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

Online age checks came first — a VPN crackdown could be next
EU regulators may target VPNs after age verification mandates. This digital crackdown could impact privacy tools for millions.

CEO of a social network is asking for a ban on access for minors under 16 years old
Social media CEO calls for 16+ age limits, opposing typical platform stances. This move could reshape child safety regulations across Europe's digital landscape.

Artemis II's journey to the Moon will carry Madrid technology: NASA chose it for a critical ship system
Madrid-made technology powers NASA's Artemis II Moon mission, selected for a critical spacecraft system. This Spanish-designed thermal control unit travels aboard the European Service Module, launching April 2026.

heise+ | Goodbye, ChatGPT: European chatbots with data protection and privacy
European AI chatbots emerge as privacy-focused alternatives to US giants. These platforms aim to protect user data with strong privacy safeguards.

Political Online Advertising: Bundestag to Ensure Protection of Press Freedom
Germany implements EU rules on political online ads, sparking debate over press freedom. Experts warn broad definitions risk silencing media, with some pushing to scrap the regulations entirely.

Thunderbird expands Exchange support
Thunderbird adds robust Exchange support, enhancing its European appeal and digital productivity tools. The email client's 2026 roadmap includes new Pro services and mobile features.

Friday: Complaint for Online Traumatization, Google Plan for App Sideloading
Google plans to limit app sideloading on Android, frustrating developers. Meanwhile, a new Digital Act targets online trauma for minors, impacting platform responsibility.

EDRi-gram, 18 March 2026
EU lawmakers question mandatory scanning of private messages for illicit content. Digital rights groups warn this proposal threatens end-to-end encryption and online privacy for millions.

Five lessons from three years of risk assessments under the Digital Services Act
DSA risk assessments fail to deliver transparency or accountability for Big Tech, according to ECNL's analysis. Three years of these reports show major gaps, questioning their usefulness for millions of users.

DSA vs. Reality: Are children safer online?
EU lawmakers questioned Big Tech on child safety post-DSA, but YouTube, TikTok, and Meta evaded scrutiny. Experts urged stronger enforcement to protect young users online.

The Digital Omnibus: A step back from the brink, but the risks remain
EU Council's "Digital Omnibus" drops key GDPR/ePrivacy threats but risks linger. Unresolved AI, terminal equipment rules and AI development provisions could still dilute safeguards.

X is the main channel of disinformation against the EU: politicians are the main target
X is the top channel for EU disinformation targeting politicians, a new report finds. The platform faces scrutiny amid growing concerns over foreign influence campaigns impacting political discourse.

Users still stuck in the mud: An analysis of Meta’s 2026 changes to its consent-for-ads mechanism against EU law
Consumers group BEUC argues Meta's latest ad consent changes still defy EU digital laws. The Digital Markets Act and GDPR are cited, with calls for hefty penalties against Meta.

Meta's latest consent-for-ads model still unlawful according to consumer groups’ analysis
Consumer groups find Meta's latest ad model still violates EU law. The model fails to offer genuine consent options for personalized ads, potentially breaking DMA and GDPR rules.

Goodbye cash? The digital euro is coming soon to France, and it's not unanimous
Digital Euro is set to launch in France, sparking debate among banks. This new digital currency aims to transform daily transactions and European financial systems.

Cabify and Uber have a serious problem in Barcelona: the new "Taxi Law" from Catalonia seeks to exclude VTCs
Catalonia's new taxi law targets ride-sharing VTCs like Uber and Cabify, potentially barring them from Barcelona. The regional government advances the regulation, supported by key parties, to protect traditional taxis.

Right to broadband: Caught in Elon Musk's safety net
Elon Musk's Starlink fills a void in Germany's internet access rights, where few can secure faster connections. The satellite service becomes a crucial backup for underserved households struggling with slow, unreliable infrastructure.

AI Update Compact: AI Act, Groundsource, NemoClaw, Perplexity Computer
EU lawmakers push AI Act forward, targeting AI development and deployment risks. Perplexity AI announces new desktop computer, shifting focus from pure search to integrated AI experiences.

Civil society calls for an ambitious Digital Fairness Act on World Consumer Rights Day
Civil society urges a strong Digital Fairness Act, targeting manipulative online models and harmful practices. This call amplifies existing recommendations for a rights-based approach to digital fairness.

Omnibus AI Act: Deadline Extension and Deepfake Ban
EU lawmakers delay high-risk AI bans, adding a crucial deepfake prohibition. This shift impacts AI deployment timelines and content integrity regulations across the bloc.
