Mistral 3, an open-source model family designed to compete with US and Chinese AI models. This new initiative is licensed under Apache 2....

The German IT Planning Council plans to expand the national AI transparency register across all levels of administration. Despite this, the extent and risks of AI use by public administrations remain unclear.

Brussels' top court ruled that online marketplaces share responsibility for user-posted content violating data protection laws. This decision means platforms must proactively check ads for sensitive data before publishing, impacting liability....

Brussels ruled that online marketplaces must actively check ads with sensitive data, potentially rejecting them to comply with GDPR. The Court of Justice of the European Union made this decision.

The Spanish government delayed the mandatory implementation of Verifactu, its electronic invoicing system, until 2027 for companies, freelancers and SMEs. This political move, impacting businesses, was driven by political considerations, with potential fines of up to €50,000 for non-compliance.

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) launches a three-week public campaign urging organizations to review their cookie policies. The campaign will run across various media channels including radio, websites, and newspapers.

German telecom giant Deutsche Telekom and the Schwarz Group plan to build a joint "AI-Gigafactory," according to reports. This initiative aims to accelerate AI development and infrastructure within Germany.

Brussels may bring Apple Maps and Apple Ads under the Digital Markets Act, potentially leading to further restrictions. This move aims to balance the digital landscape.

Brussels demands information from Shein regarding illegal product sales, following a scandal in France. This marks the third such request from the EU Commission under the Digital Services Act.

Brussels is reviewing whether to designate Apple Ads and Apple Plans under the Digital Markets Act, potentially increasing regulatory scrutiny. This follows the services exceeding the DMA's threshold for designation.

Brussels's push for interoperability between Android and iOS resulted in Google's Quick Share supporting Apple's AirDrop. This update allows for direct file sharing between Android and iOS devices using Wi-Fi.

Portugal's President signed the new Cybersecurity Law (NIS2) into law, strengthening the legal framework for cybersecurity. The new law imposes new obligations on public and private entities deemed critical.

French search engine Qwant's complaint against Microsoft was rejected by the Competition Authority, a blow to the European platform. Microsoft avoids sanctions, while Qwant prepares a response to the decision.

The EU's digital sovereignty push, discussed at a recent summit, emphasizes European tech independence. However, civil society groups argue that open-source solutions are more crucial than origin, as Denmark moves to wean itself off Microsoft, spurred by political pressures.

Brussels levied a €750,000 fine against Condé Nast, publisher of Vanity Fair, for illegally placing cookies without user consent. The French Data Protection Authority (DPA) issued the penalty on November 27, 2025.