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

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....

ECJ: Online marketplaces must check advertisements under data protection law
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.

Verifactu was about to fall. The Government has just postponed it, and for a political reason
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.

AP launches campaign to help organizations with a good cookie policy
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.

Etsy was the haven of craftsmanship and creativity. It has become a minefield of AI-generated images
Etsy is overrun with AI-generated art, flooding the platform with machine-made images. This shift impacts the marketplace designed for human artists as AI-created products dominate search results.

Deutsche Telekom and Schwarz Group: Joint "AI Gigafactory" in Planning
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.

Problems ahead? EU puts Apple Maps and Apple Ads under supervision
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.

Sale of illegal products: Shein must now answer to the European Commission
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.

The EU is studying the designation of 2 new Apple products for increased regulatory oversight
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.

Checkbook: value rises to 60 euros and becomes valid for e-books
The Portuguese government expanded its "book-cheque" program to include e-books for 18-year-olds in 2026. This allows them to spend €60 on physical books and digital publications.
