News - For Governments

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.

Drones inspect Dutch dikes using ethical data tool DEDA, raising privacy and transparency concerns. Wetterskip Fryslân pilots AI to manage drone data ethically.

Dutch Audit Service Rijk launches updated IT General Controls framework for IT management insights. The new framework prioritizes risk management, aligning with the BIO2 standard and strengthening security measures.

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.

EU launches 2026 calls for smart cable systems and digital gateways under its Connecting Europe Facility. These initiatives accelerate digital infrastructure deployment across the continent.

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.

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.

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.

EU launches works call to upgrade submarine cables with smart capabilities for critical infrastructure monitoring. Projects aim to enable applications that track power cables and pipelines, enhancing digital resilience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dutch government launches a new tool to assess cloud service risks, enhancing digital sovereignty. The DICTU instrument helps officials choose services based on data control, transparency, and legal context.

France's top court upholds €40M GDPR fine against ad tech giant Criteo. The ruling bolsters data privacy enforcement against major online trackers.

Consumer groups urge an ambitious Digital Fairness Act to shield all users online from harmful practices. This act will update EU consumer law, boosting legal certainty and fair competition across digital markets.

EU risks sacrificing fundamental rights for AI innovation. A new analysis warns Brussels' drive to "regulate better" may weaken protections, pushing Europe into a misunderstood competitiveness race.

EU lawmakers agree to ban non-consensual deepfakes, incorporating the prohibition into the AI Act. This move tackles AI-generated non-consensual nude imagery through legislative action.

Germany pushes to exempt pseudonymized data from GDPR, sparking warnings from civil society and data watchdogs. Other EU members reportedly oppose the proposed GDPR carve-out.

EU's digital wallet faces backlash as privacy groups warn the Commission's changes could force biometric facial data sharing. This move risks undermining user privacy and security protections agreed upon by Parliament and Council.