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

Voluntary chat control: Exception rule extended for the second time
EU lawmakers are extending a temporary loophole for the second time, allowing internet services to voluntarily scan user communications. This exemption bypasses privacy rules for combating child sexual abuse, raising proportionality concerns.

Digital Services Act: EU Commission wants to limit TikTok use
EU Commission finds TikTok insufficient in curbing addictive platform risks. A preliminary ruling under the Digital Services Act could lead to penalties, citing concerns over youth mental health impacts.

Statement of solidarity with EDRi members and allies facing pressure for their work on platform regulation
EDRi network condemns US administration pressure on members over platform regulation. This highlights ongoing tensions between online speech advocacy and regulatory enforcement in Europe.

Commission preliminarily finds TikTok's addictive design in breach of the Digital Services Act
EU Commission finds TikTok's addictive design breaches the Digital Services Act. Features like infinite scroll and personalized recommendations are under scrutiny for harming user well-being.

Privacy does not stop at the border, we must work together
Dutch Caribbean jurisdictions tackle urgent privacy and digital resilience challenges. A symposium highlighted the need for cross-border cooperation to safeguard data and build citizen trust in digital governance.

Safer internet day 2026
Europe launches 23rd Safer Internet Day to champion online safety with events across the continent. Hundreds of initiatives in schools, cinemas, and online aim to foster better digital experiences for all.

Ten municipalities fined for illegal processing of information about Muslim people
Dutch municipalities fined €250K for illegally processing sensitive data on Islamic residents. This violation of the GDPR highlights privacy breaches and unauthorized handling of religious and political affiliations.

EDRi-gram, 4 February 2026
EDRi flags digital rights concerns over borders, biometrics, billionaires, and bots. The newsletter covers the latest tech policy debates across Europe.

Aufrüstung im All: Bundeswehr plant eigenes „Starlink“ mit Laserwaffen und Störsystemen
Germany plans a military satellite network with laser weapons and jamming systems, a €10B project by Rheinmetall and OHB. This network aims for secure communication and offensive capabilities for the Bundeswehr.

Open Letter: Civil society concerned about extensive and indiscriminate data retention regime in Switzerland
Swiss civil society warns against proposed data retention law, fearing privacy invasion. 19 groups urge alignment with top privacy standards, spotlighting concerns over indiscriminate data collection.

#DIDit: EDRi members spark movement for alternatives to Big Tech
EDRi members launch #DIDit movement for digital independence, sparking alternatives to Big Tech. 189 organizations now support monthly meet-ups exploring Big Tech alternatives.

The EU Commission is gutting net neutrality
EU Commission's new Digital Networks Act dismantles net neutrality protections, risking paid fast lanes and political control. This move threatens the open internet by weakening independent regulators and could empower biased traffic prioritization.

UK adequacy decision: a risk for the future and a lesson to be learnt
UK data adequacy decision renewal faces scrutiny, risking future EU-UK digital rights relations. Open Rights Group highlights the implications of continued data transfers.

AP: Without clear values, generative AI risks becoming the Wild West
Dutch data watchdog warns generative AI's rapid deployment risks a "Wild West" without clear rights. The regulator outlines a vision for safe, responsible AI aligned with fundamental rights.

Design of Chatbots to Support the Implementation of the DSA and AI Act
EU launches AI-powered chatbots to guide businesses on AI and Digital Services Acts. The tools will deploy multilingual support, aiming for smoother implementation of crucial tech regulations.

Apply AI Sectoral deep dive - Mobility, transport, and automotive
Brussels hosts webinar on AI's transformative impact on automotive and mobility sectors. Sessions explore connected autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport services.

AP Publishes Updated Guidance on Targeted Online Political Advertising
Dutch Data Authority updates political ad guidance with public feedback. New rules clarify targeted online advertising after extensive consultation.

Data Act - webinar on draft Guidelines for reasonable compensation
EU drafts Data Act compensation rules for digital service providers. A webinar on February 10th will gather stakeholder feedback on calculating reasonable compensation under the new regulation.

Data Act - Commission seeks feedback on draft Guidelines for reasonable compensation
EU seeks feedback on draft Data Act guidelines to define "reasonable compensation." Clarity on these parameters will reduce ambiguity and legal uncertainty for businesses under the new regulation.

Frank Schweitzer, how can we prevent malicious AI swarms from destroying our democracies?
Malicious AI swarms pose a threat to democracy through mass disinformation campaigns. ETH Zurich researchers warn of AI's increasing use for manipulation.
