News - For Consumers
Daily digest of all European digital development news
We knew that Valve was betting on Linux, but it was hiding something bigger: a plan of years to bring Steam to all devices
Valve is secretly working on a plan to bring Steam to all devices, sidestepping the need for game developers to adapt their titles. This strategy involves Proton, a compatibility layer that translates Windows instructions for Linux, which was key to the success of the Steam Deck.
DSA: EU Commission imposes 120 million euro fine against X
Brussels slapped X with a €120 million fine for violating the Digital Services Act due to transparency failures. The platform, formerly known as Twitter, faces criticism over misleading blue checkmarks, inadequate advertising data, and insufficient data access for researchers.
DSA enforcement decision against X and TikTok commitments good news for consumers
The European Commission found that X violated key transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act. These include deceptive design and opaque advertising practices, which pose serious risks to consumers....
DSA: Million fine against X
The European Commission fined Elon Musk's X €120 million for violating the Digital Services Act. This marks the first penalty issued under the new regulations.
For St. Nicholas' Day: NIS2 Implementation Act comes into effect
The new Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) implementation law goes into effect tomorrow. This law was quickly passed by institutions to enhance network and information security.
How Snapchat manipulates its users through notifications
The Dutch Authority for Consumer and Markets may take action against Snapchat for its misleading notifications, violating the EU's Digital Services Act. The research indicates that some notifications are attention-grabbing and potentially manipulative, prompting increased platform use.
Proton launched Sheets, the encrypted alternative to Excel and Google Sheets
Proton has launched Sheets, a new encrypted alternative to Excel and Google Sheets. The move aims to address growing concerns about user data privacy and offer a secure spreadsheet solution.
The European Commission is selling out on digital rights
The European Commission's digital omnibus proposals weaken human rights safeguards in crucial digital legislation, including the GDPR and AI Act. These revisions scrap consent requirements for online tracking and narrow the definition of personal data, potentially impacting citizen privacy.
When data relate to us?
The CJEU ruling reinforces the importance of GDPR in the age of AI and data spaces. The judgment clarifies what constitutes personal data, impacting how privacy-enhancing technologies will be governed.
Proton now has an end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet app
Proton, a privacy-focused company, launched Proton Sheets, an end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet app, challenging Google and Microsoft. The new tool integrates real-time collaboration, and requires a Proton Drive account for secure access across devices.
Distortion of Competition: The EU is investigating Meta due to WhatsApp AI
Brussels launches an antitrust investigation into Meta, alleging the company is abusing WhatsApp's dominance. The probe focuses on claims that Meta favors its own AI, potentially hindering competitors.
AI rules on WhatsApp: EU Commission initiates investigation against Meta
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 WhatsApp’s AI chatbot restrictions
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....
WhatsApp pushes Meta AI's competitors out, the European Union opens an investigation
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.
Here's how Android wants to protect you against one of the most common new banking scams.
Android is rolling out a new feature to protect users from financial scams that exploit screen sharing to steal sensitive information. The move comes as this type of scam is increasingly prevalent, with WhatsApp already implementing a similar protective measure.
Interview with the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection: "The current debate is going in the wrong direction"
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.
Bitkom survey: Large majority of companies calls for GDPR reform
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.
New, open model family from France: Mistral 3 is here
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....
Transparency register with gaps: AI use by public administration remains opaque
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.
Advertisements: ECJ holds platforms liable for data protection violations
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....