News - For Consumers

Daily digest of all European digital development news

Proton now has an end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet app
Proton now has an end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet app

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.

December 4, 2025 at 16:15
The Verge Policy
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Distortion of Competition: The EU is investigating Meta due to WhatsApp AI
Distortion of Competition: The EU is investigating Meta due to WhatsApp AI

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.

December 4, 2025 at 15:18
WinFuture.de
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AI rules on WhatsApp: EU Commission initiates investigation against Meta
AI rules on WhatsApp: EU Commission initiates investigation against Meta

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.

December 4, 2025 at 13:49
Heise Online
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The EU is probing Meta over WhatsApp’s AI chatbot restrictions
The EU is probing Meta over WhatsApp’s AI chatbot restrictions

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....

December 4, 2025 at 13:39
The Verge Policy
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WhatsApp pushes Meta AI's competitors out, the European Union opens an investigation
WhatsApp pushes Meta AI's competitors out, the European Union opens an investigation

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.

December 4, 2025 at 13:14
Presse-Citron
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Here's how Android wants to protect you against one of the most common new banking scams.
Here's how Android wants to protect you against one of the most common new banking scams.

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.

December 4, 2025 at 08:01
Presse-Citron
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Interview with the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection: "The current debate is going in the wrong direction"
Interview with the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection: "The current debate is going in the wrong direction"

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.

December 3, 2025 at 14:35
netzpolitik.org
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Bitkom survey: Large majority of companies calls for GDPR reform
Bitkom survey: Large majority of companies calls for GDPR reform

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.

December 3, 2025 at 12:10
Heise Online
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New, open model family from France: Mistral 3 is here
New, open model family from France: Mistral 3 is here

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....

December 3, 2025 at 10:28
Heise Online
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Transparency register with gaps: AI use by public administration remains opaque
Transparency register with gaps: AI use by public administration remains opaque

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.

December 3, 2025 at 07:58
netzpolitik.org
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Advertisements: ECJ holds platforms liable for data protection violations
Advertisements: ECJ holds platforms liable for data protection violations

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....

December 2, 2025 at 19:56
netzpolitik.org
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ECJ: Online marketplaces must check advertisements under data protection law
ECJ: Online marketplaces must check advertisements under data protection law

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.

December 2, 2025 at 17:57
Heise Online
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Verifactu was about to fall. The Government has just postponed it, and for a political reason
Verifactu was about to fall. The Government has just postponed it, and for a political reason

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.

December 2, 2025 at 13:11
Xataka
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AP launches campaign to help organizations with a good cookie policy
AP launches campaign to help organizations with a good cookie policy

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.

December 2, 2025 at 12:16
Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens
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Etsy was the haven of craftsmanship and creativity. It has become a minefield of AI-generated images
Etsy was the haven of craftsmanship and creativity. It has become a minefield of AI-generated images

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.

December 1, 2025 at 16:00
Xataka
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Deutsche Telekom and Schwarz Group: Joint "AI Gigafactory" in Planning
Deutsche Telekom and Schwarz Group: Joint "AI Gigafactory" in Planning

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.

December 1, 2025 at 09:24
Heise Online
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Problems ahead? EU puts Apple Maps and Apple Ads under supervision
Problems ahead? EU puts Apple Maps and Apple Ads under supervision

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.

November 30, 2025 at 09:00
Pplware
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Sale of illegal products: Shein must now answer to the European Commission
Sale of illegal products: Shein must now answer to the European Commission

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.

November 29, 2025 at 18:51
Presse-Citron
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The EU is studying the designation of 2 new Apple products for increased regulatory oversight
The EU is studying the designation of 2 new Apple products for increased regulatory oversight

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.

November 29, 2025 at 13:49
Presse-Citron
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Checkbook: value rises to 60 euros and becomes valid for e-books
Checkbook: value rises to 60 euros and becomes valid for e-books

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.

November 29, 2025 at 12:00
Pplware
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