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

Biometric surveillance: "Body data is not freely disposable"
Biometric data usage by investigative authorities faces legal challenges following a press conference in Berlin by privacy advocates. They argue that European and constitutional law prohibit matching biometric data with internet images, based on a technical assessment.

British court on Clearview AI: Data protection also applies to biometric surveillance from abroad
A UK court ruled that British data protection laws apply to US-based Clearview AI, a facial recognition firm. The ruling means the UK's ICO can penalize Clearview for violations, even if it operates from abroad.

Consultation response to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the Digital Omnibus
EDRi warns the European Commission's "Digital Omnibus" risks dismantling fundamental rights, despite claims to simplify digital policy. The initiative, expected by November 19, 2025, has drawn criticism regarding potential impacts on digital protections.

Stories from the DSC Advisory Board: The Problem with Perspective
The enforcement of the Digital Services Act in Germany is under scrutiny, with its success depending on the perspective and stakeholders involved. The delay of the DSC-Beirat's re-establishment highlights the complexities of the DSA's implementation.

Open letter: The EU must safeguard the independence of data protection authorities
EDRi and 40 civil society organizations are urging the European Commission to assess the independence of Ireland's new Data Protection Commissioner. The groups are concerned about impartiality due to his previous role at Meta.

Mass surveillance of telecommunications document pool
Brussels faces scrutiny over new rules that could lead to mass surveillance of European citizens' digital communications. These rules, focused on data retention, follow a previous directive that was struck down for violating fundamental rights.

Commission scrutinises safeguards for minors on Snapchat, YouTube, Apple App Store and Google Play under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission is probing Snapchat, YouTube, Apple, and Google's child safety measures under the Digital Services Act. The investigation focuses on age verification, preventing access to illegal products, and harmful content like eating disorder promotion.

noyb win: Microsoft 365 Education may not track school children
Austrian regulators ruled Microsoft 365 Education may not track schoolchildren, a win for privacy advocates. The decision orders Microsoft to provide full access to kids' data.

DMA and GDPR: EDPB and European Commission endorse joint guidelines to clarify common touchpoints
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Commission have jointly endorsed guidelines clarifying the interplay between the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These are the first joint guidelines from the EDPB and the Commission, aiming to simplify compliance for businesses....

Anonymization and pseudonymization: take part in the stakeholder event
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is organizing a remote stakeholder event to gather input on anonymization and pseudonymization. This initiative follows a clarification from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding the scope of personal data....

DMA and GDPR: EDPB and European Commission endorse joint guidelines to clarify common touchpoints
Brussels releases joint guidelines from the European Data Protection Board and the European Commission to clarify how the Digital Markets Act and GDPR interact. The guidelines aim to help gatekeepers understand obligations and rights, providing legal certainty for businesses and individuals.

Impact analysis AI for provinces and water authorities
The new European AI regulation impacts all levels of government, according to an impact analysis for water authorities and provinces. The analysis, which follows a similar study for municipalities, outlines the steps these entities must take for responsible AI implementation....

Panel on AI Finance Lab - for European AI startups
The European Commission is hosting a panel discussion focused on AI Finance Lab for European AI startups. The event will take place on October 8, 2025, and aims to connect European AI startups with investors....

Digital Services Act: How Wikimedia manages to meet the requirements of the EU
The Digital Services Act (DSA) of the EU is impacting online platforms, with specific obligations for very large online platforms and search engines. The DSA aims to give users more rights and curb the spread of illegal content and services....

Commission launches two strategies to speed up AI uptake in European industry and science
Brussels launches two strategies to accelerate Artificial Intelligence adoption across European industries and science. These initiatives aim to make Europe a global leader in trustworthy AI, building on existing infrastructure and talent.

Commission launches two strategies to speed up AI uptake in European industry and science
The European Commission has launched two strategies to accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across key industries and scientific research. The "Apply AI Strategy" aims to expedite the implementation of AI within both the public and private sectors....

Apply AI Strategy
The European Commission's Apply AI Strategy aims to help industries and the public sector understand the capabilities and advantages of artificial intelligence. This initiative is designed to clarify where AI is most effective and how it can contribute to a competitive edge....

Apply AI Strategy
The EU launched the "Apply AI Strategy" to help industries and the public sector understand AI's potential and competitive advantages. This strategy supports the AI Continent Action Plan, providing resources and information.

Amendment of the Digital Europe Programme and work programme 2025-2027
The Digital Europe Programme's 2025-2027 Work Programme is the final one for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. It aims to ensure the sustainability of ongoing projects, including various data spaces, moving them from preparation to deployment....

Amendment of the Digital Europe Programme and work programme 2025-2027
Brussels' Digital Europe Programme is amending its work program for 2025-2027, focusing on deployment of existing projects. The program is the last one for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027.
