News - For Governments

The EU's AI hype is under fire as scientists criticize Ursula von der Leyen for echoing tech giants' overblown claims. They urge her to focus on AI's potential missteps instead of fueling unrealistic expectations of Artificial General Intelligence.

Brussels's privacy watchdog, Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), reports 75% of websites have fixed misleading cookie banners after warnings. Enforcement actions will now target the remaining holdouts to ensure user control over data.

European data privacy expert Max Schrems slams the European Commission's planned GDPR reform, calling it a fundamental rights demolition. The reform, revealed in a leaked document, threatens to overturn 40 years of European fundamental rights doctrine.

Brussels plans a major overhaul of European digital regulations, presenting a "digital omnibus" proposal in November. The plan aims to simplify rules related to data protection, data usage, cybersecurity, and AI regulations.

EU staff are warned of potential risks from tracking, following revelations about location data sold by data brokers. A new internal email from the EU Commission advises employees on how to protect themselves from surveillance through mobile data.

German regulators certified Consenter, a new consent management platform, to give users more control over their data online. The service aims to simplify managing cookie permissions, but its effectiveness depends on website and tracking firm compliance.

The European Parliament is divided on the digital Euro, with debates intensifying due to disagreements over its implementation. While the Parliament argues, the European Central Bank continues advancing the digital currency's development, pushing forward with the project.

Brussels is reportedly planning major cuts to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as part of its "digital omnibus" proposal. The move aims to simplify digital regulations but could weaken data protection for Europeans.

The EU Council may scrap mandatory chat control, potentially ending years of debate over scanning private communications. A compromise proposal from Denmark could secure agreement, with Germany signaling approval.

The European Parliament approved a new Europol Regulation, prompting strong criticism of potential mass surveillance. Civil society and the European Data Protection Supervisor raised warnings about the Facilitators Package expansion, which passed with 59 votes in favor.

Brussels kicks off work on a code of practice for marking and labeling AI-generated content to combat misinformation. The initiative, driven by the AI Act, will involve independent experts and stakeholders for seven months.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is showing early consumer benefits after eighteen months of implementation, giving users more digital choices. iOS users can now select default browsers and apps, make contactless payments outside Apple Pay, and create Google accounts without Gmail.

Brussels faces a security threat as adtech data exposes the EU and NATO to espionage. Commercial datasets with 278 million locations, including EU officials and NATO headquarters, allow for tracking and potential spying.

Millions of Europeans' mobile phone location data, gathered for advertising, is being sold and could be used for espionage. Even top EU officials are potentially affected by this data breach, raising concerns about data protection failures.

EU officials face potential spying risks as mobile location data of millions is available for purchase. The data, collected for advertising, allows for tracking, even affecting top EU personnel.

The Dutch government launches the "Denk vooruit" campaign, urging citizens to prepare for emergencies, including digital disruptions like cyberattacks. This initiative provides resources to help people cope with potential failures of the internet and mobile networks.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties filed a formal complaint with the EU Commission regarding the appointment of Niamh Sweeney as Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner. The human rights organization claims her past role as a Meta lobbyist compromises the data protection authority's independence.

The implementation of the EU's AI Act, with key parts slated for August 2026, faces potential delays due to missing standards, prompting industry calls for postponement. Organizations like European Digital Rights (EDRi) warn against this, yet a delay seems increasingly likely.

Brussels launched the "Doorverwijsboom" for organizations under the Cyberbeveiligingswet (Cbw) to streamline incident reporting and support. The resource provides sector-specific guidance, CSIRT contact information, and links to ten mandatory security measures.

The International Criminal Court is ditching Microsoft for openDesk, an open-source office suite developed by Germany's Centre for Digital Sovereignty. This shift follows an email access issue, raising concerns about dependence on US tech.