News - For Consumers
Daily digest of all European digital development news
Digital Omnibus: EU Commission apparently aims for a sweeping reduction in data protection
Brussels is reportedly planning major cuts to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as part of its "digital omnibus" proposal. The move aims to simplify digital regulations but could weaken data protection for Europeans.
Agreement moves closer: EU Council could abandon mandatory chat control
The EU Council may scrap mandatory chat control, potentially ending years of debate over scanning private communications. A compromise proposal from Denmark could secure agreement, with Germany signaling approval.
Doctolib fined 4.6 million euros for abuse of dominant position: the French unicorn denounces "a worrying signal"
Doctolib, the French healthcare tech unicorn, faces a record €4. 6 million fine for abusing its dominant market position....
Office alternative from Germany by Ionos and Nextcloud is now available
Ionos and Nextcloud launch "Workspace," a German alternative to Microsoft 365, to boost digital sovereignty. The service aims to provide a secure option, avoiding reliance on US-based cloud services.
European Parliament backs Europol expansion: “A dangerous step towards mass surveillance in the EU”
The European Parliament approved a new Europol Regulation, prompting strong criticism of potential mass surveillance. Civil society and the European Data Protection Supervisor raised warnings about the Facilitators Package expansion, which passed with 59 votes in favor.
Photo giant Getty fails with copyright lawsuit against AI tool
A London court mostly sided with Stability AI in Getty Images' copyright lawsuit, impacting AI training's legal landscape. The ruling found no copyright infringement, though key questions on AI and image rights remain unresolved.
Evaristo.ai: the Portuguese AI that knows everything about public services
Portuguese university Ciências ULisboa launched Evaristo. ai, an AI chatbot providing information on Portuguese public services....
First bloom: increased consumer choice after eighteen months of the DMA
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is showing early consumer benefits after eighteen months of implementation, giving users more digital choices. iOS users can now select default browsers and apps, make contactless payments outside Apple Pay, and create Google accounts without Gmail.
Telekom and Nvidia build underground AI data center in Munich
Telekom and Nvidia are building an underground AI data center in Munich to house 10,000 "Blackwell" GPUs. The facility will provide industrial AI services.
Databroker Files: All you need to know about how adtech data exposes the EU to espionage
Brussels faces a security threat as adtech data exposes the EU and NATO to espionage. Commercial datasets with 278 million locations, including EU officials and NATO headquarters, allow for tracking and potential spying.
Databroker Files: Targeting the EU
Millions of Europeans' mobile phone location data, gathered for advertising, is being sold and could be used for espionage. Even top EU officials are potentially affected by this data breach, raising concerns about data protection failures.
Databroker Files: Data brokers sell meter-accurate location data of EU personnel
EU officials face potential spying risks as mobile location data of millions is available for purchase. The data, collected for advertising, allows for tracking, even affecting top EU personnel.
Discussion paper raises alarm: Google, Meta & Co. dominate Europe's submarine cables
Brussels seeks a counter-strategy against Big Tech's dominance over Europe's subsea cables. Four US corporations currently control 71% of the cable capacity, according to a new report.
When ChatGPT appeared, Gonzalo was already there: this is how the Spanish Army is creating its own AI
Spanish Army's Logistics Academy is developing "Gonzalo" (GZLO), an AI model to assist military operations. This ChatGPT-like system aims to serve as an administrative assistant, focusing on security and confidentiality within the armed forces.
New Irish Data Protection Commissioner: Human rights organization files complaint with EU Commission
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties filed a formal complaint with the EU Commission regarding the appointment of Niamh Sweeney as Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner. The human rights organization claims her past role as a Meta lobbyist compromises the data protection authority's independence.
AI Act: Will the AI regulation be delayed?
The implementation of the EU's AI Act, with key parts slated for August 2026, faces potential delays due to missing standards, prompting industry calls for postponement. Organizations like European Digital Rights (EDRi) warn against this, yet a delay seems increasingly likely.
Fear of US sanctions: International Criminal Court kicks Microsoft out of its administration
The International Criminal Court is ditching Microsoft for openDesk, an open-source office suite developed by Germany's Centre for Digital Sovereignty. This shift follows an email access issue, raising concerns about dependence on US tech.
Data Breach Observatory: Proton tells you if your data is for sale on the Internet
Proton launches its Data Breach Observatory, offering users a way to check if their data has been compromised. This new tool from the privacy-focused company allows users to scan for data leaks.
Data transfer to the USA: Lawsuit against EU data protection framework goes before the CJEU
Brussels faces a new challenge as a member of the European Parliament appeals to the European Court of Justice to halt data transfers to the US. This follows a previous court decision regarding the EU-US data transfer framework.
Fake News? NOS tests technology with AI and Blockchain
NOS is testing a new technology that uses AI and blockchain to detect fake news and manipulated content. The innovative concept is currently in the testing phase.